Ardent content food &flavor
20. Red Wine Baby Back Ribs McConnell Estates 22. Nordic Fish Chowder & 30. Kitchen Staple Justin Pinnell 24. Simple Pleasures & 26. Cherry Cranberry Cobbler Cindy Della Monica 28. Matcha Cookies
love
32. Harmony & Brennan MKL photography
education 44. What I’ve learned CT Morris
20. art
46. Book Reviews Sacramento Public Library
featured 50. Dale Chilcoat Nan Mahon
24.
profile 40. Kara Reddig Deputy City Manager
health 38. We’re all just learning Anna Osborn 56. The Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening Kaiser Permanente 60. Reduce Bloating Constipation, and Diarrhea. Elk Grove Vitamins
community
54. What Makes Our City Run? Find Out at Elk Grove 101 62. MLK Community Breakfast City of Elk Grove & Cosumnes CSD
history 64. Harriet G. Eddy Louis Silveira 4. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy No doubt you’ve heard a lot about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy lately. What is it all about? How does it work? Who needs it? Is it something you could benefit from? Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as BHRT, is exactly what it sounds like. Your declining hormones are replaced with hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones produced by your own body. Why is this important? Hormones that are not structurally identical to your own (for example, Premarin, which comes from horse urine) do not act the same on your body, may contain hormones that your body does not make and has no receptors for these hormones, so you waste energy by giving incomplete messages to cells which then fail to produce a balanced hormonal response. Also, your body cannot effectively metabolize these foreign hormones, which may have long term unknown, potentially, negative effects on your body.
MYTH: Our hormones levels are declining because we are growing older. FACT: We are growing older because your hormones are declining.
The goal in BHRT is to turn back the hormonal clock to around age 35, or around 20 years younger than your chronological age. Anti-aging medicine is a personalized, metabolic medicine. We now have the science to individually customize your care and we can look at the cause of the problems, instead of just treating symptoms. If you are basically healthy, we can look at how your body breaks down things to help you be healthier and stay healthy. All the patients in my practice have a totally different treatment regime, there are no protocols. It is a very personalized approach.
So is Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy right for you? Do you find yourself wondering……? Why am I so tired? Why am I gaining weight? Why do I have mood swings? Why do I have a low sex drive? Why am I not able to sleep well? Why am I having memory lapses? Why do I have frequent urination and/or incontinence? Why do I have migraine headaches?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, bio-identical hormone therapy may be just what would benefit you.
How does the process work?
After obtaining lab testing of saliva, blood or urine, you meet for a consultation with Dr. Dayle A. Imperato, an American Anti-Aging Academy trained physician for evaluation of your unique bio-identical hormonal needs. You are prescribed the specific hormones that your body needs! We use a quality compounding pharmacy and carry a high pharmaceutical grade of supplements for your use. Your hormones are a symphony of interactions. All of your hormones are designed to work together and if one is altered, or deficient, it will affect the actions of all of the other hormones in your body. It is an interactive balance and as unique to an individual as a fingerprint. One size does not fit all. Treating even “mild” hormonal deficiencies can dramatically improve quality of life. Longevity medicine is aimed at the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age related decline. We are not prisoners of our genetic destiny. Chronic inflammation is the cause and the effect of most illnesses and the diseases of aging. Balanced hormone optimization and a balanced life style decreases chronic inflammation. Hormone optimization is the finishing touch of an anti-aging lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, anti-oxidants and nutraceuticals.
Community Corner q&a What was your favorite What habits do you feel will improve someone’s life? hobby as a kid?
Kirk in Dublin
Kirk Marchetti
Real Estate Broker, M&M Real Estate Ad on page 5.
Where can people follow you? www.mmrealestate.net Instagram: @kirkmarchetti
As a child, it was the great outdoors. Each summer we spent time in the lakes of Northern California camping and water skiing, often dedicated to Lake Berryessa, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Soccer and baseball were also joys along with summer reunions in Grand Junction, Colorado, where the company of my seven cousins added an extra layer of fun.
Reflecting on a well-lived life, I firmly believe in the power of education, genuine friendships, and the foundation of good health.
What is your favorite hobby now?
If I had to choose, it would be John Glenn. While he was not the first man to walk on the moon, his groundbreaking achievements in space exploration stand as a testament to the bravery required to be a trailblazer.
My passion has shifted to the camaraderie of a Bocce Ball league. Together with my close friends, wife, and daughter, we've formed a fantastic team, infusing our leisure with competitiveness. Beyond the local field, my hobbies include the joy of travel, particularly to Italy, where we've retraced the footsteps of our grandparents and continue to make memories with my daughters and cousins.
Do you have a favorite podcast or book?
I don't have a specific favorite podcast or book. I do lean towards science and history documentaries, providing a fascinating blend of knowledge. Additionally, my family's collective involvement in book clubs has become a wonderful shared pastime. Is there someone in history that you look up to? Why?
What is the best advice you ever got?
The best advice I’ve received, from my Dad, is the value of gratitude, respect, perseverance, and diligence. Gratitude for what we have, respect for others, unwavering diligence, and a resilient spirit in the face of challenges.
Community Corner q&a What was your favorite hobby as a kid? What is your favorite hobby now?
I was very involved in theatre and music as a kid - whether performing in plays at school, singing in choir, or playing in marching band. As an adult, I love gardening and video games! What habits do you feel will improve someone’s life?
I'm a list maker. Whenever I'm feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I sit down and write a to-do list and enjoy crossing things off when they are done.
Heath Buckmaster Marketing and Business Development Consultant
Do you have a favorite podcast or book?
My top two books are “The Shining”, by Stephen King and “The Witching Hour”, by Anne Rice. I have a pretty extensive library so it's hard to narrow them down but generally I enjoy books with magic or fantastical storylines. What is the best advice you ever got?
Where can people follow you? Facebook: @heathtv Instagram: @heathbuckmaster
"Consistency above all yuckiness" - from a former manager, Aneka Lilya. It has been an absolute mantra to me in the marketing world.
Contributor’s Corner Justin Azevedo
Justin has been a Youth Services Librarian for Sacramento Public Library since 2010, and is currently the Youth Materials Selector for the system.
Allie Crump
Event Manager at McConnell Estates
David Hipskind
Owner of The Red Door Antiques, Vintage, and More. Located in Historic Old Town Elk Grove.
Evan Hust
Evan is a foodie, wine lover, car guy, and Disneyland fanatic. He is the Director of Development and Marketing for the San Joaquin County Historical Society and can also be found behind the bar at Klinker Brick Winery on the weekends.
Dr. Dayle A. Imperato
A Board Certified physician, she has served the Sacramento community for the past 20 years. Owner of Rejuvenation Wellness & Aesthetic Medicine in Old Town, Elk Grove.
Nan Mahon
Nan is an author and journalist. She is a member of the City of Elk Grove Committee for the Arts and received the Elk Grove 2011 Mayor’s Award for Volunteerism in the Arts.
Cindy Della Monica
Cheesemonger and Owner of Cheese Central in Lodi, Ca.
Carole Morris
Instructional Specialist, Author and Adjunct Professor. She is married to an outstanding, brilliant man and the mother of two grown aweinspiring children, and grammie to three flawless grandchildren.
Anna Osborn
Anna lives in Elk Grove with her husband and school aged twins. She owns Life Unscripted Counseling in Midtown Sacramento.
Elizabeth Pinkerton
Teacher and Administrator for 40 years, she is now a historian and author.
Justin Pinnell
Justin is not just another pretty face in Real Estate. He enjoys long walks on the beach and high mountain sunsets.
Louis Silveira
Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, and Archivist at the Elk Grove Historical Society
Dianna Singh
Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins for the past eight years.
Rebecca Voorhees
Designer by day. Blogger by night. Diva 24/7. Follow me on my adventures in the kitchen @divadicucina
Zachary Wackman
General Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Kayla Webb
Marketing Manager at McConnell Estates Winery
Brendle Wells
Is a librarian and lifelong reader who has a passion for sharing books with pretty much anyone she meets. She currently works as the Adult Materials Selector for the Sacramento Public Library and asks, “What have you read lately?”
