Ardent content featured 26. MARSHA GREEN HOLMES 48. SENIOR CENTER OF ELK GROVE
love Story 38. AIMEE & JACK
design 28. EFFORTLESS FRENCH INTERIORS
profile
38...
42. DELTA SAILING SCHOOL 64. BILL MCDONALD
food & flavor 18. FIG BARS Carole Morris 22. AUTUMN ACORNS Cindy Della Monica 77. VANILLA CHAI PUMPKIN DONUTS
education 34. SEVEN PRICING MYTHS Justin Pinnell 56. WHAT I’VE LEARNED CT MORRIS 74. WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW CPR and First Aid
...48 6. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
contents health 58. GOLF Charlie Zamora 68. COUNTERBALANCE Anna Osborn 70. GUARDING AGAINST SPORTS INJURIES Kaiser Permanente 72. OSTEOPOROSIS Rejuvenation Wellness 76. IGNORANCE IS BLISS Chris Tanaka
...58 nonprofit 52. SENIOR RESOURCES The Elk Grove Food Bank
community 36. CELEBRATING 15 YEARS McConnell Estates Winery 54. TEDDY BEAR PICNIC IN THE PARK
art
60. BOOK REVIEWS Sacramento Public Library 78. DATEBOOK
8. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
36...
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.
Stephen Baker
Your local Farmers® insurance agent in Elk Grove and all around good guy.
Sabrina Danielle
Owner of The Health Alley, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy, in Elk Grove.
Charlie Zamora
Elk Grove Entrepreneur and respected businessman. He has owned and operated businesses in Elk Grove since 2010. His greatest accomplishments are being married to his beautiful wife Micha and being the father to his amazing son Myles.
Tonya Gonzales
Tonya an inspiring nutrition educator, energetic fitness coach and passionate public speaker on a variety of relevant health and wellness topics!
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.
Nan Mahon
Is an author and journalist. She is a member City of Elk Grove Committee for the Arts and received the Elk Grove 2011 Mayor’s Award for volunteerism in the Arts.
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 awe-inspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Kristyn Nelson
Public Affairs Manager of the City of Elk Grove, CA.
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?”
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.
Susie Franklin Roeser
Owner & full time employee of Gifts From The Heart Of Elk Grove. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom x2, Carpool Minivan driver, 4-H Leader and lover of all things creative.
Zina Sheya
Has been in Interior design for 18 years. Award winning and featured in multiple publications. She is the owner of Zina Sheya Designs.
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past four years.
Chris Tanaka
Owner/Senior Instructor of Sher Khan Karate. He is a 5th Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate.
10. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net.
?
Community Corner...
''
What's on your Fall Bucket List?
''
Mason Sheya Photographer
Effortless French Interiors, page 28.
Once in my life, I would like to travel to Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany to participate in the Oktoberfest festival.
Charles Zamora
Owner, Head Trainer at Warriorz Fitness Golf, a Sport for the Whole Family, page 58.
Our family’s Fall Bucket list includes anything, as long as it includes spending quality time together as a family. One event, we are looking forward to, in particular, is the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival.
subscribe and find us at www . ardentforlife . net
ardentforlife.net   13
On the Cover I am once more seated under my own vine and fig tree ... and hope to spend the remainder of my days in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits yield to the more rational amusement of cultivating the earth. -GEORGE WASHINGTON
creative director
executive editor
business manager
sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com
justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Sara Pinnell
Carole Morris
art & production
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Justin Pinnell
sales
sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com
View Ardent for Life online at WWW.ARDENTFORLIFE.NET
Copyright Š 2018 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year Want to know about great events, open houses, and more? Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ardentforlifeelkgrove Ardent For Life is distributed in Elk Grove, Sacramento, Lodi, and every point in between. Have a great story idea, or know someone that we should feature? Email us with your comments & suggestions at info@mrsandmrpublishing.com Interested in increasing your business and partnering with Ardent For Life? Check out www.ardentforlife.net. 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 f o r
l i f e
Checking In
Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile.
-William Cullen Bryant
Well, hello autumn! Cooler days and nights—I love to walk slowly and absorb the beautiful foliage and changing colors that surround me. Just saying the word “autumn” conjures up the smell of pumpkin pie and hot coffee. Then, there are luscious, caramel apples—well, the list goes on and on. So many wonderful sights to see and foods to behold… and so little time. There are some amazingly, yummy food articles in this issue—from acorn squash and beer cheddar fondue to fig bars. Fall is a great time to try new recipes. A bonus is the fact that the heat from the oven is truly welcome on chilly nights. Curl up with this delightful issue of Ardent, I guarantee it will give you the boost you need to enter the fall season with gusto. executive editor
Carole Morris What did we learn after reading this issue? We have a heartwarming article about an outstanding community volunteer and her family, who have been part of Elk Grove for many years. Read about Marsha Holmes, who is known to almost everyone in Elk Grove because of her years of service to the community. Peruse the article about California Sailing and how reading the novel Dove, by Robin Lee Graham, inspired the love of sailing in Justin. Check out all the upcoming events that are taking place in Elk Grove and Lodi, there are some amazing things to do… like Zombie Tag and Pool of Pumpkins (to name a few). Let’s get out there and celebrate autumn!
Fig Bars 18. . ardentforlife.net ardentforlife.net- -Autumn Autumn2018 2018 18
By Carole Morris
food} Do you ever look at something that’s growing and wonder, “who was the first brave soul that ate that?” Some of the things that we eat are pretty weird looking and I think figs fall into that category. But we know they’re delish, so we eat them. Where did those little sweet things originally come from? I’ve done my research (after a neighbor brought me over some from her tree). Fig trees first grew in Africa, West Asia, South Asia and around the Mediterranean Sea many years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Another little-known fact—farmed figs may be the first kind of food that anybody farmed (even before wheat). Did you know that wild figs can only reproduce when tiny wasps get inside the fruit to get the pollen? Thankfully, people can reproduce figs by planting small branches from a tree to grow new trees (without the wasps). Figs are good for you! They’re full of calcium, potassium and fiber. You can dry figs in hot sunshine like raisins and they’ll keep all winter. Try this sexy fig bar recipe, you can thank me later!
Bottom Crust Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup of softened butter
Directions Preheat oven 350ᴼ. Spray pan (9 inch) with cooking spray. Then mix ½ butter, 1/3 cup sugar and vanilla together with a mixer until smooth… add 1 cup flour and beat until fully blended. Press dough onto bottom of pan, then bake for 15 minutes.
Filling Ingredients
1 cup fresh figs
Wash and dry figs, then peel the skin off the figs; spread over the crust.
Topping Ingredients
1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup quick oats 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped) 4 tablespoons cold butter
Directions Mix ¼ brown sugar, ¼ cup flour and butter together with pastry blender (until crumbly). Mix in oats and walnuts and sprinkle over filling.
Bake 20 minutes (until golden brown and bubbly). Cool for 2 hours, then enjoy this scrumptious, lip smacking desert!
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food}
Autumn Acorns (Squash, that is!) By Cindy Della Monica, Cheesemonger
and Owner, Cheese Central
It has been well established that my inner cycle is weather-driven-I garden, swim, and enjoy entertaining al fresco. Raised in the temperate Bay Area, my heart says the calendar and weather should sync like this: cold/wintery weather from November 15 to January 2; summer weather the rest of the year. Reasonable? John just laughs at me--he has shoveled enough snow that never seeing another snowflake in his lifetime wouldn’t kill him, though he does like cold weather. Other people disagree with me, I’m very sorry to say, yet I do allow them to continue to be part of my family and friends circle, anyway. Seasonal change in the Central Valley isn’t very radical. I reconcile myself to embracing the foods and activities of the new season, even if in unorthodox ways. Example: my kids thought I was a “rock star mom,” as October breakfasts included hearty helpings of pumpkin pie before school! A modified recipe reduced sugar and fat, the wedges were topped with a dollop of yogurt and crunchy granola, and “dessert” for breakfast was in order. My rules, though—ONLY in October! (hehehe, what a great way to get squash, milk and eggs into the kid without a fight.) There are so many wonderful squash types it is difficult to address them all in this article. Trendy Butternut gets all the attention these days, and Spaghetti is self-explanatory. Delicata, Hubbard, Kabocha, Carnival and more, though delicious, are not always available here. Pumpkin, a classic go-to, shows up most often in sweet preparations during this season. Let’s focus on sweet Acorn squash, available year-round—one of my favorites! Acorn squash is easily grown from seed and, after harvesting, a short curing time is needed to allow it to over-winter in a cool area. The easiest way to prepare the squash is to cut it in half from stem end to point, scrape out the seeds and fibers with a spoon, and place it cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Add a bit of water to the pan, and 350* oven-roast the squash 30-45 minutes or until tender to a knife point. Let the squash halves cool, and the flesh is easily scraped from the shell with a spoon. Mash well to enjoy now, or freeze for future meals. Use this puree in place of pumpkin, applesauce, or banana in baked goods; as the base for a pureed vegetable soup, or the thickener for some pasta sauces. Ever ordered the beet or carrot gnocchi at Biba in Sacramento? Try using acorn squash puree to make the gnocchi! Mmmmm…
22. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
The halved squashes are also natural “bowls,” so consider some of the delicious cheesy fillings that could be baked in it. Artichoke and Spinach Dip? Your favorite Mac n Cheese? Yes, please! One of our favorite things to do is fill the baked squash bowl with Beer Cheddar Fondue. Individual servings (that allow double dipping!) served with a terrific green salad and soft pretzels (or crusty bread), is a fabulous winter meal, especially impressive for guests! Many types of fillings can be assembled, too, and stuffed into the cavity of the squash. Some may need to be baked in the raw squash bowl so that filling and squash are tender and finished at the same time. Other fillings, such as the Rice and Sausage filling featured here, are prepared on the stove, stuffed into a tender squash half and then baked just long enough to heat to serving temperature. Cutting the raw squash halves into thick slices is useful, too. I tuck them into a 9x13” casserole dish filled with drained sauerkraut, onion slices and apple wedges. Smoked bratwurst cut into halves, or thirds, gets nestled into the mixture, and a thin slurry of beer and ketchup is poured over the top. Covered with foil and baked for 45 minutes or so will result in tender vegetables, uncovered and basted with a bit of butter over the sausages (and baking for 15 more minutes) will give you a luscious browning on the sausage. Dark slices of pumpernickel bread and a grainy mustard completes the oven meal. Oktoberfest anyone? I’m fully fortified for the cold weather—bring it on! 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
Winter Squash Muffins 1 1/3 C whole wheat flour 1/2 C raisins, currants, sultanas or dried cranberries 1 t baking powder 3/4 t baking soda 1/2 t ground cinnamon 1/4 t salt 1 egg 1 C pureed cooked winter squash 1/2 C buttermilk 1/3 C honey 1/4 C butter, melted
Streusel:
2 T cold butter, diced 1/3 C sugar 1/4 C flour In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, squash, buttermilk, honey and butter. Stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Coat muffin cups with cooking spray or use paper liners; fill half full. For the streusel: Combine the cold butter, sugar and flour in a small mixing bowl and cut together, using a pastry knife or the back of a fork. (the end result should have a very fine, grainy texture). Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel over the top of each muffin, about 2 tablespoons. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
food}
Beer & Cheddar Fondue Mmmmmm…. An easy way to serve a delicious cheddar fondue! Serves 6
12 oz. amber ale 1 lb. sharp cheddar 2 T cornstarch 5 sprigs fresh thyme, stripped of leaves 1 clove garlic, minced ½ acorn squash for each diner Preheat oven to 350*. Rub the acorn squash halves with olive oil, and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place squash cut-side down on a cookie
sheet, and roast for 40-45 minutes or until a fork slides in with light resistance. In a medium pot, bring the beer, garlic and thyme to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Grate the cheese and toss with the cornstarch. Whisk in small handfuls of cheese until fully incorporated. Don’t add another batch of cheese until it has fully integrated into the liquid, as this will cause a grainy fondue. Repeat this process until all the cheese is incorporated. When smooth and hot, ladle into acorn squash “bowls” and place on dinner plates. Serve with cubed bread or chunks of apple slices for dipping.
ardentforlife.net 23
food} Acorn squash is easily grown from seed and, after harvesting, a short curing time is needed to allow it to over-winter in a cool area. The easiest way to prepare the squash is to cut it in half from stem end to point, scrape out the seeds and fibers with a spoon, and place it cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet.
