Ardent content food &flavor 20. “Experience” Gifts Cindy Della Monica 24. Choose Your Dipping Sauce McConnell Estates 26. Yuletide Delights Rebecca Voorhees 30. Candied Pecans CT Morris 33. Candied Orange Slices Sara Pinnell
love
34. Kaytlin & Nicolas Joanne Butler – Theodora & Rose
education 44. What I’ve learned CT Morris
62.
20. featured
profile
46. Lisa See New York Times Bestselling Author
52. Lodi House Thrift Shelby Young
48. Book Reviews Sacramento Public Library
health
art
40. The forest and the trees Anna Osborn 56. Keeping Family Peace Kaiser Permanente 60. Treat Heartburn and GERD Naturally! Elk Grove Vitamins
community 54. Grand Reopening Elk Grove Fine Arts Center
62. Veterans Day Parade American Legion of Elk Grove
history 64. The Toronto Hotel Louis Silveira 4. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2023
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy No doubt you’ve heard a lot about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy lately. What is it all about? How does it work? Who needs it? Is it something you could benefit from? Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT, is exactly what it sounds like. Your declining hormones are replaced with hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones produced by your own body. Why is this important? Hormones that are not structurally identical to your own (for example, Premarin, which comes from horse urine) do not act the same on your body, may contain hormones that your body does not make and has no receptors for these hormones, so you waste energy by giving incomplete messages to cells which then fail to produce a balanced hormonal response. Also, your body cannot effectively metabolize these foreign hormones, which may have long term unknown, potentially, negative effects on your body.
MYTH: Our hormones levels are declining because we are growing older. FACT: We are growing older because your hormones are declining.
The goal in BHRT is to turn back the hormonal clock to around age 35, or around 20 years younger than your chronological age. Anti-aging medicine is a personalized, metabolic medicine. We now have the science to individually customize your care and we can look at the cause of the problems, instead of just treating symptoms. If you are basically healthy, we can look at how your body breaks down things to help you be healthier and stay healthy. All the patients in my practice have a totally different treatment regime, there are no protocols. It is a very personalized approach.
So is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy right for you? Do you find yourself wondering……? Why am I so tired? Why am I gaining weight? Why do I have mood swings? Why do I have a low sex drive? Why am I not able to sleep well? Why am I having memory lapses? Why do I have frequent urination and/or incontinence? Why do I have migraine headaches?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, bio-identical hormone therapy may be just what would benefit you.
How does the process work?
After obtaining lab testing of saliva, blood or urine, you meet for a consultation with Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, an American Anti-Aging Academy trained physician for evaluation of your unique bio-identical hormonal needs. You are prescribed the specific hormones that your body needs! We use a quality compounding pharmacy and carry a high pharmaceutical grade of supplements for your use. Your hormones are a symphony of interactions. All of your hormones are designed to work together and if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. It is an interactive balance and as unique to an individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all. Treating even “mild” hormonal deficiencies can dramatically improve quality of life. Longevity medicine is aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age related decline. We are not prisoners of our genetic destiny. Chronic inflammation is the cause and the effect of most illnesses and the diseases of aging. Balanced hormone optimization and a balanced life style decreases chronic inflammation. Hormone optimization is the finishing touch of an anti-aging lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, anti-oxidants and nutraceuticals.
Community Corner q&a Who are you? What do you do?
My name is Joanne Butler. I am the owner of Theodora & Rose- photographer, videographer, editor, and marketing. What are some of your favorite family holiday traditions?
We enjoy gathering together for a night of food and games. We end the night by taking all the grandkids to look at Christmas lights. What is your favorite holiday food; what is your least favorite?
Joanne Butler Theodora & Rose Story on page 34.
Where can people follow you? Instagram: jwhitney.img
My favorite holiday food is homemade pecan pie. My least favorite is stuffing. What do you do to welcome the New Year?
To welcome the New Year, I remove myself from my busy schedule, turn off my social media and other distractions, and write! I like to write about the previous year: reminiscing on the lessons I learned, pivotal moments that changed me, and experiences that allowed me to develop my character more. I also plan goals for myself, short
term, and long term that I would like to accomplish. Finally, I reflect on the core of Joanne Butler. I examine my own character, my heart, my intentions, and beliefs to give opportunity for correction and change. What was the best thing that happened this past year? What are you hoping to do in 2024?
The best thing that happened to me this past year was moving to Los Angeles. It has been nothing but adventures and new opportunities! In 2024, I am hoping to open my own studio here in Southern California.
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.
Joanne Butler
Owner of Theodora & Rose - Photography and Videography
Allie Crump
Event Manager at McConnell Estates
David Hipskind
Owner of The Red Door Antiques, Vintage, and More. Located in Historic Old Town Elk Grove.
Evan Hust
Evan is a foodie, wine lover, car guy, and Disneyland fanatic. He is the Director of Development and Marketing for the San Joaquin County Historical Society and can also be found behind the bar at Klinker Brick Winery on the weekends.
Dr. Dayle A. Imperato
A Board Certified physician, she has served the Sacramento community for the past 20 years. Owner of Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine in Old Town, Elk Grove.
Cindy Della Monica
Cheesemonger and Owner of Cheese Central in Lodi, Ca.
Carole Morris
Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Elizabeth Pinkerton
Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.
Justin Pinnell
Justin is not just another pretty face in Real Estate. He enjoys long walks on the beach and high mountain sunsets.
Louis Silveira
Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and Archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past eight years.
Rebecca Voorhees
Designer by day. Blogger by night. Diva 24/7. Follow me on my adventures in the kitchen @divadicucina
Zachary Wackman
General Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Kayla Webb
Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Brendle Wells
Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”
For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net. 14. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2023
Indulge in Yuletide Delights! If homemade eggnog is your holiday craving, head to page 26 for Rebecca Voorhees's delectable treat. While there, mix up some Ginger Cookies using the recipe as your guide.
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 © 2023 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
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Checking In The colors of the trees and the grape vines are mesmerizing, aren’t they? In some parts of the country the trees are bare, and the fall plumage has faded. Doesn’t it make you smirk just a little? It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us! Hamilton Wright Mabie said, "Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." Let’s do our best to be a part of the conspiracy of love, this year.
executive editor
Carole Morris What Have I Learned? There is a very interesting concept presented to us by Cindy Della Monica, Owner of Cheese Central. It’s “experience gifting”. Read all about a fun gift that you can give for Christmas in place of the same old gift card! Tucked in with the article are some simple hors d’oeuvres recipes. Read about a brick building built in 1876, that has had many face lifts over the years, the Toronto Hotel. We have lovingly stirred on to the pages of Ardent recipes galore! The Yuletide Delights Naughty Eggnog and Ginger Cookies. Even Sara has shared some of her recipes with us, giving Justin a run for his money…
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food} Cheese Central December, New Year’s, and 2024 are all upon us! The Yuletide festivities bring great joy in so many ways. Special holiday dinnerware comes out of high cabinets. Crystal glassware sparkles, linens are laundered and ironed. Favorite recipes are prepared ahead for less stressful meal service to those invited to join the party. Then, the inevitable gift-giving starts: for coworkers, neighbors, white elephant games, family and friends, and charitable giving. Carefully calculated holiday budgets are stretched! I’m famous for my lists, which I start in the first week of January for the new year– helping me stay on course. I can keep track of things I purchased throughout the year, or items mentioned in a conversation that I would like to remember for gift time. And the gift doesn’t need to be for Christmas…there are the birthdays and anniversaries that each year holds?
No matter the occasion, it is becoming harder to find the perfect gift for my recipients; and more “things'' aren't always the answer in these days of trendy “purging the clutter.” On the other hand, a gift card is somewhat impersonal unless it is geared specifically to the recipient’s special interest or request. Therefore, creativity in “experience gifting,” is what I like the best--I try to plan the experience gift to include me, too, because I can snap photos during the fun of memory making! “Experience” gifts are oriented to an activity, a promise of being memorable. Though a new location is exciting, consider time, travel, and budget. A great experience doesn’t have to leave home, and amazing experiences are to be had at every price point. If your recipient expresses an interest in oil painting, don’t go crazy investing in all the art supplies necessary for the new hobby. Give the experience to a budding artist via the painting studio. Fun one time, but if it doesn’t spark an excited interest in painting again– there is always another gift opportunity in the near future!
