Striking a balance between the lazy days of summer and structured plans like camps and vacations can be tricky for families. Readers can find practical tips to craft a summer schedule that keeps everyone engaged, rested, and connected in this edition (page 10).
If a vacation is part of this summer’s plans, parents may be wondering how to give the kids amazing experiences and memories that’ll last a lifetime without going over budget. When it comes to strengthening family bonds, an old-fashioned staycation may be just what your wallet ordered (page 14).
This month is also when families celebrate dads — Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. Some ideas within offer creative ways to mark the occasion without falling back on old activities (page 16). Whatever you do, prepare the recipe in this edition for a hearty appetizer called Cowboy Cavier that every dad will enjoy (page 7).
As families spend more time outdoors, backyard playgrounds become the center of daily fun. A little awareness and routine maintenance helps fix playground safety issues before they become injuries (page 18).
Stay safe, have fun and enjoy some summer sun!
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Contributing Writers
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Rebecca Hastings
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Cowboy Caviar
Dad’s Day Chip Dip
This Father’s Day, swap the standard chips and salsa for a hearty, protein-packed appetizer that satisfies a crowd. Often called “Texas Caviar,” this colorful blend of black-eyed peas, black beans, and sweet corn is tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette that cuts through the summer heat. It’s the ultimate “man-food” side dish — sturdy enough to hold up in a cooler yet refined enough for a backyard celebration. Also, easy to make ahead of time and bring up to the cabin, or to make fireside while camping!
Packed with crisp bell peppers, creamy avocado, and a kick of jalapeño, it’s a versatile powerhouse. Whether Dad is relaxing on the deck or manning the grill, this dip pairs perfectly with salty tortilla chips or serves as a vibrant topping for grilled steaks and fish. Bold, zesty, and undeniably fresh, it’s a guaranteed home run for any outdoor feast.
Full of fresh, summery vegetables, this recipe makes a little less than a gallon of chip dip.
Source: The Blue Zones American Kitchen
Cowboy Caviar
1 cup olive oil
½ cup cider vinegar
2 T Stevia
1 can black soy beans, unsalted & drained
1 can Adzuki beans, unsalted & drained
3 ears of sweet corn, grilled
½ of a red onion
1 of each – yellow, red, and green bell peppers – finely chopped
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
1. In a bowl, mix together all beans, corn, red onion, and peppers.
2. Pour olive oil, cider vinegar and Stevia over the vegetable mixture and stir about.
3. Let the “caviar” marinate in the refrigerator overnight for best taste results (the longer it sits, the tastier it becomes).
4. Drain thoroughly, and serve with unsalted, corn tortilla chips.
Build Creative Skills at Summer Art Camps
Middletown Art Center announces its Lake County Legends Art Camp. The event includes healthy snacks, sibling and multi-week discounts, and scholarships. Work-trade is also available. Camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 15-Friday, June 19. Cost is $150. For more information, visit middletownartcenter.org/camp. Medium Art Center also hosts a Kids Summer Art Camp for kids ages 8–12. Campers strengthen foundational art skills while developing confidence, independence, and creative problem-solving. Monday, June 22–Friday, June 26 from 9 a.m.–1:15 p.m. $450 per session. Medium Art Center, 110 S. School St., Ukiah. Register at mediumarts.org/ summerartcamp.
