Mendo Lake Family Life October 2019

mendo lake FREE!

October 2019

Tricks & Treats

Breast Cancer Know the risks

Day-Care Guide 57 facilities—preschools, too

STEAM Science at home Up!

7 fun local events

Life is but a stage.

We’re here for each one, from adolescence to after menopause.

HILLSIDE (707) 468-1010

CARE FOR HER

333 Laws Ave. Ukiah

LAKEVIEW (707) 263-7725

5335 Lakeshore Blvd.

Lakeport

LITTLE LAKE (707) 456-9600 45 Hazel St. Willits

WE ACCEPT MEDI-CAL, MEDICARE, PARTNERSHIP AND OTHER INSURANCE.

mchcinc.org –

MCHC HEALTH CENTERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER.

Inspired by your laughter

You shouldn’t have to worry about a leak every time you laugh. Our expert team of providers are here to help you regain control of your urinary incontinence and get back

Our experts in urology

Naum Spiegel, MD

707-462-1928 260 Hospital Drive Suite 201 | Ukiah, CA ahukiah.org/urology

to laughing with abandon.

Joanna LaMonica, MD

To schedule an appointment, call

Rose Ray, NP

October 2019

Every Issue

10 Features

6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces A Story of Two Souls Dance So Others May Dine Stomp It Out The Doctor Is In Paella for Parents Health Heroes

20

15 Cooking with Kids

7

Make a Boxtume Turn Amazon boxes into a llama.

10 Day-Care Dilemma How to find the best providers.

Apple Love

22 Calendar of Events Shake It for Scholarships

30 Humor Break Pull It Together

12 Preschool & Day-Care Guide

8

The scoop on 57 local facilities.

16 Build Up STEAM Teach kids at home.

18 Beat Breast Cancer Know the risk factors.

20 Goblins & Goodies Local Halloween fun.

16 4 MendoLakeFamilyLife

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

HAPPY HALLOWEEN BIRTHDAY PARTIES • LARGE PARTY ROOM GIANT ARCADE • FUNDRAISERS ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR ON SUNDAYS

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY!

GET A SUPER PIZZA! EASY ONLINE ORDERING MOUNTAINMIKES.COM

1090 S. STATE ST., UKIAH • 707-621-9292 898 S. MAIN ST., FORT BRAGG • 707-964-9999

Dear Reader

I

t’s that time of year when candy and kids’ imaginations rule. What is your child’s Halloween costume? If you still haven’t found one, Sharon Gowan check out “Make a Publisher/Editor Boxtume” (page 7) for Sharon@family-life.us a creative option that uses mostly recycled cardboard.

Whatever your child’s choice of disguise, there will be plenty of opportunities to show it off. Turn to “Goblins & Goodies” (page 20) for our roundup of fun Halloween activities, and then check out our Calendar of Events (page 22) for haunts, trick-or-treats, and even more spooky good times.

center or preschool. We’re here to help.

Turn to our Preschool and Day-Care Guide (page 12) and find basic info about 57 local facilities, all in one place. Once you’ve located a few centers you’d like to check out, turn to “Day-Care Dilemma” (page 10) for a list of pertinent questions to ask potential providers.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

After you’ve made your final selection, reward yourself with some fall-inspired apple crumble. Momma Chef’s recipe (page 15) takes only a few minutes to prepare. Share it with the kids, or keep it to yourself and let little ones get their sweets on October 31.

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

We hope you have a safe and yummy Halloween!

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

It’s fun to see kids parade around in their adorable get-ups. If only parenting were just about the cute stuff! But, of course, there are many big decisions to make.

And one of them is choosing a day-care

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media

Kindergarteners and first graders who don’t miss 2-3 days of school each month stay on track. It’s easier to learn to read. to understand It’s also easier math and it’ll be easier to graduate from high school.

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Kathy Cano-Murillo Meredith Ethington Sandra Gordon Janeen Lewis

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

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

uusd.net 6 MendoLakeFamilyLife

KEEP YOUR KIDS IN SCHOOL.

attendanceworks.org October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

Make a Boxtume

A DIY Costume Project

By Kathy Cano-Murillo

T

his DIY llama boxtume is the perfect way to turn heads this Halloween. What’s a #boxtume you ask? They are creative Halloween costumes that you can make at home using boxes and crafting supplies around the house. They can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. You’ll be happy to know that this one is made from only three Amazon Smile boxes! Aside from your boxes, you’ll need felt, glue, and embellishments.

Supplies Large box Medium box Long box Duct tape, masking tape, hot glue Scissors, craft paint brushes Felt or fabric

be any color you want; use your imagination. I went with tan because I had a bolt of tan felt in my studio, but you can use white, pink, etc.

You can also use paint, papier mâché, or fabric to bring your llama to life. Use hot glue to keep felt or fabric in place.

4. You can use ping-pong balls for eyes, or, like me, you can cut up

7. Add even more touches as you see fit—faux fur on the head, straps to wear the boxtume over your shoulders, even darker colored felt for accents. ¶ See a how-to video for this boxtume at craftychica.com/2018/10/llama-costume-diy.

2. Cut out the ear from cardboard, leaving a long area to glue to the back of the head and inside the neck of the box.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

5. Llamas are known for their crazy teeth, so have fun and cut up some chompers from cardboard. Use felt shapes to form the nose and lips. I also used hearts for the cheeks.

6. For a super cute look, you can use more felt to decorate the sides and neck. I used pompom trim from the craft store, or you can make your own.

Instructions 1. The first step is to build the foundation of the llama with the boxes.

Use tape to hold them together and then use hot glue or extra strength glue to secure them even more. You want a sturdy llama.

3. Cover your llama. This is where you add the personality. Llamas can

another box to make eyes, eyelids, lashes, and the pupil. Paint and let dry.

Basic llama box structure

October 2019

Kathy Cano-Murillo is an artist, speaker, and author of Forever Frida (Adams Media, 2019) and other books. She is the founder of the number one website for Latinocentric art-and-craft tutorials: craftychica.com.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

A Story of Two Souls

C

ynical and quick-witted, Caroline has an illness that has kept her out of school and isolated for months. Then one day boy-next-door Anthony shows up bearing an old copy of Leaves of Grass and an urgent request for help with an English project. Such is the beginning of I and You, a drama by San Franciscan Lauren Gunderson—one of the most produced playwrights in the country—that explores life, death, and love.

Willits High School student Aria Silveira and Mendocino College student Oscar Montelongo Medina will star in the two-person play at the Willits Community Theatre in Willits. Performances run October 4–20. Thursday shows are at 7:30 p.m. and are $15; Friday and Saturday shows are also at 7:30 p.m. and are $20; Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. and are $15. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com. The show on October 10 is a fundraiser for the William F. Harrah Senior Center; for tickets to that show only, call Pat Collins at 459-4594. For more information, go to willitstheatre.org. ¶

I and You

Steele Wines Harvest Festival

Dance So Others May Dine

M

eals-on-Wheels delivers more than 50,000 meals every year to local housebound seniors.

Plowshares, the local nonprofit that runs the program, is holding Boogie, Brews and BBQ to keep it going. The Funky Dozen, a local 12-piece band that includes a full horn section, will be playing dance tunes from the ’70s, ’80s, and beyond while brews, wines, barbecue entrees, and desserts are served. The wining and dining will happen on October 5, 5–9 p.m., at Barra of Mendocino in Redwood Valley. Tickets are $75 and are available at plowsharesfeeds.org. ¶

8 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Stomp It Out

W

inemakers abandoned grape stomping long ago in favor of mechanical maceration. But people still love to do it. Just ask the participants in the Grape Stomp at the Steele Wines Harvest Festival, October 12–13, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., at Steele Wines in Kelseyville. Besides the stomp, the event will also offer live music by the Funky Dozen, David Neft, Austin and Owens, and the Cal Alumni Big Band; art and craft vendors; and a wine tasting. For the kids, there’ll be face-painting, hula-hooping, and a pie-eating contest.

