mendo lake FREE!
September 2026
Listen Up!
College Podcasts
Team Teen Forming Bonds
Tutor Time? Parent Advice Heat&-Eat Easy Dinner
Discover what’s within. Join Girl Scouts today and unlock her potential. At Girl Scouts, she will: Make long-lasting friendships Try activities that make her smile Build real-world skills through fun, hands-on experiences Lead in her own way and connect with causes she cares about
The adventure awaits! Sign up today.
Questions? Reach out to info@gsnorcal.org or call 800-447-4475.
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Girl Scouts is where every girl can explore, create, and become more of who she’s meant to be. Girl Scout membership must be renewed annually. Membership year is October 1–September 30. © 2026 Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All Rights Reserved.
September 2026
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
102TH ANNUAL
MENDOCINO COUNTY FAIR & APPLE SHOW SEPTEMBER 18-20 9 am to Midnight Daily • Boonville Fairgrounds
LIVESTOCK SHOWS • APPLE & WINE TASTINGS WOOL & FIBER FESTIVAL • CARNIVAL CCPRA RODEOS SAT. NIGHT & SUN. AFTERNOON Daily! Pay-One-Price for Unlimited Rides Saturday, 10 pm • Dean Titus & The Coyote Cowboys Sunday, 6 pm • Herencia De Reyes & Grupo Lagos
www.mendocountyfair.com www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
MendoLakeFamilyLife 3
September 2026
Publisher/Editor Sharon Gowan Sharon@family-life.us
Marketing/ Sales/Events Patricia Ramos 707 586-9562 x1 patty@family-life.us
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Features 5 8
Heat-&-Eat
Angel Jenkins angel@family-life.us
Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us
Contributing Writers
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Out & About
School-Night Soup Add-in
Witness Big Top Via Circus Train
College Prep Podcasts
Pirate Spirit Alive at Noyo Harbor
Smart Listening for Parents and Kids
Fireman’s Ball Supports Community Volunteers Find Fruit and Fun at Apple Show/County Fair
12 Building Bonds Having a Healthy Relationship With Your Teen
Tanni Haas Angel Jenkins Cheryl Maguire
Billing Jan Wasson-Smith
Publishing Office P.O. Box 351 Philo, CA 95466 (707) 205 1539
Calling Tomato Lovers to Festival/Farmers Market
14 The Tutor Test
Lake County Marks Recovery Month
Deciding When a Child Needs Extra Help
16
4 MendoLakeFamilyLife
Features Editor
Calendar of Events
September 2026
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Cooking with Kids
Heat&-Eat School-Night Soup Add-in
B
ack-to-school season can make weeknight dinners feel rushed, but heat-and-eat soups can simplify dinnertime and help families ease into busy weeknight routines. Zoup!’s homestyle soups offer a ready-in-minutes starting point for hearty, family-friendly meals, whether served on their own with toppings like parmesan crisps or paired with easy sides like grilled cheese dippers. Made with simple ingredients and kettle-cooked in small batches, the soups can also become a flavorful base for quick recipes, from tortellini simmered in Tomato Bisque to mac and cheese boosted with Butternut Squash. For an easy shortcut on a family favorite, try Zoup!’s Meatloaf with Tomato Bisque, which incorporates the soup into the meatloaf mixture and uses it again as a warm gravy-style topping.
Meatloaf with Tomato Bisque Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Servings: 6
In a large bowl, mix together the beef, ½ cup of Zoup! Tomato Bisque, egg, onion, and Worcestershire sauce. Form the beef mixture into a loaf and place on a baking pan.
1.5 lbs. ground beef 1 cup of Zoup! Tomato Bisque ½ cup bread crumbs 1 egg ¼ cup chopped onion 1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup water
Zoup! Soups can be found at local Safeway, Walmart, and Raley’s stores, plus online. Courtesy of Zoup!
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
Bake for 1 hour or until the meatloaf is done. Heat 2 Tbs. of the pan drippings with the remaining soup and water in a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Serve the gravy with the meatloaf and enjoy!