For a young grandson, I went to Goodwill and purchased a music box for $3. I sat him down at the dining table with a plastic bowl and a tiny screwdriver. My instructions? “Take it apart, put the parts in the bowl, and let’s see how this works!” He looked at me wide-eyed, and said “you WANT me to break it?” Nope, take it apart, see how it works, then put it back together again! He was engrossed for two hours AND put it back together—and it worked! He wants to know what to “break” next ;}
Consider what is age appropriate, too. I’ve always used this attention-span rule: 3yr old / 3 hours, 8ry old / 5-8 hours, etc. Teens? The cool-ness
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“Experience”
Gifts By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
food} Cheese Central factor might be more appropriate than the attention span! If unsure of the “cool” factor, make the experience one where the recipient is not observed by those who might judge (don’t despair—he/she WILL grow out of this phase). A homemade pizza lesson at home would be perfect for a young teen! As simple as that is, get creative to make it interesting. After sharing the pizza meal you make together, send the recipient home with a pizza box of ready-to-bake pizza for the freezer that you made together. Snap photos throughout the process! Plan for future happiness. I have organized digital scavenger hunts, Sacramento Mystery Addresses day trip (pre-GPS, old school with a paper map from AAA got us to a candy factory tour, an unusual lunch spot, grand opening of a new store, and a couple of unexpected stops along the way). How about a mom/daughter tea party for eight at the lovely Hidden Tea Room in Lodi, complete with the little girls and moms in hats and pearls? My garden holds a mosaic stepping stone from the home mosaic party hosted by my daughter as a Mother’s Day gift—so much fun! One year, the grandkids received a small toolbox with kid-sized tools, from us; a simple woodworking project book, and a future craft date with Grampa. They made stilts, and are still practicing with them in the backyard. I have spectacular photos of the three of them, with Grampa teaching how to use the cordless drill and a handsaw, and the finished projects displayed with beaming smiles. I LOVE a delicious meal adventure. Consider kids AND adults here. Visit a restaurant cuisine new to you both—try Indian, Japanese, or Mexican. Peruse the menu and enjoy the meal. While dining, plan a future date to recreate your favorite new dishes at home. For example, the interesting ravioli or tandoori chicken or vegetable egg rolls you discovered at that restaurant would be fun to try your hand making at home on a future date!
Don’t want to cook at home? Take a cooking class together… Here's CHEESE CENTRAL’s promo. I teach a wide variety of fun classes: cheese education, bread baking workshops, classes that highlight single ingredients such as Apple a Day, or Loads of Lemons, and more. Culinary Classes include a full meal of 5-6 dishes, participation cooking, and the proper liquid libation! Our current class schedule is available in the shop, and as a link in our calendar page on the website www.CheeseCentralLodi.com.
Know a “drama queen or king?” Tickets to a local theater company production, and information on how to volunteer to participate in a future production would be super fun. Or, eat cheese and drink wine, or milk and cookies, or yoga with the baby goats at Spenker Winery in Lodi. Check their website for other fun experiences, too! Ever tried an Escape Room? It’s a terrific group party that gets everyone involved and adrenaline running! How about a dress-up dance party and karaoke machine? Add yummy appetizers and a signature beverage or mocktail. Follow the recipes below, and let the celebrations begin!
Simple Hors D’oeuvres
--Melba toasts with country pate, mustard and cornichon --Melba toasts with smoked salmon and crème fraiche
Garnish with fresh herbs or thinly sliced green onions or chives
--Chevre toasts with green apples and walnuts
Using a 2” thick piece of Bucherondin, brush lightly with olive oil. Broil until the top is browned and bubbling, 3-4 minutes. Place on platter with green apple slices, crisp baguette toasts, and toasted walnut halves.
As always, our staff at CHEESE CENTRAL is ready to help you with samples of our 100+ cheeses at the counter. Visit us at 11 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240 or visit our website at www.cheesecentrallodi.com
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food} Cheese Central
French Onion Tartlets By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
Ingredients
4 T butter 2 medium onion, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste ¼ t fresh thyme leaves Steps
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1 T dry white wine 4 oz cream cheese, room temp 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 T chopped fresh parsley 2 pkgs. (15 count each) mini phyllo shells
Heat oven to 350*. In a medium sized skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped onions and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes until softened. Add salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook onions for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then add fresh thyme leaves. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer, stirring, until onions are deep golden brown and very caramelized. Add white wine and continue to cook 3 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese, egg and parsley until well combined. Place shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Fill each shell with a scant tablespoon of onion mixture. Bake for 10-15 minutes until shells are lightly golden and phyllo is lightly browned on top. Serve warm.
food}
Choose Your Dipping Sauce with McConnell Estates By Allie Crump, Event Manager at McConnell Estates - mcconnellestates.com
This holiday season, take a cue from those who know wine and steak pairings best—the French! Served in brasseries all over France, steak frites is a classic matchup easily elevated when paired with the estate-grown Reserve wines in our Brothers’ Line and these complementary steak sauces. We recommend the following pairings: The lush notes of cherry and fig in our MKW Winemaker’s Blend are a nice complement to the rich, wine-forward notes of this Bordelaise Sauce. The sweet, tanginess of our homemade barbecue sauce is a winner when coupled with the balanced notes of mulberry and red plum in our HPW Primitivo. The light and playful notes of raspberry and vanilla in our ACW Malbec absolutely sing with the bright, herbaceous notes in this Chimichurri sauce. And the boldness of our Tannat, with its complex notes of blackberry and butterscotch, strikes a lovely balance with this creamy and umami Mushroom Sauce. Happy feasting! 24. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2023
food} McConnell Estates Recipes
Steak - Choose a steak with a medium
amount of marbling, such as NY Strip, Flank, Filet Mignon, Skirt, or Sirloin.
French Fries - Frozen shoestring or thin cut is preferred. Cook according to package directions. Alternatively, you can make fries from scratch or stop by your favorite restaurant to pick some up!
Bordelaise Sauce 1 cup dry red wine 1 large shallot, sliced 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 2 cups beef stock 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon flour salt and pepper to taste 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Add wine, shallot, thyme, and bay leaf to a saucepan. Boil until reduced by half. Add the broth and boil until reduced by half
again. This should take 20-30 minutes. Strain the sauce. In a clean saucepan, add the butter and flour. Whisk and cook over low heat until golden brown. Add the strained sauce and cook over medium-low heat while whisking constantly until the mixture is thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add vinegar and serve.
BBQ Sauce
1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon each: chili powder, paprika, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper 2 teaspoons salt 1.5 cups ketchup 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Add butter and spices to a saucepan. Toast over low heat until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, stir and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Add water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Let cool and serve.
Chimichurri Sauce 1 medium shallot, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley 1 tablespoon fresh oregano 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2/3 cup high quality olive oil salt and pepper to taste
Add the shallot, garlic, parsley, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely minced, scraping down the sides of the bowl if necessary. This should take about 10-15 pulses. Add vinegar and oil. Pulse 2-3 more times until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Mushroom Sauce
1/4 cup butter 8 oz cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 medium shallot, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon porcini mushroom powder, optional 1/2 cup beef broth 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Add the butter and mushrooms to a skillet. Sauté over medium heat until they release their water and start to brown. Add the shallot and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add the porcini powder and toast for 1 min. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened and glossy, about 10-15 min. Serve immediately.
NOTE: All McConnell Estate's wines are available in our tasting room or e-store. You can visit our online store by scanning the QR code or through our website www.mcconnellestates.com.
food}
Yuletide Delights By Rebecca Voorhees www.divadicucina.com
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food} Diva Di Cucina Holiday flavors are all about creating a cozy and festive experience. The aromatic spices of gingerbread cookies wafting through the house as you sip on a decadent glass of homemade eggnog and listen to Christmas music while enjoying time with family and friends. Holiday recipes make up such a big part of our memories and for some people are what make this season truly special. I am excited to share with you two fun seasonal recipes that are sure to make your spirits bright, my Naughty Eggnog and Ginger Cookies. I hope you enjoy!
Naughty Eggnog
Eggnog is one of the ultimate holiday drinks. You just can’t beat that rich and creamy flavor steeped with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
This recipe is light and frothy, and has just the right amount of sweet. Plus, the rum packs a nice little punch…that’s what makes this recipe just the right amount of naughty!
One thing that I absolutely love about this recipe is that the eggs are par cooked in the hot milk, similar to a custard, giving this a less eggy flavor than some of traditional recipes out there that just use raw eggs.
Eggnog is a drink that people either love or hate. Regardless of how you feel about it, eggnog is embedded in holiday traditions and if you have never made your own, there is no time like the present, so give it a try!