Admission and parking is free. Wine tasting is $5 and includes a glass and five tasting tickets. The Grape Stomp will run noon–4 p.m. 4-H will serve a barbecue from 11 a.m. until supplies run out. On October 13, the Run for Literacy, an all-ages benefit race featuring a 5K run/walk and a 10K run, will start at 9 a.m. Registration fees are $15–$35; ages 6 and younger register for free. Register at tinyurl.com/ y3z7bjhq. See facebook.com/events/715388245575602 for information about the Harvest Festival. ¶

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

The Doctor Is In

T

here are many things on parents’ to-do lists. And at the top of them is taking care of their kids’ well-being. Adventist Health’s free Children’s Health Fair aims to make it easier, with free medical screenings, giveaways, and activities for children. The event will be held on October 6, 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Alex Rorabaugh Center in Ukiah. For details, go to facebook.com/ freechildrenshealthfair. ¶

Paella for Parents

Noche Paella

P

aella is a traditional seafood and rice entrée from Spain. The contemporary version of the dish was created in the 19th century. But at Noche Paella, a fundraiser for the Parents and Teachers of Anderson Valley, it will serve 21st century parents. The event will be held on October 25, 6–8 p.m., at Pennyroyal Farm in Boonville. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for ages 4–15; ages 0–3 get in free. (Kids will be served mac-and-cheese.) The farm will also host a Harvest Party with local band Double Standyrd on October 4, 5:30–9 p.m. Tickets are $18–$25 or free for ages 4 and younger.

Tickets for both events may be purchased at pennyroyalfarm.com. ¶

Health Heroes

T

he weather may still be hot, but the season of sniffles is right around the corner. The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair wants to prepare locals for it with free flu shots. It’s just one of the event’s offerings, which will include free fluoride treatments, free health and dental screenings, and diabetes education as well as giveaways of children’s bikes, bike helmets, smoke detectors, and life jackets. There will also be a jaws-of-life demo, hands-on fire extinguisher practice, and medical helicopters and an ATV course to explore. The event will be held on October 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeport. Admission is free. For more information, go to facebook.com/sutterlakeside. ¶

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

The Heroes of Health and Safety Fair

October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 9

answer is, “No problem. We have an open-door policy.” Impromptu parent visits should always be welcome, Murray says. After signing up your child, you should be able to drop by anytime.

How will I know what my child did all day? Some day-care centers will distribute a daily activity sheet detailing what each child experienced that day, such as what she or he had for a snack and how often her or his

Day-Care 10 Important Questions Dilemma to Ask

By Sandra Gordon

I

f you’ll be returning to part-time or full-time employment after your baby is born, you probably know that open day-care spots can go faster than ice cream melts on a hot day. Still, for your child’s well-being and your own peace of mind, it pays to get picky.

Starting about a few months before you’re ready, “visit three to five day-care programs,” says Kris Murray, author of The Ultimate Childcare Marketing Guide (Redleaf Press, 2012). To narrow your selection, here are the top questions Murray suggests asking day-care providers.

What activities will my child do? “There are all sorts of age-appropriate curriculums available now… .” Murray says. To you, it may all just look like fun and games. But 10 MendoLakeFamilyLife

that’s the idea. “Children learn best through play,” Murray says.

What’s the teacher-child ratio?

Babies and toddlers 12 months old and younger need an adult-child ratio of no more than 1:4 (one adult per four infants). For toddlers 12–28 months old, the ratio should be 1:3, one instructor per three children. Small classes of 10–12 children or fewer are preferred, too.

What’s your policy about unannounced visits? The best

Spend an hour or two observing a classroom when the kids are awake. diaper was changed. Even better is paperless communication. Many day-care centers offer to e-mail or text messages throughout the day.

What are the qualifications of your caregivers? “Ask for a list of the teachers that includes the number of years of experience they’ve had in the field, their degree…or the training they’ve had,” Murray says. Lead teachers should also have five to seven years of experience.

Are drop-off and pick-up hours flexible? If you work from home sometimes or need a half-day of help here and there, look for a day-care option that works with your nontraditional schedule. Day-care that’s less than full time is a growing trend.

What’s the security situation like? When touring a day-care center, ask whether the children are monitored by a secure webcam. Is the feed distributed to the director’s

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

office so there’s oversight of what’s happening in the classroom? (Good.)

Can you have access to the feed as well? (Double good.) Not only does camera surveillance provide peace of mind because you can see what’s going on, it allows you to engage in your child’s day (“I saw you help Sam pick up his crayons. That was so nice of you.”).

How often do the kids get to go outside? Beyond extremely hot or cold weather, “there’s no excuse for children not to get outside every day,” Murray says. Your child-care center should support the full health of the child, which includes spending time in nature and being active.

What’s your disaster recovery and emergency policy? If there’s

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport

a fire or disaster at the school, you want to know that teachers have been properly trained to respond quickly and effectively. Every teacher should be trained in CPR, too.

Ask yourself: Am I comfortable with the environment? After you’ve narrowed it down to your top picks, spend an hour or two observing a

Small classes of 10–12 children or fewer are preferred. classroom when the kids are awake (not at nap time). What’s the vibe?

The day-care center should feel open and warm-hearted. Teachers should

look like they’re happy to be there and engaged with the children. If you get a good feeling about the place, chances are your children will like it, too, because they’ll pick up on your satisfaction.

Finally, confirm your selection by finding out what others say. Review testimonials from other parents on the day-care center’s Facebook page and review sites such as Yelp.

“Sometimes there are disgruntled employees or an occasional unhappy parent,” Murray says. “If you see 10 great reviews and one negative one, you’re probably fine. Look for a preponderance of positive.” ¶ Sandra Gordon is an award-winning freelance writer who specializes in parenting.

DID YOU KNOW?

Fly local & enjoy nonstop flights!  Seattle (SEA)  Portland (PDX)  Los Angeles (LAX)  Orange County (SNA)  San Diego (SAN)  Phoenix (PHX)  Dallas (DFW)  San Francisco (SFO)  Denver (DEN)  Minneapolis (MSP)  Las Vegas (LAS)

HELPS YOU

WE

will walk you through the entire process of becoming a child care provider in your home.

WE

have subsidies available to help with child care expenses for qualifying families.

WE

have ongoing training & referrals to help make your child care business the best it can be!

©P N

TS

www.flySTS.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com

1-800-606-5550 x211 ncoinc.org October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 11

Preschool & Day-Care Guide Note: All listed day-care centers and preschools offer full- and part-time openings and extended care.

MENDOCINO COUNTY North Coast Opportunities. Offers help through the entire process of becoming an in-home child-care provider. Subsides assist with child-care expenses for qualifying families. Ongoing training & referrals. Offices in Fort Bragg, Ukiah & Willits. ncoinc.org/programs/ rural-communities-child-care.

CALPELLA Calpella Elementary School. 4–5 yrs.

8:30–11:30 a.m. Transitional Kindergartenreadiness program. 472-5630. calpella. uusd.net.

Calpella State Preschool. 3–4 yrs.

7:50–10:50 a.m. & 11:20 a.m.–2:20 p.m.

Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. Special Education inclusion. Located at the Calpella Elementary School campus. 472-5675. uusd.net.

Deep Valley Christian Preschool.

2.9–5 yrs. 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Kindergarten-readiness, Christian-based.

485-8778. deepvalleychristianschool.org.

Waldorf School of Mendocino County Early Childhood Program. 2.9–6 yrs. Mon.– Thurs.: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri.: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Waldorf, nature-based. Nurtures children’s hearts, minds, creativity & wonder.

