Ardent content food
&
flavor 20. HAWAIIAN KABOBS Carole Morris
18.
22. FUN IN THE KITCHEN Sarah Steffens
finance
health
26. HEAVENLY LAVENDER Cindy Della Monica
34. MARKET SELLOFF Edward Jones
42. HOW ARE YOU DOING? Anna Osborn
community
nonprofit
54. HEALTH FINDS Elk Grove Vitamins
love
art
18. RE-CYCLING WOW and EGBC
30. JAMIE & BRYAN
36. UPLIFT PEOPLE OF ELK GROVE
56. STROKES Kaiser Permanente 58. ULTHERAPY Rejuvenation Wellness
44. BOOK REVIEWS Sacramento Public Library
60. CBD FACTS Purely CBD of Elk Grove 62. SELFIE Switch Fitness
profiles 48. IR ACADEMY OF SOCCER
education 52. WHAT I’VE LEARNED CT Morris
56. 6. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
history
64. LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ELK GROVE Elizabeth Pinkerton
Community Cornerq a &
Britney Brum
Owner of Simply Bee Photography Story on page 30. I can’t live without these apps on my phone:
Spotify: music is my mood enhancer, I use it multiple times a day and love all of the custom features. I have a playlist I’ve been working on for a couple years called “beaches and boondocks” it’s all beach/water country music and it makes me feel like I’m on vacation. I also love making lists, the “clear” app lets me make tasks and slide them as I complete a task... so satisfying. Tell us something you are grateful for:
The struggles, my husband and I went through a really hard time. If that had not happened we would not be where we are, it catapulted us into grind mode and we worked hard and sacrificed. We still have things to accomplish and will always be reaching for that next goal, but without our struggle we would not have found our strength. Two good habits:
-Stretch after work out! -Always look at the source of the information you are given. Tell us a positive thing you’ve learned, since the COVID-19 quarantine:
How grateful I am for the small things in life. Things that I could not do like: working, going to the gym, taking my kids to school, and sitting in a restaurant. Things that we did a lot: spending time with the people who live in my house, it was awesome to get that much time together. My bucket list includes doing this in the next year:
I’m gonna take advantage of all the things that come my way; trips, experiences, etc. If the last few months has taught me anything it is to seize every day, because you never know when it won’t be possible. 10. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
Community Corner q&a
Aaron Andrew Grove
Owner of Purely CBD of Elk Grove Story on page 60. Profession:
Serial Entrepreneur and Owner of Purely CBD of Elk Grove Do you have a secret talent?
Sshhh, not supposed to talk about that. I can’t live without these apps on my phone:
I can't live without Notes and the Calendar. It's a must to journal moments of inspired thoughts into Notes and my calendar is my boss. What two habits (do you feel) will improve a person’s life?
The first habit I feel that will improve someone's life is starting their day right. Correcting every single morning to stay on track, long term. A simple exercise as soon as one wakes is to meditate briefly while the eyes are still shut (3-5min). Then write down, "today I do not judge, criticize, condemn, or complain. I am grateful for... (List at least three)." Finally, write ten life goals in an “I AM” framework. This is important for crystallization and auto-suggestion. [Pro-tip: Feel grateful for 30-60 seconds for each separate attitude of gratitude and life goal] then read 5-10 pages of a life enhancing book and break a quick sweat. If we are green we are growing, if we are ripe we are rotten. The second is to harness the awareness for living from moment to moment, while sustaining that gratitude throughout the day. Why? Because a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles—and living in the moment creates peace of mind. Recollecting the past creates depression and anticipation of the future creates anxiety. All of which only exists in our mind—because 80% of the things we worry about never happen. Tell us something you are grateful for?
To live and have this experience called life. What is your favorite book?
My top five favorite game changing books are Wishes Fulfilled by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. ardentforlife.net 13
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.
Britney Brum
I am Britney, a portrait photographer based in the greater Sacramento area. I am a self-proclaimed chaser of light and LOVE all things bright and airy.
D’Lee Daleo
Switch Fitness Owner with a passion for life, family, friends and fitness. She's never met a stranger, loves the movie Elf and is living proof that fitness can be fun.
Aaron Andrew Grove
Serial Entrepreneur and Owner of Purely CBD of Elk Grove
Dr. Dayle A. Imperato
A Board Certified physician, she has served the Sacramento community for the past 20 years. Owner of Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine in Old Town, Elk Grove.
Jamie McCalman
Switch Fitness Owner and Mom to Braden, Kyla and Lea. Some Moms can juggle a lot, Jamie can literally juggle her three kids; yeah, she’s that strong.
Scott Molinari
Is the IR Academy of Soccer Recreational Director that enjoys sharing the passion and experience of youth sports.
Cindy Della Monica
Cheesemonger and Owner of Cheese Central in Lodi, Ca.
Carole Morris
Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Josh Myer
Is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, he has a passion for coaching families and individual investors to achieve their financial goals. He loves being part of the Elk Grove community and spending time with his beautiful wife Molly and their two kids Riley and Jackson.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Elizabeth Pinkerton
Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.
Susie Franklin Roeser
Owner & full time employee of Gifts From The Heart Of Elk Grove. Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom x2, Carpool Minivan driver, 4-H Leader and lover of all things creative.
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past six years.
Sarah Steffens
Is a food stylist, lifestyle photographer and private health foods chef specializing in Paleo, Keto and Whole30 meals.
Brendle Wells
Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”
14. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
Summer Cover
Welcome summer by grilling! Try the Hawaiian chicken kabob recipe on page 20.
creative director
executive editor
business manager
sara@mrsandmrpublishing.com
carole@mrsandmrpublishing.com
justin@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Sara Pinnell
Carole Morris
art & production
info@mrsandmrpublishing.com
Justin Pinnell
sales
sales@mrsandmrpublishing.com
View Ardent for Life online at WWW.ARDENTFORLIFE.NET
Copyright Š 2020 Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Published by Mrs. and Mr. Publishing six times a year Want to know about great events, open houses, and more? Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ardentforlifeelkgrove Ardent For Life is distributed in Elk Grove, Sacramento, Lodi, and every point in between. Have a great story idea, or know someone that we should feature? Email us with your comments & suggestions at info@mrsandmrpublishing.com Interested in increasing your business and partnering with Ardent For Life? Check out www.ardentforlife.net. The information in this publication is for informational purposes only. Mrs. and Mr. Publishing Inc. (DBA Ardent for Life) assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization is not necessarily the views of the magazine.
ARDENT f o r
Checking In
l i f e
I would like to pretend that this is just another summer day…blue skies, birds chirping and a gentle breeze blowing. However, with all the news about COVID 19, it would be impossible for me to pull it off; especially with the constant clamor from the media! Wow, an individual can really feel dazed and miss out on any positive news that is still occurring. Instead, we can feel the push from the dark side that says, “Run for your lives!” History has always shown us that during times of distress and doubt, the best components of human nature can triumph. All over the world, kindness is prevailing and people are coming together. This pandemic has brought a feeling of “we’re in this together” and actually given the world a sense of unity. As we were just beginning our “shelter in place” in the U.S., I saw a video of people in Italy singing on balconies. It was so moving it brought tears to my eyes. Locally, in CA, there have been many unique stories of birthday celebrations that had parades of vehicles with decorated signs. Teachers having parades for their students to show them they are missed. Heartwarming stories of customers purposely ordering from mom and pop restaurants to show their support. Families and friends sharing their time by having virtual movie nights or TikTok hashtag challenges. Also, families used this opportunity to bond with their children as they did virtual traveling around the world! Finally, there were virtual church services to feed the soul. Really, as a community we are amazingly resilient! We adjusted to a "new normal" then individuals were moved to protest, in hopes of altering a set agenda and starting a debate. It was evident (to all who witnessed the protests) that those who truly want change protested peaceably.
“To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy is to set our own conditions to the events of each day.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
executive editor
Carole Morris
WHAT DID WE LEARN AFTER READING THIS ISSUE?
As always, we have wonderful recipes in this issue; Herbed and Lemon Zested Goat Cheese, Hasselback Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli Basil Dip, Asparagus Frittata, and Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs. Guaranteed to make your taste buds jump and your heart sing! There is a great article by Anna Osborn about simple but powerful truths that help us to stay grounded and connected. So, sit outside with your newest edition of Ardent and enjoy!
community}
Re-Cycling with WOW and EGBC By Sarah McClellan
Re-Cycling is a word often heard to save our planet; however, re-cycling for two active cycling clubs in Elk Grove, California, involve two wheels that cycle around town and to various communities in the greater Sacramento area… and beyond. Yes! We're known to cycle again, and again, and again, until our legs find the end point, and we meet our final destination. Once we’ve arrived, we smile and feel as though we will keep smiling afterwards with a few chuckles in between. Why? Because in Elk Grove, there are country roads frequently flecked with birds hovering overhead and we can still meander through farmlands graced with goats, cows and horses which glance our way as we cycle past. In addition, cyclists can travel in places like Consumes River Preserve which leads to other trails and towns next door.
Why do we cycle? Like most hobbyists, recreationists, or driven folks—cycling provides an outlet to de-stress, connect with friendly people, and stay mentally and physically healthy. As some
18. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
have said in the past, cycling is the "drug" of choice that the FDA doesn't have to regulate.
As a rapidly expanding city of 174,000 (and growing), Elk Grove continues to evolve and enlarge as developers claim more land from farmers ready to sell. Within the growth, however, a need for the ride was recognized, and two cycling clubs were born. Women on Wheels (an all-women’s recreational cycling activity group) began six years ago and remains free to all women who need an activity that doesn't jar the knees or exhaust one to the point of no return. Socially, this group continues to meet and thrive as well. As several of us muse about our post-motherhood bodies and long to recover our own healthy and vital sense of self; we know that such possibilities are always just another ride or two away.
The WOW women are very accomplished individuals who have quietly made tremendous impacts in their careers and/or have given greatly to others. These women are ready to give back to their own selves by taking better care of themselves AND their loved ones.
community} Why do we cycle? Like most hobbyists, recreationists, or driven folks—cycling provides an outlet to de-stress, connect with friendly people, and stay mentally and physically healthy. As some have said in the past, cycling is the "drug" of choice that the FDA doesn't have to regulate.