Note: If you want a family friendly version of the eggnog, just omit the rum from the recipe. Ingredients
3 1/2 c. milk 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cinnamon stick pinch of ground cloves Steps
• In a large saucepan heat the milk, vanilla, cinnamon, cinnamon stick, and cloves over medium heat.
• Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
• Allow the milk to set for about two minutes while the cinnamon stick seeps.
• While the milk is cooling, beat the egg yolks and sugar in a large mixing bowl until it’s pale yellow and fluffy.
• Discard the cinnamon stick and slowly pour the milk into the egg mixture.
• Beat the eggnog mixture on low speed until it is well incorporated.
6 egg yolks 3/4 c. granulated sugar 1 c. golden rum (or brandy if you prefer) 1 c. heavy cream 1/4 tsp. nutmeg • Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat on medium/ medium-low heat for 5 minutes. DO NOT LET IT BOIL OR THE EGGS WILL CURDLE! • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rum, heavy cream, and nutmeg. • Allow the eggnog to cool at room temperature for at least an hour.
• Transfer the eggnog to a pitcher or serving dish and refrigerate for 8–10 hours. • If you really want to indulge, serve it in a glass rimmed with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar and top it with whipped cream and a dash of additional cinnamon or nutmeg. Cheers!
For more great recipes visit www.divadicucina.com
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food} Diva Di Cucina
Ginger
Cookies By Rebecca Voorhees www.divadicucina.com
I just love the rich flavor that comes from the molasses and brown sugar, and they have just the right amount of spice. I use a combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves which fills your house with an amazing aroma as they bake and is sure to evoke feelings of the magic of the holiday season. Ingredients
2 3/4 c. flour 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1 tsp. baking soda Steps
• In a medium bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
These cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. They are thick and chewy on the inside, with a nice little crackly sugar coating on the outside.
28. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2023
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
1/4 tsp. salt 3/4 c. butter, softened 1 c. brown sugar 1/3 c. dark molasses 2 tsp. vanilla 1 egg 1/3 c. granulated sugar • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350º
• Pour the 1/3 cup of sugar onto a small plate.
• Form the dough into 1” balls and roll each one in the sugar.
• Add the molasses, vanilla, • Place the cookies about 2” and large egg to the bowl and apart on parchment paper mix until combined. lined cookie sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes or • Gradually fold in the flour until they just start to turn a ingredients into the butter golden brown on the bottom. mixture. • Allow the cookies to cool • Cover the bowl and for a few minutes before refrigerate the dough for transferring them to a 30 minutes. cooling rack.
food} Nothing says welcome to “our home” than the smell of candied pecans wafting in the air. The scent is unmatchable! Trivia question to share with family and friends as they are oohing and awing over your candied pecans. “What major tree nuts are indigenous to North America?” Answer…Pecans (only). The term “pecan” comes from an Algonquian word meaning “requiring a stone to crack”.
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1 ½ Tablespoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon salt • 16 ounces pecans halves (approximately 4 cups) • 1 large egg white • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 teaspoon water Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Either line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or thoroughly spray pan with Pam.
Mix together thoroughly… granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, and set aside. In a large bowl (with mixer) beat the egg white, vanilla, and water until stiff peaks form. Gently stir in pecans to the egg white’s mixture and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle in the cinnamon sugar mixture and stir gently until the pecans are well coated. Spread the pecans on the prepared baking sheet (in a single layer). Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Remove from oven, then allow the pecans to cool completely on the baking sheet. Serve on a charcuterie board, or in a holiday bowl…they hold up great in gift baskets too! 30. ardentforlife.net - 2023
Happy Holidays By CT Morris
Candied Pecans
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food}
Enjoy them à la mode, dip them in chocolate, as a cake decoration, or use them to garnish a cocktail/mocktail. These flavorful candied fruits are versatile! Easy to make, but make sure to leave time for them to dry out at the end (about 24 hours). Ingredients
• Ice water • 8 cups water, divided • 4 small oranges • 4 cups granulated sugar • Granulated sugar for coating
Candied Orange Slices By Sara Pinnell
Directions
Prepare a bowl of ice water.
Slice your oranges, aiming for slices about 3/16 thick. If they are too thick, they will take longer to dry and if they are too thin the middle will not hold form. However, if either of these two things happen, they will still be delicious!
Boil 4 cups of water. Add orange slices, and boil for 2-3 minutes to reduce bitterness. Transfer slices to the bowl of ice water. Boil 4 cups of water and 4 cups of sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer, add orange slices, simmer for 55 minutes until rinds are slightly translucent. Stir every 10 minutes to ensure even coating. After simmering, line slices on a cooling rack to dry for about 24 hours. The remaining sugar solution can be used as a simple syrup in holiday cocktails or mocktails.
Once dried, the slices won't be completely stiff but firm enough to slice in half if desired. Coat them in granulated sugar and enjoy your sweet Christmas treat! ardentforlife.net 33
Kaytlin &Nicolas
love}
stories
Photographed by Joanne Butler - Theodora & Rose theodoraandrose.com
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love}
Tell us about you…
We both were born in San Joaquin County; Nicolas was born in Lodi and I was born in Stockton. We both went to the same school and grew up in the same church. Nicolas works as a diesel mechanic and I am a teacher’s assistant. We love to spend our time together trying new recipes, going on spontaneous road trips, and playing games with our families. How did you meet?
We were always right in the vicinity of each other. Like we said, we went to the same church and same school (elementary, middle, and high school). A lot of our lives overlapped. Since I (Kaytlin) am a few years younger, we never spent time together. Nicolas' mom and my aunt started playing matchmaker. Nicolas had already started feeling something for me, but never pursued it. He decided to start sending me DMs on Instagram, but he didn’t realize he was on my old account, so he assumed I was ignoring him. However, he eventually got my number and asked me out on our first date. We went up to Jackson, only to discover that the restaurant was closed…we ended up driving around and talking for hours. At the end of the night, Nicolas says that he knew he was going to marry me.
stories
Everythingwas so effortless after talking for a little amount of time. People always say “When you know, you know” and it was crazy to me that I knew.
The Proposal?
Nicolas: I went on a field trip to San Francisco with Kaytlin and her preschool class. All day I was carrying the ring around, terrified she was going to find it. I kept moving it from my backpack, to my pocket, then to my boot. It was so stressful, because it was crucial for it to be a surprise. Eventually, I drove her up on the cliffs of San Francisco overlooking the Golden Gate. She had no idea; she even said on the way up to the spot, ”This would be the perfect spot
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love}
stories
for someone to propose!” When we got to the spot that was all decorated for her, she said “We need to get out of here! I think someone is going to get proposed to here!” We had some friends and family there that were a big help with the setup. They made it so beautiful and caught it all on camera. Kaytlin: I’ve never been more shocked! Nicolas planned the most seamless and beautiful surprise engagement, so much so that I thought it was someone else’s special moment. I didn’t realize it was for me until he took my hand and walked me over to the adorable setup. The day was so perfect and so special - the sunset, the location, on the cliffs overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, the ring - EVERYTHING. My friends and family were there, complete with sparkling apple cider and chocolate milk. I find myself thinking about it often.
What is love?
Kaytlin: Being selfless and putting the other person first. Nicolas: Love is not feeling whole unless you are with the person you love.
What do you love most about him?
Kaytlin: There’s so many things I love about Nicolas! But to list some, how sensitive he is to the things of God. How hard a worker he is, he’s so ambitious and a gogetter - always thinking about different ways to better something. How thoughtful he is, and how he makes me feel like I’m the only one in the room, and the way he loves me.
What do you love most about her?
Nicolas: I love her passion and her little crazy mannerisms. How real she is.
When did you know you were in love?
Kaytlin: When I realized how much I cared about him, and how quickly we became best friends. Everything was so effortless after talking for a little amount of time. People always say “When you know, you know” and it was crazy to me that I knew, I was so confident in that no questions asked. Nicolas: The night of our first date, I knew that I loved her because I realized I never wanted to be with anyone else.
Fun facts
Our first date was 2/2/22! Our sisters were best friends in high school We have a puppy named Remy
What did you enjoy most on your wedding day?
Nicolas: Finally watching her walk down the aisle to me.
Kaytlin: When we were walking back down the aisle and the feeling of “We just got married!”. All the stress and nerves were all over and it was the best feeling. When we were sitting at the reception and taking it all in and getting to see all the people we care and love so much show up. I wish I could go back and soak in every single moment .
