A PARENT FINDS HOPE

by a long time, very grateful, member of Al-Anon

I first came to Al-Anon at the suggestion of my therapist! I was searching for a magic cure for my son’s drug and alcohol addiction and behavioral problems. I knew I needed to learn how to set better boundaries with him, but I was unaware of how my perspective and behavior was contributing to making my life totally unmanageable. I am a smart, responsible woman who is a good problem solver. Why couldn’t I figure out the solution to these problems?

I had been in a support group for families with mental illness, but a counselor suggested that I go to AlAnon as well. I went to my first AlAnon meeting alone. I was nervous meeting new people and sat in the back of the room. I thought that the people would only focus on negativity and the problems in their lives and was astonished when I saw that an Al-Anon meeting could be funny and uplifting. I was so surprised when people at the meeting were laughing, commenting on the positive moments in their lives and telling stories about their own mistakes and flaws. I started to relate to these people.

Much of what I heard was about progress, overcoming hardships and reexamining their perspective and expectations. I also heard a number of short slogans that I was able to use during the next weeks. All this gave me hope that my life could be improved if I kept coming back and learning about the Al-Anon steps, traditions, and principles.

Over the next months, I learned to accept that my son’s sobriety is literally “One Day at a Time.” I’ve come to understand that I need to let go when he’s sober and detach when he’s not. Today is one of those in between days that I need to manage differently. He’s struggling in his sobriety and mental illness, and I want to reach out to help. In the past “helping” looked like asking how he was doing emotionally or trying to distract him with activities. “Helping” makes it sound like I’m doing something good for him and that I’m not trying to control his behavior. But Al-Anon has taught me that this has been my way to “guide” him in a direction that addresses my fears and worries.

The last time he relapsed, he called his AA sponsor. Watching the beauty of how alcoholics take care of alcoholics is a reminder to me that I am not the one to help. Now is a perfect time for me to practice “hands off.” I can attend to our relationship, but not overdo it to satisfy my fear. I can let him share the information he is ready to give me and not make our conversations an inquisition. I need to just listen in a non-judgmental way, so he discovers his own answers.

Watching someone struggle is never easy. But struggling along with them is not the answer for me today. I can find peace in trusting there are greater powers than me that can aid him along this path. My job is to be a loving and compassionate witness to his life, and to focus on the life that I’ve been given and my own behavior. Dealing with my own feelings and motivations helps me to “Live and Let Live.”

If you are wondering whether Al-Anon could help you, consider these questions.

Do you worry about how much someone drinks?

Do you feel if the drinker loved you, he or she would stop drinking to please you?

Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking?

Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?

Have you been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior?

Do you search for hidden alcohol?

If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, Al-Anon may be able to help.

For meeting information call 916-334-2970 or visit Al-Anon.org

August 2022

Every Sunday

Live Music & Wine Slushies * 2:30p5:30p - Live Music & Wine Slushies @ Batia Vineyards, 459 Main St, Placerville Live Music with Local Artists every Sunday and delicious wine slushies.

1st & 3rd Sundays

Train Rides * 10a, 11a, 12p, 1p

The El Dorado Western Railroad 2022 excursion train rides continue w/ round trips from the El Dorado Station, 4650 Oriental St, El Dorado. Rides are on historic gang cars. Buy tickets onsite, $3-$8; they go fast so buy starting at 9:30 for any ride. More info: 530-663-3581 (Sunday) or museum (railroad sponsor, for general information), 530-621-5865.

Every Wednesday

Farmer’s Market * 8a - 12p

Cameron Park Farmer’s Market at Burke Junction on the corner of Coach Lane and Strolling Hills Rd.

Farmer’s Market * 4p - dusk

Placerville Farmer’s Market at 401 Main Street, Placerville, around the Bell Tower

All farmers happily accept EBT and MarketMatch.

This market specializes in local fruits and vegetables, sustainable agriculture, and community. Enjoy live music, fresh produce, local vendors and fun for everyone. Call 530-919-5696 or check out the latest info on their Facebook page.

