Mendo Lake Family Life May 2015

mendo lake May 2015

Day-camp Adventure 10 tips for success

Pop-up

Playgrounds

Make your own fun

Mother’s Day

7 ways to celebrate

40 Summer Camps

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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

May 2015

Every Issue

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6

Dear Reader

7

Bits and Pieces A Perfect Culinary Combo Get Your Passport to Wine Country A Steel-string Serenade Step Inside a Castle

19 Kids Craft Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Features

20 Family Fun

8 Cardboard Castles Pop-up playgrounds ignite kids’ imaginations.

10 Relaxed, Refreshed & Ready for Anything How Mom can sneak in time for herself.

12 Your Day-camp Explorer Make sure your child is ready to go with these tips.

14 Summer Camp Adventure Guide

Nourish the Nurturer

22 Calendar of Events Make It a Denim and Diamonds Night

24 Fuel Yourself with Fine Art 28 Cooking with Kids Crazy for Crackjacks

29 Marketplace 30 Humor Break

All the best area camps and programs in one place.

29 What’s Cool about Charter Schools Learn about free, local specialized education.

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20 May 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.

Bevins Ct.

Lake County Tribal Health

Medi-Cal, Medicare & Most Private Insurance ACCEPTED

S. Main St.

Bevins St.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Un-InsUrED? Not a problem!

Lakeport Blvd.

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Medical Clinic

We offer sliding scale and payment plans.

Chiropractic

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

Acupuncture

Dentist Office

Come See Our Newest Arrival

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

Bevins Ct.

Lake County Tribal Health

S. Main St.

Bevins St.

Everyone is welcome.

Lakeport Blvd.

29

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

You can see the end of the tunnel— the school year is almost over. It’s not too early to sign up for a summer camp. In fact, it’s the perfect time.

Sharon Gowan Check out our Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us “Summer Camp Adventure Guide” (page 14) for a comprehensive list of every conceivable kind of camp that is offered in our area—from science and engineering to horseback riding and circus arts programs.

As you help your kid ready for summer fun, make sure you take some time to care for yourself. “Relaxed, Refreshed & Ready for Anything” (page 10) offers a simple four-step process for taking a break. If you need an excuse for a little “me time,” and you happen to be a mom, remember May 10 is Mother’s Day. Check out “Nourish the Nurturer” (page 20) for a variety of things to see and do to celebrate yourself, your spouse, or any woman in your life who makes your house a home.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Jolie Cook jolie@family-life.us

I hope your May is full of opportunities that blossom just as beautifully as the springtime flowers.

After you’ve chosen where your kids are going to spend the summer, read “Your Day-camp Explorer” (page 12) for easy ways to make sure they stay safe and happy while they’re away from Mom and Dad.

Marie Anderson marie@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

SIGN UP TODAY FOR

Marketing Jordan Lewis jordan@family-life.us

Calendar Patricia Ramos

Contributing Writers

n u FBlast!

Weekend

Sara Barry John Corippo Bull Garlington Christina Katz Denise Morrison Yearian

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

Find out what’s happening this weekend

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bits & Pieces

Get Your Passport to Wine Country

The Perfect Culinary Combo

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f your idea of a relaxing afternoon stars the best local wines, you’ll want to know about the 2015 Wine Adventure Passport. It entitles the bearer to spend May 16 and/or 17 visiting more than 25 participating wineries and sampling their award-winning vino. The two-day passport is $45 in advance, $50 at the door; the Sunday-only passport is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Designated drivers get in free. Purchase tickets at lakecountywineries.org. ¶

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oodies will tell you that dark chocolate and red wine are meant to be married in your mouth. You’ll find both at A Taste of Chocolate, Wine, and Ale on May 23, 1–4 p.m., at the Mendocino Art Center in Mendocino. Enjoy an afternoon of sampling artisanal treats, fine wine, and micro-brewed ale from Mendocino County food purveyors, wineries, and breweries.

Nosh while listening to live music and perusing the silent auction at which you can bid on Mendocino County culinary goodies to take home. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door, and can be purchased by calling 937-5818 ext. 10 or by logging on to mendocinoartcenter.org. ¶

A Steel-string Serenade

Alex de Grassi.

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orld-class guitarist extraordinaire Alex de Grassi frequently performs in Mendocino County, this time at Mendocino College Center Theatre in Ukiah on May 7 at 8 p.m. He will appear with the San Francisco Quartet, which will present a work de Grassi co-composed with Jeremy Cohen entitled 3 Themes for Steel-String Guitar, String Quartet, and String Orchestra. Tickets are

$16–$21 and may be purchased at brownpapertickets.com/ event/1413671. ¶

Step Inside a Castle

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astles enchant young and old alike. If you’ve never been inside one, then go to the Castle Speakeasy on May 15, 6–9 p.m., at Marymount College University in Lucerne. Dress in period clothing, sip Lake County wines, and feast on appetizers as you swoon over the views from this historic castle, which once housed the Lucerne Hotel and is now home to Marymount. Tickets are $55 and may be purchased at lakecountywineries.org. ¶

Marymount College University in Lucerne.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Cardboard tubes are a staple for pop-up playgrounds.

Cardboard Castles Pop-up Playgrounds Pop-up playgrounds provide lots of moveable parts and opportunities for open-ended, child-centered play. In other words, kids get to do whatever they want with a bunch of cool stuff. Pandora Redwin, a playground planner who has hosted several pop-up playgrounds, has one simple rule: “Try not to hurt yourself or anyone else.” Other than that, she tells kids, “This is here for you to do with what you want.”

Inspire Kids’ Creativity

By Sara Barry

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hen you hear the word playground do you think slides and swings and bright-colored climbing structures?

Picture this instead: piles of boxes, rope, and cotton sheets. This is what you’ll find at a pop-up playground, where kids go outside to construct castles or space ships or anything else their little minds can conjure up—no slides or swings required.

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As her words suggest, her role is largely hands-off. She cautions that staff and parents should do likewise.

The goal is to let kids play freely, take risks, and run their own show.

Cardboard, Creativity, and Collaboration

One of the ubiquitous items in Redwin’s toolbox is cardboard in various forms—boxes of all sizes, large sheets, and tubes. She also has a collection of containers of various shapes, wood slices, string and cloth, large spools, and bike tires. Add to that tape, scissors, and clips or clothespins, and you’ve got a large-scale, outdoor creation zone.

What do kids do when they enter this place set up just for them? Some jump right in and start creating.

Others check out materials and what their fellow builders are up to. One thing is for sure: These big thinkers don’t need any direction from adults;

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Photos: Suzanna Law of Pop-Up Adventure Play

they have plenty of ideas of their own to try out. The opportunity to do things their own way is a key part of the pop-up experience.

Given the space to explore and test their ideas, kids, even ones who don’t know each other, start sharing materials and collaborating on creations.

Parent Play Parents often join in the fun, too.

Redwin says that adults are often play-starved and want to take part

The goal is to let kids play freely, take risks, and run their own show. in the process. She encourages them to do so, but not to drive the experience for their kids. It’s easy for adults to take over, coming up with a plan or explaining the best way to put something together.

Kids are innovative and often see opportunities and possibilities that adults don’t. Even if their first idea doesn’t work, trying it is an important part of the experience.

So, parents, avoid taking over and imposing too much structure on the process. Unless it’s a safety issue, like something sharp on the ground, avoid giving too much direction. For example, skip statements like “Let’s put that away” or “Why don’t you finish this before starting something new.”

Build It and Break It Another common parental phrase is, “You worked so hard on that, don’t break it,” but if you’ve ever seen kids build a block tower only to send www.mendolakefamilylife.com

it crashing to the floor, you know children like to destroy just as much as they like to create.

Kids may break something so they can build a new thing or just for the fun of it. Whatever their motivation, destruction is part of their process— and also part of what pop-up playgrounds are all about.

