ALL STUDENTS WHO TURN 4 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TK! STUDENTS TURNING 5 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR KINDER!
Our state-of-the-art TK/Kindergarten classrooms are the newest learning spaces in Ukiah. They are tailor made for Early Childhood education. Open spaces allow for group activities, custom furniture is just the right size, sinks and bathrooms are the perfect heights, and there is plenty of natural light. Plus, brand new playgrounds just for them!
If you’re considering ways to pamper your partner (and yourself) this month, this edition is for you as we share Valentine’s Day tips for busy parents (page 14). We also have a recipe for gluten-free cookie mixes to make with the kids you love — and perhaps you and your spouse sneak a few from the plate, too (page 7)! The love theme continues with some simple crafting options surrounding this month’s favorite holiday (page 16).
Family Life continues to help parents prepare for next school year’s educational decisions with an article from the president and CEO of the
California Charter Schools Association (page 10). It’s never too soon to research which environment may best suit your child.
Speaking of benefiting students, are you aware of the CalKIDS Scholarship? Learn more about the scholarship accounts available to millions of California children to help pay for college or career training after high school (page 12).
Lastly, consider if the featured read in this month’s Book Break might be for your middle schooler: “Follow the Water” by Ellen Cochrane is the true story of a teenage girl’s survival in the jungle (page 24). Parents may enjoy it, too!
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205-1539
Bake & Bond
Kid-Friendly Cookie Mixes
Valentine’s Day baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel meaningful. For many families, it’s less about elaborate desserts and more about slowing down and spending time together in the kitchen — no screens, no strict schedules, just a simple, hands-on activity everyone can enjoy.
Raised Gluten Free’s seasonal Valentine’s Day cookie mixes were created for moments like these. Available in Vanilla Chip and Confetti Sugar Cookie, the vegan, certified gluten-free mixes are handcrafted in small batches and made to be approachable for young bakers. Clear, super-simple steps and playful, colorful illustrations encourage kids to take the lead, from mixing to scooping, while still delivering deliciously soft, chewy cookies every time. The mixes are also free from the top nine allergens, making them a worry-free choice for classroom treats, playdates, or sharing with friends and family. As a sweet extra, each box also includes cut-out Valentine’s Day cards on the back to continue sharing the love. The limited-edition cookie mixes are available at Target locations in Northern California and nationwide, plus online. Grab a box and follow the instructions on the right!
6 tablespoons melted butter (or vegan butter) 1 egg or ¼ cup applesauce
1. Ask a grown-up to preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Mix together butter in a mixing bowl with a fork and egg (or applesauce).
3. Add dry mix and stir until combined.
4. Scoop dough onto 2 sheet pans with a tablespoon and handform until slightly flattened.
5. Ask an adult to put the pan in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Let cool completely and enjoy!
Easy Frosting Recipe
Make your cookies extra special with a sweet frosting layer. Simply whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar, ½ cup butter or vegan “butter,” 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread or drizzle on cookies and top with a heart-shaped strawberry.
Wings and Wizard Wands
Calling all fairies, royalty, and young wizards! Step into an enchanted world filled with creativity, imagination, and fairy-tale fun. Magical activities include: an enchanted wand workshop to create princess and fairy wings; a wizard’s crafting academy for little gents to design wizard hats and spell-casting wands with a fun beginner sewing lesson; kingdom games and magical play; plus, mystical yummy treats fit for royalty. Dress-up is encouraged – wings, crowns, capes, and imagination welcome! For children ages 3–12. $20 per child. Saturday, February 21 from 1–4 p.m. Clearlake Youth Center, 4750 Golf Ave., Clearlake. Find complete details and register at tinyurl.com/yc8yk3kh
Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine Tasting Competition
Have Family Fun With Child Experts
Easter Seals Learning Centers are a welcoming space where families can learn and play with their children, encouraging child development through fun with guidance from trained infant and child development specialists. Join them for some fun at this month’s events: Wednesdays from 9 a.m.–noon at Clearlake Center, 14085 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. Fridays from 3–6 p.m. at 1173 11th St., Lakeport. Call 707-413-6920, visit esnorcal.org, or go to tinyurl. com/4r67m4mw to learn more.
