Ardent content &f lavor
23. Mushroo M s oup with Long r ice Justin p innell
24. g ruyere Mushroo M toast
26. c rispy p rosciutto Lettuce and t o M ato s andwich Mc c onnell e states
32. s ay “ n o” t o Boring s a L ads c indy d ella Monica
featured
18. s acra M ento a rea Mushroo M ers
30. L oca L BL ogger Luci's Morsels
love
36. Macie & c o L e c olor and c atchlight c ompany
art
48. Book r eviews s acramento p ublic Library
54. a nnie p eony n an Mahon
education
46. w hat i ’ve L earned ct Morris
health
42. n otice the good stuff. a nna o sborn
52. se L f-he L p B ook guide
58. Managing d e M entia k aiser p ermanente
62. a ronia Berry & f rench g rape s eed f or s trong a ntioxidant p rotection e lk g rove vitamins
community
28. h ipper t han h ip c oncert Mc c onnell e states
history
64. d e Lta r egion Louis s ilveira
Alyssa Whittock
Color and Catchlight Company
Story on page 36.
Community Corner q&a
Who are you and what do you do?
Hey there! My name's Alyssa, I'm a Northern California photographer; specializing in weddings, families, and portraits since 2016.
If you could choose any profession what would you do? I think if I could do absolutely anything, my current skill set aside. I'd love to be a Disneyland Imagineer. My whole life, I've obsessed over documenting anything and everything in photos. Now I get to document the most important things in life for the people in my community. That's a pretty cool job if you ask me!
How do you decompress after a rough day?
The very best way to relax (after a long day on the job) is kicking back in the backyard, enjoying the sunshine with my husband and our sweet dog, Kobe.
What is the best advice you ever got?
As a gal who struggles with constantly feeling like she isn't doing enough, I live by the motto, "People overestimate what they can accomplish in a day, and underestimate what they can accomplish in a year." What this means to me is that there is never going to be a time where everything you do in life, in your career, or in your relationships is perfect. There is always room for growth and always an opportunity to grow into the person you
want to be. It's all about the journey and the little magical moments along the way!
What's your favorite meal? Anything my husband makes, but especially his pizza with homemade sourdough crust! To die for!
What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten, and would you eat it again? Hmmm... I did sample a chocolate covered cricket ice cream at Salt & Straw. I don't know if it's necessarily my jam.
W H ere can people follo W you?
You can check out all things photography on my Instagram (@colorcatchlight) & Facebook (Color and Catchlight Company)
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
No doubt you’ve heard a lot about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy lately. What is it all about? How does it work? Who needs it? Is it something you could benefit from?
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT, is exactly what it sounds like. Your declining hormones are replaced with hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones produced by your own body. Why is this important? Hormones that are not structurally identical to your own (for example, Premarin, which comes from horse urine) do not act the same on your body, may contain hormones that your body does not make and has no receptors for these hormones, so you waste energy by giving incomplete messages to cells which then fail to produce a balanced hormonal response. Also, your body cannot effectively metabolize these foreign hormones, which may have long term unknown, potentially, negative effects on your body.
MYTH: Our hormones levels are declining because we are growing older.
FACT: We are growing older because your hormones are declining.
The goal in BHRT is to turn back the hormonal clock to around age 35, or around 20 years younger than your chronological age. Anti-aging medicine is a personalized, metabolic medicine. We now have the science to individually customize your care and we can look at the cause of the problems, instead of just treating symptoms. If you are basically healthy, we can look at how your body breaks down things to help you be healthier and stay healthy. All the patients in my practice have a totally different treatment regime, there are no protocols. It is a very personalized approach.
So is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy right for you?
Do you find yourself wondering……?
Why am I so tired?
Why am I gaining weight?
Why do I have mood swings?
Why do I have a low sex drive?
Why am I not able to sleep well?
Why am I having memory lapses?
Why do I have frequent urination and/or incontinence?
Why do I have migraine headaches?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, bio-identical hormone therapy may be just what would benefit you.
How does the process work?
After obtaining lab testing of saliva, blood or urine, you meet for a consultation with Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, an American Anti-Aging Academy trained physician for evaluation of your unique bio-identical hormonal needs. You are prescribed the specific hormones that your body needs! We use a quality compounding pharmacy and carry a high pharmaceutical grade of supplements for your use.
Your hormones are a symphony of interactions. All of your hormones are designed to work together and if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. It is an interactive balance and as unique to an individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all. Treating even “mild” hormonal deficiencies can dramatically improve quality of life. Longevity medicine is aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age related decline.
We are not prisoners of our genetic destiny. Chronic inflammation is the cause and the effect of most illnesses and the diseases of aging. Balanced hormone optimization and a balanced life style decreases chronic inflammation. Hormone optimization is the finishing touch of an anti-aging lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, anti-oxidants and nutraceuticals.
Contributor’s Corner
Justin Azevedo
Justin has been a Youth Services Librarian for Sacramento Public Library since 2010, and is currently the Youth Materials Selector for the system.
Allie Crump
Event Manager at McConnell Estates
Ed Goldman
A former daily columnist for the Sacramento Business Journal, as well as monthly columnist for Sacramento Magazine and Comstock’s Business Magazine, he’s the author of five books, two plays and one musical (so far).
David Hipskind
Owner of The Red Door Antiques, Vintage, and More. Located in Historic Old Town Elk Grove.
Cheyenne Hoff
Owner of Cheyenne Hoff Photography
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
Nan is an author and journalist. She is a member of the 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 aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Elizabeth Pinkerton
Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.
Justin Pinnell
Justin is not just another pretty face in Real Estate. He enjoys long walks on the beach and high mountain sunsets.
Louis Silveira
Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and Archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past eight years.
Zachary Wackman
General Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Kayla Webb
Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Brendle Wells
Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”
For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net.
creative director sara pinnell sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
executive editor carole Morris carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com
art & production info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
view ardent for Life online at www.ardentforlife.net
"I cannot think of a more versatile food than the mushroom."
- Julia Child.
business manager Justin pinnell justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com
sales sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Copyright © 2024 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing
Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year
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Ardent for life
Checking In
Fall is breathing down our necks, yikes! What happened to summer? Mentally many of us see fall as a time for a fresh start. I think it’s from when we were children, and a new school year started in the fall with a new grade level and sometimes a new school.
So, it makes sense that Psychology experts say we can boost the mental health benefits of the season by spending time in nature, setting goals, and prioritizing our favorite activities.
executive editor
Carole Morris
What Have I Learned?
Additionally, there is a heart-warming story about Annie and the Art that Brought the Community Together. It tells how an ordi nary brown fence traveling the driveway of a church was a blank canvas waiting for An nie Peony to tell a story in pictures.
As is our tradition, we have recipes galore that are waiting for you to explore and share with your loved ones and family.
In this edition of Ardent we have an article with a listing and description of self-help books that address many facets of your life. Whether you aim to excel in your career, manage your money better, or create a harmonious home environment– these books offer transformative strategies and practical advice to help you flourish.
Sacramento Area Mushroomers
A Hub for Fungal Enthusiasts and Learning
Nestled in the heart of Northern California, the Sacramento region’s mycology club (known as the Sacramento Area Mushroomers, SAM), provides a key forum for learning about the many uses of fungi and how to safely identify them. Founded in 2001, the club is a casual counterpart to other mycological associations in the Bay Area. Affiliated with the North American Mycological Association, SAM provides access to decades of mushroom hunting knowledge and camaraderie for those interested in fungi.
Activities and Programs
Sacramento Area Mushroomers offers a variety of activities from fall through spring designed to engage members and foster a deeper understanding of fungi. These include:
Informational Meetings: Held four to five times per year, these meetings feature presentations from experts on various mycological topics, ranging from fungal ecology to foraging techniques. Some meetings focus on people bringing in mushroom finds for identification and they host an annual mushroom film festival screening.
Forays/Field Trips: One of the highlights of the club's calendar, these events allow members to explore local habitats in search of mushrooms and other fungi. Experienced foragers lead these trips, offering practical advice and identification tips. Field trips are often followed by informal discussions and specimen identification sessions.
Workshops: The club organizes occasional workshops where members can learn specific skills, such as how to successfully grow edible mushrooms and how to use field guides to aid in identification of specimens. These educational sessions are designed to cater to all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced foragers.