The Elk Grove Cycling Club (EGCC), was formed in 2014 by people who share a passion for cycling. The members are accountability partners for each other, encouraging other members to ride more frequently and to greater distances. This club is not about competition but as a team they challenge one another to greater achievements. The Elk Grove Cycling Club, and its members, are dedicated to spreading the word of cycling for fun, fitness and socialization. Their mission is to teach safe cycling skills, provide training and nutrition guidance, and champion cycling rights. These two relatively new cycling groups were founded on the interest and need to start a cycling activity in our community.
Why do we ride? For some, it's the need to connect with other people who share the same passion; for others, it’s the desire to find an outlet to de-stress from work or other stress-related situations. For most, perhaps, it’s an opportunity to keep active with friendly people while increasing weekly activity levels. All of these objectives fulfill the need to connect with the outdoors and work toward a long-term cycling goal. In addition to the social aspect that has kept these two cycling clubs in Elk Grove going strong.
How do people hear about our cycling groups? Both groups have pages on Meetup.com and use them as their on-line home bases. Sign up forms, calendars of upcoming rides, and general information about the groups can be found there. Most cyclists know the benefits cycling offers, yet some think it's too much of a commitment. While cycling is not as simple as merely throwing on a pair of running or walking shoes and does require extra drive, it is well worth the effort. The benefits, however, far exceed the prep time it takes…especially since one rarely gets on their bike for a mere 30-minute ride!
Not long ago, one of the women in our club, a youthful grandmother, had learned she was prediabetic with high blood pressure. She took up cycling with the WOW group. After weeks of consistent cycling, her doctor gave her good news. She no longer had the prior conditions and is now able to stay away from taking medications. She smiles a lot more now as a result, which is a condition we find contagious! Another woman, a divorced mother of two, came to WOW with the goal of getting in shape and meeting other women with the same passion. Once she got the itch for more cycling and completing a few event rides, she set her goal to complete a Century Ride. She recently accomplished her goal and now calls herself a "cyclist". These are a few short stories of many in our club. Each with a different goal but with the same interest. For many of us in the club, cycling provides a physical AND mental release from the stress of life’s demands. Both clubs offer rides, support, and encouragement with a wide range of skill levels. The clubs help individuals build their distance and stamina, all while offering a friendly and supportive environment. When moving on to the next tier of cycling, our bodies change in a healthy way; weight loss and muscle mass increase, bones become denser, and the body
becomes leaner, stronger, and capable of endurance riding.
Depending on the leader, event ride, and location of the ride we may climb hills in Placer County, ride in the Tahoe area, trek in the Bay Area, or loop around the country roads in Elk Grove. Additionally, we may go to Galt, Lodi, the Bird Preserve Sanctuary, or the canals and bike trails which meander throughout Sacramento.
Moreover, other clubs like the Folsom Cycling Club, come to Elk Grove on Wednesday evenings for weekly training rides. Our clubs bring people together from the Greater Sacramento areas; we introduce newbies to the ever-growing field of cycling and to the expansively vast cycling areas within and around our own community. Cycling, especially when enjoyed together with one of these two clubs, is a healthy and positive activity! Come join us! For more information visit www.meetup.com/WOW-CYCLING and www.elkgrovecycling.com
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food}
HELLO
SUMMER Hawaiian
Kabobs By Carole Morris
In the last three months who hasn’t dreamed of sandy beaches and emeraldblue water? In other words, an escape from reality to tranquil skies and islands with a dazzling variety of plants, animals and people. Yes, I’m talking about beautiful Hawaii.
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Some fun facts about Hawaii are… They didn’t become a state until 1959. The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of 137 islands, AND the most common question people ask, “Is Waikiki the capital (because they think Hawaii’s not part of the United States)?” Scary, right? I’m on a roll now… did you know that Hawaii has 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones? They have from tropical and continuously drizzly to burning desert and icy climates, so you can experience almost everything Earth has to offer on The Hawaiian Islands. Moreover, Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time…they have Hawaii Standard Time. They are the most remote geological island chain on Earth. More than 2,000 miles away from any other place, and their ecosystem was established in almost complete isolation, making it more endemic than even the Galapagos Islands. In fact, Oahu has a small population of wallabies (native to Australia) living in Kalihi Valley. Additionally, the Hawaiian alphabet only has only 12 letters, there are no snakes in Hawaii, there are no billboards, gambling is illegal in Hawaii, and the southernmost part of the United States is actually on a Hawaii Island. . .Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee (Kona, how I love thee). Did you know that everyone in Hawaii is considered a minority, because Hawaii is a giant melting pot of diversity? Which leads to the fact that their food is as unique as the people who call Hawaii their home. Servings: 9 -10 kabobs (Cook Time: 20 minutes)
Gorgeous Marinade Ingredients
1/4 C brown sugar
5 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 C soy sauce
1 1/4 Tbsp. ginger
(packed down)
1/4 C ketchup 3/4 C pineapple juice 3 Tbsp. oil
2 Tbsp. rice vinegar 3/4 tsp sesame oil 3/4 tsp black pepper
Salt (to taste)
Kabob (add different ones to fit your taste) Ingredients
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken
1 large green pepper breast (cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes) (cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces) 4 C cubed pineapple 1 large red onion, diced into (approximately 3 lb. pineapple) 1 1/4-inch pieces 1 large red pepper 2 tbsp. oil (to brush on (cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces)
vegetables and pineapple)
Directions
(2 tbsp.) over red onion, bell pepper and pineapple and stir…season with salt and pepper (to taste). Next, thread red onion, bell pepper, pineapple and chicken onto skewers until all of the chicken has been used.
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, olive oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. Stir pepper and season with salt (to taste). Put cut up chicken in a gallon size resealable bag with marinade (reserving 1/2 cup of the marinade to brush over kabobs as they cook). Seal bag and refrigerate 1 hour. Soak approximately 10 wooden skewer sticks in cold water for 1 hour (to keep from burning). Preheat a grill to 400°F. Sprinkle olive oil
Dipping sauce (for the saucy eater) 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl
Brush grill grates with oil then place skewers on grill. Grill 5 minutes then brush along tops with 1/4 cup of remaining marinade. Rotate to opposite side and brush remaining 1/4 cup of marinade on opposite side. Allow to grill until chicken registers 165°F in center on a thermometer. Serve and le'ale'a (enjoy)
5 Tbsp. honey 1 cup mayonnaise 4 Tbsp. BBQ sauce ardentforlife.net 21
food}
Let's have some healthy cooking fun in the Kitchen... Recipes and Photos by Sarah Steffens
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Frittatas, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli and Goat Cheese are all on the menu this spring! These easy to prepare dishes (and sides) are overflowing with healthy ingredients that will liven up your diet with their piquant flavor. food}
Broccoli Basil Dip
Blending your pesto with some steamed veggies will increase its fiber, vitamins and minerals making this dip extra nourishing. Use this recipe as a template swapping the broccoli for spinach, green peas or another one of your favorite greens! Whole30, Paleo & Keto Serves 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups fresh basil leaves 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 medium garlic clove, peeled & minced 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 2 cups steamed broccoli
Garnish:
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon pine nuts
Instructions
Steam broccoli until tender, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Blend with the remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor, scraping down the sides of the blender with a baker’s spatula as needed. Pour into a serving bowl and garnish with olive oil and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Prep this dish up to 2 days in advance to save on time, and garnish with pesto just before serving, storing any leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days. Calories: 134 - Fat: 12g - Carbs: 5g - Protein: 3g
Herbed & Lemon Zested Goat Cheese
This recipe for Herbed & Lemon Zested Goat Cheese takes just a few minutes to prepare but brings so much fresh and bright flavor to the table. Many people who do not tolerate dairy from cow’s milk will find that goat’s milk is gentler on their digestion. So, give this a try if you’re looking for a creamy cheese dish that will likely leave you feeling your very best! Keto Serves 4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Instructions
Ingredients
With your hands, roll the goat cheese log in the herb and lemon zest mixture, pressing it firmly into the mixture so that it sticks to the goat cheese until the cheese is completely covered.
4 ounces of a plain goat cheese log 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 2 whole scallion, green parts only 1 cup fresh parsley Zest from ½ fresh lemon
Mince scallion and parsley on a cutting board. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper and lemon zest directly onto the minced herbs and gently toss together with your fingertips or a spoon.
Serve with fresh veggies, such as sliced radish, storing any leftovers in the fridge for up to 7 days. Calories: 87 - Fat: 6g - Carbs:1g - Protein: 6g
ardentforlife.net 23
food}
Asparagus Frittata
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Small slits by “Hasselbacking” your veggies creates big flavor as these sweet potatoes caramelize in the oven, making every bite creamy with the perfect amount of delicate crunch. Olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, butter or coconut oil are all wonderful cooking fats to coat your sweet potatoes in and increase your body’s ability to absorb all of the essential vitamins found in whole foods. Whole30 & Paleo Serves 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
4-6 small sweet potatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt
Garnish
Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rinse sweet potatoes and pat dry.
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Carefully slice sweet potatoes in thin slits, stopping just before actually slicing through. This is what makes them “hasselback”.
Coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sea salt. Arrange in a skillet or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven until very soft and the bottoms have begun to brown, about 35-40 minutes.
Serve sweet potatoes with fresh thyme, storing any leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Calories: 144 - Fat: 7g Carbs: 20g - Protein: 2g
A baked egg dish not only looks pretty set out on your table, but can be prepped in advanced and baked just before you plan to serve it; saving you time so that you can enjoy your loved ones even more. Keeping a few of these eggs whole is the best of both worlds for those who love biting into a creamy egg yolk, but if you prefer yours more traditional go ahead and break up all of the yolks. Whole30, Paleo & Keto Serves 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon ghee or butter 10 medium asparagus spears, tough ends removed 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 whole scallion, minced 10 eggs
of the eggs with a fork, breaking up their yolks, while keeping the other 5 eggs whole.