Support Area Clinics
Get ready for the Annual Crab Cake Cook-Off and Wine Tasting Competition to benefit Mendocino Coast Clinics. Indulge in crab cakes prepared by Mendocino County chefs. Sip luscious Mendocino County wines and savor specialty small bites prepared for your enjoyment, all while supporting health care on the Mendocino coast. Live, silent, and wine auctions will take place, along with a pledge drive and the opportunity to vote in the People’s Choice Awards. Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission is $150-$250. Located in the Big White Tent at Main and Spruce, Fort Bragg. Sponsor or donate at crabwinefestival.org
CLARA SHOOK
Dads and Daughters Get Ready to Dance
In addition to toe-tapping music encouraging guests to hit the dance floor, the Father-Daughter Dance includes snacks and drinks. A raffle will also take place. Saturday, February 21 from 5–7 p.m. at The Brick Hall, 16374 Main St., Lower Lake. Tickets are available at the door; $25 buys admission for two. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2m2hfjek .
Celebrate Mardi Gras
St. Mary of the Angels Catholic School invites the community to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras at its annual Mardi Gras fundraiser. This celebratory evening will feature cocktails, a gourmet dinner by Garbocci Catering, casino-style gaming, live and silent auctions, and dancing with Northern California’s premier dance band, The Funky Dozen. Saturday, February 21 from 5–11:30 p.m. Admission is $100 at Carl Purdy Hall, Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. To purchase tickets, visit StMarysUkiah.org/ MardiGras, or call St. Mary’s School at (707) 462-3888.
Valentine’s Crab Feed
The Mendo Food Network Valentine’s Crab Feed features live music, a dessert auction, and a small silent auction. Proceeds sustain MFN programs, serving emergency food to more than 14,500 people in need throughout Mendocino County through food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, and more. Saturday, February 14, from 4–8 p.m. Admission is $75 at Tall Guy Brewing, 362 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg. Donate through the event page, or use the QR code when picking up your meal to choose a recurring donation of your choice, and be entered in a raffle to win a package of 12 free movies for two: tinyurl.com/334jwtds
St. Mary School
Mardi Gras
Charter Choice Alternative Schools Winning Support
By Myrna Castrejón
Charter public schools are free, open to all, and built on one simple promise: give every child — regardless of ZIP code, language, or income — a chance to thrive. These schools operate with the flexibility to meet students where they are, while being held to the highest standards for results. And the results speak volumes.
Just look at recent state test scores from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CASPP). Once again, the results confirm what parents have long known — charter schools are helping historically underserved students thrive. In English, 49.7 percent of charter students met or exceeded standards, compared to 49.2 percent in non-charter schools. In math, 36.7 percent of charter students met
standards, compared to 37.9 percent statewide.
That might sound like just numbers, but behind every percentage point are thousands of children reading more confidently, solving tougher equations, and discovering that college is within reach.
In Los Angeles County, nearly 100 charter schools beat the county averages for low-income
“A new statewide poll shows 65 percent of California voters now support charter public schools …”
students — a population that is overwhelmingly Latino. Twenty of those schools ranked among the top 10 percent statewide, and six placed in the top 5 percent.
As Jonathan Slakey, California Charter Schools Association’s Managing Director of Education Data Analytics, noted, “Almost 100 charters in the LA area had students outperforming county averages with low-income students. This includes 20 charter schools where students are in the top 10 percent statewide for low-income students, and six schools where students are in the top 5 percent. This includes PUC Milagro Charter
— whose English learner, Hispanic, socioeconomically disadvantaged and students with disabilities all scored in the top 5 percent of test-takers statewide.
In San Bernardino, Orange, and San Diego, almost 200 charters had above average results with Hispanic students this year, including LaVerne Elementary Prep, in Hesperia, where Hispanic students scored in the top 5 percent statewide. Over 60 percent of Hispanic students met or exceeded English and Math standards in 2025.”
In Coachella, NOVA Academy achieved a 68 percent English proficiency rate, even though nearly nine in 10 of its students qualify for
free or reduced-price lunch.
These are stories of progress, not privilege. They are proof that when families are empowered to choose the right public school for their
“…charter schools are helping historically underserved students thrive.”
children — and when educators are trusted to innovate — the results are transformative.
And the momentum is growing. A new statewide poll shows 65 percent of California voters now support charter public schools, the highest level of support, and that number
is even stronger among parents of color. Despite the political noise, a majority — 53 percent — say their opinion of charters has stayed positive for years.
That’s because they see what’s happening in their own neighborhoods. They see children succeeding. California families have spoken, and they are saying yes — to quality, to opportunity, and to charter public schools. ❖
Myrna Castrejón has been the President and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association since January 2019. Innovate & Educate is an occasional column in which she explores statewide K-12 issues through a charter public school lens.