Honeymoon
The weekend of our wedding we got to spend in Monterey at a beautiful hotel right on the beach. And then a few weeks later, we were able to go on a cruise to Greece and Italy. It was such a fun experience and we loved every single second.
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ILove
her passion and her little crazy mannerisms.
love}
stories
Vendor List
Photography Joanne Butler – Theodora & Rose Videographer Timmy & Nathaniel Khadvongsinh Venue Delta Diamond Farm Rentals Gufras Caterer 96 H Wedding Coordinator Alisha Rivas Desserts Something Sweet Bakery - Galt Florist Bride's Mom Tux Rentals Mens Warehouse Bride's Dress Elizabeth of Lodi – Custom Made
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health}
The forest and the trees By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach
I was talking to a friend the other day about life, parenting, relationships and literally all things. As you can imagine, it was a conversation that went in all sorts of different directions. As we spoke, I realized that there are some things I have waaay too much distance from and other things where I need to take a big ol’ step back.
We all know the saying, can’t see the forest for the trees, but what about when all you can see is the vastness of the forest…what’s that called? I mean they’re obviously very different things. And I think, at times, I struggle with both!
You see, sometimes I’m so thick in the weeds or focused on a darn tree that I forget the bigger picture. I lose sight of the things all around me that are literally there to support and encourage me during more stressful or overwhelming times. And I’m sure you’ve been there too.
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When your partnership or your parenting woes are taking all of your attention, it’s really, really hard to focus on anything else. In fact, your intimate relationship is so important to your overall well-being, that we know you move about the world with more confidence and success when your home base is secure. Yes, research actually supports this over and over again. Which sadly means the inverse is true. The more unstable and stressful your relationship is, the more angst it causes you in all other areas in your life.
We all know that feeling your feelings is hard, especially the not so fun feelings. But if you choose to numb yourself off from your harder emotions, you risk being disconnected from ALL of your feelings and that really doesn’t work in love.
And yet an overly focused view can leave you without the perspective needed to make the necessary changes or improvements. Acck!
Well it takes practice AND some checks and balances.
So, it’s easy to see why focusing on the proverbial relationship tree can be all consuming and hard to step back from.
And then we have the darn ol’ forest. The risk of erring on the side of disconnection so you don’t have to face or feel the enormity of life or love stressors. Putting things in a nice and tidy box (until it spills out everywhere) and keeping such a broad view of things that you lack the emotional connection needed in your relationship.
So what gives?
Do we need to focus on the forest or the trees?
How do we keep perspective while also being emotionally connected to important situations (and people) in our lives? How do you keep your eye on what’s right in front of you while also not forgetting about all the other things going on around you?
Perspective is important and so is connection. Your relationship actually thrives on both.
You need perspective to be able to see what really matters. Where you need to dig in and make some adjustments. You need perspective to have a better vantage point of what really matters in the long run so you can release the minor annoyances that love throws your way.
health} relationship skills
If you choose to numb yourself off from your harder emotions, you risk being disconnected from ALL of your feelings and that really doesn’t work in love. You also need connection because it’s our lifeline to one another. You need emotional connection to create and foster intimacy, vulnerability and security. You need connection to be each other’s lighthouse in the storm. And creating a balance of the two is a beautiful thing.
You create that balance by learning the delicate dance of zooming in and zooming out. Waiting a bit before you react to a situation while also knowing that how you feel is important…even if it doesn’t make all the sense in the world. You allow for do-overs when things get a little too tense. You swallow your pride and circle back when you realize you responded at a level 9 when it was really a level 3 situation. You practice the art of ‘I’m sorry’ and ‘I love you’. You realize that sometimes it’s not about you AND other times it really is all about you. But most importantly, you make room for both. Perspective and connection. The forest and the trees.
And you celebrate when it’s all in flow. I believe in the two of you!
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com. ardentforlife.net 41
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education}
How much does the weather affect our mood? Many of us know that there is a Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is depression brought on by the lack of sunlight. If you’re consistently downcast at the same time of year, then you may have SAD.
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education}
What I’ve Learned About
The Weather By CT Morris BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
These overcast cloudy days have the song “Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down” playing over and over in my head… even though it’s not Monday. I don’t know if you realize this— but, there are many songs and poems written about the weather, because weather represents a wide range of emotions associated with the heart and mind. When you sing “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, you can feel your mood begin to lift. On the other hand, singing the song “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas triggers a feeling of melancholy as we contemplate our mortality.
Moreover, there have been many stories that have been written throughout time utilizing the weather to add drama to their story line or to show emotion. Wind can imply a change that happens without warning, clouds and rain represent sadness or memories. Conversely, warm summer days usually indicate love and happiness. Really though, how much does the weather affect our mood? Many of us know that there is a Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD) which is depression brought on by the lack of sunlight. If you’re consistently downcast at the same time of year, then you may have SAD. But our mood can be affected by so many factors related to the weather so that it seems to change the way we feel. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mood disorder you might find yourself more sensitive to wind, barometric pressure, rain, and cloudy sky cover. The sun has the greatest positive effect on mental health, especially when spending time outdoors. Then again, hotter temperatures tend to make us cranky and irritated, so a sunny day might not guarantee happiness. We all know people who have an “attitude” towards the weather which really has more of an effect on them than the weather itself. There is even a term for it… “weather reactivity”. One 2011
study for the American Psychological Association's Emotion journal found that people who were “rain haters” were indeed less happy on drizzly days. Comparatively “summer haters” were less fearful and angry on cooler days. The study found that the weather itself is less important than how we feel about it. They said if you reframe your outlook that helps boost your mood. Positive self-talk is a coping strategy that can help you overcome negative thinking and feel encouraged, motivated, and optimistic. It can improve your confidence in difficult situations and may protect your mental health.
Seriously, if you believe your self-talk (or self-song) is too negative, you can learn to shift that inner dialogue. Can we change the weather? Nope. But we can change how we feel about it. Instead of singing “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” try a couple of verses of “I’m Walking on Sunshine”.
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featured}
New York Times
Lisa See Bestselling Author
In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, Island of Sea Women, Peony in Love, Shanghai Girls, Dreams of Joy, and China Dolls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the strong bonds between women. These books have been celebrated for their authentic, deeply researched, lyrical stories about Chinese characters and cultures. Ms. See’s new novel, Lady Tan’s Circle of Women, is inspired by the true story of Tan Yunxian—a woman born in the 15th century who became a doctor of women and girls. Lady Tan’s Circle of Women is not only a captivating story of women helping women, but it is also a triumphant reimaging of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable and inspirational today. Barnes & Noble has chosen the novel for its nationwide June 2023 Book Club and Target has chosen it for its August 2023 Book Club. Photo by Patricia Williams
Ms. See has always been intrigued by stories that have been lost, forgotten, or deliberately covered up, whether in the past or happening right now in the world today. For Snow Flower, she traveled to a remote area of China—where she was told she was only the second foreigner ever to visit—to research the secret writing invented, used, and kept a secret by women for over a thousand years. Amy Tan called the novel “achingly beautiful, a marvel of imagination.” Others agreed, and foreign-language rights for Snow Flower were sold to 39 countries. The novel also became a New York Times bestseller, a Booksense Number One Pick, has won numerous awards domestically and internationally, and was made into a feature film produced by Fox Searchlight. Ms. See was born in Paris but grew up in Los Angeles. She lived with her mother but spent a lot of time with her father’s family in Chinatown. Her first book, On Gold Mountain: The One Hundred Year Odyssey of My Chinese-American Family (1995), was a national bestseller and a New York Times Notable Book. The book traces the journey of Lisa’s great-grandfather, Fong See, who overcame obstacles at every step to become the 100-year-old godfather of
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Los Angeles’s Chinatown and the patriarch of a sprawling family.
While collecting the details for On Gold Mountain, she developed the idea for her first novel, Flower Net (1997), which was a national bestseller, a New York Times Notable Book, and on the Los Angeles Times Best Books List for 1997. Flower Net was also nominated for an Edgar award for best first novel. This was followed by two more mystery-thrillers, The Interior (2000) and Dragon Bones (2003), which once again featured the characters of Liu Hulan and David Stark. This series inspired critics to compare Ms. See to Upton Sinclair, Dashiell Hammett, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Ms. See has led an active and varied career. She was the Publishers Weekly West Coast Correspondent for thirteen years. As a freelance journalist, her articles have appeared in Vogue, Self, and More, as well as in numerous book reviews around the country. She wrote the libretto for Los Angeles Opera based on On Gold Mountain, which premiered in June 2000 at the Japan American Theatre and was remounted in the Chinese Garden at the Huntington Library and Gardens in 2022. She also served as guest
Q&A Who has inspired you and influenced your work?