Website: SAM provides updates on their events and outings on their website www.SacMush.com. The website provides contact information in order to reach experienced mushroom collectors, links to fungal educational resources, nearby clubs, and poisoning resources.
Key Regional Habitats
SAM recommends National Forest lands for mushroom collecting, such as the Tahoe National Forest, El Dorado National Forest, Plumas National Forest, and the Stanislaus National Forest. Other areas where mushrooms pop up after the rains include state and regional parks, as well as some city parks (although collecting is not allowed in these areas). Look for Oak forests (live oak preferred), pine/fir forests and coastal redwood groves.
Membership and Joining
Membership in the Sacramento Area Mushroomers is open to anyone with an interest in fungi, regardless of their level of expertise. Joining the club provides access to all meetings, field trips, workshops, and other activities. Annual fees are $10 per household (individual or family). Online payments, for an additional $5, are accepted via their website www.sacmush.com.
Whether you are a seasoned mycologist, or simply curious about the fascinating world of fungi, SAM offers multiple opportunities each year to learn, ask questions, and see for yourself the fungal wonders our forests and public lands produce.
Sacramento Area Mushroomers
President: Jim Adams sacramentomushroomers@gmail.com
Special Presentation
Wednesday, October 16th 5pm
Mushroom Hunting in the Sacramento Region
A 30-45 minute presentation that outlines mushroom hunting in our region before the fall season begins. SAM’s president will cover basics and resources to learn about mushroom hunting, then discuss timing for outings, places to go and rules and regulations for collecting. This will include an overview of desirable fall and spring mushrooms, habitat types and travel options, as well as what to watch out for to reduce confusion with inedible species. Emphasis is on learning with professionals and experienced hunters before taking anything home. Opportunity for question and answer session after main presentation, as well as directing attendees to various online and in-person resources to learn more.
Belle Cooledge Library
5600 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento, California 95822
featured} Mushroo M ers
Northern California is rich in diverse ecosystems, which makes it a great place for various edible mushrooms. Here are some commonly found edible mushrooms in the Northern California region:
C HA nte R elleS
(C A nt HAR ellu S SPP.)
these mushrooms are highly sought after for their delicate flavor and fruity aroma. they typically grow in oak and coniferous forests.
King B O leteS
(B O letu S e D uli S)
Also known as porcini, these are prized for their rich, nutty flavor. they often grow under conifers and hardwoods.
M OR el S
(M ORCH ell A SPP.)
Morels are known for their unique honeycomb appearance and rich, earthy flavor. they typically appear in spring, often after forest fires or in disturbed soils.
OySte RS (Pleu ROtu S OSt R eAtu S)
these mushrooms are recognizable by their oyster-shaped caps and are found growing on decaying wood.
lOBSte R Mu SHROOMS
(Hy POM yC eS l AC tiflu OR u M)
these are actually a parasitic fungus that attacks other mushrooms, giving them a lobster-like appearance and a seafood-like taste.
M A itAK e
(gR ifO l A f RO n DOSA)
Also known as hen-of-the-woods, maitake mushrooms have a distinctive layered appearance and a rich, complex flavor. they grow at the base of trees, especially oak. Avoid ones growing on eucalyptus trees or stumps.
S HAggy M A ne (COPR inu S COMAtu S)
these mushrooms have a distinctive shaggy appearance and are best eaten when young, before they turn into a black, ink-like substance.
C H i CK en O f t H e WOODS
(lA eti POR u S SPP.)
these are bright orange and resemble chicken meat in both texture and flavor. they typically grow on hardwoods.
When foraging for wild mushrooms, it's crucial to be absolutely certain of their identification, as many edible mushrooms have toxic lookalikes. Consulting a local expert is key to helping avoid poisoning yourself or loved ones.
Mushroom Soup with Long Rice
By Justin Pinnell
i have made homemade soups for more than a decade for our bistro in Montana. Many of the soups were fan favorites, however, this one had a cult following. it is a long rice delight, where the rich, umami flavor of mushrooms takes center stage. After the mushrooms are sautéed to perfection in butter, they blend seamlessly with caramelized onions, a dash of dill weed, and a touch of black and red pepper (for a delightful kick). When sherry is added, it creates a creamy, savory comforting broth. garnished with fresh parsley and salt to taste, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you the nutritional benefit of mushrooms. Packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, mushrooms help support your immune system. So, share a bowl with your family and friends, because this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious! enjoy!
Ingredients
1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
5 oz. fresh white mushrooms (sliced)
3 T. butter
Directions
1/2 c. flour
4 c. chicken stock
1½ c. cooked long rice
1 c. half-and-half
1/4 c. sherry fresh parsley
Cut sliced onion into quarters. Cook onion and mushrooms in butter, until onion is transparent. Add flour and stir vigorously to prevent clumps. Add chicken stock, while stirring, cook for 15 minutes.or until broth thickens on medium heat. Add cooked long rice, cream, and sherry. Heat thoroughly for about another 15 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Gruyère Mushroom Toast
Ingredients
4 slices sourdough or 6 slices french bread
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or a blend of both for enhanced flavor)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 pound mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)
Directions
SauTé THe MuSHrooMS and onIonS: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms, stirring to coat them in the oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Pour in the white wine and Worcestershire sauce, continuing to cook and stir for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the wine is mostly evaporated and the onions and mushrooms are caramelized and sticky. Season with salt and black pepper.
prepare THe ToaST: Preheat your broiler. Spread butter evenly over the slices of bread and place them in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Broil until the top side is lightly browned, about 1-3 minutes. Flip the bread slices over and toast the second side until browned, about another 1-3 minutes. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool slightly, until just warm to the touch.
aSSeMble THe ToaST: Evenly distribute the grated cheese over the top of each slice of toasted bread. Spoon the mushroom and onion mixture on top of the cheese.
broIl THe ToaST: Return the sheet pan to the oven under the broiler. Watch carefully and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and starts to turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
GarnISH and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh thyme. Serve immediately for a deliciously savory treat.
Enjoy your Gruyère Mushroom Toast with its rich, caramelized flavors and melty cheese topping!
C.P.L.T.
Prosciutto Lettuce and Tomato with McConnell Estates Barbera
By Allie Crump, Event Manager at McConnell Estates - mcconnellestates.com
This summer’s historic heatwave has given us the perfect excuse to sip on the new vintage of our Barbera in our air-conditioned Tasting Room. Our 2022 Barbera is fruit-forward and medium-bodied, with notes of red huckleberry and dried cranberry. This vintage was picked later than prior years, resulting in a Barbera with a fuller and rounder mouthfeel.
Because our 2022 Barbera is light on the palate, it pairs perfectly with this C.P.l.t., our take on the classic B.l.t. the delicate saltiness and umami of the prosciutto is balanced with the bright juiciness of the ripe tomato and altogether is like biting into a bright summer day. When enjoyed alongside a glass of our 2022 Barbera, this pairing is any diner’s dream lunch fare.
C.P.l.t.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium heirloom tomatoes, cut into ¼" thick slices
• 10 slices of prosciutto (Prosciutto Di Parma preferred)
• 4 slices white sandwich bread
• green leaf or iceberg lettuce
• mayonnaise
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
Directions
1. Place the tomato slices in one layer on a plate. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature until ready to assemble.
2. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, lay the prosciutto flat and in one layer. Be sure the slices are not touching. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until crisp.
3. Spread the desired amount of mayonnaise on all 4 slices of bread. Layer one side with the lettuce, then the tomatoes, then the crispy prosciutto. Top with the other slice of bread.
4. Serve with a glass of McConnell Estates Barbera and kettle-cooked potato chips for a perfect pairing experience. Enjoy!
NOTE: All McConnell Estate's wines are available in our tasting room or e-store. You can visit our online store by scanning the QR code or through our website www.mcconnellestates.com.
Hipper Than Hip Concert McConnell Estates Winery
Written by Kayla Webb
Our Summer Concert Series is in full swing! Every year between June and October, McConnell Estates Winery hosts seven tribute bands and food trucks on our Tasting Room lawn for evenings of live music and dancing, refreshing sangrias and wines, and delicious food. This past July, Hipper Than Hip returned to the winery stage to put on a fantastic funk show featuring everyone's favorite hits from Earth Wind and Fire, Bruno Mars, Aretha Franklin, and more. It was an absolute blast!
