Ardent for Life ~ Late Summer 2023

Ardent content &f lavor

20. Under the boardwalk Cindy d ella Monica

24. Strawberry Short C ake S McConnell e states

26. Grilled Corn and Z UCC hini Salad r ebecca Voorhees

30. h abanero bU tter b ean C U rry e van h ust

32. Mariel & Chri S tian kl u Photo & Video

food 44.

30.

art

38. d aV id h i PS kind t he r ed d oor a ntiques

44. Free l ittle a rt Gallery

48. t he e lk Gro V e w riter S Con F eren C e

42. w hat i ’ V e learned C t Morris

50. b ook r e V iew S Sacramento Public l ibrary

health

52. t he d o C tor Say S : r ead t o y o U r k id S k aiser Permanente

56. di M & eS tro G en e lk Grove Vitamins

60. y o U r r elation S hi P take S a Villa G e a nna o sborn history

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

No doubt you’ve heard a lot about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy lately. What is it all about? How does it work? Who needs it? Is it something you could benefit from?

Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT, is exactly what it sounds like. Your declining hormones are replaced with hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones produced by your own body. Why is this important? Hormones that are not structurally identical to your own (for example, Premarin, which comes from horse urine) do not act the same on your body, may contain hormones that your body does not make and has no receptors for these hormones, so you waste energy by giving incomplete messages to cells which then fail to produce a balanced hormonal response. Also, your body cannot effectively metabolize these foreign hormones, which may have long term unknown, potentially, negative effects on your body.

MYTH: Our hormones levels are declining because we are growing older.

FACT: We are growing older because your hormones are declining.

The goal in BHRT is to turn back the hormonal clock to around age 35, or around 20 years younger than your chronological age. Anti-aging medicine is a personalized, metabolic medicine. We now have the science to individually customize your care and we can look at the cause of the problems, instead of just treating symptoms. If you are basically healthy, we can look at how your body breaks down things to help you be healthier and stay healthy. All the patients in my practice have a totally different treatment regime, there are no protocols. It is a very personalized approach.

So is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy right for you?

Do you find yourself wondering……?

Why am I so tired?

Why am I gaining weight?

Why do I have mood swings?

Why do I have a low sex drive?

Why am I not able to sleep well?

Why am I having memory lapses?

Why do I have frequent urination and/or incontinence?

Why do I have migraine headaches?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, bio-identical hormone therapy may be just what would benefit you.

How does the process work?

After obtaining lab testing of saliva, blood or urine, you meet for a consultation with Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, an American Anti-Aging Academy trained physician for evaluation of your unique bio-identical hormonal needs. You are prescribed the specific hormones that your body needs! We use a quality compounding pharmacy and carry a high pharmaceutical grade of supplements for your use.

Your hormones are a symphony of interactions. All of your hormones are designed to work together and if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. It is an interactive balance and as unique to an individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all. Treating even “mild” hormonal deficiencies can dramatically improve quality of life. Longevity medicine is aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age related decline.

We are not prisoners of our genetic destiny. Chronic inflammation is the cause and the effect of most illnesses and the diseases of aging. Balanced hormone optimization and a balanced life style decreases chronic inflammation. Hormone optimization is the finishing touch of an anti-aging lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, anti-oxidants and nutraceuticals.

Community Corner q&a

Kalvin Lu

Lead Photographer & Filmmaker at KLU Photo and Video

Story on page 32.

What was your favorite hobby as a kid?

What is your favorite hobby now?

I grew up enjoying watching and playing basketball. Sometimes when I’m free, I hit up an open gym to get a couple of games in. Now, I’m trying out a few outdoor hobbies to see which one I enjoy doing.

How do you decompress after a rough day?

After a rough day, I drive to a store or ice cream parlor to get my favorite ice cream. Having something sweet helps me feel better. Sometimes I get boba tea too.

What book is on your nightstand?

“The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure” by Grant Cardone. This book taught me how to set big goals in life and use other people’s success to inspire myself.

What is the best advice you ever got? Invest in yourself.

W H ere can people follo W you?

Personal Instagram: @kalvinkleinn

Business IG: @kluphotovideo

TikTok: Kluphotovideo

Community Corner q&a

p rofession:

Author, Dancing Up the Ladder, and President of Elk Grove Writers Guild, Inc. Public Charity Non-profit Elk Grove, California

What do you look forward to during these late summer months?

I look forward to reconnecting with friends and family, and more daylight for evening walks.

What was your favorite hobby as a kid? I loved to read and write poetry.

What is your favorite hobby now? I’m obsessed with finishing my second novel and staying fit. One is sometimes incompatible with the other.

How do you decompress after a rough day? For me, it depends on the “nature” of the rough day. Did I have an automobile accident or how about the time I received the call that my biopsy was positive. With those situations, it was recovery, not decompression. But, if there’d just been issues I’d failed to resolve, when I got home I’d distract

my mind with the mail, dinner, a talk with my husband, a cup of chamomile tea, do some online research and come up with a new perspective.

What book is on your nightstand?

I don’t have a book on my nightstand, but there are crammed bookcases all over my house with books on cooking, health, medicine, the craft of writing, animals, love and more. Some of my favorite books are “The Power of Nice” by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval and “Plains of Passage” by Jean Auel.

What is the best advice you ever got? Wake up! Get up! Dress up! And show up!!

W H ere can people follo W you?

Facebook & Linked-In: Loy Holder Website: www.egweg.org. Email: loyholder77@gmail.com

Loy Holder

Elk Grove Writers Conference Story on page 48.

Stay Connected to Ardent for Life

Follow our Instagram to stay up to date with all the exciting happenings in your neighborhood. Be the first to know about exclusive discounts and join our fun contests. Join the community today and let the fun begin!

winner's circle and scored big in our latest Instagram contest! We loved seeing the fun you had at the California State Fair & Food Festival. Thank you for sharing the photos with us.

Contributor’s Corner

Justin azevedo

Justin has been a Youth services librarian for sacramento Public library since 2010, and is currently the Youth Materials selector for the system.

allie Crump

Event Manager at McConnell Estates

David Hipskind

owner of the red Door antiques, Vintage, and More. located in Historic Old Town Elk Grove.

Evan Hust

Evan is a foodie, wine lover, car guy, and Disneyland fanatic. He is the Director of Development and Marketing for the San Joaquin County Historical Society and can also be found behind the bar at Klinker Brick Winery on the weekends.

Dr. Dayle a. Imperato

A Board Certified physician, she has served the Sacramento community for the past 20 years. owner of rejuvenation Wellness & aesthetic Medicine in Old Town, Elk Grove.

Matt & Kayla lawson

We are Matt and Kayla lawson, owners of MKl Photography. We have been together for 16 years & married for eight years. We have three daughters and one son; they are our absolute world. We are based out of Turlock, California but we travel all over California capturing weddings, engagements, and family sessions.

Cindy Della Monica

Cheesemonger and owner of Cheese Central in lodi, Ca.

Carole Morris

Instructional specialist, author and adjunct Professor. she is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.

anna osborn

Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. she owns life unscripted Counseling in Midtown sacramento.

Elizabeth Pinkerton

teacher and administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.

Justin Pinnell

Justin is not just another pretty face in real Estate. He enjoys long walks on the beach and high mountain sunsets.

louis silveira

newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society

Dianna singh

Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past eight years.

rebecca Voorhees

Designer by day. Blogger by night. Diva 24/7. Follow me on my adventures in the kitchen @divadicucina

Zachary Wackman

general Manager at McConnell Estates Winery

Kayla Webb

Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery

Brendle Wells

Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”

For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net.

creative director Sara Pinnell sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com

I like cooking my corn on the grill in the husks, but I found that the key is to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before putting them on the grill. This keeps the dry husks from catching fire and lets some moisture in and almost steams the corn kernels keeping them juicy while allowing them to get nice and tender.