WILD RICE AND SAUSAGE STUFFING
A delicious main dish that only needs an apple and greens salad to complete the meal! An easy make-ahead meal, refrigerated until ready to bake in final step. Serves 2, and is easily multiplied. 1 acorn squash (cut in half and seeds scraped out) 2 T olive oil, divided Salt and pepper to taste 1 small onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 C cooked wild rice 2 Italian sausages, sweet or hot, removed from casing 1/3 C dried cranberries, soaked for 15 minutes in hot water and drained 1/4 C chopped pecans 2 T minced fresh parsley Preheat oven to 400*. Rub inside of acorn squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Turn cut side down onto rimmed baking sheet, add ½� of water, and roast squash at 35 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and set aside. Heat remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic to pan and sautÊ, 5 minutes until lightly browned. Add sausage meat, and cook until no longer pink. Drain grease from pan. Stir into the meat in the skillet all of the remaining ingredients, and cook on medium heat until well incorporated and hot. Taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper. Spoon rice filling into squash halves and bake 400* 10 minutes or until heated through. If made ahead and refrigerated, bake at 400* until hot through, about 20-25 minutes. 24. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
featured}
Marsha Green Holmes By Elizabeth Pinkerton
This is the first in a series of stories about outstanding community volunteers and their long-time families that have been part of Elk Grove for many years. Today’s story features Marsha Holmes, who is known to almost everyone in Elk Grove because of her years and years of service to the community.
Marsha Green Holmes has been a part of Elk Grove all her life. She is a graduate or Elk Grove High School, Class of 1966, and she began her volunteer work in high school. She was a charter member of the Volunteer League of Methodist Hospital. She was in training before the hospital opened in South Sacramento/Elk Grove. She volunteered there for many years, served on the Board and as the membership chair. She did not leave this volunteer activity until she had to work full time. Marsha’s next volunteer work was with the Elk Grove Strauss Festival. This is how she describes it: “Iris Zimbelman tapped me in 1986 for her inaugural Strauss Festival committee. She didn’t know me well but thought I could probably write press releases. I happily stayed on the Strauss Board until 1999, chairing it the last two years.” And, we all know how the Festival grew and grew during those years. In 2003, Marsha was asked to write stories about the people for whom Elk Grove Community Foundation Scholarships were named. She agreed to help even though she found out that the project was actually more involved than she expected it to be. The goal was to produce a magazine-sized brochure and there was a tight deadline. Tony Manzanetti, then the Foundation board chair, asked Marsha to become the publicity chair, and she was added to the Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors. She was the board secretary and worked on various projects. She co-chaired the first two “Barbeque & Blues” fund raising events at the William Mosher Ranch. Marsha’s work also included volunteer work for the City of Elk Grove in its early years. She tells us that council member Mike Leary selected her to serve on the brand-new Elk Grove Committee for the Arts, when it was created in 2002. She was later re-appointed by council member Steve Detrick, and then Mayor Gary Davis, serving on the committee until 2014. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 26. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
“Along the way,” she tells us, “I was invited to participate in a number of other activities, including serving on the Elk Grove Cosumnes Community Park Names Committee, the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Advocacy Committee, the Franklin Library Task Force, and the Public Relations and Promotion Committee for the Sacramento History Center. She also did a term as an Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce Director. That is indeed quite a list! Marsha considers herself an Elk Grove native, although she was born in Sacramento. When she was two years old, the family moved to Elk Grove, into a house on Second Avenue just a block from her grandparents, Rube and Elsie Dart. Her mother, Dorothy Dart, was born in Elk Grove, as were her parents and grandparents.
Marsha’s father, Donald “Burt” Green, was born in Wilton. His parents, Will and Nell Green, came from Amador County (about 1913) and established a dairy in Wilton. Green Road is named for the family. Marsha remembers that as a kid she loved spending time on the farm with them. Just before Marsha started kindergarten, the family moved to a house on Elk Grove Boulevard east of Elk Grove-Florin Road. They lived there until 1960, when they built a house on Sara Street in a new subdivision called the Walnut Orchard. Her mother lived there the rest of her life. Marsha continues her story: “When we first moved back to Elk Grove my Dad and Marvin Dart, my mother’s brother, opened a grocery store called Dart’s Market on what was then
featured}
MARSHA GREEN HOLMES
“Nothing just springs up fully grown. Everything, whether it is a person or a town, is a product of their history. I love hearing about how events that are special to Elk Grove, like the Western Festival, got started. Our town has so many stories to tell. Main Street. It was in the old Masonic Building just east of the railroad tracks. Later Dad opened Green’s Locker Service, where the Brick House Restaurant is now located. People would bring in their farmkilled animals and Dad would dress them out, cut, wrap and freeze the meat. He didn’t sell individual cuts but would supply customers with whole lambs, pigs, or quarters of beef from the Elk Grove Meat Company. Most people didn’t have big freezers then, so they would rent lockers in Dad’s walk-in freezer to keep their meat, then come in every week or so to pick up whatever they needed. I would walk down to the locker after school and hang out with my Dad. One of my first jobs was wrapping meat when his employees took their summer vacations. “My Mom was a third-grade teacher, first at Elk Grove Elementary School, then at James McKee Elementary after it opened. Although I was an only child I was blessed with a host of aunts, uncles, grandparents and great-aunts and uncles that lived nearby so there were lots of big gatherings on both sides of the family. I don’t think being the only granddaughter made me TOO spoiled! “Dad eventually sold Green’s Locker to a young man who had started working for him while still in high school, then owned the EG Club for a few years, turning it into a steak house. He eventually moved to the Sonoma Coast where he operated several different restaurants. “I attended Elk Grove Elementary through the 8th grade, then spent two years at the old high school
(where Joseph Kerr Middle School is now) and two years at the new Elk Grove High School. I was in the second class to graduate from what was then the only high school in the Elk Grove Unified School District!” Marsha went on to college at San Jose State, then worked as a reporter for a daily newspaper in Palo Alto before moving back to Elk Grove in the early 1970s. She has been here ever since. She and her husband Cy recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary. Cy is originally from San Diego but has lived in Elk Grove off and on since the 1960s. This is what Marsha has to say about Elk Grove as it is today: “I’m pretty pragmatic about the growth in Elk Grove. Most towns have to either change and grow or stagnate and die. Naturally I don’t like the traffic; I would much prefer that the roads were reserved for my own personal use! But I love having a Nugget and a Trader Joe’s, and now a Costco. I chuckle when someone remarks that they have lived in Elk Grove seven, eight or 10 years, and it just isn’t the same town anymore. This growth has to stop! I want to point out that I’ve lived here for close to 70 years, and I remember when the land their house now sits on was a dairy. Should the growth have been halted before those homes were built? Or 10 years before that? If so, they probably wouldn’t be living here now. “Nothing just springs up fully grown. Everything, whether it is a person or a town, is a product of their history. I love hearing about how events that are
special to Elk Grove, like the Western Festival, got started. Our town has so many stories to tell. “I’ve been very fortunate in having had the opportunity to travel all over the world – more than 60 countries so far. I’ve loved meeting people who are (in some ways) very different from me—but, in many other ways very much alike. Talking with them, sharing a meal, experiencing their culture (if only for a short time) is a priceless experience. “When I was growing up diversity would definitely not have been a word to describe Elk Grove. My elementary school had some Mexican and Japanese students, and one lone Chinese family. So now, when I go to the grocery store or post office and see women in saris or hajibs, or hear different languages spoken around me…it makes me smile. I’m delighted that this generation of students gets to experience other cultures without ever having to leave home. I read a comment once that America is not really a melting pot but rather a rich stew. Each ingredient is separate and distinct yet is so much more flavorful when combined with all the other ingredients. That’s what I hope for Elk Grove, that we can all come together to create a Michelin starworthy stew!” We thank Marsha Holmes for all her community involvement and her views of Elk Grove, past and present… and maybe future as well. And, we also treasure her as our 2005 Elk Grove Citizen of the Year! ardentforlife.net 27
design}
Effortless French Interiors By Zina Sheya Designs Photos by Mason Sheya
28. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
On a recent trip to France I was lucky enough to dive deeper into the vast French style first hand. Exploring the Coastal landscape and homes of Le Touque , the laid back country Estates of Lille to the Mountain Chalet homes of Chamonix one thing became apparent as I soaked up each design style, each was very different but there was a familiarity between each style. French interiors are just as much about the design as the lifestyle. French style appears to be effortless, but only because they are built to accommodate the way they live and move through the spaces. There are nooks tucked away, with a little chair to curl up in. There is storage tucked everywhere, to make daily routines a breeze. It’s relaxed but elegant.
design}
FRENCH DOORS
French doors must reflect the owner’s personality, thus the importance and beauty in the detail of French doors. Some are painted bright colors, some are ornate carved wood, some are simple aged wood, but you will notice each one is unique and fitting to the home. The French believe having less in a room is more pleasing and that owning one beautiful aged piece, or a handcrafted piece is what sets off a room. 30. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
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MISMATCHED
French like mismatched pieces in their seating—mismatched dining chairs with accent chairs. They also blend together mismatched pillows and bedding, which is effortless. Think about it when you are out vintage shopping and you come along a piece you love… you don’t have to stop, and think will this go with the rest of my pieces? The French just say, “I love it—take it home and voilà it works.” Nothing can be arranged or too assembled. The whole idea of French design is to make it look like the owner did it themselves. This makes the room fitting to the client’s personality and make the space look natural (which is very French).