485-8719. mendocinowaldorf.org.

FORT BRAGG Children’s Garden. 3–5 yrs. 8:30 a.m.– noon. Child-centered preschool where each person is valued, respected & accepted.

969-7116. casparchildrensgarden.org.

Dandy Lion Cub House. 5 mos.–6 yrs. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Child-centered environment.

Accepts children with special needs. Before& after-school care. 962-3003.

Glass Beach Preschool & Childcare Center. 1 mo.–5 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Provides care & learning opportunities for infant through preschool-aged children.

916-9611.

Little Lambs Preschool. 3–5 yrs. 7:50 a.m.–5:10 p.m. Celebrating 25 years

of preschool & day-care. Country setting. 964-4862. facebook.com/ LittleLambsFortBragg.

North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies help pay for childcare for eligible families.

964-5961. ncoinc.org.

Rainbow Preschool. 2–6 yrs. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Centered on children’s innate curiosity & need to explore, create & learn through play & open-ended activities. 937-4912. rainbowpreschoolmendocino.org.

Redwood State Preschool. 3–5 yrs. Call for hours. Special Education inclusion.

Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. Located at the Redwood Elementary School campus.

961-1693.

MENDOCINO Children’s Garden. 3–5 yrs. 8:30 a.m.–noon.

Child-centered preschool where each person is valued, respected & accepted. 969-7116. casparchildrensgarden.org.

BEGIN YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TO SCHOOL SUCCESS Apply Today for a $16,000 Education for Your Child at Little or No Cost ✓ Nurturing classroom experiences for children 3 months to 5 years old.

✓ Potty-training assistance provided. ✓ Children with disabilities welcome. ✓ Also providing specialized curriculum

for the home base environment for Infants, toddlers & pregnant women!

✓ Healthy meals and snacks provided.

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS YEAR ROUND Head Start Child Development Program

Empowering children to reach their highest potential!

Applications online: www.ncoinc.org  (707) 462-2582 or 1-(800) 326-3122

12 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Clearlake

Pearl Ave. Meadowbrook Dr

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg – Lincoln St.

Lakeport

Lakeport Blvd.

Ukiah

North Ukiah - Bush St. Nokomis - Washington Ave. South Ukiah - S. State St. Peach Tree – S. Orchard Ave.

Upper Lake 2nd Street

Willits

Near Brookside School at Spruce St. & Lincoln Way

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukia

North Nokom South Peach

Will

Near B Spruce

Lake

Preschool & Day-Care Guide Mendocino Elementary School. 4–5 yrs. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Transitional Kindergarten–readiness program. 937-0515. mendocinousd.org.

UKIAH Discovery World Preschool. 2–5 yrs.

7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Experienced teachers, flexible schedules & affordable tuition.

Serving Ukiah, greater Willits, Hopland & Garberville areas. 462-2220. facebook.com/ discoveryworldpreschool.

Grace Hudson Elementary. 2–5 yrs. Call for hours. Transitional Kindergarten– readiness program. 472-5460. gracehudson.uusd.net.

Hatch Family Day School. 2–5 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Offering pre-school & childcare for children in the greater Ukiah area for the past 24 years. 462-2265. facebook.com/pg/hatchfamilydayschool.

Hummingbird Playgarden. Call for ages & hours. Guided by Waldorf principles.

Dedicated to nurturing & supporting the developmental needs of young children & their families. 468-5010. facebook.com/ Hummingbird-Playgarden.

New Morning Montessori. 2–5 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Montessori program designed to help children develop independence, responsibility, self-discipline & a love of learning. 462-6115. facebook. com/New-Morning-Montessori-School.

Nokomis Elementary. 2–5 yrs. Call for hours. Transitional Kindergarten–readiness program. 472-5550. nokomis.uusd.net.

North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies provided help pay for childcare for eligible families. Central office: 800-326-3122.

Nokomis Center: 462-2671. North Ukiah Center: 463-1354. Peach Tree Center: 463-8600. South Ukiah Center: 462-0253. ncoinc.org.

Pinoleville Native American Head Start & Early Head Start. 6 mos.–5 yrs. 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Creative, curriculum-based. Traditional Pomo singing, dancing & northern Pomo language.

Parent-involvement activities. Nutrition programs. 463-1454. ppnheadstart.com.

Preschool Village State Preschool.

3–5 yrs. 8:30–11:30 a.m. & noon–3 p.m.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Bilingual state preschool. Special Education inclusion. 468-3302. uusd.net.

Small Wonders Preschool. 3–5 yrs. 8–11 a.m. & noon–3 p.m. Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. Located at the Meadow School campus. 463-2568.

Talmage State Preschool. 3–5 yrs. Call for hours. Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills.

467-5091. mcoe.net.

The Sandbox. 18 mos.– 5 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Nurturing, educational environment with qualified teachers. Kindergarten readiness.

Convenient downtown location. 671-7151. thesandbox.org.

Ukiah Cooperative Nursery School. 2.9–5 yrs. 8:45–11:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. 489-3816. facebook.com/ukiahcoopnurseryschool.com.

Yokayo State Preschool at Nokomis. 3–5 yrs. 8–11 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. 462-5437. uusd.net.

WILLITS Brookside State Preschool. 3–5 yrs.

8:30–11:30 a.m. & noon–3 p.m. Nurturing environment for children to learn, grow & develop social skills. Located at the Brookside Elementary School campus.

459-5385. mcoe.us.

Imagination State Preschool/Childcare Center. 6 wks.–6 yrs. 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Childcare within a developmentally appropriate learning environment.

After-school program available for school-aged children. 459-6543. preschooldaycarewillits.com.

North Coast Opportunities. Offers help through the entire process of becoming an in-home child-care provider. Subsides assist with child-care expenses for qualifying families. Ongoing training & referrals. Offices in Clearlake & Lakeport. Clearlake: 994-4018. Lakeport: 263-4688. ncoinc.org/programs/ rural-communities-child-care.

CLEARLAKE Burns Valley Early Connection State Preschool. 2.9–4 yrs. Call for hours.

Childcare & early education. Located at Burns Valley Elementary School campus.

994-2272. lakecoe.org/preschool.

Eastlake Early Connection State Preschool. 9 a.m.–noon. 2.9–4 yrs.

Childcare & early education. Located at Eastlake Elementary School campus.

263-4563. lakecoe.org/preschool.

Eastlake Elementary School. 4–5 yrs. 9 a.m.–3:10 p.m. Transitional Kindergarten– readiness program. 998-3387. eles. konoctiusd.org.

Family Life Circle. 6 wks.–6 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Home-based family child-care program. Pre-K enrichment program. NCO-approved. Before- & after-school care. 349-4233. facebook. com/familylifechildcare.

North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies help pay for childcare for eligible families.

Meadow Brook Center: 994-0854. Pearl Center: 994-6045. ncoinc.org.

Pomo Early Connection State Preschool.

2.9–4 yrs. 8–11 a.m. & noon–3 p.m.

Childcare & early education. Located at Pomo Elementary School campus.

994-1960. lakecoe.org/preschool.

North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies help pay for childcare for eligible families.

Early Head Start: 459-1457. Head Start: 459-5141. ncoinc.org.

Pomo Elementary School. 4–5 yrs. 7:50 a.m.–1:20 p.m. Transitional Kindergarten– readiness program. 994-6744. pes. konoctiusd.org.

LAKE COUNTY

Kelseyville Early Connection State Preschool. 2.9–4 yrs. 8–11 a.m. & noon–3 p.m. Childcare & early education. Located at Kelseyville Elementary School campus.

279-6745. lakecoe.org/preschool.

Early Head Start. Lake Family Resource Center. 0–3 yrs. 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Subsidized childcare for qualifying families.