Read more in Rebecca's article, A Hot Summer Night Side Dish, on page 26.

executive editor Carole Morris carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com

art & production info@mrsandmrpublishing.com

View ardent for life online at www.ardentforlife.net

business manager Justin Pinnell justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com

sales sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com

Copyright © 2023 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year

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the information in this publication is for informational purposes only. Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Inc. (DBa ardent for life) assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization is not necessarily the views of the magazine.

ARdent for

life

Checking In

Late summer has arrived, I love walking through my yard and watching nature undergo its last burst of growth before harvest time. Fruits and vegetables are fully ripening and transforming, using the last of summer’s abundant energy. Those who love fall are finding their happy place. Traveling for vacation and unpredictable schedules have ended, and fall is visible on their horizon. School has started and everyone is getting back into a steady routine.

Rudolfo Anaya captured the essence of late summer perfectly,

Carole Morris

What I’ve Learned

This issue has an interesting historical article written about the 2nd Theater in Elk Grove (The Boulevard Theatre) that had its gala grand opening on Feb. 4, 1955.

If you depend on your partner to meet your every need, listen to your every word and be your sole support read the insightful article “Your Relationship Takes a Village”.

We have some wonderful recipes that will motivate you to try something new...I am definitely going to try the Habanero Butter Bean Curry and the No Churn Peach Ice Cream!

"there is a time in the last few days of summer when the ripeness of autumn fills the air, and time is quiet and mellow."

By Cindy Della Monica, Owner,

Under the boArdwALk

Cheese Central

food} Cheese Central

The Greeks and Romans viewed the Dog Star, Sirius, during the hottest days of summer in July and August. Their lives were anxious then, with the suspicion that the “dog days of summer” brought on catastrophes and illness—dinner table talking points while dining on some of the freshest Mediterranean cuisine available.

Thankfully, we don’t share their superstitions—we worry about jellyfish stings, too many mosquito bites or poison ivy rash. We enjoy the light-hearted laughter of children, sunkissed from long sunny days of outdoor play and splashing in water of any type. Summer love is bittersweet, too, memories lasting through a lifetime. Our soundtracks included beach music, dance tunes, and romantic melodies. Amazing summer foods from across the country feature churning ice cream made with fresh sweet strawberries or peaches (Wisconsin, 2014, the largest ever ice cream scoop weighed 3,010 lbs), ice cold watermelon from the cooler, meats and vegetables over the flames on the beach or patio or under the trees. And sometimes, smelling the wet ground after watching a summer thunderstorm.

For a trip to the beach, my childhood neighborhood moms used to pack tuna sandwiches and Lay’s chips, Kool-Aid, maybe Twinkies or cookies and that watermelon for dessert. My East Coast Italian in-laws, however, planned freshly-made chicken cutlet or eggplant sandwiches wrapped in foil and still warm when they were passed around under the beach umbrellas. Pasta salads, loads of fresh fruit, antipasto “snacks” and “real” Coke set up on card tables and multiple coolers made our family beach trip look like we planned to stay ALL summer! The current creative ideas for food on the go are easier, and amazing… boozy watermelon, making ice cream in a bag, and have you heard of the “snackle box?” Google it up! Amazing photos, Pinterest and more, and even Amazon gets in the act with tackle box options.

While we were dating, a Santa Cruz beach day might end with a quick beachside shower and fresh casual clothes for a warm summer evening dinner date at Shadowbrook in Capitola. A ride on the funicular from the parking lot down the hill would take you to the wood plank hillside decks that had oak trees poking through them, branches strung with twinkly lights, and the sound of Soquel Creek just below you. Outdoor romance dining of the finest caliber! Clam chowder and house salad, or a seafood appetizer like Two Shrimp Louie (I always found that funny—it could be a comedian’s name, or a very tiny portion! In fact, it is rock shrimp and bay shrimp combined with classic Thousand Island). You could never go wrong with their prime rib, and share a heavenly cheesecake, as we worked up an appetite playing at the beach all day. Way back in the 70’s, it was the first time I had spinach salad with strawberries in it, and Mud Pie was a favorite finale… becoming the standard on every restaurant’s menu through the 90’s I think!

So, now it is time to pack away the coolers and tents. Whisked into the car for school shopping, kids have a different kind of excitement brewing. Who doesn’t love memories of a new backpack filled with newly sharpened pencils and binders? The school schedule will change a family’s daily life—sports, gymnastics, music lessons, homework…… (screech!) wait a minute! Let’s celebrate the last of Summer, please, overlapped with preparation for Autumn!

Summer doesn’t end officially until September 22. Isn’t there time to squeeze in one more weekend at the beach or the lake? (Cue music… “Under the Boardwalk” by the Drifters, and “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” thank you, Sly and the Family Stone). Perfect summer tans are glowing around the summer couture of bikinis and bra-tops, board shorts and flip flops! (Cue music… “Girl From Ipanema,” Stan Getz; “Girl Watcher,” The O’Kaysions, anything Beach Boys). Did you run through the sprinklers yet? Wade through a creek looking for pollywogs? Challenge each other to swim across the lake—AND back? Learn how to wakeboard, boogie board, surf, wake surf, snorkel or scuba? There’s still time! BBQ favorites and s’mores, casual cocktails like Greyhound, Sea Breeze or Paloma around the firepit, a Farmer’s Market stroll, watching late August meteor showers (“Up on the Roof,” the Drifters). Let’s make the most of what is left before hectic school and holiday schedules consume our lives.

Goodbye, Summer, the next heat wave is less than a year away! (Cue music… “Love is Like a Heatwave,” Martha and the Vandellas.)

Paloma

As refreshing as a Sea Breeze…

Ingredients

2 oz each tequila, grapefruit juice and sparkling water

1 oz lime juice

1 oz simple syrup, or to taste coarse salt to rim glass

Ice

Combine liquid ingredients, using the simple syrup to taste. Rim glass with salt, and pour mixture over ice.

As always, our staff at CHEESE CENTRAL is ready to help you with samples of our 100+ cheeses at the counter. Visit us at 11 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240 or visit our website at www.cheesecentrallodi.com

Roasted Corn Relish

By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central

Farmer’s Market produce, in many colorful combinations, can be used in this corn side dish. Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant cubes to the corn for roasting. Smoky when prepared over a grill. Delicious with feta cheese added to it for a main dish.

Roasted Corn Relish

Ingredients

6 T olive oil, divided

3 c fresh corn kernels, cut from cleaned cobs

1 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved

2 roasted red or orange bell peppers, skinned, cleaned and diced

1/2 c thinly sliced green onions

1/3 C finely sliced fresh basil

Directions

Preheat oven to 375*, or prepare a grill. Toss corn kernels with 4 T oil, and spread out onto a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until corn begins to brown, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Mix in tomatoes, peppers, green onions, basil, and 2 tablespoons oil; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve.

No-churn Peach Ice Cream

An old-fashioned classic, which I like to sandwich between soft oatmeal cookies.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped

2 c heavy cream

14 oz sweetened condensed milk

1 T vanilla extract

Directions

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the condensed milk, cream, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold in the peaches and pour the mixture into a loaf pan. Freeze 3-4 hours for a soft churned texture, or overnight for firm freeze.

With this year’s late summer heatwave, we’ve been spending our afternoons cooling off with chilled glasses of Marilyn Jean. Our signature sparkling Blanc de noir is made "methode champenoise" and features fine bubbles with a bright and crisp finish. With fruit-forward notes of pink lemon, nectarine, and rainier cherry, Marilyn Jean is the perfect accompaniment to juicy summer strawberries, especially when sweetened up in this strawberry shortcake recipe.

For the most delightful results and to find perfectly ripe strawberries, we recommend shopping at any of the local strawberry stands spotted all over the Sacramento Valley. Once you’re in the kitchen, don’t skip macerating the fruit in the wine to bring all the flavors together. This shortcake has it all: tender, fluffy biscuits, light whipped cream, and sweet summer strawberries—all of which make for an even more delectable treat when paired with our Marilyn Jean!