Every Thursday

Music in the Courtyard * 6p - 8p

Smith Flat House “Pickin’ on the Patio” Thursday night’s music in the courtyard from 6-8pm!! Come join us on our patio! Reservations recommended.

Before you head to an Event

Events

Every Friday

Farmer’s Market * 9a - 12p

Marshall Hospital Farmer’s Market 1100 Marshall Way, Placerville

Mark your Calendars for this Wonderful Farmer’s Market near Marshall Hospital with local Artisan Vendors. Come out and enjoy your morning and support your local Farmers.

Cider Sunsets * 4p - 7p

Cider Sunset Fridays @ Hidden Star Camino are a great way to wind down from the week! Grab a cider, something tasty from the bakery and relax into the weekend. No reservations required. We will stay open until after the sun sets. See you soon!

Enchanted Friday Evenings @ Boeger

Winery * 5:30p - 8:30p

Enjoy the sunset over our vineyards as music drifts through the summer breezes. Band Line-ups, pricing, food trucks and details can be found at boegerwinery.com/ events/. Please note that groups are limited to a maximum of six guests including children, designated drivers and non-drinkers, and multiple groups cannot be combined. You may bring your own food, but please, leave the outside alcohol at home. This includes beer, liquor, and any non-Boeger wine…those beverages could cost us our alcohol license!

1st, 2nd, 3rd Fridays

Line Dancing * 6p - 9p

Line Dancing @ Smith Flat House: Instructed by Sara Schindler. $10 at the door. Food and drinks available for purchase.

August 5

Friday Night Out * 5p - 8p

Friday Night Out @ Rescue Community Center: Join us for live music, great food, beer, wine and shopping.

August 6

Blackberry Jam Making Class * 9a - 2p

Harris Family Farm: Join us and learn how to make your own blackberry jam with our berries that you will pick! Reservations required. For details, call 530-644-2194 or visit harrisfamilyfarm.com

Fundraiser Dinner * 4p - 10p

All About Equine’s Annual Boots and Bling - AAE is holding its ninth annual Boots and Bling fundraising event. The public is invited to participate in festivities, including a catered BBQ dinner, live/silent auctions, DJ entertainment, and dancing. Tickets are $55 per person. Sponsorships, including tables, are still available. This year’s event will be held at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Forni Building, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. Doors open at 4p. This is a fun and exciting evening you don’t want to miss. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.allaboutequine.org/events

Sangria Weekend * 12p - 4p

Enjoy some refreshing Sangria @ Fenton Herriot Vineyards made with our wines! More details to follow or call the winery for info at 530-642-2021.

Country Dance * 5:15p - 9p

Hosted @ Veteran’s Memorial Hall: Lesson from 5:15 - 6, Line Dancing 6 - 6:30, Open Dance 6:30 - 9. $10 entry includes lesson. Proceeds benefit veterans.

Races * 6p - 10p

Points Race #14: Coors Light Big Trophy Night - 360 Sprint Cars, Ltd. Late Models, Pure Stocks, NCDCA Dwarf Cars. Races take place at the Placerville Fairgrounds. Gates open at 3p. For information or to purchase tickets, please visit placervillespeedway.com

August 7

Sangria Weekend * 12p - 4p

Enjoy some refreshing Sangria @ Fenton Herriot Vineyards made with our wines! More details to follow or call the winery for info at 530-642-2021.