Explore Wine Lover’s Vineyard and More
While centered on wine, the 27th Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival offers a picturesque agricultural setting for families to explore. The weekend features experiences for every wine lover, from a vineyard seminar and sunset BBQ focused on sustainable farming, to the Grand Tasting showcasing Pinot Noir, Sparkling, Rosé, and White Pinot. Guests can enjoy gourmet food pairings, a silent auction, winemaker-led tours and tastings. Cost is $95–$195 per person. Friday–Sunday, June 12–June 14. Various wineries throughout Anderson Valley. Learn more at pinotfest.avwines.com
The World’s a Stage at Theater Camp
Gateway to the Stage Summer Camp is a theatrical program for children focused on song, dance, and acting fundamentals. Camp participants range in age from 6–18 and will be learning and working together. The camp runs Monday–Thursday beginning June 29 from 1–4 p.m. (with an extra hour for lead roles starting in week two). Performance dates are Friday, July 31; Saturday–Sunday, August 1–2, and Thursday, August 6. Camp takes place at Willits High School with drop-off and pick-up at 299 N. Main St., Willits. For complete camp details or to register, visit tinyurl.com/bx3y4d8h
Middletown Art Center, Legends Art Camp
Gateway to the Stage Summer Camp
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival
Enjoy Carnival Atmosphere at SpringFest
The Redwood Empire Spring Fair — SpringFest – takes place Friday–Sunday, June 5–7, at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah. The free event features carnival rides, live music, local vendors, and grandstand entertainment including monster trucks, mud bogs, and boat races. Typically features free gate admission with paid parking ($7–$10), or paid entrance to the grandstands. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, and noon on Saturday and Sunday. The Redwood Empire Fairgrounds are located at 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. See a full schedule at redwoodempirefair.com
Taste of Mendocino
Bacchanal Mendocino is a weekend-long celebration of local food and community spirit with various pop-up events. Rooted in the land and shaped by creative expression, it is a call to celebrate. Wine flows freely, food is prepared with intention, and pleasure is embraced as an art form. This weekend-long festival, Friday–Sunday, June 26–28 is from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and includes both the Mendocino County Wine Competition and TASTE Mendocino, plus opportunities to choose your own adventure and create your dream weekend. The event takes place at Alex R. Thomas Plaza, 310 S. State St., Ukiah. Find more details at barraofmendocino.com/events
Experience CirqueA-Palooza with Dad
Celebrate Father’s Day with an afternoon of music and circus magic at Cirque-A-Palooza supporting the Pomo Summer Arts & Circus Camp and the SPACE Scholarship Program. Enjoy live music from Sgt. Splendor and other surprise cirque and musical guests. Sunday, June 21 at 1 and 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children under 18. The SPACE Theater is located at 508 W. Perkins St., Ukiah. For more information, call (707) 462-9370 or visit spaceperformingarts.org
Taste of Mendocino
Cirque-A-Palooza
SpringFest
Balancing Act
Juggling Summer Vacations, Camps, and More
By Rebecca Hastings
Summer brings long days, sunshine, and the promise of memorable experiences. For families, however, it can also mean a hectic schedule filled with camps, activities, and vacations.
Striking the right balance between structured plans and downtime can feel like a juggling act. With a little forethought and planning, you can craft a summer schedule that keeps everyone engaged, rested, and connected.
Here are practical tips to help parents create a balanced summer schedule that prioritizes family time, camps, and other activities without overwhelming anyone.
1. Start with a Bird’s-Eye View. Before filling the calendar, take a step back and look at the summer as a whole. Mark down any fixed dates,
such as family vacations, weddings, or reunions, as well as registration deadlines for camps or activities.
Once you’ve outlined these key events, consider how they affect the rhythm of your summer. For example, if your vacation falls at the end of July, you might want to avoid scheduling an intensive camp the following week to allow for a recovery period.
Tip: Use a digital calendar or a large wall planner to visualize the entire summer at a glance.
2. Prioritize Family Time. Summer is a prime opportunity to
strengthen family bonds, but it can easily be overshadowed by packed schedules. Make family time a non-negotiable part of your summer.
This could mean dedicating weekends to family activities like hiking, visiting local attractions, or relaxing backyard barbecues. For busier weeks, consider scheduling simple evening activities, such as movie nights or board games, to reconnect after a day apart.
Tip: Plan at least one “staycation” weekend or day trip as a family to enjoy local adventures without the stress of extensive travel.
3. Choose Camps and Activities Strategically. Camps and extracurricular activities are summer staples that can enrich your child’s break from school. To avoid burnout, be selective about how many and which types of activities to sign up for.