Savor the summer with us at our final three concerts in our summer line-up. Beach Boys tribute band California Beach Boys Experience will headline on August 31st, ABBA tribute band Summer Night City will take the winery stage on September 14th, and Santana tribute band Viva Santana will close out the 2024 Summer Concert Series on October 5th. If you'd like to join us at our next concert, visit www.McConnellEstates.com to purchase tickets for you and your friends.
Founded in 2012, during Luci's fourth year of a PhD program in American history at UC Davis, Luci’s Morsels started as a therapeutic baking project and quickly expanded into a comprehensive women’s lifestyle resource. Over the years, it has evolved alongside Luci herself, reflecting her growth and changing interests.
In terms of style, Luci favors the comfort and versatility of denim and embraces classic, timeless fashion. She advocates for reducing fast fashion consumption by curating a wardrobe filled with durable, quality pieces meant to be worn repeatedly.
Similarly, her approach to food echoes her balanced lifestyle ethos, emphasizing seasonal, whole ingredient cooking that
loCAl blogger Luci's Morsels
Meet Luci Petlack, the creative force behind Luci’s Morsels, a platform dedicated to promoting a sustainable lifestyle. As a wife, mother, and daughter, Luci is passionate about sharing her journey of making long-lasting choices across style, food, travel, and family life. Her mission is to make sustainability accessible and fashionable (particularly for women seeking practical yet stylish lifestyles).
promotes health and sustainability. It was her interest in avoiding food waste and her love of food that inspired her to selfpublish two seasonal cookbooks organized by seasonal produce.
Luci’s Morsels is not just a lifestyle blog but a community hub where ideas for sustainable living are shared and celebrated. Whether it's tips on re-wearing clothes, cooking nutritious meals, or adopting eco-friendly practices in daily routines, Luci hopes her platform inspires others to embrace stylish sustainability, and feel empowered to seek guidance and support along their own journeys.
Q&A
What are your favorite subjects to blog about and why?
I love writing about travel. When I come home with way too many photos, it's like a reliving of the trip and I start to really tune into what I loved about the trip and little nuggets I want to share. Of course, these posts take me the longest to gather all the information, but it's always worth it in the end.
Are you an Extrovert or an Introvert?
I'm an extreme extrovert. As someone who's worked at home (alone) for nearly my entire adult life, it seems surprising, but I love being around people and talking to just about anyone. It's easy to be intimidated about emailing or messaging a "blogger," but I welcome it - yearn for it really because I love the back and forth!
Has the Social Media Community been a supportive influence in your life?
Yes and no. This one is hard because my job is social media - I'm not necessarily on there for enjoyment a lot of the time. And as an extrovert, there isn't the banter that happens in real life. While I try to present a positive but realistic portrayal of my life, I know that's not true for everyone. On the other hand, I've met some truly wonderful friends through social media (who I then communicate with mostly off social)!
Where can one buy your cookbook?
My cookbook is available locally at a few shops, including The Kitchen Table, Constellation Marketplace, and Nudge Eco Store. I also sell directly if anyone wants to email or message me.
Want to get in contact with Luci?
Here’s where to find her: Website: www.lucismorsels.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucismorsels
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lucismorsels
Luci hopes her platform inspires others to embrace stylish sustainability, and feel empowered to seek guidance and support along their own journeys.
Say “No ” To Boring Salads
By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
We were having dinner at a nearby restaurant. I ordered a salad for appetizer, and John ordered his favorite Brussels sprout starter. As the dining room was moderately busy, it took a while for our food to arrive. Both entrees and John’s starter were served at the same time, though they were supposed to arrive in two deliveries of starters and THEN entrees. But my salad was MIA. Waitress smiled politely “I’ll be right back” and scooted away. A few minutes later, she returned with my “salad”… a handful of somewhat wilted lettuce, dry cucumbers, and a few haphazardly placed tomatoes, with an artificial, sticky dressing on the side. All arranged on a HOT plate, obviously just out of the dishwasher! Downright sad and boring, yuck.
In the private and public culinary classes that I present, the compliments on the Great Garden Salad happen every time. “What do you DO to make this marvelous salad?” I’m asked. I initially
receive scoffs and raised eyebrows when I let my seated participants know that this portion of the lesson is on how to properly make salad. Sadly, so many of us just don’t consider “salad” as a vital and integral part of our meal, rather, just a “filler!”
The first question I ask of my class is “does everyone have a salad spinner?” Usually 1/3 own one, but only a few actually use it. I demonstrate cutting heads of lettuce into bite-sized pieces and placing them in the spinner filled with water. No different than a cut-flower bouquet brought home for a vase, where you clip the bottom of the stems to open up veins to receive water and keep the flowers fresh. The same concept is true for lettuce, which has been away from its roots and water in the field. Letting the cut lettuce rest in the spinner filled with water for 15 minutes will allow the limp and dehydrated leaves to rejuvenate and become crisp again. Drain the water, spin dry, repeat… two or three times will do the trick! Dry lettuce, chilled in the serving bowl, will also need far less dressing to be flavorful when served. Welcome to Salad Fixings 101.
While the lettuce is hydrating, the rest of the salad is assembled in the bottom of the bowl. A lettuce salad should never be boring, and the simplest of additions make a big impact on flavor. A great garden Salad, besides the choice of lettuce, includes:
l a shredded carrot (because sliced carrots sit on the bottom of the bowl, shredded sticks to the lettuce leaves)
l very thinly sliced mini bell peppers
l thinly sliced cucumber
l halved cherry or grape tomatoes (even in Winter, these tomatoes bring good flavor to the dish)
l your choice of VERY thinly sliced red or green onion or shallot
l thin, diagonal slices of celery
l handful of whole fresh herb leaves, such as parsley, dill, tarragon, 1” pieces of chives, etc (which also stick to the lettuce instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl)
Sounds too simple, right? Try this yourself to recognize what every ingredient in this bowl brings to the party. The juicy sweetness of cut tomato combines in the bowl with your choice of dressing. The fresh crispness of the cucumber and celery lend bright flavor and garden crunch. The sunny colors of orange carrots and the yellow or orange of mini bells contrast with the greens and reds of the lettuce, which is so appealing to the eye. By very thinly slicing your choice of onion, the onion-y flavor does not overwhelm, but rather enhance the salad. No one likes big pieces of raw onion here!
Prepare and set aside traditional French Vinaigrette (recipe below). I prefer to dress with this recipe, and its many variations. Easily made at home, far less expensive than any bottled version, and no fillers/chemicals/ high fructose sugar components! Real, fresh, and clean. Creamy or sweet dressings rarely make an appearance at my table, though I will have fresh buttermilk/herb or roasted onion dressing, or a tangy blue cheese dressing, if it complements the remainder of our meal.
I never use olive oil for my vinaigrette (GASP!), as its specific density is heavy and flattens my carefully hydrated lettuce leaves. I don’t want to taste the olives in the oil, but rather taste the produce flavors which neutral oil won’t hide. Save the wonderful olive oil for bread and cooking. My vinegar choice is made based on the season or the other dishes in our meal, i.e. tarragon vinegar if I’m cooking fish, red wine vinegar for beef, walnut champagne vinegar for chicken or pork and if walnuts are included in the salad. Apple cider vinegar is a great choice when adding fruit in the Autumn or Spring, white wine or golden balsamic when adding citrus. Even the mustard choice will change the dressing’s finished flavor. A hearty flavored mustard, or whole grain, brings a new element to the party! Please, though, no yellow hot dog mustard. ;} As you can see, the flavor combinations of produce and vinaigrette are endless.