MendoLakeFamilyLife 5
Out & About
Witness Big Top Via Circus Train
The Flynn Creek Circus Skunk Train
F
rom Friday, September 11–Sunday, September 27, journey by rail from Willits to a secret clearing and watch The Cricket & The Wren, a two-hour performance by Flynn Creek Circus. Under a vintage red-top tent, world-class acrobats and aerialists bend gravity, transforming the forest into a living stage where story, spectacle, and nature blur together. Sip on refreshments, browse exclusive merchandise, and lose yourself in a magical evening where the forest itself becomes part of the spectacle. Tickets are priced per person and range from $137–$322 (infants on lap admitted free). The Flynn Creek Circus Train experience culminates at 299 E. Commercial St., in Willits. Learn more and purchase tickets at skunktrain.com/flynn-creek-circus.
Noyo Harbor Festival
Pirate Spirit Alive at Noyo Harbor
T
he Noyo Harbor District announces its 4th Annual Harbor Festival, celebrating the rich maritime heritage of Noyo Harbor and the bounty of locally caught, sustainable seafood. Entertainment and fun for all ages includes a treasure hunt, fishing and sandcastle competitions, dock walk, hard hat diving demo, craft vendors, and more. Come dressed in your best pirate outfit and paddle down the Noyo, or test your fishing skills at the Fisherman’s Relay Race. Saturday, September 19–Sunday, September 20, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The 2026 Noyo Harbor Festival takes place at South Noyo Harbor, located at 19101 South Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. Find the full schedule of events at tinyurl. com/kknksfh4.
Fireman’s Ball Supports Community Volunteers
T
he 105th Annual Firemen’s Ball is a community gala featuring a down-home party atmosphere. This major fundraiser is organized by the Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department, honoring local first responders and serving as a revival of historical town celebrations. The Fort Bragg Volunteer Fire Department was formed in October of 1891 and currently has 33 members. The evening features music, dancing, an array of regional wines, and beers on tap. Saturday, September 5, from 8 p.m.–midnight at Pentecost Hall, 736 Stewart St., Fort Bragg. Tickets typically range from $10–$20 at the door, with free rides home from the dance available. Watch for up-to-date details as they unfold at facebook.com/fortbraggfire.
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Firemen’s Ball
September 2026
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Find Fruit and Fun at Apple Show/County Fair
T
The Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show
he Mendocino County Fair & Apple Show features the CCPRA rodeo, a classic car show, sheep dog trails, entertainment, carnival, country music, and dancing. Also an apple tasting, wine and hard cider tasting. Cost is $8–$12 with ages 6 and younger admitted free. Unlimited rides are $35–$50. Extra fee for parking and tastings. Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20. 9 a.m.–midnight daily. Fairgrounds, 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. For a full schedule of events, visit mendocountyfair.com/ county-fair.
Calling Tomato Lovers to Festival/Farmers Market
F
eaturing local fresh produce, community vendors, and seasonal tomato celebrations, the Tomato Festival and Farmers Market is brought to you by Bachelor Valley Grange 667. Hosted on Sunday, September 20, and starting at 10 a.m., the event takes place at the Grange hall located at 9355 Government St. in Upper Lake. Celebrate summer and freshly grown tomatoes with activities that include heirloom tomato sampling, the biggest heirloom competition, and a mild and hot salsa competition. Enter contests at the organization’s website: bachelorvalleygrange.org, or visit tinyurl.com/3u9yj43k for more details.
Tomato Festival and Farmers Market
Recovery Walk
Lake County Marks Recovery Month
L
ake County Behavioral Health Services hosts its annual Recovery Happens event, raising awareness for National Recovery Month, highlighting that substance use and mental health recovery is attainable, and connecting residents with local prevention and treatment resources. The free community celebration features a recovery walk, a banner contest with awards, and inspirational speakers. This year’s event is set for Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Austin Park, 14077 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. Find further updates or announcements directly on the official Facebook page for Lake County Behavioral Health Services: facebook.com/ lcbhealthservices.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
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College Prep Podcasts Smart Listening for Parents and Kids
By Tanni Haas, Ph.D.
T
here are few moments more exhilarating — and stressful — in the life of a family than getting kids ready for college. One way to reduce some of that stress while also enhancing family bonding is to go through the college prep process together.