Effortless, disheveled, never too perfect, that is the French style. The number one rule (which is easy to follow) in French Design… don’t try too hard. Keep it simple—mix vintage with new. Weave in memories and keepsakes from your own travels to shape the space. A popular French saying; I learned “Plus les choses changent, plus elles restent les mêmes”. The more things change, the more they stay the same- Trends come and go (especially in design and fashion) so adopt the effortless French Style and throw out the idea of perfection! For questions or design needs contact me at Zs@zinasheyadesigns.com www.zinasheyadesigns.com 32. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
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education}
7
PRICING MYTHS You Need to Get Past If You Want to Sell Your Home
When homeowners are preparing to put their properties on the market, one aspect is usually foremost in their minds; money. Setting the asking price accurately can mean the difference between getting an offer quickly and having a house languish for months, drawing little interest. With that in mind, it’s important that potential sellers block out a lot of the noise that often surrounds the intricate art (and science) of pricing. There are plenty of myths that may cause sellers to lose sleep at night as they attempt to separate fact from fiction. The following are statements that can stand in the way of a successful sale.
1. ‘If we keep waiting, a better offer will come along!’
When sellers receive an offer from the first showing, they may be skeptical or hesitant to accept it, wondering if other prospective buyers would be inclined to pay more. Thoughts of potential bidding wars could cause sellers to want to wait and see who else falls for their place. But, remember the old adage, 34. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?” There’s no guarantee other would-be buyers are waiting around the corner. If the offer is a fair one, entertain it and count your blessings.
2. ‘Getting an offer right away, means the agent priced it too low!’
When sellers receive an offer early in the process, as excited as they might be, many can’t help but wonder, “Should we have asked for more money? Did our agent price it too cheaply?” While it’s natural to be skeptical (and even a little greedy), receiving an offer on the early end of the spectrum most likely means your home was priced accurately and attractively. If you trust your agent, you know he or she didn’t pick a number out of the sky, but rather based it on extensive market research. So, be glad your sale is moving in the right direction.
3. ‘We should price it so
there’s room to negotiate!’
Let’s be honest: Most sellers would love to get top dollar for their homes. But overpricing it with the intention of being willing to accept a lower offer may just leave you empty handed in the long run. Plus, if you have to drop your asking price multiple times, buyers may begin to wonder what’s wrong with the place — other than the price, that is.
4. ‘That’s not what my
Zestimate says it’s worth!’
Have you ever noticed how homeowners are eager to believe Zestimate’s or other automated valuation models when that price exceeds their expectations? Yet, when the opposite happens, they assume it’s outdated or erroneous information? The point we’re making is, these numbers can be inaccurate, so again, trust your agent over the Internet. Enough said.
Let’s be honest: Most sellers would love to get top dollar for their homes. But overpricing it with the intention of being willing to accept a lower offer may just leave you empty handed in the long run.
5. ‘We can add all renovation costs to the asking price!’
Sellers may adore the improvements and renovations they’ve made and want to add in those costs to the asking price. But remember, not every change is going to land a huge return on investment. If you’re curious about what you can expect on those fixes, check out Remodeling magazine’s annual ‘Cost Versus Value’ report to get an idea of which upgrades yield the biggest bang for your buck. Also, as you’re making changes, bear in mind that the infinity pool you view as an asset may just seem like a huge liability to a buyer.
6. ‘My Realtor® overpriced my house to make a larger commission.’
Agents are paid a percentage of the selling price of the home. However, even if they were to raise the ask by $25,000, in most cases that would yield an additional $1,500 in commission, which would then be divided up between the broker the agent is working for and the buyer’s agent, leaving your agent with less than $750 more in his or her pocket. It’s hard to imagine an agent would blow a potential quick sale — and take on weeks or months of additional showings and marketing expenses — for a few hundred dollars.
7. ‘Reducing the price is a sign of weakness!’
While no homeowner is eager to drop the listing price, if time is passing and there’s been little interest, it could be time to consider lowering the ask. Remember, time is money. While you’re waiting for someone to meet your price, you’re still paying the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance etc. Plus, sometimes, lowering the price can put your home in front of a group of new buyers, which could generate a lot more interest and, ultimately, get the price back up closer to where it was in the first place. If you have questions regarding investment properties or real estate in general contact Justin Pinnell BRE- 02045095, M&M Real Estate at (916) 812.0576 www.jpsellscalifornia.com ardentforlife.net 35
community}
Celebrating 15 years McConnell Estates Winery
This August, McConnell Estates Winery celebrated 15 years of business with an Anniversary Party. The event featured live music by Route 66, as well as delectable small bites (curated by Smoker’s Wild BBQ Food Truck) to pair with McConnell Estates wines. Wine Club members, who attended, received a special 15th Anniversary wine glass as a thank you from the winery for their years of support. Attendees were also surprised with the release of a new vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a sneak peek of the next Petite Syrah. We look forward to serving the Elk Grove community for many more years!
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community} MCCONNELL ESTATES WINERY
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love}
stories
Aimee &Jake Photography by McBride Pictures
www.mcbridepictures.com
Who are you? My name is Aimee Kerling. I was born and raised in Elk Grove, CA and moved back after college to be near my family. I work in downtown Sacramento as an analyst for the state. I love reading, cuddling with our dogs, doing anything at all with my amazing husband and eating French fries.
Who are you?
My name is Jake Kerling. I live in Elk Grove and am very happily employed with the Elk Grove Unified School District. In my spare time I enjoy kayaking, watching movies, and playing an unhealthy amount of video games.
How did you meet?
We met in the second grade at Ellen Feickert Elementary in Elk Grove. Our sisters (who are both three years younger) became instant friends in Kindergarten and our families have been friends ever since.
The Proposal?
Jake proposed in our house next to the book nook he built for me (he converted our office closet into a Pinterest worthy reading nook). He tied the ring (which was his great grandmother’s and is so perfect and beautiful) into a box shaped like a book and asked if I would marry him. He caught me totally by surprise. He had planned on proposing on our anniversary the next month but we had been having such a wonderful night he couldn’t wait. It was such a perfect moment and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
What is love?
Aimee: This question really just brings to mind the lyrics to numerous corny love songs but I’m going to take a shot at putting it into my own words. I think love is having someone in your life who is always on your team. Someone who knows all your stories (because you’ve told them a dozen times at least), who wants to know your opinions on everything from politics to ice cream flavors, and who takes the time to find out every tiny thing that makes you happy. Someone to share all of life’s tragic losses, incredible wins, and every perfectly average moment in between, because when you love someone even the average moments are worth talking about.
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Jake: Love, to me, is an unquestionable loyalty to someone. It’s knowing that someone is unconditionally always there for you. It’s forgetting what you were talking about because that girl floated back into your head again. It’s wasting four hours on the couch watching dumb movies and still wanting more.
love}
stories
Love is an
unquestionable loyalty to someone. It’s knowing that someone is unconditionally always there for you.
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love}
stories
I love how he’s always there. Not just for me but for all the people in his life that are lucky enough to be loved by him. No matter what is going on in life he finds a way to make everything better.
What do you love most about him?
He’s always there. Not just for me but for all the people in his life that are lucky enough to be loved by him. No matter what is going on in life he finds a way to make everything better. He’s always there, making me laugh, bringing me a milkshake, or giving me a hug. He makes even my best days brighter, just by being a part of them. We can always count on him. To take out the trash, to find bread with protein in it, to fix the computer, to move the boxes, to get the hairspray cap out of the sink, to put the IKEA furniture together, to just be there when we need him.
What do you love most about her?
This is a hard question to answer since I love everything about her, except that she sometimes chews with her mouth open (ha ha), but let's be honest if that’s the only thing, how lucky am I? She’s dropdead gorgeous and she doesn’t know it. So don’t tell her or she might smarten up and find a better-looking husband.
When did you know you were in love?
Aimee: I knew I was in love with Jake shortly after we started dating when I went to Paris for a week with my friend and spent the entire week wishing I was back in Elk Grove with him.
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When did you know you were in love?
Jake: I knew I was in love a few weeks after we started dating, she would leave my house every night and after spending hours together I still wouldn’t want to say goodbye. We were both staying up so late that it was starting to affect our work.
Fun facts
We have a Boston Terrier (Moxxi) and a Great Dane (Lola) who we love very much (in spite of their perchance for dirt and destruction). We love throwing themed parties, our favorite of which is our annual summer flamingo party.
Honeymoon
We spent our honeymoon on the East Coast visiting Providence, Cape Cod, and Boston. We ate tons of food and Jake got to have seafood (which he loves) for every meal. We walked on the beach, went on a river boat ride, visited A LOT of antique shops, and walked the entire Freedom Trail. We had the best time seeing a bunch of new places and spending time together.
Wedding details
We got married on a Friday evening in a little white chapel that looks like it is straight out of a story. We incorporated a lot of vintage décor and some literary
touches that were personal to us. The reception was outside and we got super lucky with the weather. The whole thing was simple and fun, exactly like we wanted it to be. Our family and friends all came together to make sure everything turned out perfectly. We can’t thank them enough!
Photographer McBride Pictures Venue Old St. Mary’s Chapel/Peter Hill Heritage Park Rentals Simple Country Weddings Caterer Buckhorn Truck
Desserts/cake Ettore’s European Bakery Wedding Coordinator Our Friend Nancy!
DJ Jonathan Bell (DJ & Soirée Hosts) Hair and makeup Joni at Tangles Hair Salon/Lisa at Old Town Salon and Spa Tux Rentals Men’s Wearhouse Bride's Dress Bide to Be Couture Bridesmaid's dress Azazie.com Rings Etsy (Jake’s)
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California Sailing
Delta Sailing School
Since reading Dove, by Robin Lee Graham in eighth grade, I have dreamed of the freedom and adventure of sailing. However, being a student in Montana made that dream nothing more than a pipe dream. Fast forward to today, I’m now living in central California and watching YouTube videos of other people living my pipe dream. I never realized that even old dreams can come true. Being a responsible father of a 13-year-old gives me very little room for hobbies or sports (unless it is her hobby or sport). Realizing this, I whined about it (in passing) to my wife… as any self-respecting male would do. Thinking she would shoot my idea of sailing down instantly, she surprised me by showing interest in my dream (obviously having an adventurous spirit like myself ). Becoming encouraged, I began to obsess about the prospect of the open seas. One evening… I excitedly showed her one of the YouTube videos of the sailors I follow. She said, “you learn to sail, then we can do it!” Instantly, I was deflated. How would I find time to travel to the coast for sailing classes? In my dream, I bought a boat and we sailed off to Fiji, or at least Hawaii learning as we go. Once again, the wrong place to live for the want-to-be-sailor. Being bull headed, like my parents, and knowing she said this thinking I would never go through with it 42. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
u
By Justin Pinnell
Captain Alan, owner and operator of the Delta Sailing School.
(which in fairness is true to my nature) prompted me to Google sailing schools. To my surprise a Delta Sailing School popped up. With sweaty palms, I clicked on the classes tab, and multiple American Sailing Association certified class options popped up, all available in my backyard! Unbelievable! My eyes darted to the cost… expecting a fat price tag, I read the following information and found it fit into my budget! Imagine…Learning to sail a 22-foot keelboat in the Sacramento Delta, then tackling a sail on a 27′ keelboat on the San Francisco Bay! American Sailing Association (ASA) Certified instructors will teach you what you need to be knowledgeable, competent and confident on the water. The freedom learning to sail affords you is priceless, but you’ll be happy to see that we offer the most affordable classes around and because we’re on the temperate Delta, we’re able to take advantage of an almost year-round schedule & have easy access to Vallejo & the Bay too.