Place small dollops of ghee or butter in the egg mixture. It will melt as the eggs bake and spread throughout the dish, so no need to add more. Arrange asparagus spears in the pan with the eggs and ghee or butter. Top with minced scallion.
Instructions
Bake in the oven until the eggs have set, about 25 minutes.
Line an 8x8” cake or tart pan with parchment paper.
Calories: 260 - Fat: 16g Carbs: 13g - Protein: 20g
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crack 10 eggs in the dish and swirl 5
Remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes before serving, storing any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
food}
Heavenly Scent of Lavender By Cindy Della Monica, Cheesemonger and Owner, Cheese Central
If granted another lifetime to live, I would leave behind my current corporate training and retail experience to be an herbalist, a lounging Victorian lady, a perfumier, or any other profession that would allow me to immerse myself in a living scented heaven. My gardening experience in THIS lifetime draws me to old-fashioned roses, scented geraniums, mounds of rosemary, lavender, sage and thyme. At home, we planted a 30’ length of gardenias under the bedroom windows, and star jasmine along the south walls. New planters on the east wall are shady almost all day—winter daphne, lilacs, and violets are slated for planting in the next few weeks, under the baby Japanese maples I have “nurseryed” on the shady patio for two years. When the backyard citrus trees are in bloom, I can’t get enough of the heady aroma and the gentle buzzing of the happy bees among the branches. Picking that fresh fruit at the end of the season is just as luscious—the peppery scent of fresh limes, bright sunny scent of oranges, and the extremely aromatic floral/citrus perfume of the Meyer lemons just can’t be beat! Yea, on the threshold of summer, lavender buds are forming with great promise of waving purple wands of heady scent! My indoor bouquets of new roses are interspersed with long lavender spikes, and the blue-flowered trimmings of the big rosemary bush. The combination of scents fill the room, best contained in small spaces—such as a bouquet on the edge of the bathtub that allows the shower steam to fill with fragrance! Winter is over! I’m so very glad. After my initial springtime joy oversight and scent of indoor/outdoor beauties, my internal chef gets down to business to maximize Mother Nature’s return from winter hibernation. Favorite cookbooks and magazines are tagged with a
26. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
porcupine-esque wardrobe of colorful Post-It notes! Tried-and-true recipes for snacks, meals, desserts and beverages that take advantage of the aromatic early summer lavender bounty are so numerous that the season just won’t be long enough to make and consume all the goodies that I WANT to produce. A good book with Lavender & Lime, a British beverage, in a tall iced glass—yes, please; Lavender Shortbread with Meyer Lemon Icing accompanied by mid-afternoon tea and a cherished friend; maybe a special summer themed cheese board of Dutch Lavender Melkbus gouda, and a locally produced fresh chevre with lavender and honey, Point Reyes
When the backyard citrus trees are in bloom, I can’t get enough of the heady aroma and the gentle buzzing of the happy bees among the branches. Toma with Herbs d’ Provence, and Beehive Creamery’s Barely Buzzed--a nine-month cheddar rubbed with lavender and espresso coffee grounds— yes, CHEESE CENTRAL has all of these delights for your enjoyment! Place this tray, with a freshly baked baguette, on a small table in the garden… savor it while you close your eyes and carefully listen to the lettuces and basil and tomato plants growing! Stress relieving…
An early summer salad of fresh baby lettuces and crumbled feta, ripe juicy peach slices, very thinly sliced cucumbers and celery dressed with a bright and tangy vinaigrette made from seasoned rice wine vinegar, lavender buds, Dijon and vegetable oil will be the perfect side to simple chicken barbeque. Serve a chilled glass of Lodi’s Acquiesce Winery Viognier to perfectly mirror the flavors on the plate! Carrying on the lavender theme, my choice for dessert would be Lavender Panna Cotta, since anything custard is my comfort food go-to, and even better served with those Lavender Shortbreads! John would prefer blackberries tossed in lavender-infused syrup, and a streusel topping. With either lovely dessert, Netflix the movie “A Good Year,” starring Russell Crowe. It’s an older movie, but a terrific feel-good one set in Provence, the motherlode of lavender farms! I particularly love two scenes, the ones that remind you that lavender fends off scorpions!
Lavender and lemon reminds me, too, of a seaside café in Portsmouth, England, on a warm August afternoon. We could practically see coastal France from our table. John’s beverage choice, iced tea, wasn’t offered on the menu. Our cutie-pie waitress talked my husband into “lemon lavender presse.” He was quite perplexed when she arrived at the table—not with one iced glass of lemonade, but with a glass of ice, and 3 carafes! I had not seen this before and couldn’t advise him what to do. A new European experience? Yup, and she gave him the low-down: pour some of the lemon juice carafe over the ice in the glass, follow with some of the carafe of lavender simple syrup, and dilute to taste with the carafe of iced water… Hmmmm. His first mixture was waaaaaaay over the top on lemon and not enough of the simple syrup or water. The look on his face is one I will always remember! It was the epitome of “pucker” and “shiver!” He eventually got the mixture right and ordered it again -- no longer worried about the pucker!
May all your summer days be fragrant…
LAVENDER SHORTBREAD WITH LEMON GLAZE About 24 cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons dried lavender 1 cup icing sugar ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
Preheat oven to 300*. Cream the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy. Stir in the flour, sugar, and salt and until well combined. Add the lavender, and stir to mix well.
Roll out the dough to a ¼” thickness and cut out desired cookie shapes. Place 1” apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, remove to rack and let cool. Make the glaze by whisking the icing sugar and lemon juice together. Drizzle over the cookies and let stand until set, about 30 minutes.
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HONEY LAVENDER PANNA COTTA serves 4
2 t unflavored Knox gelatin 2 T cold water 1 C cream 1/4 C wildflower honey 1 t dried lavender 1 C milk Strawberries or other berries, to serve In a small bowl sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let soften for at least 5 minutes. Lightly oil 4 5-ounce ramekins with baking spray or flavorless oil. Set aside. In a small sauce pan heat the cream, honey, and dried laven-
der to a light simmer then turn off the heat. Whisk to incorporate all the honey evenly, then strain into a mixing bowl. Whisk in the gelatin. Whisk for at least a minute to make sure it is very evenly distributed and that no lumps remain. Whisk in the milk. Pour into the ramekins and chill at least 6 hours. Top with berries and a pretty lavender sprig. Serve immediately. If you would like to unmold them, run a knife around the edge of the chilled pudding and invert onto a chilled plate. Garnish with sliced strawberries and serve.
LAVENDER & LIME
2 C water 1 3/4 C sugar 1/4 C dried lavender flowers (or 1/3 C fresh lavender flowers)
1 t grated lime zest 4 C sparkling water 1 C fresh-squeezed lime juice Lime slices, for garnish Long sprigs of lavender blossoms, for garnish In a 2-quart saucepan, combine 2 cups water, the sugar, lavender,
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and lime zest. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat and let syrup stand 10 minutes. Strain and discard lavender.
In a large pitcher, stir together remaining 4 cups sparkling water, syrup, and lime juice. Serve over ice, adding lime slices if desired.
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stories
Jamie Bryan
&
Photographed by Britney Brum, Simply Bee Photography simplybeephotography.com
WHO ARE YOU?
Jamie Case (formerly George) from Galt, Ca Bryan Case from Winters, Ca
How did you meet?
In Junior College in Elk Grove, California.
The Proposal?
We were together for seven years before he finally proposed! He proposed after a day in the snow at Lower Bear River Reservoir in front of two of our best friends.
What is love?
Jamie: Love is the unconditional support of one another. It’s what you feel when the person you love is at their best and you want to celebrate with them. It's what you feel when the person you love is at their worst and you want to comfort them. But also, it’s what you feel in all those moments in between that just makes life better, because you are with the person you care about.
What is love?
Bryan: Love is what’s there at the end of the day. When all of the other stuff goes away, it’s what you come home to.
What do you love most about him? His sense of adventure.
What do you love most about her? That she is loving and kind.
When did you know you were in love?
Jamie: I knew so early… within days. He just has this way about him that makes me want to be better; and I knew that was what you were supposed to feel when you were really in love.
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love}
Love is
what’s there at the end of the day. When all of the other stuff goes away, it’s what you come home to.
stories
love}
stories
Love
is the unconditional support of one another.
When did you know you were in love?
Bryan: When I saw how she supported me and my dreams unconditionally.
Fun facts
Jamie was a vegetarian when she met Bryan, who was an avid hunter. Consequently, her vegetarian ways quickly went away. After meeting in Junior College, Bryan went to Oklahoma State to play baseball. After a year, Jamie moved there to be with him for his senior year. From there, Bryan was drafted to the San Francisco Giant’s organization and played professional baseball for a few years. It was rough for several years going back and forth long distance, but not being together was never a choice for either of us.
Honeymoon plans Maui, Hawaii Grand Wailea
Wedding details
We were married at McConnell Estates Winery in Elk Grove, California surrounded by family and friends. McConnell had everything we wanted in a venue and was in the same city that our love story started. Jamie had always dreamt of being married at a winery because of where we both grew up. We were married by our cousin in a short ceremony that had laughter, happy tears, and was full of love.
