Ardent for Life Holiday 2025

Ardent content

16. Swi C

18. take-out

McConnell

20. My New Nor Cindy Della Monica

22. Drie

24. Vi N tage Bra N Muffi NS C t Morris

26. Spi N a C h p ie

featured

28. l agu N a Creek h igh S C hool’ S a rt S p rogra M

love story

44. h a NN a & Za C h

education

34. w hat i ’ V e lear N e D C t Morris

books

36. Book r e V iew S Sacramento p ublic l ibrary

42. hollywoo D auto B iographie S

health

50. SaV or the Sea S o N with h eart-h ealthy Choi C e S k aiser p ermanente

52. Sa M e t ea M, Differe N t r ole S a nna o sborn

58. o y S ter Mu S hroo M p leura N e lk g rove Vitamins

community

38. Da NC i N g the g lo B e

54. Diwali f e S ti Val

62. h appy Bark-Day e lk g rove Vitamins

66. e lk g ro V e’S Citi Z e N of the y ear l ouis Silveira history

64. a lexa ND er h a M ilto N w illar D l ouis Silveira

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.

Erik Olson

English, yearbook, and journalism teacher at Laguna Creek High School. Story on page 26.

Community Corner Q&A

What are some of your favorite family holiday traditions?

Our family follows a wonderful Polish Christmas Eve tradition where we each take a thin wafer called an "oplatek". We then go to each of our family and friends and break off a small piece of their wafer and offer wishes for the new year.

What is your favorite holiday food; You can't beat stuffing.

What is your least favorite?

Candied yams with marshmallows makes me just a bit nauseous when I think about it.

What do you do to welcome the New Year?

Playing games and singing songs with family and friends is my perfect New Year's Eve.

What was the best thing that happened this past year? What are you hoping to do in 2026? I've been appreciating my time with my students and colleagues. In 2026, I look forward to taking on some new challenges.

Community Corner Q&A

Who are you? What do you do?

Hi! My name is Alina Duran, and I am a senior at Laguna Creek High School. I am involved in the wrestling team, softball team, yearbook staff, and the Digital Arts pathway. I love taking candid photos of my friends and wildlife along with setting up the foreground and background of photos so that they look perfect.

What are some of your favorite family holiday traditions?

Every Christmas my family likes to make tamales together and eat them on Christmas day.

What is your favorite holiday food; what is your least favorite?

My favorite holiday food is macaroni and cheese, and my least favorite is green beans

What do you do to welcome the New Year?

To welcome the New Year, I like to spend extra time with the people I love and talk about what we have planned for the year.

What was the best thing that happened this past year?

The best thing that has happened this past year has been getting more freedom by getting my driver’s license, meaning I spent a lot more time with my friends.

What are you hoping to do in 2026? In 2026, I am hoping to get a job and work toward my goal of becoming a radiologist.

Alina Duran

Senior at Laguna Creek High School Story on page 26.

Where ca N people follo W Y ou? Instagram: @Sweetbee555

Contributor’s Corner

Justin Azevedo

Justin has been a Youth Services Librarian for Sacramento Public Library since 2010, and is currently the Youth Materials Selector for the system.

Allie Crump

Event Manager at McConnell Estates

David Hipskind

Owner of The Red Door Antiques, Vintage, and More. Located in Historic Old Town Elk Grove.

Dr. Dayle A. Imperato

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

Nan Mahon

Nan is an author and journalist. She is a member of the City of Elk Grove Committee for the Arts and received the Elk Grove 2011 Mayor’s Award for Volunteerism in the Arts.

Cindy Della Monica

Cheesemonger and Owner of Cheese Central in Lodi, Ca.

Carole Morris

Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.

Anna Osborn

Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.

P.J. Oswald

Owner of Fits & Stops Photography

Elizabeth Pinkerton

Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.

Justin Pinnell

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

Louis Silveira

Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and Archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society

Dianna Singh

Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past eight years.

Zachary Wackman

General Manager at McConnell Estates Winery

Kayla Webb

Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery

Brendle Wells

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

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

creative director Sara pinnell sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com

On page 24, you'll find a hearty bran muffin recipe that is wholesome and comforting, and lightly sweetened with brown sugar and molasses. They bake into tender, nutty bites perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack—plain, studded with walnuts or raisins, or warm with a pat of butter.

Recipe By: CT Morris

executive editor

Carole Morris carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com

art & production info@mrsandmrpublishing.com

View ardent for life online at www.ardentforlife.net

business manager Justin pinnell justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com

sales sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com

Copyright © 2025 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing

Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year

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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

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

ArDEnt for life

Checking In

My favorite winter activity is going back inside and putting my pajamas on, how about you? In my opinion, the best thing about colder weather is playing games and putting together a puzzle with my family (inside where it’s warm and cozy).

executive editor Carole Morris

What Have I Learned?

We have some wonderful recipes that will motivate you to put on your cooking shoes… Don’t you love to cook in the cooler weather?

Read about Louis Silveira, Elk Grove’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, and his passion for history.

I wrote an article about my two rescues (one of them is really quirky). I’m sure that many of you have dogs with personalities that make them unique. Isn’t it amazing how there aren’t two dogs that are the same?

Kitty Izzy

By CT Morris

Swiss Steak

I was browsing through old cookbooks and stumbled across a recipe that was my go-to whenever I was having company (many, many years ago). The recipe was like seeing an old friend. Surprise your family and friends with the personification of a comfort food!

Ingredients

2 lbs. ½-inch-thick eye round steaks mixed together

1/2 cup flour

2 Tbsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 Tbsp. salted butter

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 cups beef broth

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

preheat the oven to 325°f.

Directions

Pound the steaks on both sides with the spiky side of a meat tenderizer until they are ¼-inch thick. Place the flour in a shallow bowl, add the salt and pepper. Dredge both sides of the steaks with flour, shaking off any excess.

In a large oven safe skillet (with a lid) heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks until golden brown. Set on a platter.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, celery, and onion. Cook, stirring frequently until vegetables are softened and golden. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika. Stir in the beef broth, tomatoes, and bring to a boil. and add the steaks and any juices. Place the steaks in the sauce so they are submerged and covered with the onion and tomatoes.

Cover the skillet and place it in the oven. Cook until the steaks are tender and easily cut with a butter knife, (approximately 2 hours). Season to taste.

Delicious served with mashed potatoes or rice.

take-out

By Allie Crump, Event Manager at McConnell Estates - mcconnellestates.com

Introducing our take-out series! If you love to eat and drink, then the greater Sacramento area is the perfect place for you, as the Farm-to-Fork Capital boasts some of the best cuisine. With so many delicious restaurants to choose from in Elk Grove and beyond, we’re here to be your guide to what pairs best with our estate-grown wines. Next up in the series is our Pomegranate Sparkling, which we recommend pairing with red curry from your favorite local Thai spot.

If you’re anything like us, then you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the months of November and December, cooking and baking dishes and sweets for all the seasonal festivities. But, once the cooking and baking is done, we always relish an evening sitting back,

relaxing, and ordering in some takeout from our favorite Thai spots here in Elk Grove. When we have a bottle of our Pomegranate Sparkling on hand, choosing which Thai dish we want to order becomes easy—because nothing pairs better with our Pomegranate Sparkling than spicy Thai red curry.

Our Pomegranate Sparkling is a favorite amongst our customers, and for good reason. Its effervescent bubbles and light body brighten any chilly winter day. Each glass is bursting with notes of tart pomegranate and red fruit. It’s these sweet and fruity notes that balance out the spicy heat from the curry, with the wine’s bubbles and acidity refreshing the palate after each rich bite. The crispness of our chilled Pomegranate Sparkling also enhances the complex and savory flavors found in Thai red curry. This pairing is truly a feast for your senses, and a delicious way to give yourself a gift this holiday season. Happy holidays!

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.

MyNormalNew

By Cindy Della Monica

It’s official—I’ve retired from 45 years of food service! Sold the cheese shop in August, and am pleased that the new owner is running things smoothly. I am free to proceed with my retirement life. Wait… how does that go?

I am not a spontaneous person-schedules are my comfort zone. Don’t get me wrong… I CAN pivot from “the plan” without moulting like a chicken. However, being “prepared” is my forte! The first few weeks after the shop sold were consumed with training new management, sorting out forms to transfer everything from Door Dash to the alcohol license (still working on a schedule!). Bookkeeping and mail, emptying boxes and boxes of stuff to purge or integrate into our home, as many items were personal. When I finished up my classes (that were posted through September), I packed my carry-on bag and left for Hawaii for several weeks. Whew, whirlwind! A great vacation with vast ocean, tropical sunsets and lots of adult beverages consumed by the pool was a great beginning. However, it afforded a false sense of normal.