Here’s a list of some of the best college prep podcasts that you can listen to with your college-bound kids. These podcasts cover the entire process, from writing the application to finding the money to pay for tuition and all the other expenses. Sit back and listen up: they’re full of great advice. 8 MendoLakeFamilyLife
College Parent Central (Available at: Apple, iHeart, Spotify) If you’re looking for a one-stop college prep resource, College Parent Central is the right podcast for you. It’s created and hosted by Lynn Abrahams and Vicki Nelson, two seasoned college professionals with a combined 70-plus years of experience in higher-education September 2026
advisement, teaching, and research. This podcast covers everything from identifying the colleges that are the best fit for your kids, applying for admission, finding the money to pay for college, to gathering the resources that’ll help your kids enjoy the experience and succeed. College Prep Genius (Available at: Apple, Podbean, Spotify) While some colleges have eliminated testing requirements, many colleges continue to expect applicants to submit either their ACT or SAT scores as part of the application package. A strong ACT or SAT score can also lead to scholarships that may pay for partial or full college expenses. The founder of College Prep Genius, Jean Burke, is an experienced ACT and SAT instructor whose own two kids received full scholarships due to their excellent test scores. The College Essay Guy (Available at: Apple, Libsyn, Spotify) Another important part of the college application package, which is a www.mendolakefamilylife.com
High school students can earn free college credit with Dual Enrollment
Learn more at dualenrollment.santarosa.edu The Sonoma County Junior College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnic group identification, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic condition, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or sexual orientation in any of its policies, procedures or practices; nor does the District discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment on the basis of their age. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access and treatment in District programs and activities--including but not limited to academic admissions, financial aid, educational services and athletics--and application for District employment. The Sonoma County Junior College District is an equal opportunity employer.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
MendoLakeFamilyLife 9
standard requirement at virtually all colleges, is the admissions essay. This is where applicants introduce themselves and their interests and try to convince admissions officials that they’re motivated and capable of doing well if admitted. Ethan Sawyer (aka The College Essay Guy) is the author of the best-selling College Essay Essentials and has more than two decades of experience counseling applicants on how to make their case in writing. His podcast is full of great writing tips. The College Admissions Process (Available at: Apple, PlayerFM, Spotify) The College Admissions Process is a great companion podcast to College Prep Genius and The College Essay Guy. Founded by John Durante, an
experienced admissions counselor, this podcast features in-depth conversations with a variety of admission officials. You’ll hear from individuals from colleges that are
One way to reduce some of that stress … is to go through the college prep process together. large and small, very competitive and less competitive, urban and rural, and secular and religious. Simply put, this podcast provides a great sense of what different colleges are looking for, which will help your kids craft a compelling application.
The College Investor (Available at: Apple, Podbay, Spotify) For most parents, the biggest concern isn’t how to get their kids into college — it’s how to pay for it — as college seems to get increasingly expensive. The College Investor, the brainchild of Robert Farrington, an experienced college finance expert, is a great resource for both parents and kids. On this podcast, you’ll find lots of advice on how to best save and pay for college, as well as suggestions for how the kids can help defray the costs while working in college. It even has tips for recent college graduates on how to invest for the future. ❖ Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, at the City University of New York — Brooklyn College.
Design Your Future
LEARN 510: FULLY ONLINE
LEARN 510: FULLY ONLINE FOR FOUNDATIONS LEARN 510: FULLY FOR ONLINE FOUNDATIONS PARAPROFESSIONAL FOUNDATIONSINFOR PARAPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL IN EDUCATION IN EDUCATION
Create Who You Want To Be
This course introduces the roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations of paraprofessionals working in PK–12 educational settings. Students learn to This course introduces roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations support teachers,the maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, of paraprofessionals working in PK–12 educational settings. Students learn to and follow school policies and procedures. support teachers, maintain confidentiality, communicate effectively, and follow school policies and procedures.