Traditional French Vinaigrette
Ingredients
½ C vegetable oil, or other neutral flavored oil
½ c choice of vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 t sugar
1 T dijon mustard, or other mustard such as whole grain
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Can be doubled, and stored extra in the refrigerator. Dressing made with raw garlic should be consumed within 10 days, but use roasted garlic for longer refrigerator life. Note: if this 1:1 ratio of oil and vinegar is too tart for you, add a bit more oil to the recipe, to taste.
thai Beef Salad
By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
How to decide what your salad tonight should look like? Pick at least one item from each “column,” if desired, or multiples from the same category. the “columns” include:
greens (i.e. all lettuces, kale, chard, dandelion, arugula)
Vegetables (i.e. tomatoes, carrots, celery, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, etc)
fruit (i.e. whatever is in season… i.e. please don’t use strawberries in November)
grain (cooked, of course… rice, couscous, faro, quinoa, etc)
Herbs (fresh is best… Italian parsley and oregano, tarragon or thyme for a French flair, cilantro for a bit of Mexican ole!, chives for a delicate onion hit)
nuts or seeds (toasting in a dry skillet or pan in oven brings out great flavor)
Protein (cooked, of course… beans, cheese, chicken, meats or fish)
Seasonal variations include the addition, or substitution, with fresh sliced apple or pear in the Autumn months, fresh segments of oranges and pomegranate seeds in the Winter, or juicy berries when ripe in the Spring. Just before serving, the addition of sunflower seeds, toasted pine nuts or walnuts, slivered almonds, or crunchy soy nuts complete the presentation. Added protein comes in the form of drained beans of any sort, or topped with cheese, meat or fish and makes the not-boring salad an entrée.
The Great Garden Salad is the tip of the salad “iceberg,” no pun intended! Treat all the ingredients with the respect shown above, even when making a classic Cobb Salad, Nicoise Salad, Greek Salad, Thai Beef Salad and more. What an amazing difference these tips will make to your finished dish. Salad Days should be Everyday!
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
Thai Beef Salad
Ingredients
dressing:
¼ c fresh lime juice
¼ c vegetable oil
3 T fish sauce
2 t sugar
¼ t to ½ t ground red pepper, to taste
Salad:
1 lb grilled medium-rare beef
(i.e. tri-tip, london broil, or tenderloin) sliced very thinly
Directions
6 c thinly sliced romaine lettuce, hydrated and spun dry
1 c thinly sliced red onion
1 c thinly sliced bell pepper (red, yellow or orange)
1 c thinly sliced cucumber
1/3 c coarsely chopped green onions
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1 c packed cilantro sprigs
½ c julienned fresh mint
½ c julienned fresh basil
Combine dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Layer salad ingredients in serving bowl, except beef slices. Chill until ready to serve. To serve, toss salad with prepared dressing, top with fan of beef slices, and enjoy as an entrée.
Optional: Arrange all salad ingredients, except beef, on individual plates or shallow bowls. Top with beef slices fanned out over the vegetables. Evenly drizzle with whisked dressing, garnish with cilantro or bell pepper slices. Serve.
Tell us about you…
Cole and I got married on October 14th, 2023, when he was 23 and I was 21 years old. We truly feel that life begins once you’re married and we couldn’t wait to get started!
how did you meet?
We first met in 2018 during my sophomore year and Cole's senior year of high school. Though our communication and time spent together was brief we reconnected in January of 2021, just shortly after Cole returned home from college. We made plans to get together a week later and it was as if we had never lost touch.
the proposal?
Our engagement began Sunday, August 20th, 2022, when Cole asked me to marry him in the comfort of our first apartment in Ripon, CA. The proposal was a very intimate and emotional moment, and we wouldn’t have wished it to be any other way. We were so excited to share the news and celebrate with our family and friends!
what is love?
Macie: Love is a commitment to your partner and the choice to honor God through marriage. Love is not a noun, it is a verb. It is something you practice every single day. Oh how blessed we are to love each other for the rest of our lives.
Love is something you practice every single day. Oh how blessed we are to love each other for the rest of our lives.
I feel at home whenever I am with her. I know I can be myself with her and she loves me for who I am.
what is love?
Cole: Love is when two people touch each other’s soul. Love is being there for each other in every way possible. Love is the strongest bond two people could have.
what do you love most about him?
What I love most about Cole is his ability to be patient and selfless even when it’s hard. He has a heart of gold and will do anything and everything for the ones he loves. I hope to learn something from him every day.
what do you love most about her?
The thing I love most about Macie is that I feel at home whenever I am with her. I know I can be myself with her and she loves me for who I am. Her confidence, smarts, and work ethic radiate every single day.
when did you know you were in love?
Macie: I knew I was in love with Cole only two weeks into seeing him. Although this may seem fast, our connection was truly instant. He was the first person I thought of in the morning and the last person I thought of at night. I had full confidence that this was the man God intended me to be with. I couldn’t imagine another day without him; I knew I loved him then.
when did you know you were in love?
Cole: I knew I was in love with Macie from the beginning. Every moment we spent together was special and we were inseparable from the start. About two weeks into seeing each other, she told me she loved me and I very quickly and enthusiastically said I love you, too. It is a moment I will never forget.
fun facts
Cole and my wedding venue was actually a family friend’s property that we spent most Memorial Day weekends at before we knew each other!
what did you enjoy most on your wedding day?
What we enjoyed most on our wedding day was being surrounded by our friends and family. It was such a blessing to feel the mass amount of love they have for us and see the true excitement they felt in celebrating our most special day!
honeymoon
Cole and I have not yet enjoyed our honeymoon. but hope to this upcoming year with an all-inclusive stay in Mexico!
Photography
Vendor List
alyssa whittock / color and catchlight company
Videographer
dean rebuyon / Box of Lens
Venue
Lake gill, acampo, ca
Rentals
Tables- handcrafted by gary Brooks
Chairs- Giuffra’s Party Rentals
Caterer
angelina’s spaghetti house & catering
Wedding Coordinator
dionne Brooks / Lori Bryant
Cake
crystal Monte
Cupcakes kristine tomek
DJ rob flores
Hair
rachelle kroll & angie giannecchini
Florist
dionne Brooks / Brooks Blooms
Tux Rentals tuxedos of Lodi
Bride’s Dress sheryl giles Bridal couture
Bridesmaids Dress
Birdy grey
Rings danz Jewelers
Open Bar
horsing around events
Portable Toilets a place to go
Photo Booth shine photo Booths
I’m a continual noticer. A natural observer. Someone who seems to pay attention to little shifts or nuances around her. If a friend gets a fresh new haircut or is rockin’ cute new shoes, I’m going to compliment them. A stranger wearing a funky pair of earrings I like…I’m going to tell them how great I think they are. I also can sense or see (not sure which one) subtle changes in emotions or when the energy in the room slightly shifts. And I’m likely to check in with someone about it. I think these are some of the qualities that help me in my work as a therapist.
The down side of noticing a lot of things is I also notice when they’re not going the way I would have expected. I notice when things are missing or askew at home. I’m paying attention when someone deviates from what they originally said. And just like the positive or neutral observations I make and mention, I do the same with the negative. Which unfortunately means that at times, the people around me can feel like I’m picking. And that’s not fun for anyone, believe me.
Notice the good stuff.
By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach
One of our greatest human needs is to be seen AND heard by others. Especially those that matter the most to us. When you’re seen, you feel valued, important and like you belong. You feel included and safe. This positive effect occurs simply because you’re seen as the valuable human you are.
But what happens if you’re only seen in the negative? In the things you’re doing wrong or failing to do? What if only your mistakes or missteps are pointed out? Well…it’s not good.
Our desire to be seen by one another is so important, that if you’re only seen in the negative, it not only begins to shape your world view, it starts to mess with your willingness to connect, engage or to even try. It can leave you feeling hopeless and disconnected. And this done repetitively in relationships…seeing each other only in the criticism or the failure, ruins connection.
Which is why it’s so vitally important that you see AND notice each other in ALL that you’re doing. That you work to point out the positive. To mention the growth. To comment on the effort and intention. To build each other up so that you feel connected and committed to the work that you’re doing together.
Now this doesn’t mean you can’t give negative feedback or constructive criticism to one another. Feedback is a necessary part of life and even more so in relationships. You need to know and talk about what is not working or what doesn’t feel so good.
But that can’t be all that you’re about and it certainly can’t be the only thing that you talk about.
You need to be able to mix in ‘thank you’s’ and ‘I love you’s’ more often than not. You need to point out when you see those around you showing up and
Become committed to thinking before you speak. Asking yourself, internally, if what you’re observing or noticing is really worth saying out loud. Be honest with yourself about your tendency to pick rather than appreciate.
trying, regardless of the end result. You need to step back from the way you would have done it and be appreciative that those around you are putting in the effort and trying. You need to pick your battles and for goodness sake, you need to let some stuff go!
You can’t just see each other in the criticism.
If you tend to point out what didn’t happen, instead of what did. Or you notice yourself commenting more on how it should have been done instead of just being appreciative that it’s completed, then you need to work on shifting the tides.
Become committed to thinking before you speak. Asking yourself, internally, if what you’re observing or noticing is really worth saying out loud. Be honest with yourself about your tendency to pick rather than appreciate.
The more that you can work to see your partner and those closest to you in their humanness, the more you’re going to notice the positive impact of their effort and intention and the less weight you’re going to give to the things that likely don’t matter as much as you think.
I’m cheering you on.
A AnnaOsborn,LMFT,is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com.
What I’ve Learned AboutPets
There
By CT MorrisBS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
are many reasons given by individuals
who say they don’t want a pet. The reasons are varied and cover the whole gamut from “animals are high maintenance and expensive’ to… ‘pets are noisy and could damage my house and property.”
Honestly, animals in the home are so much more than pets! They truly become a member of your family. There isn’t any way that we can measure the meaning and the impact they have on their owners.
When my kids were growing up, we had hamsters, rabbits, Guinee pigs, cats, dogs, birds, goats, and horses. I love animals and I wanted them to love animals too. Additionally, the task of feeding the horses, walking the dog and taking care of the menagerie taught my children to be responsible. I didn’t want careless, selfish children. It also gave them a sense of achievement and developed empathy for another who was dependent on them.
As an educator, my classroom was full of animals for my students to hold, feed and talk to. Our classroom pets also helped my students who were developmentally challenged. I had the pets strategically placed on small group tables, so that students who were reluctant to read felt comfortable reading to a non-judgmental friend. Additionally, listening to my shy students share their thoughts with me as we cared for the animals was such a joy. Seeing their eyes light up when it was their turn to help was worth the inconvenience of taking all the pets home during school breaks.
Another positive… pets decrease allergies! Research shows that children who grow up in homes with pets are likely to have a stronger immune system and less likely to develop childhood allergies and asthma. Additionally, pet-owning children can fend off infections such as colds and flu better than children without pets.
Adults benefit from having pets too—because they offer comfort and companionship. No matter what mood we are in, our pets offer support which has the positive effect of causing us to be less anxious, withdrawn or depressed. You must get up every morning because your pet has to get up. It keeps you in a routine and having that routine provides a physical and mental boost.
Another benefit for adults and children is the fact that having pets encourages a healthy lifestyle. Personally, when I want to veg in my chair my dog is my motivator to go for a walk. Pets encourage young and old to go outside and move!
I’ve heard people say, “My dog (or cat) died, and I never want to go through that pain again. I’ve lost my beloved pets to old age and felt so devastated that my instinctive response was, “I will never have another pet…my heart can’t take it!” But the truth is, there are so many animals in shelters and rescues that desperately need someone to love them. That beloved pet that passed can never be replaced, but there are so many animals in kill shelters that need to be saved.
The joy that is felt coming home to an ecstatic dog or cat is indescribable! If you live somewhere that doesn’t allow furry animals, feathered friends are a joy too. My parrot greets me every time I walk in the door, there is nothing like the love of a pet…there’s no judgement and they love you unconditionally.
Honestly, animals in the home are so much more than pets! They truly become a member of your family. There isn’t any way that we can measure the meaning and the impact they have on their owners.
Ev E ry T IME I Go oN vACATI o N So ME o NE D IES
Author: Catherine Mack
Book Reviews by BRENDLE WELLS
If your beach tote is empty this season, you may wish to pack it with this very self-aware mystery that has a positively frenetic energy about it. Eleanor is a bestselling mystery author who feels trapped in her current series and is plotting the (fictional) demise of her hero, based on the very real con-artist ex-boyfriend who is blackmailing her. On a promotional tour of Italy, accompanied by other authors, fans, and her con-artist ex, she narrates the events of the story at a brisk pace, tossing in snarky asides to the reader in the footnotes found on nearly every page. It’s quite the vacation; her insufferable ex claims someone is trying to kill him and demands her help. Then someone tries to kill her. And then someone actually drops dead and the police want to arrest her for the murder! Can the collected literary minds figure out who before the police? It won’t be easy given that one of them is definitely the killer. Eleanor gives the reader plenty of prompts to bring them in on the fun, making this a book that is as much about the mystery on the page as it is about the mystery genre itself. It’s not exactly a relaxing read, but it is very fun--light and funny, and peppered with Taylor Swift references. If that isn’t a beach read, I don’t know what is!
Minotaur Books, 2024
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club
Author: Helen Simonson
For a decidedly relaxing and transportive beach read, the latest from Helen Simonson would be an excellent choice. Set in the small Southern English seaside village of Hazelbourne, this tale finds the residents struggling to adapt to the new postwar world. The Great War and subsequent flu epidemic has devastated a generation and a nation, completely upending society and the desire to return to some semblance of normalcy is strong. During the war, Constance worked as an estate manager, but is now a paid companion to an elderly friend of the family who is convalescing in Hazelbourne for the summer. Here she meets Poppy who is running a motorcycle messenger and taxi service, her brother Harris, an injured pilot, and their mother, an energetic actress staying at the hotel while their home is being renovated. Constance is pulled into the family orbit and dares to dream as she quietly tries to find an independent path forward in a world that most decidedly disapproves. This is another excellent portrayal of a people and place in transition from Simonson, especially those who were turned aside by society after the war. The reader accompanies the characters on their summer vacation, with happenings both big and small, good and bad. It’s a delightful diversion, perfect summer reading for fans of historical fiction or character driven stories.
The Dial Press, 2024
T HE S HAD o W AND THE G H o ST
Author/ Illustrator: Cat Min
Children's Book Reviews By JuSTIN AzEVEDO
Shinbi doesn’t feel like a very good ghost. She definitely looks the part, but she really doesn’t like haunting houses, preferring instead to make bouquets and gaze at the stars. Sitting on her favorite rock one night, she wishes on one of those stars for a friend, so that she won’t feel so lonely. And soon enough, it seems her wish is granted through friendly messages left on her rock. Those messages are left by Greem, a shadow who only appears when the sun rises over the meadow and shines on the rock. Though night and day separate them, they begin a lovely correspondence, sharing everything they like best through pictures and gifts. Perhaps it would be possible, if the stars were bright enough, that they could actually meet and share with one another in person? The beautiful fullpage illustrations are filled with vibrant colors and, of course, striking contrasts between dark and light. The occasional shift to deftly-designed panels works to move the story along, until the book returns to gorgeous, wordless setpieces as Greem makes a wish of his own and the stars conspire to help them meet at last. This is a joyful fable of connection that defies difference, and friendship that transcends distance, recommended for ages 4 to 8.
Levine Querido, 2024
Punk r ock Karaoke
Author/ Illustrator: Bianca Xunise
With high school officially behind them, the South Side Chicago punk band Baby Hares—guitarist and singer Ari, bassist Michele, and drummer Gael—are determined to make it big. But the realities of post-graduate young adulthood keep getting in the way. The open question of college and the pull of work and family obligations keep creating tensions within the band. Just when all seems lost, Ari is taken under the wing of a local punk scene superstar, with a burgeoning romance possibly opening the door to opportunities for the band. But Ari’s infatuation with him blinds them to what his actual motives might be, and Ari will need to find a way to reconnect with their friends if they want to figure out what the band’s future will actually look like. This graphic novel is steeped in DIY punk aesthetic, with dynamic colors, gritty line art, and a whirlwind pace. However, readers can also choose to linger on all of the little details sprinkled throughout, such as each character’s favorite (real) band and the myriad punk easter eggs in the backgrounds. The story itself is particularly timely and resonant, with its themes of finding meaning in a world built on labor exploitation, and an examination of relationships through a feminist lens. A diverse array of races and gender identities are represented in the cast, and the backmatter “zine” provides fun character tidbits and epilogue vignettes. A fiery, inclusive, punk-rock coming-of-age graphic novel, recommended for ages 14 and up.
Viking Children’s Books, 2024
self-help books
Discover the ultimate guide to success with our curated selection of self-help books that address many facets of your life. Whether you aim to excel in your career, manage your money better, or create a harmonious home environment– these books offer transformative strategies and practical advice to help you flourish. From mastering productivity and achieving professional goals to fostering a balanced and organized home life, these top picks provide the insights you need to enhance your work and personal spheres.
f lourish
Achieving Your Best in Every Area of Life
By Martin Seligman
Building on Dr. Martin Seligman’s groundbreaking work in optimism, motivation, and character, Flourish unveils a compelling new theory of what constitutes a good life for individuals, communities, and nations. This book refines the principles of Positive Psychology, offering fresh insights and practical advice on how to maximize your potential and live a more fulfilling life.
How to Keep House While Drowning A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing
By K.C. Davis
K.C. Davis offers a compassionate and practical guide for managing household chores and organization, especially for those feeling overwhelmed. This book emphasizes simplicity and self-care, providing creative strategies to customize your cleaning routine and rebuild your relationship with your home. Learn how to simplify your to-do list and adapt solutions that fit your time and energy constraints.
l imitless
Expand Your Mind and Achieve Your Full Potential
By Jim Kwik
In Limitless, renowned brain coach Jim Kwik reveals science-based practices and field-tested strategies to unlock your brain’s potential and boost cognitive performance. With over 30 years of experience, Kwik shares techniques to enhance memory, focus, and learning capabilities. This book provides practical advice to accelerate self-learning, communication, and productivity, drawing on his work with high achievers across various fields.
Peter Hollins
By Wayne Dyer
ThaT will fuel your life...
t he Perfectionist's g uide to l osing Control
A Path to Peace and Power
By Katherine Morgan Schafler
In The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control, psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler challenges traditional views on perfectionism. She provides actionable steps for embracing imperfection, finding inner peace, and reclaiming personal power. This guide offers a refreshing approach for those tired of generic advice on balance, showing that you don’t have to abandon your perfectionist tendencies to achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.
g et g ood with Money
Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole
By t iffany Aliche
Tiffany Aliche presents a practical and accessible guide to achieving financial stability and wellness in Get Good with Money. This book introduces a ten-step process for building wealth through financial wholeness, offering clear advice on budgeting, saving, investing, and more. With helpful checklists, worksheets, and expert insights, Aliche provides actionable steps to turn short-term actions into long-term financial success.
t he Miracle Morning ( u pdated and e xpanded edition)
The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM)
By Hal e lrod
In the updated edition of The Miracle Morning, Hal Elrod presents a powerful morning routine designed to enhance personal development and productivity. The book outlines six key practices to start your day with purpose and transform your life before 8 AM. Elrod’s approach emphasizes becoming the person you need to be to achieve your goals, offering a transformative path to personal and professional success.
reads to unlock your full potential.
Master your Mindset Strategies for Peak Performance and Happiness
By Dr. Carol Dweck
eat t hat f rog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
By Brian tracy
t he HighPerformance Habit How Extraordinary People Become That Way
By Brendon Burchard
Annie and her husband, Ray Apodaca, bought the 107- year- old house on 9635 Elk Grove-Florin Road in August of 2020.
“We wanted Annie to have an art gallery as well as a large studio for her work,” said Ray. “Annie’s paintings have been shown internationally and she needed space.”
The couple worked to restore the house and outbuildings and the new gallery opened, but the fence was an eyesore to Annie. She devised a plan to create the ugly duckling into a place of community pride.
“I wanted to make it beautiful for the community,” said Annie.
She took her plan to the church pastor, who likes to be simply called Tim, and asked for approval. The church members embraced the idea and offered to help as a joint project.
Annie planned a design that told of California wonders. Working in panels, each section was a display of agriculture, animal life, Lake Tahoe, California Delta, the Sacramento River and the state capitol. At the end, was Jesus blessing the land, a Christian reminder of where the fence led.
Annie Peony & The Art That Brought The Community Together
By Nan Mahon
To most people it was just an ordinary brown fence traveling the driveway of a church. To an artist such as Annie Peony, it was a blank canvas waiting for her to tell a story in pictures.
The fence separated the right side of Annie’s Fine Art Gallery from the Journey Church driveway. Her painter’s hands itched to brighten the boards with colorful images.
ging, splintered wood stretched 120 feet.
number on the panel. When it was ready, some thirty members of the church congregation showed up, excited to begin work. The minister, children, and members picked up paint brushes and read numbers. The result was a bright fusion of green, reds, and orange under blue California skies.
One of the painted samples of
“The fence was propped up to keep it from falling in a strong wind,” said Ray.
Undeterred, Annie began. She created and painted each section with oils on paper and marked every color in paint by number fashion. Every paint pot was coordinated with the
“It was wonderful,” remembers Annie. “The project took five weeks to complete.”
“We look forward to continued collaboration in the arts for our community,” Ray added. “We are committed to maintaining this mural.”
The beautifully finished fence.
the mural.
I wanted to make it beautiful for the community.
Annie and Ray found an instant attraction to each other when friends introduced them six years ago.
“We met for lunch and things developed from there,” Ray said. “I didn’t know anything about art then.”
But he soon learned when he found that Annie’s work was shown in such places as Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento and in Davis, as well as studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“I came to the United States nine years ago,” said Annie, “seeking something better. I wanted a free nation.”
Annie Peony, whose birth name is Guo Xiang Zhang, is a native of China She grew up on her father’s farm and found color and beauty in the landscapes. She attended the Academy of Art University and The Mam Institute, studying oil painting, water coloring, and other mediums. Her inspirations came from such artists as Mau Kum Yim, Jove Wang and Mian Si Tu. In water coloring she admires the works of Yi E Cui and Mu Xun Lu.
Members of the Journey Church turned out in numbers, adults and children alike, to help paint a story on the fence for all the community to enjoy.
Now, every Sunday evening, Annie teaches adult classes in magical eastern water color, and on Saturday mornings, she holds an art class for young students.
“We never do stock canvases,” she explains, “we paint from life.”
Throughout the Annie Peony Art Gallery are her paintings and water colors that bring the earth and its beauty in brilliant harmony to the viewer. Just as she did on her father’s farm in China, she paints the world around her. The mural on the fence expresses her new world.
Above photos from top to bottom: Annie is in her gallery sitting by one of her favorite pieces.Annie with the inspiring Gregory Kondos, whose blend of traditional Eastern watercolor and Western oil painting has fueled her art journey with confidence and encouragement. She is forever grateful for his influence. - Annie showcased her skills at the California Fine Art and Photography Exhibit. She won first prize at the Cal Expo Plein Air at the Fair 2024 competition.
Managing Dementia
In yourself o r A Loved o ne
Submitted by Kaiser Permanente
It is normal to have some memory loss as we get older. Our brains are full of details collected over many years. But when memory loss suddenly starts affecting your everyday function, it could mean a more serious condition is developing, such as dementia.
Kirill Berejnoi, MD, a geriatric medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, answers commonly asked questions about dementia and offers important information to aging adults and their caregivers.
Q: What is dementia?
A: Dementia is a neurodegenerative syndrome, but simply speaking “dementia” means a loss of mental functions. It is acquired and persistent impairment in multiple areas of intellectual function: memory, language, perception (mainly visuospatial), motor function, executive function (plan-
ning, organization, problem solving, abstract thinking), personality or social behavior.
Q: Who does dementia affect and when?
A: The World Health Organization says an estimated 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia. Women are slightly more likely to have dementia than men. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 65.
Q: What are the risk factors?
A: Just because you get older, does not mean you will develop dementia. But age, genetics, and certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, are three important risk factors. A history of alcohol or drug use, brain injuries, depression, sleep disorders, or infectious diseases can also contribute to the risk factors of dementia.
Q: What are the signs?
A: Signs can include recent memory loss, feelings of disorientation, asking the same
question multiple times, difficulty doing everyday tasks, lack of motivation, mood swings, or personality changes. The most common dementia is Alzheimer dementia, which comes across as a progressive loss of cognitive skills, including memory, language, judgment, and orientation. During later stages of Alzheimer dementia, patients have difficulty finding words and can become nonverbal.
Q: When should someone seek help?
A: Mild memory loss is common with getting older. But if you have symptoms that are worrying you — or if they are getting worse overtime and affecting daily function— please speak with your doctor.
Q: Is it possible to slow progression?
A: Yes. Early diagnosis of dementia along with the appropriate treatment, socialization, intellectual achievements, and appropriate diet and exercise can prevent or slow dementia progression.
Also, a timely referral to a memory clinic will help to educate the patient and family members about disease progression.
Q: Is there a “cure” or treatment?
A: The treatment of dementia only helps symptoms and does not stop disease progression.
Medications have a limited role in treating dementia and are mainly used to control symptoms, such as behavioral disturbances.
Q: What advice do you have for caregivers?
A: When a family member is diagnosed with dementia, I advise them to ask their primary care doctor two questions: What type of dementia is it and what stage (mild, moderate or severe). Those answers will help determine treatment, the educational needs of caregiver/ family members, and life expectancy. It’s also important for caregivers to understand that your loved one's needs will change overtime and communication with someone who has dementia can evolve. At times, communication may be frustrating if the person with dementia doesn’t remember conversations or understand exactly what you are telling them. The key is to avoid getting angry or demanding and keep your comments concise and clear. Taking care of an individual with dementia can be extremely stressful. Be mindful of your own physical, mental, and emotional needs. local resources include the Sacramento County Alzheimer's Disease Program or Sacramento County Aging Resources. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association has a northern California chapter and offers a support group for caregivers at the Senior Center of elk grove.
Q: Are there some specific ways to make interactions with a loved one who has dementia more meaningful?
A: Patience and respect are two cornerstones of our communications and interactions with our aging loved ones. Avoid talking to them as if they were a child. Be conversational and focus on their feelings. It is okay if they repeat themselves or repeat the same stories. Help them feel valued and heard. Don’t rush their responses as they may need some extra time to process what’s being said. If possible, assist them with activities outside of the home or help them remember pleasant memories from their past.
Q: What are your final thoughts for readers?
A: You are not alone. Most individuals with dementia live at home and require help from their loved ones. While there is no cure for dementia, new treatments and therapies are constantly being researched and developed. Many organizations offer support services, including your health care provider or community support groups. There are numerous resources for help, advice, and education. If you think that you or your relative has some cognitive deficit, the best way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or your family members’ physician so cognitive tests can be done. It will help with early detection and appropriate treatment.
Kirill Berejnoi, MD, is a geriatric medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento Medical Center.
Powerful Aronia Berries
Fight Free r adicals- There are hundreds— maybe even thousands—of substances that can act as antioxidants. However, antioxidants are not all the same. While all antioxidants neutralize free radicals, some are more effective than others. One of the best ways to protect yourself from free radical damage and inflammation is through some of the most powerful, natural antioxidants, anthocyanins, which belong to a family of beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols.
You’ve probably encountered anthocyanins more often than you realize: any time you see rich purple, blue, black, or deep red fruits, you’re seeing anthocyanins. These compounds provide color and protect the plants from oxidative stress. These same compounds protect you from oxidative damage as well, and aronia fruits are an excellent source.
In fact, the ORAC value—a measure of their ability to absorb free radicals that damage cells and accelerate aging—is an astounding 16,000 per 100 grams in aronia berries. That rating far exceeds even blueberries, which are incredibly wellknown free radical fighters. Blueberries come in at just 6,552 per 100 grams.
unlike blueberries, aronia berries (also known as chokeberries) are tart, similar to drinking a dry wine. However, in the case of aronia berries, that tartness also indicates a high level of antioxidants, making them one of the world’s most valuable, natural medicines.
Aronia berry & French grape Seed For Strong Antioxidant Protection
Written By Terry Lemerond
Give yourself the Protection you Need
Is it your goal to die “young” at a very old age? Two critical factors in slowing aging and staying healthy are oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is associated with a cascade of harmful changes at a cellular level, which also leads to chronic inflammation and even greater oxidative damage. While lifestyle and diet are key factors to consider, two botanicals—aronia berry and grape seed—can defend you against virtually any health concern you might face.
Overall, aronia berries have the powerful ability to stop the progression of free radical damage and begin the healing process in the body. This makes the berries incredibly effective for treating so many conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.
Grape Seed Compounds Stop o xidative
Stress - Scientists, medical researchers, and ordinary people alike have long known that grapes provide a wide range of protective benefits. The wine-friendly French diet is a case in point, with its intake of anthocyanin compounds from the skins of and fruits of grapes used in a variety of vintages. But the truth is, incredible nutrient riches are found in the seeds of grapes, too.
Why Grape Seed?
The study of grape seed oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) developed in a roundabout way. A French professor, Jacques Masquellier, was fascinated by the history of explorer Jacques Cartier’s crew making a tea of pine bark that saved them from a nutritional disease called scurvy. And pine bark and grape seeds have one thing in common: both contain OPCs. So, using a locally available source while working in the wine-rich region of Bordeaux, Masquellier pioneered extracting OPCs from grape seeds. And grape seed OPCs have proven to be incredibly valuable for strengthening your health in many ways. These antioxidant compounds have been shown to be better free radical scavengers and inhibitors of oxidative tissue damage than vitamin C, vitamin E, or beta carotene.
However, finding a grape seed extract that is effective can be a challenge. That is because not all grape seed OPCs are actually absorbable.
Being tannin-free is a critical factor for grape seed extracts to be effective—it’s one of the reasons that the researchers studying effects on cancer chose the same French grape seed extract I prefer for their work. While tannins are technically OPCs, they are not readily absorbed by the body, so their potential is severely limited. Tannin-free sources of OPCs, on the other hand, have a low-molecular weight and are easily absorbed.
Grape seed is well-known for preventing heart disease: it protects blood vessel walls from free radical damage, prevents the dangerous oxidation of LDL cholesterol, and lowers blood pressure. But grape seed can also play a role in strengthening the structure of joints and bones, preventing damage to brain and nerve cells leading to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and preserving delicate blood vessels in the eyes to prevent vision problems.
In fact, OPCs from a tannin-free French grape seed extract have been found to utterly shrink tumor cells into oblivion and prevent tumor recurrence, because the OPCs kill cancer stem cells—the “seeds” of tumors that conventional chemotherapy drugs can’t reach.
Two Key Botanicals for Healthy Aging and a Long Life
Aronia and grape seed extract are the ideal botanical duo for a long life. Included in a daily regimen,
Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
these two nutrients can deliver incredible results and can help you overcome some of the biggest challenges in aging well and living with vibrant good health for the long haul.
What Can you Do to Stop o xidative Damage? Quite a Bit!
While some oxidation is inevitable during the body’s daily functions, reducing excessive levels of oxidative stress is key to good health, and is a goal within your grasp.
Start with your diet. Get proteins every day and at every meal. Proteins are our original energy and power foods, and they are necessary to maintain health at a cellular level. Remember that animal protein is rich in readily absorbable amino acids, which are the building blocks of a healthy mind and body.
For fats, consider healthy fats like cream and butter, coconut oil, and especially olive oil. Many Americans probably consume around 60 to 70 percent of their meals as refined and processed carbohydrates, and 20 to 30 percent unhealthy fats (omega- 6 from vegetable oils, shortening and margarine), which is certain to create intensive levels of oxidative stress and take a toll on overall health.
And of course, enrich your diet with colorful fruits and vegetables that have a high antioxidant value. As I’ve mentioned previously, aronia berries have the highest antioxidant ORAC value of all berries. They are rich sources of anthocyanins that protect you from free radicals and oxidative damage.
Additional sensible lifestyle choices keep your natural antioxidant defenses strong as well: don’t smoke or vape, and if you do—stop. Maintain a healthy weight with appropriate exercise and minimize your exposure to toxins, pesticides, drugs, chemicals, and pollutants. And one other critical step—add the powerful herbal antioxidant combination of aronia berry and grape seed extract to your daily regimen for concentrated and consistent antioxidant effects.
A
ro NIA BE rry AND G r APE SEED EXT r ACT:
Antioxidant Protection from Head to Toe
Head to toe, from preventing dementia to reducing risk of nerve damage in hands and feet, the antioxidant power of aronia and grape seed can keep your body healthy and strong. While there are numerous benefits associated with aronia and grape seed OPCs, here is a summary of what the scientific research has to say about some of the principal effects of these two incredibly important antioxidants.
