The Kids & Pets Issue
In our little community, it sometimes feels like there are more kids and pets than there are grownups—and we wouldn’t have it any other way! This month, we’re celebrating the ones who bring boundless joy and a little bit of chaos to our lives. Because even when life gets messy (and oh, how it does!), making time for play, connection, and laughter is always worth it.
For the dog lovers among us, we’re sharing the heartwarming story of a truly special pup and her amazing handler who go above and beyond to support first responders in our area. This team volunteers their time to bring comfort and love to those who need it most.
As August rolls in, so does the back-to-school season. We sat down with a beloved preschool and daycare owner—an absolute legend in early childhood education—to get her tips on helping your kids navigate the transition into a new school year.
And if you haven’t visited the newly revamped Sunday farmer’s market at Town Center’s amphitheater, now’s the time! It’s become a beloved weekly tradition for families, pets, and community members to come together, shop local, and have some fun.
Also for the kiddos, in a world full of screens and fast-paced routines, the kitchen remains one of the last places where we can slow down and truly connect. There’s something timeless—and a little magical—about cooking with your children, and we share a few tips and a fun recipe to get you motivated.
So this one’s for you, joy-bringers—both two- and four-legged—to help us enjoy these last weeks of summer with simple, beautiful moments. Thanks for helping keep us young at heart!
KRISTY
MURDOCH, PUBLISHER @ELDORADOHILLSCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Kristy Murdoch | kristy.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Todd Murdoch | todd.murdoch@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Krista Minard
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Cadence Murdoch
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Krista Minard, Angela Broockerd, Bailey Hall
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Charlene Taylor of Charm/SmackDab Studios, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
inside the issue
Ready for School?
Jennifer Tommasini, owner of The Gift of Kids Daycare & Preschool shares insight for parents
Paws that Heal
Mayzie and her handler, Adrienne Steurer, volunteer their time, bringing love and support to first responders
Town Center Market A fresh take on a local favorite
Mayzie bringing love and smiles to El Dorado Hills Fire Station 85
Charlene Taylor of Charm Photography and SmackDab Studios
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD
READY FOR SCHOOL?
JENNIFER TOMMASINI, OWNER OF THE GIFT OF KIDS DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL, SHARES INSIGHT FOR PARENTS
Whether it’s a child’s first school, a new school, or simply back to school, a new academic year can bring nerves—and excited anticipation—for kids and parents. Jennifer Tommasini, owner of The Gift of Kids Daycare & Preschool in El Dorado Hills has helped lots of littles adjust to their new environment—lots of older children, too. (In addition to preschool and daycare for babies and toddlers, The Gift of Kids runs private kindergarten and after-school care for elementary school students.)
“Kids need to feel loved, confident, and know they can trust the new endeavor,” says Tommasini. “I find counting down exciting for kids,” she says.
Following, Tommasini answers some questions about helping children make the transition to a new school year.
“Talk about situations kids think can happen, and practice what they can do differently or better.”
How can parents help kids conquer anxiety about the new year?
Create a way to make the transition exciting as opposed to scary. Creating a safe place to talk about their anxiety can also help. Talk about situations kids think can happen, and practice what they can do differently or better. It’s fun to role-play scenarios with your kids—for example, to practice conversations to make friends.
How can parents prepare toddlers or preschoolers for more structure and routine?
A structured routine at home can always help with preschool structure. Talk about what to expect. Let kids know they will be napping. Most preschools will have their structured day posted so that parents can talk about or follow the mealtimes.
Any tips for dealing with separation anxiety in the early days?
Visiting the place your child will be attending can be helpful. Talk with the providers who will be caring for your child and work together to see what is best.
How can parents motivate older students to open up about their new school situation?
Be positive, asking questions about their day. For kids who always say, “I don’t know,” or just “good,” parents are the best examples. In my household, we take turns around the dinner table. Dad or Mom goes first to show how it’s done. We have prompts of “best part of the day,” “worst part of the day,” and “something you would change.” My kids have told me they can’t wait to share because of this dinner habit.
W hat are some helpful ways to set expectations around homework and after-school routines?
Limiting screen time is always helpful. Finishing homework first before screen time can be a very healthy habit, and having a set time so kids aren’t rushing through their homework.
W hat’s some advice you give parents as the new school year approaches?
Set new goals to accomplish for the year, new expectations, new traditions—such as two weeks before school starts getting some new clothes or taking a family trip. Have playdates with friends to help with social anxiety. Make a jar and write things on paper on the first day of school that everyone looks at on the last day of school.