Offices: Clearlake, Kelseyville & Lakeport.

Hours & availability vary at each site.

279-0563. lakefrc.org.

October 2019

KELSEYVILLE

Kelseyville Elementary School. 4–5 yrs.

8 a.m.–2 p.m. Transitional Kindergarten– readiness program. 279-4232.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 13

Preschool & Day-Care Guide

LAKEPORT Beall’s Sunshine Family Childcare. 6 wks.–6 yrs. 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Specializing in day-care, nurseries, preschools & kindergarten.

263-4093.

Lakeport Christian Center Preschool/ Daycare. 2–5 yrs. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

262-5520.

Lakeport Early Connection State Preschool. 2.9–4 yrs. Morning & afternoon sessions. Childcare & early education.

Located at Lakeport Elementary School campus. 262-3005. lakecoe.org/preschool.

Lakeport Elementary School. 4–5 yrs.

8:15–11:55 a.m. Transitional Kindergarten– readiness program. 262-3005. lkptelem. lake.k12.ca.us.

North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies help pay for childcare for eligible families.

263-8213. ncoinc.org.

Rose Family Preschool Program. 3–5 yrs.

Call for hours. Structure Beginning & Pre-K programs. Small classes. More than 20 years of experience. 263-3283.

Training Wheels Child Care. 6 mos.–5 yrs.

7:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Hands-on preschool math, science, art & music programs.

349-0172. mytrainingwheelspreschool.com.

LOWER LAKE Lower Lake Early Connection State Preschool. 2.9–4 yrs. 8–11 a.m. & noon–3 p.m. Childcare & early education. Located at Lower Lake Elementary School campus.

263-4563. lakecoe.org/preschool.

LUCERNE Lucerne Early Connection State Preschool.

2.9–4 yrs. Call for hours. Childcare & early education. Located at Lucerne Elementary

Personal Nature Based Real World Learning

Lucerne Elementary School. 4–5 yrs. Call for hours. TK-Kindergarten–readiness program.

274-5578. lucerne.k12.ca.us.

MIDDLETOWN Middletown Early Connection State Preschool. 2.9–4 yrs. Call for hours. Childcare & early education. Located at Middletown Elementary School campus. 263-4563. lakecoe.org/preschool.

Minnie Cannon Elementary School. 4–5 yrs.

8 a.m.–1 p.m. TK-Kindergarten–readiness program. 987-4130. mc.middletownusd.org.

Lower Lake Elementary School. 4–5 yrs. 8:15 a.m.–2:25 p.m. TK-Kindergarten–readiness program. 994-5787. lles.konoctiusd.org.

Student Centered

School campus. 274-7723. lakecoe.org/ preschool.

UPPER LAKE North Coast Opportunities Head Start.

Licensed child-care centers. Subsidies help pay for childcare for eligible families. 275-2721. ncoinc.org.

UKIAH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT LEARN • INSPIRE • CREATE • GROW • COMMUNICATE • COLLABORATE • DEVELOP • INNOVATE

r f or & Pe l a u s 12 Vi STEM • K-

m in g A r t s

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT UKIAH UNIFIED

Art & Music Programs • Outdoor Education Career Education, Honors & AP Courses

ENROLL NOW!

An Accredited Alternative For Grades K-12 La Vida 707-459-6344 Charter 16201 Hwy 101, Willits School lavidaschool.org 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife

From Performing Arts classes with SPACE, to over 30 Career courses, we’re engaging our youth and helping One-To-One them create their Chromebooks future!

in 3rd-12th Grade

511 S. Orchard Ave. • 707-472-5000 • www.uusd.net

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Cooking with Kids

Apple Love Make a Traditional Fall Dessert

By Momma Chef

M

y oldest son gets all the credit for this dessert. After spending a wonderful autumn day picking apples, he asked me to make a yummy treat with the fruit we had collected. Together we assembled some ingredients, and this family favorite was born. Honestly, it is worth making just for the delicious aroma that fills the air.

Simple and Delicious Apple Crumble Ingredients • 1 cup old-fashioned oats • ½ cup brown sugar • ¾ cup whole-wheat flour • 1 tbsp. cinnamon

Tips 1. To save time, do not peel the apples.

2. This is best served with a scoop of regular or nondairy vanilla ice cream.

• ½ cup avocado oil or melted coconut oil (or any vegetable oil) • 6 Granny Smith apples cut into 2-inch squares (peeling apples is optional) Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Mix oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oil in a bowl.

Karen Nochimowski, the mom behind mommachef.com, has loved cooking for as long as she can remember. After her friends and family begged to be let in on her culinary secrets, she decided to create a blog featuring the quick, easy recipes everyone loved. Every recipe has only six or fewer ingredients and takes only six or fewer minutes to prepare.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

3. Spray 13” x 9” glass baking dish with nonstick spray.

4. Add sliced apples to bottom of the dish.

5. Sprinkle topping from the bowl over the apples.

6. Bake for 25 minutes.

Serves: 10

October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 15

bottle rocket (tinyurl.com/y5rmnjpc).

Discuss the science behind the blast.

Technology Make the computer your friend. Teach your child how to do research, make brochures for school projects, and use spreadsheets for

Go outside and drop a pack of Mentos in a two-liter soda.

Build Up STEAM 27 Ideas for Cultivating a Love of Learning

By Janeen Lewis

chores and allowances. When you take a family trip, let your child research places to visit.

Start coding early. Check out code.org for fun ways kids can code online. Other coding sites to try are Codeacademy, Kodable, Lightbot, Scratch, and Tynker.

Introduce Raspberry Pi. Kids can use this card-sized single board computer for basic programming.

TEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education has grown in popularity in recent years as the number of STEAM-related jobs continues to increase.

Foster a love of STEAM at home with these fun and easy ideas.

S

Make a stop-motion video.

Apps to try: Lego Movie Maker, Stop Motion Studio, Lapse It, iStopMotion, and Clayframes.

Science Welcome questions like “Why is the sky blue?” Questioning is the first step of the Scientific Method.

Use scientific words and make exploring a part of everyday life.

Use digital tools to help with schoolwork. Try merriam-webster. com, thesaurus.com, and khanacademy.com. Explore study-aid apps like Tinycards, and use the apps myHomework and MyGradeBook.

Create a kitchen science lab with common ingredients.

Make homemade ice cream in a Ziploc bag (tinyurl.com/y4lvzxd2); make butter out of heavy cream in a mason jar (sweetpaulmag. com/food/homemade-butterin-a-mason-jar); or grow geodes 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife

in eggshells (sciencebob.com/ eggshell-geode-crystals).

Encourage household problem-solving. Bread dough that doesn’t rise, an inside door that sticks in winter, or an insect infestation in the garden are gateways to hypotheses, experiments, and answers.

Have a blast—literally! Make a paper-mache baking soda and vinegar volcano (tinyurl.com/y76tlozm). Go outside and drop a pack of Mentos in a two-liter soda, or launch a

Engineering Teach kids the Engineering Design Process. Check out a kid-friendly version at teachengineering.com.

Keep building supplies on hand. Try Legos, wooden blocks, K’nex, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys,

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

and Duplo bricks. Use toothpicks or pretzels to build with cheese, grapes, and marshmallows. Check out Lego Robotics at the Redbud Library in Clearlake (facebook.com/ cmaslakecounty).

Sculpt with air-dry clay. Paint creations after they dry.

Create catapults. Some materials to try: Popsicle sticks, spoons, drink lids, rubber bands, and pom-poms. (See childsci.org/ popsicle-stick-catapult.)

Sign up your child for a creative writing class. Call the local library and ask about writing classes for kids.

Build a Rube Goldberg machine out of household materials.