CalKIDS Scholarship
Claiming Your Child’s Funds
As families continue setting goals for the year ahead, California is reaffirming its commitment to young people through CalKIDS, the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program.
Backed by a $2 billion statewide investment for more than 5 million children, CalKIDS is the largest education-focused asset-building effort in the nation, providing automatic scholarship accounts to millions of California children and students to help pay for college or career training after high school.
As families increasingly think about meaningful gifts over mindless spending and prepare for the opportunities a new school year brings, claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship
Account is a simple step with a lasting impact. Eligible children and students can receive between $175 and $1,500 in free scholarship funds, with no application, no essays, and no income verification required.
These funds are already set aside for children and students and can be used for qualified higher education expenses, making CalKIDS one of the most accessible scholarships available to California families.
“CalKIDS has been an amazing success, with nearly 1 million scholarship accounts already claimed
by California families,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, Chair of the ScholarShare Investment Board, which administers CalKIDS. “As we look ahead to the new year, families across the state still have
a tremendous opportunity to claim scholarship dollars already set aside for their children and students, funds that can help lower the cost of college or career training and expand what’s possible for their future.”
More than 60 percent of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $1,500. When CalKIDS launched in 2022, the program awarded scholarship accounts to students from elementary school to high school, meaning current college students may also be able to claim and use their CalKIDS Scholarship funds today. Awardees can use their funds until age 26.
Additionally, 100 percent of newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California automatically receive a CalKIDS Scholarship Account worth up to $175. This includes an initial scholarship awarded at birth, with additional incentives available when families claim the account and link it to a ScholarShare 529 College Savings Plan where they can continue saving on their own.
CalKIDS Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees, required books and
supplies, computer equipment, and other qualified education expenses at accredited institutions nationwide making CalKIDS one of the simplest and most flexible scholarships students can claim in the year ahead.
To date, CalKIDS scholarship funds have been used by nearly 150,000 students toward their academic success at a college or career training program.
How Students and Families
Can Claim a CalKIDS
Scholarship: Claiming a CalKIDS Scholarship takes only a few minutes at CalKIDS.org
• For public school students, including those who are now college-aged, families will need the Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a 10-digit
number found on school portals, report cards, or by contacting the public school the student attended during the 2021–22, 2022–23, or 2023–24 academic years.
More than 60 percent of public-school students in grades 2 through 12 are eligible for a CalKIDS Scholarship Account …
• For children born in California on or after July 1, 2022, families will need the child’s date of birth and the Local Registration Number, a 13-digit number found on the birth certificate. Once an account is claimed, families can log in at any time to view their
TK/Kindergarten through Eighth Grade
scholarship balance, link it to a ScholarShare 529 account, learn how the funds can be used, and request a disbursement once the student is enrolled in higher education or career training.
CalKIDS reflects California’s long-term commitment to expanding opportunity, reducing education costs, and investing early in the success of its young people.
Families are encouraged to check if they have a CalKIDS Scholarship Account available by visiting CalKIDS.org. ❖
Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, and chaired by State Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA, CalKIDS is designed to promote the pursuit of higher education statewide by empowering families to build assets, nurture savings habits, and raise their educational aspirations.
Pamper Your Partner
Valentine’s Tips for Busy Parents
By Sarah Lyons
When you become a parent, it seems like life can become very busy, very quickly. Trying to get enough sleep, juggling work and school, activities, and taking care of little ones often take center stage in the home. While balancing schedules and managing the household, parents must become more intentional about spending quality time with each other. Show your partner how much you love and appreciate them with a little extra pampering this Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas that are meaningful but aren’t impossible for a busy couple.
Go to the spa. What could make your partner feel more pampered than a day at the spa? Offer to take care of the kids and send your partner off to the salon for a day of relaxing or get a babysitter and go as a couple. If a spa isn’t your partner’s thing, offer to take the kids while
he or she spends the day doing a favorite pastime. Your spouse is sure to come home rejuvenated.
Dinner in. When our children were young, a babysitter was not in the budget. My husband and I would put the kids to bed early once a week and either get take-out or cook a special meal at home.
No TV, phones, or electronics; just conversation and quality time together. For busy parents, a quiet night is a perfect way to unwind.