Balance active camps, like sports or adventure programs, with more creative or relaxed options, such as art classes or theater workshops. Pay attention to your child’s energy levels
and interests—some kids thrive in back-to-back activities, while others need downtime between engagements.
Tip: Block out at least one unscheduled week in your child’s summer. This can be a time for spontaneous playdates, unstructured outdoor fun, or simply relaxing at home.
4. Plan Vacations with Intention. Family vacations are a highlight of summer, but they can also disrupt routines and lead to exhaustion if not planned carefully. When booking trips, consider the duration and distance—will you need a few days to recover after returning?
Space vacations and camps apart so your child isn’t transitioning from one high-energy experience to
another. If you’re traveling during camp season, ensure there’s enough buffer time to avoid overwhelming yourself or your kids.
Tip: Alternate between “on” and “off” weeks to create a rhythm of engagement and relaxation throughout the summer.
At the end of summer, take time to reflect on the experiences you’ve shared as a family.
5. Embrace the Power of Routine. Even with a flexible summer schedule, maintaining some structure can help kids feel secure and balanced. Incorporate routines like
consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and quiet periods, even when days are busy. A morning routine can set the tone for a productive day, while a wind-down ritual can ensure kids get enough rest to recharge for their next adventure.
Tip: Block off downtime in your schedule to prevent overcommitting. Quiet afternoons at home can give kids—and parents—a chance to recharge.
6. Leave Room for Spontaneity. While planning is essential, leaving room for spontaneous fun is just as important. Kids often find joy in unstructured activities like riding bikes with friends, exploring the backyard, or building forts in the living room.
Allowing for flexibility in your summer schedule not only prevents burnout but also fosters creativity and resilience in children.
Tip: Set aside “open days” where there’s no agenda. These can become opportunities for spur-of-the-moment adventures or much-needed relaxation.
7. Communicate and Adjust.
As the summer unfolds, keep an open line of communication with your kids about how they’re feeling. If they’re showing signs of exhaustion or expressing a desire for more downtime, be willing to adjust the schedule.
Parents should also check in with themselves to ensure they’re not feeling overextended. A balanced summer should be enjoyable for the whole family.
Tip: Schedule weekly family check-ins to discuss upcoming plans, reflect on the past week, and make adjustments as needed.
8. Reflect and Celebrate. At the end of summer, take time to reflect on the experiences you’ve shared as a family. Celebrate the memories you’ve created and discuss what worked well (and what didn’t) for future planning. This reflection not only helps parents refine their approach but also teaches
children the value of balance and prioritization.
Tip: Make a note on your calendar for next winter or spring about what worked well and anything you would do differently. This will ensure the reminders are handy when you need them.
A balanced summer schedule allows children to explore, rest, and connect. By thoughtfully prioritizing activities, creating space for family time, and leaving room for spontaneity, parents can ensure their kids have a summer filled with growth, relaxation, and fun. ❖
Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.
Home, Sweet Home
Staycations Are Great For Family Bonding
By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
If your family is anything like mine, you probably spend much of the year saving up for that one, big vacation trip with the kids. Giving the kids amazing experiences and memories that’ll last a lifetime is worth saving and working hard for. But when it comes to strengthening family bonds, there’s nothing like an old-fashioned staycation.
Research shows that the more familiar your vacation surroundings are, the happier your kids will be. According to Dr. Karen Melton, the author of a recent study on the topic, “the best predictor of happiness for families is spending quality time
together in familiar activities inside the home.”
Sounds strange? Not really. If you think about it for a moment, it begins to make sense. Dr. Melton and her colleagues discovered that
Research shows that the more familiar your vacation surroundings are, the happier your kids will be.
when families travel to new and unfamiliar places, they spend a great deal of time and energy organizing themselves and processing all that’s happening. But when they vacation closer to home — and especially in their home — they have the time and energy to relax and focus on each other.
