Ardent content food
& flavor 18. Rum Balls & Holiday Goodies Carole Morris 24. Holiday Drinks Bogle Vineyard 26. A Bookworm's Tale Cindy Della Monica
profile 22. Bogle Vineyard
home
22. education 42. What I’ve learned CT Morris
44. Support Your Child’s Learning Style
art
love
38. Natalie & Ryan
community 28. Pairing Party McConnell Estate Winery 62. Illuminate Elk Grove
46. Book Reviews Sacramento Public Library
32. ten First-Time Home Buyer Blunders To Avoid
business
36. Craft Room
30. Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce
health 48. Lemonade Days Anna Osborn 50. Adrenal Burnout Elk Grove Vitamins 54. Cold Weather Running Tips Kaiser Permanente 56. Proton Pump Inhibitors Rejuvenation Wellness 58. Well That Sucked Switch Fitness 60. Terpene Purely CBD of Elk Grove
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history 64. Post Office Elizabeth Pinkerton
Community Cornerq a &
What are some of your favorite family holiday traditions?
One of our favorite holiday traditions is loading the kids in the car and driving around beautiful neighborhoods to see the Christmas lights. We always dress up in our cozy Christmas jammies, stop for hot cocoa, then turn on our favorite Christmas songs sung by Tony Bennett; it’s magical. What is your favorite holiday food; what is your least favorite? Jon and I both really enjoy green bean casserole
and tamales during the holidays. We look forward to helping out in the kitchen each year. We both agree that holiday fruit cake is bad, just really bad.
Do you make New Year resolutions? If so, what is your 2021 resolution? We don’t have any New Year’s resolutions
Jon & Jess Reyes Jon and Jess Studio Story on page 38.
but we do hold onto a lot of hope for 2021. We continue to hope and pray that it will be a healthy and prosperous year for us all. What more can you ask for.
What are you hoping to do in 2021?
We are wanting to travel with the kids more, because they are so ready for a nice unplugged vacation. We also hope to advance our business further. It’s something we work hard for, especially with focused intent at the beginning of the new year! That’s what’s nice about a new year. It’s the fresh start, the new beginning for wonderful new possibilities.
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.
D’Lee Daleo
Switch Fitness Owner with a passion for life, family, friends and fitness. She's never met a stranger, loves the movie Elf and is living proof that fitness can be fun.
Aaron Andrew Grove
Serial Entrepreneur and Owner of Purely CBD of Elk Grove
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.
Jamie McCalman
Switch Fitness Owner and Mom to Braden, Kyla and Lea. Some Moms can juggle a lot, Jamie can literally juggle her three kids; yeah, she’s that strong.
Jon and Jess Studio
We are Jon and Jess and we are your local Wedding Photographers! Just two regular people with a love for love, family, good food, robust coffee, and savory beer.
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.
Josh Myer
Is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, he has a passion for coaching families and individual investors to achieve their financial goals. He loves being part of the Elk Grove community and spending time with his beautiful wife Molly and their two kids Riley and Jackson.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Amanda Perry
Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
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.
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past six years.
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?”
14. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
Holiday
Cover
Get your holiday on, make our lucious Cranberry Mini Bundt Cakes (recipe is on page 20).
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 2020 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
Checking In
l i f e
It’s the Holiday Season! Let’s enjoy the simple things… like going outside and breathing in the crisp air, or sipping an egg nog latte. Moreover, there are old acquaintances to catch up with—and just plain relaxing with our family and friends. I know all of the major media outlets are full of bah humbug messages like, “COVID-19 isn't taking a break for the holidays”. While I know that Covid is real, I don’t believe that we should let it take over our lives. If we let the news control us, it will make us so paranoid that we aren’t able to enjoy the important things. You know, the things that matter and give our lives “quality”. With that being said, I know that you will enjoy this issue of Ardent! It is full of wonderful articles and recipes that you can delight in and share.
executive editor
Carole Morris
What did we learn after reading this issue? Visit www.elkgrovecity.org/homefortheholidays to view the interactive map and add yourself to the map. The holiday light tour map will help guide your family around the city so you can take in the sights of the season right from your own vehicle. This is the perfect time of the year to organize your craft room! Whether your craft room is for your hobby, or your occupation, it must be optimized for organization. We have a wonderful article that will inspire you to get organized. We’ve included an article on Terpenes, which are found in all plants. Terpenes are often used to treat insomnia and muscle spasms, and eucalyptol (found in eucalyptus) which has been used to treat asthma. If you are interested in alternative medicine, check this article out.
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Rum Balls & Holiday Goodies By Carole Morris
Does the question of “where” the Rum Ball (AKA adult cookie) was created sometimes pop into your mind, as you nibble on the alcohol laden delicacy? Do you immediately think “European” because of the alcohol content? If you did, you would be 100% correct. (Romkugler) rum balls were originally invented by Danish bakers who wanted to find a use for their cookies that didn’t sell by the end of the day. I’m thinking they said, “Mix a little rum in and it will sell” as they were about to close their bakery for the day. Cheers, a new tradition was born!
Rum Balls Ready in: 20mins Makes: 24
Ingredients
2 1/4 Tbsp. Cocoa 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar 2 1⁄2 cups vanilla wafers (crushed) 1⁄2 cup Spiced Rum 2 Tbsp. white corn syrup 1 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
Serves: 9 lucky people
Ingredients for cake 1/2 cup salted butter 1 cup dark molasses 1/2 cup sugar 1 large egg 2 1/2 cups flour
move ½ cup of mixture and place in a small bowl (to use later for rolling the rum balls in).
Blending with the mixture in the medium bowl, stir in the spiced rum and the syrup. Next, stir in the crushed vanilla wafers and nuts. Mix together thoroughly.
Shape mixture into medium sized balls. Roll balls in remaining cocoa powdered sugar (that you set aside) thoroughly coating.
In medium bowl, mix the cocoa Place on your favorite holiday plattogether with powdered sugar. Re- ter, and enjoy!
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Gingerbread Cake
2 tsps. baking soda 1 1/4 tsps. cinnamon 1 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. cloves 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup hot water (not boiling)
Ingredients for icing 1 cup salted butter (softened) 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 tsps. vanilla 3 Tbsp. Half and Half
Instructions for cake
Preheat oven to 350° F Thoroughly spray non-stick vegetable oil on inside of round cake pan. Mix together, in large bowl, sugar and butter, until creamy. Beat egg (in small bowl with whisk) then stir into creamed mixture along with the molasses. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the greased pan.
Bake approximately 1 hour in oven, test doneness by inserting a knife in the center, if it comes out clean… cake is done. Allow cake to cool in pan, before taking out and drizzling the icing.
Instructions for Icing
Put softened butter into a bowl, mix on medium setting, creaming the butter until it’s smooth and lighter in color. Add powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time. Next, add the vanilla… mixing well. Add half-and-half and mix until the frosting has reached the preferred consistency (less half and half for stiffer icing).
Drizzle the icing on top of the cake, then decorate with your favorite holiday decorations.
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Sugar and spice and everything nice...
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Cranberry Mini Bundt Cakes Ingredients for cakes 3 eggs 2/3 cup butter (softened) 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 1 1/4 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups flour 1 cup sour cream 1 cup dried cranberries
Ingredients for icing 1 cup salted butter (softened) 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 tsps. vanilla 3 Tbsp. Half and Half
Instructions for cake
Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl, until fluffy. Mix in eggs, beating well after each addition and stir in vanilla.
Next… in medium bowl, combine together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add flour ingredients to creamed mixture, then add in sour cream and mix well. Fold in cranberries. Spray small Bundt pans or muffin pans with non-stick vegetable spray. Then pour mixture into the pans.
Bake at 350° for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and remove from pans.
Instructions for Icing
Put softened butter into a bowl, mix on medium setting, creaming the butter until it’s smooth and lighter in color.
Add powdered sugar, ¼ cup at a time. Next, add the vanilla… mixing well. Add half-and-half and mix until the frosting has reached the preferred consistency (less half and half for stiffer icing). 20. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
Drizzle the icing on top of Bundt cakes (or muffins), then decorate with your favorite holiday decorations.
Bogle Vineyards By Justin Pinnell
Wine… what pops into your mind when you think of it? A celebration, a romantic dinner, reading a good book in front of the fireplace, or a picnic with your favorite foods and friends? Bogle Vineyards enhances all occasions with a wide range of locally crafted, award-winning wines. Maybe your occasion calls for a hand-crafted Chardonnay—or the intense flavor of an old vine Zinfandel. Perhaps, it’s a celebration that calls for the lively and refreshing taste of Bogle’s Sauvignon Blanc, or the dark opulent berry flavor of my personal favorite, the Bourbon Barrel Petite Sirah.
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Bogle Vineyards
Eric Aafedt, Vice President of Winemaking.
profile}
Fans of Bogle can expect new wines, new brands, and new projects beginning in 2021. They eagerly look forward to welcoming guests back and providing an experience that exceeds all expectations.
Warren Bogle
The Bogle family has a long rich history of farming and they’ve been farming in the Clarksburg region for six generations. In addition to passing down strong work ethic and dedication to quality, the success of Bogle is rooted in the day-to-day involvement of the Bogle family.
When Warren Bogle and his son Chris planted their first 20 acres of wine grapes on the Home Ranch in 1968, they could never imagine the firebrand winery they had just put into motion. After 10 years of growing grapes for other wineries, the Bogle family produced their first Bogle labeled wine. In 1979, they constructed the first Bogle Winery as it still stands today.