Ready for some create-and-destroy free-play? See the sidebar “Plan Your Own Pop-up” for tips on organizing this kind of fun in your area. ¶ Sara Barry is a freelance writer from Massachusetts who writes about seasonal family fun and outdoor activities.

Two friends play outside of the box.

Plan Your Own Pop-up 1. Set a place and time.

Pop-ups happen in many locations—parks, playgrounds, library lawns, courtyards. Once you find a public site and choose a date, think about a rain plan—you don’t want all that cardboard to get mushy.

2. Start gathering stuff.

Redwin says it’s easy to underestimate how long it will take to gather enough quality materials. Having a garage or trailer in which you can store materials you collect over time helps.

Ask local businesses to save large boxes of cardboard for you. Let friends know the kinds of materials you are looking for. Before long, they’ll think of you when they see things that might be useful.

Items to gather include: cardboard boxes (all sizes, but especially large ones), sheets of cardboard, cardboard tubes, fabric (various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures), string, yarn, rope, vessels and containers (plastic bottles, bowls, jars, pails), large spools, bike tires and inner tubes, wood scraps and tree slices, and natural items such as hay bales, sturdy vine, or saplings.

3. Get the word out.

Publicize your event through local schools, homeschooling groups, family centers, and parenting groups.

Remember to keep the rules loose and light, let kids lead, and have fun!

For more suggestions on setting up your own pop-up playground, check out popupadventureplaygrounds.wordpress.com.

May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

Relaxed, Refreshed & Ready for Anything A Half-day Away for Mom

By Christina Katz

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et’s face it: Moms get burned out mentally,

physically, and emotionally. An endless list of responsibilities can

leave women feeling raw, reactive, and even sometimes desperate.

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Does an entire half-day to yourself sound impossible? Well, maybe not!

A half-day away adds up to just six hours, which, if your kids are students, happens to be the length of a typical school day. So maybe a little retreat from chores, bills, and shopping is more attainable than you think. In a few short hours, you can reclaim your sense of self and return home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for anything. And you’ll have given everyone in the family a chance to take care of each other without you.

Here’s how to make a mini-getaway work for you.

1. Plan your escape.

Communicate calmly and clearly your decision to take a little time for yourself and no one will question the practicality of your choice. Make sure

each child will be cared for, whether at school, with a sitter, or at an extended play date with a trusted friend.

Prep your spouse. Once he or she understands that your goal is to help yourself be a happier helpmate, there is no doubt he or she will be supportive.

Everyone will soon discover that when Mom is happy, the whole family is happier, too.

2. Prepare the day before. Plan for a smooth morning routine. Prepare lunches the night before. Pack the kids’ backpacks and also your “escape bag” with items you don’t want to forget. Get yourself and the kids up a little early. Keep everyone on track and out the door on time. No need to remind the kids what you are doing on your special day. Just give them a kiss, tell them to have a great day, and that

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sonoma County Airport you’ll see them after school, as usual.

After all, making time for Mom should be routine, not unusual.

3. Keep in touch. So long as you have your cell phone, and there are no changes in the family’s regular schedule, there is nothing for you to worry about. Keep your phone in your pocket but resist the urge

Everyone will soon discover that when Mom is happy, the whole family is happier, too.

Travel on Nonstop Flights to/from Los Angeles; Portland; San Diego; Seattle

Experience Flight Training Aircraft; Helicopters

Discover Scenic Tours Aircraft; Helicopters; Balloons; Historic Aircraft

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4. Escape on a shoestring. You don’t have to spend a lot to take care of yourself. Pack a lunch. Check out some magazines from the library.

Window shop. Eat at a bakery or sandwich shop. Take advantage of free museum days. Go to a matinee.

Or just meander around a nearby city or town without a plan. If you end up walking around a park making phone calls to friends, something you never seem to have time to do, then you’ve had a successful retreat. Your primary goal is to take good care of yourself and do what you want to do, whatever that is. ¶

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to check it constantly. If a child comes down with the flu or skips a nap and becomes inconsolable, you are only a phone call away. But don’t expect imminent disaster or it might undermine your fun. Chances are very good that the world won’t stop spinning just because you are taking some time to relax. Truly.

And if your day is interrupted, don’t

be discouraged. Relax and enjoy whatever amount of time you can get, and then try again next week or next month. The more you practice, the better you will get at taking a half-day away.

www.sonomacountyairport.org 707.565.7240 Follow STS on

Christina Katz is an author and freelance journalist. Her latest book is The Art of Making Time for Yourself.

7 Ways to Wind Down 1. Spa trip. How about a massage and a hot tub soak?

2. Long lunch. Bring a really good book or a stack of magazines.

Love Children?

4. Museum tour. Seen any good exhibits lately?

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.

5. Movie matinee. That rom-com nobody wants to see but you? Go for it.

We provide extensive support, training and financial compensation.

3. Shopping day. Go to your favorite location.

Try on as much as you like with no interruptions.

6. Salon day. Give your hair, nails, and toes some love.

Make a day of it!

(707) 467-2000

7. Treasure hunt. Go antiquing or junking at nearby shops and thrift stores. Maybe you’ll get inspired to update your home’s décor.

Lic. #236803534

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Tips for Your Day-camp 10Preparing Explorer Your Child

By Denise Morrison Yearian

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amp season is upon us. Here are ten suggestions for making sure your kid stays safe and has a great time.

particularly if he or she is playing outside. Avoid strappy sandals and flip-flops; opt for tennis shoes.

Fill ’er up. Bring one refrigerated bottle of water and a second bottle of frozen water. As the day wears on, the frozen water will melt and provide cool refreshment for your child. Spray bottles are a great idea, too. They keep the face and body cool in the hot sun.

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It’s a scorcher! Apply sunscreen to your child’s skin before he or she leaves home and send the tube along for later reapplication. Avoid sending tanning lotion with little or no SPF, or sunscreen that contains glitter as it can reflect light and cause sunburn. Consider sending along a hat for extra protection.

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Bug off! If your child is going to be out in a natural environment, he or she should wear insect repellent.

Look for a lotion that is safe for children; avoid sprays. When camp is over, follow up with a tick check for peace of mind.

All decked out. Camp directors see a lot of children dressed inappropriately. Some kids want to pick out their own clothes, but they don’t always choose the best options. Black jeans and a dark t-shirt don’t fair well on hot summer days. Dress your child for comfort, safety, and changing temperatures.

Proper shoes are important, too,

Name it and claim it. Any item brought to camp should have your child’s name, address, and phone number on it in case it gets left behind. Labeling items also avoids confusion in the event that multiple children bring the same thing.

Time out from tech toys.

Do not bring valuable items such as handheld games or cell phones. Day-camp programs are designed to provide enriching experiences, and your child should be engaging in these activities rather than playing with electronics. If these items are brought, they may be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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Pills, pains, and other problems. You’ll be asked to list medications your child is taking. If you take your child off a medication for the summer, the camp needs to know that, too, because stopping a treatment may cause an extreme change in behavior.

Allergies, be they insect or food related, are another issue to point out to counselors. It’s equally as important to share any troubling circumstances—a death in the family or a divorce—your child may be experiencing.

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Help is on the way! Having an emergency contact person is vital. Even more important is that the designated person knows you have written her or his name down.

It’s all too common for a camp to

call an emergency contact only to find out the person did not know she or he was “on call.”

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Beef yer’ brain. Read the materials the camp gives you— policies, procedures, and planned activities. If you know what to

If you know what to expect and what is expected of you, things will run much more smoothly. expect and what is expected of you, things will run much more smoothly.

Most camps have a weekly schedule so parents know what the upcoming activities are. Talk with your child

about the activities planned. If she or he cannot participate because of health reasons, make sure you (not your child!) inform the camp.

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Getting to know you.

Find out if there is an open house where you can meet the staff and see the facility prior to camp.

If not, make other arrangements to introduce yourself to those who will be caring for your child. It is important for the camp directors and counselors to know you so that they can keep you informed on how things are going for your child at camp. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children and three grandchildren.

Give Start!