Date night. A date night is always a great way to connect. Plan a night on the town doing things that you and your partner enjoyed before you became parents. If hiring a babysitter isn’t an option and family
The demands of parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your partner.
is unable to help, try swapping with another couple. Watch their children for them while they enjoy a date night one weekend, and they can watch your children the next weekend while you and your spouse go out on the town.
Surprise them. Let your significant other know you are thinking about them by sending a surprise to their workplace. Flowers are nice, but also try cookies, balloons, a homemade treat, or even mail a card with a special note to their workplace. You could also take them to lunch if their schedule allows.
Do their “job.” In most relationships, responsibilities are divided between the two people, whether intentional or not. As a way to pamper your significant other, do one of their “jobs” without them asking. For example, if your spouse always mows the lawn, do it for them. If your spouse usually does all the grocery shopping, offer to do it one evening.
Another idea is to let them have the “day off” and do all of their normal responsibilities that day.
Leave a note. If you want to make your partner feel special, leave them love notes. Simple and sweet notes like “Thinking of you,” “I love you,” or “Have a great day” will let them know you care. Have fun with it and try leaving notes in a coat pocket, in their coffee mug, in their car, or anywhere else you know it will surprise them.
You pick. If your relationship is anything like mine, we come to a compromise on what we would like for dinner, what movie to watch, or what activity we will do. Give your partner the chance to pick what you
will do the whole day. There can be no complaining about their choices, just focus on doing the activities your partner enjoys doing with you.
Show your partner how much you love and appreciate them with a little extra pampering this Valentine’s Day.
Pick up a fave. One of my favorite ways to let my husband know I am thinking about him is to just pick up a favorite of his while I am out. If I am at the gas station, I grab his favorite drink, gum, or candy. At the grocery store, I pick
up his favorite ice cream or snack. I rent a movie he likes, cook his favorite meal, or buy him a shirt with his favorite sports team logo. It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, just something to let him know I was thinking of him while I was out. The demands of parenting can leave little time for romantic dates with your partner. This doesn’t mean that working on your relationship and making your spouse feel loved and appreciated isn’t a high priority. During the busy years of parenting, try these tips to show one another you care and keep your relationship going strong. ❖
Sarah Lyons and her husband, Justin, have been married for 20 years and have six children together.
The Medi-Cal Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental services for children and adults.
The MediCal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. good oral health childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Tooth decay is
Cal Dental Program provides free or lowcost dental services for children and adults. your overall health. good oral health childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
A healthy smile plays a big role in your overall health. Establishing good oral health habits in early childhood is the best way to fight tooth decay and the first step for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Tooth decay is preventable!
Tooth decay is
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-a-dentist or call 1-800-322-6384.
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
To find a Medi-Cal dentist, go to smilecalifornia.org/find-adentist or call 1-800-322-6384. Funded by the CDPH under Contract #22-10177
Heart Art
By Kimberly McLeod
PValentine Crafts for Kids
aper rolls are one of my favorite recycled materials to craft with, and they’re the perfect recycled material to make hearts! Whether you shape the paper rolls into hearts and glue them down or use them for stamping, save those paper towel rolls for some fun, recycled heart crafts this Valentine’s Day.
Supplies Needed
• Paper rolls (paper towel rolls are perfect for this activity)
• Paint
• Paper
• Paint brushes
• A paper plate or paint palette
How to Make Paper Roll Stamped Hearts
1. First, bend the paper roll into a heart shape. If you cut the paper roll in half, use the end of the paper roll for stamping because it’s flat and will stamp flush to the page.
2. Add paint to your paper plate. Then stamp the paper roll into the
You now have lots of little paper roll hearts you can glue down to the page and make 3D art.
paint and then stamp onto your paper. Make lots of paper roll heart shapes on the page until you’re happy with how it looks.
3. Stamp in another color for variety.
4. Paint the inside of the hearts with a paint brush with the rest of the paint.
TRY THIS! Instead of stamping, shape the paper roll into a heart shape and then cut the paper roll into smaller pieces. You now have lots of little paper roll hearts you can glue down to the page and make 3D art.
Here are some more ideas of how to use paper roll heart stamping:
Make lots of paper roll heart shapes on the page until you’re happy with how it looks.
1. Make a card — use the paper roll hearts to stamp onto Valentine’s Day cards! You can stamp onto a full sheet of cardstock and then fold in half to make a card.
2. Make wrapping paper — roll out a large sheet of butcher paper and have kids stamp paper roll hearts on the paper. Use different colors. You can also use this to make a Valentine-themed table cloth.