For full bios of our contributors, please visit www.ardentforlife.net. 14. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
Our cover features a hearty Nordic fish chowder bursting with flavor. Savor the warmth and comfort of this traditional dish and embrace the Nordic spirit with every delightful sip. Recipe by Justin Pinnell -
jpsellscalifornia.com
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 © 2024 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
l i f e
Checking In
I totally agree with Terri Guillemets’ quote, “Welcome, winter. Your late dawns and chilled breath make me lazy, but I love you nonetheless.” The air has a wonderful chill to it that makes me want to snuggle with a hot cup of coffee! Winter always feels like a pause, as if the fauna and flora are holding their breath before exploding with color.
executive editor
Carole Morris What Have I Learned? There is an inspiring article about Miss Gertrude Eddy who was a woman ahead of her time. Miss Eddy’s influence in the educational field was unparalleled.
Cindy Della Monica has some “warm your soul” recipes in this edition that really are mouthwatering! There’s a lovely Nordic Fish Chowder recipe that is perfect winter fodder; really, the recipes in this issue are exceptional and unique. I absolutely love to cook in the wintertime, don’t you?
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food}
Red Wine Baby Back Ribs
with McConnell Estates 2020 Petite Syrah By Allie Crump, Event Manager at McConnell Estates - mcconnellestates.com
This winter has been a chilly one, causing us to crave comfort foods that pair well with full-bodied reds, like Petite Syrah. Aged in French and American oak, our 2020 Petite Syrah has low acidity with notes of ripe black fruit. The bold, jammy flavors of this vintage are the perfect pairing with these rich and fatty Red Wine Baby Back Ribs—the perfect comfort food.
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Red Wine Baby Back Ribs
Directions
• 2 racks pork baby back ribs, silver skin/membrane removed • 3-4 tablespoons mustard, Dijon preferred • 1 tablespoon salt • 2 teaspoons black pepper • 1/2 cup dry red wine
2. Preheat your oven to 275 °F.
Ingredients:
Red Wine Barbecue Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1/3 cup dry red wine • 1/2 cup ketchup • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon black pepper
1. Spread mustard over all sides of the ribs. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Wrap the ribs in heavy duty aluminum foil, bone side
down, and seal the edges tightly into a packet. Place onto a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Bake for 1 hour, then remove from the oven. Carefully unwrap and baste the ribs with the 1/2 cup dry red wine. Reseal the foil packet and bake an additional 1 to 2 hours or until the ribs are tender but not falling apart.
5. While the ribs are cooking, make the barbecue sauce. Into a saucepan, add the oil and spices and sauté until fragrant. Add red wine and boil until the alcohol is cooked off. Add remaining ingredients and simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes). 6. Remove the ribs from the oven and open the foil packet. Baste with the juices and preheat the oven to 400°F. 7. Spread the barbecue sauce liberally over all sides of
the ribs. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes or until the ribs start to become tacky and sticky. Remove from the oven and cover lightly with foil.
food} McConnell Estates 8. Set the oven to broil and broil the ribs (bone side down) for 3-5 minutes or until charred and sticky. If desired, spread an additional layer of barbecue sauce on both sides of the ribs.
Keys to Success:
• In the first low-and-slow cook, you’ll know they’re ready for the next step when the sides start drooping down toward the baking sheet when you lift them up. At this point, they should still have enough structure to hold together, but enough tenderness that they start to droop. • When baking uncovered at 400°F, check often—you do not want the ribs to dry out at this point. If you’re checking with a thermometer, you’ll want an internal temp between 200-205°F. • Before broiling, let the ribs cool down significantly to decrease the risk of them drying out. Alternatively, you can choose to grill them over high heat during this step.
NOTE: All McConnell Estate's wines are available in our tasting room or e-store. You can visit our online store by scanning the QR code or through our website www.mcconnellestates.com.
food}
Nordic Fish Chowder By Justin Pinnell - jpsellscalifornia.com
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food} Nordic Fish Chowder What I appreciate most about this chowder is that it's an anything-goes type recipe. While my wife is a baker who meticulously follows rules, my approach to cooking involves a pinch of this and a dab of that. In short, nothing is ever quite the same with any given dish I make. To begin, you'll need fish—any kind will do, no rules. In the old days, as winter lingered, two dependable things were fish from the ocean, lake, river, or stream, and cream from your cow, making it a must for this chowder. Choose some stock, be it chicken stock, vegetable stock, or a fish stock made from the bits and pieces of past meals (cooked down and heavily salted). After this, there are no rules—have fun and do as you like. I use bacon to sauté the potatoes, onions, etc., but any oil will work fine. Any vegetable goes well, so clean out the vegetable bin in your refrigerator. Below is how I like the chowder, however, as it's said in the old Nordic tongue, “alt er betra” (anything is better). Have fun and make it your own.
Ingredients
• 4 strips of bacon • 4 tablespoons butter • 1 fennel bulb, quartered, with fronds reserved for topping • 1 cup chopped shallot • 3 carrots, sliced into rounds • 4 cloves garlic, minced (increase if you're battling a cold) • 1 cup white wine (the cheaper, the better)
• 1/2 cup clam juice • Juice from a whole lemon • 1 pound gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into large chunks • 4 cups chicken stock • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 pound cod, cut into large pieces • 1/2 cup heavy cream • Salt and plenty of pepper, to taste
Feel free to adjust according to your preferences, and happy cooking!
Cooking Instructions:
• First, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the crispy bacon and leave the rendered fat in the pan. Crumble up the bacon and set it aside to sprinkle on top of the chowder. • In the grease, add the fennel bulb, shallot, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until glossy and softened, around 5 minutes.
• Once the shallots are soft, stir in the white wine and reduce by half. After the reduction, add the clam juice and lemon juice.
• Add the potatoes, cayenne pepper, and cover with the broth of your choice. Bring it to a boil until the potatoes are tender, but not completely softened. • Next add the butter, fish, and heavy cream. Simmer until the fish is opaque and the potatoes are very soft, approximately 10 minutes. • Remove the chowder from the heat and let it rest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, garnish with fennel fronds. ardentforlife.net 23
food} Cheese Central
Simple Pleasures By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
To date, we are a couple of months into 2024. My “sun meter” is usually low by now, Winter blues have set in IF we have been lucky enough to have decent California rain. How to counteract the blues? Daily simple pleasure is the ticket! Positive and brief, usually, but simple pleasure should be something to elevate your spirits in the moment. A bonus if it will provide a lovely glow to your whole day! The conscious decision to be happy is a choice to make every day, even in “baby steps,” until it becomes a habit. Practice, and be mindful about the simplest details for optimal effect. My joy comes from lots of places, i.e. the garden fun that others view as “chores”. I like planning for future happiness and gardening provides that thrill—the singing bird, breeze, cloud formations, new growth on baby plants, the harvest or the bouquet. I also love a few chapters of a good book as a midday break. Or a new recipe that turns out even better than I expected. The serendipity of a crafting day with my grandkids or a mini date with the “#1 Husband of All Time” makes some great memories to revisit. I even like to keep a few favorite random photos tucked into cookbooks on my shelf—a wonderful surprise when turning to that recipe where
24. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
the book spontaneously falls open from overuse! A family favorite, obviously, and THAT will bring the glow, too. Big or small ideas? It doesn’t matter!
Have you ever let your mind wander, remembering the Easter egg hunt, or conceiving details for a party? A travel destination? A chill afternoon with a friend? An article I read recently touted the benefits of daydreaming. The expert quoted the study that proved daydreaming is a function of the brain storing the imagined information the same way as it would the real experience. Yes, the simple pleasure of day-dreaming turns out to be a healthy habit. I get a kick out of remembering the first “cooking” experience with one of my littles. She was 4 going on 10, and she wanted a caramel apple like the one she had at her preschool Halloween party. Well, I didn’t think making caramel was a safe 4-yr-old experience! Instead, we made a delicious dip of cream cheese, brown sugar and vanilla for green
apple wedges, with a bowl of chopped almonds on the side. Her joy while dipping was infectious, and I’ll never forget it. She’s older now, and we planned a fun holiday recipe to prepare together. Adaptation of a simple cobbler from a TV show made it our own. The photo of her holding our festive creation will get tucked into a cookbook, too.