GiveYour Your Child Child a Head Head Start!

Free & Low-Cost Quality Quality Preschool!

Free & Low-Cost Preschool!

AlsoAlso providing FREE FREE in-home servicesservices for providing in-home infants, toddlers toddlers & pregnant& women! for infants, pregnant women!

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

May 2015

• Ukiah

C E NN TT EE RR SS

✓ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ✔ 1/2-day & full-day classrooms for ages 18 months to 5 years ages 18 months to 5 years ✓✔ Potty-trained not necessary Potty-trained not necessary ✓✔ Children with disabilities welcome Children with disabilities welcome ✓✔ Referrals for transportation available Referrals for transportation available

•North Ukiah Ukiah - Bush St.

North Ukiah - Bush St.

Nokomis - Washington Ave. Nokomis - Washington Ave. South Ukiah - S. State St. South Ukiah - S. State St. Peach Ave. PeachTree Tree--S.S.Orchard Orchard Ave.

• Willits

•Near Willits Brookside School at

Near Brookside School at

Spruce St. & Lincoln Way Spruce St. & Lincoln Way

• Lake County

•Upper Lake County Lake - 2nd Street Upper Lake - 2nd Street

Upper Lake - Clover Valley Upper Lake - Clover Valley Lakeport Lakeport- -Howard Howard Ave. Ave. Clearlake Pearl Clearlake - Pearl Ave. Ave. Clearlake Dr. Clearlake--Meadowbrook Meadowbrook Dr.

••Coast Coast

Fort St. FortBragg Bragg-- Lincoln Lincoln St. MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

2015

Summer Camp Adventure Guide

3 Ways to 1 Plan an Awesome Break

Start here in the 2015 Summer Camp Adventure Guide! Mendo Lake Family Life ’s got the scoop on 40 camps to get your summer planning off to a great start.

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Get our award-winning app at MendoLakeFamilyLife. com, then just hold your phone over any page with photos, graphics, or ads that you find interesting, and you’ll get instant video tours, slide shows, and handy links. It’s easy, fun, and free!

LAKE COUNTY

Lakeport

FREE Lake County Library Summer Reading Programs. Ongoing

FREE Clear Lake Baptist Church Vacation Bible School. The theme

activities & prizes. Ages Pre-K–11 yrs.

Teen program: 12–17 yrs. Visit website for schedule and library locations. lakecountyca.gov.

is: To the Edge: Encounter the God of the Universe. Bible stories, music, games, puppets, skits, crafts & snacks.

Ages 3–12. Mon.–Fri. June 22–26.

263–3256. clearlakebaptistchurch.org.

Clearlake Lake County Youth Center.

994-KIDS. clearlakeyouthcenter.org.

Cobb Camp Indian Meadows Campground and Rental Venue. Where clean air &

bright stars create lasting memories.

Family camping & group rates. Ask about our glamping cabins. Multiple sports fields. 942-2267. kbakercim@ gmail.com. campindianmeadows.com.

Hidden Valley Equine Summer & Rodeo Camp at Owen Ranch. Rides, riding lessons,

birthday parties & field trips. Ages 6–adult. Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

June–Aug. $350/wk. $80/day. 355-0121.

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SkyCatch Gymnastics Summer Camps. Structured gymnastics, arts,

free play, snacks & much more. Mon.– Fri. June–July. Drop-ins welcome. Jerae: 490-6053. skycatchgymnastics.com.

MENDOCINO COUNTY Mendocino County Libraries Summer Reading Program. 2015 theme: Every

Hero Has a Story. Summer Reading Challenge: June 16–Aug. 16. Contact your local branch for activities & events. 463-4153. mendolibrary.org.

Caspar Fortunate Farm. Farm skills, crafts & outdoor activities. Beach fun, hiking & mapping. Jewelry making, archaeology & journaling. Ages 10–15.

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Want more links and info?

Check out our Virtual Summer Camp Fair. Easy searches and ongoing updates means your best summer’s just a click away! Go to MendoLakeFamilyLife.com.

Mon.–Fri. July 21–25. Aug. 4–8. $200/ wk. 962-4149.

Fort Bragg Mendocino Coast Recreation & Park District. Flynn Creek Circus Big

Top Day Camp. This workshop will introduce multiple circus disciplines & will be geared toward the level of each student. Campers will experience the thrills of tumbling, swinging trapeze, Chinese pole, tight-wire, aerial silks, juggling, hula-hooping & partner acrobatics, all in a safe & encouraging environment. Students will create an end-of-workshop performance. Ages 6–12. Mon.–Thurs.: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Fri.: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. & public recital 3–4 p.m. $220/session. 964-9446.

Just for Kids Day Camp. This

summer’s theme, Life by the Ocean, will provide lots of opportunity for crafts, subject-based lessons, computer-based research, library visits, sea-based recycology art, field trips & so much more. Participants bring a sack lunch; two snacks are

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Summer Camp Adventure Guide provided. 7:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Mon.–Fri. Camps located at Fort Bragg, Gualala & Albion. $30/full day. $20/half-day.

964-9672. mendocoastrec.org.

C.V. Starr Community Center.

Activities for youth, teens, seniors & families. 964-9446. starrcenter.net.

Gualala Global Harmony Summer Adventure Camp. Culinary arts,

beading, drumming, mask-making, portrait-painting & more. Grades 1–8.

Tues–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. July 7–10 & July 14–17. $195/2-wk. session if paid before May 15. $295 before July 2. $50 & $100 scholarships available.

884-1138. gualalaarts.org.

Hopland Camp Solar. A 3-day camp where kids

learn about sustainable living practices

such as gardening, natural building & solar power. Fun, hands-on activities & games. Ages 7–11. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

June 23–25 & July 7–9. $150. Proceeds benefit the Solar Living Institute.

472-2450. solarliving.org.

Laytonville Camp Winnarainbow: A Circus & Performing Arts Camp. For 40

years, children have run away to join this circus in beautiful Mendocino.

984-6507. campwinnarainbow.org.

Healthy Start Summer Program.

Arts & crafts, field games, water play, drama, music, lunch. Children put on small presentation for parents at program’s end. Ages 5–12.

Mon., Tues. & Wed. June 23–July 22. $25–$30 donation/4 wks. 984-8089. laytonville.org/healthystart.html.

Leggett Redwood Adventure Residential Camp. Located in a federal

protected wilderness area. Hiking, swimming, backpacking, horseback riding, archery, crafts & nature.

We emphasize nature stewardship, leadership & interpersonal and spiritual growth. Ages 13–18. July 12– Aug. 2. $475/wk. $945/2 wks. 703-9171. redwoodadventure.org.

Mendocino Camp Mendocino (a program of the Boys & Girls Club of SF). Campers can

participate in dance and drama, arts & crafts, swimming, boating, mountain biking, archery, digital photography, environmental education, gardening, rock climbing, a ropes course & much more. Ages 7–17. July 2–Aug. 9. See schedule/rates on campmendocino.org.

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

Now Accepting Medi-Cal Patients!

Learn to Dance

No Dentist Referral Needed.

Call (707)

994-7878 for your FREE consultation.

Classes for all Ages & Levels from 3-Adult

BALLET • JAZZ • MUSICAL THEATER DANCE TAP • CONTEMPORARY DANCE SPECIAL “ART OF CLASSICAL BALLET” PROGRAM

“Where Dreams to Dance Come True” 205 South State Street, Ukiah • 463-2290 www.mendocinoballet.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com

www.clearlake4braces.com

May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

Summer Camp Adventure Guide Camp Noyo. Exclusively for children

of active duty military personnel & veterans of the U.S. military. June 23–July 2. $200/10-day session.

415-445-5477.

Community Center of Mendocino’s Summer Program. A variety of camps

& activities. Choose the days, hours & classes you want. Ages 5 & up. Mon.– Fri. 937-4133. Visit ccmendo.org for specific age-group schedule/rates.