In 1989, Warren’s son Chris and his wife Patty undertook the winery project in earnest. Chris farmed, while Patty did the books at night in the family home. Chris proudly grew the wine grape family operation, reaching his goal of 1,000 acres before he passed away in 1997. Upon his death, Patty dove in taking over all winery management—and leading a core team of staff, many of whom are still at the winery today. Named after his grandfather, Chris and Patty’s son Warren returned to the ranch to take over the vineyard manager duties in 1997. Jody entered the family business full time in 1999 to manage the new tasting room and customer relations. Ryan joined the business in 2007, serving in a financial role. The three siblings continue to work in the day-to-day operations of the winery, with the same dedication and passion as the generations before them. With this storied history, Bogle Winery looks to the future. The Bogle family understands that nurturing the land (and preserving its vitality) is not only essential for their family, but also across the globe—so that future generations can enjoy harvests for many years to come. They are proud to be honored with the 2018 Green Medal Leader Award, which recognizes the vineyard that best demonstrates environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable sustainable practices. Additionally, Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Bogle Vineyards their 2019 American Winery of the Year. Unfortunately, due to the current health crisis, Bogle has had to postpone all planned events and temporarily close their tasting room. However, as we all look forward to enjoying the Holiday season with family and friends, Bogle Winery has been working to improve their tast-
ing room. They are excited to share it with their club members and the public in 2021. When the Bogle tasting room reopens, guests will encounter a whole new experience at their Home Ranch in Clarksburg. Although it will look much different than folks are used to, Bogle remains committed to honoring their family’s rich history here in the Delta. In addition, fans of Bogle can expect new wines, new brands, and new projects beginning in 2021. They eagerly look forward to welcoming guests back and providing an experience that exceeds all expectations. Visit Bogle Vineyard's website at boglewinery.com to find out more about this impressive winery and shop their outstanding wines. Looking for a fun holiday drink recipe? Bogle has shared two delicious recipes with you on pages 24 and 25.
On page 22 from left to right: The 6th Bogle generation, Ryan, Jody, and Warren Bogle
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Bogle Vineyard's Pomegranate Spritz Ingredients 1 large pomegranate 1 bottle Bogle Blanc de Blancs Orange twist for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Fill a large mixing bowl with cool water. Score the outside of the pomegranate with a sharp knife and carefully open the fruit in half under the water. Still submerged, separate the seeds from the pith and peel. When you have all the seeds out, drain through a colander and discard all but the seeds. The juice will stain, so clean any spills quickly, and definitely wear an apron! Once drained, remove 2 tablespoons of seeds and set aside. Place the remaining seeds into a food processor or blender. Pulse until they are a thick pulp. Scoop the pulp back into a fine colander or sieve and press through with the back of a rubber spatula to extract the juice. To assemble the cocktail, pour 2 T. pomegranate juice in a champagne glass. Top with the sparkling wine and garnish with a few pom seeds and an orange twist. 24. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
Rosé Aperol Spritz
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Ingredients Ice cubes 1 bottle Bogle Rosé or Sparkling Rosé 9 oz Aperol 12 oz soda water 6 orange slices
Instructions
Fill 6 wine glasses with ice. Top each glass with 4 oz wine, 1 1/2 oz Aperol and 2 oz soda water. Garnish each serving with orange slice.
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A Bookworm's Tale By Cindy Della Monica, Cheesemonger and Owner, Cheese Central
The power of the printed, written word: it carries your mind directly into the parlor of the Queen, the undersea world of a scuba diver, the kitchen of Ina Garten, the wardrobe that opens into Narnia, or the offices of the White House. Description, well-versed, can transport imagination beyond anything else in your life.
Books. A book borrowed from the library may not be in best condition, but carries with it the aroma of that hallowed hall. Book dust! Nothing else smells like that…unless it is from your own collection. A new book has its own smell, too, of fresh ink. It hasn’t had time to acquire the patina of being caressed by hands, in the way of older books that have been touched. The crackling sounds of a newly opened book spine allude to the mysteries held within. And YOU are the first to absorb the details of print and picture. Intoxicating. As a four-year-old, I found learning to read very easy. From the moment that “reading” clicked in my mind, nothing has passed through my fingers without at least a quick perusal – even the junk mail slipped into my mailbox. I just can’t stand that I might have missed something. My family calls me a walking encyclopedia (remember those?) as I practice what I preach—try to learn something new EVERY day, and “knowing a little about everything” affords you the ability to have conversation with just about anyone you meet, in any situation. I’m not a know-it-all, just well-read.
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Entering a library has always tightened my tummy with anticipation. When I was young, my hometown library held bi-annual Book Sales. A quick bike ride to the library, and I could enjoy the sight of their outdoor lawn set with stacks of books on tables. The librarians, who knew me quite well, would point out the tables of my interest. It wouldn’t take long to pick out some favorites, and new ones that intrigued with book jacket descriptions. I’d carry over a stack or two and place them in front of the cashier. Out came the ruler to measure the height of my stacks, and she’d charge me ten cents per inch of books! My babysitting money was well spent… my bike basket loaded to the brim… my mother’s face aghast when she saw what would now need shelf place in my bedroom. You could say I have a book obsession, but my favorite t-shirt says “it’s not hoarding if it’s books.” My grandmother worked for Woolworth’s, managing the Books and Pets sections—double Gold, according to me and my sister! Mom would take us to the lunch counter for grilled cheese sandwiches and milk shakes, my sister would coo over the hamsters, birds and fish, and I disappeared into the books. As Grandma would walk us to the car, she always carried a box of books— without covers on them! Back in the day, whatever didn’t sell from the last shipment of books, the covers would be torn off and mailed back to the publisher for reimbursement. The books were to be thrown away, but Grandma gathered as many as would fit in a box and I would be transported into the paperback worlds of Zane Gray, Daphne duMaurie, Anya Seton, and more.
So, now you know that I lose myself in books. The aroma, the feel of the paper pages, the weight of the book in my hand or lap, and …. ah, the first line of the story. I may have phases of reading only biographies, or multi-generational books, or books about certain places in the world. I read cookbooks like novels—AND learned how to cook at a very young age (I still use the 20-volume set of the Grand Diplome Cooking School from France that I bought at age 11). An author, new to me, may provide a year’s entertainment given the number of books I’ve not known he/she wrote for ME to enjoy! Needless to say, my Santa letter ALWAYS included new books as “surprises” under the Christmas tree. Each move my husband and I made to new homes, would bring a look of panic to John’s face—the book boxes! How many THIS time. So, our move to Lodi elicited a promise to take some of the books to Tom’s Used Books downtown. As heart-wrenching as it was to cull out those that I could part with, it took a hand-truck to get them into Tom’s shop. Tom calmly explained that I could get cash, or store credit, for my books today. STORE CREDIT! Bingo! I went home, not with empty boxes, but with a full beautiful set of pillow-backed, hard cover, gorgeous Agatha Christie novels! John wanted to know if there is a support group for my “problem.” Bookworm? Absolutely! Public speaker—absolutely not! In college, I was forced to take a public speaking class. I molted like a chicken for every assignment. Sweating slightly, fairly faint, a stuttering bookworm. I don’t remember the speech topics I produced—too painful, really.
SCRIPTURE CAKE
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Find the answer key on page 63
3/4 cup Judges 5:25 1 1/2 cup Jeremiah 6:20 5 Isaiah 10:14 3 cups sifted Leviticus 24:5 1/2 teaspoons 2 Kings 2:20 3 teaspoons Amos 4:5 1 teaspoon Exodus 30:23 2 Chronicles 9:9 1/2 cup Judges 4:19 3/4 chopped Genesis 43:11 3/4 cup finely chopped Jeremiah 24:5 3/4 cup 2 Samuel 16:1 Whole Genesis 43:11 for garnish Preheat oven to 325*. Grease a 10” tube pan. Dust lightly with flour. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and spices. Mix flour mixture into butter and egg mixture, alternating with milk, until flour is just blended in. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter.
Fold in chopped nuts, figs and raisins. Pour batter into prepared tube pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about an hour and ten minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. After fifteen minutes, turn cake out from pan onto wire rack to cool completely.
The one I do remember is this--If only I could get all eyes off of ME… there has to be a way… how can I distract the audience from my face? My reading had taken me to a story in the Old South, and an intriguing paragraph about a recipe called Scripture Cake. The Good Book had all my answers.
I translated the Scripture Cake recipe, baked the cake and portioned it for the audience. I drew a crossword puzzle, and the ingredients were the words to fill into the puzzle, so the clues were the scriptural verses themselves. Each participant filled in their crossword as I gave the scripture, a brief history of the ingredient, and amount used in the recipe. They would guess at the ingredient for their puzzle—looking down at the puzzle the whole time! When the puzzle was complete, I passed the platter of cake, and took my seat! No one had to look at me for long that was for sure. I have been teaching cooking classes for four decades, always participation. All eyes are rarely on me, just the way I like it. Scripture Cake has a few historical references, but most agree that this was one way to teach refined, young Southern ladies how to bake, as well as memorize their scripture. Each Bible verse indicated what product to use, a treasure hunt, if you will. The final product is quite delicious. Make this cake on a rainy day, brew a cup of tea, and curl up on the sofa with a good book. So much more fulfilling than sitting at your computer desk with the internet. Take it from me….
ardentforlife.net 27
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Pairing Party
McConnell Estate Winery
McConnell Estate Winery hosted an evening of food and wine for the release of their brand new Reserve Wines. They released two varietals, each of the wines were named after the Wackman brothers, who own the winery.
The new releases included the ACW Malbec, MKW Winemakers Blend, HPW Primitivo, and the Wackman Brothers Tannat. Because this called for a celebration—they hosted a pairing party!
28. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
Each of the wines were paired with delicious food from Jackson Catering. Throughout the night, the Wackman brothers spoke about family, wines, and the winery. The charming night was held at the McConnell Estate barn. With soft-lit rustic chandeliers overhead, it was the perfect venue to enjoy their new releases. You can taste these new varietals at their tasting room. Visit their web site for hours. www.mcconnellestates.com
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business}
By Angela Perry, President and CEO of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce
The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce is committed to being an active contributing member in our community. We are proud of the many businesses that support our service agencies, schools, youth athletic leagues, and non-profit organizations making our wonderful community such a desirable place to live, work, and do business. The Chamber, as the voice of our businesses, works diligently to provide outstanding services for all the member. Some examples of Chamber services are the following:
• Active representation at the local, regional, and statewide level on issues that impact commerce and jobs. • Providing relevant professional development programs that enhance business performance and competitive advantage. • Collaborating with our education partners, both K-12 and higher education to support an excellent work force, which includes the implementation of strong career and technical education programs. • Building and strengthening leadership skills in our community with individuals and business leaders participating in the Chamber’s Leadership Elk Grove program. • Sponsoring networking opportunities in which business and community leaders, members of the public, and regional representatives gather and share best practices… while building important relationships. • Facilitating ribbon cuttings to welcome new businesses and celebrate milestones of existing businesses. 30. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
The Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Photo by Bruce Robinson Photography.
• Supporting a cadre of Chamber Ambassa- networking events. All events have been open dors who help network with businesses in to the public at no charge. We encourage everyone to visit one of our events (which can the community
be found on our website) and bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you there!
• Maintaining a vibrant web and social media presence that highlights businesses in the Chamber. We are proud to serve our community Since March, the Chamber has had to cancel a total of nine events, however, we have created over 45. We have had workshops on working remotely, funding resources, stress, and managing remote employees—just to name a few. We have held a State of the City event and conversations with Assembly Members and Congressman Bera, as well as lighthearted
and businesses and look forward to the promise of recovery and even greater successes for everyone in the future. If you would like more information about Chamber membership, please visit our website at www.elkgroveca.com or call 916-691-3760
home} real estateÂ
Ten First-Time Home Buyer Blunders To Avoid
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home} real estate Homeownership is one of the central tenets of contemporary life. Most of us dream of a familiar, comfortable place to call our own; and buying a home is a rite of passage into adulthood, and into our own piece of the American Dream. But until and unless you’ve been through the process at least once, there are plenty of mistakes many people make on their journey to property ownership. If you’ve made any of these mistakes yourself, don’t feel bad—it can happen to the best of us. And if you’re an aspiring homeowner who wants to get ahead of the curve, take a look at the following things, NOT to do when buying your first home…so when it’s time to pull the trigger, you’ll be ready to go!
1. Ask an agent to go see houses before getting pre-approved
It’s tempting to visit properties the minute you’ve made up your mind that you want to buy, but putting the cart before the horse can backfire spectacularly. If you haven’t actually qualified for financing, you should hold off on going to look at houses with a real estateagent (or even going to open houses), since there’s no guarantee that a mortgage company can lend you the money. There’s no greater let down than finding a house you love, and finding out you can’t be approved for a mortgage in the price range of that house. Besides, many sellers and their agents won’t even consider your offer if you don’t include a pre-approval letter. So, you should have it in hand in order not to lose precious time when you find “the one”. Bottom line is…getting pre-approved is the first step in the home buying process, so always start there.
2. Buy a home you don’t feel great about because of pressure from others
We’re all influenced by the people around us, whether it’s friends, parents, significant others, or even people on the internet. But don’t let the opinions of others guide your decision making when it comes to buying a home. Everyone has their own taste, but at the end of the day, you’re the one that will be paying, and, more importantly, (literally) living in your decision. Make an offer because you want to, not because you think it’s what someone else wants you to do.
3. Pass on the perfect house over a trivial cosmetic feature
Real estate can be quirky, and there are plenty of aesthetic choices homeowners make that won’t work for everyone else. But if everything is great except for some cosmetic features, don’t walk away from the deal over something that can be changed later on. Location is about the only thing you can’t change about a house, but everything else can be removed, remodeled, and replaced, so don’t pass up something that might be a great fit just because it happens to have an eyesore, or isn’t quite your taste.
4. Get hung up on properties outside your price range
6. Assume that once an offer has been accepted, the deal is done
Don’t let these properties get you down. If you look hard enough, there’s going to be a great option within your price range. And who knows, maybe sometime in the future, that dream house might actually be within your budget.
7. Make a big purchase or take out new debt before the closing
The thing about dream homes is that they’re usually pretty darn expensive. And, it’s just human nature to want as much (or more) than we can afford. So, it’s pretty common for homebuyers to find themselves longing for that perfect house that’s usually a few hundred thousand (or million) dollars outside their price range.
5. Assume that your offer will be accepted
Making your first offer is a big deal, and you might think that since you’re putting so much money on the line that there’s no way someone could possibly turn it down. But the reality is a little more complex.
In a competitive market, sellers will often get multiple offers, or hold out for a higher price than you might be willing to go. There are a lot of moving parts, and there’s a good chance that if you saw something you liked about a house, some other buyer might have seen the same thing too. But don’t get discouraged— negotiations are common, and, if it doesn’t work out, another house will eventually come along.
An accepted offer is an important milestone, but it doesn’t mean the deal is done. Between an accepted offer and closing, there are lots of moving parts and boxes that need to be checked: from financing to inspections, to the title search, to seller’s circumstances—and unexpected things can happen throughout the process. While the overwhelming majority of accepted offers turn into closed deals, you should never assume that just because the buyer and seller have agreed, that the deal is finalized.
This has been the kiss of death for many real estate transactions. A buyer gets their offer accepted, starts the mortgage process, and then goes out and buys a car, or finances a bunch of new furniture for their new place. Then, once the mortgage company checks the credit report before closing—as they always do—the buyer no longer qualifies for the mortgage since they now have new debt that changes their debt to income ratio. There’s a simple solution to this potential problem…don’t do it!
8. Forget to get an estimate of how much money you’ll need at closing
Many people do back-of-the-napkin calculations, or use an online calculator, to figure out how much money they’ll need to bring to closing.
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home} real estate
But it’s important to get accurate estimates from your mortgage lender because if you don’t, you run the risk of being unpleasantly surprised, or worse, coming up short. There are many fees associated with a real estate transaction, from closing costs, to state taxes and fees, to attorney’s fees, and you should be aware of all of them well before the closing day. You won’t be able to get an exact amount on your closing costs until you are close to your closing day, but you can and should get a good handle on how much to approximately expect.
9. Try to mislead the mortgage company
Most people wouldn’t do this, of course, but not only do you run the risk of not being approved for financing if you try to mislead your lender, but you also might end up facing some legal issues down the road. There are some who—in an effort to get approved—might embellish or flat-out lie on their mortgage application, but the only one that will ultimately be hurt by these lies is the borrower. Mortgage companies have rigorous screening and validation processes, and they usually uncover deception when it can’t be backed up with the proper documentation. So, make sure you tell the truth… it’s the only way to go.
10. Work with an agent who doesn’t care
A real estate transaction is a complicated, sometimes stressful experience that requires a knowledgeable and level-headed professional to help guide you through the process. That’s why picking the wrong agent can have devastating consequences. Even worse than hiring an agent who doesn’t know the answers, is working with someone who doesn’t care. A great agent has empathy and will make sure you feel good about things as you go through the process. So don’t be flippant about who you decide to work with because the consequences are more impactful than you might think. At the end of the day, buying your first home should be an exciting and rewarding experience. It’s a rite of passage, and you should be proud of yourself for getting there! If you’re in the market for a home or are starting to consider it and have any questions you’d like answered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact Justin Pinnell DRE- 02045095, M&M Real Estate at (916) 812.0576 or www.jpsellscalifornia.com 34. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
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home}
Craft Room Organization Tips
Whether your craft room is for your hobby, or your occupation, it must be optimized for organization. When you enter your craft room, you should feel inspired, not stressed and overwhelmed. With a few tweaks, you can transform your messy craft room to be the place where you can work comfortably and spark creativity. Here are 10 craft room organization tips you can apply to your craft room today. Visualize your ideal space
Before you start to organize, you should have an idea of what your ideal craft room should look like. Visualizing what your craft room should look like starts with knowing what you will primarily be doing in the craft room. Someone who primarily sews is going to have a craft room that looks a whole lot different than someone who primarily paints. Pinterest is an excellent resource for searching for organization ideas and seeing how certain ideas look. Just make sure they apply to your space.
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Designate a space for everything
Having a place to put everything is applicable to every room in your home. For a craft room that has a ton of different supplies and tiny ornaments, it’s even more critical. If you don’t designate a space for everything, finding and putting away supplies becomes more complicated than it needs to be.
Go clear
When it comes to any container or basket you plan on using for storage, try using clear ones. Having seethrough containers will help you identify what you need much quicker. Clear containers are also very aesthetically pleasing in a craft room. Unlike a home office where it’s best to keep your equipment as minimalistic as possible, a craft room can showcase all of the wonderful tools at your disposal.
Don’t be afraid to change storage solutions when they aren’t working
Whether you bought a storage solution from a store, or DIYed it… if it isn’t working, you have to either repurpose it or get rid of it. It can be a tough pill to swallow to let go of the storage solutions you spent hours making yourself. But if your crafting needs have changed or they simply aren’t good, it doesn’t make
sense to force them to be useful when you’d be better off updating them.
Identify the supplies that are always left out
If there are always a handful of supplies that always seem never to be put away, there are two reasons. Number one is that you don’t have a designated place for them. The other reason is that your current storage space for that supply is inadequate and there isn’t enough room to fit it. Regardless of the reason, figure out why these items are always left out and address them immediately.
Don’t forget about the walls
There is a ton of different options when it comes to what you can do to make use of walls in a craft room. You can keep it pretty basic by merely adding some shelves or rods and placing items on them. A lot of people opt to have pegboards, which look fantastic in a craft room and offer more customization to what you can store on them.