PAWS that HEAL
ARTICLE BY KRISTA MINARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHARLENE TAYLOR AND ADRIENNE STEURER
Mayzie sat, patiently waiting. Mostly black, with a splotch of white on her chest and swaths of caramel— including two “eyebrows” that give an extra-caring expression to her beautiful face—she stayed, ready to welcome the captain from Humboldt Bay Fire. He kneeled beside her, cuddling her, petting her. He had just climbed 110 flights of stairs in downtown Sacramento as part of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, when 343 firefighters in full turnouts carry the names of New York City firefighters who lost their lives responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
Physically and emotionally drained, the fire captain rubbed Mayzie’s soft ears and stroked her smooth fur.
“She didn’t care that he was wearing his helmet or heavy boots,” says Adrienne Steurer, who with Mayzie makes up this dedicated First Responder Therapy Dog team based in El Dorado County. “She knew he needed what she does best, and she let him unload his emotions.”
What Mayzie does best: provide comfort. As a certified First Responder Therapy Dog since June 2023, she travels with Steurer throughout the community and Northern California to give emotional support to
MAYZIE AND HER HANDLER, ADRIENNE STEURER, VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME, BRINGING LOVE AND SUPPORT TO FIRST RESPONDERS
“WHAT Mayzie DOES BEST: PROVIDE comfort.”
first responders, including firefighters, police officers, 911 dispatchers, emergency medical personnel, coroners, and others—sometimes entire communities. (Recently, for example, Mayzie was on scene at a memorial gathering for a 13-year-old South Tahoe Middle School student who suffered a tragic accident.)
Mayzie, a 7-year-old Australian kelpie, is a warm, welcoming and consoling presence, soft and furry, with soulful brown eyes and a cute leathery black nose surrounded by a sugar-dusting of white. “She seeks out people to sit with and just be with them in their space, sharing a quiet moment together,” says Steurer, who as a former EMT and hospital transfer center coordinator knows firsthand how first responders can be affected by stress and trauma, which can lead to depression, despair, and even suicidal impulses.
“We’re part of a movement to smash the stigma around mental health, and I hope with our visits we can give hope to those who are silently struggling.”
Mayzie herself had a tough start. Surrendered by her first owner to Bradshaw Animal Shelter, she was attacked by a kennelmate; she then was picked up by Foothill Dog Rescue in Shingle Springs. After her spay surgery, she developed severe aspiration pneumonia and required intravenous fluids round the clock as she fought to survive. “Her foster family wasn’t sure she was going to make it,” says Steurer, “but she was able to pull through, and we adopted her shortly after she healed.” That was in 2019.
Steurer and her family recognized right away that Mayzie had a special temperament, love that needed to be shared. “I saw how she interacted with strangers, and I knew she would be an amazing therapy dog,” says Steurer, who discovered First Responder Therapy Dogs, a nonprofit organization based in San Rafael, on Instagram and proceeded
“STEURER AND HER FAMILY RECOGNIZED RIGHT AWAY THAT MAYZIE HAD A special temperament, LOVE THAT NEEDED TO BE shared.”
with Mayzie’s certification. Mayzie has earned all three AKC Canine Good Citizen titles and two AKC Therapy Dog titles including the advanced title for surpassing 100 visits.
As an organization, First Responder Therapy Dogs has more than 400 teams in 46 states, and this year alone has made more than 300 visits and supported some 7,000 first responders. According to the First Responder Therapy Dogs website, research shows that therapy dogs reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood, which enables first responders to focus on their communities while caring for themselves.
As a team, Steurer and Mayzie are volunteers, donating their time for free. Mayzie is sponsored by Grandma Lucy’s, which provides her high-quality freezedried food. Also, mileage and lodging reimbursement are available through First Responder Therapy Dogs to volunteers who travel with their dogs for base camp visits. “We also have our own peer support contact to help us with compassion fatigue and make sure we get the proper help after critical incident stress debriefings (CISDs), due to the possibility of secondary PTSD,” says Steurer.
While Mayzie’s primary job is to give comfort, some of her community work is simply fun and morale-boosting. She has become quite the celebrity around the foothills. She has her own Instagram page and won the contest to grace the cover of the First Responder Therapy Dogs annual calendar this year. Her presence is highly appreciated, whether it’s at a fundraising cornhole tournament, a CAL FIRE base camp, police department, memorial service, dispatch office or health care center. A message came to Steurer from Rainbow Kids Urgent Care in Folsom: “Mayzie’s visits bring smiles to not only our patients and their families, but to our staff and pediatricians as well. Her visits always brighten our day.”