This machine is intentionally designed to perform a simple task through a

Mentally work through problem-solving logic with your child. series of complex chain reactions. To learn more, visit rubegoldberg.com.

Join a radio control club. Planes, helicopters, and boats often inspire children. Building their own involves creativity and problem-solving skills.

Check out Wine Country Flyers Model Aircraft Club (wcflyers.com).

Arts Stock up on art supplies: watercolors, finger paints, crayons, colored pencils, pastels, construction paper, sketchbooks, and origami paper.

Listen to a variety of music genres. This will open your child’s mind to different artists and styles of music.

Read poetry books.

Math Teach number sense. Mentally work through problem-solving logic with your child. Laura Overdeck’s Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (Feiwel & Friends, 2013) is a good book for promoting math discussions.

Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (education.ti.com/en/activities/stem/ gen-stem) for videos connecting algebra, geometry, and physics to jobs such as fashion designer, pilot, and more.

Cook or bake together.

Measuring and figuring out equivalent fractions and conversions are all part of recipe building.

Try grocery-store math. Have kids compare prices for the best buys and stay within a weekly budget.

Experiment with evaporation art. Mix salt with water and paint.

Have your child predict what will happen to the salt and water. (See tinyurl.com/y3jdlysg.)

Measure the miles. When going on family outings, ask the kids to calculate the miles and time it will take to get to your destination and the amount and cost of gas you’ll use. ¶

Borrow a how-to-draw book from the library. Step-by-step directions will give your child more confidence.

Janeen Lewis is a writer, teacher, and mom. She has been published in several parenting publications across the country.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

October 2019

Never

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

They’re looking right here, to find you.

Call now. Don’t miss another month.

IN PRINT • ONLINE • EVENTS • CONTESTS

586-9562

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com MendoLakeFamilyLife 17

Women who breastfeed also reduce their risk of breast cancer, the NCI explains. The greater the total length of time spent breastfeeding during the child-rearing years, the greater the protection.

Oral contraceptives, according to the ACS, slightly increase risk. Though once a woman is off contraceptives for a period of 10 years, that risk is no longer present.

Beat Breast Are You Cancer at Risk?

By Kimberly Blaker

T

welve percent of women today will develop invasive breast cancer, and more than 40,000 will die from it this year alone, reports BreastCancer.org. That’s why a refresher course on risk factors and early detection is important.

Risk Factors There are several risk factors for breast cancer as identified by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Some of these are unchangeable but should be taken into account in developing a screening plan. Other risk factors are lifestyle-related.

Therefore women, especially those already at higher risk, should consider those factors she can control.

Some factors that are unchangeable and increase risk, according to the ACS, are female gender, aging, 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife

genetics, and race and ethnicity (white women are at slightly higher risk). A greater number of menstrual cycles, previous chest radiation, and exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) also put women at a slightly higher risk.

Other risk factors can often be controlled. Pregnancy and childbirth are one of these factors. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), having more than one child provides increased protection with each successive birth.

Hormone therapy for menopausal women can also increase risk. The ACS says estrogen alone is not a

Having more than one child provides increased protection with each successive birth. concern. For certain women, it can even slightly reduce the risk. But estrogen combined with progestin can increase risk.

Another risk factor is alcohol.

Having one drink daily increases risk only slightly, while the greater the consumption, the greater the risk. Having more than five drinks a day increases the risk for other cancers as well.

After menopause, being overweight or obese increases risk, says the ACS. But as the organization explains, the risk of breast cancer related to weight is complex. Those who have been overweight since childhood may not be affected. The distribution of excess body fat may also play a role. Waist area fat, in particular, may be more significant in increasing risk than fat in other parts of the body, such as hips and thighs.

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Exercise, however, has been shown to decrease risk, according to a study by the Women’s Health Initiative. It found just 1.25–2.5 hours of brisk walking each week can reduce risk by 18 percent.

Early Detection and Screenings While breast self-exams are no longer recommended, breast awareness— knowing how your breasts look and feel so you can report any changes—is still advised, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Clinical breast exams are also recommended. For women with average risk factors, these should be done every one to three years starting at age 20. Then at age 40, clinical exams should be done annually.

Women with greater risk factors

clinicians should discuss whether to screen for breast cancer with mammography before age 50 years.”

Physicians should discuss the potential harms and benefits with women. The potential harms, argues the ACP, outweigh the benefits for most women who are 40–49 years of age.

Finally, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that works best. So, mammography screening for breast cancer should be based on informed decisions and individualized plans. ¶ Kimberly Blaker is a freelance lifestyle writer. Find her at kimberlyblaker.com.

FAMILY LIFE-SAVER !

NEW! NEW Low Fares, Extended Service Area, No Waiting!

Women who breastfeed reduce their risk of breast cancer. should have exams more often and consult with their doctor for the recommended frequency.

In terms of mammography, the latest cancer screening guideline by the ACS recommends women with average risk should begin regular mammography screenings at age 45. Then they should be screened annually until they reach 54. After that, they should transition to every two years, as long as they’re in good health with a life expectancy of at least 10 years.

Meanwhile, the American College of Physicians (ACP) states, “In average-risk women aged 40–49 years, www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Dial-A-Ride offers door-to-door service by appointment only for elders over age 62 and disabled people.

Service to: Ukiah, Talmage, Deerwood, Calpella, Redwood Valley, Lake Mendocino. Fare: $3-$6.

Call 24-hours in advance to make an appointment: (707) 462-3881 www.mendocinotransit.org October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 19

Family Fun Enchanted Pumpkin Path

Goblins & Goodies

7 Local Halloween Events Chance Franck

C

andy and costumes make Halloween one of the most anticipated kid-holidays of the year.

Check out these local activities for safe fun. And see our Calendar of Events (page 22) for more goings-on.

Ukiah: Pumpkin Fest This two-day event—the largest street fair in Mendocino County—offers a cornucopia of fall activities, including a haunted house, children’s carnival, Pumpkin Baking Contest, basketball tournament, craft vendors, and live music. It all begins with the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off on October 18, 4–7 p.m., at the Alex R. Thomas Plaza. The festival itself runs October 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and October 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in downtown Ukiah. See cityofukiah. com/pumpkinfest for details.

MENDOCINO COUNTY Capella: Enchanted Pumpkin Path Storytelling is the focus of this whimsical Waldorf School of Mendocino County event. Little ones walk a path that winds through campus, stopping at stations where costumed actors play out different parts of a well-known, surprise fairy tale. The event will be held on October 31, 5­–8 p.m. Tickets are $8 and are available in advance after October 10 at the Mendocino Book Company in Ukiah and Cat’s Meow in Willits. See waldorfmendocino.com or call 485-8719 for more information.

Pumpkin Fest

20 MendoLakeFamilyLife

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Ukiah: Nowhere Haunted House At this adult-oriented haunt, the old Probation building, at 280 E. Standley Street, will transform into an abandoned spaceship where attendees will discover the fate of the crewmembers. The house, called Nowhere, will run October 18–20, 25–27, and October 31– November 2. Hours will be 8 p.m.–midnight, except on Halloween, when it will be open until 1 a.m. Admission is $10. Find out more at cityofukiah.com.

mendo lake

LOCAL for 25 years

#1 local resource for local families magazine • web • email

Lake County Clearlake: Trunk or Treat For those parents who would rather not take their kids door-to-door, there is this free Clearlake Youth Center event, where they can go trunk-to-trunk instead. Volunteers decorate and then fill up the trunks of their vehicles with candy for eager trick-or-treaters. Goodies will be dispersed on October 31 at 4 p.m. at Austin Park. For further info, see facebook.com/trunkortreatclearlake.