During a vacation trip away from home, there are so many choices to make every day: what time to get up in the morning, what sites to see, what restaurants to eat at. The list goes on and on. At home, simply
doing fun stuff together, we can just enjoy each other’s company.
So, what are some great staycation activities? Here are three of my family’s favorites:
Playing Board Games — No matter how addicted they are to their online games, your kids can get into hanging out together as a family if you play a good board game. Our family favorites are Charades and Taboo: we laugh our heads off with the funny gestures and faces we make trying to give clues.
Listening To Music — Most people walk around all day, with their headphones on, streaming their own music. It’s good to take
off those earbuds and enjoy music with the rest of the family. It’s fun to gather around a computer and take turns picking your favorite songs on YouTube. Your kids get to hear the oldies from your youth, and you get to hear the top songs of the moment
At home, simply doing fun stuff together, we can just enjoy each other’s company.
that they like. Your kids’ and your own musical tastes may change in ways you didn’t think possible.
Cooking Meals — Few things bring a family together like cooking a meal. It’s active, fun, everyone can
participate, and in the end you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. To add excitement, make the meal prep a fun challenge. Create rules like you can only cook with what you already have in the kitchen. If your family is big enough, divide into two teams with each responsible for different parts of the meal. One team makes the main course, and the other makes the salad and dessert. Take turns in the kitchen, and don’t tell the other team what you’ve been cooking. Sitting down to eat will be a fun and surprising mystery. ❖
Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences & Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.
Giving Dad His Due
Celebrating Father’s Day in New Ways
By Jan Pierce, M.Ed.
An anonymous writer once said: “A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be.” It’s funny, but true.
Dads are the ones who give everything to take good care of their families and on Father’s Day it’s time to give Dad his due. But what can you do that hasn’t been done before? Here’s a hint — don’t buy a tie. Instead read through the following suggestions and see if one or two of them will make Dad’s day a special one for your family.
Play something: Most dads enjoy some kind of sport. Maybe they golf or bowl or enjoy poker. Or perhaps they love to play video games but never get a turn because the kids always have the screens.
There
may be some
important memories locked up in his mind that you really should know about …
Whatever Dad enjoys — do it with him. You might try having a chess or checker tournament with willing family members. Or you can always fall back on another old favorite: board games. Whatever it is, get the family in on the fun and let Dad choose his favorite kind of play.
You might enjoy reserving part of Father’s day to just sit back and relax.
Eat something: You can’t go wrong here. Dad’s day is a time to forget about calories and fix the things he loves. If you’re gathered at the old homestead, go ahead and have a big barbecue or dinner. If he loves a certain restaurant, go there. Let him order the things he loves and make it a family event. What could be easier or more fun?
Teach something: We all know that Dads have knowledge they need to pass on to the next generation. How about showing the rest of the family how to tie a fly for fishing or how to pitch the perfect curve ball? Show the boys how to check the oil or change a tire. Let the wife in on the secrets of his favorite barbecue sauce or show someone how to solve a puzzle or math problem. Dads are a wealth of wisdom — go ahead and have him share.
Remember something: While we’re praising the many skills and character traits of our dads, let’s ask him to share a memory. He probably has wonderful stories of his younger days and maybe a few stories you’ve never heard before. Let him tell how it was going to school in the “olden days” or how he locked his mom in the henhouse when he was 10.
There may be some important memories locked up in his mind that you really should know about — perhaps learning experiences from his education or his career, or maybe stories about his experiences serving his country. Time to share, Dad.
Plant something: Here’s a great idea. Go shopping at a local
nursery and buy a rose bush or a tree or some other living plant and put it in the ground as a family. You might mark it with a date and then
Here’s a hint — don’t buy a tie.
have the pleasure of watching it grow and mature just as your family does. Another option would be to donate a plant in the family name to a local park or garden. Let the neighborhood enjoy your gift.
Watch something: You might enjoy reserving part of Father’s day to just sit back and relax. Watch a movie or favorite sporting event. Cheer for your favorite team while
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enjoying that barbecue meal. Or gather up the gang and go to the ball game or the race track. Be a spectator and do it with family.