Lark Camp Music & Dance Celebration. Adult & family camp

with music, dance, workshops, parties, fire circles & more. July 31–Aug. 8. $394–$658. 964-4826. larkcamp.com.

Mendocino Middle Eastern Music & Dance Camp. Covering

a broad spectrum of music and dance traditions from a diverse geographical region. Ages 2–14. July 11–July 18. $750/wk. 310-838-4442. middleeastcamp.com.

age-group schedule/rates or for fee assistance. redwoodbsa.org.

Girl Scouts of Northern California Kamp Konocti. Join old & new friends

exploring nature, archery, arts & crafts, hiking & outdoor cooking. Registered Girl Scouts entering grades 2–9. July 26–31. $300–$325/wk. $50 registration fee. kampkonocti.org.

Potter Valley

Lake-Mendocino 4-H Summer Camp.

Paddington Station Horse Camp.

Archery, hiking, geocaching, water activities, sports, fishing, arts, crafts, high ropes, low ropes & more. 4-H members ages 9–13. Ages 12–13 can attend camp as a counselor. Ages 16–18 may serve as Ambassador or Director. Space is limited, first come basis. $175. 263-6838. celake.ucanr.edu.

Camps are 7 nights, ending with a schooling show for families & friends. Week-long camps run Sat.– Sat. June 13–July 20. $805–$1005/ wk. Prices include food & camping accommodation. (Day Camp: Mon.– Fri. $375/wk.) If you bring your own horse, boarding additional. Call or see website for rates/schedule. 743-2541. paddingtonstationriding.com.

Point Arena Arena Theater’s Summer Theater Camp. Campers create their own

Boy Scouts of America Summer Camps. Boy Scout Resident Camp.

schedules, choosing from more than 75 options in theater, music, dance, visual arts, filmmaking & writing. Ages 8–15. 4-wk. session: June 22–July 17. $140–$280. 882-3272. arenatheater.org.

Cooking, aquatics, Scout-craft, shooting sports, handicrafts, and nature skills. Ages 11–20. June 13–Aug. 8. 546–8137. See website for specific

Windy Hollow Farm Camp. Children will be preparing homemade snacks in the kitchen, crafting projects in the barn, sowing seeds in the

Navarro

greenhouse & exploring the land & gardens. This is a chance for kids to run & get their hands dirty in a safe outdoor environment. Ages 5–9: June 22–25. Ages 3–5: June 29–July 2. Ages 5–9: Aug. 3–6. Ages 3–5: Aug. 10–13. $100–$125/wk. 353-0143. windyhollowfarmca.com.

White Dog Ranch Children’s Horseback Riding Day Camp. Learn

all about horses. Horseback riding lessons, games on horseback, and games about horses. Ages 5–17. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. June 16–20. June 30–July 4 & July 21–25. $150–$300/session.

743-9973. whitedogranch.com.

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16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

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Take Control of Your Life Look Better - Feel Better - Have More Energy NEW PATIENTS SEEN AT 1:00 PM ONLY • CLOSED MAY 15 Lakeport: 263-1979 751 11th St. Fri. 11:30-5:30

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

www.weightnomoremedical.com • Se habla español May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Summer Camp Adventure Guide

Bob Rider

Ukiah Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah Summer Program. Indoor & outdoor activities.

photography

Pool & fuse ball tables, ping-pong, Xbox, computer lab, arts & crafts.

Basketball, playground, tether ball, soccer field, field trips. Ages 6–18.

Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. June 15–Aug. 20. $50 registration fee. $15/ day. 467-4900. ukiahbgc.org.

City of 10,000 Buddhas Summer Youth Camp: Creativity & Community.

Explore Buddha’s teachings through art, music, theater, community projects, speaking Chinese, brush painting, organic gardening, meditation & nature hikes. Ages 5–14. June 14–26. $200 for day students. $400–$500 for residential students. 468-1138 (boys).

468-3896 (girls). igdvs.org.

Mendocino Ballet Summer Dance Workshops. Classical ballet, jazz,

tap, contemporary & choreography.

DANCECamps for ages 5–12. Dance intensives & workshops for ages 8 & up. Classes for ages 3–adult. 463.2290. mendocinoballet@sbcglobal.net.

Mendocino College Athletic Department Summer Programs.

Youth Soccer Camp. Games & drills designed to keep children focused & having fun. Ages 4–5: 5:45 p.m. on Wed. & 10:30 a.m. on Sat. $95/8-wk. session. Ages 6–7: 5 p.m. on Mon. & Thurs. & 9:30 a.m. on Sat. $135/8-wk. session. Ages 8–10: 6:15 p.m. on Mon. & Thurs. 9:30 a.m. on Sat. $135/8-wk. session. All camps run June 1–July 27. $20 sibling(s) discount. 391-8108. mcsasoccer.com.

Family Portraits Individuals • Families • Events BobRiderPhotography.com • (707)245-5321

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.

Mendocino Starz Gymnastics.

Summer session: June 16–July 21.

Times/rates: 463-3303. starzgymca.com.

SPACE School of Performing Arts & Cultural Education Summer Programs. Performing Arts Camp:

Scenes & songs from popular www.mendolakefamilylife.com

wheel deal!

May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Summer Camp Adventure Guide Broadway musical. Campers will perform in 2 shows at the end of camp. One staff member is bilingual.

Ages 8–15. Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Advanced dancers stay until 3 p.m. on Tues. & Thurs. June 29–July 25. Ages 8–11: $640. Ages 12–15: $710. Summer Dance Intensive. Dancers of all levels will learn a wide range of dance styles.

Two final celebration performances on June 20. Ages 13–young adult.

Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Advanced dancers return for class 6–8 p.m.

June 15–20. Beginner & intermediate $315. Advanced $365. 462-9370. spaceperformingarts.org.

Sports & Splash Camp–Redwood Health Club. From Under the Sea

to Fun & Fitness. Crafts, games & activities focused on weekly theme.

Ages 5–12. Mon.–Fri. Part-time: 7:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. or 12:45–5:30 p.m.

Full-time: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Extended care available. June 8–Aug. 15.

Members: $70–$135/wk. Nonmembers: $85–$164/wk. 468-0441 ext. 240. redwoodhealthclubofukiah.com.

The City of Ukiah Summer Safari Day Camp. Swimming, golf, arts & crafts,

sports, cooking, bounce houses & field trips. Located at Todd Grove Park.

Ages 6–12. Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. June–Aug. Call for rates. 463-6231. cityofukiah.com.

The Tutoring Center. Summer

tutoring program for students in grades K–12. Reading, writing & math, including trigonometry & calculus. Mon.–Thurs. 3:30–6:30 p.m.

June–Aug. $225–$350/mo. 468-1300. ukiahca@tutoringcenter.com.

Ukiah Valley Youth Soccer. Drills & practices designed to improve individual ball control & core techniques. Camp includes free ball and t-shirt. Ages 3–14. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

July 20–24. Visit website for specific age-group schedule/rate. uvysl.org.

Willits Willits Kids Club. Summer Day Camp.

Gardening, crafts, games, sports, outings, swimming & more. Ages 5–12. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. June–Aug. 841-8012. willitskidsclub.org.

Willits Shakespeare Company Summer Youth Camp. In its

707-468-1010

18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

17th year, this camp explores Shakespeare’s work. Camp coincides with annual fundraiser, BBQ & Tomato Toss. Ages 8–18.

June–mid-July. 456-0152. willits.org.

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Kids Craft

Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Party with Posies and Piñatas

By Denise Morrison Yearian

C

inco de Mayo is a day set aside to remember Mexico’s monumental victory over the French in 1862. On May 5, Mexicans celebrate with parties, parades, and other festivities. But you don’t have to live in Mexico to celebrate with these activities.

PAPER POSIES

Items needed: tissue paper (bright colors); scissors; pipe cleaners; ruler 1) Cut tissue paper into rectangles measuring 6” x 8”. 2) Stack eight pieces of tissue paper, then take the long side of the stack and begin www.mendolakefamilylife.com

making accordion pleats that are approximately 3/4” wide. 3) Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around the center of the accordion-pleated paper. 4) Twist to secure in place.