3. Make collage art — Stamp with black paint instead, and allow the paint to dry. Once dry, use a marker to color in the different sections of each heart with a different color. You’ll get a fun collage art piece.
Don’t have paper rolls? You can achieve a similar technique using sponges or a heart cookie cutter. ❖
With a community of over 5 million followers across social media, author and mother Kimberly McLeod created The Best Ideas for Kids for busy parents, teachers, and childcare providers. The Best Ideas for Kids is a popular platform with DIY craft ideas, screen-free activities, recipes, and printable worksheets that keep kids entertained for hours!
Introduction
Are you curious about how to prepare your child for kindergarten? Will she get along with other children? Will he follow instructions? Will she be able to use the bathroom independently? If these questions are on your mind, NCO Head Start is here to help.
NCO Head Start has been a vital part of early childhood education for children and families for the past 56 years. Our program aims to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond by focusing on their overall development, including academic, social, and emotional growth.
Early Academic Foundations
We emphasize early learning with play-based activities that develop key skills in reading, math, and critical thinking. Research shows that children in Head Start often start kindergarten with better vocabularies, letter recognition, and early math skills compared to those who didn't attend.
Individualized Learning Approaches
Our personalized approach is a major strength. We observe each child to understand their needs and strengths, tailoring their teaching methods accordingly. This ensures every child gets the support they need to thrive academically.
Parental Involvement
We recognize the vital role of families in education. We work closely with parents, encouraging involvement through regular communication, classroom participation, and resources for home learning. This collaboration improves children's academic outcomes and fosters a love of learning.
GIVE YOUR CHILD A HEAD START!
Serving families in Lake and Mendocino Counties with eleven sites
classroom experiences for children aged 3 months - 5 years
SCAN TO GET STARTED!
February Calendar of Events
Monday 2
Walking Moai. Walk with family and friends for fitness and community engagement. 5:15 p.m. Xabatin Community Park. 800 N. Main St., Lakeport. discoverlakeportca.com.
Tuesday 3
FREE Tech Tuesday. Bring your device for tech tutoring to any Lake County Library branch, Tuesdays between 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. Any Lake County Library. library. lakecountyca.gov
Join us for stories & songs. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Middletown
Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. Registration required. Call 707-987-3674 to register. library.lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Geneology Open Lab. Open to anyone interested in geneology. First Tuesday of the month. 1–2 p.m. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Game On! Family Game Time. Board games, card games and/or Nintendo Switch! All ages welcome. 2:30–4 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N. Main St., Lakeport. library. lakecountyca.gov
Wednesday 4
FREE Nintendo Switch. Play the library’s Nintendo Switch every 1st, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. 3–4:30 p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Virtual Reality. For adults and kids ages 13 & up. 4–5 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N Main St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Bad Art Paint & Sip. Mocktails & hilarity as participants attempt to recreate actual works of art. Adults of all skill levels. First Wednesday of the month. 5–6 p.m. Redbud Library.
14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Evening Book Club. Read and discuss a different book each month. 5:30–7 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N Main St., Lakeport. library. lakecountyca.gov.
Trivia Night. Weekly trivia night with food & prizes. 7–8 p.m. (likely runs longer, repeats weekly). The Thirsty Axe, 209 School St., Ukiah. visitmendocino.com/events/category/ wine-events.
Friday 5
FREE Walking Group. Start your day on the right foot! 9–10 a.m. Outside Lakeport Library. 1425 North High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Storytime. Picture book story time with songs, rhymes, & games. 10:15–11 a.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Author Talk. Enjoy virtual, live talks and Q&A from bestselling authors. This month novelist Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of Island Queen and Murder in Westminster. 4–5 p.m. Online. library.lakecountyca.gov
Whiskey & Blues Seafood Dinner. Enjoy a dinner featuring fresh seafood and whiskey pairings from Tamar Distillery, accompanied by live blues music from Big Mo, Volker Strifler, and Chris Nichols. 6:30–9 p.m. HarborView Bistro and Bar, 500 Casa Del Noyo, Fort Bragg. mendocinocoast.com.