I adored my paternal grandmother. She probably was the greatest influence on my life. She loved to travel. She wasn’t very conventional. (She married a Chinese man when it was still against the law.) My mom, Carolyn See, who is a writer, has also been a huge influence on my life as a woman and a writer. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the writer I am if not for her. Bob Dylan has also been an influence, not that I know him or anything. (Hey, Bob, if you’re reading this, give a call!) Lastly, I’d have to say Wallace Stegner. I used a line from Angle of Repose as the epigraph for On Gold Mountain: “Fooling around in the papers my grandparents, especially my grandmother, left behind, I get glimpses of lives close to mine, related to mine in ways I recognize but don’t comprehend. I’d like to live in their clothes a while.” I didn’t realize when I used those lines that the sentiment would continue to influence me and my writing to this day.
What is your educational background?
curator for an exhibit on the Chinese-American experience at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, which then traveled to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., in 2001. Ms. See then helped develop and curate the Family Discovery Gallery at the Autry Museum, an interactive space for children and their families that focused on Lisa’s bi-racial, bi-cultural family as seen through the eyes of her father as a seven-year old boy living in 1930s Los Angeles. She has designed a walking tour of Los Angeles Chinatown and wrote the companion guidebook for Angels Walk L.A. to celebrate the opening of the MTA’s Chinatown metro station. She also curated the inaugural exhibition—a retrospective of artist Tyrus Wong—for the grand opening of the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles.
Ms. See was honored as National Woman of the Year by the Organization of Chinese American Women in 2001, was the recipient of the Chinese American Museum’s History Makers Award in 2003, and received the Golden Spike Award from the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California in 2017. She sits on the boards of Los Angeles Opera, The Music Center, the 1871 Chinese Massacre Foundation, and the Trusteeship—an organization comprised of preeminent women of achievement and influence in diverse fields.
Ms. See lives in Los Angeles. To learn more, please visit her web site at www.LisaSee.com. You can also follow her adventures on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
I went to Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I started out as an art history major, but I graduated with a B.A. in Humanities. I ended up creating my own major, which was Modern Greek Studies. On the surface, it would seem like that wouldn’t have helped me much as a writer, but actually it did. I learned the pleasures and surprises of research, which are at the heart of all my books.
How and when did you decide to become a writer?
I knew three things about myself when I was growing up. I never wanted to get married, I didn’t want to have children, and I always wanted to live out of a suitcase. I took two years off from college to travel in Europe. The whole time I was wondering how I was going to make my life work the way I envisioned it and how I would be able to support myself. One morning, when I was living in Greece, I woke up and it was like a cartoon light bulb had gone off in my head. I thought, Oh, I could be a writer! But clearly I didn’t know myself very well, because I also got married and had children. I still spend an awful lot of time living out of a suitcase though!
What’s your writing process?
I get up early and work on my e-mail for an hour or two. Then I write 1,000
featured} Lisa See words a day. That’s only four pages. Some days I write more, but I try never to write less. I usually have an outline, and I write from beginning to end without stopping to edit. Some writers won’t move forward until they get one page absolutely perfect, but I think you can spend a lot of time questioning yourself and making things perfect before going on. Also, if you write straight through, you allow magic to happen. A good example of that was when I was working on The Interior. (Spoiler alert! If you’re about to read that book, don’t read the rest of this paragraph.) It’s a mystery, so a body was discovered up around page three and the identity of the killer and the conspiracy were going to be revealed around page 400. I was working one day—typing and minding my own business—when all of a sudden it turned out the killer was someone completely different than who I’d planned. I knew I’d have to go back and add some clues and bits and pieces so that readers wouldn’t be upset that the killer had just popped out of nowhere. So I went back to the beginning and there he was in the first scene! In fact, he’d done everything he’d needed to do. I didn’t need to add a single word. That, to me, is the magic of writing, and it was something I never could have planned.
How do you feel about your books after you’re done writing them?
I’m happy to say there isn’t one that I would want to rewrite. I did the best I could at the time, and they are each snapshots of a particular moment. That doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Far from it. But I wouldn’t change them.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Write 1,000 words a day, five days a week, before you do anything else. At the end of a week, you’ll have twenty pages—a chapter. If you do it first thing in the morning, then you won’t get distracted by all the things that tempt you not to write.
So much of writing happens, I think, in the editing process. I tell aspiring writers that they should listen to criticism—whether it’s from a teacher or an editor—and then look at it three ways. About a third of all editing suggestions are right, a third are absolutely wrong, and a third are things you have to look at, consider, and play around with.
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art} books
Reviews brought to you by the
Mother Daughter Murder Night
By: Nina Simon
Book Reviews by Brendle Wells While armchair travel is a definite reading pleasure, there is equal pleasure in reading about an area you are familiar with. Mother Daughter Murder Night is set in the Elkhorn Slough region of the central California coast and offers a vivid portrait of the area in its descriptions of the land and water. Even better are its portrayals of the characters and their relationships. It’s got all of that, and a cozy mystery puzzling enough for the experienced reader. There are so many reasons to check it out! In the book, Jack, a young teenager, stumbles upon a body while leading a kayaking tour in the Slough. Somehow she becomes the main suspect of the police, something which infuriates her mother, Beth, and her grandmother, Lana. Beth and Lana have always had a fraught relationship and are now stuck together in a small shack while Lana undergoes treatment for cancer. The situation at home is tense, but both want to keep Jack out of harm’s way. Solving the crime might just be the thing that brings all three of them closer together. Their investigation will uncover a web of land disputes, conservation efforts, family vendettas and lies, offering plenty of motivation, suspects and potential danger for our sleuths. This is a perfect selection for all mystery readers and especially fans of books like Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers and Arsenic and Adobo. William Morrow 2023
What You Are Looking For is in The Librar y
Author: Michiko Aoyama
One of the joys of reading is the ability to virtually visit faraway places without leaving the comfort of your home. There is no better way to make those virtual visits than with translated literature, which provides an authentic taste of setting and culture. Already an international bestseller when it arrived in the US, What You Are Looking For Is In The Library provides an opportunity to see daily life in Japan through five interconnected short stories about people who are facing an existential crisis about their life and career. One wants to learn new job skills, another dreams of opening their own business, while yet another is searching for a purpose after retirement. Each finds the assistance they need at their local library courtesy of a Studio Ghibli worthy librarian with a needle felting habit. She possesses an almost magical ability to understand what it is they are actually looking for, providing the books they ask for along with the one book they need. Despite the title, this isn’t an overly sentimental view of the library. The library here is a practical and welcoming community space that provides opportunity to each of the characters. They are the ones who actually work the magic that makes their dreams come true. This is an uplifting and transporting reading experience, perfect for those who read and enjoyed books like Before the Coffee Gets Cold and The Midnight Library. Hanover Square Press, 2023
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art} books
The Siren, The Song, and the Spy
Author: Maggie Tokuda-Hall Children's Book Reviews By Justin Azevedo
A girl calling herself Genevieve washes up on a far-flung shore, trained in deadly arts but half-drowned and at the mercy of the people her Empire has tried to colonize. Which version of herself will she decide to be, when she is taken first to a battle-hardened leader and then to a mysterious creature of the Sea, stranded far inland? A boy calling himself Alfie has come to care for some of the highborn people he lives with in the Imperial palace, even though his job as a spy for the Pirate Supreme could mean bringing violence to all of them. As he is drawn further into intrigue, where will his loyalties ultimately lie? Meanwhile, the Pirate Supreme themself has called a disparate army of allies together, ready to strike a deadly blow against the rapacious Empire. But their success will depend on reestablishing a connection with the vast, ailing Sea, and with a legendary creature that may yet hide within it. This slim follow-up to Tokuda-Hall’s The Mermaid, The Witch, and the Sea packs a lot of action and deep meaning in its pages, telling a high-stakes tale about coming to terms with colonialism and one’s own messy, complicated role in it through various social strata. While a familiarity with the previous volume adds some enjoyment to the proceedings, the ultimate message of reconciliation being achieved not with violence but with hard truths is a universal one that can be enjoyed on its own. Fast-paced, powerful fantasy recommended for ages 14 and up. Candlewick Press, 2023
Becoming Charley
Author: Kelly DiPucchio Illustrator: Loveis Wise Charley has always been a little different from all of the other caterpillars. Everyone knows that to become the best butterfly you can be, you need to keep your head down and eat all of the milkweed you can. But Charley keeps looking up, marveling at the leaves in the trees and stars in the sky. While the other caterpillars think about nothing but orange and black, Charley thinks about blue, and green, and the shapes of mountains and clouds. When the time comes to form a chrysalis, all of the other caterpillars soon emerge in a cloud of orange and black, but Charley lingers, unhatched. It seemed to be inevitable, since Charley was seemingly so bad at becoming a butterfly… until Charley finally emerges with wings in a riot of color, full of all the things Charley loves best. Bright illustrations that evoke wonder and emotion guide the reader along Charley’s musings and eventual transformation. While the story itself strays a bit from the actual science of the monarch butterfly life cycle, it instead offers a heartwarming parable about staying true to oneself—it’s okay to veer from other’s expectations and hold on to what gives you joy, as that joy is an important part of who you become. An affirming read for kids just beginning to flex their individuality, recommended for ages 4-7. Alfred A. Knopf Inc., 2023
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www.saclibrary.org For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
profile}
Store Director, Ed with Lodi House Graduate, Brittany.
