Bruins, Trojans to play for section championships

Thomas Frey Mountain Democrat correspondent Whitney Montoya stood patiently waiting. The senior was stepping into the batter’s box with a chance to send the Ponderosa High School softball team to its first section championship since 2012.

Ponderosa trailed Vista del Lago 3-1 heading into the final inning in Tuesday’s home playoff. But big at-bats by freshman Ellie Escobar, junior Iris Perez, sophomore Molly McFarland and senior Tatum Silva tied up the game and Montoya was coming up with everything on the line. A win, and the Bruins head to their first section title game since 2012, with a chance to bring a blue banner back to Shingle Springs for the first time since 1980.

“I knew walking it off was my only option,” said Montoya, a .438 hitter. “Although I was feeling nervous, I had enough confidence in myself that I knew I would get a hit and that this wouldn’t be my last game with this team.”

The count was 1-2 and the pitch sped toward Montoya, she swung and the ball leaped off her bat for a single, McFarland scored from third and the n See championships, page A9

Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler Jr.

aug. 21, 1991 – May 18, 2023

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Charles “CJ” Robert Wheeler, Jr. passed away in Placerville, Calif. at the age of 31. CJ was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Chuck” R. Wheeler (1/23/1991) and mother, Teresa L. Wheeler (7/21/2008) and by his grandparents (Betty & Jim Wheeler and Alice Batemon & Jerry Hunt). He is survived by his two older sisters (Jessica Liddell and Lindsey Wheeler) who cherished him, his brother-in-law John Liddell and cousin James Wayne, both of whom he looked up to, his beloved nieces and nephews, and close family and friends who never gave up on him. CJ was an exceptional athlete, lover of animals, a hard worker, incredibly resilient, and wanted to prioritize others ahead of himself. He was extremely loyal and caring towards those he loved. CJ overcame so much in his short life and always lived unapologetically and on his own terms. We hope he is no longer in pain and is now at peace and finally together with his mom & dad. A memorial for close family and friends will be held at a later date. If you would like information, please email: cjwheelerforever@outlook.com

Philip Allen Wilson Sr.

“Rescue

Mayor”

o ct. 22, 1947 - april 16, 2023

Phil passed Sunday April 16, 2023 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. Phil was 75 years old. He was proceeded in death by his parents Jean Darryl “JD” & Lois Jea (Van Galder) Wilson & his brother David Leroy Wilson. He is survived by his wife Linda Kay Wilson (Pennington) of 56 years. Brother Tommy Leon

Wilson. Sons Philip Allen Wilson (Susan) & Jerry Edward Wilson (Heather). Seven Grandchildren

William Joseph “Billy” Wilson (Kendall), Jerry “Dugan” Wilson (Caitlynn), Christen Jane “CJ”

Altman (Eric), Kacey Lee Wilson, Kyle James

Wilson, Taylor Kay Wilson, & Reagan Frances

Wilson. & Six Great grandchildren Gracie, Abby, Evan, Ana, Fallon, & Jack.

Born 1947 in Stockton, CA. In 1966 Phil Married the love of his life, Linda in Lompoc, CA. In the early 1970’s they moved to South Sac took care of apartments before buying homes in South Sac & later Carmichael. Then in 1976 buying property, building their home, & moving their family of 4 to the Sierra Nevada foothills of Rescue, CA.

Phil was a union Carpet installer. Then when he moved to Rescue, CA he went into business with his lifelong friend Bill Vannoy (affectionately “Uncle Bill”). Later he went into sales for All Cal Floors in Carmichael, CA with his brother Tom. He continued in carpet sales through most of his working career. But always kept busy even after retiring by driving limousines & test driving big rigs in the Southwest.

Always helping others, Phil made a 2nd career in volunteer fundraising. He raised money for Easterseals, the Carmichael Rotary Club & others. After moving to Rescue he organized many charity golf tournaments, BBQ’s, etc to help many friends & neighbors in need. Accident victims, cancer victims, & children in need. He even raised funds that saved the Rescue Community Ctr by having a Mayor’s race, that culminated in a Rescue Day celebration & parade. He was honorary Rescue Mayor for many years running.

He’s a lifetime member of the NRA. He was voted in to the Republican Cental Commitee.