Organize your drawers
While drawers are great for storage, if they’re messy they aren’t nearly as beneficial as they should be. You can organize them by adding small, flat containers in the drawer. Doing this prevents supplies from being
Having a place to put everything is applicable to every room in your home. For a craft room that has a ton of different supplies and tiny ornaments, it’s even more critical. If you don’t designate a space for everything, finding and putting away supplies becomes more complicated than it needs to be. scattered throughout the bottom of the drawer and allows you to group things into categories. You can also add DIY dividers within the drawers with cardboard.
Dedicate a container for miscellaneous supplies
Most people who have craft rooms will have miscellaneous leftover supplies from completed projects. It’s best to have a designated storage container for them so you can keep those leftovers without mixing them in with the rest of your supplies. With that said, it’s critical to clean this container often. If certain supplies are sticking around too often, it’s best to get rid of them.
Have a tray or box for paused projects
If you work on multiple projects at a time, it can be inconvenient to have to put all of the supplies for one project away… when you know you will be working on it again soon. Having a box or tray designated for paused projects will allow you to transition from project to project without having to hunt everything down again.
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Craft Room
Know where to donate
Some people keep supplies they know they don’t need because they don’t want to be wasteful. While you should never throw away useful supplies, nobody benefits if they are clogging up space in your craft room. There are a plethora of places you can donate craft supplies to such as—schools, children’s hospitals, YMCAs, and nonprofit organizations. Donating will help clear space in your craft room and make you feel better about yourself knowing your supplies are going somewhere. We hope these organization tips will help you in your craft room. If you have any questions let the team at Closet Factory – Elk Grove help! Contact us at 916.686.4892 or visit our showroom at 9930 Kent Street, Elk Grove, CA 95624. Open Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm. Saturday by appointment. We also offer free virtual design consultations, in-home appointments, and a hybrid of the two. CA Lic. #986559
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love}
stories
Natalie Ryan
&
Photographed by Jon and Jess Studio www.jonandjessstudio.com
Who are you? Natalie (Winters) McMahon and Ryan McMahon
How did you meet?
We met in 2015, when Ryan was playing in the California League for the Modesto Nuts. I had just graduated from CSU Stanislaus in Turlock and was working at John Thurman Field for the summer. I later went on to work in the front office for the Nuts as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations — so we started our relationship long distance as the following year he played in Connecticut for the Hartford Yard Goats.
The Proposal?
Ryan had a day off in San Diego and our families joined us for a day at the beach in Del Mar, CA — where Ryan spent summers with his family growing up. I thought he might ask my
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dad if he could marry me that day, but little did I know he’d ask us both!
What is love?
Natalie: Love is communication, but love is also not having to say anything at all. Love is growing together and love is growing old. Love is being a team and love is compromise.
Ryan: Love is making sure she’s fed at all times, accepting each other’s flaws and loving one another. Love is having the hard conversations and knowing everything will be alright through the hard times because the love is there.
What do you love most about him?
I love the way he loves me. I love the way he loves our families. I love how he can always make me laugh. I love that he always takes the time to ask how I am. I love that he always of-
fers to do the dishes. I love that he builds me a fire even when he’s not cold. I love how he talks about our future together.
What do you love most about her?
I love who she is. Her morals, the way she carries herself, and how she loves her family and mine. She’s perfect in my eyes.
When did you know you were in love?
Natalie: I knew I was in love when I visited him with his family for the first time. I knew I loved him when I saw the love he had for his family and how I found myself wanting to be a part of it.
Ryan: I’m not sure if there is one specific moment but spending the last five years with her has made me not only extremely happy but a better person and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.
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stories
I knew
I loved him when I saw the love he had for his family and how I found myself wanting to be a part of it.
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stories
I love who she is. Her morals, the way she carries herself, and how she loves her family and mine. Fun facts
We have a sweet puppy named Radley, she’s a 5 month old Bernedoodle and we’re so obsessed with her. We’re self-proclaimed nacho connoisseurs and get them everywhere we go. We’ve seen every Friends episode at least ten times.
Honeymoon
We went to Lake Tahoe and spent the week at Edgewood Resort!
Wedding details
Our original plan was to get married at Wine & Roses in Lodi, however, due to covid restrictions we had to change venues 3 weeks before our date. We ended up getting married at my parents’ house and I couldn’t imagine it any other way. It was absolutely beautiful. My parents live on 20 acres of cherry trees; they were my Nono’s cherries that he farmed. My mom and dad bought two acres from him and built the house I grew up in. Getting married there will forever be so special to me. -Natalie
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Photographer/ Videographer Jon & Jess Photography Venue Winters Estate Rentals The Original Selfie Booth, Standard Party Rentals, K&T Lighting, FIRED Pizza, Giuffra’s Party Rental, Fragrant Farmhouse Caterer The Waterloo Club Restaurant
Desserts/cake Something Sweet Bakery
Florist La Loretta’s Floral Truck
Wedding Coordinator Charina Sales, Brianne Flores, Laurie Archer, Julie Winters
Tux Rentals The Black Tux Bride's Dress Made With Love Bridal
DJ Elite DJ
Bridesmaid's Dresses Birdy Grey
Musician Stephanie Damilano
Rings Samira 13
education}
What I’ve Learned About
Processing Styles By CT Morris - BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
We have explored the significance of learning styles, and how they impact your child. In this article, I am going to endeavor to discuss the right and left brain theory. If clichéd jokes regarding the brain just crossed your— um—mind, here is an additional one to share with your children. What did the right hemisphere say to the left hemisphere when they couldn’t agree on anything? “Let’s split.” Now, we have a seamless introduction into analytic (left brain) and global (right brain) differences. Way back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and I was getting my degree in elementary education, instructors talked briefly about right-brain and left-brain thinkers. Thankfully, in this present day, there is an overabundance of information available on this subject. Information, that is helpful for you and your child to utilize in developing enhanced ways to learn and study. First, though, go to this site and have your child answer the following questions online. https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3178 After your child has finished the free inventory, you will know whether she or he is predominantly analytic (left brain) or global (right brain).
the task off as accomplished. Additionally, analytic individuals are good spellers because spelling involves sequence. Analytic students want to know the rules and follow them, they need rules and guidelines to follow.
Best Practice for this learner • Outlining and listing information and notes • Cue cards for memorizing • Use phonics for new terminology • Clearly stated guidelines and directions • A quiet and structured room for class and homework • Individual assignments (instead of group work) • Essays and writing assignments that are analytical
Logic, Verbal, Digital, Linear, Think in Words, Words of Songs…
Creative, Imagination, Rhythm, Daydreamer, Non-Verbal, Tune of Songs…
Let’s talk about the child that is left-brain dominant first. This analytic learner takes pieces, lines them up, and arranges them in logical order. THEN they draw conclusions, based on facts and logic. The leftbrain learner is a list maker and relishes when a task is complete, so they can check
Conversely, the child that is right-brain dominant processes their information holistically, from whole to parts. This global learner starts with the answer or the big picture, not the details. In the classroom, and in everyday life, they need to know why they are doing something. The right-
Left Brain Dominant
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Right Brain Dominant
brain learner usually flits from one task to another. This learner HATES lists and schedules. However, it is crucial for them to utilize both, without them they won’t do well in school because their assignments will be late, or incomplete. The global learner’s decisions are often based on emotion.
Best Practice for this learner • Explain the relevance of information, why an assignment or topic is important. • Ask the teacher what the upcoming assignments are going to be, so your child can get background information (beforehand) on the subject by reading or watching an educational video. • Mind mapping notes instead of outlining • Use master schedules and time management tools • Use a dictionary and spell check to help with spelling roadblocks • Use a variety of colors to learn sequential information (math, etc.) • Hands-on and group activities, to process information
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education}
Support Your Child’s
Learning
Style By CT Morris BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
“The authority of those who teach is often an obstacle to those who want to learn.”
― Marcus Tullius Cicero
In the last issue of Ardent for Life we explored the significance of learning styles. I indicated that whether your child attends a public school, private school, or is homeschooled—it is extremely important to know their learning style. If you haven’t had the opportunity to assess your child’s learning style, there is a free learning styles inventory available online that will clarify how they learn. The link to a free inventory is www.howtolearn.com/learning-styles-quiz. Moving forward, now that we know your child’s learning style, let’s explore what your findings entail. We know that an individual’s learning style influences the way they understand information and solve problems. Therefore, it is imperative to know what teaching method and curriculum best fits your child’s learning style.
After evaluating your child’s score, note which has the highest percentage—this is their foremost learning style.
Visual Learners – If your child scored higher in the visual learner category this means that he or she learns through seeing.
The child that is a visual learner needs to sit in front of the class. The positioning in the classroom is imperative for this learner. To completely understand the content of a lesson, this student needs to see the teacher's body language and facial expression. They think in images and learn best from visual displays such as: diagrams, illustrated text books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. 44. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
The best study techniques for this learner
1. Mind maps 2. Color and pictures 3. When trying to remember—should close eyes, visualize the information 4. Study in a “no visual distractions” area 5. Write notes in varied fonts and colors 6. Watch videos about topics being studied in class
Auditory Learners – If your child scored higher in this category she or he learns through listening.
This child needs to sit where there isn’t any disruptive noises that will distract them. They learn best through verbal lectures and discussions. Therefore, they retain information best when in study groups and talking things through and listening to others. Auditory learners are able to interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch and other nuances. These learners benefit from reading text aloud and using a tape recorder because written information has little meaning until it is heard.
The best study techniques for this learner
1. Work with a study buddy 2. Record lectures and play back 3. Participate in class discussions 4. Have music (without words) playing softly in background 5. Read or repeat information out-loud 6. Use rhythm or rhyming to memorize information
Kinesthetic Learners – If your child scored higher in this category they learn through a hands-on approach. They need to actively explore the physical world around them by touching, moving and doing. This child needs to sit toward the back of the classroom where they are free to move and not be under scrutiny. This is the child that is many time labeled as being hyperactive and problematic. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity and exploration. The classroom environment needs to be adjusted for these learners so that they can work in short blocks of time. Allow this child to draw pictures in class of the material being taught. They need concrete examples…globes, puzzles, blocks, cubes, geoboard, drawing material, modeling clay, models, experiments, field trips, projects and games.