Why should you shop at the Lodi House Thrift this season and every season?
Head Sales Associate, Camilla
Written by Shelby Young, Lodi House, Executive Director Photos Courtesy of Lodi House Thrift
Shopping at Lodi House Thrift Boutique is a truly unique and heartwarming experience. From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is unlike any other thrift store. The store is filled with carefully curated high-end products that have been selected with care and attention to detail, creating a shopping experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding. As you browse the store, you can't help but feel a sense of community and belonging. The staff and volunteers are incredibly friendly and welcoming, treating every customer and donor like family. They are passionate about the long-standing 23year mission of Lodi House, to provide compassionate support, counseling and shelter to homeless women and children to empower them to live courageous, healthy and independent lives.
The store's family focus is evident in everything they do, from the quality of the products they offer to the work training program they provide for Lodi House guests. It's clear that every item in the store has been selected and organized to create the best second-hand shopping experience possible. But the store is more than just a place to shop. It's a place where women and children in need can find the support and resources they need to re-
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build their lives. The store acts as a clearing house for all donations, making everything available for free to Lodi House's current guests and graduates from the program. It’s a place where they can shop for clothing, furniture, bedding, home goods or anything they need in their journey of renewing their lives.
All the revenue from the store supports Lodi House’s programs. Last year it contributed over $90,000 to operational expenses. Lodi House serves mothers and children through three stages of programming – a four- to six-month intensive shelter program, a one- to two-year supportive employment and transitional housing program, and our lifetime alumni support network. The shelter program maintains a personal handson program where five women and their children participate in a program that is closely monitored by staff at the Lodi House. Having a small number of guests allows Lodi House staff to build trusting relationships. Each family receives an individual room, daily meals, and a trained staff to assist guests in achieving relational connections and healthy home life while living at the shelter. We also offer employment resources including job connections through our work partnerships and job training program at the Lodi House Thrift Boutique. One-on-one case management, family enrichment, and recreational activities, parent coaching,
money management, therapy, and tutoring are also offered free to Lodi House guests and alumni. When a family graduates from the Lodi House program they are offered a professional family photo session with Gervasi Photography to commemorate their achievement and are eligible to apply for Lodi House’s transitional housing program.
The transitional housing program includes an independent housing unit at a reduced rate, a financial education and planning program, one-on-one support and accountability, monthly transitional group meetings, holiday celebrations as well as food, clothing, furniture, and goods from Lodi House and the Thrift Boutique on an as-needed basis.
The Lodi House Alumni Program provides access to an expansive network of connections and resources including free therapy, financial coaching, employment referrals, community and the thrift store. Lodi House alumni often return to celebrate their achievements, ask for help, receive encouragement and support, or just be reminded that they aren’t alone in their journeys. Lodi House graduates are invited to attend private alumni events. Lodi House’s big family fun activities and their continued success are celebrated each year at our Be Amazing event in the spring.
Volunteering for over a decade, Virginia & Pam Lodi House is committed to providing authentic relationships, accountability, and resources to empower families to create paths to self-sufficiency. Additional services are made available depending on each family's unique needs and the community’s support. Some past examples of additional services are tutoring to complete a high school diploma, helping moms advocate for their children at school, finding affordable or donated assistance with repairing or purchasing vehicles, providing driving lessons, offering moral support at court hearings, and caring for families who are grieving death as well as celebrations of life, new babies, birthdays and holidays.
Overall, shopping at Lodi House Thrift Boutique is an experience that is both rewarding and inspiring. It's a place where you can find quality products, build relationships, and make a difference in the lives of women and children in need. Lodi House is grateful for our shoppers and donors as they are vital to keeping the Lodi House program growing strong. We invite you to visit us and donate and shop at the Lodi House Thrift Boutique or online at eBay, Etsy, Poshmark. It is where every purchase and donation helps change the lives of unsheltered women and children. Contact Information 221 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi, CA 95240 - Phone # 209-365-7622 Store hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm Donation hours: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, Saturday, 10 am - 12 pm www.lodihouse.org - Follow our Thrift Boutique on Instagram and Facebook and hear about our weekly sales. www.instagram.com/lodihousethriftstore www.facebook.com/lodihouse.thrift
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community} happenings
Back To Our Roots Grand Reopening
On December 2, 2023, the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center returned to its roots on Historic Main Street in Old Town Elk Grove. Starting with a full day of art demonstrations in ceramics, silk dye, watercolor, and more, the Center celebrated a Grand Reopening on the first Saturday with hundreds of excited art patrons and curious new guests. The walls of the gallery were filled with artwork, plus numerous displays of art gifts and jewelry. Their new home at 9020 Elk Grove Boulevard is the perfect spot to find a local art treasure for yourself or a loved one. Learn more at elkgrovefineartscenter.org.
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health}
Keeping Family Peace During the Holiday Season
By Jim Raines, Ph.D., Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento and Elk Grove psychologist
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The holidays: a time for family, cooking, presents, festivities, and many other activities. For some, this time of year may not spark total joy. Feelings of “dread” and “anxiety” may come up because the holidays can also be a time of stress and high expectations, exacerbated by family relationships. For example, you may have an uncle who does not share your political views or a relative who asks what seem like judgmental questions, which can put you on the defensive. Or to put it more succinctly: everyone may get on each other’s nerves.
Despite your best intentions and telling yourself “you can do this,” before a holiday gathering, you may find yourself having emotions that come up year after year, making you respond in ways you hadn’t intended.
So why during a time of year that is supposed to be filled with family and joy, can things seem so stressful? Sometimes, it’s because the promise of the holidays can collide with the reality of family dynamics.
The first issue is expectation. We see commercials with families getting together, and experiencing joy, love, and serenity. Yet within 24 hours of being with your own family, seasonal joy may give way to historical realities. “Why is my (insert relative here) able to push all of my buttons?” Here is something I have been telling my patients for years: no one can push your buttons quite like the people who put them there. Family members have a short cut right back to where it all started for you emotionally. So, often our expectations of how our interactions with family will go have been replaced with tension and disappointment. This leads us to the second issue: depleted coping skills.
health} The holidays For some, this time of year may not spark total joy. Feelings of “dread” and “anxiety” may come up because the holidays can also be a time of stress and high expectations, exacerbated by family relationships. No matter how you approach difficult situations, constant stress and pressure can erode your normal coping skills.
An example I like to use is an Olympic sprinter. Their ability to recover after a race is incredibly quick. Within a short period of time, their breathing is back to baseline. But if you ask them to run it again, over and over and over, eventually they will break down. This is what can happen to us. If you are having a conversation, and it gets heated, be aware of your physical state: Is my heart racing? Is my breathing shallow? There is a good chance you are in fight or flight mode and maybe your relatives are, too.
Here are some tactics to help you cope: • Be realistic about what’s possible rather than what’s perfect. Control what you can control and try not to take another family member’s behavior personally. • Set boundaries. If needed, plan for shorter visits. If you are traveling and can budget for it, you may want to stay in a hotel as opposed to your family’s house so that you have a retreat from the stress. • Plan ahead for how you might react or what you might say or do. Tell yourself you will take a short walk, offer to help in the kitchen, or engage with a different family member, if things start to escalate.