A number of days of floundering after our holiday was uncomfortable at best. “You can do whatever you want” and “Enjoy your life of leisure now” and more platitudes from friends and acquaintances were kind, meant to be helpful. I did finish up an audible book or two, flipped through cookbooks for daily dinner inspiration. I’ve purged a few closets and drawers. Thought about the upcoming holidays. That’s it.

But a deadline makes me happy— thank you, Ardent family! You have shaken me from my lethargy. Over the past week, I’ve prepared a personal calendar for the next year, plugged in future travel plans, garden deadlines for planting and fertilizing, prepped the Christmas list for both food AND gifts. I feel energized by focusing my brain on a visual reminder of fun, fun, and more fun! Notice, I substituted “work” with “fun?” I’m finally getting into the swing of what New Normal looks like. I feel like a kid who needs to look at the calendar to see what IS the actual day (Thursday already?). Did I brush my teeth? Yikes, it’s 10 o’clock…

probably should get dressed and go for a walk. Lingering over my coffee is not a Saturday morning luxury anymore—it’s a daily one. (Big smile here)

If you’ve read my articles before, you know that I am a notorious multitasker, with a busy sched ule of family/cooking/garden ing/travel life while working in my business life. A blank calen dar challenges me to FILL IT. I’ve fallen into the routine of break fast and kitchen chores, and predinner prep while coffee brews and an audible book fills my ears. Bread dough rises, or something bakes and the laundry finishes, so a quick front and back yard stroll assesses the simple yard care activities to be done. I get to greet the birds, bees, and resident squirrels, fill the bird bath with water and seeds in the feeder. I try really hard not to check email or FaceBook as an hour or two will quickly evaporate! The rest of my day awaits.

I feel energized by focusing my brain on a visual reminder of fun, fun, and more fun! Notice, I substituted “work” with “fun?” I’m finally getting into the swing of what New Normal looks like.

Easier Than Apple Pie

Easy enough for the kids or grands to help you make—you will be so proud ;}

1 box frozen phyllo pastry sheets, thawed

1 c melted butter, divided

Freelance writing over the past 25 years has given me the bones to finally get that book out of my head. Many of the topics I’ve explored can lead me into further research, more to learn and think about. Daily future book tasks are on my calendar now. The friends who retired before me have made “play dates” with me, too, which I hope will be standing dates in my Future Happiness plan. I’ve decided to take lessons for watercolor painting, and learn how to play the inherited piano that is in my living room. The sewing machine stands ready for finally finishing the two small quilt tops in the cabinet. Oh, and learn how to make delicious brioche…. Let’s just say that my current calendar is full! No sitting on the couch streaming whatever the TV has to offer.

Here are two holiday pies for you to consider in YOUR future happiness plan! May the New Year be good to you and yours.

2 c chunky homemade applesauce

1½ t cinnamon

½ t nutmeg

Zest of 1 lemon, finely shredded

Directions

½ c dried cranberries, soaked in warm water 15 minutes, drained

1 c coarsely chopped pecans

Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving, if desired

Preheat oven to 400*. In a 9x13” rimmed baking sheet, place a sheet of parchment paper. Lay out phyllo pastry stack on countertop, cover with plastic wrap and a towel to keep it moist while assembling the dessert. Using 18 sheets, one sheet of phyllo at a time, crumple up each as if it was a piece of paper to “jumpshot into a wastebasket,” and place it on the baking sheet. Repeat to make three rows of six. Using ½ C of the melted butter, drizzle over the wads of phyllo. Stir together the applesauce, spices and lemon zest. Stir in the hydrated cranberries. Dollop spoonfuls of the apple mixture over the buttered phyllo wads. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the apple mixture. Repeat with 18 more phyllo sheets, wadding up and placing in three rows of six over the apple mixture. Drizzle remaining butter over phyllo. Bake pastry for 2530 minutes or until browned and crisp. Cool to serve.

Dried Apricot Pie

By Cindy Della Monica

Dried Apricot Pie

Inspired by an old-fashioned recipe found decades ago, I’ve updated the filling ingredients to a more intriguing flavor profile. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Ingredients

pIe crusT:

2½ C all-purpose flour

1 t salt

1 t sugar

1 c unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

1/2 c iced water

Directions

Place all ingredients, except iced water, in the food processor. Pulse until butter is the size of peas. With the machine running, slowly drizzle the iced water through the feed tube until dough starts to come together into a ball. Stop machine, dump dough onto lightly floured surface to gently knead into a cohesive ball. Divide dough in half, flatten into medium discs on plastic wrap and chill for one hour.

Ingredients

fIllINg:

1 c california slab dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1 c Mediterranean or Turkish dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1/2 t finely chopped fresh rosemary

½ c sugar

Directions

1 T flour

2-3 T lemon juice

1 T cold butter, diced

1 t freshly grated nutmeg

1 egg white

3 T raw sugar, or Turbinado sugar for serving, whipped cream and chopped crystallized ginger

Place apricots and rosemary into a saucepan, cover with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in the sugar, flour and lemon juice. Set aside to cool.

Heat oven to 450*. Remove one pastry disc from refrigerator. On lightly floured surface, roll it thinly, less than ¼” thick. Fit it into an 8” pan and trim edges to have a ¾” overhang for crimping. Reserve trimmings for decoration. Fill with cooled apricot mixture, and dot with butter. Set aside. Roll remaining pastry disc thinly, less than ¼”. Place on top of filling, crimp edges and trim overhanging pastry. Cut several slits in top pastry for steam to escape.

Using remaining rolled-out pastry, use cookie cutters to fashion some décor for the top of the pie. Leaves, alphabet letters and more are a great addition. Whip the egg white with a tablespoon of water and brush the surface of the pie. Place your pastry decorations, brush those with egg white wash. Sprinkle the surface with the raw sugar for a sparkly finish.

Place pie in preheated 450* oven, bake 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 425*. Bake for 30 minutes. Serve warm or room temperature.

By CT Morris

VintageMuffinsBran

Ingredients

2 cups bran flakes cereal

1 cup boiling water

1 ½ cups bread flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/3 cup molasses

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk-(to make, stir in 1 tbsp. white vinegar to 1 cup milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly curdled).

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

(Optional add in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and ½ cup of raisins for a heartier bran muffin.)

Directions

Mix the two cups of bran flakes cereal with one cup of boiling water, gently stir the mixture,

Allow the bran mixture to cool, then add beaten eggs, brown sugar, molasses, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients thoroughly, making sure the brown sugar has completely dissolved, and the molasses is mixed evenly throughout the mixture.

Next, pour the dry flour mixture into the wet bran mixture and gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix (or muffins will be dry) –stir until the flour disappears…the batter will be lumpy. Allow the batter to rest for about 15 minutes so the bran fully hydrates.

Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare your muffin tin with liners.

Stir your batter gently to incorporate any settled ingredients then divide the batter evenly into 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.

Bake for approximately 20 minutes. They are done when the tops spring back lightly when touched or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Fantastic served warm with butter melting on top!

By CT Morris

INgreDIeNTs

3 packages of cream cheese

6 ounces of feta cheese

1 medium onion (finely chopped)

10 ounces or more of fresh or frozen spinach (chopped)

2 eggs (beaten)

1 teaspoon salt

16 ounce box of frozen phyllo dough sheets

2 sticks of butter

1 large pan, 1 large spoon, 1 large bowl, 2 cookie sheets, 1 small bowls, 1 spatulas

Non-stick cooking spray

Spinach Pie

DIrecTIoNs

1. The day before thaw phyllo dough sheets in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

3. Place in a large pan the following ingredients: 3 packages of cream cheese, 6 ounces of feta cheese, 1 medium finely chopped onion, 10 ounces of chopped spinach, 2 beaten eggs and 1 teaspoon of salt.

4. Cook all ingredients over medium heat until cheese is completely melted, open the package of phyllo and remove the 2 dough packets from plastic. Place 1 packet of phyllo beside each of the cookie sheets.

5 . Remove cooked spinach filling from the burner and pour into a large bowl to cool slightly. While the filling is cooling, place

the 2 sticks of butter in a small microwaveable bowl. Heat butter until melted. Spray the cookie sheets with non-stick cooking spray.

6. Lay out three sheets of phyllo onto the cookie sheet and spread melted butter over the top sheet of phyllo. Lay three more sheets on top and spread with butter again, continue until all of the phyllo is used. Mound the spinach filling in the center of the sheets of phyllo. Pull up the long edges of the phyllo ends to the top to make a free-form type roll, enclosing the spinach filling completely. Spread butter on top of each spinach pie dough.

4. Place the uncooked spinach pies in the oven and bake until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, about 30 minutes.