Kelseyville: Autumn Festival Not grapes but pumpkins will be the stars of the show at this free Boatique Winery event. Families can search for their special squash at a pumpkin patch, take hayrides, and listen to live music. There’ll also be face painting for the kids and wine by the glass for moms and dads. The fun happens on October 26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Learn more at boatiquewines.com.

Lakeport: Kiwanis Kids Halloween Fair Little ones can guess the size of a pumpkin, dazzle judges with a creative costume, play games, or just sneak sweets at this free event, which will be held at Terrace Middle School on October 31, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Find out more at facebook.com/lakeportkiwanis.

Lakeport: Pumpkin Festival and Dia Des Los Muertos Celebration Grown-ups can peruse the work of local artisans, watch a performance of ballet folklórico, or compete in a corn-hole tournament while kids explore a petting zoo, do crafts, or jump around in a bouncy house at this free, inaugural event. There’ll also be a scarecrow-decorating contest, mini haunted house, food vendors, and beer and wine. The party happens on October 5, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., on Main Street in downtown Lakeport. A street dance, featuring local band the L. C. Diamonds, will start at 4 p.m.

Go to lakeportmainstreet.com for more information. www.mendolakefamilylife.com

October 2019

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

• What did you like?

• What didn’t you like?

• What subjects would you like us to cover?

• Got any local story ideas? e-mail melissa@family-life.us

MendoLakeFamilyLife 21

October Calendar of Events

Shake It for Scholarships

A

community wants the best for its young graduates.

And one of the ways it can show its support is to raise money for their college educations. The Jillian Billester Scholarship Benefit aims to do just that. The evening will be all about dancing as the Psychedellos and the Fargo Brothers take to the stage and churn out the grooves. The concert will be held on October 11 at 7 p.m. at Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at soperreesetheatre.com. ¶

Friday 4 The 39 Steps. Fast-paced whodunit.

$11–$20. Thursdays–Saturdays: 7 p.m.

Sundays: 2 p.m. Runs thru Oct. 13.

Ukiah Players Theatre. 1041 Low Gap Rd., Ukiah. ukiahplayerstheatre.org.

I & You. Two-person

play about love & loss, starring local youth.

Thru Oct. 20. Oct. 17: 7:30 p.m., $15. Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 p.m., $20. Sundays: 2 p.m., $15. Willits Community Theatre. 37 W. Van Ln., Willits. willitstheatre.org.

22 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Psychedellos

Harvest Party. Live music by Double Standyrd. $18–$28. Ages 4 & younger: free. 5:30–9 p.m. Pennyroyal Farm. 14930 Hwy. 128, Boonville. pennyroyalfarm.com.

FREE Upper Lake Lego Club. Legos

provided. For kids of all ages. Fridays.

3:30–4:30 p.m. Upper Lake Library.

310 2nd St., Upper Lake. facebook. com/lakecountylibrary.

J & L Haunted House. $3. Ages

9 & younger: free. 7–11 p.m. Oct. 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–31. 3675 Rd. B,

Redwood Valley. facebook.com/ jl-haunted-house-199415163934346.

Saturday 5 FREE Climate Change Quilt Plastic Upcycling Workshop. Local quilter legend Laura Fogg will lead this free workshop in which participants will create an upcycled quilted wall. Oct. 5 & 6. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mendocino College. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. Register: 485-4379. facebook. com/mendocinocollege.

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

FREE Pumpkin & Dia de los Muertas Street Festival. Craft

vendors, petting zoo, mini haunted house, scarecrow-decorating contest & children’s crafts. Food, beer & wine.

11 a.m.–7 p.m. Street dance with live music: 4–7 p.m. Main St., Lakeport. lakeportmainstreet.com/event/ pumpkin-festival.

Sundays in Oct. $10.95–$52.95.

(Mendo Lake local discount).

Departing from Fort Bragg & Willits.

Fort Bragg: 100 W. Laurel St. Willits: 299 E. Commercial St. 964-6371. skunktrain.com/pumpkin-express.

program at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley. Registration: 7:30–8:30 a.m.

Race start: 9 a.m. Register: $25–$40.

Registration: 260 Hospital Dr., Ukiah.

Race: Rail Trail, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/ y3chq6w5.

Colors for Cancer. Wear white.

Benefits the Focus on Healing

1-mile, flat walk. 40–50 minutes.

FREE Ukiah Community Walk.

Meals-on-Wheels Benefit Dance.

Sponsored by Plowshares. Featuring Funky Dozen. Wine, brews & BBQ. $75. 5–9 p.m. Barra of Mendocino.

7051 N. State St., Redwood Valley. plowsharesfeeds.org.

Harvest Tea. Tea sandwiches &

sweets, live entertainment, raffles & door prizes. Minimum donation: $15.

2–4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church Social Hall. Corner of Perkins & Dora Streets, Ukiah. Tickets: 468-9235.

FREE Community Wellness Dinner. An evening for cultivating the well-being of fire survivors & their community. 5 p.m. Mendocino College. The Oak Grove. 1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. RSVP required: redwoodfiredinner. brownpapertickets.com.

Falling Leaves Quilt Show. Show of

200 quilts. Demos & silent auction. $10. Ages 11 & younger: $2. Oct. 5: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 6: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Lake County Fairgrounds. 401 Martin St., Lakeport. llqg.org/quilt-show.html.

FREE Fort Bragg Kids Craft Time.

Supplies provided. Saturdays. 11 a.m.–noon. Fort Bragg Library.

499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.

Sunday 6 Pumpkin Express. Ride Skunk Train to a pumpkin patch & pick a pumpkin.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 23

Kids & pets welcome. 10 a.m. Ukiah Rail Trail. Ukiah. facebook.com/ walkbikemendocino.

FREE Children’s Health Fair. Free

medical screenings, children’s activities & giveaways. Sponsored

by Adventist Health. 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Alex Rorabaugh Center. 1640 S. State St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ freechildrenshealthfair.

Taste of Autumn. Kids’ activities,

wood-fire baked bread, homebrew-beer– tasting & silent auction. $5–$30.

Ages 4 & younger: free. 1–5 p.m. Frey Vineyards Winery. 14000 Tomki Rd., Redwood Valley. eventbrite.com.

SonoMusette. Mid-20th century

Parisian music. $20. 2 p.m. Willits Community Theatre. 37 W. Van Ln., Willits. brownpapertickets.com.

Monday 7 Rock Painting. $5 per person includes 2 rocks & the use of paints & paintbrushes. 6–8 p.m. Slam Dunk Pizza. 720 N. State St., Ukiah. facebook.com/slamdunkpizza.

Tuesday 8 FREE Facts vs. Nonsense Meet Up for Teens. Teens use creative research

& reliable sources of information to solve cases. Every second & fourth Tuesday of the month. 4–5 p.m. Ukiah Library. 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. facebook.com/ukiahlibrary.

Wednesday 9 FREE Virtual Reality. Virtual reality

sessions (10–15 minutes) with Oculus Rift. For ages 12 & older. Wednesdays.

4 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns

Valley Rd., Clearlake. facebook.com/ redbudlibrary.

Thursday 10 FREE Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. Thursdays—Saturdays: 10

a.m.–4 p.m. Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. 21267 Calistoga Rd., Middletown. friendsofgibson.com.

Friday 11 Jillian Billester Scholarship Benefit.

Psychedellos & Fargo Brothers dance benefit. $15. 7 p.m. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.

Saturday 12 Gualala River Run. 5K & 10K walk/

runs. (Also new 5K color run.) 9 a.m.

Registration: $30–$35. Kids’ dash: 8:30

UKIAH JUNIOR ACADEMY

FALL FESTIVAL

Academics, Art, Music, Foreign Language and More.