I’m delighted that our daughters practice this concept, as well. During a couples trip to a spa weekend, a restaurant meal had a rave-worthy dish that deserved a “beauty shot.” (You know what that is, right? When you whip out the phone and take a photo before you dig in)? They have recreated the dish at home, with accolades from those present. Every time they make that dish, for years to come, the giggles and stories of the mud bath weekend experience will make them all glow!
food} Cheese Central Don’t you feel better when you surprise someone with an unexpected treat? Maybe your neighbors cleared your fallen leaves at the same time as they did their own. A double batch of fresh cookies is meant to be shared, right? You know the neighbors would love them. Or, just four cookies for the IT guy who fixed that computer problem—below, check out the little box you can create from a paper plate for those cookies… a bit of simple extra effort lets them know how special they are!
And, yeah, a perfect piece of toast is my joy, too. Delicious bread, crispy and golden on the outside, not dry on the inside, well-buttered. Nothing else needed. Well, maybe that good book for a double hit on the joy meter! Practice mindful joy daily with YOUR version of simple pleasures.
As always, our staff at CHEESE CENTRAL is ready to help you with samples of our 100+ cheeses at the counter. Visit us at 11 N School St, Lodi, CA 95240 or visit our website at www.cheesecentrallodi.com
The Paper Plate Gift “Box”
A scalloped paper plate is easily transformed into a gift “box” in less than 10 minutes 6” plate makes box that will hold a single generous brownie, for example. 9” plate will hold several seed packets or 4 large cookies. What will YOU fill the gift box with?
One scalloped paper plate, 6” or 9” Ruler Pencil Scissors Scotch tape
Onion Herb Batter Bread
Wonderful as a whole loaf to slice and toast, or serve with soups and stews at dinner. I like this one in mini loaf or Texas muffin pans so everyone has their own loaf to eat. Ingredients
½ C milk 1½ T sugar 1 t salt 1 T butter 1 pkg. active dry yeast
½ C warm water 2 ¼ C all-purpose flour
1 T instant minced onions ½ t dried dill weed, rosemary, or other herb Melted butter and salt
Directions
Scald milk, remove from heat, and stir in sugar, salt and butter until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water. Add cooled milk mixture. Stir flour into yeast mixture. Add instant minced onions and dill or other herb; stir all together until well blended, about 2 minutes. Cover and let rise in warm place until tripled in bulk, about 45 minutes. Stir down, and beat vigorously, about ½ minute. Turn into a greased 8” loaf pan. Bake in 350* oven about one hour. Brush top crust with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with coarse salt. Cool on rack.
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With pencil and ruler, lightly mark the lines on the paper plate, as shown in the photo. The inner circle of the scallop indentations on the plate is a good indicator for vertical fold line placement. The horizontal lines will intersect with the vertical lines. The solid rectangle in the middle of the plate will be your finished base size.
Cut the two dotted lines on each side, stopping at the solid vertical line that it meets. Using your ruler as the straight edge for folding the plate neatly, place it at each solid line, and fold the plate up against the ruler’s edge. Repeat for each solid line. Remove the ruler, go back to each fold and create a sharp crease where you made the fold lines.
Assemble
Place the paper plate on the table with the “right” tab facing you. Fold the tab up and, one at a time, bring the two curved side pieces to cover the tab. The straight cut of the curved side pieces will be parallel to the table. Place a piece of tape on the two curved pieces to hold it in place. Repeat with the “left” tab. Your box is complete. If you want to, place another piece or two of tape in judicious spots to hold it together well. Crinkle in a colorful piece of tissue paper, insert your gift, and wrap in cellophane or waxed paper. A colorful twist of ribbon is the finishing touch!
food} Cheese Central
Cherry Cranberry Cobbler By Cindy Della Monica, Owner, Cheese Central
26. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
food} Cheese Central
Ingredients
Directions
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
In a large bowl, combine the biscuit dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until it resembles small peas. Add to the flour mixture the 1/2 C buttermilk and almond extract, stirring together until it forms a cohesive ball. If the ball is a little dry, add a bit more buttermilk. Knead gently on lightly floured board 4 or 5 times, then pat into a 1” thick round. Brush top with buttermilk using pastry brush, then sprinkle heavily with the raw sugar. Cut the round into 8 equal wedges.
Filling 1 can Comstock cherry pie filling
1/2 t almond extract Biscuit
1½ C flour 2 T sugar
1½ t baking powder 1/2 t baking soda Dash of salt 1/3 C chilled butter, cut into dice 1/2 C buttermilk, plus 2 T if needed 1/2 t almond extract Raw sugar, for garnish
Preheat oven to 400*. In 9” deep dish pie plate, stir together all filling ingredients. Set aside.
Place wedges in even circle on top of the pie plate filling, with points to the center. Bake 20-25 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown and crisp. Filling will be bubbling. Serve warm or room temperature, with whipped cream if desired. Makes 8 servings
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food}
Matcha
cookies Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a fun and delicious twist by baking matcha cookies with the kids! These green treats are not only visually appealing but also packed with the unique flavor of matcha. Whether enjoyed as a festive snack, or a sweet treat for a St. Patrick's Day celebration… these matcha cookies are sure to delight.
Ingredients
•1-1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for thicker cookies add 1/8 cup) • 2 tablespoons cornstarch • 1 tablespoon matcha powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1/2 cup salted butter, browned • 2/3 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1 large egg, room temperature • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract • 1 cup white chocolate chips (for less sweet cookies, use chocolate chips) Directions
Start by browning the butter. Place butter in a pan and heat until it turns golden yellow. The butter will start to darken as it cools down. In a bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda together.
In another bowl, whisk the browned melted butter, granulated sugars, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla until well mixed.
Combine and mix the dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir in white chocolate chips.
Cover and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough and place about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. 28. ardentforlife.net - 2024
Enjoy your delicious matcha cookies!
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food}
Kitchen Staple
30. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
Butter
By Justin Pinnell - jpsellscalifornia.com
food} Kitchen Staple My mom used to always say, "waste not, want not". Because I’ve always tried to heed my mom’s life quotes, I have found many ways to reduce waste. One of the ways to make the most of ingredients is by transforming excess whipping cream into homemade butter. This not only minimizes waste but also allows you to enjoy a fresh, homemade essential ingredient in the kitchen. Plus, the satisfaction of making your own butter with a simple process can be quite rewarding. If you ever find yourself with more whipping cream than you need, follow these steps to turn it into a versatile kitchen staple: butter! Here is the conversion ratio for cream to butter you can roughly expect. The typical conversion factor is roughly a 1:2 ratio for butter and buttermilk. This means for every cup of whipping cream, you may get approximately 1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
For a calculation with 2 cups of whipping cream: • Butter: 2 cups x 1/2 = 1 cup of butter • Buttermilk: 2 cups x 1/2 = 1 cup of buttermilk
So, with 2 cups of whipping cream, you might end up with about 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of buttermilk. Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual yield can vary based on factors such as the fat content of the cream, the efficiency of the churning process, and the specific method used. Additionally, the consistency and thickness of your homemade butter can be adjusted by rinsing it more or less after the churning. Making homemade butter is a simple process that requires just one ingredient: heavy cream. Here's a basic recipe for making homemade butter: Ingredients: • Heavy cream (at room temperature)
Instructions: • Pour Heavy Cream: Start by pouring the heavy cream into a clean, dry mixing bowl. You can use as much cream as you'd like, depending on how much butter you want to make.