5. Place both of the heavenly spinach pies side by side on the counter to cool. Enjoy!

Inside Laguna Creek High School’s Arts Program

Encouraging Creativity, Strengthening Confidence, and Building Career Readiness

By Erik Olson

With pressure to enroll in courses that focus on science, technology and engineering, it’s easy for high school students to underestimate the long-term value of an arts education. However, the visual and performing arts staff at Laguna Creek High School is doing their level best to make sure their students understand that the arts offer more than just a career opportunity – they offer skills that translate into students’ work, home and personal lives.

Photos by Alina Duran, student from Design Institute Pathway

Freddy Santana, department chair of the visual arts department, said art teachers understand that only a handful of their students will actually go into arts-related careers. The goal, he says, is that the remaining students understand what the arts have to offer.

One important facet of an arts education, the teachers say, is to nurture and value creativity.

“Creativity is like a muscle that grows the more you exercise it. If nothing else, creativity will help you think on your toes faster and possibly get you out of a bind,” says Daniel Taylor, a digital arts teacher at Laguna Creek.

In an age where artificial intelligence and social media can homogenize ideas, developing a creative mindset is crucial. “I would point to the history of innovation. Innovation in any field doesn’t happen without a creative mind set,” Santana said. “The ability to take existing ideas and concepts to assimilate and create something new and innovative is invaluable. The creative mind set is what you get from the arts.”

Student Harrison Levario, who hopes to develop his own manga series, is grateful that art has taught him to think for himself. “Thinking is the most important skill in art and it also applies to everything else in life,” he says. “A lot of people never think for themselves and it's very unfortunate. This skill has allowed me to see things in a different perspective, think about things no one really thinks about, and question things that no one really questions.”

“Creativity is like a muscle that grows the more you exercise it. If nothing else, creativity will help you think on your toes faster and possibly get you out of a bind,” says Daniel Taylor.

Businesses particularly value employees who are creative problem-solvers, according to a January 2024 article in Forbes Magazine. “Approximately 73% of organizations surveyed in the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Survey reported that creative thinking skills were a top priority for them when considering talent as we move into the future, agreeing that this skill set is increasing in relevance and importance.”

Photos on page 26 (clockwise): Anae Johnson, Mr. Taylor with a student, and Emily Graves.

Madison

Tooman

Mr. Santana

Mr. Taylor and Photography

Class

Art is a form of therapy. Art gives me life, art gives me a soul, art makes my anxiety ease.

Art student Roselina Mbolo would agree.“Some skills that I have developed due to my art class (that I will carry with me for the rest of my life) are creative problem solving and the ability to trust the process,” she said.

Another aspect of an arts education at Laguna Creek is the peace of mind that it delivers. “Art gives me a way to escape and embrace life,” says senior ceramicist Emily Grace. For Norah Grace-Gore, art is a form of therapy.“Art gives me life, art gives me a soul, art makes my anxiety ease.”

Building confidence is another role that art plays in Laguna Creek art students’ lives. Madison Tooman credits visual arts teacher Laura Duarte with helping her build the confidence to become an award-winning artist. “In my entire education from elementary to high school, being a straight-A student since the first grade, I have never met a teacher as extraordinary as Ms. Duarte,” Tooman says. “She has seen potential in me since the beginning when I had far less confidence in myself. Her warmth and her guidance have been instrumental in letting me realize my own abilities and my worth as an artist.”

Many other students share similar stories of their teachers’ roles in their development as artists.

“This experience has helped me grow because I was taught to practice and practice my art by the art teachers and then encouraged to put my work in art shows,” says Grace-Gore. “I was always someone who was shy about their art because I thought my art was terrible but Mr. Santana has helped me to be more confident in my work and to put my work out there for people to see.”

Above photos (clockwise): Mrs. Haynes with a student, Mr. Santana with Austin Swank, Roselinda Mbolo, Mrs. Duarte and Harrison Levario, and Norah Gore

Part of the process of building confidence is encouraging students to take risks with their art.

“The arts teach students how to take risks, experiment and try new things,” says photography teacher Catalina Haynes. “Arts education encourages this natural process of creating and exploring while learning.”

Whether it’s in the service of helping students enter a career in art, develop as happy people or giving them skills that will aid them in whatever career path they choose, Laguna Creek’s art teachers remain dedicated to meeting the needs of their students.

One important component of the arts program is encouraging students to enter competitions. In any given year, a walk through the Fine Arts and Photography Pavilion at the California State Fair will reveal a wide representation of Laguna Creek arts students.

"We enable our students' artistic experimentation and push them to submit their work to art shows, which provides them with a goal or purpose for their artwork beyond their own desire to create the artwork and express themselves,” says Duarte.

Achieving these goals wouldn’t happen without a staff committed to achieving them. Santana has worked hard to find the right people to guide the program. “It all starts with having a strong team of visual arts teachers. My philosophy in putting our team together

is artistic talent, passion for the arts, and ability to connect with students. These three traits are hard to find in a potential teacher regardless of subject matter. I have thrown a wide net to find visual arts teachers and I'm excited every day to come and work with these brilliant art educators.”

While Laguna Creek visual arts teachers understand these intangible benefits of an arts education, the department also encourages students to explore art as a career. One important way to do this is through the school’s Design Institute Pathway. This career pathway focuses on teaching students digital design and photography using up-todate industry-standard technology that will allow students to step into the work world or a digital design major in college.

One unique aspect of the program is the real-world experience it provides students. The program currently has six clients

Above photos (clockwise): Mrs. Haynes with a group of students, Ethan Steele, Mr. Cheng with a student, Mr. Villedas with a student,

served by six teams of students who are working with them on a variety of creative projects. “They have real life deadlines, meetings with clients, art directing, advertising and all aspects that come with real life work. It is so exciting and fun to watch students naturally lead, have meetings with each other and produce amazing work!,” says Haynes, the program’s coordinator.

The program has had a positive impact on a number of students’ career paths. “Many of our students are launched into creative fields, furthering their education or starting their own independent businesses. The skills learned through the pathway prepare our students for work in any career or pathway,” says Haynes.

Whether it’s in the service of helping students enter a career in art, develop as happy people or giving them skills that will aid them in whatever career path they choose, Laguna Creek’s art teachers remain dedicated to meeting the needs of their students.

“I have had multiple art teachers from years ago and I can proudly say that they are one of the foundations to what I am today,” says art student Kizhia Abad. “Laguna Creek art teachers supported me throughout my high school journey, and they helped me build confidence on creating art. I am forever grateful for their guidance and confidence in me.”

Author Erik Olson teaches English, yearbook, and journalism at Laguna Creek High School.

Alina Duran taking picture of Brianna Barajas

What I’ve Learned From

Rescues

By CT MorrisBS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.

My husband and I have two dogs who are rescues…I would like to say that being a rescue doesn’t define who they are– BUT one of them always plays the victim card. She has clung to “where she came from” with all four paws. Drama, drama, drama….

Our “drama free” dog (Izzy) came from the streets of Stockton–I’m pretty sure she was in a gang. However, she moved on from the gang mentality after we picked her up at the rescue. She adjusted to her new life with us and put her past firmly behind her. She’s playful…loves people, cats and other dogs; no inner reflection on where she came from or dwelling on past mistreatment. She lives life to the fullest and embraces each new day with enthusiasm.

Our “drama” dog (Kitty) has a victim mentality– While Izzy adapted quickly, Kitty is stressed OUT about EVERYTHING. Loud noises or simply a change in her daily schedule will set her off; never mind that she has soft bedding, toys, and social interactions with her loving human family. If we move our foot too close to her, she yelps and runs away. If I make eye contact with her, she starts shaking and gives me the creepy side eye. While eating her

dog food, she has been known to jump straight up in the air if anything moves close to her.

Both of our rescues were puppies when we adopted them, but Kitty perceives herself as a perpetual victim of circumstances that happened years ago. Do you know someone who has this mentality? Their belief is that they are constantly at the mercy of external forces. It goes beyond being a pessimist; I call it the Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) mentality; they believe that negative experiences are inevitable and will persist FOREVER in their lives.

In the workplace, individuals with a victim mentality shift everything they do wrong to other co-workers; all their problems were caused by the actions of others. They’re resigned to the perceived fact that their lives will stay the same, and any effort to improve their situation will be unsuccessful.

The origin of victim mentality usually stems from traumatic experiences in an individual's past. It becomes a coping mechanism, when individuals feel overwhelmed by their circumstances it leads to a cycle of negative behavior and blaming others.

It’s easy to surmise that Kitty must have been kicked when she did something that was naughty…but she hasn’t been kicked or mistreated since we adopted her two years ago. Yet, she clings to her past as if it just happened, instead of just moving on and letting go.