At NORCOM—the Northern California State Parks dispatch center—Mayzie and Steurer are regular visitors, having made more than 25 visits. “We feel spoiled and grateful when Mayzie and her sweet mom come to let us love on her,” wrote Peggy Salazar from NORCOM. “When words fail, therapy dogs speak through silent comfort.”
Todd Hopkins, incident commander with CAL FIRE for the Crozier Fire in El Dorado County, sent a note thanking Steurer and Mayzie for helping at the base camp in August 2024. “For many of us, this year has been a very long fire season,” he wrote. “I have witnessed the joy that dogs like Mayzie bring to the first responders. It helps our first responders break away from the ongoing everyday grind and helps them remember a little bit of home.”
In between CISDs and visits to various spots in the community, Mayzie eats no peanut butter, to make sure she’s safe for interaction with anyone who might have an allergy. She comes to each visit clean and well-brushed. At home, she shares space with 5-year-old Tanner, who looks like her but has a very different personality. He’s afraid of ceiling fans and wears “a party hat” at the vet. He doesn’t appreciate strangers reaching out to touch him, and he howls at sirens. “He’s a vibe,” says Mayzie’s Instagram post from April, which also mentions his eagerness for snuggles and his fun-loving nature. “He’s handsome, and he’s my best friend.”
El Dorado County has just three therapy dog teams, including Steurer and Mayzie, and could use more. To be a therapy dog, a pup must be at least 18 months old and have lived with their owner/potential dog handler for at least six
“WE
FEEL grateful WHEN MAYZIE AND HER SWEET MOM COME. WHEN WORDS FAIL, THERAPY DOGS SPEAK THROUGH silent comfort.”
months prior to beginning certification processes. Dogs must pass the AKC Good Citizen (basic obedience and good manners in public settings). They must pass a behavior assessment to ensure they are calm and comfortable in changing environments. They must also have a health certificate signed off by a veterinarian when they apply and when they recertify each year. It’s equal opportunity: any breed may apply. Dog handlers must complete SAMHSA’s Service to Self-Training, FEMA’s Incident Command System 100, Psychological First Aid, and Skills for Psychological Recovery courses, and sign waivers and confidentiality agreements. They are encouraged to read books written by first responders and psychologists about first
responder PTSD. “I’ve read a few that are really eye-opening and have helped make me a better volunteer,” says Steurer. Ways the community can help support First Responder Therapy Dogs include making tax deductible donations, purchases through various fundraisers—Panda Express, for example, or Birdies for Charity—or buying goodies via the organization’s website (t-shirts, dog stuffies, challenge coins). Beyond that, spread the word! “Share what we do with your first responder friends and family,” says Steurer, “and let them know we’re here for them.”
Mayzie’s Instagram: @mayzie.the.kelpie
First Responder Therapy Dogs: firstrespondertherapydogs.org
Help Make Friday the Best Day of the Week!
Sponsor a Friday Outing with Dream Catchers EDH
Every Friday, Dream Catchers EDH takes adults with disabilities on a special community outing — to the movies, museums, bowling, live theater, and more. These adventures bring joy, connection, and lifelong memories to our participants. Want to make a difference right here in El Dorado Hills?
Your sponsorship
TOWN CENTER MARKET
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY KRISTY MURDOCH
For over 10 years, El Dorado Hills Town Center has brought together local farmers, artists, bakers, and makers for a family-friendly event that shines a light on our community and encourages residents to shop local and support small businesses.
Now, it’s better than ever. Recently relocated to Town Center’s Amphitheater, the market has a fresh new energy—thanks to a partnership with the El Dorado Hills Arts & Entertainment Foundation, a nonprofit that supports local culture and the arts, and its 2025 main sponsor, Marshall. Set among the beautiful landscape of Town Center, with its fountains and rose gardens as a backdrop, the market has an open-air charm that sets the stage for a perfect Sunday morning.
“We wanted this to be a truly family-friendly affair—a place where you can bring your kids, pets, and friends,” says Nina Watkins, VP of Marketing Operations for
Town Center. “We’ve added live music and face painting for the kids, alongside the same great vendors and local flavor that always make our farmers markets so special.”