• Have an activity planned to keep people occupied or distracted. If a difficult situation does occur, consider saying: “Look, I’m not sure now is the time for us to hash this out, but I would really like for us to talk more about this later.” To help strengthen your coping skills, it’s important to maintain good physical and mental health throughout the holidays. Eat a healthy diet, get lots of rest, and exercise regularly. Practice meditation and breathing exercises. Focus on gratitude and the good in your life.
We can’t control anyone else. We can only influence the situation by our behavior, attitude, and yes even our mood. Many times, leading up to the big family ‘get together’, we run over in our heads all the things that could go wrong or have gone wrong in the past. Maybe you can ask yourself, “How would I like this to go, and what can I do that could help make that happen?” Best of luck. Happy holidays. And pass the eggnog.
Psychologist Jim Raines, PhD, is a specialist in Psychiatry with Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento and Elk Grove and has been with Kaiser Permanente since 2000. ardentforlife.net 57
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Treat Heartburn and GERD Naturally! Written By Terry Lemerond - Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
Usually, the first thing a person does to stop the pain of heartburn is reach for a couple of antacids. It’s almost a trained response; we’ve all seen the commercials on TV telling us why stomach acid is bad, and the best thing to do is quell it as quickly and strongly as possible.
the esophagus. Usually, the one-way valve (called the lower esophageal sphincter) that allows food to enter the stomach but keeps the stomach contents from coming back up opens when it shouldn’t, or doesn’t close properly. The digestive juices in the stomach are very acidic, and when they touch the unprotected lining of the esophagus it causes the characteristic “burn” of heartburn.
What causes the fire?
Of course, heartburn is one thing, but gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is another, more serious condition. When stomach acid repeatedly washes up into the delicate structures of the esophagus it causes real damage over time, damaging the mucosal lining – possibly leading to ulcers. People with GERD may have other symptoms as well, including coughing, wheezing and regurgitation of food. And unfortunately, the billion dollars a year that Americans spend for antacid products to treat their heartburn not only won’t help – they are probably making the problem worse instead of better!
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While many manufacturers sell the public on products that reduce stomach acid as a way to treat heartburn, these products are not the solu-
But that’s actually a bad idea.
The fact is, we need stomach acid. And, for anyone suffering from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there are natural ingredients that can stop the burn and soothe the digestive system without playing a trick on the way we’re supposed to digest food. Fortunately, there is a great combination of botanical ingredients that stop heartburn and GERD without compromising your health. We’ll take a look at both in this Terry Talks Nutrition. While it isn’t life-threatening, the pain from heartburn can be so severe that sometimes people mistake it for a heart attack. The “burn” is caused by stomach acids overflowing from the stomach into
Stomach acid is Not the enemy.
tion. Although they may – temporarily – stop the pain of heartburn, interfering with the body’s production of stomach acid not only won’t help with heartburn problems in the long term, you may find they cause a whole new set of problems as well. Here’s why:
Normally, when the contents of the stomach are properly acidified, it signals the pyloric valve at the lower end of the stomach to open, allowing stomach contents to move into the duodenum, the first section of the intestines, where digestion continues and absorption of nutrients begins. However, if stomach acid levels are low, it takes a lot longer for the stomach contents to ferment, and that causes gas that presses against the esophageal valve. Over time, the valve weakens and the acidified contents of the stomach spill back into the esophagus, causing the pain of heartburn, and over time, the potential complications of GERD.
Antacids are Not the answer.
The reason why antacids appear to work is because as they neutralize stomach acids, the pyloric valve opens too quickly and allows the not fullyprocessed stomach contents into the duodenum.
Because the stomach empties faster, there is less chance of the contents escaping back up into the esophagus. Plus, anything that does back up is less acidic, and less irritating to the esophagus. So why is this bad? There are some important reasons:
• Proteins that were supposed to be broken down in the stomach are now in the intestines, and could actually act as an allergen.
• Protein not being broken down properly means that calcium and iron aren’t being absorbed properly either. • Harmful bacteria that could have been neutralized by stomach acids now have a “free pass” into the intestines, where they could do much more harm. Fortunately, there are ingredients that help relieve and prevent heartburn naturally.
Natural Ingredients Work With Your Body
One of the best ingredients to fight heartburn and GERD naturally is D-limonene. This clinically tested component of citrus oil is found in oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. Although citrus fruits are typically associated with causing heartburn, d-limonene has been shown to help stop it.
In one study, 19 adults with a history (at least 5 years) of mild to moderate symptoms of heartburn or GERD were asked to discontinue their OTC or prescription medications and take d-limonene instead. Initially, many of the participants rated their pain on a scale of 1 to 10, (1 meaning pain free, and 10 equaling severe pain) at 5 or greater. By the second day of taking d-limonene, 32 percent of the participants experienced symptom relief, rating at 1 or 2. After 14 days, 89 percent of the participants were symptom free! In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 13 participants followed the same symptom severity scale, and by the fourth day, 29 percent in the d-limonene group experienced significant relief (a 1 to 2 rating), versus zero in the placebo group. By day 14, 86 percent of the d-limonene group reported complete relief. The exact reasons for d-limonene’s success are still being investigated. It appears that it coats and protects the stomach walls and mucosa from the potential damage of stomach acid (without interfering with acid production), and supports healthy peristalsis – the muscle action of the intestines that moves food through the digestive system.
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), another important botanical ingredient for heartburn and GERD, works in a different way. It has a protective effect on the stomach and actually helps prevent and heal gastric ulcers. It also soothes the mucosa in the digestive tract. Sea buckthorn may not sound familiar to many, but this plant – naturally grown in Europe and Asia – has a thousand-year history in Ti-
betan and Mongolian medicine. The berry is so rich in benefits it has been called a “nutrient bomb”!
Not only does sea buckthorn include flavonoids, water and fat-soluble vitamins and helpful plant lipids, it also contains fatty acids, including Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9. This amazing blend helps support the skin, urinary tract organs and tissue, and gastric mucous membranes in the mouth, stomach and intestines. Mucous membranes are the first line of defense for the digestive system, and as a result, they’re often the first tissues to be affected when things begin to go wrong.
Oils from the pulp and seeds of sea buckthorn showed protective and curative effects on four experimental models of gastric ulcers. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem that the fatty acid composition – so important for tissue health on the inside and outside of the body – is the sole reason for its anti-ulcer effects: the other nutrients, including beta-carotene, alphatocopherol, and beta-sitosterone, may be contributing just as much to the protection and healing.
When you look for these ingredients, make sure the sea buckthorn extract you find is rich in phytosterols, tocopherols and carotenoids, just like the material used in the studies. The oil should also be extracted in a specific ratio of berry and seed oil, containing Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9. Keep in mind that omega-7 is found only in the pulp of the sea buckthorn berry. Oil from the seed alone has no omega-7. And that is why the best sea buckthorn supplement includes both seed and pulp oil for the full benefits of the plant. Additionally, look for a product that uses an environmentally-friendly, solvent-free supercritical CO2 extraction technology. You’ll know you’re getting the same type of sea buckthorn oil that has been clinically tested.
Additional things to remember about heartburn and GERD.
health} Heartburn
Terry's Bottom Line
There are many conventional over-the-counter and prescription options for fighting heartburn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), but they actually do more harm than good. The fact is, we need stomach acid, and pulling it out of the picture creates further problems down the road. Fortunately, there is a combination of botanical ingredients that fights heartburn naturally and safely, but doesn’t interfere with your normal digestion. Together, d-limonene and sea buckthorn berry and seed oil will: • Stop the fire of heartburn pain – FAST! • Protect the stomach, esophagus, and intestinal lining •Provide long-lasting relief •Prevent heartburn and GERD from recurring
Of course, if you have problems with recurring heartburn or suspect that you have GERD, there are other lifestyle choices you must consider. If you smoke, stop. The benefits will go beyond simply stopping your heartburn, and you’ll be healthier and feel better overall. Avoid those deep-fried foods that can upset the stomach and cause inflammation throughout the body. And, consider eating smaller, more frequent whole food meals to avoid filling up all at once. By taking a different route and avoiding acid-stopping OTC and prescription medicines, being smart about your diet and habits, and using high-quality D-limonene and sea buckthorn ingredients, you’ll give your body a chance to heal itself naturally. It’s a solution that simply makes good sense. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.
Stop by Elk Grove Vitamins to find out more about these products and many more. We have a knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions. We'd like to help you get started on the path to health. Visit us at 9647 E. Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove.