Phil loved the winged Sprint car races. Often one of the 1st in line at the Placerville Speedway. He became good friends with CJ Humphreys. The entire family & many friends would travel & camp for the whole week up North in Chico, CA for Silver Cup & Gold Cup. Putting on a big BBQ Saturday nights for friends & racers.

Catering many weddings & family functions. Phil became an Ordained Minister & officiated weddings for many, many friends & family alike, including his youngest son & two oldest grandsons.

Over the last 13 years Phil religiosity went to the El Dorado Fitness Gym (M-W-F) in Cameron Park. Where he made so many wonderful friends. After working out, he would generally sit on the entryway couch to visit with folks as they came & went. Making people smile with a joke & good conversation.

We will be having a Celebration Memorial for him on Sunday, May 28th, 1-5pm at the Rescue Community Center. This will be a Potluck & Refreshments(coffee, soda, & water) will be provided. Please feel free to contact Susie at (530)363-0746

Phil Wilson: Quite simply, “He helped people & made them laugh.”

Bryant Reid Vance

Nov. 9, 1945 – May 15, 2023

Bryant Reid Vance passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023 with loved ones at his side. He will be remembered by many as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Bryant was born and raised in Salt Lake City. He met the love of his life, Trena, while working at the gas company and became “the gas man that never left.” They moved to Placerville where he worked in the healthcare industry with Robinson’s Pharmacy until his retirement. He is now reunited with Trena for eternity.

Bryant was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing. His boys remember trying to keep up while he hiked up and down the river, looking for a new hole to drag his silver Mepps spinner through, though he was frequently interrupted by the news that one of his boys had lost yet another spinner. As he got older, he could frequently be found at Kohl’s buying every shirt on the clearance rack.

Bryant is preceded in death by his wife, Trena, and his son, Jeffrey (Tad). He is survived by his sons Michael, Scott (Lisa), Justin (Jocelyn), and Cody (Jennifer). He also boasts 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Services will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd., Placerville, California.

Carol Adeline Rogers

Jan. 16, 1937 – March 25, 2023

Born on January 16, 1937, to Theodore Becker and Emma Suelzle Becker in Alberta, Canada CA, Carol was raised with her siblings Joanne Becker Lang, Judy Becker Makin, and Kenneth Becker.

Carol’s parents operated the Gold Chain and Ivy House Restaurants on Main Street, Placerville, Calif., where Carol worked as a child and learned the restaurant business. This was the beginning of her career and love of cooking.

She attended the El Dorado Adventist School in Placerville and graduated from Lodi Academy. Life-long bonds were established, and Carol’s voice and love for singing bloomed. Soon after High School, she married Charles Rouland and they had two children, Robert Rouland, Chester, Calif., and Debi Rouland Hunt, Cameron Park, Calif.

Henry L. Moffett Jr. was her second husband, and together they owned Moffett’s Old Fashioned Chicken Pies Restaurant in Bellflower and City of Industry, Calif. When Henry passed away in 1988, Carol successfully continued operating the restaurants and catering services, an extremely favored family eatery for the region.

In 1989, Carol and Carrol E. Rogers, Jr., a former family friend from Placerville, were reacquainted in Southern California. Soon after, they were married, and Carrol became the maintenance and operations manager of Moffett’s restaurants providing Carol the opportunity to focus on her fine cooking and service to the Bellflower community. She was very active in Bellflower’s community affairs, Chamber of Commerce, and catered for service clubs: Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, and Soroptimist.

Carol and Carrol were happily married for 34 years until her unfortunate passing on March 25th with Carrol faithfully by her side.

Carrol and Carol frequently visited friends and relatives in El Dorado and Plumas, Counties while driving up Highways 99, 395, or Interstate 5 with a van filled with her favorite foods and stopping along the way to purchase Portuguese and German favorite cheeses, deli specialties, and could not pass up fresh vegetable or fruit stands. Her family was always her top priority and Thanksgiving and Christmas baking was her specialty.

Carol is survived by her loving and devoted husband, her 3 siblings, 2 adult children, 7 stepchildren, 20 grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren, her 2 brothers-in-law, and their wives. She had an enormous following of friends in Bellflower, Placerville, and Chester, Calif. All will miss Carol’s kindness, generosity, and loving spirit.