This course introduces the roles, responsibilities, and professional expectations of paraprofessionals TEST PREP working in PK–12 educational settings. Reading comprehension in school contexts TEST PREP LEARN 510:
Applied mathematics for classroom tasks Reading comprehension in school contexts Writing fundamentals for professional communication Applied mathematics for classroom tasks Test-taking strategies and confidence Writing fundamentals for professional communication Applying course concepts to school settings Test-taking strategies and confidence Reflective practice and self-awareness Applying course concepts to school settings Transitioning into paraprofessional roles Reflective practice and self-awareness Transitioning into paraprofessional roles
6-week course, non- credit ($10 fee) Fall start dates: 8/24/26 & 10/19/26 Non-credit | $10 fee LEARN 510:
6-week course Non-credit | $10 fee
Fall start dates: 6-week course 8/24/26 10/19/26 Fall start&dates: 8/24/26 & 10/19/26
Woodland Community College Lake County Campus Woodland College 15880 DamCommunity Rd Ext. Lake County Clearlake, CACampus 95422 15880 Dam Rd Ext. 707-995-7900 Clearlake, CA 95422 707-995-7900
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OPEN SPOTS AVAILABLE
WASC Accredited
Not Immunized? No Problem. La Vida Can Support You.
For more information: ldaly@yccd.edu
www.wcc.yccd.edu/enroll
www.yccd.edu/admissions/course-search For more information: ldaly@yccd.edu www.yccd.edu/admissions/course-search
September 2026
La Vida Charter School
707-459-6344
11785 Orchard Lane, Willits
lavidaschool.org
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Our families Our families say... say... “I am able to work, go to school and can now set realistic goals for myself and my child.” “The program has offered a stable routine that has supported my children during a time of family uncertainty.” “The program helped my child by preparing them for Kindergarten.”
Now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year! www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Head Start is more than just a preschool Free or low-cost to eligible families Support for the whole family Health, mental health, nutrition, education, and disabilities services Free fresh and healthy meals Potty training assistance One teacher for every 4 children per classroom Mendocino County
Learn Learn more more or or apply apply today! today!! today
Ages 3 months - 5 years
800-326-3122 707-462-2582 www.ncoheadstart.org
Ages 3 years - 5 years
September 2026
Lake County
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
MendoLakeFamilyLife 11
Remember that Adolescence is About Gaining Independence. When your child is being stubborn, it can feel like a challenge to your authority, but it may be their attempt at gaining independence, a normal phase of teen development.
Building Bonds Having a Healthy Relationship With Your Teen
By Cheryl Maguire
“Y
ou have been playing video games for two hours, can’t you find something else to do?” I asked my son.
He rolled his eyes, gave a half-huff and half-grunt sound as he turned off the TV, and then moped by me. Being a parent of a teen can be challenging due to their lack of communication with you and their testing of your rules. Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a physician and co-founder of the Center for Parent and Teen Communication, said, “We want parents to understand that this is a wonderful phase of development. There are going to be some puddles, but it is your unconditional love of your child that is their platform to help launch them into adulthood.”
Another expert, Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a Northwestern University professor, clinical psychologist, and 12 MendoLakeFamilyLife
author of Loving Bravely, said, “The parent of a teen has a job to shift from controlling to sideline coaching. So, a lot of the parents’ work is about loosening that control.” Some ways you can have a healthy relationship with your teen are to: Remember That You Were A Teen Once Too. Asking yourself open-ended questions that create empathy can help you to have a healthy relationship with your teen. For example, if a parent is struggling with their 15-year-old son, Dr. Solomon suggests asking yourself, “What was going on for you at age 15?” This allows you to remember how it feels to be a teenager and reminds you about some of the struggles they are going through. September 2026
“Teens may be struggling with strong emotions, challenging social and academic situations, and exploring who they are apart from their parents,” said Dr. Carla Naumburg, clinical social worker and author of the book How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids. Remember That Teens Rebel Against Us Because They Love Us. When your child rebels against your rules, it might feel as if they don’t care about you or your expectations. “Teens are pushing us away because they need to become more independent and that is hard as heck because of how much they love us,” Dr. Ginsburg said. “I think teens feel safest experimenting with the people they know who are not going to go anywhere,” Dr. Ginsburg said. “It’s almost a compliment. You’ve got to reframe this. If our kids experimented this way in other places of their life it might not be safe for them. But with you it’s safe.” Remember Your Child’s Good Characteristics. When you are feeling upset with how your teen is acting or treating you try to remind yourself about all their good characteristics. “Even during those moments of tension, say to yourself, ‘There is so much that is good about my child.’ By remembering the good characteristics, www.mendolakefamilylife.com