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Photographer/ Videographer Simply Bee Photography
Desserts/cake Icing on the Cupcake
Venue McConnell Estates Winery
Wedding Coordinator Kate Drummond with McConnell Estates
Rentals Simply Country Wedding Rentals Caterer Off the Vine Catering Company
Makeup Aneesa Smith Florist All Occasion Floral Designs by Deborah Tux Rentals Men's Warehouse
DJ Function 45
Bride's Dress Miosa Bridal Boutique
Hair Bridgette Kasper
Bridesmaid's dress Azazie
finance}
A Smooth Sea Never Made A Skilled Sailor -Franklin D. Roosevelt
It’s Not Easy, But Look Past the
Market Selloff
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These are challenging times. Like everyone, you are concerned about keeping your family safe and healthy, and you’re doing your part to help protect your community from the effects of the coronavirus. And if you’re an investor, you must also address your financial situation. How should you respond to the current market volatility and recent declines in investment prices? For one thing, try to avoid what many others seem to be doing: panicking. The market selloff may feel unsettling, but it appears to be driven as much, or more, by fear and panic than by economic or financial reality. Uncertainty is high, but there are reasons – solid, objective reasons – that provide more
confidence in the longer-term outlook, suggesting that conditions still warrant an eventual rebound. U.S. unemployment entered this situation near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth. We will see a temporary disruption to the labor market, of course, along with a decline in economic activity, but households entered this period in generally good shape. Furthermore, housing market indicators were moving upward and the decline in mortgage rates could add more strength. Also, the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts, taking short-term rates back near 0%, will support the economic rebound as the impact of the virus containment efforts eventually fade. In addition, while further volatility and the potential for further weakness will likely continue, the steep drops we’ve already seen indicate that the financial markets have “priced in” the likelihood of a short term recession, which may mean that the worst of the stock market pain has already been endured, though, of course, there are no guarantees.
finance} First, though, it seems likely that the investment world will finally calm down only when the health situation shows signs of containment – and this will inevitably happen, despite the grim reports we are seeing these days. As a country, we have the motivation, the will, the solidarity and the resources to defeat the coronavirus and its effects, despite the pain and trauma it is now undoubtedly causing.
So, back to our original question: What should you do? Here are a few suggestions: Remember why you’re investing.
Given the market decline, you may be tempted to change your investment strategy. But keep in mind that your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, are longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. These goals, not today’s headlines, should guide your decisions.
Re-evaluate your risk tolerance.
The recent volatility provides a good test of your ability to weather short-term swings in your portfolio. If you’re having a hard time coping with these losses, your portfolio
may be positioned too aggressively for your risk tolerance. If so, you might want to adjust your portfolio mix to include more fixed-income securities, which can help provide more “downside” protection. However, this would also affect your longterm growth potential.
Look for buying opportunities.
Stocks are now at their most compelling values in more than a decade – in other words, there are plenty of compelling investments out there. You can find many high-quality investments at very good prices, so you may want to consider taking advantage of the opportunity.
MARKET SELLOFF
Given the market decline, you may be tempted to change your investment strategy. But keep in mind that your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, are longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. These goals, not today’s headlines, should guide your decisions.
These are trying times for all of us. But as an investor, you’ll help yourself greatly if you keep the situation in perspective, take a longterm view, evaluate your own risk tolerance and be receptive to new possibilities. Josh Myer, Edward Jones, Elk Grove. 9401 E Stockton Blvd Suite 250, Elk Grove. (916) 685-6753
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nonprofit}
When this old world starts getting you down, maybe you should know about
UPLIFT People of Elk Grove By Susie Franklin Roeser
Watching the news, following social media feeds, reading the paper (for those who still do) it is easy to get bogged down with all of the bad news out there. It certainly can dampen one’s spirits and make you lose hope, which only makes everything worse. Luckily, for those of us living in Elk Grove, there is a group of people who are committed to helping stop this downward spiral and infuse our community with hope for a brighter future. Meet Uplift People of Elk Grove. In 2016, a contingent of seven concerned and community minded Elk Grove citizens attended an orientation about the Uplift program after learning about another program (based on this model) in Carson City. They came away very impressed and realized there wasn’t anything like it in Elk Grove. They felt this program would fill the void for community members who are struggling to break out of poverty. Consequently, a dedicated group of volunteers began meeting... preparing to start this new non-profit by drawing on the talents and strengths of those in our community. Uplift People of Elk Grove is a comprehensive, holistic program designed to break the cycle of poverty by building well-being together; rethinking poverty, re-framing solutions and reshaping our community. Through workshops on topics such as avoiding homelessness, continuing education, financial management, securing employment, selfevaluation, moving off public assistance and by creating intentional relationships—we can restore abundance for families and individuals and bridge the cultural and socioeconomic class lines that often divide us. Uplift is built on the philosophy that all participants will gain greatly from their experience and that we all benefit from the support and encouragement of others.
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So how does this positive group of people reach the goal of providing a framework in which people can move off public assistance and build abundant lives? It all comes down to two words… Champions and Allies. Champions for Change
A Champion for Change is an individual who wants to improve his/her life and make changes to move toward greater well-being. Uplift People of Elk Grove offers an opportunity for participants, called Champions, to develop a personal life plan by attending 15 weekly training sessions. During this time, participants assess their own strengths and resources (financial, educational, spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, social, etc.) and identify areas they want to improve. They receive tools to prepare them to set life goals and are invited to be part of a support network that works together with the Champion to reach those goals. In return, Champions are part of a network seeking to identify and address challenges in our community and work to bring about positive change. They build intentional relationships across class and cultural lines.
Allies
An Ally is an individual working with Champions to overcome obstacles and reach the Champion’s goals. Allies are different than mentors or coaches. They go through the curriculum and then partner with Champions to help them achieve personal goals. Training and ongoing support is provided for Allies as they walk with their Champions through the program. Although Allies are there to support Champions, everyone benefits from building relationships. Uplift believes that any great change begins with the transformation of one heart: our own. So, the hardest work for most of those involved in Uplift is letting go of preconceived ideas such as; what it means to be poor and why people are poor. In addition to facing one's own fears about poverty and recognizing the poverty in our own life. With the Champions and Allies firmly in place the journey of hope and transformation begins! Each week, everyone involved sits down together for a nutritious and delicious meal. This allows time for everyone to connect and share what has been happening in their lives, during the past week. Next, comes an educational component on topics that are helpful to all people (no matter what age or stage they are in life). While “class”
nonprofit}
UPLIFT
“I now have a support group and tools to improve my everyday life.” “The most important thing I have learned since being involved in Uplift is to not give up.”
“This program has really opened my eyes to the many facets of poverty and the different levels of support. I've been exposed to so many people who care and actively work to help those who need more than just financial help. I've grown spiritually and humanly in all of my interactions with my Uplift family.”
“I have gained a family of people committed to working to improve their lives and the lives of others. I have learned that every person has a story to share about success and failures. We all need to listen without judgment. We all have something to give.” 38. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
is in session for the adults, volunteers take care of and entertain younger family members with games and activities so their parents can focus on learning. Of course, there is also time for answering individual questions, working together to share information and resources and checking in on how everyone is doing as they strive to reach the goals they have set. Uplift recognizes that transition from surviving to thriving takes time. Participants are asked to dedicate 24-36 months to complete the program.
This is Crystal’s Story
The mission of breaking the cycle of poverty for low income residents of Elk Grove can become a reality by building well-being, rethinking poverty and reframing solutions in partnership with the community. These values are acted out with accountability, transparency, authenticity, acceptance, and inclusiveness through Uplift People of Elk Grove.
This is where the story ends for many families faced with similar situations, but not for Crystal and her children. Crystal joined the Uplift family as a “Champion for Change” in the cohort. She learned about the cycle of poverty and the reasons why people can get stuck. She learned how past events can reshape our journey and take us off course. She learned about the hidden class rules and how to navigate through shame. She learned that she had choices and with the support of a compassionate intentional community, she could set and achieve goals.
Crystal and her two children were homeless. Her daughter was in the throes of addiction, she was running away, truant from school and was causing great upheaval in the lives of her family. Crystal’s son was getting left behind due to the chaotic and unpredictable environment which was causing him to withdraw and struggle at school. Crystal was doing everything she could do to keep her family together but it was impossible to do it alone.
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UPLIFT
“I thank Uplift for all the help and unlimited support and a new large family. Life does not work on your schedule, your time or your bank account but you can’t give up. Just hang in for the long haul! You’re always going to have good days and bad days. The people who surround me today are an amazing group and I’m thankful for them all”. -Crystal Today, Crystal owns her own business, has her own apartment and is thriving. She is the first Champion to transition into the final phase of the program which they call “The Giving Back Phase”. She has become a mentor for other Champions and is often found out in the community doing outreach work for Uplift. She also serves on our meal committee which coordinates dinners for our weekly meetings. What about her children? Her daughter is off drugs, surrounded by new friends and just went to her first dance. She holds down a part-time job and is set to graduate six months ahead of her home-schooling program. Crystal’s son is actively involved in local sports programs, just got his first B on his math test and has transitioned into a socially confident young person who always has something funny to say.
By working together, we can help individuals and families create more abundant lives. Here are ways YOU can take part and make a difference in your own life, as well as the lives of others right here in Elk Grove: Become a Champion or Ally Share your special skills Provide dinner for the weekly meeting Facilitate a life skills workshop Donate an item for fundraising events Make a cash donation Attend fundraisers
For more ways to volunteer contact Jeff@upliftelkgrove.org or call Jeff Teague, Project Coordinator (916) 900-6991 For more informationwww.upliftelkgrove.org Facebook and Instagram at Uplift Elk Grove
health}
How AreYou Doing? By Anna Osborn, LMFT, owner of Life Unscripted Counseling
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I mean that with all seriousness…. how are YOU doing?
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I’ve found myself asking that question on what seems like a daily basis. In amongst all of the uncertainty and fear, I see everyone around me trying to cope in the best ways they can, and I’m no exception. I see myself reaching out to friends more, taking more walks around the neighborhood and trying to literally find my breath. Fear seems to be on overdrive and it’s demanding all of your coping skills to stay strong, even during a time when your emotional reserves are feeling really low. Because when it comes to fear and uncertainty, the most important thing you can do is try and slow down and ground yourself. Because fear in it’s truest form tries to get you to do the exact opposite. Fear propels you to make rash and short sighted decisions. Fear tells you to run, to fight or to hide. Fear screams at you that everything is different and nothing will ever be the same. Fear actually prevents your brain's ability from thinking, speaking and acting clearly. And yet, fear is still just a feeling. It’s not the boss. Does it need to be heard? Yes! Is it the boss?? NO! There is a tremendous difference between feeling fear and thinking fear. You can feel afraid (and worried and unsure) and still manage what you think. Let me repeat that, feelings and thoughts are two different things. You see, your feelings, thoughts and behaviors are three distinct and different processes. And for most of us (myself included) those three processes can get so accelerated and smooshed together it leaves you believing that what you feel, think and do are one operation. Your feelings do influence your thoughts and your thoughts do influence your choices/behaviors, but again they’re three different processes. In order to cope (i.e. choose/ react/behave) in the most positive way possible, you have to start by identifying your feelings and slowing down your thoughts. And when it comes to feelings of fear, the best way to slow fear based thinking down is to notice what you’re telling yourself. Are you telling yourself “it’s all bad, it’s so bad and it’s going to stay bad”? Or are you telling yourself “this is scary AND it’s not going to last forever”? These two different thought patterns have a tremendous different impact on you and your coping. The first set of thoughts is black and white (all fear, no hope) and the second set allows fear and hope to exist in the same place. As I walk through this time with my family and my clients, I’m realizing that one of the best ways I can slow down feelings of fear and find the hope is to look around me at the things that haven’t changed. Because in amongst all of the uncertainty and fear, I’m realizing that some things remain the same….because honestly they do.