Too often we think of Father’s Day as a time for a card and gift. Then we scratch our heads trying to think of something to please Dad. This year get the family together and plan a fun day and please, let Dad do what he wants. He’ll enjoy doing something of his choice, especially if he gets to enjoy the time with his family. ❖
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun . Find Jan at janpierce.net
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Recibe hasta $30 dólares extras en productos frescos cuando uses tu tarjeta EBT en los mercados de agricultores de los condados de Mendocino y Lake.
Consulta ubicaciones y horarios de los Mercados en FMF inder.org
Safer Summer Play
Fixing Backyard Playground Hazards
By Sheryl Berkley
As families spend more time outdoors in the summer months, backyard playgrounds become the center of daily fun. However, while parents often assume their own yard is safer than a public park, many hidden risks go unnoticed.
Backyard playground hazards are easy to fix with a little awareness and routine maintenance. Here are seven often overlooked safety issues and how to address them before they turn into injuries.
Worn or Inadequate Ground
Surfacing
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is relying on grass or packed dirt beneath backyard play equipment. While it may look soft, these surfaces do very little to absorb impact in the event of a fall. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, falls are the top reason children end up in the emergency room (making up nearly 30 percent of pediatric trauma cases). Inadequate surfacing significantly increases the risk of serious harm.
It’s paramount to upgrade to impact-absorbing materials like rubber mulch, which is specifically engineered to cushion falls. Its flexible, springy texture absorbs impact more effectively than traditional materials, helping reduce the likelihood of serious injuries. For example, Playsafer’s high-quality rubber mulch products far exceed ASTM safety standards for impact attenuation.
Aim for a depth of at least 3 to 4 inches, and also make sure to regularly rake and replenish materials, as they naturally shift and compact over time.
Loose Bolts, Rust, and
Structural Wear Backyard playsets endure constant use and exposure to the elements, which means that the hardware can loosen and materials
can degrade faster than expected. A single loose bolt or a weakened joint greatly increases the risk of the playset collapsing or creating sharp edges that can cause cuts.
Inspect your playground every month. Tighten all bolts, screws, and connectors, and replace any rusted or damaged hardware as soon as possible. For wooden structures, check for splintering or rot and apply a weather-resistant sealant every year. Metal components should be treated to prevent corrosion.
Poor Anchoring or Unstable
Equipment Even well-built playsets can become hazardous if they aren’t properly anchored. Shifting soil, weather conditions, and active play can cause equipment to tilt or move over time. Unstable structures increase the risk of tipping, especially when multiple children are playing at once. Ensure your playset is securely anchored using ground stakes or concrete footings (depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations). Also periodically check that the structure remains level and stable, especially after heavy rain or seasonal ground shifts.
Unsafe Add-Ons and DIY
Modifications While it’s tempting to customize a backyard playground with extra features like rope swings, hammocks, or climbing attachments, not all modifications are safe. They may also not be designed to work with your existing structure. Improvised add-ons can fail under weight, which can ultimately lead to entanglement hazards (or throw off the balance of the entire playset).
Stick to manufacturer-approved accessories whenever possible. Avoid adding any ropes or cords that could wrap around a child’s neck or limbs. And if you do install additional features, ensure that they are properly rated for weight and securely attached using appropriate hardware.
Overgrown Landscaping and
Hidden
Obstacles
Backyard playgrounds don’t exist in isolation, as they’re surrounded by elements that can quickly become hazards if left unmanaged. For example, tree roots, rocks, garden borders, and overgrown bushes can create tripping hazards and reduce visibility. This ultimately makes supervision more difficult.
Maintain a clear play zone with at least a 6-foot buffer around all
equipment. Regularly trim back bushes and tree branches, remove rocks or debris, and watch for roots that may surface over time. Keeping the area open and visible will reduce injuries and also help you keep a better eye on your kids.