FREE

ADMISSION

TH OCTOBER 20 NOON-4PM

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Box Maze • Water Balloon Launch • Horseback Rides Carnival Games • Bounce House • Raffle Homemade Goodies • Crafts • Food Silent Auction & Pie Auction 180 Stipp Lane, Ukiah • myuja.org 24 MendoLakeFamilyLife

Teaching compassion, integrity, confidence and self-motivation For more information visit www.mendocinowaldorf.org 6280 Third Street w Calpella, CA 95418 w707-485-8719

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

a.m., $10. Gualala Arts Center. 46501 Gualala Rd., Gualala. runsignup.com.

FREE Heroes of Health & Safety Fair. Free flu shots, fluoride

treatments, health & dental screenings.

Jaws-of-life demo. Giveaways. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Lake County Fairgrounds.

401 Martin St., Lakeport. facebook. com/sutterlakeside.

FREE Steele Wines Harvest Festival.

Live music, aft & craft vendors, children’s activities. Wine tasting: 5 for $5. Thru Oct. 13. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

BBQ: 11 a.m. until food runs out.

Grape stomp: noon–4 p.m. Steele Wines. 4350 Thomas Dr., Kelseyville. facebook.com/steele-wines-62147745185.

FREE Second Saturday Gallery Reception. Featuring the work of

Derek A. DiOrio & Ryan Grossman.

Snacks, wine & live classical guitar music. 5–8 p.m. Mendocino Art Center. 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. mendocinoartcenter.org.

Steele Wines

Harvest Festival

Saturday & Sunday October 12th-13th 10 am–5 pm

GRAPE STOMP 12 NOON–4 PM Arts • Crafts • Food • Music Wine Tasting, 5 for $5 Grape Stomp • Story Telling Pie Eating Contest Hula Hoop Contest Kids Corner • Games

4350 Thomas Drive @ Hwy 29 • Kelseyville www.steelewines.com • 279-9475

SIGN UP TODAY FOR

Full Hunter’s Moon Lighthouse Tour.

Drinks & snacks served. $30. Oct. 12 & 13: 7 p.m. Reservations must be made by phone no later than 3:30 p.m.

3 days before event. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. 877-725-4448, ext. 1. pointarenalighthouse.com.

Sunday 13 Vineyard Run for Literacy. 5K run/

walk & 10K run. Entry fee: $15–$35.

Ages 0–6: free. Races: 9 a.m. Steele Wines. 4350 Thomas Dr., Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/y3z7bjhq.

Friday 18 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. 4–7 p.m.

Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/pumpkinfest.

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

n u FBlast!

Weekend

Find out what’s happening this weekend.

MendoLakeFamilyLife.com October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 25

Haunted House. The old Probation

building turns into an abandoned spaceship at this adult-oriented haunt. $10. Oct. 18–20, 25–27 & Oct. 31–Nov. 2. 8 p.m.–midnight. (Except on Oct. 31: 8 p.m.–1 a.m.) 280 E. Standley St., Ukiah. cityofukiah.com.

Wild Fire. A new play about local climate change. $16–$21. (Oct. 24: all seats $11.) Oct. 18–19 & 24–26: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27: 2 p.m.

Mendocino College Center Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. brownpapertickets.com. facebook. com/mendocinocollegetheatre.

Saturday 19 Dinner with Direction: Geography of Hope. Fundraiser for Lake County

Land Trust. Live music, silent auction & speaker. $85. 4–8 p.m. The Lodge at Blue Lakes. 5135 W. Hwy. 20, Upper Lake. lakecountylandtrust.org.

PumpkinFest. Haunted house, children’s carnival, Pumpkin Baking Contest, basketball tournament, craft vendors & live music. Oct. 19: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Oct. 20: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Downtown Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/ pumpkinfest.

Sunday 20 FREE Fall Festival. Box maze, water balloon launch, horseback rides, carnival games, bouncy house, raffle, homemade goodies, crafts, food, silent auction & pie auction. Noon–4 p.m.

Ukiah Junior Academy. 180 Stipp Ln., Ukiah. myuja.org.

Compton & Newberry. American

roots music performed by Mike Compton & Joe Newberry. $30–$35.

2 p.m. Mendocino College Theatre.

1000 Hensley Creek Rd., Ukiah. brownpapertickets.com/event/4257418.

Tamalpais Brass. $22–$25. Ages 17 & younger: free. 3 p.m. Preston Hall. 44867 Main St., Mendocino. symphonyoftheredwoods.org.

Friday 25 Noche Paella. Traditional seafood

& rice dish. Benefit for Parents & Teachers of Anderson Valley. $35.

Mac-and-cheese for kids: $15 (ages 4–15) or free for ages 0–3. Wine sold separately. Pennyroyal Farm. 14930 CA-128, Boonville. pennyroyalfarm.com.

Chicago. Musical performed by Lake County Theatre Company. $18–$28.

Fridays & Saturdays: 7 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. Runs thru Nov. 10. Soper Reese Theatre. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.

Wild Child

M

aurice Sendak was famous for writing and illustrating the 1963 classic picture book, Where the Wild Things Are. But he also penned a less well-known children’s musical, Really Rosie, featuring a girl who makes movies about the exciting, funny, dramatic (and slightly exaggerated) moments of her life. Gloriana Musical Theatre will bring Really Rosie, which boasts a score by folk icon Carole King, to the stage of Eagles Hall in Fort Bragg, on weekends October 4–20. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $10–$18; children younger than 5 get in free. Purchase tickets at gloriana.org. ¶

26 MendoLakeFamilyLife

FREE Oktoberfest. German food & beer. Live music & games. 5–10 p.m.

Thru Oct. 27. Sunday is Family Day: noon–5 p.m. Running Creek Casino.

635 E. Hwy. 20, Upper Lake. facebook. com/RunningCreekCasino.

Saturday 26 FREE Guided Nature Walk. 1-mile family-friendly walk. 9 a.m. Second &

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

fourth Saturdays. Rodman Preserve.

6350 Westlake Rd., Upper Lake. lakecountylandtrust.org.

FREE Autumn Festival. Pumpkin

patch, hay rides, live music, face painting & wine by the glass for purchase. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Boatique Winery. 8255 Red Hills Rd., Kelseyville. boatiquewines.com.

FREE Harvest Fest. Grape stomp

competition, pumpkin patch, wine sales & more. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Testa Vineyards. 6400 N. State St., Calpella. facebook.com/testavineyards.

FREE Gentle Yoga. Taught by Amelia

Bernard. Open to teens & adults.

Space is limited. Advance sign-ups are required. 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

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

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

Sign up: 463-4490. facebook.com/ ukiahlibrary.

Monday 28 Bloom Walk. Docent-led walks focus

on seasonal blooms. Free with regular admission ($8–$15; ages 5 & younger & active duty military: free). 1:30 p.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org.

Wednesday 30 FREE HTC Vive Virtual Reality.

Educational programs let kids swim with whales, fly planes, explore nature & more. 10-minute sessions.

4–5 p.m. Lakeport Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. facebook.com/ lakecountylibrary.

October 2019

Thursday 31 FREE Trunk or Treat. 4 p.m. Austin Park. 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. facebook.com/trunkortreatclearlake.

FREE Kiwanis Kids Halloween Fair.

6:30–8:30 p.m. Terrace Middle School.

250 Lange St., Lakeport. facebook. com/lakeportkiwanis.

Enchanted Pumpkin Path. Little ones walk a path along which costumed actors play out different parts of a well-known, surprise fairy tale. $8. Babes in arms: free. 4:30–8 p.m. Waldorf School of Mendocino County. 6280 Third St., Calpella.

485-8719. mendocinowaldorf.org.

MendoLakeFamilyLife 27

Have More Fun & Create Great Memories Get weekly FREE email updates for the best LOCAL family fun calendar visit

MendoLake Family Life.com

Marketplace Preschools

Schools

Give Your Give Child a Head Start!