These little simple but powerful truths are helping me stay grounded and connected. I hope they help you too. lLaughter
is still the best medicine ~ my husband and I are watching the Mindy Project each night for a bit of comic relief. And yes, we’ve jumped on the Tiger King bandwagon as well and I’m not mad about it. lTMI
will always be TMI….social media, the news, the virtual water cooler….all of it can feel like too much information. The more you can create some space away from the “breaking news” updates, the more you will find your breath.
nection. It’s the way we came into this world and it’s the way we’ll leave it. Fear grows in isolation and is starved in connection. Look for the opportunity to connect instead of hide. This doesn’t mean you can’t practice social distancing, it means use the resources at your fingertips to call, text and video chat your heart out. We need each other.
I realize we don’t have all of the answers right now and yet we can still be a resource to each other. You can come out of this stronger and more connected then when it all began.
lNever
If you’re struggling right now with big feelings, scary thoughts and untethered coping, please reach out. To a friend, to a support line, to a therapist. To someone who can hear your feelings AND help you slow down fear based thinking so you can choose coping that benefits you. Don’t let social distancing become emotional disconnection from others.
lWe
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is the owner of Life Unscripted Counseling. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visit her website at www.lifeunscriptedcounseling.com
underestimate the healing power of a good walk. I went on soooo many walks when my twins were first born because…well….they kept me sane. And the same is true now. Fresh air and a walk around the neighborhood is good for your soul. need each other…and that will never change. You…me…all of us, are wired for con-
There is a tremendous difference between feeling fear and thinking fear. You can feel afraid and still manage what you think.
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Reviews brought to you by the art} BOOKS
LOVE LETTERING
By: Kate Clayborn Book Reviews by BRENDLE WELLS Including secret messages in her custom invitations and planners was something of a bad habit for Meg Mackworth, an artist and letterer in Brooklyn. These patterns were known only to herself until Reid Sutherland, a former client, asks how she knew before he did that his relationship was doomed to fail. Reid, is an introverted math genius who works on Wall Street and has deep seated anxiety issues which prompted his return to Meg’s shop a year after the end of his engagement. Both he and Meg are at a transition point in their lives and need what the other can offer, the most important of which is a human connection. Concerned by their conversation about the message in the program, Meg proposes that Reid accompany her on walks through New York City as she searches for inspiration in the multitude of signs, fonts, and images found on every block. Watching both Meg and Reid find comfort and healing as they take tentative steps toward each other is a delight. When it is enhanced by the love story with the city of New York (you’ll want to repeat their walks on your next trip) and the way the heroine sees the world through letters and signs, it becomes an immensely satisfying romantic read. Save this one for an uninterrupted block of time because once you start, you won’t want to stop. Kensington Books, 2019
Would Like to Meet
By: Rachel Winters
If you happen to spill your drink on a really cute guy, or get trapped in an elevator with him you might just be in a romantic comedy! The meet-cute trope is a staple of the genre so it is what Evie Summers turns to when she needs to convince her film agency’s biggest client that he should write the rom-com he owes producers. She will re-enact classic romantic comedy meet-cutes around London to prove to him that romance in the movies can be a recipe for falling in love. She leaves her phone number in books to see who calls, she takes a road trip with a stranger, and she repeatedly spills orange juice on cute men. It is the last one that works—but not in the expected way. Instead she ends up meeting a father daughter duo who have been watching her repeated spills at their favorite cafe and catch on to her scheme. They become her support and sounding board as she continues her efforts to prove to the stubborn writer that life really can be just like the movies. With the most powerful of romantic clichés at play, it’s almost inevitable that Evie would soon find herself in a rom-com of her own making. This twist on the classic tropes offers a humorous and heart-warming escape into the pages of a good book—and if you read it in public, the opportunity for a meet-cute of your very own. GP Putnam’s Sons, 2019
WWW.SACLI BRARY.ORG For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
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art} BOOKS
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
Author: Nikki Grimes Illustrations by: Elizabeth Zunon
C a n Yo u S e e M e ?
Author: Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott Children's Book Reviews By JUSTIN AZEVEDO Eleven-year-old Tally isn’t ashamed of her autism, but she knows that middle school will be easier for her if she tries to fit in, so she keeps it a secret and tries to avoid her usual methods of coping with sensory overload and demand avoidance. Even so, she still allows herself her tiger mask when nobody is looking, when things get extra hard. But when her longtime friends start to pull away from her, some careless bullying sends her over the edge. Just when things feel like they can’t get any worse, a medical emergency in the family gives her some perspective and makes her consider whether being her authentic self might be better than trying to fit in. This is a semi-autobiographical story by Scott, herself an autistic eleven-year-old, written with help from neurotypical author Westcott. It portrays autism in a frank, sensitive light, interspersing the story with journal entries that explain various autism facts naturally and without didacticism. The story itself (along with a fun side plot involving a grumpy old dog) is gentle, and ends on a satisfying note that doesn’t offer pat, easy answers to the issues Libby will still have to face. Taken together, this book is a wonderful option for young autistic readers who want to see themselves reflected authentically, and a perfect opportunity for neurotypical readers to see and learn from one autistic perspective. Recommended for ages 9 to 12. Scholastic Press, 2020 WWW.SACLI BRARY.ORG For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
46. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
This bedtime book opens with an African American toddler defiantly saying “No! No! No!” Mom patiently repeats that it’s time for bed, and herds the child through a series of bedtime routines that will be familiar to any parent who has ever had to do the same. Each noise and behavior from the headstrong child is depicted as an animal, complete with beautiful illustration: growling like a bear on the way to bed, roaring like a lion while checking for monsters, clinging like a koala for a last hug, and of course, quietly stalking like a wolf for that last glass of water. In the end, when the sleepy toddler begs their way into mom and dad’s bed and takes all of the animals with them, the sweet resolution still offers one additional wink and nod to the parent. The clever wordplay pairs well with Zunon’s artwork, which mixes detailed, expressive human characters with colorful animals rendered in broad, vibrant shapes. The prose bounces with onomatopoeia, and offers a number of animal-centric puns to act out. A real winner for reading together at the end of the day, though it must be said that Dad seems quite happy to see all those animals at the end when Mom did all the bedtime work. Recommended for ages 4 to 7. Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2020
profile}
IR Academy of Soccer By Scott Molinari
The IR Academy of Soccer Development is a competitive soccer club for boys and girls in the Elk Grove, Cosumnes River, and surrounding Sacramento areas. Our club is dedicated to teaching the skills and tactics of the game with the idea of developing a constructive style of play… based on fluid possession and team orientation. We believe that the athletic development of our youth contributes to the development of good character, citizenship, teamwork, sportsmanship as well as academics—in order to be successful at the next level. IR Academy of Soccer believes in creating an environment in which players can reach their full potential and achieve the self-confidence and positive self-esteem necessary to be successful… both on and off the soccer field. We are a strong family-based organization that was created to provide a friendly, structured atmosphere while delivering a unique soccer experience for those who have a passion for the game (along with the desire and the potential to play at the competitive level). IR Academy of Soccer provides the opportunity for teams to play competitive level soccer, without many of the costs typically associated with this level of play. Our Academy views soccer as part of our players’ overall education and a catalyst to the development of good study habits, as well as tools for their overall life experiences. In youth sports, IR Academy of Soccer believes that there are more important goals than simply playing a game – these include teaching skills and discipline that will help our players be successful in life. Additionally, providing an environment that fosters learning and provides players with instruction and competition improves their talents and develops 48. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
their skills. At the same time our players are gaining confidence on and off the field.
Our coaches are dedicated to their teams, and our trainers are committed to providing advanced training; so that teams can successfully participate at the competitive level of soccer. Players' skills will be challenged and developed through play at the highest level. The coaches and trainers will be working together to continually encourage players to reach their highest potential. Our age-appropriate curriculum focuses on individual technical development, building confidence in young soccer players, improving cognitive development, and increasing imagination; by allowing players to learn the game gradually in a fun, exciting, and competitive environment. Working with successful programs over the past decade, IR Academy of Soccer is open to boys and
girls of all levels of ability and development. We offer seasonal and year-round programs for the following groups; Competitive, Recreational, Jr. Academy and our newest program, the Littles Academy. Our continued enjoyment of partnering with the areas’ competitive and recreational soccer players has provided the Elk Grove Community (over the past decade) with low cost competitive soccer training, state championships, national rankings and studentathlete college placements for players who want to further their career in soccer. Throughout the year, IR Academy of Soccer offers free clinics for those players that desire additional skills training and an enhanced competitive edge to help advance their soccer path. Teams are now being formed for the 2020 season. For more information about the competitive and recreational programs being offered for the 2020 Soccer Season, please visit our website: IR Academy of Soccer (www.iracademysoccer.com).
Our Academy views soccer as part of our players’ overall education and a catalyst to the development of good study habits, as well as tools for their overall life experiences.
ardentforlife.net   50
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education}
What I’ve Learned About Diverse Schools in America o w t Part By CT Morris - BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
In the previous article we broke down every type of school into the public or private category and built a foundation for your research, when looking for the best fit for your child.