Heat Hazards on Slides and Metal Surfaces
As temperatures rise, playground surfaces like slides and metal components can become dangerously hot. These surfaces can heat up quickly (especially on sunny days) and cause burns within seconds, even when the air temperature feels mild. Test surfaces with your hand before allowing your child to play. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Add shade elements like umbrellas, shade sails, or strategically
planted trees to reduce direct sun. if possible, choose lighter-colored materials or UV-resistant plastics that absorb less heat.
Turn Everyday Play into
Safer Play! Backyard playgrounds offer convenience, creativity, and endless fun, but they also come with responsibility. Many injuries don’t stem from major failures, but rather from small, overlooked hazards that build up over time. It is paramount for parents to reset their safety routines with simple, impactful updates like improving surfacing and optimizing setup. The goal isn’t just play; it’s safe play. ❖
Sheryl Berkley is the Chief Technology Officer at Rubberecycle Corporation, a leader in top quality rubber surfacing products for playgrounds and commercial establishments since 1996.
Legget Valley FRC
Leggett
June Calendar of Events
Witness Strawberry Moon Through Lighthouse
The (almost) Full Strawberry Moon Night Tour is a unique nighttime guided tour from the Point Arena Lighthouse under the light of the full moon. Docents and guides help guests experience what it was like to be a Lighthouse Keeper and climb the Tower at night. Learn the unique history of this historic landmark, the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Champagne, sparkling juice, and sweet and savory snacks are served as part of the tour, and visitors take home an etched Point Arena Lighthouse champagne flute as a souvenir. Saturday, June 27 from 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m. at the lighthouse, 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. Reservations must be made by phone at (877) 725-4448, ext. 1. Visit tinyurl.com/eskjsb5x for additional information.
Friday 5
FREE Redwood Empire Spring Carnival. This classic family
carnival features thrilling rides, games of skill, and traditional fair treats. Through June 7. Times vary
DID YOU KNOW?
by day. 1055 N. State St., Ukiah. redwoodempirefair.com.
FREE Art Walk. The Ukiah Branch Library will feature a ceramic show by local artist, My Tong. Live music by Equinox and an all-ages craft. 5–7 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org.
First Friday Art Walk. This monthly evening of art includes live music and fun activities for the whole family. 5–7 p.m. Downtown Fort Bragg. visitmendocino.com/events
Saturday 6
WOWMOM – Music, Art & Community. A two-day gathering on the coast featuring live bands, local food, and a silent disco under the stars. June 6: noon–midnight. June 7: noon-6 p.m. Hill House Inn, 10701 Pallette Dr., Mendocino. visitmendocino.com/events.
Sunday 7
FREE Sundays in the Park Concert Series. Families gather for live music
in the park with local food vendors and plenty of room for kids to play. 6–8 p.m. Todd Grove Park, Ukiah. cityofukiah.com/sundaysinthepark
Thursday 11
FREE Ukiah Drop-In Knit & Crochet Group. Bring your current yarn project and enjoy social crafting with others. 5:30–7 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org.
FREE Open Mic Night at Tall Guy. A community-focused evening where local talent of all ages is invited to perform music and poetry. 7–10 p.m. 45040 Main St., Mendocino. mendocinocoast.com.
Friday 12
27th Annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival. While centered on wine, this festival offers a picturesque agricultural setting for families to explore through June 14. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. 14100 CA-128, Boonville. pinotfest.avwines.com.
Saturday 13
June Jubilee: 3rd Annual Youth Summit. Presented by SafeRX Lake County. Games, hero trainings, mental health and wellness support. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. tinyurl. com/mtamrtf7.
FREE Second Saturday in Mendocino. Local galleries and shops stay open late for a town-wide celebration of art and community. 5–8 p.m. Main Street, Mendocino. visitmendocino.com/events.