• Drain Buttermilk: Once the separation is clear, stop the mixer. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl to strain out the liquid (buttermilk). You can save the buttermilk for other recipes.
• Whipped Cream: The cream will first turn into whipped cream with soft peaks.
• Squeeze and Shape: Squeeze the butter to remove excess water. You can shape it into a block or use butter molds for a decorative touch.
• Beat the Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy cream on medium to high speed. The cream will go through several stages: • Stiff Peaks: Continue beating until the whipped cream forms stiff peaks.
• Rinse the Butter: Rinse the butter under cold running water to remove any remaining buttermilk. This helps prevent the butter from turning rancid.
• Salt (Optional): If desired, you can knead in a pinch of salt for • Breakdown: Keep beating flavor. This step is optional and beyond the stiff peaks stage. The depends on your preference. whipped cream will eventually break down, and you'll notice a • Refrigerate: Store your separation of liquid (buttermilk) homemade butter in the and solids (butter). refrigerator. It's now ready to use!
Remember, making butter is a fun process, and you can experiment with different variations, such as adding herbs or honey for flavored butter. Enjoy!
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love}
stories
Harmony & Brennan Photographed by MKL photography www.mklphotography.net
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love}
How did you meet?
stories
She cares so much for those that she loves, and she always has me laughing.
We first met at our local gym, Resident CrossFit. I thought I was just going to try out this new gym, and Brennan didn’t know who I was at the time. Little did we know, our friends had plans to set us up. They knew that we would be a good match for each other, and their radar was not wrong. Soon after meeting we went on our first date at Memo’s in Turlock and have been inseparable ever since. We have now been together for 6 years with our fur baby Bruce and our 8-month-old baby girl. The Proposal?
On November 16th, 2021, we had plans to take holiday pictures with our dog Bruce. While we had fun taking pictures, Brennan had some behind the scenes surprises. In the middle of our pictures, he got down on one knee and popped the question. Without hesitation I said yes, it was the sweetest moment. But the surprises didn’t end there, he had our parents hidden in the bushes to come out when the time was right so they could witness the special moment. Our proposal spot became our venue for our wedding; Pageo Lavender Farm.
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love}
stories
No matter what, he always makes sure we are taken care of. He is such a bright light and can make even a stranger smile. What is love?
Harmony: Love is going on Target runs with your husband just to have him there as company even though you know he’d rather be at home than going down every single aisle listening to you say, “oh look how cute this is.”
What is love?
Brennan: Love is going downstairs to get her water at 2:30am.
What do you love most about him?
I love how devoted he is to being there for his family. No matter what, he always makes sure we are taken care of. He is such a bright light and can make even a stranger smile.
What do you love most about her?
Aside from her beauty, I love how caring and goofy she is. She cares so much for those that she loves, and she always has me laughing at the things she does, whether it’s intentional or not.
When did you know you were in love?
Harmony: I knew I was in love with him when I realized all I wanted to do was be with him 24/7. I never got tired of his company and felt like I could be my full authentic self around him.
When did you know you were in love?
Brennan: When I began to realize that our interests, outside of working out, didn’t really match up but she gave every single one of my interests a shot.
What did you enjoy most on your wedding day?
Looking out and seeing all our friends and family in the same place all at once.
Honeymoon: TBD, We hope to honeymoon within the next 2 years in Japan.
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love}
stories
Vendor List
Photography & Videographer MKL photography Venue Pageo Lavender Farm Rentals After the Tone: Audio Guestbook 2doods Rentals: Telephone Booth Caterer Pageo Lavender Farm Wedding Coordinator Lexi Ernst Desserts/Cake Village Baking Company DJ StarSoundz Hair and Makeup Jen Ledo Beauty Florist Floralicious Designs
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Tux Rentals Men’s Warehouse Bride’s Dress Designer- Alyssa Kristin (The Bianca gown) found at Sacramento a & bé bridal shop Bridesmaids Dress Birdy Grey and Revelry for Maid of Honor Rings For her- Shane Co. For him- Qalo
health}
We’re all just learning. There’s something about relationships and parenting that reminds you just how clueless you really are. If I’m being honest, being a partner and a parent is pretty much one of the most continually humbling experiences I’ve ever encountered. Just when you think you’ve hit a flow and figured things out, all the variables change and you realize you’ve got to redo your math in order to come up with a workable solution. 38. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
By Anna Osborn, LMFT, Relationship Therapist and Coach
And I sure think that parenting school-aged kids does this to you over and over again. The sheer number of new sayings and words they’re constantly coming home with only highlight just how in the dark I am. It’s enough to bring one to their knees. I don’t even want to tell you how many questions I had for my daughter when she told me two kids got “shipped” at her school. “As in relationship Mom, like they’re in a box and shipped away together.” I’m still lost, but whatever. The point is we’re constantly learning and if we aren’t open to different, we can really damage our relationships. If you don’t know how to allow for change, and the input of new knowledge, you are sort of dead in the water.
But it has to be safe enough for you to admit that you don’t have all the answers or that you need support.
Which is probably why one of my biggest pet peeves is when someone asks a question or admits they don’t know or haven’t heard of something and they’re met with… ‘WHAT?!? You don’t know what that is?!?’ or ‘WHAT?!?! You’ve never heard of that?’ It drives me absolutely bonkers. I mean in what stretch of the imagination is that helpful? When someone is brave enough to admit that they don’t know something and they’re faced with ridicule? I know I’m less likely to speak up if I’m laughed at or mocked for acknowledging what I just don’t know.
health} relationship skills
I can guarantee, you will not ask questions or speak up if you’re in an environment (or relationship) that does not allow for mistakes or missteps; or one that expects you to know it all. Because news flash…we don’t. We have to be gentle with each other when we’re learning. And because we’re ALWAYS learning, we really just need to be gentle with each other.
The most perfect environment you can learn in is: One that is free of judgements. One that is free of ridicule. One that is safe to ask questions. One that is safe to admit you don’t know. One that encourages you to risk and fail. One that encourages you to try again.
I can guarantee, you will not ask questions or speak up if you’re in an environment (or relationship) that does not allow for mistakes or missteps; or one that expects you to know it all. Because news flash…we don’t. For the majority of us, we were never taught how to ‘relationship’ at school. And for even more of us, we were not taught it at home. Many of us were taught what we don’t want to repeat, but the absence of a positive example doesn’t give us a lot of clear direction. And it’s because we don’t have all the answers AND because we’re constantly evolving and changing as humans, that we have to be continually open to learning while being oh so gentle with each other.
Ask for help. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Talk to a friend.
Do anything and all the things to take in the information you need in order to do and be better.
And most importantly, do it with gentleness. Gentleness for yourself as you’re learning. Gentleness with your partner as they’re learning. And gentleness for your relationship as it’s growing and evolving. I’m cheering us all on!
Anna Osborn, LMFT, is a relationship coach and therapist. You can reach out to her by calling 916.955.3200 or visiting her website at www.AnnaOsborn.com. ardentforlife.net 39
profile}
Finding A Perfect Home In Elk Grove Deputy City Manager
Kara
Reddig By Justin Pinnell
Growing up in Arizona, Kara never dreamed she would find her husband and raise a family in California. She never thought in a million years that she would be an intricate part of the day-to-day function of a major U.S. city, but she is. Kara received her bachelor’s degree in justice studies and excelled in college. A family friend suggested pursuing a degree in public administration, emphasizing its flexibility. Taking this advice, Kara entered the graduate program at Arizona State University to pursue her master's in public administration.
Upon finishing her master's degree, Kara's school adviser informed her about a job they believed she would be perfect for, a Management Analyst in Elk Grove, California. "Perfect for the job" was an understatement.
lead efforts to pass Measure E, a 1% sales tax for vital City services. I wanted to know more about her role with the city. She also told me all about Elk Grove 101, a new and exciting City program. So, I sat down with her to ask some questions, and here’s how it went.