As humans we can have self-reflection or self-awareness…where we stop and question our actions. If we have fallen into a negative mind set, we can change by setting goals and taking control of our lives. Similarly, holding coworkers accountable for their actions can help them recognize their negative behavior and they can take proactive steps toward change.

Both of our rescues were puppies when we adopted them, but Kitty perceives herself as a perpetual victim of circumstances that happened years ago. Do you know someone who has this mentality? Their belief is that they are constantly at the mercy of external forces.

M AILMAN : my wild ride delivering the mail in Appalachia and finally finding home

Author: Stephen Starring Grant

Book Reviews by BRENDLE WELLS

At the start of the pandemic, author Stephen Grant was laid off from his corporate job. In desperation he took the only job that guaranteed healthcare from day one, Rural Mail Carrier in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia. If you have any illusions about being a mail carrier being an easy job, Grant will disillusion you fast. More than a few carriers will walk away and never return when confronted with the realities of the job. The job is always an adventure too, with incidents both funny and frightening in equal measure. In between adventure tales, the reader will get a good inside look at how complex the job is and consideration of some of the very serious systemic problems at the USPS—many of which reached critical levels during the pandemic. Despite those circumstances, Grant speaks with great respect for the history and ethos of service that drives the U. S. Postal Service and its employees. More than anything else, Grant reminds the reader how service builds and strengthens community. During his time as a carrier, Grant is given an opportunity to rediscover his hometown and the people who live there, unearthing a regional pride he hadn’t felt in years. Fans of memoirs, especially ones featuring unusual or unfamiliar experiences, would enjoy this. It might even inspire readers to send a letter or two!

Simon and Schuster, 2025

W HEN I T A LL B URNS : fighting fire in a transformed world

Author: Jordan Thomas

In the summer of 2020, it seemed like the west exploded in fire. Author Jordan Thomas got an up close and personal view of several of the megafires that burned that year during a six- month stint as a member of the Los Padres Hotshots, a type of elite Federal firefighting crew that works in the most extreme situations. Here he writes about his experience on the front lines and intertwines it with the ecology and history of fire and humanity. He’s an anthropologist by training and clearly illustrates how a previously symbiotic relationship became a war and an ecological disaster in response to a toxic combination of imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism. An entire fire economy, aka “the fire industrial complex”, has risen out of fire suppression and the resulting megafires, which are increasingly exploited for profit by corporations. This in turn creates circumstances that essentially fan the flames of the disasters even higher. But there is hope, Thomas reminds us, describing a rise in community organizing advocating for the return of forestry management practices like controlled burns. With its almost thrillerlike momentum, this is an excellent choice for readers of narrative nonfiction. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants a better understanding of wildfire, firefighting, and what it means to live in the American west today.

Riverhead Books, 2025

A N E NCANTADORA ’ S G UIDE TO M ONSTROS & M AGIC

Author: Sarah J. Mendonca

Children's Book Reviews By

JUSTIN AzEVEDO

Rosa Coelho works as a Trapper, apprenticed to her formidable grandmother as they track and remove dangerous monstros that can cause all sorts of trouble. Secretly, though, she practices creating and opening magical locks, determined to be a Keeper, like her father before her. The Trapper work pays the bills and keeps their Encantadora shop afloat, until the corrupt Ministério dos Monstros decides they owe a massive debt they can never repay. Just when all seems lost, an opportunity arises: a chance for Rosa to join the mysterious Tea Leaves, a thieves’ organization… as their Keeper. They are planning a daring heist that can solve all of Rosa’s problems. But trust is essential among the Tea Leaves, and Rosa’s secrets begin to threaten everything as her deceptions to keep them escalate. Mendonca creates a vivid world with intricate detail, outlining multiple types of magic and a rich, Portuguese-influenced setting with parallels to the injustices of contemporary society. Rosa is an authentically flawed character, stubborn and impulsive but ultimately driven by a deep love for her friends and family, even as she keeps making mistakes while trying to show it. The pace doesn’t let up for an instant as Rosa and the Tea Leaves face increasingly perilous situations, and late plot twists raise the stakes. The ending offers a cliffhanger, but also teasingly opens the door for more adventures. Unique, rollicking fantasy for ages 8 to 14.

Quill Tree Books, 2025

The Yomigaeri Tunnel

Author: Kelly Murashige

Monika is about to graduate from high school, but she has no idea what that means for her. Her best friend is moving away to go to college, and she is still grieving the sudden loss of her childhood friend, Shun, from an overdose. Then a brunch meeting of her school’s Japanese club reveals an intriguing rumor: a nearby tunnel that urban legend says can bring someone back to life if one can walk its entire length. With nothing to lose, Monika does a little research and ends up at the tunnel’s mouth, where she meets Shiori, a sullen girl who intends to resurrect her dead mother. When the girls enter the tunnel, they are wracked with visions of the past—traumatic events related to their loss, which they must relive in order to learn something from them. But Monika’s visions mostly don’t include Shun; instead, they are closer, more intimate memories of shame and loss. And then, to both of their horror, she finds herself reliving Shiori’s memories, while Shiori receives more insight into Monika’s past. If the girls want to achieve what they came there to do, they may need to do more than simply walk from one end of the Yomigaeri Tunnel to the other. This is ultimately a story about grief, and the subtle, complicated ways in which it manifests. Substance abuse and generational trauma lurk in the roots of the girls’ visions, and Murashige handles these profound topics with sensitivity and care. Monika’s sharp wit, even in her most trying moments, prevents the story from being weighed down. A suspenseful, contemplative, and ultimately satisfying read for ages 14 and up.

Soho Teen, 2025

For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.

Dancing the Globe

Photos by Dave Soto Productions

The energy was contagious at Dancing the Globe, where audiences experienced the beauty and diversity of dance styles from around the world— all in one place. More than a dozen cultural dance groups took the stage, filling the event with color, rhythm, and community pride as part of the City’s monthlong celebration of Elk Grove’s diversity. Among the highlights was a heartfelt presentation by the Mayor honoring Ismail Ahmed, a remarkable young man and proud member of Troop 288, chartered by the American Legion Post 233. A familiar face at the Multicultural Festival, Ismail has volunteered for several years and was recognized for his dedication as he received his Eagle Scout award during the opening ceremony.

Step back into the sparkle and wonder of a true midcentury Christmas with this fabulous 6-foot vintage aluminum Christmas tree, now shimmering proudly at Red Door Antiques in Elk Grove! If you’ve ever dreamed of the classic, glittering holidays captured in 1960s photos and retro catalogues, this tree is the real deal—full of nostalgia, style, and that unmistakable space-age holiday magic.

Crafted from lightweight, gleaming aluminum foil branches, this tree embodies everything we love about vintage Christmas décor. Each branch is tipped with cheerful pom-poms— those delightful tinsel bursts that add extra twinkle and dimension. The material was cutting-edge in its day: reflective, modern, and perfectly suited to the era’s fascination with futuristic design. Unlike modern artificial trees that imitate pine needles, aluminum trees celebrated being boldly different: bright, shiny, and unapologetically glamorous.

But the real magic happens when you flip on the colorwheel light. Instead of string lights (which were a nogo on metal branches), vintage aluminum trees were illuminated by a rotating lamp that casts shifting panels of red, blue, and green across the metallic branches. As the wheel turns, the whole tree shimmers like a living kaleidoscope, creating a warm glow that dances around the room. It’s impossible not to smile when you see it— this is nostalgia at its most enchanting.

First introduced in the late 1950s, aluminum trees became an iconic part of American holiday décor throughout the 1960s. They were considered wonderfully modern— something straight out of a magazine spread or a stylish, space-age home. Today, they’re cherished collectibles, loved not only for their rarity but for the memories they bring back: grandparents’ living rooms, family gatherings, childhood wonder, and the simple joy of watching those magical colors drift across shimmering silver branches.

Whether you grew up with one, always wanted one, or just adore classic mid-century style, this 6-foot beauty at Red Door Antiques is the perfect way to bring that retro cheer back into your holiday season. It’s more than a decoration—it’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and a glowing reminder of Christmases past.

Come see it in person, bask in its sparkle, and rediscover the joy of a truly vintage Christmas!

GiftCards-FreeParking FreeGiftWrap

Famous Lives, True Stories:

Do you ever wonder what truly happens behind the scenes of a star’s life—what shaped them long before the spotlight found them? What was their childhood like, and which pivotal moments nudged them toward the careers that made them famous? Celebrity autobiographies offer a rare invitation into those hidden corners, revealing the decisions, detours, and defining experiences that turn ordinary people into icons.

Recently, I read Julie Andrews’s first autobiography, Home , and enjoyed every page. What a life! What a writer! Her journey—from her earliest days performing on stage to the moment she stepped onto the Disney Studio lot—is filled with stories most of us have never heard. Many of us first met her as Mary Poppins, but she lived an extraordinary, complicated, richly human life long before that iconic role.