Monday 15
The Waldorf School of Mendocino County Summer Camp. This
seasonal program offers children a variety of themed activities in a nurturing outdoor environment. June 15–19 and 22–26. 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 6280 3rd St., Calpella. mendocinowaldorf.org
Monday 22
FREE Vacation Bible School. Through June 26 for kids ages 4 to sixth grade. From 9–11:45 a.m., there will be games, snacks, prizes, fun, and a focus on the Shepherd’s Psalm 23. Clear Lake Baptist Church, 555
N. Forbes St., Lakeport. tinyurl. com/34yk33bx
Kids Summer Art Camp. For kids ages 8-12. Through June 26. 9 a.m.–1:15 p.m. $450 per session. Second session in July. Students keep a sketchbook, create multiple finished pieces, and participate in a final mini exhibition where families are invited to celebrate their work. Medium Art Center, 110 S. School St., Ukiah. mediumarts.org/summerartcamp
Tuesday 23
Skunk Train Scenic Rides. Travel through ancient redwood groves on a historic railway that has operated since 1885. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 100 W. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. skunktrain.com
Friday 26
Ten Mile Creek Revival. A family-friendly musical campout featuring swimming, dancing, and community-led workshops. Through Sunday, June 28. Times vary. Black Oak Ranch, 50350 Hwy. 101, Laytonville. jambase.com/festival/ ten-mile-creek-revival-2026
Bacchanal Mendocino. A weekend-long celebration of local food and community spirit with various pop-up events. Through Sunday, June 28. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Alex R. Thomas Plaza. 310 S. State St., Ukiah. barraofmendocino.com/events.
Saturday 27
(Almost) Full Strawberry Moon Night Tour. A unique nighttime
guided tour of the lighthouse under the light of the full moon. 8:30 p.m.–10 p.m. 45500 Lighthouse Rd., Point Arena. visitmendocino.com/event
Monday 29
Gateway to the Stage Summer Camp. A theatrical program for children focused on song, dance, and acting fundamentals. Monday–Thursday through performance dates. 1–4 p.m. Performance dates/ times listed online. 299 N. Main St, Willits. wctperformingartscenter.org/ summer-camp
ONGOING EVENTS
Saturdays
FREE Brick Builders. Children are invited to the Coast Community library for creative building sessions.
This event encourages fine motor skills and imaginative play through various construction sets. Noon–1:30 p.m. 225 Main St., Point Arena. mendolibrary.org.
FREE Round Valley Storytime. This weekly gathering focuses on early literacy through interactive reading and group songs. It is designed to engage young children and their caregivers in a communal learning setting. 11 a.m. 23925 Howard St., Round Valley. mendolibrary.org.
Tuesdays
FREE Ukiah LEGO Hour. A dedicated hour for kids to build, create, and play with a massive collection of LEGO bricks. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Wednesdays
FREE Coast Storytime & Kids Crafts. A themed story session followed by a hands-on craft project for young children. 10:30–11:45 a.m. Coast Community Library, 225 Main St., Point Arena. mendolibrary.org.
FREE History Makers. Drop-in family activities Wednesdays, February–October. New themes monthly. 2–4:30 p.m. Mendocino County Museum, 400 E. Commercial St., Willits. mendocinocounty.org/ museum.
FREE Fort Bragg Farmer’s Market. Families can browse local produce and crafts while enjoying live music and the coastal breeze year-round. 2:30–5:30 p.m. Laurel & Franklin St, Fort Bragg. mendocinocounty.gov.
FREE A Child, A Dog & A Good Book. Children can practice their
reading skills by reading aloud to a gentle, non-judgmental therapy dog. 3–4 p.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
FREE Fort Bragg Teen D&D. Aspiring adventurers can join a tabletop role-playing quest in this collaborative storytelling group. 3–5
p.m. Fort Bragg Branch Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org.