Strawberry Shortcakes

SHorTcakeS

• 2 cups self-rising flour

(Gold Medal brand preferred)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons melted salted butter

• 2 tablespoons coarse turbinado sugar

MaceraTed BerrIeS

• 2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2-3 tablespoons

Marilyn Jean Blanc de Noir

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

WHIpped creaM

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste

dIrecTIonS

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Mix the strawberries, sparkling wine, and sugar in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Make a well and add the vanilla and heavy cream. Mix with a spatula until just combined. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Fold it over 3 times and roll out to 1/2" thick.

4. Using a 3" round cutter, cut out shortcakes (recipe should make 4-6), and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with the turbinado sugar.

6. Bake in the top third of the oven for 10-13 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool.

7. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to a bowl. Whip with an electric hand mixer until medium-stiff peaks form. Do not over-whip.

8. Split the shortcakes in half, spoon over the strawberries with the juice, and top with whipped cream.

9. Serve with a chilled glass of Marilyn Jean and enjoy!

notE: McConnell Estate's Marilyn Jean Blanc de Noir is available in our tasting room or e-store. You can visit our online store by scanning the QR code or through our website www.mcconnellestates.com.

A Hot Summer Night Side Dish

By Rebecca Voorhees www.divadicucina.com

If you are looking for the perfect late summer side dish, search no further! This dish is so simple to make and utilizes a couple of my favorite summer veggies, zucchini and corn. Both of which are in peak season in July and August.

Last summer I grew zucchini in my garden and had it coming out of our ears! I started trying to come up with new ways to prepare it and this was absolutely one of my faves. It is so light and refreshing with those zesty lime and cilantro flavors.

It is the perfect complement to any grilled protein, but I particularly love it with a grilled chicken breast and some buttery garlic bread. The perfect meal for a hot summer night. Just add a bottle of buttery chardonnay and you will be on cloud nine!

Note : I like cooking my corn on the grill in the husks, but I found that the key is to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before putting them on the grill. This keeps the dry husks from catching fire and lets some moisture in and almost steams the corn kernels keeping them juicy while allowing them to get nice and tender.

If you aren’t grilling that night or want to cut down on prep time for this dish, instead of grilling the corn you can just cut the uncooked kernels off of the cob and cook them in the skillet with the zucchini. This will allow them to pick up a nice little bit of caramelization.

Grilled Corn and Zucchini Salad

Ingredients

2 ears of corn, in the husks

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic, minced

4 zucchini, diced

1/4 tsp basil

steps

Fill your kitchen sink with water and soak the corn in the husks for about 30 minutes.

Cook the corn on the grill over indirect high heat (about 400º) for 12–15 minutes.

Set aside corn to cool.

In a large cast iron skillet, heat your olive oil over medium high heat.

Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute.

Add in the zucchini, basil, oregano, and thyme and stir occasionally.

1/4 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp thyme

salt pepper, to taste

1 lime

1/4 c cilantro, chopped

1/2 c parmesan, shaved

While the zucchini is cooking, remove the husk from the corn and cut the kernels off of the cob.

When the zucchini is tender, after about 5–7 minutes of cooking, add the corn kernels to the skillet and mix.

Season with salt and pepper and remove the skillet from the heat.

Squeeze the lime juice over the veggies and then stir in the cilantro.

Transfer to a serving dish and top with the parmesan.

For more great recipes visit www.divadicucina.com

By Evan Hust

Butter Bean Curry Habanero

with Yogurt & Pistachios

food} h abanero b utter b ean Curry

When August rolls around, it seems as though summer will simply continue to drag on with no end in sight. I often find myself stuck in a "recipe-rut" when the long work days and hot temperatures sap my desire to get creative or to experiment in the kitchen. Luckily, this spicy yet light vegetable curry works double duty as the perfect late-summer meal, keeping things fresh and plant-based while hinting at the return of sumptuous comfort foods to come. A glass of Lange Twins Diablo Vineyard Moscato is my preferred wine pairing to make this one really sing!

Habanero Butter Bean Curry

Ingredients

1 small red onion, roughly chopped

1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped

2” fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

1 habanero pepper, whole

Juice of one orange

2 tbsp garlic, chopped

3 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

Directions

2 cans butter beans

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1 tsp ground coriander

1tsp vindaloo curry powder (or plain curry powder)

1 tbsp turmeric

1 tsp Garam Masala

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 bunch cilantro

Shelled pistachios, roughly chopped plain, full fat, Greek-style yogurt

cooked basmati rice

Combine chopped onion, bell pepper, ginger, orange juice, and habanero pepper in a blender or food processor. Pulse into a fine paste and set aside.

In a medium dutch oven, melt ghee over medium-high heat. Add the onion/pepper mixture and sauté until the liquid evaporates, about 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the cardamom, coriander, curry powder, turmeric, and garam masala in a small bowl.

Add the tomato paste, garlic, and spice mixture to the pan and sauté until the spices become fragrant and the tomato paste begins to brown, about 5 minutes.

Pour the butter beans and their liquid into the pan, scraping the bottom to incorporate any bits that may be stuck. Add coconut milk and stir to combine. Simmer uncovered until everything is warmed through. Meanwhile, roughly chop 1 bunch of cilantro (including tender stems).

Serve over basmati rice. Top with yogurt, cilantro, and pistachios.

Mariel Christian

&

Photographed by KLu Photo & Video www.kluphotovideo.com

Tell us about you…

Mariel is a Pastry Chef from South San Francisco; she went to San Francisco State University and graduated with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. She later attended culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco in 2012.

Christian grew up in Pacifica but moved to Elk Grove in 1991. He has been in Elk Grove for about 32 years; went to John Ehrhardt Elementary, Harriet Eddy Middle School and Laguna Creek High School (Class of 2003). After graduating from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration, he gave back to his community by working for the City of Elk Grove for 15 years in various capacities until growing his professional career with the City of Lincoln as a Senior Municipal Analyst.

how did you meet?

Our families are from the same hometown of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines. Mariel’s great grandmother and my grandmother were best friends. Mariel’s aunt’s best friend was my mother. Our paths would cross at family gatherings but we never spoke to each other. In 2019, family members suggested we should meet, but I did not take action. In 2020, I finally had the courage to ask Mariel’s cousin, April, for her phone number. When we started dating, we would take turns driving to South San Francisco and Elk Grove, every weekend.

For me, love is not always about caring, pampering, holding hands and cuddles but is about growth, showing maturity, and sorting out the problems between each other all the time and not giving up.

love} stories

the Proposal?

In February 2022, our group of friends planned a weekend trip to South Lake Tahoe. We planned to meet by the beach and Mariel wondered why her friends were taking a while to get there. Mariel was getting frustrated because she had a sprained ankle and I wanted to walk down a bit further. I finally popped the question and took out a heirloom ring that I inherited from my mother when she passed away. It fit perfectly!

what is love?

Mariel: Love is when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with your person. It is spending quality time with each other.

Christian: For me, love is not always about caring, pampering, holding hands and cuddles but is about growth, showing maturity, and sorting out the problems between each other all the time and not giving up.

what do you love most about him?

He is supportive, patient, and kind. We understand each other's jokes. I’m starting to think my family loves him more than me.

what do you love most about her?

Her culinary talent and extensive travel planning; she sure loves her excel spreadsheets and detailed itineraries. But most of all, it was her being by my side and giving me continuous encouragement and support with tough decisions in life.

when did you know you were in love?

Mariel: I don’t know the exact date, but since we took turns driving to Elk Grove and San Francisco every weekend, I noticed I would miss him if we skipped a weekend date due to other plans or weather. It was easy for him to get along with my family since he has known them since his childhood days in Pacifica.

Christian: On our second date on a log in Pacifica overlooking Taco Bell Cantina. That was the day I actually asked her to be my girlfriend but she said it was “too soon.” After another month of traveling to San Francisco, I asked the question again, but this time in front of the Tower Bridge and a pair of FastTrak passes (since our visits would be frequent). That is when I realized that our journey had officially started.