this will allow you to go back to the place that you need to be, strategically. Taking a deep breath, creating a space, approaching this from a place of love instead of hostility or anger,” Dr. Ginsburg said. Move To A “Yes” Space. Dr. Solomon explained that the moment a parent feels anger, they need to pay attention because they have moved from a “yes” space to a “no” space. A “yes” space is when you are on the same team as your teen and a “no” space is when you are in fight or flight mode, leading you to try to control the situation. “If a kid is doing something that they know is going to get under their parent’s skin, a parent should think, ‘My kid loves me, I love my kid, we are
happier when we are connected,’” Dr. Solomon said. After a parent recognizes they feel angry, it’s important to pause before
Being a parent of a teen can be challenging due to their lack of communication with you … reacting. If necessary, envision a stop sign in front of you or walk away. This step is the most difficult one because the moment can feel like it demands a response right now. How To Have A Healthy Relationship With Your Teen. When you experience conflict with your teen, like any relationship, try
JOIN THE RURAL FAMILY ADVOCACY & BRAIN BUILDING LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
YOUR VOICE MATTERS Help shape a stronger future for children & families in Lake & Mendocino Counties
to resolve it together by discussing it. Enlist the idea that “we” have the same goal. “Teens are more inclined to work with us when they also feel like we are working with them,” Dr. Naumburg said. Dr. Solomon stressed the importance of not telling your teen that they are doing something wrong. She said, “When our language has a hint of ‘you are doing it the wrong way,’ that is an invitation to a power struggle. Parents need to have compassion and help their kid make healthy choices from a place of love and healthy boundaries versus fear and control.” ❖ Cheryl Maguire’s writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, Upworthy, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings and Your Teen Magazine. You can find her at Bluesky @CherylMaguire.
Participate and You Will: • Build leadership skills • Connect with families • Learn Brain Building activities • Share your experience & ideas FREE • No experience needed! Parents, grandparents, foster & kinship caregivers welcome.
GET INVOLVED!
707-994-4018 x603 ncoinc.org jcastaldo@ncoinc.org www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
MendoLakeFamilyLife 13
academic struggles. You might notice your child begins “forgetting” their textbooks at school, conveniently losing worksheets, or claiming they have no homework night after night. Physical symptoms can also be an avoidance strategy; frequent morning complaints of stomachaches or headaches before big test days are classic signs of school-related anxiety.
The Tutor Test
Deciding When a Child Needs Extra Help
Edited by Angel Jenkins
E
very student hits an occasional academic bump in the road. A single poor quiz grade or a night of frustrating homework is completely normal. However, when a temporary struggle turns into a continuous, exhausting cycle, it may be time to consider outside support. Recognizing the warning signs early ensures that minor learning gaps do not evolve into permanent academic roadblocks.
For parents, the clues are rarely found just on a report card; instead, they appear in daily routines, behavioral changes, and emotional shifts. By understanding what to look for, you can step in with the right support before your child falls too far behind. The Endless Homework Marathon. The most immediate sign of trouble is a drastic increase in homework time. While advanced grades naturally require more study, a basic worksheet should not trigger a three-hour nightly battle. If your child spends hours staring at a single page, re-reading instructions without comprehension, or falling behind on daily assignments, they are likely 14 MendoLakeFamilyLife
missing the foundational concepts needed to complete the work. Emotional Meltdowns and Anxiety. When academic confusion sets in, emotional distress quickly follows. Pay close attention to your child’s behavior around study time. Frequent tears, sudden angry outbursts, or intense anxiety before school are coping mechanisms for feeling overwhelmed. If a normally calm child becomes defensive or highly stressed the moment a backpack opens, the material has likely exceeded their ability to cope. Active Avoidance Tactics. Children are clever at hiding their September 2026
The Confidence Crash. Pay attention to how your child talks about themselves. A sudden shift from “this math problem is hard” to “I am stupid” or “I am just bad at school” is a major red flag. When students repeatedly fail
Do not wait for a failing grade to take action. to grasp concepts, they lose their sense of academic confidence. Once a child mentally gives up and assumes they cannot learn the material, their grades will plummet even faster. Hidden Report Card Feedback. Do not wait for a failing grade to take action. Sometimes the signs are buried in teacher comments rather than the letter grades. Phrases like “capable of more,” “does not participate,” or “frequently distracted” often mean a student has checked out because the material is too difficult. Moving Forward. If these signs sound familiar, start by scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher to pinpoint the exact trouble spots. Frame the idea of a tutor positively. Remind your child that a tutor is not a punishment for doing poorly, but rather a personal coach — just like in sports — hired to help them build their skills, regain their confidence, and succeed. Research assistance from Google AI was used for this article. Resource websites include elitehometutoring.com, tutordoctor.com, and gradepowerlearning.com.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Leggett
Legget Valley FRC
Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund FRC
Raise & Shine
Vision FRC
Information and application assistance for: Medi-Cal Insurance CalFresh (Food Stamps) Basic Needs Assistance and many other Supportive Services!