We learned the division of private and public schools essentially is based on each school’s funding. Public schools receive their funding from the government (taxes) while private schools receive funding from somewhere else (usually from parents paying tuition for their children to attend). Private schools choose separation from government funding, so they have the freedom not to follow the national curriculum. With that being said, let’s compare cost, student enrollment, National Assessment of Education Progress scores, student demographics and look at some fun facts about private and public schools. Private school number one, Boarding schools Looking at the cost of the top boarding schools in the U.S., the price ranges for tuition, room, and board are from $34,000 to $64,000. That seems like a lot of money, however, many boarding schools have scholarships or some form of financial aid available for students. Student enrollment (in a boarding school) is listed between 100 to 1200 students, but the typical range is 300-400. The highest classroom size is around 11 students to one teacher ratio… while public school classrooms have between 21- 30 students to one teacher ratio. The National Center for Education Statistics periodically administers the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to test the knowledge and skills of the nation's students in grades 4, 8, and 12. Students in boarding schools are blended in with other private schools’ data. The scores consistently were well above the national average of public schools (about 20% higher). 52. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
Student demographics Student Diversity - Percentage of white non-Latino/Hispanic American Students 47.7%, Percentage of International Students 14.6%, Total Enrollment of Students of Color 27.4%. Fun Facts about boarding schools… They started in Kent, England around 1567. Additionally, boarding schools have zero tolerance for any of the following: Substance abuse, hazing, cheating or bullying. Some of the famous individuals who went to boarding schools are; Michael Douglas, Uma Thurman, John F. Kennedy, Jamie Lee Curtis, George W. Bush, Joe Perry, Laura Linney, Alan Aldaon, Paul Giamatti, Matthew Fox, James Spader, Felicity Huffman, Angelina Jolie, Mark Zuckerberg , Adam Duritz, Carlton Cuse, Talib Kweli and many more! Private school number two, Religious schools The cost of religious schools in California is about $11,000 a year. Students in religious schools’ data is blended in with other private schools data. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test scores shows students consistently score well above the national average of public schools (about 20% higher). Student demographics Student Diversity— enrollment rates for white non-Latino/Hispanic American Students 11%, Hispanic Students 3%, and Total Enrollment of Students of Color 5%. Fun Facts about religious schools… Did you know the first schools focused on religious studies, not math or reading? The famous individuals who went to religious schools are; Lady Gaga, Will Smith, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Tom Cruise, and Jennifer Lopez to name a few! And the finale— public schools. Charter school…an institutional hybrid. Free like traditional public schools, but parents must
enroll their child and spaces are limited. Student demographics Student Diversity— enrollment rates for white non-Latino/Hispanic American Students 32%, Hispanic Students 33%, and Total Enrollment of Students of Color 26%. Magnet school…They focus on certain areas such as science, technology or the arts. Operated by school districts or a group of districts, they are a free public school. Student demographics Student Diversity— minority enrollment 81%. Virtual (or online) school…A free virtual public school that has the same teacher credential requirements, academic assessments and management as a traditional public school. Demographics are unknown. Traditional public school…Free and operated by local, state, and federal government funds. Fun Facts about public schools…The oldest public school in the United States was the Boston Latin School, which was founded in 1635. Did you know that five of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence; Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Samuel Adams and William Hopper attended that school? The famous individuals who went to public schools are; Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Z, most of us reading this article…and many more! No matter which type of school fits your child’s needs and personality, the important thing to remember is school provides an environment for learning to happen. In addition, sociology experts recognize that schooling greatly influences a child’s identity. Through the social aspect of school, students meet others and learn the ways of our society and our country. Moreover, they learn what is appropriate and what’s not, and how to conduct themselves with others. No school is flawless, but when you find the perfect fit for your child’s educational needs…the benefits are innumerable.
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health}
It's Time To Start Living!
HEALTH FINDS
Sovereign Silver Bio-Active Silver Hydrosol
Silver has been used for more than 2,400 years to help safeguard human health. It is a natural element that can be found in whole grains, edible and medicinal mushrooms, mammalian milk, spring water, sea water and tap water. From the time of Hippocrates, silver’s health protective properties have been well-known and vastly researched. Silver was used to help protect the purity and safety of drinking water throughout ancient civilizations.*
CuraMed®
Enhanced absorption curcumin used in 32 groundbreaking, published studies The ONLY PATENTED curcumin with turmeric essential oil containing turmerones Superior support for a healthy inflammation response† Supports liver, brain, heart, and immune health Protects cells from oxidative stress and free radicals* Occasional inflammation due to exercise or overuse **Based on independent lab analysis per 100 grams of CuraMed curcumin †
Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
Original Sambucus Standardized Elderberry
For centuries the dark berries of European black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) have been traditionally used as a winter remedy for immune support. Nature's Way® Standardized Sambucus is the full-spectrum black elderberry extract.*
Deep Sleep®
Deep Sleep® Specific for inability to fall asleep, waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep, waking up too early in the morning or experiencing unrefreshed sleep. Reduces sleep latency (amount of time required to fall asleep) and stops excessive mind chatter. Also for inability to fall asleep from tiredness, waking up groggy or tired, as well as for fitful and/or agitated sleep. Re-educates the brain sleep center and creates positive sleep patterns. It is not habit forming, has no side effects and does not interfere with REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.*
Find these products and more at Elk Grove Vitamins! Stop by Elk Grove Vitamins to find out more about the these products and many others. We have a knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions and get you started on the path to health. As we’ve said before “Let’s Start the Talk.” Let’s get Elk Grove energized and healthy. Visit us at 9647 E. Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove or visit our 2nd location at 3342 Coach Lane, Cameron Park, CA. 54. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
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HEALTH FINDS
BrainCeutix Restore
Healthy sleep is essential for the repair and restoration of the body, especially the brain. In fact, healthy sleep is now directly linked to optimal memory and cognitive function. Stress and other imbalances can interrupt sleep cycles and cause a cascade of issues. BrainCeutix Restore is formulated using science backed nutrients selected for their ability to help restore the brain and promote optimal function, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep so you can wake up mentally and physically energized.*
If your immune system needs added support, unlock the power of Wellness Formula
Wellness Formula®
WELLNESS FORMULA® delivers high-potency vitamin C plus more than 25 other vitamins, minerals, and time-tested traditional herbs to support immune health.*
Andrographis EP80™
Andrographis has been widely used in Ayurvedic practice since ancient times, and is at the forefront of research today. In fact, you may have even heard of its many strengths, including immune function, cellular protection from oxidative stress, and healthy inflammation response.†*
Occasional inflammation due to exercise or overuse †
BosMed®
This unique combination of botanicals works with the body’s own pathways and immune system responses to support healthy lung function without drowsiness or jitters.* *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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How much do you know about STROKES? Written By Suzanne Koopmans, MD, Neurologist
It can be scary when you realize something is happening to your body that has never happened before. You may be confused or unsure if you need medical attention. Face drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of your body, difficulty speaking, or sudden onset of balance or coordination issues can all be signs of a stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds in the United States. More than 100,000 people will die of a stroke. In addition, strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. The statistics should really hit home for women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one in five women in the United States will suffer a stroke. Nearly 60 percent of stroke deaths are in women. The CDC finds that a stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer. As a neurologist, the most common neurologic condition I see in the hospital and emergency department is a stroke. Patients often come in way too late, after the beginning of symptoms, meaning we are not able to give certain treatments. Once a stroke happens, there are very few treatments to reverse the stroke symptoms, and 56. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
they can only be effective in the first few hours after a stroke occurs. There are many neurologic conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, etc.) that we don’t know how to prevent. We do, however, know how to prevent many strokes, which is why raising awareness about the symptoms of a stroke is so important. Although it may seem that strokes can’t be prevented and only affect the elderly, the incidence of strokes in young adults is increasing. I have diagnosed strokes in adults as young as 20.
A good acronym for recognizing the signs of a stroke is F.A.S.T. – Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911. Sudden onset of coordination issues, balance issues and confusion can sometimes be signs of a stroke. A stroke is a type of sudden brain damage. There are two main kinds: ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. In ischemic stroke, there is blockage of an artery and part of the brain doesn’t get the blood, oxygen, and nutrients it needs, causing permanent brain damage. In hemorrhagic stroke, there is bleeding of a blood vessel that causes permanent brain damage.
With a stroke, urgent action is so important. When a person suffers a stroke, nearly two million nerve cells in the brain die every minute. A brain suffering an ischemic stroke ages 3.6 years every hour. Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento is a certified primary stroke treatment center. When a patient arrives and appears to be having a stroke, a “stroke alert” notifies a team of physicians, nurses, and radiologists. The team quickly begins an evaluation. If a stroke is confirmed, then
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STROKES
With a stroke, urgent action is so important. When a person suffers a stroke, nearly two million nerve cells in the brain die every minute. A brain suffering an ischemic stroke ages 3.6 years every hour. medication, known as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), can be administered. It can improve the chance of survival and minimize permanent disability. Studies show the sooner a patient receives tPA, the better the outcome. I am so proud of our emergency room staff and the way they quickly respond to get a stroke patient the urgent care they need. Every minute counts because “time lost is brain lost.” When someone is having a stroke, it is better to call 911, rather than have a family member drive the patient to the hospital. Ambulance staff will call the emergency department ahead of time, notify them of a stroke, and that way the team is prepared to run the stroke alert when the person arrives. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms that seem like they may be a stroke, even if they go away quickly. There is something called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is sometimes called a mini stroke. It could be a warning that a stroke may happen soon. Getting early treatment for a TIA may help prevent a stroke. There are ways to reduce your risk of stroke. Know your blood pressure and your cholesterol
numbers. If these numbers are elevated, work with your doctor to lower them. Find out if you have atrial fibrillation (A fib) which is a type of irregular heartbeat. If you have it, work with your doctor to manage it. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, limit your alcohol intake, eat healthy and exercise. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help, as this is associated with increased risk of stroke. Other medications, including statins and blood thinners, can also help.
Prevention really does help. I have seen patients who have had a stroke work to address their health conditions. It is unlikely for me to see those patients back in the hospital again with another stroke. Taking the medications we recommend after having a stroke also makes a difference. Those who do not make those changes, are unfortunately at higher risk for another stroke. Know the signs of a stroke and if you think a loved one is having a stroke, call 911 – you may end up saving a life.