Fun facts

• On the morning of our first date, Mariel’s mom found a photo of Mariel’s dad holding baby Christian in 1987.

• Mariel and Christian sat next to each other at a party in October 2011; but never interacted.

• Christian caught the garter at Mariel’s cousin’s wedding in 2021.

• Mariel made the four-tier wedding cake and made a fondant figurine of their chihuahua, Mrs. Pebbles, hiding behind the flowers.

• Mariel re-introduced me to the wonderful world of Disney and boba.

• We like to try new local restaurants every week.

I finally popped the question and took out a heirloom ring that I inherited from my mother when she passed away. It fit perfectly!

love} stories

what did you enjoy most on your wedding day?

Being surrounded by our closest family and friends. Most of our guests drove from the Bay Area, Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego and some flew from the Philippines, Canada, New Zealand, Washington, Chicago, Nevada, and Texas.

The food! Aside from the delicious dinner buffet by Evergreen Springs, we had a boba bar from Tastea and Filipino taco truck, Pinorrito, where guests could choose from Sisig Rice Plates or a trio of tacos. Mariel also baked over 700 French macarons for the dessert bar and made the four-tier wedding cake. We also had cupcakes and custom rice krispies treats from Sweet Dreams Bakery all the way from Colma, CA.

The grand entrance. We had a large Filipino style bridal party. We had 14 pairs of Principal Sponsors who we call, “Ninongs and Ninangs,” four pairs of “Secondary Sponsors,” three bearers, four flower girls, and six pairs of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. Since we did not see our bridal party enter the ballroom, we were able to watch it through the videos from our videographer.

Since my mother passed away in 2018, I know she was watching over us on this special day. My niece held her photograph down the aisle and I gave her a white rose when she reached the front of the altar.

honeymoon

We went to Japan since it was Mariel’s dream to go to Tokyo Disney. Afterwards, we went to the Philippines and spent time with both sides of the family who could not make it to our wedding. It was also around Christian’s father’s 90th birthday.

Photography & Videographer klu Photo & Video (@kluphotovideo)

Venue & Caterer

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David Hipskind

By David Hipskind, owner of The Red Door Antiques, Vintage & More

Kathy and I met each other right out of High School. And, it was love at first sight. We married at 19 and 20 years old. Like the Carpenters hit song goes, “We Had Only Just Begun”.

I started my career in Retail Management at a major department store in Sacramento. Then our first born arrived just before our first anniversary. Kathy felt the need to spread her own wings and entered the medical field in administration. With a child in tow, we juggled our time between working, raising a toddler and the pressures of a busy life. However, we still managed to buy and build a custom home. All before the age of 35. It was a great accomplishment, especially since we started out poor as church mice. We learned to scrimp and save and build toward the future.

As newlyweds (and being artistic creative types) we frequented garage sales, flea markets and thrift stores to furnish our home. Back in high school, I had done a little furniture painting for my aunt, who owned an antique store, consequently, I used my skills to repurpose and reuse our found items. Our treasure hunts included antique fairs and shows. We discovered we had a knack for incorporating these items

into our decorating style. Kathy has always been the driving force in creating our unique style. As a creative talent she and some of her girlfriends got together and started making wood and fabric crafts and selling them at local craft shows. Kathy would use some of our items from home to decorate and enhance the look of their selling space. Many customers were more interested in purchasing our antiques than the crafts she was selling.

My career was sailing along, and I climbed the corporate ladder to middle management …then the bottom fell out of the department store business in the early 1990’s. With venture capitalists driving the markets, department stores started to buy each other out. As department store chains began to consolidate and grow larger, buying offices and middle managers began to lose their jobs. Suddenly, I was without a job. I floundered around from job to job, telephone yellow pages sales, corporate wellness program sales, telemarketing sales, etc. Thankfully,

Kathy was able to pull a few strings and was able to get me an interview with a medical laboratory and I became a sales rep selling corporate drug testing programs. Sadly, two years later the lab was gobbled up by a large national laboratory that already had a drug testing program and once again I found myself unemployed.

One of my clients had built a growing Family Court ordered drug detection business. She offered me a partnership with her company. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to grow professionally and co-own my own business. We added a drug free workplace program and occupational medical services to round out our one stop approach for our clients. Kathy and I invested upwards of $250K in the business. Things were going great (or so I thought). Suddenly, I started getting collection notices and threatening calls at home demanding payment. I thought I had done my due diligence prior to entering into this partnership, but I had no clue as to how dishonest someone can be. Our whole

Teetering on The Edge of Complete Disaster (turns out was the best thing that could have happened).

world came crashing in. We lost our investment, we lost our home and almost lost our marriage. I became very depressed and couldn’t see how we’d ever recover from our devastation.

However, Kathy was our rock throughout the ordeal, she was always positive and upbeat in knowing that we would succeed. After the initial shock, and the trauma of downsizing from a 3,000 sq ft home to a 1,600 sq ft home, we obtained a 10 X 30 foot storage unit and filled it with our personal items that we had to liquidate

Kathy and her girlfriends did a craft/antique show in the parking lot of an antique store in Fair Oaks, CA. We brought a lot of our vintage and antique items from the storage unit. It was a hugely successful event. So much so, the owner of the store offered us a space inside the store instead of returning the leftovers to our storage unit. That is how we got started in the retail antique business.

In that 10-year stint, we went from a small 8 X 10 space to 10 x 30 space. We once again relocated our home in 2004 to Elk Grove. We quickly discovered the charm of Old Town Elk Grove and secured a small space in the back of a quaint little shop on the boulevard. With the disaster behind us, we slowly began to regain our selfconfidence. In 2006, we were approached by the store owner with an opportunity to purchase the store. At first, it was a definite NO…!!! No way were we ready to risk everything again. We could not afford (financially or psychologically) to own our own business. However, after many hours of discussion and sleepless nights we decided we had the knowledge, skills and drive to make it a successful business. I have always heard “do something you like and you will not work a day in your life again.” We had the vision,

After many hours of discussion

the creativity, the retail background, the financial wherewithal to make this work. So, on October 17, 2006 we opened The Red Door Antiques, Vintage and More.

We inherited a single space at the Old Toronto Hotel. We slowly started making structural and merchandising changes with an eye to our creative style. Artfully presenting vignettes that tell a story. We assist our customers in visualizing how to incorporate vintage, antique, and very often, sentimental pieces into their everyday environment.

Learn from your mistakes and successes. As much as you think you have failed and will never be successful again, keep in mind the human spirit and drive is unbreakable if you use those failures as a life learning experience. Don’t be afraid to follow and act upon your dreams. Don’t be afraid to fail. One door closes and another will open.

Red Door Antique's 3200 square foot showroom is now a staple of Old Town Elk Grove. We started in a single suite and slowly grew into three full suites. We started with four dealers we now have 12. With so many dealers, we have new items circulating constantly.

Red Door Antiques is a certified “Stockists” for Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. We provide Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshops, teaching our customers how to apply the products in creative ways. Pop-up workshops are offered by outside artisans with seasonally appropriate topics. Follow our Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date with events or check out our website.

The Red Door Antiques Vintage and More 9056 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624 www.thereddoorelkgrove.com

Don’t be afraid to follow and act upon your dreams. Don’t be afraid to fail.

One door closes and another will open.

What I’ve Learned From Being an Empty Nester

By CT MorrisBS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.

Okay… maybe I’m as cold as ice, but I was never “that parent” sobbing uncontrollably when either my daughter or my son trotted off to kindergarten. Why? I knew there was life after the kids went to school.

However, at that junction in my life, I began to hear the term “empty nest syndrome” from friends whose kids also started school. They described the syndrome as an emotional distress that affects parents whose children have left the home; my friends felt there was a loss of meaning in their life. Wow, who knew? Maybe, I wasn’t an emotional wreck because I had a plan (get a college degree).

Moving forward 13 years, after helping with school projects, making lunches, and implementing curfews, my children are ready to try their wings and fly into their adult lives. Yikes, now I truly am an empty nester. This is a big change—they aren’t coming home after school to tell me about their day…this is a major transformation; now I feel fearful and anxious. The role my husband and I had with our children has shifted, our kids are adulting. Gulp, I need to view them as fellow adults?