5) Carefully separate paper layers, pulling them up toward the center.

6) Repeat steps 2–4 to make more flowers.

PRIZE-PACKED PIÑATA Items needed: large paper bag; wrapped candies, small toys, and coins; old newspaper; stapler; hole punch; string; scissors; tissue paper; glue; crepe-paper streamers.

May 2015

1) Fill the paper bag about 1/3 full of candies, toys, and coins. 2) Crumble up old newspapers to add fullness and finish filling the bag.

3) Fold down the bag opening and staple shut. 4) Punch two holes along the top. 5) Cut strips of tissue paper that fit all the way around the bag. 6) Fringe strips to about half way up the width of the tissue paper. 7) Starting at the bottom of the bag, glue the tissue paper in place. 8) Repeat steps 5 and 6 with different colored tissue paper, gluing from the bottom up until the entire bag is covered. 9) Tie a long string through the two top holes to hang the piñata. 10) Glue long pieces of crepe paper from the bottom. ¶ Denise Morrison Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Family Fun

Nourish the Nurturer 7 Local Mother’s Day Events

H

ow are you honoring the special woman who sustains your family? Feed Mom’s body and soul with these events, which feature everything from high tea and brunch to a plant sale and painting class.

However you choose to celebrate the mother in your life, remember the best present is lots of love.

A Garden Brunch Treat your honored guest to a Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., at the Tallman Hotel’s Blue Wing Saloon Restaurant in Upper Lake. While Mom dines on eggs and toast in the venue’s charming gardens, she can listen to the sounds of vocal ensemble InVoice, headed by multi-instrumentalist Bill Bordiso. See tallmanhotel. com or call 275-2233 for details.

Ravishing Rhodies Why celebrate mothers for just one day? Make it a Mother’s Week instead and begin it with the 38th Annual John Druecker Memorial Rhododendron Show, May 2–3, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg. Celebrities will judge the more than 700 flowers on display and a People’s Choice award will be presented as well. If you want to take a piece of the vibrant visual scene home, you can: Plants will be available for purchase. Attendees of the show, which is free, get $1 off admission to the botanical gardens, where more than 1,000 “rhodies” grow. Come to the gardens on National Public Gardens Day, May 8, and you’ll get in sans admission all day long, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, go to gardenbythesea.org.

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Mindful Mama Is Mom in need of some peace? Maybe she’ll find it at the Mudras and Mindfulness class at Yoga Mendocino in Ukiah on May 9, 1–3 p.m. Kate Nachtwey will teach eight Jin Shin Jyutsu techniques that can be used for self-renewal and centering throughout a busy day. Similar to acupressure and acupuncture, the ancient Japanese healing art Jin Shin Jyutsu uses pressure from the hands to help balance energy in the body. The class is $35. Call 462-2580 or visit yogamendocino.org to register.

The Crafty Kind Does Mom like to fill the house with knick-knacks? Take her to the craft fair in Clearlake’s Austin Park on May 9 at 10 a.m.

Local artists will have their wares for sale, with proceeds benefitting the monthly Family Movie in the Park Night. If she’d rather make crafts than buy them, tell her about the free popular drop-in knitting circle held every Saturday, 3–4:30 p.m., at the Willits Branch Library in Willits. Expert knitters share their tips and participants are welcome to bring in projects to show off. Call 459-5908 or go to co.mendocino.ca.us/library for more information.

Plant Utopia Does the lady of the house have a green thumb? She’ll love the Hidden Valley Lake Garden Club Garden, Plant, and Floral Sale on May 9, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., on the lawn entry to the Hidden Valley Lake campgrounds. She can peruse potted and specialty plants and floral arrangements, pick the brain of master gardeners, munch on handmade treats, and take home flowers and gifts just for her. See hvlgardenclub.blogspot.com for more information.

Tea and Crumpets Treat your queen for a day to a special Mother’s Day high tea at the Lakeport Village Inn in Lakeport. She can sit in a thoroughly Victorian setting, sip tea, and munch on delectable eats including lemon cake, finger sandwiches, homemade English scones, and cheesecake.

High tea will be served at noon and 3 p.m. May 8–10. Make reservations by calling 263-4317.

See lakeportenglishinn.com for details.

Art and Wine Lover’s Delight If art sustains your special lady’s soul, then sign her up for the Wine and Art Class on May 10, 1:30–4 p.m., at the Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake.

She can spend the afternoon nursing a glass of wine (instead of a child) and rendering a poppy flower on canvas with acrylics. A monthly event, this class will be taught by native Lake County artist Anna Sabalone. Supplies and a glass of wine are included in the $40 class fee. To register, call 293-8752. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

May 2015

Proud Sponsor of the Humane Society 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!

Rainbow

Rainbow is a torti. She is a sweet gal with an attitude. She can be a bit bossy. She loves attention, but doesn’t like to be manhandled. She is okay with other cats. She is a great companion and mouser.

Roxie

Roxie is a beautiful Rottweiler mix who has been in the shelter since her owner died a year ago.

She is 9-years-old but still likes to play and loves people. She is good with some dogs but must be introduced first.

Lacy

Born in 2007. Sleek grey with loving eyes. She is very quiet, but not shy and loves attention. Lacy does very well with other cats. If you meet her and get to know her, you will definitely see her true beauty.

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

(707) 485-0123

www.mendohumanesociety.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

May

Calendar of Events Make It a Denim and Diamonds Night

W

ould you like to make a difference in Mendocino County? Dine and dance the night away at Rotary of Kelseyville Sunrise’s Denim and Diamonds event on May 16, 6 p.m.–11 p.m., at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill in Kelseyville.

Besides enjoying fine food and music, you’ll also get the chance to bid on enticing items via live and silent auctions at this fundraising event. Tickets are $65 and may be purchased at Saw Shop and Steele Wines, both in Kelseyville, and at the Travel Centers in Lakeport. Proceeds go to Rotary International local community projects. See rotarykelseyvillesunrise.sharepoint.com or call 349-0730 or 337-2873 for more information. ¶

Friday 1 Mendocino College Annual Plant Sale. Thru May 2. Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Mendocino College.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah.

468-3000. mendocino.edu.

FREE For the Dogs. Volunteers will

be applying free Frontline Plus flea/ tick treatment to the dogs of Food Bank clients. Treats, leashes, collars, harnesses, sweaters, lap blankets & ID tags. Info on free canine spay/neuter & puppy shots. Dogs must be brought on a leash to get items. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Food Bank. 910 North Franklin St., Fort Bragg. 964-7770.

Taco Dinner & Fundraiser. Carnitas

& vegetarian tacos. Live music & silent auction. Adults $15. Kids under 10 $5.

The Moat Creek Managing Agency is a group of volunteers preserving the coast for the next generation. 6 p.m.

Druid Hall. 140 Main St., Point Arena.

Sustainable Napkin Project May Day Celebration. Celebrate, eat,

dance & learn about the Sustainable Napkin Project as it makes its debut in Mendocino before becoming a 22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

model for the rest of the country.

Mendocino Art Center. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. 937-5818 ext. 10. artsmendocino.org.

Mendocino College’s 2015 Spring Dance Festival. Celebrating National

Dance Week. Ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip-hop, Middle Eastern, Afro-Cuban & more. $5. Thru May 3. Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m. & Sun. 2 p.m. Mendocino College. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 468-3079. artsmendocino.org.

FREE Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House. First Friday of each

month is free. 10 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.

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

Saturday 2 Heron Days–Lakeside County Park.

Two days of pontoon boat rides on Clear Lake. On May 2, boats leave from Lakeside County Park. On May 3, boats leave from Redbud Park. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Purchase tickets & register at redbudaudubon.org. Lakeside County Park. 1985 Park Dr., Lakeport.

Redbud Park. 14655 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. 263-8030. heronfestival.org.

Annual Treasures & Trash Sale.