Get more for your money when you spend your CalFresh at Farmers’ Markets!
¡Recibe más dinero al usar tu CalFresh en los Mercados de Agricultores!
Get up to $30 more in fresh fruits and vegetables when you use your EBT card at Mendocino and Lake County Farmers’ Markets!
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.
Find market locations and hours at
Consulta ubicaciones y horarios de los Mercados en
FMFinder.org
FMFinder.org
Market Match is a program of the Ecology Center and is funded in part through the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture
Market Match es un programa del Ecology Center y está financiado en parte por el Departamento de Alimentos y Agricultores de California y el Instituto Nacional de Alimentos y Agricultores del USDA.
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
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March
Calendar of Events Saturday 5 The 105th Annual Firemen’s Ball.
Community gala featuring music, dancing, an array of regional wines, & beers on tap. 8 p.m.–midnight. Pentecost Hall, 736 Stewart St., Fort Bragg. Tickets typically range from $10–$20. facebook.com/ fortbraggfire.
Tuesday 8 FREE Murder My Sweet Movie.
Donations appreciated. Concessions available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30. Movie: 6–8:30 p.m. Soper Reese Community
Theater. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Friday 11 The Flynn Creek Circus Train.
Journey by rail from Willits to a secret clearing & watch this 2-hour performance by Flynn Creek Circus. Thru Sunday, Sept. 27. Tickets are priced per person & range from $137-$322 (infants on lap admitted free). The Flynn Creek Circus Train experience culminates at 299 E. Commercial St., in Willits. Learn more & purchase tickets at skunktrain.com/flynn-creek-circus.
Saturday 12 Blue Wing Blues Festival. 19th
annual Labor Day weekend festival held at sunset in the garden between the Tallman Hotel & Blue Wing Restaurant in Upper Lake. 5:30–9 p.m. The Blue Wing. 9550 Main St., Upper Lake. Tickets: tallmanhotel. com. FREE Nature Walk. Led by
volunteer State Parks docents. Observe wildlife at the park & learn about their natural habitat, as well as the history & geology of the area. Meet: parking lot at 8:15 a.m. to observe birds & wildlife found in the picnic area. Walk: 8:30 a.m., taking between 1½–3 hours. &erson Marsh State Historic Park. 8400 CA-53, Lower Lake. andersonmarsh. org/events. FREE CA Indian Day Celebration.
Traditional Native American dance groups & performances, merchandise & food vendors, family-friendly activities, & raffles benefiting local tribal youth activities. Noon–6 p.m. Hotel Marina Lawn, Konocti Vista Casino Resort & Marina. 2755 Mission Rancheria Rd., Lakeport. konocti-vista-casino.com. FREE Movies in the Park. Grab
Free STEAM Based Charter School 707.744.1485 • 1 Ralph Bettcher Dr. Hopland 16 MendoLakeFamilyLife
September 2026
your blankets & lawn chairs for a showing of Lilo & Stitch. Snacks & drinks available for purchase. 7:40 p.m. Middletown Square Park. 21249 Washington St., Middletown. middletownareamerchants.com. www.mendolakefamilylife.com
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sheep dog trails, entertainment, carnival, country music, & dancing. Also an apple tasting, wine & hard cider tasting. Cost: $8–$12. Age 6 & younger admitted free. Unlimited rides are $35–$40. Extra fee for parking & tastings. Thru Sunday, September 20. 9 a.m.–midnight daily. Fairgrounds, 14400 Hwy. 128, Boonville. For a full schedule of events, visit mendocountyfair.com/ county-fair.