HEA
r T – Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in America, and one that may often be preventable. The ability to keep arteries flexible and strong, and protect them from oxidative stress, are critical ways aronia and grape seed can lower blood pressure, prevent abnormal blood clotting, and reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
B r AIN –
Brain cells are highly sensitive to oxidative stress, which is why intake of antioxidants is so important for healthy brain aging and preventing mental decline. In an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease, treatment with aronia berry reversed memory problems and returned memory and behavior to normal, while grape seed extract has been shown to protect the brain against the damaging changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
BL oo D SUGA r
– While nothing can replace making significant lifestyle changes, aronia berry and grape seed extract can play an important role in helping to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar and HbA1c levels. In adults with type 2 diabetes, aronia (administered as a juice) reduced HbA1c levels by 20 percent and fasting blood sugar levels by over 30 percent.
CANCE r P r E v ENTI o N – Tumor
growth is set in motion, in part, due to oxidative stress creating uncontrolled systemic inflammation and starting “misfires” in the way cells replicate. But fortunately, aronia and grape seed can potentially reverse this course. Due to the actions of aronia’s anthocyanin compounds, scientific research has found that it inhibits the growth of leukemia, and breast, colon, and cervical cancer cells. The tannin-free French grape seed extract I prefer has multiple studies showing that it not only shrinks tumor cells into oblivion, but also prevents tumor recurrence, because the OPCs kill cancer stem cells – the “seeds” of tumors that conventional chemotherapy drugs can’t reach. Additionally, leading-edge scientific research has shown that this grape seed extract can make chemotherapy drugs more effective. There is also research on the horizon that pairs aronia with this grape seed to show their combined effect on slowing the rate of tumor growth, and it will, no doubt, prove the combination will be incredibly effective.
E y ES/ v ISI o N – The eyes are incredibly delicate structures and are subject to significant strain and oxidative stress due to blue light from excessive screen time, dust and particulates, blood sugar levels, and exposure to sunlight. Fortunately, both aronia and grape seed extract can protect the precious gift of sight. Laboratory research with aronia has found that it may protect against age-related macular degeneration by strengthening the outer layer of the retina by 44 percent and decreasing levels of damaging oxidative compounds. Grape seed, too, has excellent vision-protecting ability,
Aronia berries have the powerful ability to stop the progression of free radical damage and begin the healing process in the body. This makes the berries incredibly effective for treating so many conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.
and may help prevent cataracts, which affect over 24 million Americans over the age of 40. Laboratory study found that grape seed extract activates natural antioxidant proteins that swoop in to stop oxidative damage to the cells of the lens. In a oneyear, multi-center, double-blind clinical trial, grape seed extract outperformed calcium dobesilate, a drug often used for retinopathy, in reducing hard exudates, waxy deposits in the retina created from lipid material leaking from blood vessels in the eyes. Additionally, grape seed OPCs also inhibit processes in the body that would lead to lens damage, making these compounds especially critical for anyone with concerns about their vision.
When in doubt, always consult your physician or healthcare practitioner. This article is intended to provide you with information to maintain your health.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.
Terry Lemerond has o ver 45 years of experience in the health food industry as an owner of several health food stores and dietary supplement manufacturing companies. He has researched and developed over 400 nutritional and botanical formulations that continue to be top selling products on the market today.
Freeport, Clarksburg, Hood Part 1
Towns of the Sacramento River Delta Region
By Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society
There are fifteen towns that make up the Sacramento Delta River region, but nine; Freeport, Clarksburg, Hood, Courtland, Locke, Walnut Grove, Ryde, Isleton, and Rio Vista are within15 to 45 minutes from our community and have always been good neighbors.
In the early history of our region, towns along the Sacramento River promoted commerce and trade up and down the river.
In the late 1800’s, paddle boats and steamers became the primary mode for transporting goods and people from San Francisco to Sacramento and back. Each town has contributed to that history in some way and have their own stories to tell.
In the next three Ardant’s, we will highlight three towns in each issue providing a short synopsis of the town histories, landmarks, activities, and perhaps a few events. Maybe it will encourage you to take a Sunday drive to visit the many museums, cafés, and shops each town offers, but most of all, enjoy the river landscape and many bridges you will need to cross.
F r EEP or T:
During the gold rush era, almost all of the goods bound from San Francisco for the California gold mines came by boat through the Sacramento Embarcadero. In the 1800’s, businessmen grew tired of paying the Sacramento Port taxes and founded the Freeport Railroad Company.
They created a new port free of taxes and called it Freeport. Boats unloaded in the town of Freeport on the Sacramento River. g oods were loaded onto railroad cars of trains that would then bypass Sacramento. The bypass linked the new line to the Valley Railroad, midway between Sacramento and Folsom. Naturally, the town grew with supportive services and had 300-400 people living there. But the Freeport Railroad Company only lasted about three years with its 10-mile line because the Central Pacific bought it in 1885 and removed track in order to eliminate competition. The town survived, despite the demise of the railroad because the residents turned to farming. Presently, the population is closer to 40, but it has a marina and hosts plenty of amenities.
The town contains the Freeport Wine & Country Inn & Bistro, the Freeport Restaurant Bar & Grill, the popular Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Club, and of course a great bait shop for all those Delta fishermen.
CLA r KSBU r G:
Clarksburg has been settled in stages dating back as early as the 1850’s, when Merritt Island was first cleared and devel oped for agricultural uses. The town was named for Robert C. Clark who settled at the place in 1849. In the 1900’s, the New Holland Land Company began subdividing the tracts in the area and formally estab lished Clarksburg as an incorporated com munity. In the 1920’s, a ferry crossing that existed until the Freeport Bridge opened on New Year’s Day in 1930. The ferry itself sank in 1928. Clarksburg is unique among small California towns in that many of the families who initially settled the area are still present, thus lending a small-town charm to the community. The population of Clarksburg is approximately 400.
Delta r egion
1909, Southern Pacific developed a new town at the site of the former Richland post office, naming it after William Hood, Southern Pacific’s Chief Construction Engineer.
Within a few years, Southern Pacific built a depot and spur down to a wharf along the railroad levee. The town had a grocery, hardware store, café, church, and post office. The crown jewel was the Hotel Netherlands, which was part of the Southern Pacific’s effort to sell Hood as a vacation destination in Harrison’s vision of “Netherlands of America.” The “Netherlands Route” idea ended soon after Harriman died, and rail traffic through Hood eventually waned. Southern Pacific abandoned the rail line in 1978. Today, Hood has nearly 300 residents, many of whose families have lived here for generations. The post office remains, as well as a grocery store, a community park, the Hood Station Firehouse and don’t miss the Hood Supply Co. Bar & rill. The original shipping and processing facility is being renovated for retail use, including wineries, distilleries, and breweries, and wedding/banquet facilities.
H oo D:
A sugar mill owned by Amalgamated Sugar Company produced sugar from sugar beets from 1930 to 1993. A portion of the original Old Sugar Mill is now home to 14 wine tasting companies and production facilities.
Besides visiting the Sugar Mill and the Clarksburg Schoolhouse Welcome Center there are over 25 wineries in the area that would welcome your business. The town also hosts Sacramento River Cruises.
Hood was built in the early 29th century on the remnants of Richland, a town that began in 1860 as a shipping site for grain; at its peak it boasted a warehouse, hotel, grocery store, church, school, and post office. Within 20 years, however, Delta crops shifted from grain to fruit, and Richland experienced a slow and steady decline. The post office closed in 1888.
Enter Edward Harriman, who owned the Southern Pacific and several other railroads. Harrison envisioned a picturesque “Netherlands Route” that would connect Sacramento to San Francisco by rail and steamboat. In
Note: The other six towns; Sherman Island, Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, and the Delta Loop have their own histories, but are more remote to us and we have not included them here. The information in these articles was published in the seventh annual “delta life 2024” compiled by the Isleton Chamber of Commerce (isletonchamber. com). Also, a Thank you to the Sacramento River Delta Historical Society for their efforts to preserve and maintain the history (srdhspresident@gmail.com or 916-456-4930).
Next Issue - Part-2: Courtland, Locke, Walnut Grove