Let’s be honest, many times parents need their kids to motivate them. Some days may feel empty because we've grown accustomed to talking to our children or doing activities that involve them in some way. That’s why it is essential to have a plan before they move out of the house. Cultivate a strong relationship with your significant other and do activities together without your children. Build a solid foundation with clear communication, explore things you are passionate about and interests that will impact your world.

Let’s focus on the positive… our children are grown, healthy and loved. Don’t you love knowing that your kids have become capable adults under your guidance? Wasn’t that our heart’s desire from the moment we watched them take their first step?

To raise a child who is enoughcomfortable to leave you, means you've done your job.

Free Little Art Gallery Elk Grove

Contributed by Carolyn and Brian Baptista

A new art gallery recently opened in Elk Grove (located on Laguna Vale Way). This is not your typical gallery; their mission is to promote independent artists and build community engagement through the free exchange of art…in miniature.

Established April 23, 2023 by Carolyn and Brian Baptista, Free Little Art Gallery Elk Grove offers a creative space for independent artists to share and exchange small works of art with other members of the local community. Carolyn is the gallery curator and art advocate, while Brian is a visual artist and art educator. With their joint efforts of creativity and promotion, the founders of Free Little Art Gallery Elk Grove invite you to share the experience.

Wh AT I s A Fr EE L ITTLE Ar T G ALLE r Y ?

A Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) is similar to a Little Free Library. Visitors are encouraged to leave a piece of art, take a piece of art, or simply enjoy viewing the rotating exhibits. The gallery is a place where community members can express their creativity while learning about the art created by others.

Wh AT I nsp I r ED YO u TO I ns TALL

T h E Fr EE L ITTLE Ar T G ALLE r Y E L k Gr O v

E ?

The initial inspiration came from reading a heartwarming article about Stacy Milrany, a Seattle artist who installed a FLAG in front of her home during the pandemic. The support she received from her community and the availability of an accessible outlet for local artists was inspiring.

We have always looked for ways to help promote our local creatives. The Sacramento County region is thriving with independent artists. One difficulty they often find is a place to display their work and gain exposure. We wanted to create a safe welcoming environment for artists to share their art and the opportunity to gain new supporters.

Th E GALLE r Y I s A p LACE

W h E r E COMM un ITY MEM b E rs CA n E xpr E ss

T h EI r C r EATI v ITY W h ILE

LEA rn I n G A b O u T T h E A r T C r EATED b Y OT h E rs.

Denise Blake

Maryland Artist Avneet Sandhu

Brian Baptista

Mystery Artist

Robyn

Tanya Lieberman

Youth Artist Alexandra Yakovleva

Kelly Croisdale

In addition, since we are located near an elementary campus, we wanted this gallery to be an inspiration for the young students who walk to school in our neighborhood. Each of us grew up in households that promoted art. We felt this gallery would allow local young artists an inspiration to pursue their creative talents.

hOW DOE s IT WO rk?

Everyone is an artist, and anyone can contribute their artwork to the gallery. We accept any form of art, assuming it is small enough to fit inside. Once a new piece is added, it is photographed and posted on our Instagram account (@freelittleartgalleryelkgrove). Artists are tagged in each post and we include any information provided about the artwork. When visitors take a piece of art, we suggest they send a note of appreciation to the artist through social media. This helps grow the community and show our artists the value of their contributions.

hOW MA n Y A r TI s T s h A v E CO n T r I bu TED TO T h E GALLE r Y ?

At first, we were concerned about our ability to keep the gallery filled with art. We reached out to local artists and included some work of our own. Soon, we began to receive frequent visitors and mail in submissions. We are extremely grateful for our growing set of regular contributors. These dedicated artists help raise the awareness of FLAGs and support for

art appreciation and education. Many participants state they’ve felt inspired to spend more time on art or return to mediums they abandoned in the past. One local artist stated, “having a location to show my work has inspired and motivated me to spend time crafting. It’s great self-care and spreads joy to the community too. Win win!”

Wh AT TY p E s OF A r T h A s T h E GALLE r Y r ECEI v ED ?

The gallery receives artwork from talented people of all ages and skill levels. It features many mediums, from paintings and drawings to magnets, photographs, and ceramic figurines. One artist donated a large painted wooden butterfly, and another several handpainted coffee mugs. Recently two unique crochet pieces appeared with hidden pockets to store your goodies. We frequently receive hand-made jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, and rings. You never know what you may see when you visit.

hOW CA n T h E COMM un ITY supp O r T T h E GALLE r Y ?

You can encourage the gallery’s vision to enrich and foster an appreciation of art by contributing artwork and inspiring others to do the same. If you know someone who creates art, tell them about this opportunity. Artwork can be donated in person or by mail. Anonymous submissions are accepted.

Wh AT EL s E DOE s T h E GALLE r Y DO ?

The gallery often features Artist Trading Cards

(ATCs). ATCs can be made from any medium cut to 2.5” x 3.5” in size. Many cards are obtained through @ATCElkGrove, our ATC Instagram account which hosts monthly online swaps. In addition, we will occasionally post art history stories, tutorials, and bios, with the intention of exposing the followers to artists or concepts they may not be familiar with.

Ar E T h E r E OT h E r Fr EE

L ITTLE Ar T G ALLE r IE s?

Free Little Art Galleries are international and come in many shapes and sizes. There are two local galleries in Sacramento and several in the bay area. You can find FLAGs on Instagram by searching #freelittleartgallery or checking out the map of FLAGs on www.freelittleartgalleries.art. If you travel to another city, see if they have a FLAG. Stop by and visit, and don’t forget to bring a small piece to contribute!

Wh AT E x CITE s YO u T h E MO s T A b O u T

T h E Fr EE L ITTLE Ar T G ALLE r Y ?

We get excited each time a new piece of artwork arrives in the gallery or when an art piece has left. It brings us joy knowing that someone in the community has a free piece of art that another individual created. That artist may now have a new fan or that community member may now have a newfound appreciation for the arts.

C O n TACT In FO r MATIO n: Free Little Art Gallery Elk Grove

https://linktr.ee/freelittleartgalleryelkgrove @freelittleartgalleryelkgrove

#freelittleartgalleryelkgrove

A Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG) is similar to a Little Free Library. v isitors are encouraged to leave a piece of art, take a piece of art, or simply enjoy viewing the rotating exhibits.

Carolyn Baptista

Brian Baptista

We accept mailed-in artwork. Our favorite artist from Maryland sent us this beautiful piece.

Writers

The Elk Grove Conference

Written by Loy Holder

The Elk Grove Writers Conference is September 23, 2023, at District 56, 8230 Civic Center Drive, Elk Grove from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Participants will enjoy a complimentary breakfast, lunch, and a comprehensive program on the Craft of Writing. Register now at egweg.org/23conf.

kEY n OTE sp EA k E r Gr EGO r Y rA n DALL , a multi-published author of thrillers like, “This Face of Evil,” and “Pawns in an Ancient Game, will provide a riveting presentation on “What’s New In the Writing and Publishing World in 2023.”

kA k WA s I sOMAD h I is the author of “Coming Forth by Day,” and several children’s books such as “The Peacemaker and the African Beetle.” As an experienced teacher of Creative Writing at Cosumnes River College, she can show participants how to write a complex scene that moves their story.

Chr I s hE nn E ss Y , filmmaker and TV producer, is writing, “ Touched by Hannah ,” a book on a

man with cancer, his onepound newborn, Hannah, and their fight for life. It was featured on NBC News and is slated for release in 2024. He will then convert the book to a Netflix film. His experience and expertise will be reflected in his presentation on “How to Build a Media Platform.”

If you’re a writer, the word “editing” causes goosebumps. k r I s TE n TATE has the cure. With a PhD in English from Co lumbia University, success as an author of “ All the Words: A Year of Reading About Writing, ” and a suc cessful editorial service called the Blue Garret, she will help class participants transform their work from rough draft to finished book.