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. ardentforlife.net 61
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Veterans Day Parade Photos courtesy of Cosumnes Community Services District
Elk Grove, California, proudly honors its veterans with its annual Veterans Day parade, a dazzling tribute to those who've served, organized by the American Legion of Elk Grove. Contact us at www.AmericanLegionElkGrove.com Elk Grove Boulevard and Elk Grove Florin Road came alive on Saturday, November 11th, with a patriotic community united to salute the bravery and sacrifice of its military heroes. Spectators lined the parade route, waving flags and cheering, in a display of gratitude, as veterans, marching bands, and military vehicles passed by. Elk Grove's Veterans Day parade is a heartfelt testament to the nation's enduring appreciation for its servicemen and women.
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The Toronto Hotel
There have been three Elk Grove’s.
James Hall who was born in Lancaster County, England in 1803, grew up there and later married. He and his family sailed to America in 1840. He slowly made his way across the United States to Placerville, then Elk Grove where he built a house in 1850. The house was on the Upper Stockton Road and became a roadhouse and stage stop between New Helvetia (Sutter’s Fort) and Stockton. In the 1854 county records, the name Elk Grove is recorded for the first time, and James Hall became the postmaster.
The Toronto Hotel - 1892
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By Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society Photos courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Society
became the third Elk Grove and remains the heart of Elk Grove today.
In 1876, M. H. Davies built the Toronto Hotel. Its location next to the first railroad station was on the SW corner of Main Street (Elk Grove Boulevard) and the tracks, making it a destination for travelers and where many local events took place in its grand parlor and bar.
one knew just how the fire started, but it was thought that perhaps a tramp might have been responsible. This destruction was a great blow to the new little town.
Mrs. Beattie recalled many memories of telling tales of Elk Grove’s colorful past. “She vividly remembers the devastating fire in 1892 that practically destroyed the business section of Elk Grove. Destroyed in that fire was the town’s leading hostelry, the Toronto Unfortunately, in 1892 fire burned a large part of the Hotel, located near the Southern Pacific tracks, which town; the railroad depot, the Andrews building (Post housed (in addition to the hotel dining room) a most office, Express office, General Merchandise, and elegant parlor, and a saloon. It was rebuilt, then burned stable), the I.O.O.F. building, and the Toronto Hotel. down again in (1922) 30 years later, but with the new It would all have been consumed had it not been for water works and a good fire department replacing the A few years later, James Buckner built a stage stop Mrs. Nichols, the railroad agent, who telegraphed the former bucket brigade, the fire was confined to the one one mile north of the Hall house near the present-day railroad which sent out its firefighting equipment. The building.” It was rebuilt the next year by the Foulks and Auto Mall side, (SW corner of Elk Grove Boulevard fire started in Mr. Andrew’s stable next to the hotel. No Graham families. and Highway 99). When Hall sold his The two major fires in Elk Grove (1892 and 1922) house and moved to Sacramento, Buckner resulted in periods of renewed construction. The became postmaster, and the second site of Toronto Hotel was rebuilt after both fires. While 1892 Elk Grove was recorded in county records. reconstruction continued the original wood frame construction methods and style on such buildings as the In 1868, the Western Division of the Toronto Hotel, the 1922 fire resulted in the rebuilding Central Pacific Railroad laid tracks one of a single-story brick structure typical of the move mile east of Buckner. Businesses moved toward more fire-resistant materials. to the new station that was built as now ranchers had a way to get their products to market and travelers could easily travel That brick building is still standing and has had to town, all within a short time, rather many face lifts and rotated tenants over the than spend all day using horse drawn years, but the building still carries the name Totransportation. The post office (as well as ronto Hotel. many businesses) moved there, and this 1914 photo of the 1892 railroad station.
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Map of Elk Grove -1886
Here are some short snippets of information from the Sacramento Dailey Union newspaper describing some of the events that transpired there in the late 1800’s. 10 October 1876 – Elk Grove The village of Elk Grove, sixteen miles from this city, on the C.P.R.R., is one of the most rapidly growing places in Sacramento County. During the present season there have been erected two churches – a Methodist and a Presbyterian, two large store houses, and several small buildings. There is now in progress a fine new hotel, and M.H. Davis is building extensive additions to the Railroad Hotel in the shape of a ball room, dining bail, etc. The ball room is 60 feet long by 80 feet wide, with rubber springs under the floor, and will be fitted up in a very attractive style. The dining room is 44 x16 and connects with a spacious kitchen. The new ball room is to be opened to the public for the first time on Friday night, 13th , when a grand ball will be given in a style which is not usual in a country village. 16 October 1876 – The Ball at Elk Grove. The opening of M.H. Davis’ new hall at Elk Grove, of which we gave a sketch last week, took place on Friday night, a grand ball being the means chosen to celebrate the opening of a structure which is most consequence to the village. The hall is in the rear of the railroad hotel and is a very commodious and handsome one. The ball was attended very largely, many from the city being present also. It was an affair of the first class, and the best ball given in the country, probably outside the city, for a very long time. The music was furnished by Church & Jones, and supper was laid by Davis, the proprietor of the hall, who is much praised by the people of Elk Grove for the enterprise displayed in furnishing a place for public meetings to that community. 12 June 1877 – Elk Grove’s Forth The people of Elk Grove are agitating the question of getting up some fitting celebration for the Fourth of July. Whether they succeed or not M.H. Davies announces that on the evening of the 3rd he will give a grand ball at the Railroad Hotel. The success of the balls which have been given at the house ensures a 66. ardentforlife.net - Holiday 2023
splendid time at this one. It is probable that a special train will leave the city to convey guests from here.
Grand Masquerade Ball ad 23 January 1884 – Newspaper Notice The Grand Masquerade Ball at Elk Grove at the Toronto Hotel on Wednesday evening 23rd will include supper.Tickets are $2.50, D. Stevens Proprietor. 27 April 1893 – A Thieving Tramp On Tuesday night one of the boarders in the Toronto Hotel, at Elk Grove, notified the proprietor, D. Stevens, that his wardrobe was missing from his room. Mr. Stevens had seen a suspicious-looking man about town, and yesterday morning went on a hunt for him and found him on the freight platform. Officer Springstead searched him and found two of the guest’s hats, and, on searching among some old railroad ties and hoppoles at the railroad station found the remainder of the clothes. The Constable arrested the tramp and brought him to the city and lodged him in the County Jail. 27 May 1922 in the Elk Grove Citizen Thursday evening was chosen as the celebration of the opening under new management of the Toronto Hotel. Messrs. Ehrhardt & Howard spared no expense nor effort to make the affair a success. The dancers enjoyed the fine music furnished by the Patton & Springer orchestra. W.J. Brenton, Jack Ledwith, and R. L. Dart had charge of the floor and discharged the duty in an able manner.
Shuttle car from Sacramento
Mary Chalmers met Frank Graham, the oldest of the Graham clan and they were married at the hotel and train stop on January 14, 1887. They lived there for a while. Later their first child Elizabeth (“Bess” Foulks) was born, mother of Mary Maugers and Hazel Vaughan. Elizabeth (“Bess'') Graham Foulks, granddaughter to early settlers in the Elk Grove area was born on August 17, 1888, at the Elk Grove House and Stage Stop (present-day museum) on Stockton Boulevard, next to the Elk Grove Park or Grahams Grove as it was known as at the time. Her first three and a half years were spent with her parents who owned and operated the Toronto Hotel located on Main Street (Elk Grove Boulevard) next to the railroad tracks. She had a younger sister named Hazel. In September of 1982, following the death of an infant sister Mabel in June, her father died suddenly, leaving their mother with two little girls to raise. Their mother Mary leased the hotel and moved to the corner of School and Main Streets into what was known as the Putney House. Their uncles, Oscar and Tom Chalmers of Woodland, and Aunt Olice Chalmers Mahon of Elk Grove, were great support to the young, widowed Mary and her children. The Grangers Picnic held in Elk Grove Park was a very popular gathering. Families came from all over, and they came by horse-and-buggy, and on horseback, but some came by train. Many recall those great old passenger trains that came puffing into Elk Grove with distinctive whistles blowing loudly in the long-ago days for steam engines. Families embarked on Main Street (Elk Grove Boulevard). Next door, at the Toronto Hotel (right across from the depot) was a livery stable, and the owner was well prepared for the business of the day, which was hauling families to and from the picnic at Grahams Grove. And of course, some spent the night after an exhausting day of picnicking.