Hosted by the Lower Lake Historical School Preservation Committee.

Event will occur rain or shine. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum. 16435 Main St., Lower Lake.

995-3565. lakeconews.com.

FREE Annual Earth Day Celebration. Calpine will host tours

to The Geysers. The focus of this celebration is the care & nurturing of the planet, people & animals.

Seats are limited & reservations are strongly recommended. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center.

15500 Central Park Rd., Middletown.

987-4270. geysers.com.

Spring Dance Festival “Shake It.”

Premium $20. General $15. Ages 12 & under $10. Thru May 3. Sat. 6 p.m.

Sun. 2 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre.

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

19th Annual Legendary Boonville Beer Festival. Dozens of

microbreweries pour beer while

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

listening to live music. RV & tent camping available at the fairgrounds.

Advance tickets $40. Door $60 (cash only). Absolutely no dogs! 1–5 p.m.

Mendocino County Fairgrounds.

14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. 895-2337 ext. 40. andersonvalley.org.

FREE Karaoke Contest. Bring your

own discs or the casino will provide.

Best three songs win free slot play.

8–11 p.m. Garcia River Casino. 22215 Windy Hollow Rd., Point Arena.

467-5300. thegarciarivercasino.com.

30th Annual BBQ Dinner Dance.

Hopland Volunteer Fire Department.

Serving tri-tip pork & chicken. Beer & wine available for purchase. Adults $20. Kids 6–12 $10. Under 6 free. 5–8 p.m. Hopland Firehouse. 21 Feliz Creek Rd., Hopland. 744-1222.

St. Mary’s School Foundation Spring Celebration Dinner. A happy

evening spent in the company of friends. Local wines, sourced food & a silent auction are part of the celebration. Live & silent auction.

6–8:30 p.m. Barra of Mendocino.

7051 North State St., Redwood Valley. stmarysukiah.org.

Young Children & Mendocino Coast Child Abuse Prevention Council. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Wiggly Giggly Park. East Laurel & North Harrison Streets, Fort Bragg. 472-8216. mendochildren.org.

Sunday 3 FREE 38th Annual Rhododendron Show. With more than 700 entries,

& run around Ukiah. Raise money for local nonprofit organizations. After the race celebrate with fun games, food & prizes. Registration 8 a.m. Alex Thomas Plaza. 310 State St., Ukiah. mendohumanrace.com.

this is the largest rhododendron show in California. The weekend includes sales of rhododendron. Thru May 4. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 North Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. 964-4352. gardenbythesea.org.

FREE Celebrate Children: A Day in the Park. Celebrate children for the

FREE 20th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. There will be fun for the

10th Annual Human Race. 5K walk

week of the young child. There will be a petting zoo, face-painting, music & more! Sponsored by the Mendocino Coast Association for the Education of

whole family, tasty food, informational booths, Folkloric dancing, Zumba Kids & Aztec dancers. This is an alcohol- & tobacco-free event.

Ukiah Unified School District

Ukiah Unified Kindergarten Enrolling Now

HEY MOM GIVE US A SHOUT!

2015-16 Kindergarten Registration and Transitional Kindergarten Registration

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 that makes local family life better?

• Know of an upcoming event or fun family outing?

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

e-mail melissa@family-life.us www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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

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

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Library Park. 225 Park St., Lakeport. lakeconews.com.

3rd Annual Bootling Classic 5K Footrace. Entry fee $8. T-shirt $10,

late registration fee $10. Ribbons to top 3 in each division. Drawing for prizes. Registration 8:30–9:30 a.m. AV Elementary School. 12300 Anderson Valley, Boonville. 621-2701. flick@mcn.org.

Music for Mother’s Day in the Park.

Celebrate the revival of the Ukiah High School band program with music to honor mothers. Food vendors. Picnic on lawn. 2–4 p.m.

Todd Grove Park. Park Blvd. & Live Oak Ave., Ukiah.

Tuesday 5 FREE Learn to Kayak Class. Liquid

Fusion Kayaking is offering a class

about the different types of kayaks & kayaking equipment. Answer questions about what type of kayak to buy or find out how to get into kayaking. 5:30–7:30 p.m. 32399 Basin St. #46A, Fort Bragg. 962-1623. liquidfusionkayak.com.

Saturday 9 FREE Hidden Valley Lake (HVL) Garden Club Plant Sale. A large

variety of plants. Mother’s Day floral arrangements, food & beverages, master gardener booth, teen band (11 a.m.–1 p.m.), community yard sale, teen booth & much more. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. HVL Campground. 19234 Hidden Valley Rd., Hidden Valley. hvla.com.

Annual Plant Sale. Hosted by the

Kelseyville Kid’s Garden Club. 9

a.m.–1 p.m. Kelseyville Elementary School. 5065 Konocti Rd., Kelseyville.

279-9400. visitkelseyville.com.

Mother’s Day High Tea. Fundraiser for Kelseyville High School Sober Graduation Party. 3–5 p.m. Finch Gardens. 6565 Live Oak Dr., Kelseyville. 279-9400. visitkelseyville.com.

Spy Rock School Annual Plant Sale.

Benefits the students of the Spy Rock School. Music, food, flowers, veggies & all variety of goodies to fill your garden. Raffle, student performance & special Mother’s Day gifts. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 3509 Spyrock Rd., Laytonville.

984-6172.

FREE Craft Fair. All proceeds go to

Deed & Word (church in the park) to help cover the monthly Family Movie in the Park Nite. 10–11 a.m. Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake.

350-5683. lakecounty.com.

Sunday 10

Glass is one of the many kinds of media featured at the Fine Arts Fair in Gualala.

FREE Mother’s Day Pop Concert.

The Lake County Symphony Orchestra’s Classical Music from the Movies. $25–$30. 3 p.m. (Open rehearsal at 11 a.m. $5 adults. Under 18 free.) Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. 263-0577. soperreesetheatre.com.

Mother’s Day at Konocti Vista Casino. A special Mother’s Day

menu at the Vista Cafe. 2755 Mission Ranchiera Rd., Lakeport. 262-1900. kvcasino.com.

Fuel Yourself with Fine Art

T

ake in the vibrant creativity of local artists at the free Eighth Annual Fine Arts Fair at the Gualala Arts Center, May 23–24, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Listen to live local music and stroll through booths exhibiting jewelry, mixed-media work, ceramics, photography, hand-painted silk, art glass, and woodworking. When your stomach starts to growl, enjoy a piece of handmade, wood-fired pizza or a variety of other tasty eats. To find out more, see gualalaarts.org. ¶

24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch at Saw Shop Bistro. 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

3825 Main St., Kelseyville. 278-0129. sawshopbistro.com.

5th Annual Spring Has Sprung 5K.

A flat 5K run & walk through Hidden Valley Lake golfing neighborhood.

Half-kilometer to one-kilometer run for children ages 4–10. Children’s

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

races start at 8 a.m. followed by 5K. Divisions range from ages 10 & under thru 70-plus. Registration fees vary.

Coyote Valley Elementary School.

18950 Coyote Valley Rd., Hidden Valley Lake. runsignup.com/spring.

FREE Spring 2015 Showcase.

Art exhibits, interactive events & fundraising sales. 2–5 p.m.

North Street Collective. 350 North St., Willits. RSVP 367-6335. northstreetcollective.org.

FREE Mother’s Day Celebration.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the community! Bring your favorite dish to share & a raffle gift if you can.

Enjoy music, a grand potluck, family games & activities, poetry readings for Mom & a raffle. 1–4 p.m. Safe Passage Family Resource Center. 208 Dana St., Fort Bragg. 961-3604. 961-1507. mendochildren.org.

Mother’s Day Tea. The afternoon

event will include assorted teas & coffee, sandwiches & savories, fruit & spring green salads, pastries & sweets.

Traditional, vegan & gluten-free options. Adults $20. Kids under 12 $8.

1–3 p.m. Caspar Community Center.