Friday 6
FREE Storytime. Join us for some fun stories, plays, & songs. For kids & their grown-ups. Geared for 0–6 age range, but older siblings are always welcome. Most Fridays & Saturdays. 10:15–11 a.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N Main St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Beginner’s Dungeons & Dragons. Club for kids 8–12 years old. Every Friday (except the last Friday of each month). 3–4:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 707-987-3674. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov
Saturday 7
FREE Happy Trails Hiking Book Club. Walks/hikes at Anderson Marsh
State Park along with book discussions. 8–9 a.m. Saturdays. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov
Ukiah Certified Farmers Market. Shop for fresh, local produce and enjoy the community atmosphere. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Alex Thomas Plaza, Downtown Ukiah. visitukiah.com/ venue/alex-thomas-plaza
FREE Lego Club. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call 707-994-5115 to register. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Author Talk. Enjoy virtual, live talks and Q&A from bestselling authors. Welcome to the whacky brain of Jordan O’Halloran for this edition. 1–2:30 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785
Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Dungeons & Dragons. 5th edition club for kids 13+ years old. Saturdays. 3–4:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Call 707-987-3674. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown. library.lakecountyca.gov.
FREE Stitchaholics. Calling all knitters & crocheters; all cross-stitchers & needlepointers, & every stitch in between. 2–4 p.m. Saturdays. Redbud Library, 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. library.lakecountyca.gov
Square Dances, Polkas, & Rounds. Enjoy an evening of traditional dancing with live music to support local scholarships. 6:30–9 p.m. SPACE
Theater, 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. tinyurl.com/3amb5crv
Tuesday 10
FREE Weekly ESL Conversation Club. Practice English with your peers in a small group setting. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Online. Call 707-263-7633 to sign up. library.lakecountyca.gov
Wednesday 11
FREE Cookbook Club. Prepare, share & critique recipes. Learn about all the fun new cookbooks at the library. Noon–1 p.m. Lakeport & online. To sign up, call 707-263-8817. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. Also, available via Teams. Email library@lakecountyca. gov to join via Teams. library. lakecountyca.gov.
Library at the Market. Stop by the library table to check out all the happenings it has to offer. You might even get a free book to take home. 2:30–4:30 p.m. Fort Bragg Farmers Market on Franklin Street. mendolibrary.org/events.
FREE All Grown Up Coloring Group. Adults of all ages, get together every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Bring your own supplies or use those provided. Monthly themed coloring pages provided. Space is limited. 5:30–6:30 p.m. Redbud Library. 14785 Burns Valley Rd., Clearlake. Call to reserve your spot: 707-994-5115. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Thursday 12
FREE Author Talk. Enjoy virtual, live talks and Q&A from bestselling
authors. Join Dr. Lindsey Stewart, award-winning author and professor of philosophy in this edition. 11 a.m.–noon. Online. library.lakecountyca.gov
Friday 13
134th Annual Cloverdale Citrus Fair. A multi-day fair featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, food, and citrus exhibits for all ages. Starts at noon February 13–16. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds. 1 Citrus Fair Dr., Cloverdale. cloverdalecitrusfair.org
Saturday 14
Fort Bragg Whale Fest. Celebrate the whale migration with various community events around Fort Bragg. All day (times vary by event). Various locations in Fort Bragg. visitfortbraggca.com.
FREE Yarn Wizards Club. Yarn enthusiasts work on their own projects, share their knowledge, & learn from each other. 10–11 a.m. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Mini Matters. RPG, dollhouse, model train, aquarium/terrarium, miniatures and terrain of all types. Work on your own project or get one of the library’s 3D printed minis to paint and take home. Ages 8+, all skill levels. 10 a.m.–noon. Lake County Library. 1425 N. High St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov.
International White Wine Festival. Families can attend the public tasting event to sample local wines and gourmet pairings (age restrictions may apply to alcohol consumption).
FREE Genealogy Class. Open to anyone interested in pursuing family history. Bring a notebook and writing utensil. Lakeport Library. 140 N. Main St., Lakeport. For more information about the class, email sleeperseeker@gmail.com library.lakecountyca.gov.
Second Saturday in Mendocino. Mendocino Village, downtown galleries, & businesses stay open for evening receptions & events with exhibiting artists. 5–8 p.m. Downtown Mendocino. visitmendocino.com.
Tuesday 17
President’s Day. Most government and library services will be closed for the public holiday.
Wednesday 18
Early Bird Outing. Join a guided outing at the botanical gardens focused on observing and identifying local Mendocino bird species. 8:30 a.m. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, 18220 California 1, Fort Bragg. mendocinocoastaudubon.org.