J OEY G A r CIA says, “Writers struggle with writing copy for the back cover of a book.” Joey is an editor and professional Author Platform Coach who helps writers get known, so when their books get written, an audience is waiting to read it. Bad copy could kill the sale of a book. In

Joey’s interactive session, attendees will learn to draft enticing back cover copy, and receive useful feedback.

Ju DIT h sTA rks TO n taught college writing and publishes fantasy and magic in a Bronze Age world. Her novel, “ Hand of Fire ” was a semi-finalist with the Bennet’s Award for Historical Fiction. Her novella, “ The Scent of Slaughter and Love, ” shows she’s mastered the art of inserting emotion into a story. The net effect? Her readers feel her characters’ fear, love, hate, sexual attraction and more. Learn how to do this, and your words are sure to sell.

kA r E n p h ILLI ps , of Phillips Covers, is a graphic artist and professional book cover designer with a degree in Applied Art & Design from Cal Poly. She has worked with many indie authors, and small publishers including Poisoned Pen Press and Blue River Press. She enjoys creating covers for all genres, and her presentation on book cover design is sure to help her class participants sell more books.

For more information on the Conference, go to egweg.org or email loyholder77@gmail.com

A LL Th E bEA u TY I n Th E W O r LD

By: Patrick Bringley

Book

Reviews by BREnDLE WELLS

When you think about working in a museum, you probably don’t think about museum guards. The guards are the most visible staff, however, and the ones you are most likely to encounter be it at the entrance, the coat check, or in the galleries proper. Patrick Bringley worked as a guard at The Metropolitan Museum of Art for a decade and in his book he speaks to the job, one that is as surprising and as interesting as the vast collection of art in the galleries. He came to the museum after his brother’s death, needing to step away from the rush of the world and find a place to be still. The Met offered him plenty of time for quiet contemplation and an incredibly vibrant space in which to do it. It’s filled with his colleagues, the visitors, and, of course, the art. Bringley beautifully describes individual pieces, galleries, and exhibitions that caught his attention. His reflections are offered strictly as a casual viewer and they are the more powerful for it, reminding the reader of what the visual arts offer to everyone. Combine this with his considerations about life and loss and you have a book that makes you slow down and contemplate the world around you in a new way. Full of both sadness and joy, this a great recommendation for a traveler, memoir reader, or art lover and fans of authors like Jenny O’Dell or Katherine May.

Simon & Schuster, 2023

s aturday n ight at The Lakeside s upper Club

Author: J. Ryan Stradal

If you enjoy family stories and food, then the Midwestern novels of J. Ryan Stradal are an absolute must. Each is set in Minnesota and centers around the love and heartbreak of life and the invigorating pleasures of the meals that bring people together. In his latest, Stradal takes on the venerable supper club, which has served up hearty meals and social connection in equal measure across the upper Midwest for nearly a century. The story of the Lakeside Supper Club in Bear Jaw is told through the voices of four generations of women. The club is a home, a joy, and sometimes a burden to each of them as they figure out who and what they are meant to be. Stradal contrasts this small town business with the story of a family owned chain restaurant, Jorby’s, which intertwines with that of the Supper Club. When family and business are intertwined, suffice it to say future expectations can be complicated. And when a tragedy complicates things further, hopes and dreams are completely upended. As in all of Stradal’s books, the Minnesota setting is vividly brought to life, as are the four women at the heart of the story. Likable or not, they are vibrant, real, flawed, complex, and compelling. It is an absolute pleasure to spend time with them and with this book. This is a great choice for fans of books like Remarkably Bright Creatures or L.A. Weather.

Viking Books, 2023

The Doctor Says: Read To Your Kids

Submitted by Kaiser Permanente

Arjun n epal, MD, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician in South Sacramento and Elk Grove, answers questions about the importance of reading aloud to young children.

Wh AT A r E T h E b E n EFIT s OF r EADI n G TO C h ILD r E n A s YO un G A s n EW b O rns?

The youngest of babies love to be held close and to hear the voice of a loved one as they read a book aloud. These experiences create strong bonds and impart a sense of well-being and safety. They also promote healthy brain growth, including positive emotional and social development.

Wh AT CA n pA r E n T s A n D CA r EGI v E rs DO TO h EL p T h EI r C h ILD r E n b ECOME su CCE ss F u L r EADE rs?

There are a number of steps parents can take. Talk to your infants and young children fre-

quently in short, simple sentences. You can name things, talk about familiar activities and objects, sing songs, tell stories, and recite rhymes or poems.

hOW I nv OLv ED sh O u LD pA r E n T s

b E W h E n r EADI n G A s TO r Y ?

Very involved. Ask your child what they think will happen next, ask what the pictures are, and ask them to retell the story. Silly sounds, especially animal sounds, are fun to make while reading books. Read aloud to your children for 20 to 30 minutes daily, beginning when they are infants. If you don’t have time, try reading for just a few minutes.

Wh AT CA n pA r E n T s DO TO I nsp I r E

A LO v E FO r r EADI n G ?

Limit TV watching, create a reading corner in your house, and take your child to the library often. Demonstrate your own love of reading

and let them observe you read. Keep an eye on their vision and hearing, making sure you have them tested when appropriate.

Wh AT A b O u T A C h ILD W h O I s

s T ru GGLI n G WIT h r EADI n G ?

Read together when your child is relaxed and paying attention. Turn off all electronics. Try books with buttons that make sounds when pushed — children with autism especially enjoy these. Reading in a quiet space and breaking up reading with play are useful for kids who have difficulty paying attention. Multiple readings of the same book help to create interest in reading in many kids.

Also, give them time to process the events in the story independently and without pressure. Struggling readers can be afraid of reading out loud, so allow time to practice with a voice recorder or with a parent. Include a range of reading materials like comics, magazines, fiction novels, and non-fiction books, so children can pick books that interest them the most.

Wh AT DO kAI s E r pE r MA n E n TE p EDIAT r ICIA ns

DO TO E n CO ur AGE C h ILD r E n TO r EAD ?

We participate in the Reach Out and Read program. We provide age-appropriate books during well check visits for children ages six months to five years old. Parents are happy to see their kids showing interest in books and reading. It is very rewarding to see parents and kids interacting with each other, bonding and enhancing the child’s interest in reading and learning.

D O YO u h Av E A n Y FAv O r ITE C h ILD r E n’s b OO ks?

My kids and I liked reading Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. They interact with the story and learn colors. It teaches kids an important moral: No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song. Other books that my kids and I enjoyed are Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Cat in the Hat, and other books by Dr. Seuss, as well as the Elephant and Piggie books.

Arjun Nepal, MD, is a pediatrician in the Kaiser Permanente Big Horn Medical Offices in Elk Grove.

We participate in the r each Out and r ead program. We provide age-appropriate books during well check visits for children ages six months to five years old. p arents are happy to see their kids showing interest in books and reading.

DIM & EsTRoGEn

Life Changing results

Written By Terry Lemerond - Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins

Estrogen is absolutely essential for good health. In women, estrogen helps the body maintain a normal temperature, regulates the menstrual cycle, strengthens the liver and cardiovascular system, and keeps metabolism running smoothly.

But estrogen doesn't always work in helpful ways.

As estrogen lives out its life cycle, it can warp into unhealthy, dangerous forms that cause long-term damage if they are not removed. Over time, exposure to these forms of estrogen (called estrogen metabolites), or to toxic xenoestrogens from plastic bottles, pesticides or other contaminants that act like the dysfunctional forms of estrogen in the body, can be very dangerous.

So, keeping estrogen in its healthiest forms, and assisting the body in sweeping out potentially dangerous estrogen metabolites, is crucial. And having the right nutrients in your regimen to help keep that process going smoothly can reduce PMS and menopause symptoms, keep metabolism on track, and reduce the risk of cancer,

DIM: The Cruciferous Compound for h ealthy Estrogen

Having healthy circulating estrogen can help reduce the risk of severe menopause or PMS symptoms, development of endometriosis, fat accumulation, and cancer.

Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a naturally occurring metabolite of a compound found in broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables. Research shows that DIM helps estrogen stay in its healthiest form and can affect health in a variety of important ways.

DIM and Cancer p revention

Some women are more at risk of breast cancer because they carry an altered variation of a cancer stopping gene and its protein called "BRCA1." But DIM may be able to change that.

A Canadian clinical trial found that women taking supplemental DIM saw a 34 percent increase in BRCA1 expression. The researchers stated that these results, achieved by using a natural compound to influence how the body's own genes fight tumor formation, could

be a major paradigm shift in the way we think about treating breast cancer.

Other clinical work found that one year's supplementation of DIM in those who carry this altered BRCA, saw a significant decline in the amount of fibro glandular tissue-which left to its own or allowed to form dense clusters may be an indicator of tumor risk. The researchers admit that more work needs to be done, but it is possible that the simple act of adding DIM to a daily regimen could yield incredibly powerful results.

Endometrial cancer is a serious risk for women who have had increased estrogen exposure, whether through hormone replacement therapy, or from other sources, including xenoestrogens. Research at the University of California at Berkley showed that DIM had a definite anti-tumor effect on endometrial cancer cells.

Additionally, a scientific study found that DIM directly shuts down tumor replication in a variety of cancer types and can make cancer cells more sensitive and vulnerable to radiation. In the future, this could mean that DIM may be used with conventional treatments and reduce the amount of radiation required to get results from those treatments.

DIM and h ormones

DIM has been used alongside the commonly prescribed progestin drug for endometriosis, dienogest. In fact, when added to the drug, DIM enhanced its effects on estradiol secretion in endometriotic tissue in scientific models of endometriosis, and reduced pelvic pain compared to the drug alone in patients.

In a case study of a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), DIM and chaste tree berry ( Vitex agnus-castus ), along with acupuncture treatments, helped regulate androgen levels and reduce symptoms over a 10-month period.

Curcumin is Critical for Detoxification

Curcumin, the widely studied compound from turmeric, is an excellent partner nutrient to DIM. Although curcumin doesn't directly impact estrogen, it impacts liver detoxification, which does affect the way estrogen acts in your body.

Curcumin enhances detoxification enzymessuperoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase- and makes it easier for your body to

terry's bottom Line

Estrogen is one of the most important hormones, especially for women. Diindolylmethane, better known as DIM, is a highly researched metabolite of a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. Along with other powerful botanicals, DIM helps you maintain the right kind of estrogen, while increasing detoxification of the wrong kinds before they can cause serious trouble.

Th E r IG h T nu T r IE n T COM b I n ATIO n CA n:

• Reduce severe PMS and perimenopause symptoms

• Prevent hormone-influenced weight gain

• Improve safe detoxification of unhealthy forms of estrogen

rid itself of toxic xenoestrogens- those harmful estrogen mimics that can come from environmental pollution. And, since curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, it protects the liver as it processes these toxins, too.

Additionally, curcumin fights cancer and has been shown to relieve PMS symptoms, so it's a great botanical to add to your regimen for even more than healthy detoxification. The curcumin I prefer is blended with turmeric essential oil for enhanced bioavailability, so it overcomes absorption problems seen with standard curcumin extracts.

Gr A p E sEED Ex T r ACT : u nsung h ero for h ormones and Weight

While grape seed extract may not be the first botanical that comes to mind when talking about estrogen and other hormones, a clinical study found that it can significantly reduce hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms of menopause. Women in this study also saw an increase in lean muscle mass (a real plus as we get older), and a reduction in blood pressure.

• Guard against hormonally related cancer

• Reduce endometriosis and uterine fibroids

Terry Lemerond has o ver 45 years of experience in the health food industry as an owner of several health food stores and dietary supplement manufacturing companies. He has researched and developed over 400 nutritional and botanical formulations that continue to be top selling products on the market today.

As estrogen lives out its life cycle, it can warp into unhealthy, dangerous forms that cause long-term damage if they are not removed.

Grape seed extract also eases the ups and downs of blood sugar and may stop additional fat cells from developing. That's not just good for your weight, but for your hormone balance as well: fat cells are known to be storehouses of hormones.

Grape seed extract partially inhibits aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen into estrogen and is implicated in many risks to health, including breast cancer. Leading research shows that grape seed extract's ability to modulate aromatase may also prevent or treat endometriosis, and the irregular menstrual cycles, pain, and potential infertility of the condition, which is typically very resistant to conventional therapy.

The grape seed extract that I prefer is a French grape seed extract with low-molecular weight oligomeric proanthocyanins (OPCs) that are well absorbed. For many years, the perception of grape seed extract has suffered due to poorly produced ingredients with high tannin content that was neither absorbed well nor provided any of the results people expected. It truly pays to get the best in grape seed extracts.

Estrogen dominance is a term that describes having too much estrogen in relation to other hormones (such as progesterone) or having high exposure to estrogen-mimicking xenoestrogens. Estrogen dominance is associated with symptoms many women experience regularly: severe PMS, hot flashes, breast tenderness, weight gain, insomnia, mood swings, and sluggish metabolism. Fortunately, DIM, curcumin, and French grape seed extract can help reduce these symptoms and help keep estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones in a helpful state of balance.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

k eeping estrogen in its healthiest forms, and assisting the body in detoxing potentially dangerous estrogen metabolites, is crucial.

YourTakesRelationship a Village

By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach

I love a good sports movie, especially when it’s got a romantic comedy edge to it. Bull Durham, Fever Pitch, Cutting Edge…all fantastic movies. And right up there with all of my favorites, is Jerry Maguire. I watch it at least once a year and it always gets me excited about fall because you know…football and all.

And as much as I love this movie, the whole ‘you complete me’ part always drives me a bit crazy. When the movie came out in 96’, I was in my late high school years and I thought it was such a romantic line. Now 25+ years later, I can’t get over how misleading that idea is.

This belief that we have the singular (and absolutely) overwhelming power to complete one another–to make each other whole. To

love each other so well that we remove all doubt and insecurity from our being. Holy smokes that sounds like a lot!!

To be clear, I’m not just quoting an out of date movie line here for no reason. The whole ‘you complete me’ idea is one I hear thrown around in couple’s sessions more frequently than you’d think.

Now, sure no one is doing their best Tom Cruise and quoting this line exactly or asking their partner to be their everything, but they kind of are. You see when we depend on one another to be our entire source of entertainment, connection, and emotional support, we’re inadvertently asking our partner to ‘complete us’. And that can be a lot of pressure.

I deeply believe that your partnership is the single most important relationship in your life. I believe that you need to pour into that relationship with a prioritization that is dif-

ferent from any other relationship. And yet, I also believe that you need to create a village of support in your life that allows you to be complete, simply as you are.

I know that when you depend on your partner to meet your every need, listen to your every word and be your sole support, things can get really, really stressful in love.

I don’t think we purposely put this expectation on one another. But, I also think that over time you can get stuck in a cycle where the expectations can feel like A LOT; especially if you’re not working to meet any of your own needs or leaning on ANY of your systems of support.

I think the biggest way that we get stuck in this cycle of over dependence on one another is because we’re all just so darn busy. If your life looks anything like mine, you’re being pulled in a million different directions at every hour of the day AND still trying to figure out

where you put your keys and what the heck is everyone eating for dinner. And I get it. Life is incredibly busy and the demands we put on ourselves are beyond unrealistic.

I also know that my husband is my person AND he’s the first person I want to share things with…good and bad. But he can’t be my only person. I also need friends to talk to. I need things to do besides just tending to my relationship and my household. I need to spend time doing things I enjoy away from home. I need to be able to show up for my friends and family so that those relationships don’t dry up. And most importantly I need to know that I’m complete just as I am.