The best study techniques for this learner
1. Construct models or diagrams of things they need to learn 2. Work on a whiteboard 3. Use fingers as a guide when reading 4. Use concrete items to understand math concepts 5. Walk with textbook or notes and read out-loud 6. Use computer keyboard (keeping hands busy) whenever possible to study or write information
art} books
Reviews brought to you by the
D e s t i n at i o n W e dd i n g
By: Diksha Bashu
Book Reviews by Brendle Wells Our options (in the real world) may be limited in this current moment, but the pages of a good book provide infinite opportunities for adventure and escape. Do you yearn for the excitement and joy of a big party, the pleasures and strains of an extended family gathering, or perhaps simply the adventure of travel? Diksha Bashu has you covered with a delightful story about the attendees of a lavish weeklong Indian wedding in New Delhi. Each of the attendees has their own agenda during the celebration. Tina Das is trying figure out where she belongs, her best friend doesn’t know what she wants out of life, her divorced parents are restarting their lives. The viewpoint shifts frequently (which does require a bit of an adjustment period), giving the reader a peek into the internal dialogues for each character, enriching the story as each considers their experiences and the possibilities. The resulting story is both frothy and reflective. Add in the Delhi scenes and you get some very appealing escapist reading. Fans of author Kevin Kwan would find much to enjoy here, in fact, this would make a great selection while on the waiting list for his latest, Sex & Vanity. Ballantine Books 2020
The Pull of the Stars
By: Emma Donoghue
While escapist reading may be the preference for many people right now, others want something that is more reflective of the current situation. For that look no further than this work of historical fiction set in a maternity/fever ward in the Spanish flu stricken post WWI Dublin of 1918. Taking place over the course of three days, the narrative offers a window into the lives of women and children during the era through the perspective of Julia Powers, a nurse on the ward. She is assisted in her work by two very different women, Bridie, a volunteer from a local orphanage and Dr. Lynn, an activist who works with local revolutionaries. The health care of the era provides endless fascinating details, but be aware that some medical descriptions may be too intense for more sensitive readers. Overall this a surprisingly quick and arresting read that positively brims with empathy and perseverance. The story, while dark, reminds the reader that we’ve been here before—in fact we’ve been through worse—and yet life continues on in all of its beautiful and painful glory. This is a highly recommended book for historical fiction readers, especially those interested in the lives of women. Fans of Donoghue will also be well satisfied and book groups will find rich topics for discussion. Little Brown & Company, 2020
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art} books
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story
Author: Tina Cho Illustrator: Jess X. Snow Children's Book Reviews By Justin Azevedo
Ikenga
Dayeon wants to be just like her grandmother: a haenyeo, one of the graceful, adventurous “mermaids” who free-dive long distances with no breathing equipment to harvest abalone and other treasures from the sea. A scary memory of seawater in her nose and sharks lurking in the deep keeps Dayeon in the tide pools with the younger kids while her grandmother dives. But a short dive to retrieve a pretty shell leads to another, and another, until she works up the courage to train with her grandmother again, learning how to explore the deep for the gifts the sea has to offer. The gentle artwork glows with purples and blues, and perfectly sets the scene of swirling ocean currents and deep water set against a bright sunrise. The easy-to-follow prose presents a story of resilience and appreciation of nature, with plenty of Korean cultural markers and traditions bolstered by thorough backmatter that imparts more information about the “granny mermaids” of Korea. While this picture book works well as a read-aloud fable, it’s especially good for readers looking for a story about real-life women doing extraordinary things, and a window into a beautiful, underrepresented tradition. Recommended for ages 5-10.
Nnamdi’s father was an admired and respected chief of police in the Nigerian town of Kaleria, but his long and effective campaign against local crime sees him ambushed and murdered on the eve of a much-publicized victory over corruption. Nnamdi is convinced that a local crime boss known as the Chief of Chiefs was behind the murder, but can’t prove it and can’t figure out how to do anything about it. Until, that is, he is visited by the spirit of his father, who gives him a statue that can transform him into a dark, hulking figure of shadow that locals begin to call “The Man.” Nnamdi decides to use his newfound secret identity to bring Kaleria’s criminals to justice, but it gets harder and harder to come back to himself each time he indulges the power and rage of The Man, and he soon begins to wonder if the path of revenge is really the path his father wanted him to take. This is a superhero origin story, complete with a rogue’s gallery of villains, but it’s also a redemptive tale. There is a clear connection between the helpless despair of 12-year-old Nnamdi and the uncontrollable anger of The Man, and Nnamdi eventually comes to the realization that vengeance often obscures and complicates a problem rather than solving it. The bits of Igbo language and Nigerian culture seamlessly integrated into the story elevates it above other superhero stories. A fun ride, recommended for ages 9-14.
Kokila, 2020
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
Viking Children’s Books, 2020
www.saclibrary.org For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
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Lemonade Days By Anna Osborn, LMFT, owner of Life Unscripted Counseling
48 48. . ardentforlife.net ardentforlife.net- - Holiday Holiday2020 2020
health} I was texting with a friend the other day and she asked how I was doing, given the status of life right now. I told her the standard, “We’re hanging in, just trying to make lemons out of lemonade.” After I pressed send, I realized the mistake I made and quickly sent back, “I mean we’re making lemonade out of lemons.” Good grief, I clearly don’t know which way is up anymore. I had a good laugh about it and moved along but the idea of making lemons out of lemonade sort of stuck with me. I mean 2020 is the most upside down and backwards year that I’ve ever lived; so the idea of somehow being able to make lemons out of lemonade sounds even plausible at this point. Now obviously you can’t make lemons out of anything but lemon seeds and some good dirt, but the sentiment of trying to make something useful out of a seemingly impossible situation sounds like a good idea right about now. As a wife, mom, business owner and therapist, I have never navigated so many moving landscapes at the same time—or tried to come up with a plan that ends up feeling unrealistic or unfeasible before the ink is even dry. Feeling like things are out of control and trying to figure what exactly to do with it all has been beyond intense…to say the least. And the truth is, when it comes to circumstances that are completely out of your control, you can either spin yourself up into knots trying to control the uncontrollable, OR you can decide to loosen your grip and allow for there to be breath in amongst the panic. For something good to exist in amongst the something bad. I am by no means an advocate of the Pollyanna viewpoint or amplifying a message of toxic positivity. But…I do advocate for seeing the light in amongst the darkness. To allow the ease to exist in amongst the heavy and for there to be relief in amongst the pain. You can hold both the overwhelming harshness of this season AND the ability to see joy in the most simplest of pleasures. Even when it feels uncomfortable to do so. We as humans are pretty complex beings; and our feelings are no exception to that complexity. As distressing or even impossible as it may seem, you can in fact feel more than one feeling at the same time. It’s actually a gift that you have. Sure it may not feel so great, but it’s pretty amazing that you can do it. As a human, you can have lemonade days.
The days where all that’s coming at you is sour lemons, challenging you to throw in the towel, turn on Netflix and eat a pint of Ben & Jerry’s AND instead… for reasons you can’t explain…you find yourself smiling at the experience of being able to snuggle deep into your covers and be reminded of the simple joys of slowing down and resting. Of indulging in bad movies and empty calories. All for reasons that defy logic, you’re reminded that sour lemons can be used to create some pretty joyful moments. That you can have both the burden and the blessing happen on the same day. That you can have the huge crash and the reassuring catch occur within moments of each other. That you can have a lemonade day. I get it, things are really—really hard right now. And I’m not here to dispute that. Lord help us all. But what I am here to do is to encourage you.
We as humans are pretty complex beings; and our feelings are no exception to that complexity. As distressing or even impossible as it may seem, you can in fact feel more than one feeling at the same time. It’s actually a gift that you have. Sure it may not feel so great, but it’s pretty amazing that you can do it. To gently suggest, that maybe, just maybe, the overwhelm you’re carrying can be shifted to the other arm. That the cynical lens you’re looking through can be wiped a little clearer. And that you may have a lemonade day, right there in the waiting, happening as we speak. Get to squeezing my friend.
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is the owner of Life Unscripted Counseling. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visit her website at www.lifeunscriptedcounseling.com ardentforlife.net 49
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Adrenal Burnout and Chronic Fatigue Written By Terry Lemerond Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
Imagine if you awakened every morning feeling completely inadequate to meet the demands of the day. How would you feel if even a little physical or mental stress left you feeling drained? Problems such as these have an enormous negative impact on relationships, careers, and personal happiness. And the root cause is very often impaired adrenal and/or thyroid function. In fact, I have probably been asked more questions about the adrenal and thyroid glandular systems, and the symptoms of underactive adrenal and thyroid function, than just about any other health topic. So many people feel helpless in dealing with their exhaustion following any “fight or flight” stress response. We know that adrenal burnout and an underactive thyroid can have long-term, serious consequences. I also know the symptoms can be confusing regarding whether the issue is with thyroid or adrenal. Are you wondering if your adrenal glands are less than optimal? It is more widespread than you may think. Fortunately, there are amazing natural ingredients that can rejuvenate the adrenal glands and help you live the kind of life you may have only imagined. The adrenal glands – and how to heal them – are the subject of this Terry Talks Nutrition®.
There are many other subclinical signs and symptoms of adrenal dysfunction. You’ll find a selfanalysis to determine your degree of adrenal insufficiency on page 51. With strong adrenal activity, you will be healthy, both mentally and physically. People with strongly functioning adrenals enjoy friendly confrontation, fear nothing, and many of them become business entrepreneurs or enjoy taking risks in other areas of their lives.