Kara has made her mark on the city by creating and advancing several important projects such as a staff mentorship program, the local hotel tourism district (Explore Elk Grove), as well as helping to
I’ve been blessed to serve our community for the last 21 years. My husband Tad and I are raising our two daughters, ages 7 and 10, in Elk Grove. I’m very fortunate to be able to live and work in Elk Grove, so I enjoy all the wonderful amenities Elk Grove has to offer. I want people to know that City Hall and our staff are available and ready
Kara flew to California, and low and behold she got the job. Twenty-one years later, she considers Elk Grove her home and has established roots here with her husband and two daughters. Kara is currently the highest-ranking female city employee (not including the Mayor) and also the longestserving Elk Grove city employee.
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• What do you want the people of Elk Grove to know about You and the job you do for the City?
to serve – just reach out! While Elk Grove has maintained our small-town charm, we are the 28th largest city in California out of 482 cities. I encourage people to download Elk Grove’s Mobile App – SeeClickFix. You can request City services or report problems like potholes, roadside litter, streetlight outages, storm drain issues, sign problems, code violations, and more. You can include pictures, videos, and detailed descriptions. You can help keep Elk Grove clean and safe!
• How do you handle a situation where two departments are at odds over how to best serve the community?
Working in the City is very collaborative. When navigating issues, staff have to work
profile} Kara Reddig
I’ve been blessed to serve our community for the last 21 years. I’m very fortunate to be able to live and work in Elk Grove. I want people to know that City Hall and our staff are available and ready to serve – just reach out! with multiple departments to address all types of questions, concerns, or impacts. Through this collaborative process, the end outcome is always better. It isn’t always easy, but having to answer tough questions makes the end product better and worth it.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision that was unpopular with the public or city council, and how did you work through it?
One of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make was to cancel the City’s Lunar New Year Festival in 2020. At the time, we were hearing concerns about something called “Coronavirus” and concerns from the community that hosting an indoor event to celebrate cultures wasn’t going to be well received. At that time, a little over 110 people were infected with Coronavirus in the United States. We took those concerns seriously and proactively canceled the event. We received a lot of negative comments on our social media channels, approximately 500, which mostly criticized the City, and me, for canceling. However, just shortly after that, the mandatory statewide stay-at-
home order was issued on March 19, 2020. After the stay-at-home order was issued, I felt at peace with our decision and I knew we made the right one, at the right time.
• In your 21 years with the city, in your opinion, what is the most important project you have implemented or completed for the people of Elk Grove?
I led, with lots of guidance and support, the Measure E Sales Tax ballot measure in late 2021 into 2022. The majority of the effort included extensive community outreach to understand what members of the community wanted for the future of Elk Grove. Ultimately, the Measure was passed by voters who identified issues important to them, which included reducing crime, addressing homelessness, improving 911, police, fire and emergency disaster and medical response, maintaining streets and parks, economic development, and having clean and safe public areas. Since the measure passed in November 2022, it has been rewarding to see the enhanced and new programs rolling out because of that funding.
• How do you engage the citizens of Elk Grove in your decision-making process?
As a City, we’ve been working on improving and enhancing our community engagement efforts to ensure the final product, program, or service meets the needs of our community. Members of our staff have trained with Bloomberg Philanthropies on how to develop and test simplified versions of projects that could be applied citywide, and we have launched a new staff academy that is dedicated to introducing more innovation and engagement into the work we do at the City called the AIM Academy (Always Improving Mindset). In 2022, we hired a Community Engagement and Government Relations staff member focused on connecting with our community and teaching City staff how to engage more effectively with those we serve. One byproduct of that work will be an Inclusive Community Engagement Toolkit that is currently being drafted. In 2024, we will conduct outreach with community members on the toolkit and train staff on how to implement best practices in engagement. Elk Grove is a wonderfully diverse community, with people who have
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profile} Kara Reddig
little to no spare time outside of their busy lives, so we are working to meet people where they are.
• What is your biggest accomplishment as the deputy city manager?
My biggest accomplishments focus on helping others grow and foster their careers and futures. I spearheaded the City’s staff Mentorship Program, along with members of the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff team, which pairs mentors/mentees together to help grow and develop our organizational leaders. Seeing these relationships grow and flourish is rewarding. Along with other amazing staff, I launched the City’s Civic Summer Program, which brings together 50 high school students each summer to learn about local government operations and offer a hands-on, 3-week internship that promotes careers in public service. This program is in partnership with the Elk Grove Unified School District, its amazing teachers, and other local agencies. This program changes the lives of these students, and that’s amazing to be a part of.
• What most motivates you about your job?
Seeing other people reach their goals and achievements is motivating. I enjoy helping people navigate City Hall or helping them with issues. Often, people want to tell their story or issue to someone – and if I can help them – that’s motivating. I’m also very lucky that I have a good reset button each day so I’m ready to start the day fresh and motivated.
• Tell me more about Elk Grove 101?
Elk Grove 101 is a new program being rolled out to engage with community members on a deeper level. We will bring 30 residents together for seven weeks to build relationships, conduct educational and activity-based discussions around City services, and provide opportunities for a lot of discussion and learning. You can learn more here - elkgrovecity.org/EG101 and register for the 2024 inaugural class. I hope to see you there!
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education}
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What I’ve Learned About
education}
Generations By CT Morris BS Elementary Ed., MS Ed.
Did you ever wonder whose idea it was to name generations? I don’t know about you, but I’ve always hated stereotypes…you know lumping everyone together under a “label”. Labels can be inaccurate, and more times than not are completely wrong. Generational labeling also tends to jump into pseudoscience…principles and theories that can’t be verified; think crop circles and ancient astronauts. It’s kind of like being part of a team that discourages diversity. Generation labeling isn’t new, it actually dates back to the mid-19th century. However, the idea of naming each generation didn’t take hold until the 20th century when author Gertrude Stein began referring to people (who became adults during the First World War) as “The Lost Generation”. Consequently, labels, and character studies for each generation have multiplied. Organizations use different standards to define each generation. Titles like Baby Boomer, Millennial and Generation Z are common, while other names like the Lost Generation or The New Silent Generation aren’t as prevalent.
The timeline of generations isn't that easy to decode either; there isn’t a clear-cut line defining when one generation ends, and another begins. Don’t bother trying to Google it, Google is lackadaisical and will give you a dozen different sets of dates. With that being said, here's a look at the (approximate) timeline of American gen-
erations since 1900. These are people who were born at roughly the same time and grouped by 20-year intervals. The defining moments in each generation are critical life events and historical moments.
The Greatest Generation or G. I. Generation was born between 1901–1927. They lived through the Great Depression and fought in World War II. They made jazz and swing music popular, but their traits were hard work and grit. The Silent Generation: Born 1928–1945 Their name was conceived because they were conformists who were silent through the MacCarthy era when the fear of Communism swept the country. They earned their way through life using a strong work ethic. Baby Boom Generation: Born 1946–1964 Boomers are named for the population "boom" that occurred after World War II. Many young people of this generation protested the Vietnam War. The redefining of parenting techniques originated in this generation. Generation X: Born 1965–1980 This generation lived through the AIDS epidemic and the MTV culture. They were far more involved with their children's social and educational development than previous generations.