Acoustic Sunsets. Popular Wednesday evening, concert series runs through September 16, with live music, local wine tasting, a family-friendly atmosphere inviting
picnics and pups. This year, Latin bands join for the monthly Noche Latina night. Included with admission and free for members of Sonoma Botanical Garden. 5:30–7:30 p.m. at 12841 Hwy. 12, Glen Ellen. Band schedule and prices can be found at sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets
Second and Fourth
Wednesdays
FREE Library at the Farmer’s Market. The Fort Bragg Branch Library hosts a community table during the local market. Families can stop by for information on library programs and special pop-up activities for children. 2:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (2nd and 4th Wednesdays). Downtown, Franklin St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
First Thursdays
FREE Fort Bragg Open Mic Poetry. A community-focused evening where poets of all levels are invited to share their work. 7–8 p.m. Fort Bragg Branch Library, 499 E. Laurel St., Fort Bragg. fortbragglibrary.org
ThursdaysSaturdays
Watercolor Workshop with Suzi Long. A relaxed session for families to learn the fundamentals of proportion, perspective, and color mixing.
10:30–12:30 p.m. Blue Pelican Gallery, 401 N. Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. mendocinocoast.com
First
Fridays
Kelseyville Artisan Market. Local vendors and live music. Through
September. 5–8 p.m. Main Street (between 2nd and 3rd streets), Kelseyville. tinyurl.com/mr39y6ru.
Fridays
FREE Ukiah Family Story Time. Join other families for a morning of engaging stories and early literacy activities. 10:30–11 a.m. Ukiah Branch Library, 105 N. Main St., Ukiah. mendolibrary.org
Art Together at Medium Art Center. A weekly community art session where families can explore different mediums and express their creativity in a shared studio space. Various times. 522 S. State St., Ukiah. visitmendocino.com.
Emotional First Aid Kits
Practical Alternatives to ADHD Medication
For many parents, the path following an ADHD diagnosis feels like a high-speed conveyor belt leading straight to the pharmacy. While medication has its place, the “wait and see” approach has largely been replaced by a “medicate and monitor” culture. The book, Moodtopia for Kids serves as a vital intervention in this process, offering parents the agency to investigate the root causes of a child’s dysregulation — such as sleep hygiene, sensory processing, or nutritional gaps — before committing to long-term stimulant use.
The book is particularly helpful for families wary of the trial and error phase of pharmaceuticals, which often involves navigating side effects like appetite suppression, insomnia, or personality flattening. Instead of masking symptoms, author Sara Chana teaches parents how to read their child’s unique “mood language.” By categorizing behaviors into specific temperaments, the book helps parents match natural remedies to their child’s specific type of hyperactivity or emotional outburst. This level of personalization is often missing in a standard clinical setting where a one-size-fits-all dosage may be the norm.
Furthermore, this research empowers parents to become active collaborators in their child’s health care. Rather than feeling pressured by school
systems or overwhelmed by clinical jargon, readers gain the literacy needed to discuss integrative options with their pediatricians.
With 1 in 3 children experiencing anxiety symptoms severe enough to require clinical attention, Chana discussses why childhood anxiety is surging, practical alternatives parents can explore before ADHD medication, and how herbal and homeopathic remedies can be integrated safely alongside conventional pediatric care. She also shares simple ways families can build an emotional “first aid kit” to help children navigate stress with greater confidence and calm. Chana bridges the gap between traditional medicine and holistic wellness, showing that “natural” doesn’t have to mean “unscientific.” By implementing these strategies, families can often lower the baseline of stress in the home, sometimes uncovering that what looked like a permanent disorder was actually a manageable imbalance.
even kid-friendly ice pops, Sara Chana makes natural remedies accessible and actionable for everyday families. ❖
Moodtopia For Kids delivers research-informed, practical tools parents can safely use at home to support anxiety, ADHD, mood swings, anger, and depression. From herbal honeys and teas to tinctures, oils, and
A respected voice in holistic pediatric wellness, author Sara Chana is a master herbalist, classical homeopath, board-certified lactation consultant, and mother of seven. With more than three decades of clinical experience, she works alongside pediatricians and medical professionals, helping families thoughtfully bridge natural and conventional care. She is frequently featured on national TV and in the news as a trusted expert in integrative health. 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.