Adrenal Function
The adrenal glands are two small glands about the size of an acorn, one sitting on top of each kidney. The adrenals produce many hormones that keep us healthy, both physically and mentally. As early as 1898, Emile Sergent, the great French physician, described the two prime functions of the adrenals as antitoxic and angiotonic. His description of the detoxifying functions of the adrenals was brilliant. “Should these glands happen to be damaged, a condition of depression and muscular fatigue is seen to appear which, in man, we shall find in the form of the earlier symptoms of adrenal insufficiency asthenia” (physical weakness and loss of strength). Functional adrenal insufficiency is due to a number of factors: inadequate development from birth, exhaustion by fatigue, age related degeneration, chronic stress or any 50. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
factor which, without provoking organic disease of the glands, is capable of reducing their normal activity. Other symptoms, which may occur, are sensitivity to cold, low blood pressure, weak heart action and pulse, anorexia, slow metabolism, and constipation. People with adrenal insufficiency often have many symptoms associated with upper respiratory problems. They are the ones who always have a cold, allergies, hives, and catch any illness that is making the rounds.
An example of a person that I consider having strong adrenal function, based on his muscular build, thick curly hair, and his mental and physical strength, is Pastor Joel Osteen. I believe that Joel’s strength comes from God, but outside of his relationship to God, I believe all of his characteristics are due to his strong glandular function. It is hard to believe, but Joel weighs no more than 160 pounds and has been reported to bench press over 300 pounds. That is double his body weight. Just being able to press body weight is above average. I believe Joel is filled with courage and has a positive attitude. People like Joel, who have strong adrenal function, eventually become successful business and sales people, and are not afraid
The ability to resist infections is a function of the adrenal’s integrity even more than the immune system. People with exhausted adrenal glands typically have recurrent minor infections. to take risks to get where they want to go. Those with weak adrenals, depending on the degree of insufficiency, have weak muscles, are filled with fear and are afraid to tackle huge projects. They’re afraid to speak up in front of others and would rather die than give a public speech. They are usually content just getting by and would prefer working in an occupation that allows them to be in an office by themselves with the door closed and not have to bother confronting their co-workers. They can be unusually shy. They dislike anyone looking over their shoulder, and when this happens, they become nervous and tense. If they have to confront someone either physically or mentally, they will have to lie down later due to the exhaustion caused by the confrontation.
Low Blood PressureNot a Healthy State
I caution you regarding hypotension (low blood pressure), since doctors are so concerned with high blood pressure, low blood pressure may be considered healthy. It is not. Nature always has a balance and high or low is abnormal. It is true that high-performing athletes may have lower blood pressure because they have developed such an enormous cardiac capacity. But if you are not a super-athlete, low blood pressure can be a problem signal! I have seen individuals with low blood pressure in the
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range of 100 to 110 over 60 to 70 and they may wonder why they are always sick. Adrenal insufficiency is probably the number one factor underlying many health disorders that no one has an answer for. It usually begins after a period of prolonged stress – emotional or metabolic. Severe fatigue in the morning is the main symptom. Usually, people with adrenal insufficiency describe themselves as “slow starters”. Interestingly, the ability to resist infections is a function of the adrenal’s integrity even more than the immune system. People with exhausted adrenal glands typically have recurrent minor infections. Post-viral fatigue is common in this case as well. In fact, more than half of chronic fatigue syndrome cases begin after significant stress such as surgery, viral infection, trauma or accident. This inability to recover is in large part due to adrenal exhaustion that has developed due to underlying stress such as poor nutrition, mental and physical stress, overwork and lack of sleep. Allergies are very often a manifestation of adrenal insufficiency, too. Recurrent sneezing can be a subtle clue of adrenal weakness. In nearly every case of multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, low adrenal function has been the underlying cause.
TERRY'S BOTTOM LINE If you are struggling with adrenal problems, these ingredients will help you get back on an even keel and increase your energy without making you feel “revved up” or jittery. They work together to: lIncrease
alertness without making you nervous or jumpy lBoost physical energy and stamina lKeep you calm and focused lHelp you manage stress and adapt to changes throughout the day To prevent adrenal burnout and keep your adrenal glands healthy, I recommend adrenal gland extract daily combined with vitamin C, vitamin B6 in its active form (P-5-P), pantothenic acid, adrenal extract, L-tyrosine, licorice extract, rehmannia extract, pregnenolone, and DHEA. ardentforlife.net 51
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Hypothyroidism can also play a significant part in this complex condition. Stiffness upon rising, especially of the low back, is often a complaint, which usually subsides after a hot shower. Sore throats in the morning are common as well, usually resolving later in the day. Those who have less severe sensitivities have proportionately less severe adrenal insufficiency. Because their condition began with a viral infection and other stressful challenges to the adrenal glands, people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome generally improve when their adrenal glands are rejuvenated.
Low Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) Similar, but Not the Same
Hypothyroidism can also play a significant part in this complex condition. Stiffness upon rising, especially of the low back, is often a complaint, which usually subsides after a hot shower. Sore throats in the morning are common as well, usually resolving later in the day. Sound like common symptoms? Then you may want to consider supporting both the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland.
You CAN Repair the Adrenal Glands The Right Diet
The ideal diet for someone experiencing adrenal insufficiency would be similar to the diet for the hypoglycemic person – or almost anyone, really. It should be low in carbohydrates (no refined carbs and no sugar) and emphasize whole, unprocessed proteins and high quality fats, including olive oil and butter. For adrenal repair, sodium is a critical factor and should not be avoided. However, the salt should be of high quality and not refined white salt or white sea salt. I would highly recommend Celtic sea salt, usually ½ teaspoon of salt to a quart of water, three quarts of the salt and water combination per day.
The Right Nutrients
I recommend specific nutrients to help repair adrenal insufficiency. For instance, B vitamins – particularly vitamin B6 (P5P, the biologically active form of B6) and pantothenic acid are a must. L-tyrosine helps produce the adrenal hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. You need vitamin C because the only place in the body that vitamin C is temporarily stored is in the adrenal glands. DHEA and pregnenolone are two adrenal hormones that are also precursors for all other hormones. I believe it is critical to support the adrenal function with freeze-dried adrenal extract. There are also two herbs that I would heavily rely on to support adrenal function; licorice root extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa). Both support liver function and restore adrenal function. They also facilitate the body’s normal response to stress, and help keep adrenal hormones active longer. With these nutrients and the right diet, you can bounce back from adrenal exhaustion and begin living a vibrant, full, and fearless life!
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Terry Lemerond has over 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.
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Cold Weather Running Tips Written By Scott Meier, MD, Kaiser Permanente Sports Medicine Physician
A few years ago, Runner’s World magazine named Sacramento as being among the 50 best running cities in the United States. The article noted the city’s beautiful trails and parkways where people can run for miles. Sacramento’s mostly mild weather also means running can be a year-round sport.
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However, as we begin the winter season, it is important to adjust your running habits to remain healthy and safe. The winter can pose different challenges: Shorter days, longer nights and the weather can vary from location to location. Careful planning can help runners stay motivated and remain safe. Here are some cold weather running-safety tips: Footwear
Get shoes that are water resistant and provide the support and stability you need. Use socks that keep your feet warm, but also wick away moisture. Consider having a couple of pairs of shoes if you run in an area that is often wet; this will allow you to wear the other pair the next day while the first pair dries.
Clothing
Make sure the gear you are wearing is visible with reflectors and bright colors and provides the perfect balance of warmth without causing you to sweat too much. Wear clothing that wicks away sweat and breathes but keeps out the cold. Running jackets with zippers in the arms, neck, and underarm area provide needed ventilation. For wet and windy conditions, use a waterproof windbreaker or shell. For more warmth, use hats and gloves that wick and breathe.
Take it slow
Motivate
If your running routine has taken a pause during the last few months, be sure that you pace yourself as you head back out there. Don’t assume you can go full speed right away; as a lot of injuries occur if you do too much, too fast. Start off slowly by walking or at least half walk/half jog at a very slow pace. You may feel some soreness, which is okay, but try to be aware of any pain you have. Use that pain and anything else that feels wrong as your guide for pacing yourself back to full speed. It should take you a minimum of two weeks, but more likely four weeks if you’ve been away from running for more than three months.
Warm up
COVID-19 concerns
Light up
When it’s dark out, carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp to be seen. It is easier to find excuses to avoid running during the winter, but being comfortable in the right clothing is a good place to begin. Before you run, choose a reward for when you return. Perhaps it’s a healthy snack you enjoy. Or maybe you will choose a new piece of running clothing after several successful runs. Follow an indoor warm-up routine that gets the blood flowing. Do yoga, run up and down stairs or walk on a treadmill. Warming up and stretching your muscles prevents injuries.
Take it slow and set goals
Speed is not a priority. Not many people are setting personal records in the cold. If it becomes too cold on long runs, split the day’s run in two, or do half the distance. You will sweat less and be less likely to be affected by the cold.
Plan ahead
Know your route. This is important if you are running in the dark. Check the weather before you go, so you are not surprised by any sudden change in the weather. Carry a cell phone, identification and some money.
Have a post-run outfit ready
If you are running at a location that’s not near your home, bring a set of dry, warm clothes, and hat and gloves that you can change into so you aren’t forced to wear wet, sweaty clothes home. Have a blanket in your car to help you warm up. Finally, bring a thermos of a warm drink. It’s a nice treat after a winter run.
Some have asked if it is necessary to wear a mask while running because of concerns about COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people engaged in high-intensity activities, like running, may not be able to wear a mask if it causes difficulty breathing. If you can tolerate a mask while running, it is still advisable that you wear one. If you cannot, try to socially distance from others while running to help control possible spread of the virus. Right now, running events are generally not being held to protect our communities. Please review your local public health recommendations for the latest updates and information. Scott Meier, MD, has been with Kaiser Permanente since 2009. He is board certif ied in both pediatrics and sports medicine. He treats both competitive and recreational athletes in the sports medicine department at the Kaiser Permanente Promenade Medical Off ices in Elk Grove.