August 12

Family Fun * 6p - 10p

Cameron Park Family Festival @ Rasmussen Park will kick off with live music from Dick Larson, and food trucks! There will be a movie in the park at 8:15p. This event is free to the public, but we do accept donations as it is a fundraiser for the Recreation Participant Scholarship Fund. Info at www.cameronpark.org continued on page 27 continued from page 26

August 13

Live Music * 5p - 8p

Endless Summer Nights Concert Series

@ Wakamatsu Farm: Hither & Yon is a folk/old-time string band from El Dorado County. Their sound is a reflection of traditional American and Celtic folkways and their shared love of wild nature and the poetry of dark ballads. Beer and Wine available for purchase. Bring your own cup or purchase a Klean Kanteen cup for $10. No outside alcohol permitted. Cost: $10/ person. Children under 12 free. ARConservancy.org

Fundraiser Dinner * 6p - 10p

Apple Hill Growers Association presents their Farm to Fork event at Delfino Farms. Our 50 farms are excited to come together yet again for an authentic Farm to Fork experience featuring many of our farms. www.applehill.com/events

Events

August 14

Blackberry Jam Making Class* 9a - 2p

@ Harris Family Farm: Join us and learn how to make your own blackberry jam from start to finish with our berries that you will pick! Reservations required. For information, visit harrisfamilyfarm.com or call 530-644-2194.

August 19

Monthly Presentation * 1p - 3p

The Sierra Renaissance Society offers a look into presented by Dr. Hobbs. Free to members; non-members may attend two presentations/year at no charge. Held at the Mother Lode Lions Hall, 4701 Missourri Flat Rd. The Sierra Renaissance Society of El Dorado County is dedicated to Life Long Learning. For more information, please visit srsedc.org

Friday Night Out * 5p - 8p

Bring your whole family and enjoy an evening of live music, great food, beer, wine and shopping! 4180 Green Valley Rd, Rescue. For more information, visit www. rescuecommunitycenter.com

August 20

Blackberry Jam Making Class * 9a - 2p

@ Harris Family Farm: Join us and learn how to make your own blackberry jam from start to finish with our berries that you will pick! Reservations required. For information, visit harrisfamilyfarm.com

Art Walk * 4p - 8p

The Placerville Art Walk takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month. The Galleries stay open late and often have special events like music, preforming arts, and artists’ reception. For more info and events happening on the Art Walk, check out facebook.com/placervilleartwalk

Luau * 5p - 9p

Pig Roast Luau: Tropical drinks, out of this world food, family, friends, and community will make that happen. Bar opens at 5p, dinner served at 6p. Music, stories, entertainment, great food and drinks will be had by all. Hosted by the El Dorado Community Hall.

On Stage in El Dorado County

Now - Aug 7

Imagination Theater presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”. With charm, wit, and heart, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends in the Peanuts gang. Based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic. Guaranteed to please audiences of all ages! www.itplacerville.org for tickets

Now - August 28

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “The Watered-Down Saloon” or “A Trip Out West” Runs Fiedays, Saturdays and Sundays and is suitable for all ages to enjoy. For tickets and info: oldecolomatheatre.com

September 9 - October 2

The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Good People”. Tickets at www.stageatburke.com

September 23 - October 15

Imagination Theater presents “Inherit the Wind”: The dramatized account of the 1925 Scopes

“Monkey” Trial resulted in John T. Scopes’ conviction for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class, contrary to a Tennessee state law. www.itplacerville.org for tickets

September 23 - October 30

Olde Coloma Theatre presents “Mrs. Waldecott Vs. the Spider Witch” or “Creepies, Crawlies, & Halloween Follies:” for show and ticket information, visit oldecolomatheatre.com continued on page 28

Country Dance * 5:15p - 9p

Hosted @ Veteran’s Memorial Hall: Lesson

5:15 - 6, Line Dancing 6 - 6:30, Open Dance 6:30 - 9. $10 includes lesson.

August 24

Learn to Square Dance * 7 - 8:30p

Learn to square dance @ Shingle Springs Community Center. Great folks, fun times, get your steps in. $80/person for a 16 week program hosted by Apple Jacks and Jills. applejacksjills@gmail.com

August 25

Zen & Qigong Meditation * 6:30p - 8p

Join mindfulness instructor Berry Crawford for a peaceful and relaxing event at the Wakamatsu farm. This event will include sessions of Qigong, mindfulness meditation and walking meditation. Responsible/quiet 12-year-olds+ welcome. $5/members, $10/non-members. ARConservancy.org