ASA curriculum classes are taught on most weekends. Check our calendar for details! When you’ve passed an ASA course, you can be officially ASA certified and at Delta Sailing School you can become ASA certified at the following levels: · Basic Keelboat · Basic Coastal Cruising · Bareboat Charter · Coastal Navigation · Advanced Coastal Cruising · Celestial Navigation For students interested in future vacation sailboat charters, these certifications are recognized and respected by charter companies. Current classes are offered on the San Joaquin River in the Delta and on the San Francisco Bay, so you can experience an array of conditions to become competent.
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DELTA SAILING
"To reach a port we must set sail Sail, not tie at anchor Sail, not drift." -Franklin D Roosevelt
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DELTA SAILING
Option 1: Basic Keelboat – BKB (ASA 101) for Two
· Sign up for BKB with a friend and receive a $50 discount each. · Prerequisites: None · Class Fee each student: $645 – $50 discount = 595.00; · Additional $150.00 discount for Delta Sailing School Members = $445.00 · Tuition includes Textbook, ASA logbook I couldn’t believe what I was reading for only $645.00 I could take lessons! I began to tell everyone I was going to be a sailor—they all rolled their eyes and gave me a “yah right” look. Being unperturbed by their negativity, I went searching for the school. As luck would have it I found Delta Sailing School, when a class was taking their lunch break. I was greeted by Alan, an obviously seasoned sailor with a thick mustache and quick smile. He is the owner, operator, and sailing guru who promptly took me under his wing. He began to show me around the marina and all the sailboats they have at the school to 44. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
rent, once I get certified. My heart was literally fluttering as Alan encouraged me to sign up for the basic keelboat class. I was beginning my lifelong dream. Over the course of two weekends, I took the class and passed—never imagining how much I could learn with the steady and very patient hand of my ASA certified instructor, Gene. Now having my Basic Keel class under my belt, I can join the sailing club and enjoy the camaraderie of new and seasoned sailors. I have enjoyed two Sunday BBQs at the marina and listened to sailing adventures. I am plotting my next course on my way to becoming a fullfledged skipper.
I encourage everyone to experience sailing with Delta Sailing School and join me and my family on the open seas… after I finish my next class which is coastal sailing. Call Alan at 916-966-1855 Delta Sailing School deltasailingschool.com 1200 W. Brannan Island Road Isleton, CA 95641
Sailor Justin, attending his Basic Keelboat class. u
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AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL
SENIOR CENTER OF ELK GROVE By Susie Franklin Roeser
When you were a child, do you remember thinking, “I can’t wait to get older!” Have you ever stopped to wonder why you don’t hear adults making this remark? Maybe it’s because they are unaware of the many amazing opportunities available to people 50 (or better) right here in our own community. Have you ever visited The Senior Center of Elk Grove? With all they have to offer (if you aren’t yet 50) you might just slip back into your childhood ways and start wishing you were a senior, so you too could become involved with this fantastic group of people and all they offer. The Senior Center of Elk Grove has been located at 8830 Sharkey Avenue (just a few blocks from Old Town Elk Grove) for over 35 years. They are open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Senior Center is one of four Senior Centers in California that is self-funded. Executive Director Patricia Beal said, “the Center is very grateful for the support offered by the community and through grants, particularly from the City of Elk Grove Community Services Grant program.” Members pay $25.00 annual dues and a minimal class fee. Additional funding comes from monthly Pancake Breakfasts, Le Café sales, donations and the Center’s Annual Holiday Gift Faire. 48. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
The Center’s mission? “Empower adults in our community who are 50 and older to live meaningful, healthy and dignified lives by providing programs for lifelong learning, social interaction and independence in a welcoming environment.” When asked, “What do you really do here?” Director Beal energetically answered, “We Make a Difference.” How do they make a difference? By focusing on (and meeting) the needs specific to today’s seniors. Fitness meets fun—in classes especially designed for the needs and abilities of seniors. Classes range from Aerobics to Zumba with options such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Hula and Chair Exercise as well. Physical activity is always more fun with friends, so class participants are likely to come away both healthier and happier from their
Senior Center work-out. A healthy lifestyle is also supported by a nutritious lunch served daily at the Senior Center through their partnership with Meals on Wheels. Tuesday and Wednesday are Salad Bar days, where guests can enjoy a delicious salad at the Center or pack a “to-go” salad to take home for later. The Center’s Le Café - offers snacks, water and juices, as well as a cozy environment for visiting and the opportunity to support the center by purchasing hand-crafted items displayed there. When it comes to emotional health, Director Beal encourages seniors to “Make the right choice” step into life at the Senior Center. Some ways to do this might include taking advantage of travel opportunities both near and far hosted by the Senior Center.
SENIOR CENTER OF ELK GROVE
Executive Director, Patricia Beal
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A very important service the Senior Center of Elk Grove offers is LISTENING. As simple as it sounds, seniors need the opportunity to speak and be heard. Sometimes, it isn’t until they verbally express what’s on their mind that they realize they want or need to make a change. Got Game? The Senior Center does…Bridge, Pinochle, Scrabble, Bunco & Bingo to name a few. Some games even have prizes for the winners. But we all know it’s not about winning…the opportunity to socialize, build friendships and have fun are scientifically proven to have wide reaching health benefits for seniors—so truly, everyone who plays is a winner! Speaking of socializing, if games aren’t your thing, maybe you’d enjoy socializing while knitting, crocheting, crafting, painting or card-making –all activities that take place regularly at the Center. Men, there is even a “talk group” just for you! This talk group provides the opportunity for conversation in a safe place to practice the often overlooked skill of communication. The Center offers a Writing Group and a Spanish Chat group where members can improve their old skills or try their hand at something new.
Speaking of new, the Center has its own computer lab where members can learn new skills such as surfing the web, researching their ancestry or even communicating with the younger generations in a format more familiar to “young’uns”. “Life is here - Come Join Us!” prompts Beal. A very important service the Senior Center of Elk Grove offers is LISTENING. As simple as it sounds, seniors need the opportunity to speak and be heard. Sometimes, it isn’t until they verbally express what’s on their mind that they realize they want or need to make a change.
The senior center is staffed by an Executive Director, Patricia Beal and Assistant Director, Christine Cuddy who (along with the assistance of approximately 100 volunteers) listen, and if needed, help seniors figure out what is the next step to take or where to find the help they need. “We do a lot of listening.” explains Beal. “If we can’t help you, we’ll find somebody who can.” The Senior Center has a wealth of resources available to seniors.
Photos from top to bottom: Fitness is fun at the Senior Center. The Café is loaded with yummy treats, snacks and lovely hand-made items and is staffed by wonderful
Volunteers such as Sharon Saint. The Men’s Talk Group provides an opportunity for comradery, friendship, and understanding while sharing diverse life experiences. Getting together with the Center’s knitting/crocheting family and creating items for the Senior Center, loved ones, or other non-profits is pure joy! ardentforlife.net 49
featured} Diane Herteg and Claudia Horn are the backbone of the creativity that makes the annual Gift Faire a stunning success each year.
Gadabout Travel Volunteers, Shirlee Hillyer and Charlette Parino and many other Travel Volunteers have been providing travel adventures for the community over a decade.
Classes and seminars at the center also cover important topics such as scam awareness, fire and driver safety and even how to use a smart phone. New classes are constantly being added.
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SENIOR CENTER OF ELK GROVE
Is transportation a problem? The Center can help you get e-van tickets. Need help caring for a parent or spouse? The Center has support groups for seniors and their family members dealing with Alzheimer’s, Neuropathy and Parkinson’s Disease. More healthrelated resources include free blood pressure screening, creating medical ID cards through the EGPD and learning about the Vial of Life program run by the CSD Fire Department. The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) can help seniors and their families navigate the complicated and often confusing world of Medicare. AARP Tax Aide prepares taxes for seniors (at no cost at the Center). Classes and seminars at the center also cover important topics such as scam awareness, fire and driver safety and even how to use a smart phone. New classes are constantly being added, so be sure to pick up a copy of the Center’s monthly newsletter filled with timely tips especially for seniors and new opportunities for involvement.
“We want you to come to the Center because we care about you, your family and your needs.” says Beal. Seniors of Elk Grove, consider yourselves invited to the Senior Center of Elk Grove. For those who have yet to hit the big 5 zero, now you know what you can look forward to when you get there. SENIOR CENTER OF ELK GROVE 8830 Sharkey Ave, Elk Grove, CA 95624 (916)685-3160 www.thesceg.com
Mary Lewis is displaying her beautiful hand knitted item to be sold at the Holiday Gift Faire, while Henrietta Shelby is concentrating on her creation.
Annual Holiday
GIFT FAIRE The Senior Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year is their Annual Holiday Gift Faire. This is your opportunity to find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list, while supporting the Senior Center of Elk Grove’s ongoing commitment to serving area seniors. The 2018 Gift Faire promises to be one for the history books! The seniors are “pulling out all the stops” in honor of this being the last fair to be held at the Sharkey Avenue location. (The Senior Center of Elk Grove will be taking up residence at their new location in the City’s new Civic Center in July 2019). What kind of gifts will you find at the Senior Center Gift Faire? Beautiful Baubles, Tantalizing Treats, and Gorgeous Gifts Galore!
Just like Santa’s Elves, the members of the Senior Center have been working for months knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, painting, baking and putting other creative talents to the test in order to make one of a kind gifts for Holiday giving. With plenty of Holiday decorations and ornaments for sale, the timing couldn’t be more perfect for preparing your home for the Holidays. You’ll find beautiful baby gifts, goodies for grown-ups and handmade items lovingly created for everyone in-between.
The Senior Center of Elk Grove is home to a talented bunch of people who have been giving their all to make this fundraiser a success. They’ve done their part, now it’s your turn - bring along your piggy bank and prepare to be impressed by the exciting gift shopping experience that awaits you at the Senior Center of Elk Grove’s Annual Holiday Gift Faire. It will be taking place Saturday, November 17th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, November 18th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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nonprofit}
Senior Resources
The Elk Grove Food Bank By Susie Franklin Roeser
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The Elk Grove Food Bank is another outstanding resource for seniors in our community. In addition to their main warehouse at 9820 Dino Dr., they also host six Senior Mobile Distribution Sites. On the West side of town—at Season, Vintage at Laguna 1 & 2 and Renwick apartment complexes, seniors can choose from fresh produce as well as packaged food items. Keeping seniors’ needs in mind, low sodium and sugar free food options are available as well as nutritional supplements and adult briefs. These same offerings are available to seniors in South Sacramento at the Verandans complex and distribution through the Wilton Tribe Elders. Not only can low income seniors get the food they need at these locations, but free classes are also offered on nutrition and cooking at these sites. Some sites even have volunteers offering massage therapy. For medically fragile seniors who are homebound, the Elk Grove Food Bank has a home delivery program with custom made care packs to fulfill each recipient’s needs.
But the care doesn’t stop there! Executive Director Marie Jachino knew that many seniors were having to make a difficult decision… between investing in their own medical needs or spending that money on buying food for a beloved pet. Being an animal lover herself and knowing the immense health value of pets in the lives of seniors, Jachino started a “Pet Pantry” at the Food Bank, so pet food is available in addition to people food through all of the Food Bank’s senior programs. Additionally, as the cold weather approaches, seniors can count on the Food Bank as a resource for clothing needs. Elk Grove has the 2nd largest population of seniors in Sacramento County. The Elk Grove Food Bank serves approximately 954 low income seniors every month. Much of what they do is carried out by volunteers and through donations. Major contributors include the City of Elk Grove, Kaiser Permanente, SETA and a T.O.T. grant from Sacramento County. Food and clothing drives by local businesses and community groups also help the Food Bank meet needs in our community. You can help support the Food Bank, this fall, by contributing to their annual turkey drive as well as helping local school children participate in the “Kids Can” food drive.
community}
Teddy Bear Picnic in the Park
School work, team practice, dance class, music lessons… Kids seem busier than ever these days! On September 13, Cosumnes CSD Parks and Recreation hosted a free event to encourage families to take a short break from the hustle and bustle. Grandparents and grandchildren were invited to a Teddy Bear Picnic at Miwok Park in celebration of National Grandparent’s Day. Multigenerational families brought their picnic dinners, blankets and teddy bear friends to enjoy a beautiful evening in the park. The CSD provided tables and chairs, make-and-take crafts, bubble station, and a picnic photo op (complete with giant teddy bears). Remember jacks, marbles, dominos, Mancala and Cat’s Cradle? Local business Gifts from the Heart of Elk Grove cohosted the event and supplied these old-fashioned games to give children a chance to play the games their grandparents enjoyed at their age. In addition, local author Shirley Parenteau read her worldfamous children’s book, “Bears on Chairs,” to an enthusiastic audience. The idea for “Pop-Up” events like this one came about from the CSD Parks and Recreation Master Plan. During the outreach process last year, several community members requested more opportunities to connect with their neighbors at smaller, shorter duration, events close to home. Watch for similar neighborhood-scaled events “popping up” in a park near you! Learn more about the future of parks and recreation in Elk Grove at www.yourCSD.com/PlanForPlay.
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education}
What I’ve Learned About r e h c a e T Parent
s e c n e r e f n o C By CT Morris - BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
Have you felt chilled and had shivers running down your spine? Could it be because fall is an unnerving season? Our daylight is fading faster, and nights are becoming lengthier. There is a chill in the air, and sadly the poor trees are losing their leaves and starting to have the macabre shape of a skeleton. That is totally enough to make you freak out! Then add into the mix the creepy costumes, skeletons everywhere and pumpkins with malevolent grins. We all know that fear is a survival mechanism. When our senses perceive a cause of stress (such as a creepy clown mask) the brain triggers a reaction that tells us it’s “fight or flight” time. However, you’re fully aware that the chilled shivery feeling isn’t because the weather is getting colder at night, or because it’s fall. You have felt the impending doom of the Parent-Teacher Conference that is a couple of weeks away. You are pretty sure it isn’t going to be a positive experience and you’ve already heard some hair-raising stories from your child about “the teacher”. Ahh no worries, Parent-Teacher Conferences are like walking through a graveyard at night under a full moon, in the fall, with dogs howling and the wind blowing dead leaves across your feet... Nothing to be afraid of except fear itself…and of course what the teacher has to say about your child. Honestly, as a teacher, I have a couple of tips that can guarantee a successful conference for you and your child (I love it when my student comes to the conference with his or her parents). My first tip is to come
56 56. . ardentforlife.net ardentforlife.net-- Autumn Autumn 2018 2018
prepared by writing notes to yourself about questions in regard to the school’s programs or policies. People say all kinds of strange things about public schools that are not true! Ask to see the curriculum that your child is being taught or any other questions you may have about programs at the school. If there are some important things you can share with the teacher about your child and his life at home, write the information down. Write down any questions about your child’s progress that the teacher has not informed you about.
When parents and teachers work together a child will have a successful school year… guaranteed! Remember to start immediately on the action plan you and the teacher put together. Get buy in with your child and track his or her progress. Remember to stay in touch with your child’s teacher throughout the year with regularly scheduled “report card” conferences that can keep the communication lines open.
Another tip is to ask important questions and develop an action plan with the teacher, so your child will be successful at school. Some great questions to ask the teacher are, what are my child’s strengths and weaknesses? Does my child get along with classmates? Is my child working up to her ability? Where could she use improvement? What can we do at home to support what you are doing in the classroom?
Isn’t it great to face our fears and lose the reaction of “fight or flight”? We’ve moved into what is called the 'rest-and-digest' system...and it feels great! The heart rate is slowing down, the breathing is decelerating, and our goose bumps are relaxing. Now we have a sense of internal intellectual relief in the body, and that feels good. Bring on the conference, you are prepared and ready to help your child have a positive school year.
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health}
Golf,
a Sport for the Whole Family By Charlie Zamora Photos by Jace Buenaflor
Golf is one of the oldest sports in history and originated in Scotland. It is an amazing game that brings many elements of life together in one round. Golf, as we know it today, is usually played over 18 holes. I feel that sometimes golf can be perceived the wrong way. A majority of people think golf is too long of a game to play, and they feel it is only for affluent families because it is an expensive sport. I believe this information is untrue, and here is why. To play golf, one does not need to play an 18-hole course. There are many courses that are 9 holes that are as equally challenging and fun. When looking at the sport for a time investment, you can also work on different elements of your game by practicing them specifically. Further, if you want to dial in your clubs you can spend some time at a
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driving range. Lastly, if your goal is to learn how to chip and putt better, you can go to a putting green.
Although there are a lot of private and highend golf courses, there are plenty of public courses you can go to that can be close to a quarter of the price. It’s not about where you play or practice, it’s about how you play and practice. The mindset that you can’t get better at a local course is not legitimate. Anyone from any background can enjoy and play the game of golf ! There are no rules on who can and can’t play the game. What you will need is the confidence to go out and give it a try.
If you are a newcomer to the sport, you can go to most local driving ranges and they will let you borrow clubs. This is extremely cost effective as all you will have to pay for is the range balls. If you are not sure on which club to use or how to use it, the club pro (or person
lending you the club) can give you good insight. If you want to start playing right away and want to get a set of clubs, go the used club route first. There are plenty of places to find used clubs such as Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. One of my favorite local courses is run by CSD and it is called Emerald Lakes Golf Course. It is located 10651 E. Stockton Boulevard Elk Grove, California 95624. I believe it is one of the best places in Elk Grove to learn the game of golf. I enjoy going there with my family and friends. My son Myles, and his best friend, Walker, love spending time with us there. It is a great way to get outside and enjoy the day. I encourage you to check out a local golf course here in Elk Grove.
The following are my personal reasons why I feel you and your family should pick up the game of golf:
Friendships
Golf is a game that is usually played with a group of people. The time you spend on the course gives plenty of time to learn more about the people you are playing with. Even if you show up to the driving range to get some practice in by yourself, you will probably meet new friends while you are there.
Exercise
Golf can be played by walking the course or by using a cart. Those who choose to walk the course can get in a serious work out as they are also carrying or pushing their clubs. Those who choose to drive the course via golf cart still are getting plenty of exercise swinging the golf clubs to strike the ball.
Family Bonding
Golf is a game where, at any age, you can participate in the sport. It is never too early or too late to pick up some clubs and learn the game. This provides a great opportunity for the whole family to be able to do something together.
Outdoors
There is nothing better than enjoying nature. Golf is a game that is played outdoors generally on very well-maintained golf courses. The smell of fresh air, the feel of the grass, and the natural vitamin D from the sun can be very peaceful. It also gives us a break from being indoors.
Challenge
The challenge of golf is not only physical. Some would say golf is more mentally challenging than anything else. This is what makes the sport, that seems so simple, so much fun. The challenge of playing a course and having to think through how and where to hit the ball is exhilarating. The more times we put ourselves in challenging situations the tougher we become both mentally and physically.
Character
Golf is not about what happened during the round, but how you respond. The game teaches people, of any age, how to think critically in good situations and bad. This forces personal growth and allows for character growth through this ebb and flow process. ardentforlife.net   59 ardentforlife.net   59
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art} BOOKS
Circe
By: Madeline Miller Book Reviews by BRENDLE WELLS In literary circles, the day to day of women’s lives is all too often dismissed as unimportant subject matter. What drama can there be in the ordinary? As exhibit A as to why it is a rich and valuable source of literary material look no farther than Circe. In this, Miller’s second book following the outstanding Song of Achilles, she tells the story of the witch Circe, perhaps best known for her appearance in the Odyssey, but also playing small but significant roles in several other myths. Here we get a fresh female perspective on classic tales, but we also get Circe’s life as the daughter of Helios, exiled witch of Aeaea, head of a prosperous household, and mother to Telegonus. Classical though it might be, her story fits right in with the modern #Metoo era. Circe is world weary and angry and rightfully so. She has also been used and treated terribly by more than one person (let’s just say she had good reason to turn all those sailors into pigs). Alone on her island she has time for reflection and the story of her day to day life and personal struggles are no less interesting than any of her mythological adventures--rather they are at the heart of them. The divine and the domestic combine into a beautifully written and enriching tale of female empowerment and adventure to be treasured. Little, Brown and Company, 2018
Ghosted
By: Rosie Walsh A description of Ghosted sounds like your basic suspense plot: reeling from a recent separation and making a melancholy visit home to England from her home in Los Angeles, Sarah thinks she has somehow found happiness and met the love of her life. A chance meeting in the countryside leads to a week of bliss. But then Eddie vanishes. Her friends tell her she’s been ‘ghosted’—dumped in a most modern style. But Sarah isn’t so sure and when she finds out Eddie’s friends haven’t seen him lately, she becomes even more concerned. Standard plot elements indeed. What could possibly be new in this trendy combination of suspense and women’s fiction? In this, her debut novel, Walsh manages to twist things just slightly, however. Alternating between the present day and that weeklong interlude, showing us why Sarah has reasons to doubt. The story unfolds slowly and suspensefully (the author is not above a trick or two), revealing secrets full of pain and loss for both Sarah and Eddie. Themes of family, forgiveness, and mental health are woven throughout; combining to create an interesting and emotional story full of discussion worthy moments. This makes Ghosted a solid and highly enjoyable choice for both leisure reading (fans of Liane Moriarty and JoJo Moyes take note) and book groups alike. Pamela Dornan Books, 2018
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art} BOOKS
Giant Days
Author: Non Pratt Children's Book Reviews By JUSTIN AZEVEDO Esther, Daisy, and Susan are an unlikely group of friends; goth Esther has impeccable fashion sense and a penchant for drama, in contrast to Susan’s quiet sarcasm and antisocial tendencies, though both feel a strong protective urge toward homeschooled, sweet-tempered Daisy. But the three of them bond fast while sharing a floor during their first year at Sheffield University, and stick by each other through the tribulations of toxic new friends, yoga cults, and the reason why Susan hates that handsome new guy so much. The somewhat tenuous plot takes a backseat to the episodic, witfueled scenes of the three protagonists rescuing each other from improbably hilarious social situations, in homage to the comic series from which the book is adapted. The characters come to life almost immediately, and each page is saturated with dry English humor, toeing just close enough to line of silliness to keep things uniformly fun. While the book is set in college, the straightforward writing and PG-13 shenanigans make it a great read for younger teens. Good for fans of the comic, and a good starting point for those who haven’t read the comic yet, as well. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Amulet Books, 2018
A House that Once Was
Author: Julie Fogliano Illustrator: Lane Smith
A boy and a girl venture deep into the woods and find an old, empty house, clearly once bright and lovely but now ramshackle and overgrown. A bluebird watches from the background as the children explore. They note the sagging door, leaning walls, and broken roof, and wonder about the inhabitants that once breathed life into the house; who sat by the fireplace, and made this bed? Did a sea captain live here? Were there kids, or pets? Where are they now? The arresting artwork starts with bright, impressionistic colors and blotted ink lines as the young explorers make their way through the woods, and gives way to airy oil paintings and paper collage with each new imagining of the house’s previous inhabitants. Simple, straightforward prose with plenty of repetition lends itself well to reading aloud, and brings the story full circle with a melancholy paean to a house that “once was but now isn’t a home”— though, a close look at that bluebird in the background suggests a happier ending. This gem of a picture book is visually distinctive and has a timeless charm. Recommended for ages 5-10. Roaring Brook Press, 2018
Visit WWW.SACLI BRARY.ORG For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
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profile}
Bill
McDonald Written by Nan Mahon
It may have been the spiritual images he saw as a child that led Bill McDonald to a mountain top in India to study under a well-known Guru and find a higher level of thought in the Himalayan Mountains. The chronicles of those days in the sixth decade of his life, are in his recently published memoir, Alchemy of a Warrior’s Heart.
The difficulties of his childhood never seemed a hardship to Bill McDonald. Instead, they were learning experiences that served him later in life. A father he never really knew, a stepfather who returned from World War II suffering from Post-Traumatic Disorder, a year in a San Jose Children’s Hospital ward, an emotionally distant mother, and a tour in Vietnam all prepared him for his life’s purpose. It is a journey he has written about in his biography, Warrior: a spiritual odyssey. But it would be most of his life-time before he discovered what that purpose was. Each act of cruelty by his stepfather, the disconnect with his mother, and emotionally loneliness taught him to be patient, to listen, and hold in his emotions. He grew to realize he had a gift of a spiritual kind.
In high school, he joined popular clubs and events and even became part of a folk singing trio. After graduation, he bummed his way to the Hawaiian Islands and eventually through Europe. When the United States entered the civil war in Vietnam, he joined the Army. It was during that yearlong tour of duty as a helicopter door-gunner and crew chief that the spirit visions he had seen as a child were real and would continue to visit him. When Bill was released from the Army, he returned to San Francisco and married his high school sweetheart, Carol. He went to work for the United States Postal Service, and took college classes in the evening. Even as the couple had two children and he was promoted to management and moved to Elk Grove, Bill knew he had a purpose that would not be denied.
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He began by publishing two volumes of poetry, primarily around his experiences in war. Knowing that was not enough, he wrote a book about his time in war, A Spiritual Warrior’s Journey. His first volume of poetry, Sacred Eye; in search of the Divine, won the National Poetry Award. His second collection, Purple Hearts; poetry of the Vietnam War, was used as a fundraiser for wounded military personnel.
profile}
BILL MCDONALD
Bill spends some quiet time painting abstract art in soft tones, and writing poetry. His first volume of published poems, Sacred Eye, Poetry in Search of the Devine, won him the 2004 National Publisher's Award. His second collection, Purple Hearts; Poetry of the Vietnam War, was used as a fundraiser for wounded veterans. Bill created an on-line website for his former Army unit, the 128th Assault Helicopter Company, named The Vietnam Experience. It became so popular that it grew into an organization renamed Military Writers Society of America, as a support group for men and women who want to tell their stories. Not stopping there, Bill founded a second on-line organization, American Authors’ Association. Both are active and continue to grow with more than 275,000 visitors. The AAA has a membership of 2,500 writers. Each group promotes writers and gives out yearly awards. Bill helped to produce In the Shadow of the Blade, a war documentary film. He has traveled the country to promote it. During that time, the website grew to 3 million viewers.
After retiring from the Postal Service, Bill became a tireless veterans’ advocate, traveling the United States to promote and honor men and women for their service and speak at their events. As the demand for his services grew, Bill founded The Spiritual Warrior Ministries, a self-funded group of veteran advocates who provide counseling to veterans all over the world.
Still, he knew there was more. He journeyed to India to study with spiritual leaders there. His experiences in places such as Machu Picchu, Peru, and the Ganges River are no less than mystical.
Bill has traveled the world and lectured about his visions. He has no doubt now about his purpose—or the reasons for those spirits who visited his childhood.
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Counterbalance By Anna Osborn, LMFT, owner of Life Unscripted Counseling
I think it's safe to say (with a great level of confidence) that all of us have either been on, are currently on, or are headed straight towards the road to burn out. We live in such an extremely LOUD world that is constantly telling us to do more, be more, have more and get more that it’s hard to not feel like you’re being bullied into an expectation of perfection.
You use words like hustle, grind and busy to describe your pursuit towards whatever monumental (insert: crazy unrealistic) goal you’re looking to achieve without realizing if it’s what you really want, or what the cost will be to yourself and those around you when you get there. And you’ve heard the caution warnings too. Slow down. Be intentional. Take time for yourself. Selfcare, self-care, self-care. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve likely ignored most of them, because those warnings sound a lot like more expectations and more markers of how you’re falling short or not being/ doing enough. I think most people want to achieve a level of balance in their lives, they’re just sorely out of shape on how to do it. Most people I know, whether it be entrepreneurs, 68. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
stay at home moms, or day to day laborers are all working towards the same finish line…the one where we get to collectively sit back and admire our hard work and FINALLY enjoy the fruits of our labor.
And balance in it’s purest form, seems like a great idea. An alignment between all of the doing and allowing ourselves to also just “be”. An ability to lean back at the end of the day and know that you’ve allotted enough time to feed yourself and nurture your relationships. A glance at your plate and seeing a good amount of veggies and still enough room for that chocolate bar you’ve stashed in the back of the pantry. A confidence that you’ve enriched your child’s mind enough with creative play and stimulating interaction that some screen time is perfectly appropriate. A peace knowing that you’ve put your best product, ability, or effort in—and you won’t wake tomorrow in a panic over the boss’s disapproval.
Ah, balance… Well my friends, I’m here to tell you my true opinion of balance (in case you haven’t picked up on it thus far). I think balance is bologna. I think balance is unrealistic, AND I think any quest for balance is just a fancy way to describe an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Balance indicates a resting place. An alignment. But in truth we spend our entire lives in the “ing”. You
know the loving, the living, the helping, the trying, the serving, the messing up, the apologizing, the forgiving. We’ve become socialized to highlight our most shining moments which in turn gives the next guy (or gal) the impression that we do in fact have it all balanced. #blessed #livingthedream Our social media feed has a sinking likeness to walking down the high school hallway and being alerted to the fact that you don’t quite fit in, or an awareness that you’re not hanging with the cool crowd. And if you reduce yourself down to living a life of balance (i.e. demanding perfection) you miss all the lessons that messiness has to offer you. It’s hard enough as a partner and a parent to navigate all the directions you’re being pulled, and then you go and lump an expectation of balance on yourself.
It’s all too much! You’re doing the best that you can. Let me say that again, you’re doing the best that you can. You’re trying your hardest even on the days that you may not look like it.
health} I’m here to tell you my true opinion of balance (in case you haven’t picked up on it thus far). I think balance is bologna. I think balance is unrealistic, AND I think any quest for balance is just a fancy way to describe an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. Yes, there are some days where it all comes together and looks ah-mazing! But the honest truth is those days…the ones where you feel like you have it all together, are usually few and far between and rarely (if ever) happen two days in a row.
So what do you do with all the madness? Well let me introduce you to the amazingness of counterbalance. Counterbalance is the ability to pivot. It’s the ability to recognize when things are skewing a certain direction and change course. It’s about giving yourself grace when you can’t remember the last time you’ve eaten a perishable food, so you stop on the way home to grab a dozen apples (only to see 10 of them go bad over the next week). Counterbalance is knowing that some days you’re gonna knock it out of the park. Some days you’re perfectly comfortable with the idea of a reality TV show camera crew following you around, filming every moment, because you’re just nailing it. And other days you double book, show up late, and realize your shirt’s been inside out all day.
It’s called counterbalance.
And expecting anything more from yourself can be a cruel, cruel road to go down. Because when you strive for balance you become more focused on what you should do to align yourself rather than what (and who) is standing right in front of you with a need or an outreached hand. Counterbalance allows you to forgive yourself for yesterday and show up today with a fresh perspective and a clean face. Counterbalance allows you to know that whatever you can do today is more than enough and whoever got left out, overlooked, or tripped over, can be sought out today. Counterbalance allows you to say yes to yourself a bit more often, and no to others when you’ve hit your max or realized you’ve been neglecting YOU for far too long. And most importantly, counterbalance allows you to model the truth. That life is messy. That parenting tests your patience. And that relationships stretch you in ways you never knew you wanted. And that it’s ok if you didn’t get it all right today. So join me, won’t you? In the healthy direction towards counterbalance. It’s your life, your journey, and your adventure. Give yourself permission to let go of an expectation of balance, and instead see how the gift of a counterbalance mindset can be the most generous thing you do for yourself this year.
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is the owner of Life Unscripted Counseling. She works with couples to improve communication, deepen intimacy and heal from betrayal. Anna was born and raised in California and lives in the Elk Grove with her husband, school aged twins and boxer dog. She is an avid sports fan and can often be found at the ballpark cheering on her local team.
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health}
Guarding AGAINST Sports Injuries By Scott Meier, MD, Kaiser Permanente Sports Medicine physician
Fall sports are underway. Sports provide young athletes with opportunities to build athletic skills and learn life lessons in cooperation and team building. Sports can also unite schools and whole communities.
often a single position within that sport. This can often contribute to overuse injuries as these young athletes work the same muscles, bones and joints month after month with little rest. Because of this and other factors, the potential for injury appears to have grown.
Healthy participation matters. Parents, coaches, referees, and officials need to be more vigilant than ever about sports-related injuries. Every year over 3.5 million children aged 14 and younger are treated for sports related injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate there are about 300,000 sports-related concussions reported around the country each year. About 100,000 of them are related to football. Data indicates that girls’ soccer has the second-highest concussion rate after football – often related to hitting their heads on the ground or running into other players.
The good news is that some injuries, if treated early, can lead to a faster return to sports with a lower risk of re-injury.
Sports are now a year-round phenomenon and the intensity and level of play have increased. Athletes are also specializing earlier. Boys and girls as young as 9 or 10 are concentrating on one sport, and 70. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
A common and devastating sports injury is a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. These injuries often happen with no contact at all and may occur when young athletes are performing cutting or landing motions, like those executed in soccer.
studies indicate that a regular program of flexibility, agility and strengthening exercises can significantly reduce the chance of injury. Kaiser Permanente has developed a program for ACL prevention that is available to both Kaiser members and the public. For more information, visit: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/acl/ At our South Sacramento Medical Center and the affiliated sites in Elk Grove, we have a new program to prevent ACL injuries through our physical therapy department. We provide education about ACL injuries and individualized exercises based on an assessment of your movement.
The therapies and surgical techniques for treating these injuries have advanced dramatically, but the best strategy remains the same: prevention, and reducing the need for treatment.
Prevention needs to start before a young athlete begins playing sports. One key step is visiting with your child’s pediatrician or family physician. He or she can assess a young athlete’s fitness and suitability for a particular sport and advise his or her family on how to prevent injuries common to that sport.
Surgery to repair a torn ACL puts a young athlete on the sideline for an average of a year. While ligament tears can never be entirely preventable,
Wearing sunscreen, the right protective gear and appropriate clothing can also make a big difference in keeping kids safe from sports injuries.
health} Make sure protective pads, mouth and wrist guards, helmets, gloves, and other equipment fit well. They should be appropriate to the sport and player position and they should be in good condition. If it’s not properly maintained, that protective gear might not fully protect a young athlete. Youth sports present wonderful opportunities for young people. But it’s important to learn how to best prevent an injury before your young athlete hits the field. Start here for more information from my team about sport medicine: https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/ promotions/#/sportsmedicine
Dr. Scott Meier has been a part of Kaiser Permanente since 2009. He received his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, in New Orleans. He is board certified in both pediatrics and sports medicine. He treats both competitive and recreational athletes in the sports medicine department at the Kaiser Permanente Promenade Medical Offices in Elk Grove. In his spare time, Dr. Meier enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, rooting for his local baseball and basketball teams, and being active in a few different sports. https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/provider/scottmeier
Boys and girls as young as 9 or 10 are concentrating on one sport, and often a single position within that sport. This can often contribute to overuse injuries as these young athletes work the same muscles, bones and joints month after month with little rest.
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Osteoporosis
health}
By Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine
Osteoporosis is a condition of low bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of the bone microarchitecture, which increases bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. A concern for most post-menopausal women. Age is the strongest risk factor for fracture, and one in two women will experience an osteoporotic fracture after age 50. Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Reclast and Boniva), the most‐prescribed osteoporosis medication class, increase BMD by inhibiting osteoclasts (bone cells) from resorbing the bones, in the bone remodeling process. Common side effects include, GI irritation, muscle pain, nausea, gastric ulcer and the more severe side effects of jaw bone death and atrial fibrillation. Recent studies have questioned the benefit of long‐term bisphosphonate use. A 2011 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of all long‐term randomized controlled trials of bisphosphonates found inconclusive evidence that bisphosphonate therapy for longer than 3 to 5 years prevents fracture, regardless of initial bone mineral density. The lack of evidence of benefit from long‐term bisphosphonate use and evidence of harms, led to an FDA recommendation that individuals be routinely evaluated for the appropriateness of continued therapy during long‐term use. An article published in May 2017, “Long-Term Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy and Fractures in Older Women: The Women’s Health Initiative”, examined the association between fracture risk and bisphosphonate use in more high‐risk, older, female long‐term bisphosphonate users and included 1,701 women who had used bisphosphonates for 10 or more years. The multivariate‐adjusted analysis found that 10 to 13 years of bisphosphonate use was associated with greater risk of any clinical fracture than 2 years of use. The risk was greater for hip and clinical vertebral fracture. These findings support previous studies that did not find significantly lower overall fracture risk during long‐term bisphosphonate use than with shorter duration of use. Biological changes in bone during long‐term bisphosphonate use may explain the current study findings, including over suppression of the bone remodeling process, which may damage bone. Suppression of bone remodeling inhibits resorption of damaged bone, which may increase bone brittleness. Reviews by the FDA and American Society of Bone and Mineral Research concur that bisphosphonate 72. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
health} use beyond 3 to 5 years increases risk of rare atypical femur fractures, with the rates of atypical fractures increasing from 1.78/100,000 during 2 years of use to 113/100,000 during 8 to 10 years of use. Suppression of bone remodeling in older women with a high fracture risk is associated with a higher risk of any clinical fracture than 2 years of use. These findings add to concerns about the safety of long‐term bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates do not support bone formation, only bone stagnation.
What Other Options Do You Have to Prevent Osteoporosis? One of the first areas to look at is your hormonal status. Bone is exquisitely sensitive to estrogen. Estrogen helps the gut absorption and kidney reabsorption of calcium and has a direct inhibitory effect on bone destruction. Estrogen is considered more effective than calcium in that it produces a small, but often significant bone gain. Estrogen builds bone and testosterone makes it strong. Other things to consider are magnesium, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K and calcium. While vegetables are a good source for calcium, calcium from dairy sources has had some controversy in the literature regarding the effectiveness on the reduction of osteoporosis.
Estrogen helps the gut absorption and kidney reabsorption of calcium and has a direct inhibitory effect on bone destruction. Estrogen is considered more effective than calcium in that it produces a small, but often significant bone gain. Estrogen builds bone and testosterone makes it strong.
A study from 2003, “Calcium, Vitamin D, Milk Consumption, and Hip Fractures: A prospective study among postmenopausal Women” concluded that, although Vitamin D was associated with a 37% lower risk of osteoporotic hip fractures in post-menopausal women, neither a high calcium diet nor cows milk reduced the risk of osteoporosis. Another study in 2014 looked at the influence of calcium intake from dairy products on the incidence of fracture and bone mineral density and the results showed the difference to be borderline significant. Other studies have shown an increase in bone mass with the supplementation of milk with Vitamin D or a calcium carbonate supplementation of 500mg twice a day. So, is it the Vitamin D or the milk? Since many people have a sensitivity to casein, the protein in cow’s milk, or have become lactose intolerant, oral supplementation may be an option. Remember to look for pharmaceutical grade supplements to be assured of quality, purity and dosage. And lastly, never underestimate the value of exercise, which is one of the biggest determinants of bone density, particularly weight bearing exercises. Rejuvenation Wellness and Aesthetic Medicine: 9180 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA. 95624 (916) 670-7601 www.RejuvenationElkGrove.com
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education}
Why You Should Know CPR and First Aid
Would you know what to do if your baby or child stopped breathing? As parents, none of us want to think about our child choking or ever needing for us to perform CPR on them. Hopefully, you will never have to perform CPR on your baby or child, but it could happen. However, learning CPR and first aid could save your child’s life or someone else’s. I personally have been CPR and first aid certified for over three decades, since the age of fifteen years old. Little did I know that choosing to be certified back then would allow me (on multiple occasions) to be able to aid and help those around me, because I was one of the few—or in some cases—the only one who knew what to do in an emergent situation. I have come upon or witnessed an accident, been at church and with patients when they have had a serious health issue… that my CPR and first aid training has been utilized. My oldest child had asthma and had trouble breathing on a regular basis since infancy; just knowing that I had the skills to help him allowed me to have peace of mind as a mom. 74. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
By Sabrina Danielle, The Health Alley
As an aunt I was able to help my nephew when he was choking. About fifteen years ago, while at a family barbecue, I noticed one of my nephews was turning blue and grasping his neck with one hand while sitting on his dad’s lap. Without hesitation, or giving thought to it, I immediately picked up my nephew and performed a technique used on infants under the age of one to dislodge the grape. There are certain injuries that can cause a person to stop breathing. If there is no breath, blood can’t circulate which means the brain will be deprived of oxygen. If someone doesn’t get CPR, as quick as possible, they can suffer permanent brain damage or even die in as short as four to eight minutes. CPR restores blood flow to the brain, heart, and other vital organs, and restores breathing.
You should only perform CPR when there are no signs of life; or if the infant, child or adult is unconscious, unresponsive, or not breathing normally. Every parent should attend a class and know how to perform CPR properly, because administering CPR improperly can be harmful to your child. It is important to know that infants and children usually don’t need CPR for the same reasons that adults do. Adults usually need CPR because of sudden cardiac arrest resulting in a heart attack,
where children and infants tend to require CPR because of a respiratory issue that leads to cardiac arrest. According to the Center of disease control there were over 23,000 infant deaths in the United States in 2016. Out of the leading five causes of death listed at number three, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and at number five, injuries. The American Heart Association reported the most common cause of unintentional death in infants is choking. Another shocking statistic is an estimated 9,500 children suffer from Cardiac Arrest. We usually associate heart attacks with unhealthy and older adults, but statistics indicate Cardiac Arrest occur in children and teens too. The leading cause of death in the United States is Sudden Cardiac Arrest. In fact 9 out of 10 people die if they don’t receive CPR. Immediate CPR can triple the chance of survival. It is equally important to remember safety first, you can’t help others if you end up becoming a victim yourself. When you come across an accident or emergent lifethreatening scene, first determine if the scene is safe, then determine if CPR or first aid is needed, it might not be.
education}
CPR
Things happen, and although you may not want to think of the possibility of needing to administer CPR or first aid you may need to, some of those reasons may include: · Accidents · Near-drowning · Suffocation · Choking · Asthma attacks · Poisoning · Head trauma · Electrical shock · Smoke inhalation · Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) · Bites and Stings · Allergic Reactions · Burns · Bleeding · And much more
What you will learn when taking CPR and First Aid Class: · CPR for infant, children and adults · Rescue Breathing · Life Saving Choking techniques · Basic first aid · How to treat bites and stings · How to stop bleeding and bandage wounds properly · How to recognize a life-threatening situation · How to use an AED · Learn how to stay calm and not panic during a crisis · And more
There are skills every parent or babysitter should know, you don’t want to solely rely on instinct. It’s your responsibility to arm yourself with every possible advantage in order to ensure every baby and child around you is safe. Much of that advantage comes from educating ourselves! The Health Alley is excited to be offering CPR and First Aid classes starting in October 2018. Sabrina D. Alley, C.M.T., M.M.T. Sabrina has been a Certified Massage Therapist (C.M.T.) for over 20 years, a Medical Massage Therapist (M.M.T.) for the past 19 years and serving patients and their families who are on hospice. She has treated many patients over the years who have been in car accidents. Contact her at 916.421.4117 for more information.
health}
IGNORANCE IS
BLISS By Chris Tanaka, Sher Khan Karate, Owner/Senior Instructor
“Ignorance is bliss” has not only become a common saying in our society, but a popular mindset and way of life as well. Instead of proactively taking control of our health, wellness, and safety, all too often we exhibit a lackadaisical attitude of ignorance. The choices we make in regard to our health and personal safety (and well-being) will have either a positive or negative effect in our lives. These choices, for some, may require a moderate amount of self-sacrifice and self-discipline to see them through. Since my passion envelopes both the world of martial arts, health and fitness, I will address how making the right choices can positively affect your life with short term and long-term benefits. 76. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
My passion for martial arts has created a life long journey of self-discipline, dedication, and focus for myself and those I teach. In choosing to study martial arts, I am placing a significance on preemptively learning how to manage, avoid, and ultimately cope with life threatening situations (should they occur). Now, I can honestly say that (after studying martial arts for more than 25 years) I have never encountered a dangerous situation that I could not effectively and safely manage. Being in martial arts has helped shape the person I am today. Every day I am aware of my surroundings and the dangers that exist. My training has given me a way to preemptively stay safe. I have never personally been in a self-defense situation but have helped mitigate and manage potentially dangerous situations. I have taken the time to develop the right skills to protect myself and those around me. When it comes to health and fitness, most people know that being overweight/obese
is unhealthy and that what you eat, and your level of exercise or fitness, can either positively or negatively affect you. The CDC statistics from 2015/2016 report that obesity impacts about 93 million adults in the United States. This overwhelming statistic does not take into consideration the family and friends that are also impacted by this epidemic. On the contrary, a thin individual (who does not choose adequate nutrition or exercise) can be justifiably as unhealthy as an overweight individual. All too often we wait until a medical diagnosis or health scare before we consider making healthy changes in our lives. In the same manner, many people wait until something happens personally before they learn how to defend themselves. The “it will never happen to me” attitude will put you in danger (in both ways). You cannot turn a blind eye to your health or your ability to protect yourself. If you do, it could be too late.
health} My goal is to help equip others with the skills and knowledge, so they can avoid these health and selfdefense situations. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way. If you would like information in these areas, my contact information is below. Sher Khan Karate, 8932 Elk Grove Blvd. Elk Grove, CA. 916.686.6552
Vanilla Chai Pumpkin Donuts
DONUTS
INGREDIENTS 1 pkg vanilla chai (I found it at Smart and Final) 1/2 cup coconut flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice 2 tsp cinnamon 1 cup pumpkin puree 1/2 cup applesauce 4 eggs 3 tsp vanilla
TOPPING
1/2 cup of coconut sugar 1/4 cup of cinnamon 1/4 cup coconut oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate bowl mix pumpkin, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Mix dry and wet ingredients together. Grease a donut pan with your preferred oil. Use a piping bag or create your own (see YouTube). Pipe batter into the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 min or until fork comes out clean.
Delicious topping: Melt coconut oil in pan (low heat). Dip tops of donuts right before serving into melted coconut oil then immediately dip into cinnamon/sugar mix.
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community} HAPPENINGS
A NANNOSECOND
in Art and Music
Written by Nan Mahon
AUSTIN, TEXAS
West 6th Street in Austin, Texas, is a combination of all the famous streets celebrated before it. It is 12th Street and Vine, Beal Street, Bourbon Street, and Peach Street. This is the new Mecca in art, music, and entertainment. If an art adventurer has seen Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, the next logical journey is to Austen. The recent influx of High-Tec companies in the state capitol has brought rapid growth and a new musical promised land. The elevated freeways and toll roads honeycomb the city, twisting like an abstract painting above the recent skyscrapers. It is a new city enveloping the old. With the new look is live music seven days a week. For Sunday brunch, stop in at a small Mexican place where the servers wear shirts that tell patrons they are saving the world: one taco at a time. A band jams on stage with different musicians joining in. Even on Monday night a visitor can travel East 6th Street and duck down some stairs to a brick-walled cellar club where jazz lovers drink to the sounds of a trumpet or saxophone. Just down the street, in a modern club, a young group is playing the blues. Along with the Mexican fare, diners crowd the famous Texas barbecue restaurants. Cooked outside on huge open grills, the tender, juicy beef is celebrated all over the state. Sides include okra and cornbread, and a roll of paper towels is on every table. The University of Texas is in the heart of Austin. On its campus is the three-story President Lynden Johnson Library. The walls are a pictorial of the social changes of the 1960’s and 70’s. Sports fans will find a variety of sports, including soccer, rugby, hockey, and roller derby. Austin, with its growth in the arts, has moved up on the must visit list.
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Stay Alive: Elk Grove Zombie Tag
Saturday, October 13th at Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road. Registration: 3:30 p.m., Zombie Tag: 5:00 p.m. Movie: 7:00 p.m. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Zombie Tag Registration: $5 (must be 10 years of age or older) Dodge the undead and Stay Alive Elk Grove – an event geared for those who love zombies. In this live action zombie tag game, the undead will chase those seeking shelter at several designated checkpoints. This year we’ve added a special treat for everyone – following zombie tag, we’ll be showing The Nightmare Before Christmas! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars. Cost is $5 to participate in the zombie tag event; the movie is free!
Micke Grove Zoo’s HalloWild
Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Micke Grove Zoo, 11793 Micke Grove Rd. Lodi. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Micke Grove zoo for HalloWild. Trick or Treat with your family and enjoy this family-friendly event! Children $1.00 / Adults $5.00 / Free admission for members. Call 209.331.7400 for more information.
Old Town Elk Grove Farmers Market Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Old Town Plaza
Pool of Pumpkins
October 20th 1:00 p.m. at Wackford Aquatic Complex 9014 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove. No entrance fees. $5 wristband to pick a pumpkin. Pre-registration not required Jump in and pick your pumpkin! Join us for this annual event as we transform Adventure Bay into a floating pumpkin patch. Once you pick your pumpkin you can decorate it at one of our decorating stations and play fun carnival games. Bring the camera as you won’t want to miss this unique pumpkin experience! Visit www.yourcsd.com for more information.
save the date Lodi Oktoberfest
3rd Annual Chili Cook Off
Lodi’s longest continuing Oktoberfest has been hosted by the Lodi Tokay Rotary every year since 2006. You’ll enjoy the beer and the German food, the German band, and the Oktoberfest games. We will be pouring American and German beers at Oktoberfest and cook up a storm of German dishes such as chicken schnitzel, bratwurst, pickled red cabbage, sauerkraut, cheese buttons and hot German potato salad.
Join us for our Third Annual Chili Cook Off! Tickets include a souvenir wine glass, 5 tastes of wine, and chili! The chili tasting will run until 2 p.m., and after that we will be awarding and celebrating our winners! Visit www.mcconnellestates.com for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 27th. From 4:30p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lodi American Legion, 320 N. Washington St. Lodi.
The Gruber Family Band plays a raucous mix of traditional German folk music and pop tunes. The highlight of their performance is a contest to see who can hold two big steins of beer at arm’s length the longest. If the crowd gets into it, there might even be a yodeling contest. Now, Oktoberfest is an annual tradition. And remember — you don’t have to be German to have fun at Oktoberfest. Tickets can be purchased at our website, in-person at the American Legion, or at the door on the day of the event. 1-5 years old are free, 5 to 12 years old reduced price. Call 209-333-1515 for more information.
Saturday, Nov 3rd from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at McConnell Estates Winery, 10686 W Stockton Blvd, Elk Grove.
Holiday Open House Old Town Elk Grove
Saturday, Nov. 3rd - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4th - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Gobble Wobble
The festivities will be in Old Town Elk Grove. Join us for holiday refreshments, listen to the sounds of Christmas and look for unique and unusual gifts for your family and friends. Free Parking in Old Town. See ad. on page 79, for more information.
100% of the proceeds from the Gobble Wobble benefit the Chicks in Crisis Foundation Fed Tax ID: 94-3371317
Thursday, Nov. 22 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at 8280 Longleaf Drive Elk Grove.
Sponsorships are tax deductible and include a letter of thanks from Chicks in Crisis as an event receipt. Call 916-441-1243 or visit
http://www.chicksincrisis.org/events/gobble-wobble/ for
more information.
Dickens Street Faire
Saturday, Nov. 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Town Elk Grove
Veterans Day Parade
Sunday, Nov. 11th, Starting at 11:00a.m. at Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove. Visit www.elkgrovecity.org to view the map.
Sandhill Crane Festival
Nov. 2, 3 and 4th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street Lodi Long before Lodi existed, Sandhill Cranes descended into the rich delta wetlands at the end of a long migratory journey, some from nesting grounds as far away as Siberia. For 21 years, Lodi’s Sandhill Crane Festival has celebrated the return of the cranes. In partnership with the City of Lodi, the Festival continues this November, welcoming an evergrowing circle of friends to our community to share the wonder of the Sandhill Crane ... and so much more. Call 800-581-6150 for more information. 80. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
The City is pleased to sponsor this event organized by community members in conjunction with Elk Grove American Legion Post 233. A new route has been established to improve safety for participants and spectators. Join the tradition of honoring those who have selflessly served our nation during Elk Grove’s 16th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. at the Elk Grove Shopping Center located at 9108 Elk Grove Florin Road. Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade will follow the new route, proceeding south on Elk Grove Florin Road to Elk Grove Regional Park. Please note that streets will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. for this important event. For questions, contact Sophia Scherman at 916-718-9631.
Proudly produced by the Old Town Elk Grove Foundation, the Dickens Street Faire is the traditional start of the Elk Grove Yuletide Season. Held every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, it is a wonderful and exciting experience you can share with your whole family. See Santa get rescued by our trusted fire department. Stroll through Old Town and explore local shops, enjoy holiday music, craft and vendor booths, eat delicious holiday foods, meet wonderful Christmas characters, and mingle with your friends and neighbors. This year, over 100 arts and craft vendors, commercial vendors and community groups fill Elk Grove Boulevard from 2nd Avenue to School Street, while the food vendors are conveniently located in the Old Town Plaza. Free entertainment is available, all day; featuring live music and performers, professional photo opportunities with Santa (you may bring your own camera as well), Christmas carolers, and much more. And don’t miss the all new FREE kids craft corner in “Oliver’s Alley” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. At 6 p.m. the sun sets, and the street comes alive with the annual Parade of Lights. At the end of the parade Santa will disembark his sleigh in time to help lead the crowd in singing Christmas carols and will then flip the switch to light the town Christmas tree at Walnut Street.
community} HAPPENINGS
Kids' Night Out Parents' Night Off
Saturday, Dec. 8th, from 5:30 - 10 p.m. at the Wackford Community Complex, 9014 Bruceville Road, Elk Grove. Drop off your kids (ages 5-12) for a fun night out filled with age-appropriate activities including craft projects, games, dinner and a movie. Take this opportunity to finish the holiday shopping or enjoy a long overdue date night! Pre-teens will be able to hang out in The Grove Teen Center! Space is limited, so register early to guarantee your child's participation.
Pre-registration is required. Register online Opens a New Window, by phone at 916-405-5600 or 916-405-5300, or in person at a CSD registration location. Registration Fee: $20/child PJs are welcomed but not required. Must be appropriate to move around in for active play. Nightgowns; please wear shorts or leggings underneath. Closed toed shoes required. Bring sleeping bag/blanket and pillow for movie; not required.
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, Dec. 1st. Seating times are 8:00 - 8:45a.m., 9:30 & 10:15 a.m. at the Elk Grove Park - Pavilion The holidays are here! Join us as we celebrate the season with Breakfast with Santa. Each child will have the opportunity to talk with Santa in his sleigh. Pre-registration is highly recommended, although walk-ups will be accepted (if space is available). The breakfast is co-sponsored by the Pride of Laguna Creek Lions Club. Registration Fees Ages 2 and up $5 in advance Ages 2 and up $7 at the door (All members of the party must pay) Register online Opens a New Window, by phone at 916-405-5600 or 916-405-5300, or in person at a CSD registration location. Would you like your event mentioned? Email submissions to us at info@mrsandmrpublishing.com 82. ardentforlife.net - Autumn 2018