Millennial Generation (Generation Y): Born 1981–1996 They lived through 9/11 and are also the first generation to have a childhood both with and without the internet. This generation has proven to be communityoriented and environmentally conscious. Generation Z (iGen): Born 1997–2010 The first generation to be born into a world where they only know being connected to one another, through phones, screens, and tablets. However, like millennials before them, they are environmentally conscious, inclusive, and accepting of others, and extremely politically aware. Generation Alpha: Born Between 2010-2024 This is the first generation of kids who will never know a time when social media didn't exist. They are more tech-savvy than any previous generation, which is a powerful tool. Many are the first to be born amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and they're more likely to be in a singleparent household. I’ll admit that it’s kind of fun finding “my people” those who share the same generational name as I do. But I’ve learned at the end of the day, there is no universal definition for a generation and its defining characteristics. Nobody fits every characteristic of his or her generation. However, the generations listed provide insights into the culture that surrounded them. ardentforlife.net 45
art} books
Reviews brought to you by the
Better Living Through Birding: notes from a Black man in the natural world
Author: Christian Cooper Book Reviews by Brendle Wells
In 2020, Christian Cooper was involved in a notorious incident in Central Park that went viral. This book isn’t about that, but it is important because it is one of many incidents where he has essentially been told he does not belong. This is Christian Cooper’s story about claiming his space in the world as a gay Black man. Frequently isolated in any crowd, be it indoors or out, this is how he learned to embrace himself and live his life openly, confidently, and joyfully. Some of the confidence comes from his success in the workplace where he got to live out a dream, writing several significant issues of Marvel comics. Some of it comes from his travels around the world, boldly exploring the natural world and cities alike. But most of it comes from his lifelong hobby, birding, which has gifted him with a multitude of opportunities, experiences, and magical moments that have enriched his life. Cooper uses the joys and lessons of birding to frame the narrative of his life story, and at the same time shares his absolute delight in our feathered friends. He is an outstanding ambassador for the pastime and by the end of the book will have convinced most readers to, at the very least, take a moment to look and listen closely to the world around them. This is the perfect choice for readers of memoir and those interested in the natural world. Penguin Random House, 2023
This House of Grief: the stor y of a murder trial
Author: Helen Garner
Helen Garner is a literary star in Australia, the author of a number of bestselling books, stories and articles. She has won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Book twice, including for this book which is now available in the US for the first time. It sets forth the specifics of an infamous crime and the subsequent trial, which Garner attended daily. The tragic case seized the nation; a car went off the road and into a reservoir leading to the death of three children. At the wheel was their father, Robert Farquharson, estranged from their mother. Did he do it deliberately or did he suffer a coughing spell as he claimed to authorities? Everyone in Australia had an opinion. Though the outcome is a matter of record, the author compels the reader to turn pages to get to the next reveal, to hear from the next witness. Equally compelling is the way Garner captures the creeping and deadly voyeurism that accompanies the notorious and the unimaginable trauma and grief of those directly involved as they are forced to relive the events in front of an entire nation. The shifting perspectives and details of the trial also bring home the questionable nature of the “truth” of events, even after a verdict is rendered. It’s both heartbreaking and fascinating, a must read for fans of true crime and anyone interested in cultural critiques. Pantheon Books, 2023
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art} books
Something, Someday
Author: Amanda Gorman Children's Book Reviews By Justin Azevedo Have you ever felt like something needs to change for the better, even if the problem seems too big to fix? In this picture book, a young child sees a sprawling pile of trash on a city block, and while he is told that it isn’t a problem that can be easily fixed, he is determined to do something. As struggles to clean it up are met with indifference, he is told to wait, and that what he’s doing will not work. But everybody has waited long enough, and maybe a tiny thing will help, even if it doesn’t fix everything. Eventually, others come by and pitch in—if a problem seems big, tackling it together can make it more manageable. Partners become friends, and trash on a sidewalk eventually becomes a community garden, because hope and perseverance can bring about monumental changes. The prose from presidential inaugural poet Gorman is told in the second person, placing young readers directly in the story and inviting them to think about the positive changes they feel they can make in the world. Robinson’s collage artwork is beautifully expressive, and the use of white space ensures that the text is still given prominence. The result is a quiet but deeply profound book that exemplifies determination, collaboration, and community, recommended for ages 4-8. Viking, 2023
A Drop of Venom
Author: Sajni Patel
Manisha, descendant of the naga, is forced to flee her home as the armies of the King hunt her people to extinction. Disguised as a priestess, she hides in the kingdom’s holy temples on a magical floating island, waiting for her chance to escape and find her lost family. Famed monster slayer Pratyush is tired of the life of duty and violence that threatens his sanity, wanting nothing more than a quiet life in a house somewhere out of the way. When the two of them encounter each other, a deep connection between them hints at a destiny together. But then Manisha is violated by a temple visitor and thrown off the isle into a pit of serpents… where she doesn’t die, but instead discovers a frightening power awakening within her. Meanwhile, some time later, the King finally offers Pratyush the release he desires if he performs one more task: hunt down and slay the monster roaming the countryside and turning men to stone. Manisha and Pratyush do indeed have a destiny together, but not the one they expected. This Indian-inspired retelling of the Medusa myth is fierce and pulls no punches, frankly depicting gore and sexual violence while still making room for adventure and romance. The story evolves into a bracing feminist fable about vengeance, sisterhood, and who gets to define the heroes and villains of a story. Not for every reader due to some gritty scenes, but an urgent and compelling tale recommended for ages 15 and up. Rick Riordan Presents, 2024
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www.saclibrary.org For details, telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit www.saclibrary.org.
featured}
A Lifetime of Art
Dale Chilcoat Written by Nan Mahon
From a small town in Arizona to the Sistine Chapel; a friendship with the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright; and a presence in the New York Society Art scene, Dale Chilcoat’s life story is one of fulfillment. The visual arts have many forms and mediums. Dale wanted to work with all of them. His desire to create was his driving force to success. But, more than that, he wanted to show talented students how to reach their goals. Teaching art became his life’s work. Determination and focus took Dale to recognition in the art world of New York and San Francisco. He never wavered in his goal to create and teach. “My parents followed the crops, working in the fields until the kids started school. Then we settled into a small town life,’ he said. ‘We had a big loving family with lots of relatives who all stayed close. I had a good childhood.”
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Tolleson, Arizona, was an agriculture community so Dale took the opportunity to make money by selling cold drinks in the parking lot of a packing shed. “I would buy a case of soda and sell single bottles to the workers at a small profit,” he said.
Even though his high school had no art classes, Dale found his skill of creating by drawing and painting. After graduating, he enrolled in Arizona State University in Tempe, 40 miles from his home. “I hitchhiked there and back every day for two years,’ he said. ‘Finally, I was offered an art scholarship to ASU and moved there.”
featured} Dale Chilcoat
Dale took a sabbatical from his job and went to Europe. Young, single, and loving the challenges of the art world, it was a dream come true. However, the best was yet to come. Dale fit into the college art scene with ease. He began to explore different mediums and to enter competitions. At one of the college art shows he entered a copper sculpture that caught the eye of the world famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. When Wright bought the piece, Dale went to meet and thank him. “He didn’t seem arrogant to me as some people thought he was,’ Dale said. ‘He saw himself as a teacher. So I took classes under him at Taliesin West Architect and Design College in Scottsdale.”
A friendship developed between teacher and student. “He told me I should go to New York,’ said Dale, ‘so after graduation from ASU, I applied and was offered a position teaching art at a high school in Long Island, New York.”
In his second year there, Dale took advantage of Columbia University’s program that offered an expense paid trip to study in Florence, Italy. He was chosen to go, so he took a sabbatical from his job and went to Europe. Young, single, and loving the challenges of the art world, it was a dream come true. However, the best was yet to come. “One day a man who appeared to be a monk came to the school and asked for student volunteers to go to Rome and help clean the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. I jumped at the chance.” This was in the 1960s, over 20 years before they fully restored the chapel. The monk chose five artists from the school and sent them to the Vatican to wash centuries of torch and candle soot from the most famous painting ever created.
“I knew exactly the part I wanted to work on,’ remembers Dale. ‘So, as soon as we got there, I grabbed a scaffold and placed it beneath the hand of God, giving life to Adam.”
In order not to damage the original paint, the workers were to use only water. They lay on their backs on a high scaffold with their faces inches from the ancient art work and took a delicate hand to the layers of built-up grime that covered the fresco painted in 1508 by Michelangelo. Fearful that chemicals would damage the original paint, they used only water and cotton batting to remove the soot and dirt.
Photo courtesy of Dale Chilcoat
“I got the idea to use a water pistol to squirt the part I was working on. I squirted the water on a spot and then padded it clean over and over again. Other workers got the idea and copied me.”