Researchers at HREC

integrated with academics Near Brookside School at ✓ Referrals for transportation available Free & Low-Cost Spruce St. & Lincoln Way  National Green Campus Quality Preschool!

• Lake County Also providing FREE in-home services for

Have Dinner with a Scientist

 Promotes responsibility, Upper Lake - 2nd Street infants, toddlers & pregnant women!

Head Start Child Development Program

R

Ruth Stierna

esearchers are so busy in the lab, out in the field, or with their heads buried in books that sharing their work with non-researchers may rarely happen—unless they’re scientists at the Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC) in Hopland. Then there is an entire event, the Harvest Celebration, dedicated to sharing their work. Inquiring minds who attend the event can learn about HREC’s use of drones for post-fire research, see how a forest is recovering after a fire, and learn about wildlife research, all alongside the professionals who are involved in these projects. Besides the heady stuff, the event will also have a band, a live auction, and a lamb farm-to-table luncheon. The celebration happens on November 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Tickets are $70, or $15 for children younger than 16, and must be purchased by October 27. Register at bit.ly/ hreccelebration2019. ¶

B

www.mendolakefamilylife.com

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

Lakeport - Howard Ave. Clearlake - Pearl Ave. ClearlakeLocated - Meadowbrookon Dr.

• Coastnorth end of Fairgrounds Fort Bragg - Lincoln St. PO Box 966 Ukiah 95482

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

Accelerated Achievement  Academy 

Find a School or After-School Activity in our Online Directories MendoLakeFamilyLife.com

Rodman Preserve

eautiful public lands don’t always stay beautiful or public— unless they are protected. And this where the Lake County Land Trust comes in, working to preserve parcels of land so that future generations may enjoy them. To raise money to support its work, the Trust is holding the Dinner with Direction, which will include live music, a silent auction, and a talk on the Mayacamas to Berryessa Wildlife Corridor. The evening will be held on October 19, 4–8 p.m., at the Lodge at Blue Lakes in Upper Lake. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at lakecountylandtrust.org. To get a feel for what the Trust protects, take a free 1.5-mile guided nature walk on one of its properties, the Rodman Preserve in Upper Lake.

The family-friendly walks are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 9 a.m. The next one is on October 26. See the Trust’s website for more information. ¶

Lake - Clover Valley respect, andUpper peace

www.ncoinc.org Head Start

Get Mom’s Attention!

Nature’s Guardians

C E N T E R S

Free Your & Low-Cost Quality Preschool!

• Ukiah Child a classroomsTuition-free ✓ 1/2-day & full-day for Montessori North Ukiah - Bush St. ages 18 months to 5 years Nokomis - Washington Ave. Head elementary South forUkiah ages 5-13 - S. State St. ✓ Potty-trained not necessary Peach Tree - S. Orchard Ave. Start!

Hands-on, arts and music  ✓ Children with disabilities welcome • Willits

YOUR AD HERE Classifieds Work Call 586-9562

Focused on the future of each child  FREE public school  Support for struggling students  Small classes  Grades 4-12



    

 Call today! (707) 463-7080

mendo lake

LOCAL

#1 local for 25 years resource for local families magazine • web • email • events

Like Us On Facebook October 2019

MendoLakeFamilyLife 29

Humor Break not home, clean out literally every single toy bin and purge half the toys.

Pull It Together The Real Mom’s Guide to Getting Organized

By Meredith Ethington 1. Make sure you have a place for everything and that everything has a place. Have a backup place for everything, such as the dining room table, kitchen counters, or the middle of the living room floor. Teach your kids to put their backpacks on the hook you hung in your mudroom, and then watch as they throw them on the couch every single day after school.

2. Create a meal plan. Pin all pretty recipes on Pinterest. Make a menu plan that includes herb-crusted tilapia and teriyaki rice-noodle bowls. Buy all the groceries. For four days in a row, fix hot dogs, cereal, mac-and-cheese, and chicken nuggets for dinner. Finally muster up the energy to cook a real meal and realize all your expensive ingredients have now turned to mush in the bottom drawer of your fridge. Order pizza.

30 MendoLakeFamilyLife

3. Follow a routine. Get everyone an alarm clock. Trust your 7-year-old to set it before school the next day, and then jolt awake at midnight when it goes off on full blast, static mode. To get your kids to bed earlier, let them fall asleep in the car on the way home from the pizza place, and then carefully lay them, fully clothed, in the bed. Be surprised when they wake up at 4 a.m. wanting to play the kazoo next to your head because they went to bed at 5 p.m. the night before.

4. Regularly clean out closets and bedrooms. For 364 days of the year, swear under your breath every time you have to get something out of a closet or open your child’s bedroom door. Build up a foot-immunity to Legos since they are constantly not in their freaking place.

On the 365th day, when your kids are

5. Organize papers. Kids create a lot of paperwork, so create an elaborate file folder, complete with your child’s picture. Never put anything in it. Instead, leave papers on your kitchen counter until your 3-year-old knocks his drink over and ruins half of them. Quickly act like you are sad that you have to throw them away. Take what remains to a safe resting place in another room until you can throw them away later.

Avoid eye contact when your child asks where his certificate from the science fair went.

6. Keep your car clean. Every time you arrive home, tell everyone in the car to carry everything in. A week later, notice a horrifying smell and realize they did not listen to your directions. Pay lots of money to get your car professionally detailed and swear the kids can never eat or drink in the car again. As soon as someone cries, hand food or drinks back to them. Get faint whiffs of the rotting milk your child left in the backseat.

Sell your car.

7. Get a planner. Try for a while to keep things on your phone, but realize that you haven’t been getting your alerts since you never do the updates.

Forget important dates and events, and weekly apologize to your children.

Accept that you’re a hot-mess mom and probably always will be. Finally, get a planner to get your life organized.

Carry it with you everywhere. No seriously, you really need to do this. ¶ Meredith Ethington is the author of Mom Life: Perfection Pending (2018).

Find her at perfectionpending.net.

October 2019 www.mendolakefamilylife.com

& iTreats Tricks e g a l l V e at th

Saturday, October 26 • 11 am to 2 pm • Village Court Visit with the Pumpkin Fairy Godmother Photos available for a $5 donation to a Local Non-Profit*

Free Fun for the Kids • Join “The Count” and play Halloween Pictionary • Create a Pumpkin Photo Frame (perfect for framing the photo with the Pumpkin Fairy Godmother!)

• Make Boo-tiful Art with Village Art • Air-Brushed Face Painting • Balloon Artist Making Wearable Art for the Kids • Enter the Costume Contest (for information about the Contest, visit www.the101.fm) • Play Halloween Hopscotch for a Special Treat presented by Sole Desire • Visit Christo’s Haunted Salon for a Ghostly Good Time • Plus Lots of Fun Games & Activities • Find All Spook-tacular Details at www.mvshops.com

Admission is Free!

Event Sponsors:

* Local Non Profit

A PREMIER GHOULISH ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE

HIGHWAY 12 AT FARMERS LANE • SANTA ROSA • FREE PARKING • 707.545.3844

We’re more than the family practice you know and love.

Lance Ludington, MD, General Surgeon Dean Wisdom, Patient

We now have specialty providers too.

You may have noticed we recently welcomed new doctors to our Redwood Medical Clinic practice. We now offer a wide range of specialty services all under one roof. Visiting a specialist is just as easy as stopping by to visit your family practice provider. They’re all in one convenient location.

SPECIALTY SERVICES ALL IN ONE LOCATION. Orthopedics General Surgery Chiropractic Services Addiction Counseling Women’s Health Cardiology

To schedule an appointment, call

(707) 459-6115 Redwood Medical Clinic

3 MARCEL A DRIVE , WILLITS

Redwood Medical Clinic