With a newly improved certified farmer’s area, there’s plenty of room to stroll from booth to booth, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the area, making it easy (and inviting!) to sit down, relax, and enjoy something delicious while soaking in the atmosphere.
Vendors range from certified local farmers offering fresh fruits and vegetables to artists and makers selling one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Pick up a unique piece from EDHbased jewelry designer Michelle Hobbs, owner of Remy and Me; grab a gorgeous bouquet from the Garden Valley Flower Farm; or treat yourself to an irresistible sweet from renowned local baker Jas, a.k.a. The Cookie Boss. Just to name a few. Be sure to stop by the El Dorado Hills Arts Association booth to browse beautiful, ever-changing works from local artists. Also, swing by the information booth as they often feature themed giveaways, special items, and helpful updates about upcoming events.
Make it a Sunday tradition—shop local, soak up the atmosphere, and celebrate community at the heart of El Dorado Hills.
The Town Center market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday at the amphitheater and rose garden.
You can often find VP of Marketing Operations, Nina Watkins, strolling through the vibrant events at Town Center, enjoying the community she helps bring to life. As the driving force behind the newly revitalized market, Watkins—along with the support of her team—is also responsible for many of the weekly happenings locals have come to love. From the crowd-pleasing Live on the Boulevard, Thursday night concert series to Tuesday Tunes in the Plaza, where businesses host live music, giveaways, and seasonal specials, to The Atrium Gallery EDH, a showcase for exceptional local artists—her influence is everywhere. For more on these and other upcoming Town Center events, visit edhtowncenter.com.
Nina Watkins (right) and Gia Mercado at the Town Center Market information booth
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Published by Kristy Loved by El Dorado Hills
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Steps:
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY DOG
BIRTHDAY PARTY
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR
OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
Back-to-School Days at the EDH Library
El Dorado Hills Library - 7455 Silva Valley Parkway
On Wednesdays, it’s story time for the littles with the library’s award-winning Mother Goose on the Loose program. On Thursdays, catch their early literacy story time for preschoolers. You can also register for weekly K–3rd grade math tutoring, run by the nonprofit OneInMath. And for teens, join their biweekly youth volunteer league (Y.E.L.L). engagedpatrons.org
JULY 31ST
El Dorado Hills CSD TEENZ Center Kickoff Party
El Dorado Hills CSD - 1021 Harvard Way | 6:00 PM
Come see what the TEENZ Center after-school program is like with a free kickoff party! If you are interested in the TEENZ Center and want to learn more, this is the perfect opportunity to check it out and get signed up. Snacks, drinks, and activities will be provided. Pre-registration is required. eldoradohillscsd.org
JULY 31ST - AUGUST 18TH
Local County Fairs to Visit in August
Various
There are some great county fairs happening in August that make for a fun, quick road trip. Each is about an hour’s drive from EDH: Amador County Fair in Plymouth, July 31–Aug. 3; Nevada County Fair in Grass Valley, Aug. 6–10; Yolo County Fair in Woodland (largest free admission fair in California), Aug. 13–18. Check their local websites for more information.
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AUGUST 2ND - 3RD Apple Hill Growers Present Summer Harvest Days
Participating Apple Hill Farms | 10:00 AM
This event will celebrate summer with activities and offerings that feature berries, plums, peaches, vegetables, wine, hard cider, baked goods, jams, treats, wine, and more. Consider starting your day with the wide variety of activities for the family at Harris Family Farm. For a list of participating farms, visit applehill.com.
AUGUST 7TH, 14TH, 21ST, AND 28TH Town Center’s Live on the Boulevard Thursday Night Concert Series
El Dorado Hills Town Center Amphitheater | 5:30 PM
Live on the Boulevard is Town Center’s signature summer concert series that brings the community together for free live music Thursday evenings. This month’s bands include Nathan Owens Motown Soul Revue and Summer Night City, an ABBA tribute band. Online waitlist registration starts at noon the day of event. Visit the events page on edhtowncenter.com for more information.
AUGUST 21ST
The Atrium Gallery EDH Presents The Fire Within
El Dorado Hills Town Center, Building 102
Located in the heart of Town Center, The Atrium Gallery is an innovative destination for art enthusiasts and community members to experience exceptional creativity and cultural connection. With a mission to showcase talented artists and offer their art for sale, The Atrium Gallery EDH brings together art, inspiration, and purpose edhtowncenter.com