15051 Caspar Rd., Caspar. 964-4997. caspar@mcn.org.

Friday 15 12th Annual Festival of New Plays.

10 premiere productions of short scripts by local playwrights. Thru May 16. 8 p.m. Mendocino College Little Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 468-3172. mendocino.edu/cvpa.

Saturday 16 FREE Know Lake County lecture.

Topics include many facets of Lake County, including human & natural

history, outdoor recreation, science & performing arts & programs for children. 2 p.m. Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. 263-8817. library. co.lake.ca.us.

Denim & Diamonds. Dinner, dancing, live & silent auctions & music by the LC Diamonds.

Fundraiser by Kelseyville Sunrise Rotary for important projects in Kelseyville, Lake County & beyond. 5:30–11 p.m. Chacewater Winery. 5626 Gaddy Ln., Kelseyville.

278-0129. visitkelseyville.com.

Alaska Native Day. Members of the Alaska Native community will teach traditional arts & crafts. Performances

by Anchorage Unangax Dancers. Kids’ crafts: Face “tattooing,” language games, petroglyph rock painting, chagudax (hunter’s hats), spear throwing & much more. $10. 10 a.m.–4

Education For Life!

Ready for that next step?

Family health care for all of Lake County.

HOSPITAL SERVICES 707-262-5000 COMMUNITY CLINIC 707-263-6885 AFTER HOURS CARE 707-262-5088

Yuba College

Check Out Our Summer & Fall Schedule Online 707-995-7900 • clc.yccd.edu

sutterlakeside.org

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

15880 Dam Road Extension • Clearlake May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

p.m. Fort Ross State Historic Park.

19005 Coast Hwy., Jenner. fortross. org/2014/alaska_native_day.htm.

Sunday 17

Mendocino Women’s Choir Silent Auction. Benefits Mendocino

Women’s Choir’s international tour. $5 includes glass of wine (or other beverage) & munchies. Entertainment provided by the choir. Noon–5 p.m.

St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church. 201 East Fir St., Fort Bragg.

964-1900.

Mendocino Coast Sports Foundation Annual Dinner Auction.

Fundraiser for improvement of Timberwolf Stadium. $60. No-host cocktails 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m.

Pentecost Hall. 822 Stewart St., Fort Bragg. 964-3672.

The Grapevine Quilter Quilt Show.

Machine- & hand-quilted quilts.

Vendors will sell fabric, notions & sewing machines. 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Alex Rorabaugh Center. 825 N. State St., Ukiah.

A Song of Peace Concert. The

Emandal Chorale. 7 p.m. Little Lake Grange. 291 School St., Willits. allevents.in/willits/a-song-of-peaceconcert/369667899889582#.

Fiesta Celebration. Benefits the Community Center of Mendocino.

Food, music, dance, cantina, silent auction. 1–5 p.m. Community Center of Mendocino. 998 School St., Mendocino. 937-4133. communitycenterofmendocino.org.

Saturday 23 Pottery Valley Spring Festival & Rodeo. Parade, BBQ, Dance Jr.

Rodeo, Animal Scramble, Cowboy Church, raffles & much more.

Advance $8. Parade 11 a.m. Other activities begin on Sat. at 1 p.m. & on Sun. at 7 a.m. 10747 Main St., Potter Valley. Visit website for complete schedule. pottervalleyrodeo.com.

Window to the Universe—Pluto & New Horizons. After a 9-year journey,

NASA’s New Horizons probe is due to arrive at Pluto in July. Explore some curious history surrounding Pluto & discuss the exciting New Horizons Mission. Adults $5. Kids under 12 $3. 8–11 p.m. Taylor Observatory.

5725 Oak Hills Ln., Kelseyville. taylorobservatory.org. lakecoe.org.

Must Register in Advance

Courses Coming in June

Topics may include:

• Meeting the Needs of the Dying Residents Part 1 & 2 • Meeting the Needs of the Cognitively Impaired Resident • Meeting Self-Esteem Needs of the Elderly • Stress Management • Communicating Well • Mobility Needs – Transfers & Aids • Maintaining Proper Bowel Elimination • Acute & Chronic Pain • Common Disorders of the Circulatory System • Common Disorders of the Respiratory System and more

Lake County Office of Education Career Technical Education • 14092 Lakeshore Dr. Clearlake • 994-9001 26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Dodd Memorial Day BBQ. 4th District Assemblyman Bill Dodd will host this event, featuring music, local wines & barbecue. General $25. Kids under 12 free. 5:30–7:30 p.m. Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill. 5625 Gaddy Ln., Kelseyville.

337-5994. billdodd.com/events.

FREE Annual Library Book Sale.

Choose from thousands of items, including books on tape, videos, DVDs, music CDs & puzzles. $5 for a big bag of books. Thru May 25.

Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. 12:30–5 p.m. & Mon. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mendocino Community Library. 10591 Williams St., Mendocino. 937-5773. mendocinocommunitylibrary.com.

Fine Arts Fair. Jewelry,

mixed media, ceramics, photography, hand-painted silk, art glass & woodworking for sale. Thru May 24.

Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Old State Hwy., Gualala. 884.1138. gualalaarts.org.

Sunday 24 Lower Lake Daze Parade & BBQ.

CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS (CEUs) 2 CEU Courses per Workshop.

Cost of each Workshop is $30, due at the time of registration.

FREE Memorial Day Parade. 11 a.m.–noon. Main St., Lakeport. visitkelseyville.com.

The parade will proceed down Main St. in Lower Lake, followed by the Old Time BBQ. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

BBQ at Russell Rustici Park. 16375 Second St., Lower Lake. 350-2515. lakeportmainstreet.com.

FREE 34th Annual Community Festival & Willits Car Show. 10

a.m.–4 p.m. Corner of E. Commercial & South Lenore Streets, Willits.

459-7910. visitmendocino.com/ willits-car-show.

Thursday 28 Carnival by the Sea. Proceeds

benefit the Fort Bragg Lions Club &

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

the Vocational Scholarships & Eye Care Assistance Programs. Thru May 31. Advance discount tickets $20 (all day unlimited rides) can be purchased at Harvest Market, La Bamba, Mendo Lake Credit Union & Mexicana Market. Todd Point. 1211 Del Mar Dr., Fort Bragg.

964-2463. fblions@mcn.org.

Saturday 30 Alice in Wonderland & Dance Classics. Presented by the

Mendocino Ballet. An imaginative & entertaining ballet based on the original book by Lewis Carroll.

Dance Classics will include classical & contemporary ballet along with jazz & tap dance by students from the Recreational Dance Program.

Adults $20. Children $15. Advance tickets $5 off. Thru May 31. Sat. 7:30 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m. Mendocino College Center Theatre. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. 463-2290. mendocinoballet.org.

Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art. Modern

Twist demonstrates that in the hands of master bamboo artists, simple grass is transformed into a sculptural art. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Runs thru August. Grace Hudson Museum. 431 S. Main St., Ukiah.

467-2836. gracehudsonmuseum.org.

Sunday 31

Windshields

$

Starting at

99

Price Less Auto Glass

Our mobile unit comes to you

plus installation

Chip Repair

$

39

95

707-463-1638

2350 North State St. Ukiah Same location as Warranty Motors

Located in Beautiful, Little Lake Valley of Willits • Small Class Sizes • Personal Attention to each student

A Christ-Centered Education Adventist Christian School of Willits

• A Safe Place to Grow

A Journey to Excellence Participant School 707-459-4333 • www.willitssdaschool.com

Christian Education to the children of this area for 50 years.

Love Working with Kids?

WORK AT HOME • CHOOSE YOUR OWN HOURS • WORK WITH CHILDREN

75th Anniversary of Seabiscuit.

Own Your Own Business

Tickets for the walking tour & 1940s-classic themed reception $40.

Tickets for the Mendocino Film Series are sold separately online for $11. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. See website for various locations of events. 459-5992. seabiscuitheritage.org.

• Free Training and other great incentives for attending fun workshops.