Saturday 21
Lower Lake Daddy-Daughter Dance. $25 two tickets. Snacks and drinks will be served. Tickets available at the door. 5–7 p.m. Brick Hall 1634 Main St., Lower Lake. tinyurl.com/ u7ukuh2a
Farmer’s Market at The Mercantile. A farmer’s market offering fresh produce and a local shopping experience. 10 a.m. The Shannon Mercantile. 4350 Thomas Dr., Lakeport. discoverlakeportca.com
FREE Aging, Dying & Afterlife Discussion Group. This book study group meets on the third Saturday of each month to read and discuss books that explore aging & dying peacefully. Noon–2 p.m. Upper Lake Library. 310 Second St., Upper Lake. library.lakecountyca.gov
FREE Author Talk. Enjoy virtual, live talks and Q&A from bestselling authors. Welcome to the whacky brain of Jordan O’Halloran in this edition. 1–2:30 p.m. Lakeport Library. 140 N. Main St., Lakeport. library.lakecountyca.gov.
Tuesday 24
FREE Author Talk. Enjoy virtual, live talks and Q&A from bestselling authors. Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch in this edition.
11 a.m.–noon. Online. library.lakecountyca.gov
Thursday 26
FREE Adult Book Group. Contact the library to reserve a copy of the monthly selection then join us the last Thursday of the month for a lively discussion. 3 p.m. Fort Bragg Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. Contact: Dan Hess, hessd@mendocinocounty. org. fortbragglibrary.org.
Friday 27
FREE Gamer’s Craft. Every last Friday of the month, crafting all things geeky... painting mini game pieces, cosplay tutorials, costuming make-up, etc. Open to adults and children ages 8 and up. 3–4:30 p.m. Middletown Library. 21256 Washington St., Middletown.
Saturday 28
Father-Daughter Dance Konocti Vista Casino and Resort. $25 per couple & $10 per extra daughter. Price includes 30 minutes of unlimited arcade play card, first photo in photo booth. $5 price increase the day of the event at the door. Two seatings: 4 & 7 p.m. Konocti Vista Casino. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd. Lakeport. Tickets: tinyurl.com/2r58ar7x
FREE Lunar New Year Celebration. Year of the Horse. Dragon & lion dance, Taiko drumming, calligraphy and crafts, Chinese dance and orchestra, Jyun Kang restaurant food and more. Noon–3 p.m. City of 10,000 Buddhas. Bodhi Way, Ukiah. tinyurl.com/swek3f7m
Survival in the Amazon Middle School Book Shares True Story
Ellen Cochrane’s “Follow the Water” is a captivating and incredible true story of survival for middle grade readers, perfect for fans of “Hatchet” and graduates of the I Survived series.
On Christmas Eve 1971, 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke and her mother boarded a plane in Lima, Peru, bound for their home at the Panguana Research Station deep in the Amazon. Twenty minutes from landing, the plane was struck by lightning, and Juliane hurtled two miles down through the rainforest canopy, crashing on the jungle floor.
She woke up the next day with a broken collarbone, missing her glasses and one shoe, but incredibly, miraculously, alive. Pulling on every bit of knowledge her rainforest-studying parents imparted to her, she journeyed through the danger-filled jungle for 11 days. She was the sole survivor.
Complete with sidebars that explore and explain the science that allowed Juliane to survive her fall, the diversity of life in the Amazon jungle, the natural history of Peru and much more, “Follow the Water” is a powerful and unforgettable true story of survival against all odds.
Ellen Cochrane writes immersive nonfiction for young readers that trusts their intelligence and their emotions. Her debut, “Follow the Water,” is an adventure that reads like a thriller and teaches how science lives in the world: weather, rivers, canopy, and the choices that keep us alive.
ISBN-10: 152352863X
ISBN-13: 978-1523528639
A longtime middle school teacher of English, English learners, Spanish, and Russian, Ellen brings classroom clarity and compassion to complex topics. She studied science writing at Johns Hopkins, is a certified California Naturalist, and previously wrote a syndicated column exploring the natural world. As a teen exchange student she lived in Lima, Peru, and traveled the same route into the jungle that frames Juliane’s story. ❖
Ellen lives in Sacramento, where she champions literacy, nature education, and conservation. A portion of proceeds from “ Follow the Water” supports the Panguana Foundation. For more information, visit EllenCochrane.com.
This disclaimer clarifies that the magazine is reporting news from the publishing industry and is not offering an endorsement or review of the books mentioned.