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Proton Pump Inhibitors By Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine
Many of the patients I see are taking proton-pumpinhibitors (PPI’s), which prevent the production of stomach acid by blocking the parietal cells in the stomach from “pumping” acid into the stomach. Now that these medications are available over the counter, the abuse is rampant. You have stomach acid for a reason and blocking the production leads to long term negative impacts on your health. Stomach acid is needed to break down proteins and minerals for absorption into the body. Acid also kills harmful bacteria and parasites found in foods. Low stomach acid leads to delayed stomach emptying and that prolonged fullness after a meal, particularly if the meal contains protein. Contrary to common thinking, “heartburn” is many times due to LOW stomach acid, not high stomach acid. I know it seems counterintuitive, but the increase in bacteria can lead to increased gas and bloating, which could be interpreted as heartburn. The increase in bacteria due to low stomach acid can also lead to an increase in Clostridium difficile and associated diarrhea. Other adverse effects of prolonged use of PPI’s are an increased risk of osteoporosis related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine, vitamin B’s, calcium and magnesium deficiencies, kidney inflammation, hair loss and brittle nails, and possibly dementia, cardiovascular events, and pneumonia which have recently been suggested. There is also a strong link between allergies and food intolerances. Low stomach acid can also lead to skin issues, like acne and eczema. In Functional Medicine any manifestation on the skin is indicative of issues in the gut. Another negative side effect of low stomach acid is Leaky Gut Syndrome, which is an entire article on its own. Low energy, lethargy, feeling dizzy or nauseous after eating, may all be due to low stomach acid. Most of these side effects are due to increased bacteria, toxins in the gut, and nutritional deficiencies. 56. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
What are some causes of Low Stomach Acid?
High stress levels, normal aging, stomach surgery, medication, high sugar intake are the more common causes.
How do you know if you have low stomach acid?
The first thing to do is get a patient off PPI’s. This is done over several weeks, which gives the time to do some testing to find out if H. pylori present, what the nutritional status is, how diverse the gut bacteria is, are there any infections or parasites present, do you have sufficient digestive and pancreatic enzymes? Deficiencies are corrected and if symptoms are still present, stomach acid can be replaced with meals to help foods digest.
Why Ever Use PPI’s?
PPI’s are not all bad, just the long-term use of them is bad, which has occurred since they are so readily available. The package inserts and the FDA state that they are NOT for long term use. Many of the patients I see have been on them for YEARS! There are good reasons to use them, such as the presence of an ulcer. Ulcers don’t heal in an acidic environ-
ment that continues to irritate them. But once that ulcer has healed, the PPI’s should be weaned off. Another reason is true gastric reflux disease. If someone has a hiatal hernia or a lower esophageal sphincter that does not close, then stomach acid can be pushed up into the esophagus and cause damage, possibly cancer. This is a situation that may need to be treated with PPI’s. However, these conditions should be diagnosed by a physician and treated by a physician. Other things to consider if you have gastro-esophageal reflux disease is eating smaller meals, losing weight (if appropriate), avoiding acidic foods, avoiding snacks before bedtime, decreasing the amount of alcohol you drink, avoiding laying down for at least two hours after eating, wearing loose clothing, elevating the head of the bed slightly, and avoiding tobacco. If you are taking PPI’s and are concerned about any of the negative side effects, I can help you wean off the PPI’s and determine the cause of your abdominal discomfort. Call 916 670-7601 for an appointment. Dayle A. Imperato, M.D. Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (916) 670-7601 - 9180 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove.
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Well That
Sucked Written by D’Lee Daleo & Jamie McCalman, Switch Fitness
Not too many people will argue against the idea that 2020 was a complete disaster. Lives lost and jobs lost… combined they are two of the most stressful events that can happen in a person’s life. Mix in an election (that highlighted the division in our country) that sadly—in some cases—eroded our most important and cherished relationships. Regardless of where you stand politically, or how the pandemic has impacted your life… this is one of the rare times in history where our entire nation has been forced to pay attention and to some degree unite under one idea, “The year 2020 sucked”.
If you’re going through hell keep going – Winston Churchill If wishing the New Year in as soon as possible is the light at the end of the tunnel that you need to focus on right now — then do that if it makes you feel better. At this point do whatever you need to do to feel better about yourself, and everything swirling around you. Focus on 2021, and new beginnings but be realistic in your optimism. In other words, don’t set yourself up for disappointment, the pandemic is not going away on December 31st 2020; and the two major political parties are not going to pinky swear to get along, or to tell the truth and always do what’s right for the people they were voted in to represent. At one second past midnight (on January 1) the day will change from Thursday to Friday, usually a transition of significance only because it’s the last day of the work week. But, somehow this change—which will end one year and begin the next, is different. This unique tick of the clock (or trick of the clock) has always prompted us to reflect, celebrate, and resolve to do better. This year, the celebration might be a little different with social distancing. Honestly, it might be a little soon for some of us to be looking back on 2020; but the one thing we should all be able to agree on is we need to do better. For most of us doing better doesn’t mean drastic change, it just means better. Crack open your copy of the great book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum. It’s time for us to read this book again! Maybe we could all pick one thing from it to be our guide of what “better” would mean in 2021. I thought we could share a few quotes from the book, just in case yours is packed away in the attic. The words from this book are just as relevant today as they were when the book was published, over 30 years ago. 58. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
“Play fair.” “There are those who depend on us, watch us, learn from us, take from us…and we never know. Don’t sell yourself short. You may never have proof of your importance but you are more important than you think.”
“Wash your hands before you eat.”
“Don’t hit people.” “Think what a better world it would be if we all - the whole world – had cookies and milk about three o’clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.”
“Don’t take things that aren’t yours.” “Live a balanced life – learn some and think some, draw and paint, sing and dance, play and work…every day some.”
“Peace is not something you wish for; it’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away!”
“Play,” it’s important to kids, in fact it’s prioritized over most things in their lives. We as adults know this, but we sometimes forget how important it is for us to play or be active.
Happiness is a state of activity – Aristotle Moving or being active is synonymous with the physical effect of life. Active can be defined as engaged in action or motion. It showers you in self-gratification. The thought of overcoming physical limitations or seeing incremental results from an active lifestyle, goes a long way in boosting your confidence and overall selfappreciation. Being mobile is fun, enjoyable and full of lighthearted pleasures. By absorbing all the delights that an active lifestyle can offer, you tap into utilizing all of your senses and reward your health by doing something that makes you feel young again.
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Being active improves the connection between body and soul. The better connected we are with ourselves, the better connected we can be with others.
Being active improves the connection between body and soul. The better connected we are with ourselves, the better connected we can be with others. The “better” we can be in 2021. Here’s to a “better 2021”. Switch Fitness - (916) 883-BFIT 9632 Emerald Oak Dr. Suite K, Elk Grove
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Terpene
by Aaron Andrew Grove, Purely CBD, Elk Grove
Unless you’ve been living in space for the last several years, you’ll have noticed that people are giving less attention to CBD and THC percentages and paying more lip service to the role Terpenes play in producing a certain effect. But, did you know that Terpenes are actually the secret puppet masters in the cannabis plant and have been controlling the effect this entire time? Terpenes are the aromatic organic hydrocarbons found in the plants that give them their distinct essence/fragrance. A hydrocarbon is an organic chemical compound composed exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. Hydrocarbons are naturally-occurring compounds and form the basis of crude oil. Terpenes are found in all plants, not just cannabis they help to repel certain bugs and predators, while at the same time attracting the right insects to help them pollinate successfully. Terpenes are secreted out of the same sticky resin glands as THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoids. There are about 30,000 Terpenes found in the plant kingdom, and 200 or so of those appear in cannabis (Hemp and Marijuana) plants. Many elements affect the mix of Terpenes a cannabis plant will have, and the same strain doesn’t always produce the same aromatic oils. Factors such as soil, fertilizer, climate, and the age of the plant play a pivotal role in the combination of Terpenes your plant ends up with. We already know that CBD and THC bind to our cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce a certain effect, and just recently it has been shown that Terpenes play a crucial role in controlling how cannabinoids work. Terpenes actually influence how cannabinoids interact with our body, by controlling how much THC and CBD enters our brains through the blood-brain barrier. So, while two plants may have similar levels of CBD and THC; they may produce entirely different effects depending on their dominant Terpenes. With sativa plants, the dominant Terpenes are usually limonene, which is found in citrus fruits, and pinene (which is also present in conifers like pine trees), spruces and Cedars. These Terpenes create an energetic, euphoric high. Indica, on the other hand, is usu-
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ally more dominant in linalool (a floral scent found in Lavender) and myrcene (which is found in hops and many herbs); and because of these dominant Terpenes creates a sedative and calming effect. When it comes to hybrids that ‘mix’ of effects you’re getting is more to do with the combination of Terpenes present in your strain, than the breeding of an Indica and a sativa plant. This unique cocktail of more elevating Terpenes along with more calming Terpenes are what gives each plant its unique effects throughout the entire plant kingdom.
When it comes to cannabis Terpenes are an important factor in choosing a strain for treating specific illnesses. Choosing a strain is difficult enough as it is, with the wide range of strains available. While linalool is more effective at stabilizing conditions like anxiety, insomnia, stress and depression, a terpene like humulene is best used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial aid for treating pain conditions. Other common Terpenes are caryophyllene, which is used to treat insomnia and muscle spasms, and eucalyptol (found in eucalyptus) which has been used to treat asthma. Labs are now starting to provide terpene levels along with THC and CBD percentages, for the truly dedicated cannabis connoisseur. High levels of Terpenes are good indicator of a higher quality strain, and anything over 40% is too much - unless you like vaping or drinking cologne. Would you like more information? Visit us at 6616 Laguna Blvd, Suite 124, Elk Grove, or call us at (916) 306-7487
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Illuminate Elk Grove A citywide celebration of lights!
All Month in December
If you like to add sparkle and shine to your house over the holidays, then we want you to join us and Illuminate Elk Grove! This socially distanced way to show off your holiday lights is for anyone who wants to show off their holiday spirit. Visit www.elkgrovecity.org/homefortheholidays to view the interactive map and add yourself to the map. The holiday light tour map will help guide your family around the city so you can take in the sights of the season right from your own vehicle.
On your way through town stop by District56, at Civic Center Dr., and take a family photo with the Ribbon Tree. Enjoy the holiday season and make it bright! 62. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
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Scripture Cake Editor's note: Did you find all the ingredients for the Scripture Cake featured in Cindy Della Monica's article on page 27? If not, we’ve included the answer key to it below… 3/4 cup butter (Judges 5:25) 1 1/2 cup sugar (Jeremiah 6:20) 5 eggs, separated (Isaiah 10:14 )
3 cups sifted flour (Leviticus 24:5)
1/2 cup milk (Judges 4:19)
1/2 teaspoons salt (2 Kings 2:20)
3/4 chopped nuts (Genesis 43:11)
3 teaspoons baking powder (Amos 4:5)
3/4 cup finely chopped figs (Jeremiah 24:5)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (Exodus 30:23)
3/4 cup raisins (2 Samuel 16:1)
1/4 teaspoon each 2 nutmeg, ginger, allspice (Chronicles 9:9 spices)
Whole almonds for garnish (Genesis 43:11)
Preheat oven to 325*. Grease a 10” tube pan. Dust lightly with flour. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and spices. Mix flour mixture into butter and egg mixture, alternating with milk, until flour is just blended in. Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into batter. Fold in chopped nuts, figs and raisins. Pour batter into prepared tube pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about an hour and ten minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. After fifteen minutes, turn cake out from pan onto wire rack to cool completely.
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History Of Our Mail Service & Post Office By Elizabeth Pinkerton Photos courtesy of Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society
We make regular trips to our post offices, and we send and receive mail almost every day. But, it is easy to take our mail service for granted and we thank our mail delivery men and women… those who work at our post offices and our postmaster. As you read the history of our mail service, you will understand how we got to where we are today! Our times are very different, and our communication systems are very, very different than they were even a few decades back. We now have cell phones, email, text messaging and more! But we still rely on sending letters, cards, packages, and other mail with our postal service! Let’s go back to the 1840s, when you walked or rode a horse to get or send a message to someone. Learn about Major Buckner, James Hall, the Butterworth Express, and Wells Fargo to see how messages were sent in long ago days. We know that James Hall started the Elk Grove stage stop in what is now Elk Grove Park in 1850. That is where riders brought messages to people during the Gold Days. We know that Major James Buckner started the first post office with the Elk Grove name at his stage stop (on what are now Highway 99 and Elk Grove Boulevard) just a mile from Hall’s. We need to keep in mind that although I refer to them as stage stops, they were called Houses as in Sloughhouse and others. The Monterey Trail, today’s Franklin Boulevard, was our main route from Sutter’s Fort to the Mexican capital of California in Monterey. During the rainy months when everything flooded, the riders went to the east to what is now Stockton Road (Highway 99). Whether they were on the saddle or in coaches or wagons, travelers needed many services when they were on the road. Enterprising merchants established businesses along the main routes so that travelers could have food, a place to sleep, and fresh horses. Messages were left for friends, and news was passed on. The stage stop folks were also salesmen, bankers, and mailmen, passing the news. Stockton and Jackson roads were major routes to and from the gold mines. These roads had many stage stops conveniently spaced to meet the needs of traveling folks. They were usually a day’s ride apart. Seven miles seemed the rule which accounted for stage stops called 7 Mile House and 14 Mile House. Eventually post offices opened at many of these stops. In addition to Elk Grove, we had these stage stops - Franklin, Slough House, Bridge House, Cosumne, and Union House. Stores and shops expanded and the small towns began to develop and grow. 64. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
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Whether they were on the saddle or in coaches or wagons, travelers needed many services when they were on the road. Enterprising merchants established businesses along the main routes so that travelers could have food, a place to sleep, and fresh horses. Messages were left for friends, and news was passed on.
Violet Elliott at Iron Jaw Saloon and Post Office
Post Office on Main Street
Moving the Post Office - Anabel Gage photo (1965)
It’s been many years since the ponies carried the mail across the mountains and the prairie. Today’s Highway 50, as it winds through Placerville, was the route for the Pony Express that went from Missouri to Sacramento. This way to carry our mail did not last long because the transcontinental railroad ended our need for the Pony Express. Today, instead of our mail being carried by horse and rider, it goes by truck or airplane; and, we use our cell phones and the Internet. But, getting a letter from faraway friends or relatives is just as exciting as it was in our early days; and we get it much faster!
Our first post office wasn’t named Elk Grove. It was called Buckner, a name that has disappeared from our Elk Grove history. Major James Buckner built a stage stop at what is now the intersection of Elk Grove Boulevard and Highway 99, a dusty, muddy road. Buckner post office opened in 1853. There was quite a bit of traffic on that road, and it was the major link between the growing towns. Buckner’s stage stop was only a mile north of the Elk Grove Stage Stop, built by James Hall in 1850. These were the only two buildings in the area. Major Buckner applied for the post office and established our first operating post office in 1853. The next year in 1854, James Hall opened up a second post office at his stage stop. He called it the Elk Grove Post Office. After Hall left the area, the Elk Grove post office, which had only been in operation for seven months, was discontinued. Then in 1857, the Buckner post office name was changed to Elk Grove. It appears that Buckner left the area, and the person who bought him out must have liked the Elk Grove name better than Buckner. Perhaps the new owner had great visionary powers and knew that here would be a great city with the name of Elk Grove!
On the busy Stockton Road, the Elk Grove Stage Stop became an important stop between Sacramento and Stockton. Passengers traveled on the Butterworth Express, but Wells Fargo Express carried everything else. They delivered goods, converted gold dust and nuggets into U. S. gold coins; and provided checks and bank drafts to miners, merchants and farmers. They traveled on hundreds of miles of desert, prairie, and mountain roads delivering mail, and they came right here to our Elk Grove! Henry Wells and William Fargo started the Wells Fargo company that we still have with us today!
The year 1868, was a landmark one for both Elk Grove and its post office. The Western Division of the Central Pacific Railroad completed its tracks from Sacramento to Stockton. This was the good news, but the bad news was that the north-south railroad tracks missed the growing town of Elk Grove by a little more than a mile. The town was left stranded west of the railroad.
A railroad depot was built by the new tracks, but there wasn’t any way to get to the railroad from our little town Elk Grove. So a road was cut between the properties of Joseph Kerr and his brother, George Harvey Kerr, from the railroad tracks to the little town of Elk Grove. This is the road we know of today as Elk Grove Boulevard, ardentforlife.net 65
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Mail slots - from old EG Post Office "Jolly Postman" by Norman Rockwell
Sloughhouse Post Office
Old timers (who were kids in those early days of mail delivery) told of getting candy at Christmas from the mailman, a special touch for little ones by a caring person. but its first name was Main Street when the new town began to grow by the tracks. Inside the railroad depot was the new post office and also a store. John D. Cox was the first postmaster at this site. He and his brother operated a store and ran the post office. The town and businesses began to develop by the railroad tracks. The future was the railroad, and it would continue to be for many years. John Andrews, the Wells Fargo Agent, was the postmaster in 1872. The train delivered the mail to Elk Grove and picked up letters and packets to be taken from area residents to friends and relatives across the country. It was a great improvement over stage carried mail. The trains were fast – and they were regular and the post office operation was remarkably efficient. Vivian Welch was the first woman to preside at the post office in Elk Grove. She was called a postmistress in those days. There was excellent rapport between farm folks and their mailman for he was their link to the outside world. Old timers (who were kids in those early days of mail delivery) told of getting candy at Christmas from the mailman, a special touch for little ones by a caring person. Our other communities also had post offices. Franklin was established in 1856 and Sheldon in 1860. Sloughhouse continues in Rancho Murieta. The Florin post office continues, and the Wilton post office was established in 1914. Our Pony Express is long gone, but our post office continues to be an integral part of our lives. We have telephones (standard ones and cell phones), FAX machines, voice mail, e-mail, Fed Ex and 66. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2020
UPS, but we still love to go to the mailbox to pick up our mail. The best part is that we don’t have to wait six months for our friend or relative to get the message or package we sent. Today, we are very fortunate to have post offices in close proximity to where we live in the City of Elk Grove and in our surrounding areas of South Sacramento County.
Our Elk Grove post office was in several different buildings in what is now Old Town Elk Grove. It is now on Williamson Drive in Central Elk Grove where it has been since 1986. We also have three postal service buildings s in the Laguna area, west of Highway 99.
BOOKS By ELIZABETH PINKERTON History Happened Here, Book 1 – River, Oaks, Gold Book 2 – Fields, Farms, Schools We the People, a Story of Internment in America
It has been several decades since mail was delivered right to our doors in new areas of Elk Grove, but we do not have far go to our neighborhood mail box. We thank all our people who work hard to provide our mail services!
All book proceeds go for student scholarships. I thank the many purchasers who have made possible the 80 scholarships (each one for $1,000) Please make your check for books payable to Laguna Publishers and mail to: Elizabeth Pinkerton, 9227 Lamprey Drive, Elk Grove CA 95624. Books are $20 each and California sales tax is included. Add $3 for shipping of one or two books; $5 for 3-6 books. Call me at 916-685-0606 or email me at elizabethpink@gmail.com.