• Child Care Assistance for lowincome eligible families.

• Free Child Care Referrals.

1-800-606-5550 ext. 211 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

May 2015

Rural Communities Child Care

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Cooking with Kids

Crazy for Crackerjacks

SuperDuper Baseball Snax is tasty game fare.

The Ultimate Homemade Baseball Snack

By John Corippo

I

love baseball. Especially what I get to eat while I watch it—the SuperDuper Baseball Snax. Think of it is at what Frito Lay’s Cracker Jacks should be. Once you taste my version, you’ll never be able to go back to the stale boxed variety again, even if it does come with a surprise toy inside.

For those not in the know, candy-coated popcorn is a traditional baseball snack. Fans even sing about it in the famous 1908 standard “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” which is played in the seventh-inning stretch of most major league games.

Take me out to the ball game.

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks.

I don’t care if I never get back.

Your own little leaguers will love this modern-day spin on crackerjacks. So grab a bag of this all-American snack, get prepared for a lot of finger licking, and check out a local game!

SuperDuper Baseball Snax Ingredients •12 cups popped popcorn (1/2 cup uncooked kernels) • 1/2 cup salted peanuts • 1/2 cup cashews • 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seed kernels • 1 stick unsalted butter • 2 cups dark brown sugar • 1/4 cup dark corn syrup • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1 package plain M&Ms (optional)

Directions Preheat oven to 250ºF. Spray a sheet pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray and set aside.

Sift through the popcorn and remove kernels that didn’t pop. Combine popcorn, peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds in a large mixing bowl. (Don’t hesitate to mix in some of your personal favorites like almonds and pumpkin seeds.) Set aside until ready to use.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla and stir until combined. Heat the mixture until it reaches 250ºF, approximately 10 minutes. Use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the desired temperature.

Pour the candy coating over the popcorn. Quickly and gently fold the coating into the popcorn as evenly as you can. Work fast! You want to coat as much of the popcorn as possible before the coating hardens. Spread the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan.

Sprinkle the M&Ms over the top if desired, and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Let cool completely.

Break into pieces and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

Note: A quick soak in hot soapy water will dissolve any candy residue left on dishes.

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.

28 MendoLakeFamilyLife

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Marketplace Tutoring

Schools

Tuition-free Montessori elementary for ages 5-13  Hands-on, arts and music integrated with academics

 National Green Campus  Promotes responsibility, respect, and peace

307 North State Street Ukiah

707-468-1300

Located on north end of Fairgrounds PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

www.tutoringcenter.com

What’s Cool about Charter Schools

Innovative Education—for Free!

D

oes your child want to be in a STEM or language-immersion school, but you can’t even imagine paying for a private education?

Consider charter schools. They offer specialized, cutting-edge programs to all students and are tuition-free.

California has the most charter schools in the country—1,184, 87 of which opened just this year.

Nine percent of our state’s student population, or about 547,800 kids, go to one. They educate all grade levels, and must submit to the same state academic assessments as traditional schools. Mendocino County has ten schools, including the Charter Academy of the Redwoods, La Vida Charter School, Tree of Life Charter School, and River Oak Charter School; Lake County has three, including two that opened this year, the Intermountain STEM Academy Charter School and the California Connections Academy at North Bay, an online school available to students in the Middletown Unified School District.

To download a complete list of charter schools in the state, and find out more information, go to the website of the California Charter Schools Association, calcharters.org. ¶ www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Soar to New Heights Homeschooling & Tutoring K-12 Reading • Writing Math • French

707-462-0913 treeoflifeschool@pacific.net www.treeoflifeschool.net

La Vida Charter School

Take Wing Tutoring takewingtutoring@gmail.com 510-332-9840 • West Side Ukiah

• Independent Study • K –12 • Free Public Charter • Academic & Specialty Classes • Gifted & Talented Served • Inspired by Waldorf Education

Check Out Our Online Directories Health

Calm, Relaxed Birthing Mindfulness • Relaxation A great start for your baby & you!

Birthing Classes Starting Soon!

707-263-7359

Susan Perry BA Cht Certified Birth Hypnotherapist and Doula www.syperry.wix.com/hypnotherapy

16201 N. Hwy. 101, Willits

707-459-6344

www.lavidaschool.org

Accelerated Achievement Academy • • • •

Free Public School Grades 4-12 Small classes Support for struggling students

(707) 463-7080 1031 N. State St.

Like Us On Facebook May 2015

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break

Battle for the Bathroom Survival of the Sneakiest

By Bull Garlington

W

e have three perfectly good bathrooms in our house. Three bathrooms, and it’s not enough.

We don’t use the one upstairs because it’s at least 17 steps too high.

There’s one in the basement, but it’s inhabited by spiders and marmosets.

We don’t use it unless we need an emergency science project. So our family of four is left with one functioning bathroom, the guest loo, which all need at the same time.

Every time.

No matter how long I wait, as soon as I shut the door someone starts pounding on it and there I am, coffee cup and magazine in hand, glaring at the tiles.

“Hon, I need to get in there.”

“I’M ALREADY IN HERE!” “Babe, seriously.”

“I cannot tell you just how serious things are about to get in here. We’re

Our family of four has one functioning loo, which we all need at the same time. Every time. talking foreign documentary serious.

We’re talking subtitles.”

“I’m already in here.”

“I reeeeeeeellly need to get in there.”

“Dad, seriously.”

“THERE ARE TWO OTHER BATHROOMS IN TH—“

“Dad, I reeeeally need the bathroom.”

“There are two other bathrooms in this house,” I say, murderously.

“Dad please!” he says, tapdancingly.

Because I’m awesome, I relinquish the lavatory, lug my load upstairs, and lock the door.

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Which is not on me.

Anymore.

“Dad, I need to get in there.”

“Trust me, son. This is serious.”

prepare to shower. I balance my mug on the edge of the sink and crank up the hot water to “melt steel.” I’m lost in a welcome cloud of steam when I hear heavy breathing.

Now this is my basement. People have gone missing for weeks down there. I lost a friend, a good friend, somewhere near the hot water heater badlands so the sound of breathing stops me mid-scrub. I frantically search for a sharp piece of soap I can use as a shiv when I realize the breathing is in stereo. I take a peek around the moldy curtain to see my dogs staring at me with a look on their face that means they’re about to water the plants—on my laundry. Growling, I wrap a stiff towel around my waist, shuffle over to wrench open the basement door, and scream like a girl as the dogs plow through me to get to the yard so they can pee on my towel.

“You know that picture you won’t let me put on Facebook?”

“I’ll be right out.”

I carry my coffee down two flights into the spider conservatory, wedge the door shut with a piece of cardboard, release the hounds, and

But hey, it’s the basement, right? If I just duck-walk under the windows I can slide behind the bookcase to the bathroom. There’s another towel in there…with my daughter, who snuck in right behind me (I think she’s in league with the hounds) and stole my shower.

“Sarah, I need to get in there.”

“I’m already in here.”

“I reallllllly need to get in there.”

“Whatever. Can you get me a towel from upstairs? I used this one as a rug.” ¶ Bull Garlington is the author of Death by Children, the ForeWord Review’s Humor 2013 Book of the Year.

May 2015 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Summer Camp & Fun Fair

Petaluma Saturday May 16 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Petaluma Dental Group

1301 Southpoint Blvd. Petaluma

When Feeling Better Can’t Wait ...

Rapid Care is here.

Rapid Care is Open After-Hours & Weekends Rapid Care is designed for urgent, but non-life-threatening conditions. Our staff of highly trained medical professionals are ready to care for your urgent need. We treat cuts, bumps and sprains, minor skin rash, ear infections, mild asthma, flu and pneumonia, animal bites, fever, sinus infections and other minor illnesses and injuries.

Pediatrics 707.463.7459

|

Walk-Ins Welcome.

Open After-Hours and Weekends.

Accepting Medicare, Medi-Cal and all forms of insurance.

Family Practice 707.463.7488