I encourage you to look not only at your relationship but the village around you. How is it supporting the two of you in love? How are you curating interests and hobbies that allow you to express all versions of yourself? Are you leaning into activities you’re passionate about so you can bring that excitement back into your partnership?

Asking yourself (and each other) these questions may highlight some of the ways you need to celebrate how complete you are individually…which actually makes the two of you truly dynamic together.

Because at the end of the day, your relationships take a village. AnnaOsborn,LMFT,is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com.

I know that my husband is my person

A n D he’s the first person I want to share things with…good and bad. b ut he can’t be my only person.

The b oulevard Theatre Second Theatre in Elk Grove,

By Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society -

Historical Society

Amundsons opened their first theatre in the auction building of Cow Palace cattle yard on December 7, 1949, and it operated inside the building until 1954. The theatre was located at the end of Webb Street (which is on the east side of Old Town Elk Grove). They decided to upgrade, and this is the story of the second, and last theatre in Elk Grove. You can read all about the Cow Palace Theatre in the Spring issue of Ardent for Life.

The Amundson’s had a second new theater built, the “Boulevard Theatre” on Main Street (Elk Grove Boulevard) and it opened on February 4, 1955. (Located at present day U-Haul Car Rental on the NE corner of Williamson Drive & Elk Grove Boulevard). The family operated the theatre until it was sold in 1959, to Jerry and Esther Brown a local car dealership owner and partner Ben and Wilma DeWald who continued it as a theatre. They sold it in 1965, and it became the Elk Grove Assembly of God Church. It caught fire in January 1977, so the congregation was temperately using Joseph Kerr Junior High for their religious service. It caught fire a second time, five months later on May 25, 1977, and was totally destroyed. The pastor, Barry Weddle said it had been sold and was in escrow. He didn’t know how it would affect the sale to the

“Sacramento business firm” who had plans for that corner. The Sacramento business firm was having difficulty securing construction options before the fire due to opposition by the neighborhood.

But after the last fire, the remains of the building were removed and in 1978 the corner was rebuilt with businesses. Both fires were designated “suspicious,” but there was no proof. Presently, on the site is the U-Haul Car Rental service, a UPS mail store, and a dentist.

Charlene (Amundson ’68) Colton (youngest Amundson daughter) – “I was born (1950) when my parents were working at the Cow Palace, so I don’t have very many memories of the Cow Palace. However, I do recall the move from the Cow Palace to the Boulevard Theatre.”

“When I was in first grade, 1956, the movie, The Blob, was showing at the Boulevard Theatre. The movie was so scary to me, that my grandmother, Leah Amundson, let me stand on a seat in the back of the theatre as I held her hand. I figured The Blob couldn’t get me if I was on top of the chair.”

“Since my parents, Carl and Joyce Amundson, were working at the theatre almost every night, my sister, Bonnie Amundson-Smedberg, and brother, Carl, and I would be there too. Many nights we slept in the upstairs projection room. As kids we thought this was fun. I worked at the candy counter and slept on the floor of the office.

“My grandparents, Carl the (1st) and Leah Amundson, were very active in the running of the theatre. My grandmother would help at the candy and ticket counters. I enjoyed being with my grandmother because I could get “free” candy. My grandfather would keep the bathrooms and the lobby clean. Some people would come in with their dirty boots so grandfather would clean that mess up too.”

Photos courtesy of Elk Grove

Charlene, Mom Joyce and Carl III

The new theater included decorative carpets, baby-sitting rooms on each side of the theater, a snack bar and padded theater seats

“The theatre was a special place to go during the 1950’s. People would often get dressed up in their better clothes and be on their best behavior.”

“Ty Coupe was a very important man to our family. Ty often ran the projector and babysat me and I am sure my brother and sister, at the same time. (poor guy, he was only 17 years old at this time). One day, Ty was repairing the roof, and was asked to babysit me at the same time. You don’t usually take a 6-year-old up on the roof, but the work had to get done. Ty would be hammering the nails into the singles while I sat on the roof talking his poor ear off.'”

“A big problem we had when the movies were running was the breakage of the film. My dad learned to repair the broken film pretty fast, but it was very irritating. The audience would be sitting in the theatre waiting for a big gun fight to end or a kiss to take place, when the film would break. Thank goodness the audience was very forgiving in those years. They never asked for their money back for any reason.”

Journalist and Author Lance Armstrong wrote in the Elk Grove Citizen in July 2004…

The new theater had its gala grand opening on Feb. 4, 1955, and was attended by 500 people, who mostly arrived from the Elk Grove, Wilton, and Sacramento areas.

The new theater included decorative carpets, babysitting rooms on each side of the theater, a snack bar and padded theater seats, which Amundson purchased from an old theater in Oakland.

In addition to showing movies, Amundson’s new theater offered a variety of other activities.

Carmela Martinelli, who lived on a dairy farm off Sloughhouse Road, wrote and produced her own plays at the Boulevard Theatre. The plays’ casts were made up of various local residents.

Amundson recalls performing in one of the plays, which had a setting ‘deep in the heart of the mystic

Amazon jungle’. In the play, Adonga, queen of a tribe of Tamboden natives, attempts to maintain her hold over the natives with her “savage mystic dances”.

“And guess who I played?” Amundson asked. “I was the guy that was burned at the stake.”

The annual Miss South County Sacramento Beauty Pageant was also held at the theater and included “beauties” of the day, ranging from 16 to 29 years old.

Other events included fashion shows and, Congressman Night, an event held on designated Wednesday nights.  Admission to Congressman Night was $1.

Timeline of history of our two local theatre’s:

1946 – Cow/Cattle Palace Cattle Yard was opened at the end of Webb Street.

December 7, 1949-1954 – The Cow Palace Theatre opened by the Amundson family functioned in the auction house of the Cow Palace Cattle Yard on Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s.

February 4, 1955-1959 – The Amundson family built and operated the new Boulevard Theater on Elk Grove Boulevard.

1959-1965 – The theatre continued service, but under new owners Jerry and Esther Brown and Ben and Wilma DeWald.

1965-1977 – The theatre was sold to and used by the Elk Grove Assembly of God who converted it to a church.

January – May 1977 – The church partially caught fire in January and parishioners held services at Joseph Kerr Junior High School. It wasn’t used and was in escrow when it completely burnt a second time in May.

1977-1978 – It was bought by a Sacramento Business firm who ultimately developed the location.

1978 – It has had several businesses at the location over several years, presently, Enterprise Car Rental, a UPS mailing store, and a dentist.

Wednesday, May 25, 1977, in Elk Grove Citizen –Elk Grove’s ladder truck and Galt’s tele-squirt fire fighting equipment were pressed into service Wednesday afternoon to fight the Assembly of God fire. – Fire Chief Gerald Derr.

“It was important to me to support local politics, because no matter what, politics runs into everything you become involved with,” Amundson said.

“Running my theaters was a very enjoyable venture,” Amundson said. “I really loved being involved in the movie business. It was a very good time in my life.

But Amundson’s years working in the theater business came to an end in 1958, when he sold the Boulevard Theater to Jerry Brown, who owned a Dodge dealership in Elk Grove and Ben DeWald.

Ultimately, they sold the theatre to the Elk Grove Assembly of God church in 1965. It caught fire in January 1977, and the congregation was meeting at Joseph Kerr Junior High until they could rebuild a new church down the street (near the vet) later on.

Dale DeWald (’67) – “When we bought the theatre in 1958, we decided to change the title to the “Elk Theatre,” but my grandmother, my mom’s mom, Hattie Van Doran, got all upset because she won the contest for naming the Amundson’s theatre the “Boulevard Theatre” and didn’t want to change the name, so we didn’t.” The prize was an onyx and diamond ring.

Mike McKee (EGHS ’66) – “The old Boulevard Theater was showing the movie “The Tingler” and brought back some memories. I remember that when I saw it, they had a shoe box on the candy bar that said the tingler was inside of it and during the movie it would be let loose (or something to that effect). I can remember going out to get some candy during the movie and the box was open and later you could hear the girls screaming because they thought it was touching them. Fun times long ago.