Suzanne Koopmans, MD, is a neurologist at Kaiser Permanente in South Sacramento. Dr. Koopmans graduated from Texas A and M University College of Medicine and later joined Kaiser Permanente in 2006. When she is not in the clinic or hospital, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. For more information about stroke visit www.kp.org/stroke
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Ultherapy By Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine
FDA-cleared Ultherapy uses safe, time-tested ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin naturally—without surgery or downtime.
The Non-invasive Lift from your Brow to your Chest
Ultherapy is the only non-invasive procedure FDA-cleared to lift skin on the neck, lower and upper face, eyebrow and to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage, Ultherapy can help you achieve a fresher, more youthful look from your brow to your chest!
Safe Ultrasound. No Surgery.
Ultherapy harnesses the power of ultrasound to transform the face, chin, neck and chest. Ultrasound, of course, has been used safely throughout the medical field for more than 50 years—and Ultherapy has been established as safe, and effective, in clinical studies and in over half a million treatments worldwide.
Ultherapy relies on ultrasound therapy to deliver its collagen-boosting treatment. It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.
Builds New Collagen
The Ultherapy® procedure stimulates collagen production by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the skin’s foundational layer typically addressed in cosmetic surgery—without cutting or disrupting the surface of the skin.
No Toxins or Needles
Unlike lasers, radio frequency, surgery and other technologies, non-surgical Ultherapy bypasses the surface of the skin to deliver the right amount of ultrasound energy at the right depths and the right temperature. This energy triggers a natural response under the skin, jumpstarting the regenerative process that produces fresh, new collagen.
No Downtime. Natural Results.
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Just one non-invasive Ultherapy ® treatment helps counteract the effects of time, gravity and sun exposure without downtime. as smooth skin on the chest. While Ultherapy won’t duplicate the results of a facelift, it’s a clinically proven non-invasive alternative for those not ready for surgery—and can even be an option for patients who wish to extend the effects of cosmetic surgery.
Just a Single Treatment
Just one non-invasive Ultherapy® treatment helps counteract the effects of time, gravity and sun exposure without downtime.
Before Your Treatment
The first thing you will want to do is schedule a one-on-one consultation. During this session, your concerns will be addressed and your skin assessed to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. Once you book your Ultherapy® procedure, you won’t need to follow any special preparations or skincare regimens in advance of the treatment.
During Your Treatment
After cleansing the skin and identifying the specific areas to be treated, an ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin and the treatment applicator will be placed on your skin. Next, the ultrasound imaging will be used to see the depth within the skin to determine optimal placement of the treatment energy, and then focused
ultrasound energy will be delivered beneath the skin’s surface. During the treatment delivery, you will feel tiny amounts of energy being deposited to precise depths, indicating that the collagen-building process has been initiated. Comfort levels can vary from person to person, but the sensation only lasts while the energy is being delivered. Motrin may be taken for discomfort, if desired.
The length of your treatment will depend on the area being treated and your individual treatment plan. A face and neck procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, while a chest treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
After Your Treatment
With Ultherapy, there is no downtime! You can return to your normal activities immediately after your procedure without any post-treatment restrictions or requirements.
Your skin might appear flushed at first, but the redness should disappear within a few hours. Some patients experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness to the touch, but these are mild and temporary in nature. Other, less common post-procedural effects may include temporary bruising or numbness on small areas of skin. As with any medical procedure, there is the possibility for other rare effects, which will be discussed with you. Call today for your consultation. 916 670-7601. Mention this article and receive 15% off ! Dayle A. Imperato, M.D. Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine (916) 670-7601 9180 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove. ardentforlife.net 59
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CBD Facts By Aaron Grove, Purely CBD of Elk Grove
What is CBD? “CBD” is an abbreviation for cannabidiol, a non-psychotropic chemical compound found in the hemp plant. CBD is also found in marijuana, which is a cousin of the hemp plant. At Purely CBD, we only use CBD that is derived from the hemp plant—not marijuana. What do people use CBD for?
CBD has gained widespread attention for its potential to ease symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, and a host of other health conditions. While studies are ongoing as to how effective CBD is, many people are giving it a try.
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD does not have psychoactive properties and does not cause a “high”.
Is CBD legal?
With the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”), 60. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
signed December 20, 2018, hemp was officially legalized in the U.S., and its designation as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Schedule I controlled substance was removed. CBD products can be legally sold in the U.S., but they must contain less than 0.3% concentrations of THC.
Will CBD show on drug test?
CBD shouldn't show up on a drug test, nor is it something that is tested for. However, Full Spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, marijuana's main active ingredient. If enough THC is present, it will show up on a drug test. For those who do get drug tested, we recommend a Broad Spectrum CBD product. When in doubt, check the lab results for the product you are interested in to be sure no THC is present. Our CBD is made from hemp, and lab tested to meet FDA requirements for THC concentrations.
What is the difference between Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum CBD?
Broad Spectrum CBD products do not contain THC but do include other beneficial cannabinoids, alongside the CBD such as CBDA, CBN
and CBC. This is a good thing! Cannabinoids work best together. It’s like a team- the more players, the better it performs. Full Spectrum CBD products are just like Broad Spectrum, except they contain 0.3% THC or less.
Is CBD addictive?
No, CBD is non-addictive
Can I take CBD if I am using other medications?
Research to date shows that CBD is generally safe and has few, if any, minor side effects. CBD does have the potential to interact with some medications. The concern has to do with how the body metabolizes certain substances, and how (much like grapefruit) CBD can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. Before trying CBD, it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor about all of the vitamins, supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking.
Do you have to build up CBD in your system over time?
No. Your body processes it and uses it right away. It does not get “stored”.
health}CBD Can I overdose on CBD?
There are no reports of anyone overdosing on CBD as our body uses only what it needs. It’s like pouring water on a full sponge; what is not used just goes to waste.
What types of CBD products are available?
There are many different types of CBD products on the market, each with their own pros and cons. The most popular product is called a CBD oil tincture, which is taken sublingually (under the tongue). It can take up to an hour to become fully absorbed into your body, but once it does, it stays with you for 8-12 hours on average. The tinctures also give you much for flexibility in your serving size. Edible CBD products are also very popular as they are easy for those who are on the go and for people who prefer a more controlled amount of CBD. Like the tinctures, edible products can also take up to an hour for full absorption, but it only stays with you for 3 – 6 hours. Another CBD item that many people enjoy are smokeables which include vapes, hemp flower and pre-rolls. Inhalation is the fastest way to get CBD into your system (it’s near instant) but it only lasts 1-4 hours. Topical CBD creams are extremely popular and are the most widely available. With near instant absorption, it is great for on-thego use. Also, (in the marketplace) you will find skin and body products, capsules, pain patches
and so much more. New products are coming out all the time.
Can I give CBD to my pets?
Yes! Your cat or dog (along with most other mammals) actually have the same system to process cannabinoids that you have. This system is known as the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it helps moderate a whole variety of bodily processes using endocannabinoids. The CBD, and other compounds found in CBD products, stimulate this system by either activating or blocking the group of receptors it contains. And that’s the same for humans, dogs, cats, horses, and most other mammals!
How can Purely CBD help?
First and foremost—as our slogan says, “Promoting the help, not the hype”, we are here to help! We feel strongly about educating our customers on the ins and outs of CBD. We are happy to answer any… and all questions you may have so that you can make the most informed decision possible. We take the time to talk with you about each product and how to find the amount of CBD that gives you the results you are looking for. Purely CBD - Elk Grove 6616 Laguna Blvd, Suite 124, Elk Grove, CA 95759US (916) 306-7487
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We’ve all done it and we will all continue to do it. We take selfies to show who we’re with, where we are, what we’re eating and how we look. We spend time looking at the results and retaking the shot over and over until we have the best light, the proper angle and the overall look we want other people to believe is reality. However, those selfies aren’t generally for us, they’re for those “other people” to see and comment on. We could spend a lot of time talking about how healthy (or not) it is to allow random people to like or dislike our every post; but, we’ll let the mental health experts weigh in on that one. It’s time to take a selfie just for you. The selfie we want you to take is to spend the time to improve your health and fitness. Be selfish about this selfie, be unrelenting, unapologetic and proud. You deserve this time, you earned it and by taking this selfie you are giving back to the people who love you. This selfie, unlike a lot of the other selfies, will make you feel better inside and out and it’s guaranteed to improve your life. That was our original introduction we had planned to focus on in this article, but times have changed. Like the rest of California (and the world) we are getting a lot of mandated “selfie time” as we experience shelter in place in response to the Covid-19 global pandemic. Thanks 62. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
It’s Time for a Real Selfie Written by D’Lee Daleo & Jamie McCalman, Switch Fitness
to social media and 24/7 news coverage, the term “social distancing” has become a part of our world-wide vocabulary… faster than toilet paper unnecessarily flew off the store shelves. Some of us are experiencing our “selfie time” isolated and alone, while others are experiencing this time with a houseful of people. No doubt the people experiencing both sides of that gamut might argue that the other side has it better. We have no way of knowing what life will be like when this issue of Ardent is published; will we still be sheltered in place, will we be getting back to a “new normal” or will we be experiencing something in between? Right now, we have a lot of unknowns in our future and that’s the current normal. So in a world of unknowns, we have to focus on the things we can control. One thing all of us own and control is our health and fitness. Whether or not we are sheltered in place or free to roam; we have options to explore, choices to make and selfies to take.
Our health and fitness selfie advice applies to every situation, the execution might differ slightly depending on our ability to move about freely and the current state of social distancing… but the advice remains the same, take time for your health and fitness. If you had a routine, stick to it—even if it has to be slightly altered. If you didn’t have a routine, try to develop one that you can stick to. There are plenty of studies that show the importance of routine, especially in times of chaos. Routine helps us cope with change, reduces stress and improves overall mental health.
Take your health and fitness selfie in the morning, afternoon or evening; whenever it makes the most sense for you. Try not to deviate from your routine, this is your time, be selfish. Tell the interrupters and distractors you’re busy, tell the voice in your head (reminding you of chores and to do lists) to be quiet. Almost everything can wait long enough for you to get in some quality health and fitness selfie time.