In off hours, the students would set up outside the church and sell their own artwork to tourists. It was a year of fun, excitement and learning for the young scholars.
Dale recalls, “We had full rein to explore the Vatican with all the tunnels and chambers. That was exciting to me.”
Back again at his school in Long Island after his year in Italy, Dale met and married a young elementary teacher named Sharon Fernandez.
Dale is standing next to an art piece created by his former student, the New York artist John Monacho. ardentforlife.net 51
featured} Dale Chilcoat
From left to right: Sharon, Dale, Jennifer, and Joshua. “I was actually dating her roommate when we met,’ he says with a smile. ‘But I found I really enjoyed being with Sharon.”
Both loved their jobs teaching, loved traveling and were immersed in New York’s arts scene. Their deep disappointment came when they discovered that Sharon could not carry a baby to term. They wanted children, so they adopted. First, a baby girl they named Jennifer and eventually a boy they named Joshua.
Dale and his granddaughter Lily.
“We wanted the kids to grow up in the kind of families we had, with lots of aunts and uncles and grandparents,” Dale said. They left their jobs and moved to San Leandro, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dale began to rack up awards such as San Leandro Unified School District Teacher of the Year and an appointment to Governor’s Art Advisory Board, among others. Dale became entrenched in the art community in the East Bay as well as in San Francisco. When Proposition 13 became a state law, schools cut art programs from their curriculum. Dale became unemployed for the first time since college. Undeterred, he took a position as director of The Collective International Antiques Corporation in San Francisco. “It was a huge warehouse full of antique vendors,’ said Dale. ‘Many public figures such as Shirley Temple Black and Patty Hearst would come to look at the collections.” But, when the San Leandro School District called him back, he went: “Teaching is where I belong, where I wanted to be.”
Now, in retirement, Dale and Sharon do activities they love, such as traveling, reading, gardening and theater. Both of their children are teachers.
Art remains ever present in Dale’s life. His creations are on display in every room of his Elk Grove home. The bright mixture of orange, blues and reds in glass, in copper, wood and canvas enhance every medium he has used. Works of color-blending abstract paintings and swirling blown glass cover the walls and tabletops. All are a testament to a life of artistic accolades. Dale continues to be active in the community art scene and shows his new work at local galleries. 52. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
community} happenings
What Makes Our City Run? Find Out at Elk Grove 101!
If you’ve considered becoming more involved in city government, this free class is for you! Elk Grove 101, an immersive new seven-session course is designed to engage, empower, and enlighten community members about their local government. The City of Elk Grove is offering this course for anyone 18 and older who lives or works in Elk Grove. Classes will meet weekly from April 2 to May 7. Most sessions are scheduled 6-8 p.m. at District56.
What to Expect: Explore the Foundations
Delve into the core principles that shape Elk Grove's governance structure and services.
Navigate the Processes
Gain insights into the departments, processes, and projects that drive our community forward.
Connect with Leaders
Engage with local leaders and discover the vision for Elk Grove's future.
Interactive Learning: Experience dynamic sessions where you'll actively participate and absorb valuable knowledge.
Dinner & Materials Provided: We believe in making learning enjoyable, so dinner is on us! Enjoy a complimentary meal with fellow participants and share your thoughts on the topics covered. All course materials are provided to ensure you have everything you need for an enriching experience.
Limited Spaces Available: To maximize the learning experience, we're capping participation at 30 individuals. Register for Elk Grove 101 and be a part of the 2024 inaugural class. Questions? Contact Christal Love-Lazard in the Community Engagement Office at clazard@elkgrovecity.org or 916-478-2220.
health}
The Importance of
Colorectal Cancer Screening Submitted by Kaiser Permanente
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in the United States among both men and women. But colorectal cancer is preventable and treatable through early screening and detection. This is important because we are seeing more cases in younger people. With March being Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Loc Ton, MD, the chief of gastroenterology at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento, provides information about the importance of screening to prevent colorectal cancer.
Q: How prevalent is colorectal cancer and who is at risk?
A: 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. The lifetime risk is quite high: 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with the disease.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about colorectal cancer? • Myth: People do not need to get screened for colorectal cancer if they don’t have symptoms. • Fact: Colorectal cancer often doesn’t have many symptoms, which is why screening is so important. • Myth: Only people older than 50 are at risk. • Fact: According to the American Cancer Society, rates of colorectal cancer have increased by 1 to 2% per year in individuals younger than 50 since the mid-1990s. In 2021, guidelines were changed to lower the age of screening for colorectal cancer to 45. Since then, we’ve seen more younger patients diagnosed with the disease. • Myth: Getting screened for colorectal cancer can be a horrible experience. • Fact: There are many other screening options available besides a colonoscopy, including stoolbased testing that does not require bowel prep and can be done conveniently at home.
Q: How does screening work and when should people be screened?
A: Typically, colorectal cancer develops from a polyp. With early detection, doctors can find these polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. 56. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
health} Kaiser Permanente 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year. The lifetime risk is quite high: 1 in 23 men and 1 in 26 women will be diagnosed with the disease. Q: What are the screening recommendations?
A: People with a family history of colorectal cancer should be screened 10 years before their family members’ age of diagnosis. For those at average risk, screening should be done between the ages of 45 to 75. People between the age of 76 to 85 should consult with their doctor about screening options.
Q: Is there anything new in the field of screening, diagnosis, or treatment of colorectal cancer?
A: There are ongoing advances in colorectal cancer treatments and therapeutic procedures to remove advanced premalignant polyps and early cancers, but the most effective method is early detection through screening.
Q: If something is found during a screening, what are the next steps?
A: If a screening test comes back abnormal and a colonoscopy has not been performed then your doctor will refer you to a gastroenterologist to perform a colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will be able to biopsy or completely excise the polyp or growth for testing and confirmation. The survival rate is 90% or higher if the cancer is diagnosed at the localized stage in the colon and treated quickly.
Q: What is the one thing you want people to remember about the importance of colorectal cancer screening?
A: My main message is: Don’t overthink it. Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Speak with your doctor and get screened when it is recommended for you. Loc Ton, MD, joined the gastroenterology and hepatology team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2017. He was appointed chief in 2020. ardentforlife.net 57
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health}
Reduce
Bloating
Constipation, and Diarrhea Written By Terry Lemerond Sponsored by Dianna Singh, Owner of Elk Grove Vitamins
You may deal with stomach and digestive discomforts like bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or gas, every once in a while or every day. Either way, you want to feel better quickly and without side effects. Fortunately, a clinically studied Ayurvedic combination of botanicals has the ability to normalize the transit time of food through the intestinal tract, so it doesn’t move too quickly or too slowly in your system. In other words, it can help keep your digestion more predictable and comfortable. And in the process, you may just feel a lot less stress, too. Ayurvedic Wisdom
Ayurvedic medicine—the traditional practice in India— is thousands of years old. It presents an almost parallel, but, vastly different, track from that taken by Western medicine. As a holistic system, Ayurvedic practice means looking at the whole person—not just a specific problem. Rather than a mechanistic, single-system only view of health problems, Ayurveda looks to a more complete portrait of an individual’s health. With that approach, one of the first orders of the day is to assess the environmental factors of a person’s health; their lifestyle, diet, exercise, and outlook. We know instinctively that these categories overlap quite a bit. Ayurvedic practice understands that, too.
Terry Lemerond has over 45 years of experience in the health food industry as an owner of several health food stores and dietary supplement manufacturing companies. He has researched and developed over 400 nutritional and botanical formulations that continue to be top selling products on the market today. 60. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
For example, Ayurvedic practice considers three principles of health—movement, transformation, and structure—must be kept balanced and in proper proportion in order to live vibrantly. The equilibrium of these three principles (known as doshas) is referred to as prakruti. The disequilibrium or imbalance is known as vikruti.
Three of the primary goals in addressing gastrointestinal problems are: reducing inflammation, strengthening digestion, and ridding the body of toxins. These are factors often ignored by conventional, Western medicine, which essentially is a “crisis management” style of treatment; great if you have a broken arm, but not so useful for preventing disease.