FREE Recovery Happens Event.
s od o u
t
Apple Show. Rodeo, car show,
Treasure hunt, fishing & sandcastle competitions, dock walk, hard hat diving demo, craft vendors, and more. Wear best pirate outfit and paddle down the Noyo, or test your
Recovery walk, banner contest with awards, & inspirational speakers. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Austin Park. 14077
en
The Mendocino County Fair &
4th Annual Harbor Festival.
A dv
Friday 18
Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake. facebook. com/lcbhealthservices.
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FREE Fiesta de Independencia.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with authentic food, music, games, & activities for the entire family. Organized by the Center’s Latino Advisory Council, this family-friendly festival honors Latin American countries that recognize their independence during this month. 1–7 p.m. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Burbank. tinyurl. com/4ce89m8e.
Air Museum. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Free parking: 3631 & 3645 N. Laughlin, in the lots next to the show site. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.
Sk
Sunday 13
s in t h e r e
d
SKUNK TRAIN WELCOMES THE
s n u k c n e r y e i l r F
4
Hog Farm Celebration. Nightly
happy hour, film festival, bingo, kids zone, craft fair, & more. Thru Sept. 20. Black Oak Ranch Streeter Creek Facility. U.S. 101, Laytonville. blackoakranch.com.
Saturday 19 Wheels & Wing Show. Classic &
muscle cars from every era, parked next to the high-performance historic aircraft. Tickets: $10. Ages 7 & younger: Free. All proceeds go directly to the Pacific coast www.mendolakefamilylife.com
Make fall magical with a train ride to the circus on select dates
September 11-27
SkunkTrain.com | 707.964.6371 September 2026
MendoLakeFamilyLife 17
fishing skills at the Fisherman’s Relay Race. Thru Sunday, Sept. 20. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. South Noyo Harbor. 19101 South Harbor Dr., Fort Bragg. tinyurl.com/kknksfh4. Dance The Redwoods 2026. This
year’s Gala Performance will be followed by a catered dinner, local beer & wine, a silent auction, & live music. 4–8 p.m. Other performances: 2–3 p.m. Sept. 19, 20, 26, & 27 The Brambles. 8800 Hwy. 128, Philo. tinyurl.com/msu5whjz.
Sunday 20 Tomato Festival and Farmers Market. Local fresh produce, community vendors, & seasonal tomato celebrations. 10 a.m. Grange Hall, 9355 Government St., Upper Lake. Enter contests:
bachelorvalleygrange.org, or visit tinyurl.com/3u9yj43k for more details. Cyanotype Printing Workshop.
Using plants, UV light, & water, participants will create “sun prints” inspired by nature. Registration: $56 per participant. Member registration: $46. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. 18220 N. Hwy. 1, Fort Bragg. Register: gardenbythesea.org/learn/cyanotype.
Tuesday 22 FREE School of Rock Movie.
Donations appreciated. Concessions available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30. Movie: 6–8:30 p.m. Soper Reese Community Theater. 275 S. Main St., Lakeport. soperreesetheatre.com.
Friday 25 Fall Fiesta Fundraiser. Raffle prizes & live auction, live music, catering by Los Gallitos includes complimentary drinks. 5–8 p.m. Caspar Community Center. 15051 Caspar Rd.. Caspar. symphonyoftheredwoods.org.
Satuday 26 FREE Kelseyville Pear Festival.
Over 100 arts & crafts vendors, antique tractor display, three stages of live music, & pear goodies. Food/ drinks available for purchase. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Main St., Kelseyville. pearfestival.com.
Tree of Life Charter School
Free Montessori Education for Children Grades TK-8
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-27 SCHOOL YEAR
GIVE YOUR CHILD A JOYFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE FULL OF DISCOVERY WITH: • Exploration of own interests & abilities • Experiential learning with field trips, arts • Respectful & caring learning community • Peace education & mindfulness • Hands-on & multicultural learning experiences • Earth stewardship, gardening/farm program
FREE meals cooked from scratch for all students, FREE before and aftercare, FREE summer program
For application and more information: 707-462-0913 businessmanager@treeoflifeschool.net • www.treeoflifeschool.net 241 Ford Rd, Ukiah 18 MendoLakeFamilyLife
September 2026
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
www.mendolakefamilylife.com
September 2026
MendoLakeFamilyLife 19