Remember, the health and fitness selfie is for you, not for your “friends” or anyone else. This selfie will help you lead a happier and healthier life.
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Quality health and fitness time can mean a lot of different things. Going out for a walk can be a quality health and fitness selfie time for some people. That walk will increase blood flow and improve circulation, which leads to a host of other health benefits. Add some stretching (before or after the walk) and you have the start of a nice routine. If you’re just starting to build your health and fitness selfie routine, be patient with how your body feels. Start slow and work your way up. It took a long time to get to where you are now, and it will take some time to get where you want to be. If your quality health and fitness time included regular trips to the gym to push some iron around or a studio for group classes—and your gym or studio is currently closed, it’s time to adapt. Thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever. There are free and paid options that fit every need and budget. A lot of the local gyms (and studios) are offering online classes which will keep you moving and connected to your health and fitness community. For those of us with an established routine, especially those who work out in groups, it’s important to keep the connections to our health and fitness community. Take part in online classes locally, stay connected to your gym or studio and to the community that helped keep you motivated. Remember, the health and fitness selfie is for you, not for your “friends” or anyone else. This selfie will help you lead a happier and healthier life; but we sometimes have to adapt to our surroundings. We have to re-evaluate and prioritize what’s most important. Right now, as we conclude this article, what’s most important is our health and well-being; in addition to the health and well-being of our families, friends and communities. Be safe, and remember to take time for your health and fitness selfie. Switch Fitness - (916) 883-BFIT - 9632 Emerald Oak Dr. Suite K, Elk Grove
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EGPD
History of Law Enforcement in Elk Grove Looking back at the Elk Grove and the Cosumnes River area, here is the history of law enforcement and people abiding by rules of good conduct. By Elizabeth Pinkerton Photos courtesy of Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society
Our City of Elk Grove has an outstanding police department; but we have only had them since 2006! In the first years of the City (that was created in 2000) we were under the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department… as we had been when we were part of Sacramento County. The areas around us, Wilton, Sloughhouse, and north of East Calvine Road are still under the Sheriff’s Department. The area north of Sheldon Road in Laguna is in Sacramento City and under the city police. Our Elk Grove Chief of Police in 2020 is Timothy Albright. Our Police Department provides law enforcement and policing services with 146 officers and 108 civilian employees. Our Police Department responds to approximately 52,000 calls for service each year. The City of Elk Grove has a population of 172,000 in 2020.
Going back to the Beginning - Our first people,
they were taken care of in appropriate ways. Our first settlers along the Cosumnes River; Jared Dixon Sheldon, William Daylor, and the Thomas Rhoads family, lived peacefully with the Miwoks—and if there were any problems at that time, we do not know of them.
The Days of Gold - The gold mining days brought many changes, and many miners seemed to make their own rules based on what benefitted them. Things changed dramatically, and in 1852, Jared Sheldon was killed by gold miners. The bloody gun battle took place on the Cosumnes River at Cook’s Bar, near today’s Rancho Murieta. Sheldon was murdered by gold miners who objected to the flooding from the dam he built to irrigate his crops. The miners were squatters on Sheldon’s property (the Omochumnes Land Grant) that he obtained during the Mexican days.
the Miwok Indians, were very law abiding people. If problems occurred, Chief of Police Timothy Albright
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California statement and Justices of the Peace - James Hall, who
built the Elk Grove House-Stage Stop that gave us our name, was our first Justice of the Peace. We don’t know what kind of trouble came rolling up and down the
Stockton Road in the early 1850s, but it is likely that horse stealing was a problem. In one incident, Orville Hamilton was accused of horse stealing and taken into custody by citizens who then organized a court to try him. Members of the court were these familiar folks: William Hicks, Charles Lewis, W. D. Wilson, S. P. Gage, Atwood, Tryce and Allmond. Hamilton escaped and a Sacramento merchant who was his friend appeared to be the one who had aided him. This so infuriated the jury that they were ready to hang the merchant, but they could not agree… so they whipped him.
Our Historic Jail - We needed a jail when our town
moved near the railroad tracks because the trains brought in more people and there was a need for law and order. Elk Grove’s jail had an interesting history, and it is still with us, resting quietly behind the Elk Grove Hotel & Stage Stop in Elk Grove Regional Park. The jail was moved there by members of the Sacramento County Sheriff 's Department Delta Patrol in the early 1980s. We have Jay Melton, the head of the Patrol, to thank for this reminder of years gone by. Jay is a man who knew a piece of history when he saw it; and because of him, we have this connection to our past. In Sacramento’s early days, it was common to have a jail on a boat in the River. Several iron-barred cells were kept on a ship on the Sacramento River. The floating jail was the LaGrange. However, the
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Inside the San Joaquin Township Justice Court at Elk Grove Historical Society
La Grange Prison ship on Sacramento River
Lou Baroni and Godfrey F. Mix EGPD 2006
The Jail was located behind the I.O.OF. building
spring of 1862 brought great amounts of rain to Sacramento and the floating jail sank! We don’t know if there were any prisoners who went down with the ship, but we know that the heavy iron cells went to the bottom of the River. Eventually, these cells were salvaged, and two of them were brought to Elk Grove and set up as the town jail. They were secured in a little building behind the I.O.O.F. Hall (today’s School of Rock) by the railroad tracks.
That was the Elk Grove Jail that existed from before the turn of the century until the late 1940s. The justice court was there, and it was the center of Elk Grove’s law enforcement.
EGPD
Law Enforcement Stories - Del Gann, Brownie
Derr, and Lou Baroni were our colorful providers of law and order, and they had many stories to tell about their experiences in Elk Grove.
Ouida Hanks was the granddaughter of Del Gann, and she told of being placed on the train by her parents in Sacramento. Del Gann would pick her up at the Elk Grove station, and she would spend days visiting her grandparents. One night there was pounding at the door! Someone was shouting that there had been a robbery. Constable, Grandpa Gann, jumped out of bed, strapped on his six-shooter and grabbed his six gallon cowboy hat. He dashed out into the street to find the criminal (which he did) in spite of the fact that he was still in his nightshirt!
Josiah Arven Polhemus - Justice of the Peace & Judge 1897-1924 to the steering wheel. His daughter, Jane Derr Morse, remembers riding to Sacramento with her parents. If they came upon an accident, her father would load the injured persons in their car and they would speed on to Sacramento with the siren blowing, delivering victims to the hospital. “To this day,” Jane said, “I dislike sirens!” The following account from Jane Derr Morse tells of her experiences in Elk Grove law enforcement: “Judge W. E. Everson served as Justice Judge prior to Godfrey F. Mix. In 1947, Judge Mix asked me if I would consider coming to work for
In the later part of the 1900s, the Sacramento County Sheriff ’s Department scheduled resident deputies in our south area. These deputies provided their own vehicles and sirens and since they were well known members of the community, they had an edge in keeping an eye on what was going on. One of these deputies was Brownie Derr. He had the siren on the family car and a sawed off shotgun strapped
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EGPD
Inside the San Joaquin Township Justice Court at Elk Grove Historical Society Judge William Everson & Constable Del Cann
We appreciate and respect the men and women of our Elk Grove Police Department and our Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department. They keep us safe in Elk Grove, Wilton, Sloughhouse, Franklin, and in all of South Sacramento County.
“I had to answer telephone calls, make entries in the dockets, and be a witness for the Judge if needed. It was interesting and a little intimidating because several times when I would unlock the office in the morning, I wouldn’t know if there would be an inmate in the Jail that had been picked up during the night. I did have several surprises! “If the Fish and Game Warden arrested someone for violating the law, he would bring in the evidence. One time Officer Dursey arrested a man and brought in this nice salmon that had been caught out of season. After talking to the accused and setting an appearance date, they departed. The Judge said to Constable Douglas and me that it was such a lovely salmon it would be a shame to let it go to waste, so we divided it three ways and enjoyed it immensely. The Hearing was held about two weeks later, and the Judge was asked to provide the evidence. Three people in the Justice Court felt very stupid. Case dismissed! Oh well, the salmon was delicious! “On two occasions the Judge performed marriage ceremonies. He would invite the couple to his home on the corner of School and Locust Street and I would be the witness. Judge Mix was a great spinner of tales. He, Constable Douglas, and I had many pleasant hours together in that little Justice Court that was COLD in the winter and HOT in the summer. But the Justice Court did what it was supposed to do. “The new Justice Court was completed in 1950, and I was fortunate to be able to work a few 66. ardentforlife.net - Summer 2020
months in that office prior to retiring to have my first child. I was replaced by Mitzie Penney who carried on for several years.” Lou Baroni covered the Elk Grove area during the 1950s and 1960s. It was a definite advantage for the deputy to know the community because fighting crime has a lot to do with prevention. Many a young person intent on some mischief had to think about not only how he would explain himself to Mr. Baroni, but what he would say to his parents as well.
Louie Baroni
him on a part time basis as a clerk. I would have to pass a Sacramento County Civil Service test first (which I did) and then I became the first clerk of the Justice Court. Our main business was arrests for Driving under the Influence, Fish and Game Violations, and Speeding.
Our Elk Grove Police Department is located just south of Laguna Boulevard and east of Highway 99. The Sacramento Sheriff‘s Dept. has an office at Bond and Waterman Roads in Elk Grove, and we have the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center on Bruceville Road in west Elk Grove. We appreciate and respect the men and women of our Elk Grove Police Department and our Sacramento County Sheriff ’s Department. They keep us safe in Elk Grove, Wilton, Sloughhouse, Franklin, and in all of South Sacramento County.
Justice Court
BOOKS By ELIZABETH PINKERTON History Happened Here, Book 1 – River, Oaks, Gold Book 2 – Fields, Farms, Schools We the People, a Story of Internment in America
All book proceeds go for student scholarships, and I thank the many purchasers who have made possible the 75 scholarships with each one $1,000 – Make your check for books payable to Laguna Publishers and send to me at 9227 Lamprey Drive, Elk Grove CA 95624. Books are $20 apiece and California sales tax is included. Add $3 for shipping of one or two books; $5 for 3-6 books. Call me at 916-685-0606 or email me at elizabethpink@gmail.com.