To restore proper intestinal function and digestion, Ayurvedic practitioners have been recommending a particular blend of fourteen herbs for thousands of years. Some of the herbs may sound familiar—including turmeric, andrographis, ginger, and licorice. Some might not—including boerhavia (Boerhavia diffusa), curry tree (Murraya koenigii), and Indian tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia). But believe me, Ayurvedic practitioners of the past knew these herbs inside and out. And they still do, too. They know how combining the right botanicals in the right amounts will yield something even stronger than the herbs could ever do separately.
Clinically Studied, Amazing Results!
A clinical test with this herbal combination focused on individuals with chronic constipation. For many people, it’s bad enough when they have a day or two of irregularity. Imagine—and maybe you don’t have to—what it’s like when you always feel out of sorts because of your digestion. The randomized, double-blinded study was divided into placebo and treatment groups, and lasted for a total of 28 days. Those in the botanical group (Herbagut) took two capsules of the herbal combination one hour before bedtime. At the beginning of the study, only 12 percent of the participants in the botanical group reported having
health} Elk Grove Vitamins three bowel movements a week. Aside from that, 84 percent reported incomplete evacuation, so it felt to them like they still had to go—but couldn’t. Not surprisingly, the quality of life surveys taken by participants before the study showed additional issues beyond digestion. They felt social anxieties and stress probably owing to Reduce Bloating, Constipation, and Diarrhea continual discomfort at feeling bloated, and physically “off” for the same reasons.
Halfway through the study, at 14 days, things were looking better. By this point, 28 percent of those in the botanical group reported three bowel movements per week, compared to only four percent in the placebo group. In addition, for 64 percent of the participants, the movements were healthy and normal—that is, accompanied by no constipation or urgency.
By the end of the study, those in the botanical group reported that abdominal pain decreased by 70 percent, constipation by 49 percent, diarrhea by 45 percent, indigestion by 64 percent, and reflux by 72 percent. The treatment group also saw their overall quality of life improve by 82 percent, their social relations by 40 percent, their psychological health by 94 percent, and their overall physical health by 80 percent.
In another quality of life survey, those same patients reported their physical discomfort decreased by 66 percent, social discomfort by 72 percent, and other worries and concerns diminished by 70 percent. And their satisfaction with life in general improved by 64 percent. Digestion is never exclusively about your stomach or intestines—it extends to health for your body and mind. And the unfortunate participants in the placebo group saw no significant improvements at all.
Digestive problems can make you feel run down, edgy, and sluggish—in addition to the outright discomfort they cause. The clinically studied herbal combination I recommend has its roots in Ayurvedic wisdom that has proven effective for generations. I am confident that these botanicals, and careful monitoring and adjustment to your diet, will yield amazing results.
For digestive comfort , I recommend a combination of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome, Greater Galangal (Alpinia galanga) Rhizome, Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) Stem and Leaf, Boerhavia (Boerhavia diffusa) Leaf, Indian Laburnum (Cassia fi stula) Bark, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Leaf, Cyperus (Cyperus rotundus) Rhizome, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Rhizome, East Indian Sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) Rhizome, Long Pepper (Piper longum) Fruit, Chebulic Myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) Fruit, Indian Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia) Stem, Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome, Curry Tree (Murraya koenigii) Leaf. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly. Stop by Elk Grove Vitamins to find out more about these products and many more. We have a knowledgeable staff that can answer your questions. We'd like to help you get started on the path to health. Visit us at 9647 E. Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove. ardentforlife.net 61
community} happenings
MLK
Community Breakfast Photos by Dave Soto Productions
The City of Elk Grove and Cosumnes CSD joined the community at District56 on Saturday, January 13, for a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. The MLK Community Breakfast brought people together in a spirit of unity and reflection, commemorating the ideals of justice, equality, and community service championed by Dr. King. Attendees were treated to a morning filled with inspiring speeches, musical performances, and shared moments of contemplation. Vice Mayor Rod Brewer and community organizers hosted a meaningful gathering that fostered a sense of togetherness and emphasized the importance of continuing Dr. King's work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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community} happenings
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history}
The 1st year of Elk Grove High School in 1893 .
High School Principal and Librarian
Harriet G. Eddy By Louis Silveira, Elk Grove Historical Society Photos courtesy of Elk Grove Historical Society
Harriet Gertrude Eddy was born February 19, 1876, in Lexington, Michigan. She was a graduate of the University of Chicago and began her career as a high school teacher in Helena, Montana.
In 1906 she traveled to California and was appointed principal of the Elk Grove Union High School (1906-1909). At the end of her first year the University examiner accredited the entire senior class of four seniors. Previously, the high school had not been able to meet accreditation standards set by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Students who graduated from Elk Grove H.S. had to attend a year in an accredited school before they could attend a college or university. In the second-year, attendance doubled. At the end of the third year the school was ready to be officially 64. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
accredited, but in order to complete the requirements it was necessary to build up a better library service. Miss Eddy' requested a branch of the County Library, which was just then being started by contract between the Board of Supervisors and the Sacramento Public Library. Thus, she had the satisfaction of securing the first branch of the first county library established in California on October 19, 1908, and of being appointed the first custodian. Miss Eddy had 1,000 books and even some magazines. At first the library occupied a wide corridor in the High School but became so popular it grew and soon required larger quarters. The W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) donated a room in their building next door (The building is the present-day Grange Hall and is where classes were held when the high school was being built in 1893). High school students painted the room and even added wallpaper for a cozy touch. Mothers made the curtains, and Miss Eddy bought
chairs and tables from her tiny librarian’s salary of $5.00 per month. Miss Eddy kept the library well stocked with books to supply all the needs of the various members of the community and encouraged their use. The senior students took turns taking charge of the library during the day and Miss Eddy kept it open in the evening. It was at this time she developed her ideas concerning library work and management and in 1909, State Librarian, James L. Gillis persuaded her to join his staff. In the next nine years she organized libraries in forty of the state’s fiftyeight counties. Her goal was equal, economical, and complete library service for everyone, and in order to achieve it she traveled over the state telling the people the advantages of libraries and getting the supervisors to vote the money to establish them. The work was arduous and fraught with difficulties involving changes in the laws governing li-
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history} Harriet G. Eddy
Grange Hall Library
EGHS -1912
Her goal was equal, economical, and complete library service for everyone, and in order to achieve it she traveled over the state telling the people the advantages of libraries and getting the supervisors to vote the money to establish them. brary formation, political frictions, local jealousies, taxes, and statewide hostilities– all these requiring tact, patience, and exceptional ability in dealing with people.
genuinely interested in peace, between peoples and nations. She was a lifelong member of The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom founded by her good friend Jane Addams in 1915.
In 1918, when the University of California decided to add Agricultural Extension Demonstration Work to its curriculum, Miss Eddy was given the job and became a professor continuing in this work until her retirement in 1941.
Miss Eddy wrote a detailed account of her library organization work in the separate counties which is virtually mandatory reading for every prospective librarian.
Her talents in library organization work were recognized in other countries. In 1927, she was invited to the Soviet Union as a consultant to the Ministry of Education where she worked with Lenin’s wife, Nadezhda Krupskaya and the first director of the Moscow Library Institute Genrietta Abele-Derman. She spent ten months studying the Russian Library services and working out a program for their unification after the California system. Also, she took other sabbaticals and served as a library consultant in Eastern Europe, Yugoslavia and Cuba. Her career after retirement was one of investigating and supporting every peace organization, which was 66. ardentforlife.net - winter 2024
Miss Eddy died December 3, 1967, in Napa, California at the home of friends at the age of ninety.
It is impossible to measure the extent of her influence in the educational field, however, California and the entire country should remember her and be grateful. This information was garnered from several sources: Florence Markofer, Vernon Coons, Elizabeth Pinkerton, and the EG Historical Society files. Harriet G. Eddy circa 1900 (about 24 years-old)