And it makes you wonder… How many more remarkable stories are out there waiting to be discovered? They say life is stranger than fiction, but I’d argue that real life is far more fascinating. All the small moments that accumulate, collide, and ultimately shape a person into who they become—that’s the most compelling story of all.

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end,” wrote Ursula K. Le Guin. With that in mind, here are a few captivating celebrity journeys that will keep you turning pages until the very last one.

Let’s Just Say it Wasn’t Pretty

By Diane Keaton

Diane

Keaton

has spent her life coloring outside the lines of conventional beauty. In

Cher

The Memoir, Part One

By Cher

With her signature honesty and humor, Cher charts her rise from a rough-edged, uncertain young girl to a trailblazing superstar the world has adored for more than half a century.

Part One follows her early years—from childhood through her transformative partnership and marriage with Sonny Bono—revealing the complicated relationship that made them icons and ultimately pulled them apart.

This first volume unveils Cher as daughter, sister, wife, lover, mother, and legend.

Her story is too big for one book—Part Two arrives Fall 2026.

We Di D OK, Ki D : A Memoir

By Sir Anthony Hopkins

Born and raised in Port Talbot—a small Welsh steelworks town— amid war and depression, Sir Anthony Hopkins grew up around men who were tough, to say the least, and eschewed all forms of emotional vulnerability in favor of alcoholism and brutality. A struggling student in school, he was deemed by his peers, his parents, and other adults as a failure with no future ahead of him. But, on a fateful Saturday night, the disregarded Welsh boy watched the 1948 adaptation of Hamlet , sparking a passion for acting that would lead him on a path that no one could have predicted.

Looking for more fascinating people?

this wise and witty memoir, she reflects on aging, motherhood, acting, art, and style, sharing what she’s learned from a lifetime in the spotlight. It’s a book only Keaton could write—funny, honest, and delightfully unconventional.

She’s written several memoirs worth exploring, especially her acclaimed Then Again.

Trejo

My Life of Crime, r edemption, and hollywood

By Danny Trejo With Donal Logue

On-screen, Danny Trejo has died in every way imaginable; off-screen, he has become a hero to recovery communities and fans worldwide. In this gripping memoir, Trejo explores the man behind the legend—the trauma, the mistakes, the transformation, and the redemption that shaped who he really is.

A Look Beyond the Lens

hOM e: A Memoir of My early Years & hOM e W O r K : A Memoir of My hollywood Years

By Julie Andrews with Emma Walton Hamilton

In Home , Julie Andrews recounts her journey from a challenging childhood in wartime Britain to the brink of international stardom. The memoir spans 1935 to 1962, ending when Walt Disney discovered her on Broadway and cast her as the world’s most famous nanny. In Home Wor k, she continues the story with her arrival in Hollywood and success in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music . Andrews shares the soaring highs and difficult lows of a life spent on stage and screen.

VAGA b OND A Memoir

By Tim Curry

Few performers have built a career as eclectic and unforgettable as Tim Curry. From his breakout as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show , to his chilling portrayal of Pennywise, to his acclaimed stage work in Spamalot , Curry has redefined what it means to be a character actor. With humor and insight, he recounts five decades of portraying heroes, villains, and everything in between.

Here are a few to discover…

The

Third Gilmore Girl

By Kelly Bishop

Kelly Bishop reflects on a remarkable life, from her early leap from dance to drama to navigating marriages, activism, and profound personal loss. She shares lessons learned, unforgettable stories, and the experiences that shaped her—from Broadway to Hollywood to her iconic role on Gilmore Girls

Making a Scene

By Constance Wu

Growing up in suburban Virginia, Constance Wu was often scolded for her big emotions— “good girls don’t make scenes.” But in community theater she found a place where big feelings were celebrated, not stifled. Her memoir follows her journey from struggling actress in New York to breakthrough roles in Fresh Off the Boat and Crazy Rich Asians, exploring identity, ambition, and the cost of chasing big dreams.

Thi CK er Th AN WAT er

A Memoir

By Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington offers an intimate look at her public and private worlds. She writes about her childhood, hidden traumas, mentors, activism, and ascent to stardom. Through setbacks and successes, she ultimately discovers her truest self—and a deeper sense of belonging.

You Never Know

By Tom Selleck

In You Never Know, Tom Selleck reflects on a career shaped by intentional choices and a fierce commitment to protecting his family’s privacy. His memoir provides a fresh perspective on Hollywood’s shifting landscape and reveals the thoughtful, selfdeprecating man behind the iconic mustache.

Hanna Zach &

photographed by p.J.

How did you meet?

After years of searching, we finally met each other on a dating app. Our relationship was well worth the wait and makes us all the more grateful for each other.

The Proposal?

I had just come back from a long trip to Asia to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. We hadn’t seen each other in weeks. I thought Zach was with his family in LA, and was being rather uncommunicative. Little did I know, he had driven up North and was staying with my best friend. I went with her for a walk and planned to tell her that I thought something was wrong, since Zach had been so evasive following my return. Why wouldn’t he call me? Instead, she kept me distracted from talking about him with all sorts of other topics. We crested a hill that overlooked a valley of colorful Fall trees, and there was Zach. I was so shocked I just stood there frozen in place. I remember thinking, “What is he doing here? I’m really upset with him and I want to tell him how he’s made me feel, but I think he’s trying to tell me something. I’ll just have to wait until he stops talking.” What nice things he said, I’ll never know. He got down on one knee, at which point I started shaking and had to quickly change my mindset from being upset and confused by him, to realizing he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me! He gave me a big hug and I said “Yes!” He then asked if I wanted to see the ring. I was so surprised to see him there that I hadn’t even registered that he was holding a beautiful ring!

What

is love?

Love is the choice to value someone else above yourself, forsaking your own desires to serve and to cherish. It is faithful, protective, trustworthy, sacrificial, caring, and enduring.

His love for God, the way he selflessly serves me and others, even when he’s tired, his humor, and his ability to have deep and thoughtful conversations.

What is love?

Hanna: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” I see my Zach live this out in many ways that he serves me, laughs with me, and encourages me when I’m sad, prays for me, pushes me to grow, and is quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness.

What is love?

Zach: Love is the choice to value someone else above yourself, forsaking your own desires to serve and to cherish. It is faithful, protective, trustworthy, sacrificial, caring, and enduring. I pray that I can embody this to Hanna in our marriage.

What do you love most about him?

His love for God, the way he selflessly serves me and others, even when he’s tired, his humor, and his ability to have deep and thoughtful conversations.

What do you love most about her?

I love her sense of adventure and her willingness to follow me in discovering new places and pushing boundaries.

When did you know you were in love?

Hanna: I knew it was love long before I was willing to say it out loud. I remember falling for him on one of our

I love her sense of adventure and her willingness to follow me in discovering new places and pushing boundaries.

early dates to the Santa Monica Pier where the “Scrambler” ride literally pushed us together! Despite my efforts to not move too quickly, Zach continued to pursue me throughout our relationship. He drove two hours to come see me and even followed me on a trip to the heat of Cambodia. Now that’s a man worth keeping!

When did you know you were in love?

Zach: There were a lot of moments, but I think the one that showed I was past the point of no return was when she left on a trip to Scandinavia for 2 weeks. I planned to work the weekend to try to keep my mind off of her, but it was to no avail. All I thought about the whole time was how much I missed her.

Fun facts

In our short time since dating and now being married, we’ve managed to visit 11 countries and 18 states together. It’s been so fun experiencing new cultures and trying wild foods together.

What did you enjoy most on your wedding day?

It was so special to see all of our friends and family together in one place! It all turned out so beautiful, but getting to have that precious time of celebrating with the people we love is something we will always cherish. We wish we could do it all over again!

Honeymoon

We spent our honeymoon on the island of St. Lucia. We had a great time exploring the island by boat, horse, foot, zipline, and car.

Vendor List

Photographer p.J. oswald, fits and Stops photography

Videographer roman reels

Venue le rêve estate

Rentals le rêve estate

Caterer pickles and olives Catering (people are still talking about how good the food was)

Desserts/Cake

Savor the Season with HeartHealthy Choices

Tips to keep the fun and flavor in your holiday foods while also keeping your health

goals on track.

By Stephen Cipot, DO, Kaiser Permanente

With all the holiday gatherings, parties, and activities, it’s not always easy to maintain healthy habits this time of year. But there are still ways to enjoy the holidays without doing major harm to your health, particularly when it comes to the heart.

People often face more stress, sleep less, don’t exercise as much, and develop other unhealthy habits this time of year. According to the American Heart Association, the holidays bring more heart attack deaths than any other time of year.