Instead of flowers, Carol would enjoy you “Paying it Forward” with your choice in her remembrance. Memorial Services will be held at Forest Lawn in Cypress, Calif., at 11:30 AM on June 07, 2023, at Patriots Chapel followed by a private service in Cameron Park, Calif., on July 22, 2023, with an Internment at Westwood Hills Memorial Park, Placerville, Calif.

Richard Scott

Richard (“Rick”) Scott passed away in the company of family, at his home in Santa Clara, Calif., on April 12, 2023.

Rick was born in Woodland, Calif., and grew up in Shingle Springs. He was a quiet and inquisitive kid, a talented clarinet player, and a member of the Academic Decathlon team. He graduated valedictorian from Ponderosa High School in 1984. After attending Santa Clara University (’88), he pursued graduate studies in mathematics at MIT. Upon completion of his PhD and two post-doctoral fellowships, Rick returned to his native California to join the faculty at Santa Clara University in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science in 1997. An accomplished scholar, Rick achieved the distinction of Professor in 2011, and in 2014, received a prestigious Simons Faculty Collaboration Grant to support his numerous collaborations with colleagues around the world. Rick cared deeply about his students and was widely admired and awarded for his excellent teaching, and his success at engaging undergraduate students in research at a high level. Rick’s deep love of mathematics and music was shared among family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, playing the guitar, and camping and fishing. His sharp wit, easy humor, and generosity will be profoundly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Norine Hendricks, and two daughters, Audrey and Emily Scott. Predeceased by his sister Linda Scott Laverne, Rick is also survived by his parents, Stan and Carol, siblings Nancy and Terry (Ana Raphael), brother-in-law Christophe Laverne, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the Santa Clara Mission Church on Sunday, June 4 at 1:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

Expressions of condolence may be sent to Rick’s family, care of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Santa Clara University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the department’s Alexanderson-Pennello Fund in memory of Rick, to support an annual Rick Scott Memorial Scholar award for a student to carry out research in the field of mathematics that Rick loved so much.

Richard “Dick” Reynolds Allured

Aug. 6, 1928 - April 23, 2023

Dick Allured, former Fire Management Officer for the U.S. Forest Service Placerville District, avid outdoorsman, veteran of the Korean War, our beloved father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and neighbor, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Dick is survived by his children

Katherine (Jerry) Ferdolage, Karen (Randy) Barrow, Cindy (Gerold) Merker, Leslie (Floyd) Baumgartner, and David (Angela) Allured; 10 grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren, sisters-in law Betty Greve Allured and Joyce Voss, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Jean Ann Voss Allured (July 10, 1931- May 11, 2021), and brothers Robert T. “Bob” Allured and Walter S. “Ted” Allured.

Dick was born on August 6, 1928 to parents William Henry Allured and Sara Margaret Reynolds Allured in Los Angeles, CA. They soon moved from their home in Long Beach to Jackson, CA. where his parents operated a mine near Fuller Lane. He and his brothers, Bob and Ted, were required to be resilient and resourceful children. Following their parent’s divorce, they moved to live with relatives in Los Altos for a time, then back to Jackson after a few years. Dick was a hard worker and an outdoor enthusiast from a young age. Fishing, hunting, and trapping were a part of his young life, as were snowshoeing, skiing, and horseback riding. At 12, Dick was told to take a small herd of horses from just east of Jackson to Silver Lake for the summer tourists. He was given a day to do this and always told his daughters that was his “endurance ride.” Dick was a miler for Jackson High School, and made it to the state track and field meet his senior year for pole vault. He started dating his future wife, Jean Voss, while in high school. After graduating in 1947, he ran a winter trap line between Peddler Hill and Carson Pass. He “decided he didn’t like his own company” and moved to San Francisco, where he started working for Davis Cordage. On November 26, 1950, he married Jean; they were married for over 70 years before she passed away.