As an emergency department physician at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, and as chief of the Lifestyle Medicine department, I’ve seen more patients come in with heart issues during the holiday months. It’s important for people to know there are ways to make healthy choices this time of year to help prevent serious heart conditions from occurring.

Be mindful of what you’re eating. It’s important to continue making healthy choices when you go to holiday parties and family gatherings. Eating too many processed foods and sweets won’t make you feel full, so you’re likely to overeat. If you want to indulge in holiday foods, eat smaller

portions. Consider keeping a food journal to track what you are consuming or buddy up with a friend or family member to hold each other accountable.

Eat a fiber-rich snack, vegetables, or fruit before a holiday party. Start your meals by consuming fiber-rich options like roasted vegetables, lentil soup, or a leafy salad to curb hunger and prevent overeating. Swap refined snacks for whole fruits, nuts, or whole grain crackers to stay satisfied between festive feasts.

Substitute salt in recipes with other spices and herbs Consuming too much salt can cause fluid retention and elevate blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Reduce the amount of sodium in recipes or swap the salt with other spices and flavorful herbs. I would recommend using plenty of dried herbs

like oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme for your main meals. Using lemon and orange zest, plus a bit of lemon juice, can enhance roasted vegetables.

Reduce the fat in holiday dishes. Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and butter. Apple sauce can also keep your baked dishes moist, reducing the fat and may even cut some of the sugar. Reducing fat in holiday foods will help lower your risk of increasing your bad cholesterol, which is another risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Add more plant-based dishes into your traditional holiday spreads, like salads and roasted vegetables. Plan a day in the week when you are eating more plant-based dishes. Start with an achievable goal like eating three salads per week with high protein additives, like edamame or lentils. Eating more plant-based dishes

Mindfulness

supports

heart

health

by

lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system, which collectively can ease cardiovascular strain.

can improve blood pressure and decrease cholesterol levels. At parties that you host or contribute to, serve a low-calorie soup rather than a high calorie salad. Mash some cauliflower with added herbs, and you won’t miss the mashed potatoes.

Have the pie but skip the crust. Try a pumpkin custard with nuts. Using less refined sugar is key. Substitute whole foods, like dates, for sugar. Incorporate ingredients like nuts, oats, and seasonal fruits to add texture, flavor, and fiber while keeping treats wholesome and festive.

Cut back on your alcohol consumption. Alcohol creates inflammation in the body. It also contains a lot of calories and sugar. Heavy drinking is associated with heart problems including high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. In order to cut back on alcohol, I recommend planning ahead and making a commitment that you can stick to.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Activity is incredibly important for your body, it improves sleep, decreases hunger cues, and helps with the inevitable stress we experience during the holidays. You don’t have to exercise all at once. Splitting your sessions has been found to be as effective as getting 30-45 minutes at one time. Start nightly routines with your family, such as going on walks to look at holiday lights or displays, playing active family games, dancing to festive music, or trying ice skating. If there is a holiday party at work and the food options don’t seem very nutritious, take 5 minutes to do some stair climbing. There are small ways to incorporate movement into your day that can lead to big wins.

Start a mindfulness routine. During the holidays, carve out quiet moments for deep breathing, gratitude journaling, or mindful walks to stay grounded amid the hustle. Even brief pauses before meals or gift exchanges can help you savor the experience and reduce stress.

Mindfulness supports heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system, which collectively can ease cardiovascular strain. Just doing two minutes before bedtime or when you wake up can make a difference.

Remember, a little planning goes a long way. Being proactive with your health, rather than reactive, is the best gift you can give yourself and your loved ones this holiday season.

Stephen Cipot, DO, is an emergency medicine physician and the chief of the Lifestyle Medicine department at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento.

Same Team, Different Roles.

By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach

I’m a big believer in teamwork, I mean it’s how the dream works, right? And when you’re both pulling in the same direction you’re going to get farther and go further. But I ran across something the other day that really made me fine tune this concept of teamwork.

Same team, different roles.

The sentence stopped me in my tracks. We talk all the time about the same team, but I don’t know if I’ve ever paused long enough to think about what that means for each player.

I mean a baseball team with all catchers is going to fall short when you need a strike to be thrown. Or a volleyball squad with only setters leaves you falling short when the digs and spikes are required.

The best and most dynamic team out there has a talented group of people all doing different roles. And it sure works.

So why is it that when it comes to our relationships we sort of lose sight of this. We tend to keep score at who’s doing a better job at ALL the jobs. Pay a little too close attention to monitoring the load versus being ok with dividing it up. And sadly a bit too

critical on how each other should be doing it the right way.

And anyone that’s been in a marriage or partnership for a hot minute knows that this sort of mentality absolutely kills connection.

So what if, instead, you embrace the idea of the same team, different roles? If you got really intentional about who’s doing what and spread out the responsibilities to be more in line with your area of expertise and less about it being even Steven?

I mean it would take some work. You’d have to be really good at noticing resentment when it bubbles up. And super alert to any measuring

The sad thing is that without a really solid value assessment, you miss the opportunity to see that your team, the most important one in my book, is dynamic when you celebrate your different roles.

stick or calculator that began to ‘add up’ the sorted pieces to see who’s weight was heavier.

But with a delicate touch, it could really work

You would need to start by setting the table if you will. Deciding on the exact right setting you would need to approach this in the most grounded way as possible.

Then you would begin the work of digging in. Open up the discussion around what it’s like for each of you as individuals to carry your respective load. Using it as an opportunity to really hear how your partner’s days and weeks look like. Listen to their experience about the physical and mental load of their responsibilities. Grow your appreciation for all they do and how it helps your relationship, family, etc function in the most amazing ways possible. Taking time to ensure you’re actually growing in better understanding AND celebrating the importance of what you both bring to the table.

The sad thing is that without a really solid value assessment, you miss the opportunity to see that your team, the most important one in my book, is dynamic when you celebrate your different roles.

What both of you bring to the table to the relationship and the value that it adds is indescribable when you stop trying to see whose job is actually harder. As someone who played sports growing up and as a mom who has watched countless games of her kids, I would be hard pressed to say that one player is more important than any other player on the field, court, etc. You can try and make an argument that the pitcher is the most important player in a baseball game but they’re pretty much useless if they don’t have a dynamic catcher to receive each of those strikes. And as much as I love my goalkeeper daughter, she is only as good as her defense plus the strikers that are scoring goals on the opposite side of the field.

If you are stuck in a place where resentment or frustration is preventing you from seeing the ‘same team, different roles’ mentality, then now might be the time to lean in and do some relational work

Work your way through the steps outlined above, reach out to a therapist or get a relationship book from your local library.

Don’t let obstacles stand in the way of the two of you growing to be the most dynamic team possible that absolutely appreciates the different roles both work hard to fill.

I’m cheering you on.

A AnnaOsborn,LMFT,is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com.

Diwali Festival

This year marked the 6th annual Diwali celebration— the largest and most diverse Diwali festival in Greater Sacramento. Held at District 56 and proudly supported by the City of Elk Grove's Diversity & Inclusion Commission, the event continues to grow in popularity, drawing large and enthusiastic crowds each year.

The celebration featured vibrant cultural dance perfor mances, a dazzling fashion show, an Interfaith Diya (Lamp) Lighting ceremony, and inspiring speeches by public of ficials and community leaders. Attendees also enjoyed a complimentary dinner along with traditional Diwali sweets.

This festival honored the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil—a joyful cel ebration of culture and unity.

Stop Cold, Flu, & Viral Infections with Oyster Mushroom Pleuran

Written By Terry Lemerond

by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins

Prevention, Relief, and Recovery with Oyster Mushroom Pleuran

Mushrooms have been part of traditional healing practices for generations, and for good reason. Compounds from mushrooms have been shown to stop tumor growth, improve physical stamina, and enhance mental well-being. The right mushrooms also provide powerful immune-strengthening actions.

The medicinal value of mushrooms and their ability to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections was driven home to me after an experience on a recent trip. I don’t get ill very often, but travel, especially with the proximity and enclosed space of airline travel, definitely increases the risk of infection. On this occasion, I fell ill and felt utterly knocked out.

As it happened, I was meeting some of the people who had been researching the immunebolstering properties of oyster mushrooms. And fortunately, my contact in Europe provided me with supplemental pleuran from this very source. I started taking it, and within three days, I was completely recovered! Needless to say, this has been one of my favorite discoveries to date.

And I’m not alone. As I travel through Europe, I make it a priority to stop in pharmacies to see what is selling in natural medicines. I often find this same pleuran from oyster mushrooms sold

in two different formulations: 100 mg pleuran plus 100 mg of vitamin C as a daily preventative supplement for children and adults, and an acute formulation for adults taken during an active infection, with 300 mg of pleuran plus 160 mg of vitamin C and 10 mg of zinc.

Clinically studied for over 25 years, oyster mushroom pleuran is extremely popular in Europe and has been available around the world for 25 years. It’s now found in 40 countries. It helps you breathe easier, clears sinuses, controls coughs, prevents infections, and speeds recovery. Fortunately for all of us, it is now available in the United States.

Pleuran from Oyster Mushrooms Strength Trains Your Immune System

Some researchers have referred to the stimulating effect that oyster mushroom pleuran has

on the immune system as “trained immunity.” Pleuran reprograms immune cell reactions and, over time, helps build resistance. Interestingly, while pleuran is named, in part, after the species of mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, that contains it, “pleura” also refers to the lungs specifically, and breathing and sinus clarity generally. Experience and clinical studies show that it is a very appropriately named component of these mushrooms.

Mushrooms have been part of culinary and medical traditions for generations, but we’re only beginning to unravel why they work so well to strengthen the immune system. Pleuran is an insoluble beta-glucan found only in oyster mushrooms that interacts with Peyer’s patches, which are immune-influencing sites in the small intestines. These small groups of follicle-like tissues are connected to the lymphatic system. They work as part of the immune system’s early warning system and will alert and activate lym-

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One study that combined oyster mushroom pleuran and vitamin C reported that 36 percent of the children taking this combination didn’t have any respiratory infections during the active treatment period.

phocytes, white blood cells that intercept and stop bacterial and viral invaders.

Once pleuran binds to macrophage receptors in the intestinal wall, protective responses are activated. Pleuran also prevents viral infiltration and replication and encourages healthy gut bacteria, which also boosts immune resistance to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

Seasonal Colds and Flus are Not Inevitable

Cold and flu season affects everyone, especially kids. When you consider that children typically have had less time to develop strong immune systems and spend much of their days in close proximity with other kids, it’s easy to see why upper respiratory infections are so common. In fact, they typically get 6 to 8 colds per year. Not surprisingly, these infections spread to entire families, with everyone either becoming ill or taking care of those who are under the weather. At that point, time off from school and altered work schedules become the norm, no matter how careful you are. If this situation sounds familiar, I’m here to tell you that it does not need to be inevitable.

Reduces Childhood Infections by 50%

As I mentioned earlier, if your children get upper respiratory tract infections throughout the cold and flu season, which typically corresponds with the school year, keeping them healthy is critical for your entire family. Clinically studied for safety and efficacy, pleuran shows great results for stopping infections in kids.

For example, one study reported that the majority of children taking this extract for three months, starting in August, saw a drop in illnesses by over 50 percent compared to the year before. They went from an average of 8.9 infections per year to just 3.6 during this treatment time. Considering how that corresponds with their time in school, I think that’s quite impressive.

Another clinical study examined the preventive effects of oyster mushroom pleuran on children and found virtually the same results. After three months of treatment, the number of upper re-

How Pleuran Works

STEP

1

Pleuran passes into the small intestines.

STEP

2

Pleuran reaches the Peyer’s patches, immune-influencing sites in the intestines.

STEP

3

Pleuran binds to immune receptors on the surface of Peyer’s patches. Immune cytokines, natural killer cells (NK cells), and macrophages are activated.

STEP

4

Pleuran activates immune cells and our innate and acquired immune system responses. Specific immune cells, including B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes are activated.

STEP

5

Activated immune cells circulate throughout the body, protecting you from infections and/or speeding recovery in the event of illness.

spiratory tract infections was reduced by half. And includes fewer ear infections and less cases of bronchitis, the common cold, laryngitis, and even pneumonia. Plus, it was extremely welltolerated by the children in the study and got a high approval rating for effectiveness from 85 percent of their parents.

Yet another clinical study reported similar results after supplementing with pleuran—50 percent fewer respiratory tract infections during the treatment time. Again, that included fewer instances of ear infections, bronchitis, and the common cold. Plus, the effects appeared to last even after the treatment period, showing that it truly strengthens and trains the immune system to defend against a variety of illnesses.

One study that combined oyster mushroom pleuran and vitamin C reported that 36 percent of the children taking this combination didn’t have any respiratory infections during the active treatment period. Bear in mind that the children participating in this study had previously dealt with at least 5 infections in the year leading up to the study. Pleuran also reduced frequency of other flu and flu-like illnesses and cases of lower respiratory tract infections. Researchers found that this combination appeared to assist in antibody production and help mature the immune responses in the children, which may explain the preventative effects seen even after the supplement was no longer being taken.

In addition to colds, many children and adults suffer from recurring seasonal allergies that cause just as much havoc as any infection, and sometimes actually lead to increased infections because of the way allergies tax the immune system. But here too, pleuran from oyster mushrooms can help.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections found that pleuran reduced the number of eosinophils, white blood cells typically associated with intense allergic responses. It also moderated the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), antibodies that surge to cells in the nose, lungs, skin, or throat that then release compounds that cause allergy symptoms, like sneezing, itching, or coughing. If you or your children contend with seasonal allergies, daily use of pleuran before and during peak allergy season can definitely help.

Prevents Infections in Adults, Too

Clinical research shows that oyster mushroom pleuran has remarkable benefits in adults, too.

If you’ve ever come down with a cold after physically-demanding activity, then you’ve experienced a common issue. Even though physical activity is a must for good health, exercise can sometimes deplete the strength of the immune system, leaving a person open to illnesses. Fortunately, pleuran addresses that very problem.

Placebo-controlled clinical studies showed that after periods of intensive exercise, oyster mushroom pleuran prevented upper respiratory infections, preserved infection-fighting levels of natural killer (NK) cells, and strengthened white blood cell activity. By comparison, the placebo group saw their NK levels drop by 28 percent, making them much more prone to illness.

Oyster mushroom pleuran finely tunes immune responses in cases of autoimmune conditions as well. For example, individuals with Crohn’s disease are often susceptible to other infections, including respiratory illnesses, even though their primary concern is an intestinal disease. This can be due to their immune-suppressing medications or the autoimmune condition itself.

Fortunately, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study reported pleuran significantly prevented secondary illnesses during the 12-month regimen. It worked well with the participant’s conventional medication and did not trigger any Crohn’s symptoms.

The Synergy of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best-known immune boosters. Taken for prevention, it may reduce the incidence of colds by as much as 50 percent. But it is key to get vitamin C regularly during the year and at the first signs of illness, because it can be used up quickly when your immune system is under attack. Vitamin C also has a natural antihistamine effect and alleviates allergy symptoms, making it an excellent partner to pleuran.

In fact, vitamin C was combined with oyster mushroom pleuran in some of the clinical studies I’ve mentioned here. Those same studies reported that compared to vitamin C alone, the combination of pleuran and vitamin C showed double the effectiveness in preventing flu symptoms and respiratory infections.

Taken daily, it also prevents colds, flus, ear infections, allergies, and asthma.

Pleuran is incredibly effective and safe,

High-Dosage Pleuran with Vitamin C and Zinc Quickly Stops Acute Illness in Adults

The higher levels of pleuran, vitamin C, and the addition of zinc for acute relief was perfect for cases like mine when I was traveling. It’s the right choice for any adult who suddenly finds themselves dealing with an infection.

In acute cases, zinc can be especially helpful. This mineral is also recommended for illnesses ranging from seasonal flu viruses to COVID-19. It prevents viruses from replicating and helps keep your existing defenses strong. Zinc also helps your body adapt and fight bacteria or viruses that it has never encountered in the past. This powerful nutrient has been found to reduce the duration of cold symptoms by 42 percent compared to a placebo, but like vitamin C, it needs to be taken at the first sign of an illness. So it’s understandable that the researchers who pioneered pleuran as a natural medicine also recommend a short-term boost that includes zinc.

Prevents Secondary Infections in Chronic Conditions

Pleuran from oyster mushrooms has also been shown to be effective in preventing or reducing the symptoms that accompany herpes (HSV-1) flare-ups. This is good news for anyone who uses conventional drug treatment, because in much the same way that antibiotics can cause bacterial resistance, long-term use of the antiviral medication acyclovir can cause viral resistance. Plus, people struggling with herpes often develop respiratory flu-like symptoms because their immune system is already taxed. Fortunately, pleuran can help. In a clinical study, participants with HSV-1 were provided with either a placebo or a combination of a higher dosage of oyster mushroom pleuran (300 mg), vitamin C (160 mg), and zinc (10 mg) for the first 10 days of the treatment. These nutrients were given at higher levels as a way of jump-starting the immune response.

The results came quickly. Within only five days, a higher proportion of individuals in the pleuran group were already free of herpes symptoms. After the intensive, acute phase of treatment, participants took the lower, daily maintenance dosage level of pleuran (100 mg) and vitamin C (100 mg) for 120 days–the same level I’d recommend to adults and children to prevent colds, flus, and other infections. As seen in other studies, those taking the pleuran combination in this long-term segment saw the duration of any accompanying respiratory symptoms, like runny nose and cough, greatly reduced compared to the placebo group.

Stops Respiratory Illnesses Fast

My own experience with a respiratory infection while traveling was that this same high dosage form knocks out illnesses very fast, whatever the cause. You can determine whether or not you’d like to follow that with a daily maintenance dose just to keep the immune system well poised to stop any further illness. If you’re susceptible to respiratory tract infections, ear infections, or other issues, it may be a good idea.

W HAT TO K NOW A BOUT P LEURAN

For the extract I recommend, the oyster mushrooms are hand-harvested and carefully separated from their caps. The stems are kept at a cold temperature following harvest, with refrigerated trucks used to transport them. This prevents enzyme damage to pleuran, and helps it retain its immune-strengthening actions. The stems are then dried and concentrated for the valuable pleuran content. Pleuran must be taken on an empty stomach. As I described earlier, pleuran needs to come into contact with specific cells in the intestines in order for it to work. Food can block pleuran from making this contact and render it ineffective. To get the full benefits of pleuran, take it 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.

Daily Immune Strength for Children and

Adults: For a safe and effective combination that helps you and your children sail through cold and flu season with ease, I urge you to add a combination of 100 mg of pleuran and 100 mg of vitamin C to your daily regimen. Clinical studies found that children responded best when this formula was taken at or before the beginning of the school year, and continued on through March. Of course, adults and children can take it daily, especially during allergy season when reactions to pollen are at their height, or when the potential for asthma symptoms is greatest.

Acute Cold and Flu Relief in Adults: Oyster mushroom pleuran is extremely valuable for battling virtually any challenge to the immune system.

A 300 mg dosage of pleuran combined with 160 mg of synergistic vitamin C and 10 mg of zinc works quickly to relieve runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and ear infections, and helps speed recovery.

Pleuran Strengthens You and Your Family

I can tell you from experience that pleuran stops infections and relieves symptoms. Taken daily, it also prevents colds, flus, ear infections, allergies, and asthma. Pleuran is incredibly effective and safe, with 25 years of research and real-world use to back it up. If you want to protect yourself and your family and stay strong through–and beyond–cold and flu season, I urge you to add pleuran from oyster mushrooms to your regimen today.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Y OUR I MMUNE S YSTEM Two Systems in One

You have, in a sense, two immune systems, the innate and adaptive (also called acquired) immune systems. The innate immune system encompasses everything you are born with that can stop infections. That includes things that you normally wouldn’t think of as “immune defenders” like your skin, saliva, mucous membranes, and stomach acid. All of them work to prevent viruses or bacteria from getting their feet in the door.

Your innate immune system also includes specialized white blood cells that can respond to any threats from pathogens like viruses and bacteria.

Your adaptive immune system is what helps your body develop immunity to a specific bacteria or virus after exposure or illness. The adaptive immune system includes T-cells, antibodies, and white blood cells that recognize invaders that survive your innate immune system, and either bolster your immune strength as a result or destroy the infected cells so that they move out of your body altogether.

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.

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.

Happy Bark-Day

Asah Turns Two

Asah just turned 2, and Elk Grove Vitamins celebrated their beloved mascot in style! The event welcomed pups of all kinds, complete with plenty of treats and tail wags.

Elk Grove Vitamins has proudly served the community for over 30 years, and for the last 12, Dianna Singh has led the way with expertise and heart. Stop by and let Dianna and her dedicated team support you on your health journey—and while you're there, don’t forget to say hi to Asah!

Alexander Hamilton Willard

By Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society -

Alexander Hamilton Willard (1778-1865) was a man of many skills and had many pioneering adventures. He is probably most famous for being part of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. In his later life he brought his family to Elk Grove and is buried in the Franklin Cemetery. Here is his story …

According to his headstone and many sources, Alexander was born on August 28, 1978 (some sources claim July 1777) in the town of Charleston, New Hampshire, the oldest son of Lt. Jonathan Willard and the only child of Betty Caswell. When he grew up, he moved to Pennsylvania where he enlisted in the Army on June 9, 1800. At Fort Kaskaskia, Illinois, at age 25, he was recruited to join the Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806) as a blacksmith, carpenter, and hunter for the expedition.

The group called the Corps of Discovery, was led by Captain Meriweather Lewis and his friend Captain William Clark. The land west of the Mississippi River had been purchased from France in 1803 – The Louisiana Purchase; a total of 828,000 square miles for $15 million. President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition to explore and detail as much of the new territory as possible. The corps objectives were to study the area’s plants, animal life, and geography. Alexander had the skills needed for the expedition.

The two-year journey held many adventures that are well documented in books.

One incident during an unsuccessful search for Baker Bay as part of the Lewis & Clark expedition, Willard and george Shannon were ordered to camp out and wait for the main party. While they were sleeping on the beach, a group of Native Americans took their guns, leaving them unarmed. The main party returned in such a timely manner as to startle the Native Americans into returning the guns. Although Willard redeemed himself by this point, he had previously received the harshest punishment distributed to a member of the Corps of Discovery; “Court Martial on the Trail.” The charges were lying down and sleeping at his post while on guard duty: a military crime punishable by death. But the punishment he was issued on the trail on July 12, 1804, consisted of 100 lashes divided evenly over four straight days at sunset. Many don’t survive the punishment, but Willard did and mended his ways.

Another adventure Willard experienced was during a portage around the Missouri River Falls in July 1850, Alexander was attacked by a “White Bear” in camp. Clark gathered

three men and chased the bear off. The island nearby later became known as White Bear Island in memory of the event.

When they returned, Willard married Eleanor McDonald in 1807, near St. Louis, Missouri in Platteville and they had twelve children, five daughters and seven sons. After the expedition he was hired by Lewis, and later by Clark, to serve as a blacksmith to various Indian tribes (Sauk, Meskwaki, Delawares, Shawnees tribes) and later work as an express agent (bearer of dispatches). Between 1825 and 1827 Willard moved from Missouri to Wisconsin. He and four sons served in the militia in 1832 in the Blackhawk War.

In 1852, 74 -year-old Alexander and his wife and much of his family traveled by covered wagon to the Sacramento Valley. A wagon train of 49 people was organized, leaving Wisconsin in the spring of 1852

Photos courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Society

Alexander and Eleanor Willard

President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition to explore and detail as much of the new territory as possible. The corps objectives were to study the area’s plants, animal life, and geography. Alexander had the skills needed for the expedition.

and arriving in California (with the loss of only one man). Besides owning land in Franklin, he owned land in Yolo and Lake Counties.

Alexander died at the age of 87 on March 6, 1856, at his residence on the Lower Stockton Road (now called Franklin Boulevard) in the town of georgetown (now called Franklin) in Elk grove. Eleanor died there at the age of 77 on June 1, 1868. Many descendants of their 12 children reside in California and the West. A local park and road are named after Willard. Their grave markers are located on the West side of the Franklin Cemetery, including a tall white stone obelisk.

This information was gathered from writings of the California Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Cosumnes Community Service District, Historian Elizabeth Pinkerton, Historical Society member Barbara Claire, and Wikipedia.

There are many books written about the men in the Lewis & Clark Expedition including Alexander Hamilton Willard. The Elk grove Historical Society has one of the largest Lewis & Clark collections in the United States and it is open to the public.

Top: Charles Marion Russell’s 1905 painting depicting the Lewis and Clark expedition meeting Native Americans from a canoe. Bottom (clockwise): The Willard family plot at Franklin Cemetery; the Willard exhibit at the entrance; and Arnie Zimbelman leading a tour of the Willard plot.

Louis Silveira Elk Grove’s 2025 Citizen of the Year

Elk Grove proudly honored Louis Silveira as their 2025 Citizen of the Year, celebrating a lifetime of service, compassion, and dedication to preserving our community’s story. Raised in Elk Grove’s farming fields, Louis grew up learning the value of hard work and service— principles that guided him through an impressive career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and later as a highly skilled Registered Nurse and surgical specialist.

Louis’ most enduring contribution, however, is his passion for Elk grove’s history. As a longtime volunteer with the Elk grove Historical Society, he transformed the research library, organized thousands of artifacts, secured the full Elk Citizen newspaper archives, and connected residents worldwide through his Elk grove High School Update newsletter. He has also written dozens of historical articles and proudly serves as Ardent for Life Magazine’s history writer.

His dedication continues to inspire us, and we’re thrilled to see him recognized