The couple lived in San Francisco until Dick was inducted into the U.S. Army on March 1, 1951, after being honorably discharged from the Navy the day before — he was too seasick to continue! After induction and training, Dick was sent to Korea where he served in the 7th Infantry Division, spending most of his time there on a half-track near Kumhwa Valley and Triangle Hill. Twins Katherine and Karen were 8 months old by the time Dick returned from Korea. He was honorably discharged from the Army on August 29, 1956. Dick went back to work with Davis Cordage, then U.S. Rubber Co. before moving back to Amador County, where he began working for the U.S. Forest Service on the Eldorado National Forest. He worked in Timber Management and Fire Management for the Cosumnes and Amador Districts; in 1961 he moved his family to Placerville in order to work in the Placerville District. Throughout these years his family was able to live with him during the summer months when he was stationed at Caldor and Plummer Ridge Guard Station. He

Madrona Vineya r ds

designed, built, and ran the firefighting operations for the Caldor inmate camp from the late 1950s to early 1960s. He thoroughly enjoyed working with the inmates and often said that was the best job he ever had while working for the Forest Service. At one time Dick marked timber with Vern Sprock for the Sierra Ski Ranch expansion, and he was a ski patrolman in the winters there in the 1960s and 1970s. Dick was passionate about the national forest trail system and was responsible for improvements to the Caples Creek Trail up to Government Meadows.

Dick took his family on many “memorable” adventures: backpacking, downhill skiing, hiking and cross-country skiing in the Eldorado National Forest and beyond, and bicycling the backroads of Amador and El Dorado Counties. One such memorable adventure involved unplanned snow camping.

Dick thought it would be fun to ski cross-country from Pickett’s Junction in Hope Valley over Carson Pass to Ted’s cabin at Caples Lake which, it turned out, was buried under 13 feet of snow. After Katherine found the top of the flag pole (which indicated he wasn’t digging in the correct place), Dick spent 12 hours digging a tunnel to the door; both girls got severe sun and wind burned faces and Karen got frostbitten fingers. Most adventures with Dick involved blisters and exhaustion, rather than being truly life-threatening.

Upon his mandatory retirement in 1982 after 29 years with the Forest Service, Dick went on to other jobs and pursuits. He scaled logs at the Mich-Cal lumber mill in Camino, drove a bus for fire crews throughout the West, tried his hand at prospecting, maintained and inspected several local forest trails with the help of his wife, children and grandchildren, helped his children with various projects, went on numerous extended road trips, learned to golf, and built a sailboat which he sailed in the San Francisco Bay with his family and friends. Dick was a member of the Masons for 61 years. In 1994-95 he was honored to be the chair of the Planning and Environment Committee as well as a member of the Criminal Justice Investigative Committee for the El Dorado County Grand Jury. For many years Dick enjoyed going to breakfast at the Golden Waffle with fellow retirees as part of the group called SIRs. Another highlight of his later years was his Honor Flight, accompanied by his son David, to Washington D.C. in 2017.

Dick loved animals, which was pretty obvious when a cat would find his lap or a dog came up for a quick pat and a nuzzle. He enjoyed cracking jokes, good stories, and throwing parties with friends, family, and coworkers. During his last days Dick had wonderful and caring caregivers, nurses and doctors for whom his family is very grateful. Mostly, Dick loved his family, and his family loved him back.

There will be a memorial service on June 25 at 2:00 p.m. in the historic ME Church at the Federated Church in Placerville, followed by a gathering of friends and family at Dick’s home. In lieu of flowers a gift to El Dorado Backcountry Ski Patrol (ebsp. clubexpress.com) or the charity of your choice would be welcome.

Rattlesnake

Avoidance For Dogs

Each dog is individually trained with live rattlesnakes and is personally trained by staff from HIGH ON KENNELS.

Sponsored By Hangtown Kennel Club Of Placerville, CA, Inc. with assistance from Dalmatian Club of No. CA

June 24–25, 2023

You’ll be at the clinic site approximately 40 minutes

Cost $90 Per Dog

PRE-REGISTRATION

REQUIRED

CONTACT: CATHY KEELER — 530-622-6909

Celeb ra t ing 50 Years !

50 Years doesn't happen very often, and we are excited to celebrate with you! Join us for our famous gourmet hamburgers, French fries, and music from the Just Chillin’ Band while enjoying the forest setting of our family’s winery. And not only will we be celebrating our new releases we’ll be opening some of those rare bottles from our cellar! Once in a lifetime opportunity!

$25/per person/$20 Madroña and Rucksack Wine Club members.

Tickets at www.MadronaVineyards.com

NEUROPATHY

We

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.

Healthy Nerve

As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy. When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.

In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined.

What is the underlying cause? 1

Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!

Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals

How much treatment will your condition require? 3 Increase

How much nerve damage has been sustained? 2

The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.

The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper. The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation.

“My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient