Upgraded Living - March 2014

1

2

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

3

4

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

5

ER

ER

edi

ER

7

CONTENTS

13 13 LOCAL LEGEND

60

39 SUSTAINABLE INSPIRATION

50 UPGRADED LIVING’S BEER QUIZ

22 JUMPSTART YOUR SUMMER BODY

41 10 TIPS TO HELP YOU GO GREEN

53 BUTTE COLLEGE: IN THE GREEN

30 GARDEN GREENER

44 Sierra Nevada: King of Green!

60 ART SCENE

Laurel Tower Magazine covergirl, Editor for Vogue, and now Reverend, Laurel Tower shares her wild ride of a life with us.

Let the experts lead you to a bikini bod.

The Garden Connection shows us how to turn waste into resource with a compost DIY.

8

Cover Pictured: Ken Grossman and son Brian Grossman Photo courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

March 2014

Hyland Fisher’s eco-friendly architecture is the future of sustainable housing.

Simple ways to go green in your own home.

An in-depth look at Sierra Nevada and the greening up of their company from The Birth of a Brew to Dream Come True.

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Test your beer knowledge with this wee quiz!

In the game of going green, Butte College’s campus is winning LEED Gold.

The Boys & Girls Club, local artists & Basik Recycling partner up in the name of art.

9

10

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

for women, now at 334 Broadway Street | Downtown Chico FormalEducation.com | (530) 809-1839 11

Laurel Tower

LOCAL LEGEND

S

ometimes in life you a given opportunities to meet people who can distinctly impact your point of view. When given the opportunity to interview this particular woman, I hoped some of her timeless beauty, quick wit, and charm would rub off on me. Reverend Laurel Tower is the type of woman who, with one look or arch of the brow, can tell a story: and my, does she have a story to tell.

Laurel was born and educated in New York City. Her father was an “interesting man whom everybody loved” and he and his wife backed films and Broadway theatre productions. Mentored by some of the greats like actor, Basil Rathbone and famed violinist, Nathan Milstein, you could say Laurel grew up rubbing elbows with some amazing talent. It’s no wonder her passions grew

14

to photography and beauty (she was sneaking lipstick at age 11), which led to her first entrance into the world of fashion.

Vogue. One of the most esteemed fashion magazines in the world, and Laurel was asked to grace its cover. “Absolutely not!” Was my parents’ response, she said. Understandably, they believed the exposure would be too much at such a young age. Laurel did end up doing editorial pages for the magazine and later covers for other publications like Life, Bazaar, and Look, which then led to stomping down the runway for haute couture designers like Oscar de la Renta.

After being in front of the camera, Laurel soon lost interest in performing and looked for other avenues to explore.

She was offered a magazine editorship job for Town and Country Magazine.

Fifteen editorial fashion pages a month and coordinating with the art director on page layouts took up plenty of hours.

Any time leftover was spent making friends with those featured celebrities and covering fashion shows in New York, Milan and Paris. In the ‘80s, Tower was hired as Special Features Editor for Vogue Magazine;

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

VOGUE.

One of the most esteemed fashion magazines in the world, and Laurel was asked to grace its cover.

she also helped produce special editorial pages with world renowned Fashion Editor, Grace Mirabella.

“Every girl’s dream” comes to mind as Laurel describes those years. She was married early, hopelessly in love, and had two sons. But due to her independent nature, it wasn’t always easy. She laughed and noted, “It has been hard for men to put up with me and for me to put up with them!”

Sitting across from me in her bright coral jacket, with pops of sparkling brooches pinned on, and matching lipstick, it is incredibly easy to believe that Laurel was a high society Park Avenue socialite of New York. However, her warmth and willingness to make people comfortable is the opposite of what you might consider cliché characteristics of the rich and famous. We ambled around her apartment with her diva-esque cat, Victory, following closely behind as we looked at old photographs.

Laurel on a motorcycle, Laurel driving hotshot cars, and Laurel flying planes were glimpses into her exciting adventure filled life. Her resume is my dream. There isn’t much this local legend hasn’t accomplished. From owning her own bar called “Claret’s,” to being a professional wine taster due to her refined palate, to working at Saks Fifth Avenue leading to owning her own boutique, “Settebellos”; Laurel has done more spectacular things with so many superstars of every genre, I should write a series on her.

Having a passion for people has led Laurel down her most recent path of being an Ordained Faith Minister. Laurel always had interest in the field of holistic health, natural healing, methodology and its spiritual influence. After graduating as, not so surprisingly, class president and valedictorian at The New Seminary Institute for Interfaith Studies in New York, she knew what she wanted to follow her education with. If you’re wondering how this wonder woman came to our good old town of Chico, it’s all got to do with family and opportunity

to begin something new. Her son lived here and convinced her that she would love it. Already having moved to the West Coast after school to open a healing institute in Santa Barbara, meant a much easier trip. She has been here for two years now and loves her job as a reverend.

“Weddings have been the sweetest involvement for me to experience,” she says while gesturing at the extensive picture wall in her office of couples she married. It’s pretty difficult not to love a party celebrating the coming together of two people, and being a part of those special days makes it all worth it for her.

As a final question, I asked Laurel what advice she has for those of us just starting out, or beginning new ventures.

She paused a moment and replied with this. “Have courage. Have patience. Have your mind open to the various possibilities. Keep those eyes open for opportunity. Don’t ever give up hope.” I set my China tea cup down and stand as she reaches out for a hug; I am filled with admiration for my new friend.

Laurel Tower is an amazing person and quite possibly the most fabulous woman I’ve met yet.

Alyssa Worley Michelle Camy

15

HABITATfor HUMANITY:

REST RE

There aren’t many opportunities in life where you get to build a home for somebody else, or even yourself. Lifting walls on behalf of people who deserve it is one of the most rewarding feelings possible. A place where a family can rest their feet, eat dinner together, and kick a soccer ball in the front yard is home.

We are lucky to have an international organization that helps make those dreams many have of owning their own home a reality. Habitat for Humanity got started about 20 years ago and since then they have raised the roof on 23 homes in Chico, Oroville and Paradise.

Nicole Bateman, executive director, describes their program as “hands up, not hands out.” Those that qualify for a home help throughout the entire building process, along with licensed contractors and volunteers. Many people have the idea that Habitat for Humanity

gives away homes for free; however each new homeowner must dedicate 250 hours of work into building their home in order to call it their own.

Not only do the people at Habitat run an amazing company for the benefit of community members but they also run the ReStore. There are 800 ReStores worldwide and they all have the same two missions. The first is commitment to supporting Habitat and their mission, the second is dedicated to protecting the environment and keeping everything possible out of landfills. The store takes any items for resale. The rule is “if it’s useful to somebody else, they’ll take it!” You can find quirky items at our ReStore on Meyers Street like doorknobs and typewriters, chandeliers and appliances. They are also a Certified Paint Recycling Facility and would love to take that extra paint in the garage off your hands. Cory Beynon has worked at the ReStore for quite some time and when asked what his favorite part about working there was he said “It’s hard to pick a place to start!

Getting to interact with people and learning the creative and crafty things they plan to do with all the Check out their website http://www.buttehabitat.org/ random stuff they for volunteer information, donating, and information purchase is great.” regarding Habitat Homes and the ReStore.

220 Meyers St, Chico, CA 95928 16

(530) 343-7423 UPGRADED LIVING

| MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Having a job that involves something more than “patting some fat man’s pocket” and gives back is appreciated by all the staff. Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore are passionate and personally invested in each person they serve. Thanks to them and all the volunteers for the amazing work they do throughout our county!

Alyssa Worley Michelle Camy

Derm Bar Ad 17

FINANCING • MENTORING • PERSPECTIVE

3CORE Financing, Mentoring and Perspective – the focus of 3CORE’s business service programs. Founded as a private, nonprofit in 1985, 3CORE, Inc, acts as a financial “go-between” for growing healthy small businesses who meet most, but not all of the traditional lending criteria. Unlike traditional financial institutions, the 3CORE team surrounds lending with no nonsense advice to best serve their clients. Small business owners often have a clear vision, but often do not possess the time or access to the specific professional skills to responsibly grow their companies.

To overcome these challenges, 3CORE offers both formal and informal mentoring services that weigh each unique situation and offer specific tools and strategies. Growth will occur when sound business models are combined with expert mentoring, hands-on technical assistance, and the appropriate financing tools.

“We are basically a boutique bank, a financial institution that has a special purpose,” says Marc Nemanic, Executive Director of 3COR E. Mr. Nemanic explains the special purpose behind 3CORE’s foundation is to fill the spaces traditional banks are unable to fill.

3CORE is not in the business to compete with traditional commercial banks, but 18

rather partner with them with the goal of providing the tools necessary for businesses to move past crisis management to becoming eligible for more traditional financing products.

As access to credit and other sources of funding has become more difficult for small and medium-sized businesses, 3CORE’s deliberate strategy has been to develop alternative ways to provide financial services. 3CORE offers this through two newly formed programs: the Business Vitality Seed Fund and the Small Business Financing Fund.

The Business Vitality Seed Fund seeks to focus on fostering successful business ideas, effective business models, and business growth of emerging entrepreneurs. The Seed Fund provides royalty agreements up to $10,000 to small and medium-sized businesses.

The Small Business Financing Fund provides loans to new and emerging businesses in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Loans will focus on working capital to grow company revenues.

The professional relationship continues past the final payment of a loan because 3CORE wants to see business owners succeed. Vibrant small businesses are essential to the overall economic health of where you live—cultivating healthy businesses is important because

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

people matter. Productive people engaged in meaningful work have a vested interest in a healthy and safe community.

The small financial “boutique” has been involved in numerous local success stories of all sizes, from Sierra Nevada to many other well-known smaller Chicobased businesses including: California Organic Flowers; the ARC store; and, Work Truck Solutions which was built from the ground up only a few years ago, with assistance from 3CORE, and now is in the process of going national.

Harnessing local capital and keeping financial assets in our community is a goal 3COR E will always strive for.

Creating a local economic ecosystem with successful venues and platforms are the initial steps towards this goal--a proficient skill 3CORE has been practicing for the last twenty years. Making a personal impact on clients and their needs is something that comes naturally to this unique financial institution.

Mathew Manfredi Michelle Camy

BOOK REVIEW

Cryer’s Cross Lisa McMann Simon Pulse; Reprint Edition December 6th, 2011

I bought the book Cryer’s Cross

by Lisa McMann around three years ago, and I regret never reading it earlier.

I’ve read another trilogy by Lisa McMann and I remember thinking “Oh this book couldn’t be as good as the others.” I was mistaken. This book was just as good as or even better than her others. Cryer’s Cross is a mystery and the suspense thickens with every page.

The tiny potato-growing town is not prone to phenomenon, so when two students go missing within a year, a lot of suspicion is aroused. Many are ready to point fingers at the new family that just moved to town, especially at their son. Kendall Fletcher, the girlfriend of one of the missing children, is going absolutely crazy. Her OCD is off the charts and she is determined to find out what happened to her boyfriend, even if it leads to her death. If you like a mystery with a little love story in the plot, this book is for you. Cryer’s Cross had me pulled in the entire time.

Reviewed By: Rinee Beeson

19

Hutchinson Green at Doe Mill Perfectly located and designed to overlook the breathtaking scenic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Hutchinson Green at Doe Mill’s new condo -like apartments are located on East 20th Street, just east of Bruce Road and nestled in the safe and cozy neighborhood of Doe Mill.

At Hutchinson Green you will see architectural detail and amenities that are common in the Bay Area but new to Chico.

Custom cabinetry, quartz countertops with under mounted sinks and stainless steel appliances will please even the best chefs. Wood and stained concrete flooring, walk-in closets, spacious floorplans, 9’ ceilings, and contemporary lighting add wow factor. Great natural lighting from bay windows streams thro-

ughout the units and the nearby biking and hiking trails make enjoying the outdoors simple.

But to truly appreciate Hutchinson Green, check out the two penthouse units on the third f loor. One has an iconic vaulted tower that is open to the space below, allowing additional light to enter and flood the unit – much like a cupola in a cathedral. The other penthouse enjoys sweeping landscape views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, perfect for sipping coffee and watching the clouds pass by at your bay windows or for hosting your next wine tasting with friends.

But there’s more. Hutchinson Green is just that, it’s green…in the technical sense. The small, 22-unit development exceeds California Green building

codes in all areas: energy use, transportation, waste management, land use, development, and water conservation.

So in addition to living in a space that re-defines apartment style living in Chico, you can rest easy knowing your home is eco friendly as well.

Hutchinson Green has it all: curb appeal, rockstar views, luxury materials, and plenty of space and storage for professionals and young couples to enjoy. These units won’t last for long.

Pre-leasing started in late February and the first units will be completed in early April, just in time for fresh spring beginnings.

Alyssa Worley Michelle Camy

Limited Availability. | Open House March 15, 2014 10 a.m to 2 p.m. | www.hutchinsongreen.com 20

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

21

Jumpstart Your Bikini Bod Pale skin, icy mornings and a leftover holiday food tummy-pooch are the lingering signs of winter.

Although Punxsutawney Phil predicted a longer winter, summer is still creeping up day by day. We’re excited for BBQs, water sports and long days reading by the pool, but it’s hard to have fun when you’re not feeling great about yourself. If you haven’t already begun working off that winter weight, don’t delay. Now is the time to kick your fitness and

nutrition routines into gear in order to reach your goal by the sweltering swimming months.

We’ve consulted the experts and have the inside scoop on 4 pillars to achieving a bikini bod. 1: A Healthy Diet. • Dr. Dina Rabo guides us in being mindful of what, when and how much we eat. 2: A Strong Core • In Motion Fitness’ trainers teach us a DIY workout with summertime abs in mind. 3: Rehabbed joints and injuries. • Scott Amick, CPT

shows us how water works to continue the fitness f low, in spite of previous injuries. 4: Goal-oriented FUN bootcamp! • Rapid Fuel Nutrition’s coaches show us how to have fun while pushing ourselves in a group setting.

Challenge yourself to a bikini bod. It’s worth the sweat in the winter to be comfortable this summer!

Summer Body Nutrition Start choosing healthier habits now to feel your best and be your best in time for summer fun. Here are some meal tips and mental tricks to start getting in shape now.

What you’re going to find is that what you eat is important, but so are your daily habits.

They either work “for you and your metabolism” or they sabotage you for weight gain.

- Make sure you are getting enough sleep at night. Research within the past ten years continues to find a correlation between adolescent and adult obesity on the rise in those who don’t get good uninterrupted sleep at night. Shorter periods of sleep have proven to have a negative effect on stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol should be higher in the morning to motivate us to get out of bed and lower at night so that Melatonin (the chemical that

helps us to sleep) is released allowing the body to rest and repair. Consistently missing out on sleep tends to have weight gain effects over time.

- Make sure you’re eating breakfast ….a healthy one at that. Breakfast is what your brain needs after a night of fasting while you are sleeping. Skipping breakfast only trains your body to hold on to calories you will eat later. You are more likely to overeat after skipping breakfast, then the body will store what you do finally eat as fat. It thinks you’re going to starve it again.

Eat a healthy breakfast including protein and fiber, even a little fat won’t hurt, because you have the full day ahead to burn those calories.

- Stay hydrated, I know you’ve heard it before but water helps to flush the body

of toxins that store up in our fat cells. Water helps to satiate you in between and during meals; it hydrates the skin and muscle tissue.

It’s a zero calorie drink and most of us don’t drink enough of it. For every coffee, soda, or alcoholic beverage you drink, follow up with 1-2 glasses of water. Most calorie types of beverages are dehydrating and fattening and truly water is the only liquid that replenishes and is filling, especially with adding sliced fruit, mint, or cucumbers.

Why wait for summer, start with making these changes as part of your daily habits.

Eat whole foods or minimally processedfoods, seek the help of a friend or trainer to help keep you disciplined and on track so you can feel and look like your ideal self!

by Dr. Dina Rabo

underDon’t let sensitive joints or injuries ruin your fun this summer. Try an underwater workout to get fit comfortably. With the opening of our new HydroWorx Pool, we will be able to you moving, rehabilitating, and burning calories in a safe aquatic environment previously unheard of in the Butte County.

Aquatic therapy is quickly becoming well known for its amazing effects with speeding recovery and preventing injuries.

The fastest way for an individual to recover from an injury is to begin the rehab and exercise process, but oftentimes pain levels impact the ability to start. The pain commonly associated with rehab and exercise can be decreased or eliminated in water because it reduces the weight bearing on joints.

Once in warm, soothing water: • ROM (range of motion) increases • Water resistance helps strengthen muscles and reinforce balance • Water resistance automatically creates an easy or hard workout based on energy exertion • Muscle spasms decrease • Pain sensitivity decreases • Exercises are more enjoyable • Athletes and patients exercise at their own comfort level Features of our new HydroWorx pool include: • Variable speed underwater treadmill for proper gait movement • Resistance jets with variable water speeds for increased resistance during rehab • Massage hose to relax tired and sore muscles • Specialized video feedback systems 24

HydroWorx pools are not only used by medical professionals such as Beverly Healthcare, NovaCare, University of Denver Hospitals and others, but also by professional and college teams across the country including: Philadelphia Eagles, San Antonio Spurs, San Diego Padres, University of South Florida, along with 70 other teams all over the US and Canada.

Advanced Body Dynamics is the ONLY training facility capable of offering both land and water rehabilitation using this level of technology and expertise. By using specialized video systems, iPhone, iPad, and Android applications in conjunction with state of the art motion analysis equipment, we are capable of EMPOWERING our clients to learn how to move and rehabilitate safely. Our goal is to teach our clients

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

how to rehabilitate so that they can take what they have learned from us to their own gym, home exercise studio, or pool in order to treat themselves.

Give Advanced Body Dynamics a call to schedule an appointment to try our AquaDynamics programming. Once you have experienced the healing power of water, you will know why aquatic therapy is quickly becoming the preferred method of rehabilitation for our aging population.

Doug Churchill dougchurchill.com Located at 555 Flying V Way, Chico CA Call 530-781-2639(BODY) Visit www.advanced-body.com to watch a video about what AquaDynamics can do for you!

“Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Zumba, Cross-Fit, yoga, and boot camp are names that have taken the fitness world by storm, but why? What is it that makes group workouts so popular? At Rapid Fuel Nutrition, we have seen our boot camp, Zumba and other classes take off for the same reasons that make them so popular to begin with. Simply put, group workouts are FUN! A group setting gives participants the opportunity to join with people of similar fitness levels, connect with new people

and build strong friendships. With encouragement and empowerment, each participant has the strength to become the best version of his or her self. Teamwork creates an atmosphere of uplifting growth, excitement, and contagious positivity. By working together, you can grow with each other; encouraging others and pushing yourself to become the best version of “you!”

Walking through the door can be the hardest step, but it is the f irst of many accomplishments. We are reminded each

day that we are not alone on our journey to better health. Although personal goals may differ among individuals, the greatest motivator that comes from group workouts is the accountability that drives you to reach your personal finish line. At Rapid Fuel Nutrition, we have seen how helping someone achieve their goals will help keep you on track to completing yours!

Rapid Fuel Nutrition Photos courtesy of Rapid Fuel Nutrition

Summer Body BOOT CAMP Rapid Fuel Nutrition www.rapidfuelnurition.com 1090 E 20th Street, Chico CA 92928 650.922.9804

Boot Camp, Summer Body, Nutrition Seminars, Zumba? And it’s all for free?

We couldn’t resist. We gave Rapid Fuel a try and were hooked immediately. This unique program measures where you are at the start. From your body fat percentage to metabolic age and bone density, your starting point is not just one dreaded number on a scale, but a breakdown of your body makeup. After a month of boot camp, you’ll be able to see your improvements, not just in your weight, but

in your total body health. Each workout increases in difficulty, and muscle groups are rotated from day to day, so you’re always just the right amount of sore, never strained. Saturdays give you a reason to rise and shine with an Abs ‘n’ Booty workout that will end your week with a kick (or 3 sets of kicks).

The other boot campers are normal people who want to get fit, so you won’t feel intimidated by the typical gym Barbie -Ken factor. The coaches are fun, ener-

getic and encouraging; they participate in each workout instead of winding through the rows of panting pupils, barking seemingly impossible orders.

What else do you need? Cake? No problem. They actually have Funfetti f lavored protein shakes. And blueberry muffin and mocha… and so many more.

The whole experience is delicious.

Briana Lindstrom

25

Most of us realize we should be recycling everyday items like plastic bottles, cans, and aluminum products. Dylan McFann, owner of Basik Recycling in Chico, believes we can do that and more!

After getting his degree in business at Chico State, Dylan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in insurance and business. Realizing that it wasn’t something he was feeling excited about doing for the rest of his life, he began looking into compost and recycling. Chico was deemed the right fit for what Dylan was hoping to accomplish and the fact that he loved this town made the move that much easier. Basik has been at their location on Park Ave since 2011 and they hope to be there for many years to come.

When walking into Basik Recycling the first thing you may notice is how extremely clean and organized the facilities are. Walking around the grounds was pleasant

just tossing your plastic water bottle into the bin. Basik Recycling takes any kind of metal including copper, brass and steel. They’ll even accept electronic recycling and all CRV recyclables. Another part of being in the recycling business is working closely with commercial businesses and demolition construction companies. Basik provides customers with containers and will even come remove leftover materials!

Customers, in fact, are what make this business the one for Dylan. “We get anywhere from your average homeowner to transients. There is a weird variable to every day at work! You’re never going to run into the same thing.” He loves

BASIK

Recycling, Inc.

and as Dylan gave the tour, it became clear that recycling involves more than

26

his group of loyal clientele and going into his fourth year of business, customers clearly feel the same.

Basik Recycling isn’t your average scrap yard. Community involvement is very important to Dylan. After reaching out to the Boys and Girls Club, they collaborated on an idea that involved local artists in town mentoring young artists and creating a sculptural art piece out of recycled materials.

Each artist came with three or four kids to Basik, thinking caps in place.

They got to sift through raw materials, trying to imagine how the vision of their sculpture project could be achieved through recyclables. One group made a large instrument out of leftover metal pieces and rims. The winn i ng piec e wa s auc t ioned of f for fundraising for the Boys and Girls Club of Chico. Dylan hopes to build on having so ma ny ta lented loca l

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

artists in our area for future involvement of projects.

There is a 24/7 supply of never-ending material to be recycled. Being environmentally friendly, offering very competitive prices, and devoting quality service to each and every customer that walks through the doors makes Basik Recycling the go-to place in Chico to take care of all your recycling needs.

Alyssa Worley Frank Rebelo

Basik Recycling 2264 Park Ave, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 892-9101

27

YOUR RETIREMENT DOESN’T HAVE TO LOOK LIKE ONE.

What matters most about retirement is making it yours. Not what you’ve been told retirement should be. It’s never too early or too late, and with the right planning, it’s not as hard as you might’ve thought. See how we can help you make your retirement a reality at MassMutual.com/NewRetirement

Nicholas P. Spangler Financial & Insurance Services MassMutual Silicon Valley CA Insurance License #0H53699 686 Rio Lindo Ave., Chico, CA 95926 Phone: 530-893-2685 • Cell: 530-354-5715 nspangler@financialguide.com www.financialguide.com/nicholas-spangler

LIFE INSURANCE + RETIREMENT/401(K) PLAN SERVICES + DISABILITY INCOME INSURANCE LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Insurance products are issued by MassMutual, Springfield, MA 01111, and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Insurance Co., Enfield, CT 06082. CRN201407-162579

31

New Again Kitchen & Bath Presents:

HOUSE CALL March 2014: Little Kitchen, Big Family 32

THE COUPLE: Sandy and Phil have created a warm, loving home full of family and plenty of home cooked meals. They met as teachers in the Bay Area, and when it came time to sell their home in the Bay, they knew they wanted to live near a hospital in the midst of the outdoors with plenty of recreational activities at their fingertips.

Paradise was a perfect fit. They bought a two-bedroom house in Paradise knowing it was small, but a good investment and they planned on fixing it up over the years.

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

With seven children and five grandchildren, Sandy and Phil love hosting and wanted to be sure their new home could accommodate their ever-growing family. They both love cooking and as I look through a family photo album, it’s heartwarming to see a kitchen overflowing with hunger-inducing aromas and loved ones to help cook and learn family recipes. There is just one problem though: Half of the heads in the photos are cut off by extremely low-hanging cabinets. Photo evidence of a muchneeded change.

THE CALL: Fed up with the low ceilings, even lower hanging cabinets and overall cramped feeling in their kitchen, the couple was ready to dream up something bigger. Back when Sandy and Phil redid their bathroom, they spent days exploring showrooms in the area in search of tile.

When it came time to think about the kitchen, they remembered a spacious, inviting showroom with huge slabs of granite and tile to look at. The large samples made it so much easier to see the detail and match their dream vision to what is realistically available, so they popped back into New Again Kitchen & Bath to explore their options.

Sean was there to show them around and discuss the new look of the kitchen.

Sandy and Phil had other contractors working on the space creating an entire kitchen makeover. Walls were being moved, new f loor was being put in, cabinets, ceilings, painting and lighting were all being redone, and there was one very important piece of the puzzle missing: countertops. Because the granite was the final addition to the plan, it was a big job to find something that would be able to match the colors, textures and patterns in all the other materials being put into the new kitchen.

“We were worried we wouldn’t be able to choose the right colors and we wanted someone who could help us with that. Phil and I are pretty good at agreeing with each other on things, but we needed a professional point of view.

Sean was there to help us every step of the way,” says Sandy.

Sean went to Paradise to visit the kitchen and see what he was working with. Although the kitchen was in the middle of demo and reconstruction, he was still able to picture what would look good. He explains, “Once I saw the kitchen I could see what would be just right.”

THE CURE: “When I met with Sandy, she told me she wanted something with a natural finish. “I’ve seen enough to know what

will work in a space, and I could see she had good taste when I saw the kitchen,” says Sean. Based on the slabs in New Again Kitchen & Bath’s showroom, the three agreed on Golden River granite, which Sean calls “exotic” because of its natural beauty and many colors. “We wanted to make sure we chose something that wasn’t too matchy,” Sean explains, “Something that tied the room together and added something special to the whole kitchen at the same time.”

You may think choosing granite is easy. You find a color you like, you choose it and move on with your life, but granite selection is so much more than that and New Again Kitchen & Bath enjoys facilitating the process so their clients can customize their spaces to their true liking. “In one type or color of granite, there can be many variations. With dark areas, light areas, and colorful areas, it is important to choose the exact slab that has the color and movement you are looking for,” explains Sean. With this in mind, he took the extra time and went to New Again Kitchen & Bath’s granite supplier in Sacramento and searched the whole granite yard, setting aside slabs he thought Phil and Sandy would like. When the couple arrived, they were excited to look through Sean’s selections and were so thankful he narrowed it down for them.

Once the granite was selected, Sean worked around the other contractors’ schedules to make sure the counters were installed at the right time in the construction process. “He was very flexible and great at working with outside contractors,” explains Sandy.

Although Sean was accommodating and flexible, he would never let his perfectionism falter. “It is very important to keep in mind where the seams will be in your countertop. You have to measure everything and find similar colored areas in the slabs to connect the pieces together making the transition from piece to piece smooth.” Amongst the shuffling of contractors and multiple projects happening simultaneously, Sean made sure he was able to install the perfectly measured countertops, and when the

dust all settled, Sean’s attention to detail really paid off. The counters were flawless and brought a glow to the kitchen, completing the new space with natural, polished beauty.

“Now we’re excited to live in it,” Sandy says excitedly as she looks around her finished kitchen. “As a family, we are big on gingerbread cookies. This Christmas will be great, we can roll out the dough, cut it, color it, ice it, and there will be enough counter space for the whole family to join in.” It’s amazing what a team of contractors can do to bring a family together. The attention to detail and care for his clients are admirable qualities Sean demonstrates on every job, no matter how big or small.

Sandy and Phil have poured their lives and hearts into growing their family into a loving unit, now they can enjoy the simplicities of cooking and dining together in a kitchen they love.

Briana Lindstrom Frank Rebelo

Is your home due for some special attention?

Are you ready to dream bigger for your space?

Give New Again Kitchen & Bath a call today, or stop by their showroom to meet the designers and get inspired.

New Again Kitchen & Bath 2505 Park Avenue Chico CA 95928 (530) 899-2888

33

There’s something about

SHERRY LANDIS

Sherry Landis goes above any beyond for her clients. She offered my daughter and me is a personal asestate we searched for theShe perfect “Sherry Landis by far the touch best real agent in Chico. is house.

Sherry truly listened to what looking for and found exactly professional, positive, andwe haswere incredible follow through.

She helpedwhat us we needed.

Sheour helped us every step andand was top of everything navigate way through the saleofofthe twoway homes theon purchase of so we could getatinto new home had a very short escrow another—all theour same time!

She right neveraway. missedWe a beat.

She made sure we which couldn’t the have worked out without a highlycontact organized estate understood process, and stayed in constant withreal us. Even after all agent.

She worked closely our loan agent to keep everything flowing three homes closed, shewith continued to call, email, and text just to make sure on time.

Sherry felt more like a friend as she steered us through the everything was going as planned. We could not have done it withoutentire her.” process in a wonderful manner.

— DOUG AND COLETTE ROBERTS - Jennifer Limbergh

With of to tops and hom darl sit a reco 5 be

(530) 514-4855 | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com In this gated community of Canyon Oaks, you’ll find this beauty on a quiet tucked away street! This Michael Gali home was his very own, until these seller’s bought it! So you get upgrades and one of a kinds that he envisioned for himself. Marble, granite, radiant heated floors, just to name a few, architectural interest and a balcony to look out over the beautiful 1 acre lush landscaped grounds. Watch your sunsets and feel like your’re on vacation, but you’re home! The master suite is fit for king and queen with a walk-in closet, jetted Jacuzzi tub and the trademark glass block that Michael is famous for. You’ll enjoy countless fruit trees, unusual species, vineyard, koi pond with really big fish! Slate patios, and a rose garden, double gate on side for easy access to raised beds, a gardeners delight. You’ll see why several brides have chosen this as their wedding site! Rod iron rails custom made by Christian Iron Works, a craftsman well known for his talent. This home and these walls are ready for new memories, sounds of laughter filling this home with new friends, holidays, a new chapter for this one of a kind home that the new owner will treasure a life time.

Bed: 5.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 4,430 Price: $1,100,000

Bea and amb woo laun sunn of to

Lake bea suite

This was the model home and only one owner! There have been many A terrific Michael Galli floor plan updated and remodeled from head to upgrades including travertine tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized toe about a year ago. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, plush lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, carpets, decorator lighting, exterior and interior painting, lush park like yard, landscaped beautifully with slate water fall, flowers galore and redwood sparkling in ground gunite pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, NEARLY COMPLETED! If you like granite, trees. RV Access on both sides of the house and two master suites make shows truly like a model home. Open floor plan with so many upgrades! tiles, decorator lights, nice finishes, eating this home a must see! bar, solid surfaces, pretty fences, and large Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000 Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000 lot size, this is the one for you! Delighted Call me before my 5 new and excited to present - Josh Leach spec listings hit the next issue home and coming subdivision - please contact us with floor plans, prices, etc and of Upgraded Living! we will get you in on the ground floor!

(530) 514-4855 Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,832 Price: $269,900

BUYERS!

Yikes!

My homes are selling fast! Call if I can #2 in Production help by listing your home today! for 2013!

CA-DRE lic# 01084946

34

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

SO

Behin fairwa reside oak t offers out th Call t

e

l

S

h

With the charm and character of yesterday and all the conveniences of today, this home is stocked with upgrades such as granite counter tops, laminate flooring, crown moulding, security system, central heat and air, dual pane windows, upgraded appliances and fixtures. This home also has a large basement perfect for your wine collection, a darling front porch for those warm sunny spring and summer days to sit and relax. There is more to say about this gorgeous home. County records show this home as a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom but its actually a 5 bedroom 3 bathroom with a living room and upstairs sitting room.

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,085 Price: $239,000

om

on a until that st to r the feel king mark rees, atios, beds, is as ks, a eady ends, wner

Beautiful ranchette in a private setting! Sheltered by majestic trees and built in 1987, this immaculate home offers a peaceful warm ambiance, light and airy rooms, large living room with free standing wood stove, tile counters, and wood flooring. 3 bedrooms, indoor laundry, two storage out buildings, a two car garage, plus a darling sunny Florida room with all the windows facing the beautiful 1.75 acres of total serenity.

Bed: 3.0

Bath: 2.0

SqFt: 1,852 Price: $364,900

Quaint and Sweet! Situated on a great cul-de-sac location and boasts many great features such as: open floor plan, formal living and dining room, family room with fireplace, and a breakfast nook facing the darling patio. This home has a light and airy kitchen with granite counters, and is open to the family room. The master bedroom is spacious and the master bath offers a dual vanity for his and hers, and has a large soaking tub for relaxation. The yard is beautiful and you will want to spend many warm spring and summer days just sitting and soaking in the fresh air.

Bed: 3.0

Bath: 2.0

SqFt: 1,650 Price: $279,900

,000

Lake and mountain view!!! Awesome Kelly Ridge location with a beautiful view of the lake and mountains. This home features 2 master suites, one on each level, and one with a jetted tub.

ad to plush yard, tove, ades!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 1,663 Price: $189,000

S!

Gentleman Ranchette! Build your dream house on this 3.60 acres of prime soil in a fabulous Durham location. The acreage is large enough to have a small orchard on it or enough room for horses.

Owner may carry on financing on the land for a qualified buyer.

3 parcels, each with their own AP#.

The seller’s house is on one of the parcels, need to be subdivided.

Owner may carry for a qualified buyer Acreage: .14 Price: $69,000

Acreage: 3.6 Price: $179,900

5,000

ew sue !

46

SOLD Behind the Iron gate, on the 15th fairway awaits this captivating residence. Sheltered by majestic oak trees, this custom built home offers exquisite detailing through out the house. So much to see!

Call today Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,415 Price: $699,000

SOLD Bidwell Park is nearby!! Located in a great neighborhood near the park, school and shopping center, this wonderful home offers a large living room with fireplace, open floor plan, gas appliances, central heat and air, easy care yard, 2 car garage and more.

Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,656 Price: $255,000

Two commercial properties, each with their own separate APN. The first parcel has 1.6 AC with a 600 Sq ft. building structure that was built in 1979 and has been operating as a nursery for the last 25 years. It is partially fenced, it is on city services and is near park and shopping.

The 2nd parcel #073-010-411 is on .29 AC and is adjacent to the other parcel.

Acres 1.89 Price: $400,000 35

36

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

37

38

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

SUSTAINABLE

If we all had the opportunity to design our own dream home, I’m sure most of us wouldn’t be thinking about efficient water usage when installing the Infinity pool, conscious energy management for powering the personal theatre and using sustainable waste materials to build the 8,000 sq. foot foundation. Hyland Fisher, a twelveyear veteran architect takes the time to consider all of these sustainable elements when designing a home. I had the chance to take a personal tour of one Hyland’s architectural designs in a beautiful southeast Chico location.

Over the duration of the tour, I noticed that not a single little detail or feature of the house was overlooked. Land use, water and energy efficiency along with the specific materials used to build the

INSPIRATION

house underwent a thorough examination, making sure the house will give back to the environment and continue to remain sustainable throughout the years.

A certain harmony between the surrounding landscape and the house’s exterior is very apparent. The foundation of the modest 2,800 sq. foot home is built on a native piece of Butte county countryside and limited excavation was needed when first establishing the house’s groundwork. Taking the natural concaves and characteristics of the land into consideration, Hyland saw many advantages when drawing the blueprint.

One benefit, because of the landscape’s natural form being a hillside, was that the house needed no cdevelopement of for irrigation basics like storm drains and culvert piping. Rainfall is collected naturally and used instead of wasting clean tap water. Separate rainwater collection and grey water (water from dishwashers, laundry and showers) systems will be used for irrigating lawns, gardening, and other outside water needs.

The Advanced Framing of the house uses twenty percent less wood than traditional structures and the majority of

the materials used for construction feature some sort of sustainable quality.

Bamboo flooring is used throughout the kitchen and dining room. The flooring was developed by a San Francisco company and uses a formaldehyde-free, soy -based adhesive, which presses bamboo material together to create a long lasting hard bamboo wood floor. Greenhouse emissions are significantly lower to produce this f looring. A coal byproduct called Fly Ash is used for the house’s foundation. This concrete matter is taken from power generating factories and made into sustainable and long-lasting cement.

Earth “berming” or “sheltering” is an architectural method deployed for the lower level of the house. This means

39

that because the house is partially built into a hillside, the earth acts as a thermal mass to trap both hot and cold teperatures. Reduction of A/C and heater usage is one of the biggest qualities of earth bermed architecture. Mathematically calculated overhangs and shade structures are also spread throughout the house to limit solar gain and def lect summer heat. A few of my favorite features of the house are the solar tubes, (a contemporary version of a skylight) and strategically placed windows. High quaity sunlight illuminates through long cylinders and spectacular views synchronize the surrounding environment with the interior of the house. The quaint house, with all its sustainable amenities, qualifies for LEED Silver certification, which is very impressive considering they had no intent to be certified.

40

Revamping and remodeling isn’t mandatory when making an established house sustainable. Hyland has an extensive background in passive solar sustainability, which doesn’t use solar panels but rudimental elements every house features such as doors, windows and floors to make the most efficient use of the surrounding climate. “Something as simple as opening and closing shades in the wintertime to capture sunlight and transfer heat can make a huge difference,” says Hyland. He also recommends replacing simple amenities we use everyday. A low-cost and effective example: swapping out the flusher on your toilet with a dual stage f lusher, which can make a huge difference in conserving water (and only costs $25). We are not all sustainable architects like Hyland but we are all capable of the small and

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

simple procedures that can make a big difference in our homes and apartments.

We are so happy to see local people investing in sustainable design, and we tip our hats to architects like Hyland who use the challenge of creating eco-friendly spaces to inspire innovation. The extra effort made towards becoming more sustainable on a personal level can benefit our own finances, inspire others to join in preserving our beautiful natural world, and establish environmentally mindful practices in our children, creating a greener world for all of us.

Matthew Manfredi Hyland Fisher and Chris P. Builder: Robin Trenda from Chico Green Builders

green up YOUR LIFE!

1

Chill out! Wash clothes in cold water. Not only will it lengthen the life of your garments, but 90% of a washing machine’s energy is dedicated to heating water. Set it to cold, your clothes will understand.

2

Hang in There! Hang-drying clothes is oh so much better for your energy bill.

3

Become a Mean, Green, Cleaning Machine. Stop wasting money and resources on plastic bottles of chemical cleaners that pollute the groundwater, landfills and the air you breathe.

Here are some common, eco-friendly alternatives: Baking Soda: Cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours. Lemon: Effective against most household bacteria.White Vinegar: Cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, stains and wax build-up. Cornstarch: Can be used to clean windows and glass, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.

6

Gas is embarrassing! Ride a bike to work. There’s nothing like a dose of endorphins to start your day off right, plus your legs and butt will look amazing. Skip the pump and get pumped up!

8

Leaky Faucets Got You Down? Good! Get all the way down...under that sink and fix your leaks. It’s fun to learn how to fix stuff yourself and in this drought, every drop counts.

10

Irrigate, mate! Australia is the driest inhabited continent and irrigation is required in many areas to conserve water; we should learn from our brothers Down Under. Hire a pro to install an irrigation system for efficient watering. Better for your water bill, better for your plants.

2.5

Crunchy clothes got you down? Use less detergent and add ½ cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. This helps prevent wrinkles and gives you the soft sunshine, breeze-dried laundry without the stiffness.

4

Explore the wormhole! Put food waste to good use, give worms a purpose in life, and feed your garden. Go to P. 30 for tips and tricks to start your own compost pile and compost tea. Pinkies up!

5

Thirsty? Drink water out of a glass, Checo Can, Klean Kanteen or other reusable product. Water purifiers = cheap and plastic bottle chemicals = bad.

You do the math.

7

Dream Green. Turn off your appliances before you go to bed, don’t just put them to “sleep.” If not turned off completely, your computer, TV, stereo, and other appliances are sucking up an extra 8-12 hours of energy each night as you’re dreaming your little heart out.

9

Recycle. As much as possible and as often as possible. Not sure what is recyclable or where to take the awkward stuff? Basik recycling can help. Check out P. 26 for more info.

41

42

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. King of Green

by Briana Lindstrom and Alyssa Worley photos by Michelle Camy and courtesy of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

BIRTH OF A BREW There’s something about cracking open a fresh bottle of Sierra Nevada beer that brings out the Chico in all of us.

Frothy, cold deliciousness was always in owner Ken Grossman’s plans. What might not have been in his initial plans was the overwhelming response his beer evoked.

Ken has that particular kind of engineering mind that can concoct genius.

Beer passion was in his veins from a young age. “I grew up down the street from my best buddy’s father who was an accomplished home brewer and winemaker,” Ken explains. “Every time I went over there, I saw all these things bubbling and aromas coming out. I became somewhat fascinated by the chemistry, biology and art of brewing.” As tubes of fermenting

amber liquid flowed, so did his expanding curiosity about beer. Beginning with classes at Butte College on welding and refrigeration, he opened The Homebrew Shop in downtown Chico and soon after, people were lining up to sample his latest works. Later, a brew house was built in a basic warehouse with salvaged old dairy equipment, a month’s venture in collecting. He bought his first big brewing kettle from a defunct German company and pieced it apart to get it back to Chico for reassembly, and in 1987, with enough demand to create a bigger supply, Ken moved his operation to its current home in Chico on 20th Street. And so, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. we know today was born.

Many people assume that Pale Ale

Ken Grossman

44

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

was the first Sierra Nevada beer, but it was actually a Stout. That recipe has changed little since its conception in 1980. The ever-famous Pale Ale featuring Cascade hops was aggressive and assertive for that time. Ninety percent of the people who tried it hated it, but the ten percent who loved it were enthralled.

Ken, being the forward-thinking man that he is, concentrated on that ten percent. His original business plan modestly anticipated only a few thousand barrels sold, and he is continually surprised by the amount of success his beer generates.

Ken has that particular kind of engineering mind that can concot genius.

Beer passion was in his veins from a young age.

Chico locals, who are die-hard Sierra Nevada fans by nature, aren’t as surprised. The brewery’s simple and effective goal remains true today. “Brew the beer we want to drink.” This mantra endures, supported by consistency in quality and taste, constant innovation, creativity and a massive, revolutionary effort towards sustainability.

PLATINUM GREEN

As a self-proclaimed outdoorsman, hiker and cyclist, Ken explains, “I have always appreciated the natural environment and want to protect it.” It’s no wonder that from birth, Sierra Nevada has been a company swaddled in sustainability. “From turning scrap metal into pieces of equipment to using returnable beer bottles and recycling onsite, we have been frugal with our materials from early on.” For the future of business in relation to the environment, not only was developing an environmentally conscious company good for the planet, but it was also a very progressive and fiscally smart move on Ken’s part. “There were financial drivers along with a keen notion to conserve resources,” explains Ken, so the green state of mind was adopted. What began with recycling bottles and upcycling materials for production has matured into an impressive all-encompassing sustainability program that is now a cornerstone of Sierra Nevada’s mission and operation. The incredible focus and energy put towards being sus-

PLANET STATS: According to the EPA • 5,000 people die daily due to dirty drinking water.

• 14 billion pounds of garbage are dumped into the ocean every year. Most of it is plastic.

• Over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 sea mammals are killed by pollution each year.

• Approximately 46% of the lakes in America are too polluted for fishing, aquatic life or swimming.

• Americans make up about 5% of the world’s population, but use 25% of its resources.

• 20% of electricity used in California is used to move and treat water.

• The Average American throws away 4.6 pounds of trash each day.

• If we composted the 21.5 million tons of food waste we produce annually, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to taking more than 2 million cars off the road.

• Recycling and composting prevented 85 million tons of material from being disposed of in 2010, up from 18 million tons in 1980.

tainable reaches every person involved in Sierra Nevada and is inspiring companies worldwide to join the race to a sustainable future.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Cheri Chastain, Sierra Nevada’s Sustainability Coordinator who in the 7 ½ years she’s been with the company has grown the sustainability program into the internationally recognized beast that it is today. Cheri’s passion, like everyone we encountered in our interviews at Sierra Nevada, is apparent and genuine as she explains her experience with the brewery. “I get to do what I believe in, and it barely feels

like a job. I practice and believe in all I talk about. To be able to take a lifestyle choice and bring it into business and educate all the employees around me is spectacular.” From sales reps to the marketing department, dishwashers, busers, and brewers, the commitment to sustainability touches every facet, every department, every person at Sierra Nevada.

The Sierra Nevada sustainability department, now a team of three, holds educational series to continually inform employees about sustainable practices and the reasons behind those practices.

Having the whole company on board creates a stronger team and also spreads consciousness and information to each employee’s home, creating a greener community both in and out of the brewery.

“I get to do what I believe, and it barely feels like a job. I practice and believe in all I talk about.”

The HotRot

45

Rooftop solar panels

and it makes a huge difference to know that Ken truly walks the walk. Although Cheri has suggested and facilitated invaluable aspects of the company’s sustainability proCARBON FOOTPRINT gram, she couldn’t have done it without Ken’s support The average carbon footprint of a pint of beer: 300g CO2e: locally brewed cask ale at the pub and encouragement.

500g CO2e: local bottled beer from a shop or foreign beer “It’s more like keepin a pub ing up with Ken in900g CO2e: bottled beer from the shop, extensively stead of convincing transported him. That’s something I love about tree-huggers, it’s for smart businessmen.” working with him,” Cheri says with eaKen is just that, and his authentic concern ger sincerity. “He is not afraid to be an for the environment makes it appear so early adopter. Someone has to invest in effortless. Like Cheri, Ken’s job seems this stuff if it has a chance. Ken has the to be less of a job and more of a purpose. ability to think long-term.”

A prime example of this investment As locals who love to see a homegrown business succeed, as co-inhabitants of is Sierra Nevada’s HotRot, an in-vessel a planet that needs care, and as lovers of composter they have onsite at the Chico good beer, we are stoked to see Sierra brewery. Seeing the 400 to 600 pounds Nevada continue to grow and evolve, of food waste generated by the restaurant each day was incentive for Cheri to find a better method to handle the food waste disposal. With a sustainable community in mind, she spent four years trying to convince the city and county to invest in a food scrLooking in on the in-house bottling and boxing process. ap composting pro“It is important to sustain your community, lifestyle, business and environment,” Cheri explains, the concept of sustainability is “not just for crazy hippie

46

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

“It is important to sustain your community, lifestyle, business and environment,” Cheri explains, the concept of sustainability is “not just for crazy hippie tree-huggers, it’s for smart businessmen.” gram. She even went as far as to pile as many officials in a van as she could and take them to a food waste facility in Dixon to show them the importance and effectiveness of composting on a large scale. It was still a “no.” Ken took the leap and invested a hefty sum to get the HotRot. Now 100% of the food waste generated at Sierra Nevada, along with a portion of spent brewing ingredients like hops, are composted and turned into a resource used for the soil in their hop and barley fields, and their restaurant garden. Ken has embraced this step towards zero waste wholeheartedly. “One of my favorite Ken stories,” Cheri smiles, “is after we bought the HotRot, I was feeding it on the weekend...You have to feed it every day to keep it going. Ken pulls up and gets out of the car carrying a gigantic box of squeezed limes. I said ‘Ken, why do you have those?’ and he said ‘I was at a wedding last night and they had margaritas….’” Cheri laughs, “That’s what I love. The fact that he was at a wedding and thought to take those squeezed limes home so we could compost them.” Endearing. Inspiring. We’re sold.

As a pioneer on the path to zero waste, Ken has set the standards high and people are noticing. Every other year, their sustainability report is released, letting the world know what Sierra Nevada is up to. “Ken has nothing to hide,” says Cheri, “The whole idea is that none of this should be proprietary. If we can inspire change in other businesses, then we are successful.” Google was inspired to join the solar race against Sierra Nevada when both companies were having solar

There are cisterns to collect rainwater falling on the roof which is then used for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. Any rain that falls on the permeable pavement in the solar paneled parking lot soaks back into the ground or is recovered through underground cisterns that can hold as much as 500,000 gallons of water and will suppleThey serve sampling trays of small 4-ounce to the bay. Another expansion to toast glasses. The whole concept behind this to is our beloved Sierra Nevada’s debut ment irrigation and flushunique venture is to actually explore and in the faraway land of North Carolina ing needs. experience each beer. Choose from a variety of 16 different beers on tap at any time, create the flight you’d like to sip through and a Sierra Nevada connoisseur will walk you through the flavors and elements that went into creating each brew you sample. With enticing events like “Tasting in the Dark,” a blind folded tasting experience, and “Beer and Chocolate Pairing,” which needs no further introduction, the Torpedo Room pushes brew-curious people to new levels with the safety net of great beer to fall back on. We’re excited for, if not

where their new brewery is set to open up this year.

BEER BRETHREN AND BEYOND

East Coasters rejoice as Sierra Nevada sets up shop in Mills River, North Carolina. After looking at over 200 sites for their expansion, Ken and his son Brian found exactly what they had been searching for, just 20 minutes south of Asheville. Somewhat comparable to where Sierra Nevada’s roots are in Chico, Mills River has a close knit community that embraces craft beer culture. Nearby city Asheville boasts its own handful of hoppy attrIBUtes great, small brew100 Imperial IPA 80-100 IBU eries. In true Ken 90 fashion, always th80 Barleywine 70-100 IBU inking about others’ 70 India Pale Ale (IPA) 60-80 IBU well being, he de60 cided to step out of 50 Stout 30-50 IBU the city proper in 40 English Bitter 30-40 IBU an effort to join the 30 Porter 20-40 IBU area, but not invade 20 Scottish Ale 10-20 IBU nearby breweries.

10 American Light Lager 5-12 IBU He was welcomed The International Bittering Units scale measures the beer bitwarmly by the mélaterness given by hops. A higher IBU means a higher hop usage, but even a beer with a high IBU might not taste too bitter if it nge of brewers and has a strong malt character to balance it out. invited several of them to Chico’s bra little jealous of Berkeley and will most ewery where they collaborated on beers definitely be road tripping down to fol- together. In fact, this brewing brethren has plans to put out a variety 12 pack low the expansion of our local favorite 48

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

this summer featuring collaborations with Sierra Nevada and craft beer breweries all across the US, including Asheville brewers.

Along with a beer loving culture, Mills River pulled the Grossmans in with its extraordinary access to water.

When searching for the perfect home for a new brewery, “They had main criteria: one of them being water quality and quantity,” remarked Communications Manager, Ryan Arnold. You can’t make beer without water, and water was what they found in Mills River- a lot of water, in fact. Rain falls every single month and Sierra Nevada doesn’t plan on wasting any resources. There are cisterns to collect rainwater falling on the roof which is then used for landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. Any rain that falls on the permeable pavement in the solar paneled parking lot soaks back into the ground or is recovered through underground cisterns that can hold as much as 500,000 gallons of water and will supplement irrigation and flushing needs.

Only 30 of the 184 acres purchased for the new brewery are used for the beautiful facility itself. The rest is composed of unhealthy forests along a section of the French Broad River that hasn’t

been well maintained. Sierra Nevada plans on rehabilitating this forest, eliminating invasive species and turning it back to its naturally wild beauty. How about enjoying that wilderness with a Pale on the trail? That’s in the works as well. Hiking paths with river access are in the plans along with water quality monitoring and protection for the river.

Brian Grossman is quickly following in his father’s footsteps where as CoManager of the North Carolina brewery, he will continue to be proactive and passionate about sustainable practices while exuding the same down to earth local brewer warmth his father has passed on to him. When I ask Ken about his family’s involvement in the company, he explains that he has never wanted to pressure his kids into joining the family business, but he is happy to have them on board. “Sierra (daughter) and Brian are involved in the operation side of things,” he explains. “Hopefully they will continue to have an interest and be involved in the company for years to come.”

From family to climate to landscape, not one resource was taken for granted in creating the North Carolina facility.

Even timbers from trees cut down to clear the site will be used for paneling, tables, and brewery décor. Known for making incredibly tasty beer and doing so with an extremely conscious mind is what makes our favorite local brewing company so special. These extra considerations are why we northern California folk smile proudly at any mention of

“Sierra Nevada,” and we’re excited to share this feeling with our new North Carolina family. Sierra Nevada has taught us about community involvement and support and we are proud to show that we’re listening. The warmth with which with Ken runs his company is spreading.

Beer brethren is reaching beyond the breweries, uniting the people within the craft beer communities, and that’s something we’re proud to be a part of.

Cheers to you, North Carolina and welcome to the family!

Here’s to the land where maidens are fair, Where friends are true and cold hearts rare, The near land, the dear land, whatever fate, The blessed land, the best land, the Old North State!

the way for businesses worldwide to step towards a more sustainable future.

Uniting a nation of beer drinkers over a cool craft pint just happened to be an added bonus.

When I ask him if he is surprised to see what has become of Sierra Nevada, Ken remains humble, simply saying, “It’s rewarding to see and it’s been great to watch it grow from a dream to where it is today.”

To Ken, and Sierra Nevada as a whole, to a greener future, to exquisite craft beers, and to beer brethren that extends from coast to coast, we raise our glasses!

Salut!

(Excerpt from North Carolina’s State Toast)

A DREAM COME TRUE The first sparks of curiosity at a neighbor’s house grew into The Homebrew Shop’s opening in 1976. The commercial brewery’s birth in 1980 led to the empire Sierra Nevada is becoming today. Through all this Ken has still stayed true to his roots, never losing sight of why he began to brew. “I was enamored with the notion of making something with my hands, turning raw materials into something people could enjoy.” He continues to do exactly what he set out to do, on a notable scale.

“Ken is a hands-on, encouraging leader,” says Ryan, “He is a very engaged business owner. As a boss, he is both challenging and affirming, and he really takes care of his employees.” Ken’s dedication and ingenuity have helped pave

For more information, visit SierraNevada.com Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. 1075 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928 (530) 893-3520 For the full story behind Sierra Nevada, check out Ken Grossman’s book “Beyond the Pale.” Available at Lyon Books, Barnes & Noble and the Sierra Nevada Brewery Giftshop.

49

1: What is Cenosillicaphobia?

6. In ancient Babylonia, what was the punishment for a merchant who was found diluting beer?

A. The fear of bitter beer.

B. The fear of spilling beer.

C. The fear of an empty glass.

A. The thumb of his right hand was cut off so he could no longer lift or pour.

B. He was forced to drink the entire contents of his shop as the townsfolk cheered him on.

C. He was put to death.

2: Why did the pilgrims dock at Plymouth Rock?

A. An overwhelming number of them were seasick due to over-consumption of beer.

B. They were running low on beer and needed to stock up to continue their journey.

C. It felt like the right thing to do.

3: Where did the expression “Mind your p’s and q’s” come from?

A. English bartenders reminding tipsy customers to mind their “pints” and “quarts.”

B. Teachers telling students not to mix up the letters “p” and “q” since they look so similar.

C. An old sailor’s saying: Mind your “P” as in pea coat and “Q” as in queue, a pigtail.

D. All of the above.

4. Where did the word “berserk” come from?

A. It was the onomatopoeia the Vikings used to demonstrate a burp. “Berrrserrrrrk” B. It means “bear shirt” and going berserk was when the Vikings would dr ink large quantities of beer, clothe themselves in bear pelts and work themselves into a rage before entering into battle like madmen.

C. It’s the slurred version of “beer jerk,” a name used for Scotsman who were rude when they drank.

5. Where did the term “honeymoon” originate?

50

7. Beer is the most popular beverage in the world.

True/Flase

BEER QUIZ Happy St. Patty’s Day! Test your knowledge of beer trivia with this wee quiz.

A. An ancient tradition of a bride’s father giving his new sonin-law a month’s (or moon’s) supply of honey beer after the marriage.

B. The crescent-shaped foam mustache a newlywed couple gets after sipping their first celebratory beer together.

C. The excessive drinking and celebration following a wedding turns the whites (or moons) of a couple’s eyes honey-colored.

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

8. How long did Prohibition last?

A. 13 years 10 months 19 days 17 hours 32.5 minutes.

B. 17 years 2 months 6 days 20 hours 12 minutes.

C. 8 years 11 months 28 days 2 hours 43.5 minutes.

9. W hich president won his election in part by promising to end Prohibition?

A. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

B. Warren G. Harding.

C. Harry S. Truman.

10. What profession’s paycheck came in the form of beer?

A. Prostitutes in medieval times.

B. Circus performers in the 1700’s.

C. Egyptian pyramid workers.

11. In the Middle Ages, beer was consumed more than water. Why? A. The black plague was so depressing, people just wanted to get drunk.

B. It was safer to drink than water.

C. It was known to have medic inal qualities.

12. At any given time, how many

people in the world are drunk?

A. 0.7% of the population (50 million people are drunk right now).

B. 0.5% of the population (35 million people are drunk right now).

C. 0.25% of the population (17.5 million people are drunk right now).

13. Amsterdam employs jobless alcoholics to clean the streets and pays them in beer.

True/Flase

14. Where does Pilsner get its name from?

A. Franz Pilsen, the inventor of the recipe for Pilsner.

B. Plzen, Czech Republic where the first pilsner was brewed.

C. It is derived from “pilz,” the Czech word for pale used to describe the light beer variety.

15. Which beer fact is true?

A. A pint of Guinness has fewer calories than a ser ving of orange juice.

B. The oldest written recipe in the world is for beer.

C. Beer is the national drink of Germany.

D. All of the above.

16. One of the most expensive beers in the world is Pabst Blue Ribbon.

True/False

ANSWERS 1: C, The fear of an empty glass. A fear many of us share!

2: B, Beer didn’t go bad as quickly as water on the ship, so pilgrims survived on beer for hydration and were running low on beer as their journey was taking longer than expected.

3: D, There are several theories as to where this expression comes from, but these are three widely accepted ones.

4: B, Derived from the old Norse word berserkr, “going berserk” was the phrase used to describe the robot-like wild rage and focus of Vikings in battle.

5: A, After all the beer was drunk, the brewer would be paid more depending on how quickly the new couple’s first male child was conceived.

6: C, Death to him! And rightfully so!

7: False, beer comes in second behind tea.

8: A, People were literally counting the minutes until their next drink!

9: A, FDR wanted the wet vote, and prom

ised the taxes from alcohol would help the economy.

10: C, Egyptian pyramid workers were paid with about 1-2 gallons of beer per day.

11: B, The alcohol content and the water boiled in the process of brewing made beer safer to drink than water, but we have a feeling answer “A” might not be too far off either.

12: A, Cheers to the 50 mill!

13: True, To keep jobless alcoholics off the streets, Amsterdam employs them to dress up nice, clean the streets, and they are paid in beer rationed throughout the day.

14: B, Plzen Czech Republic is the birthplace of Pilsner. We made up the name Franz Pilsen, but thought it sounded pretty legit!

15: D, All of the above, and all great news!

16: True, “Pabst Blue Ribbon 1844” is only sold in China and sells for about $44 per bottle.

Red Cup: 0-5 points Awww! It’s cute to be a novice. It might even be the best place to be because the world of beer is before you, waiting for you to explore it.

Take a risk and try something new. Check out our Tasting 101 guide on page insert page 47 and head to your local brewery or pub to begin your quest for your favorite brew.

Beer Mug: 6-10 points Well done! You must like a little bit of history with your beer. When someone asks you what kind of beer you like, you actually have a preference and can voice it. You should take your Red Cup friends out for a drink and expose them to some of your faves. Who knows, you might even learn something new along the way!

Chalice: 11-16 points Cheers to you, Brew Master! You’ve challenged the “King of Beers” and questioned who named it King. You took notes in history class whilst secretly sipping craft beer. You love a restaurant that serves beer types in their appropriate glasses, and you may even own your own beer glass set. You might have a belly, but it’s loveable and we want to go drinking with you!

Briana Lindstrom

51

APHIDS

by Aundrea Roth

Aphids are known as jumping lice that are on plants. One female aphid can produce over 1,000 offspring without even mating. These little insects feed off the things in your yard, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees.

Once they start feeding on your plants, it distorts their leaves and flowers, can leave them with a sticky residue, and when enough damage is done the leaves will drop.

One should treat aphids before the summer because aphid treating chemicals are not good for plants when the whether is above 90 degrees. Also, having good irrigation to allow the chemicals to flow properly through the plant is a necessity to get rid of these tiny little creatures. Remember to protect your property and have your local tree service come out today.

Aundrea Roth M & S Wesley Tree Service (530) 343-6809

52

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

It takes a village to raise an future.

Pentz Road, the winding agricultural byway, has has evolved into a busy twolane expressway occupied with eager and aspiring students en route to a higher education. Butte College has done nothing but sprout and blossom into a well-established and recognized community college since it’s foundation was first built in the early seventies. On the nearby Highway 99, cars go fleeting by without the faintest idea they are passing one of the nation’s most successful community colleges. I can go on and on about how Butte has become such a success, but like the oblivious cars on the freeway, most of us are unaware of the details of one very important aspect, an element that makes Butte College unique and incredibly significant—sustainability.

Before the main campus was built, the 900 acre area was a natural wildlife refuge. The school board was concerned and intended not disrupt any of the area’s natural rural beauty. If the campus was going to be built, it would done in a fashion where the surrounding environment and local wildlife would not be disturbed. These principles eventually grew and transformed into the sustainable values Butte College has adopted and implemented over the last forty years.

Today, sustainability is applied to Butte’s core values, mission statement, board policies and strategic planning. Still a wildlife refuge, the Main Campus has essentially transformed into a small city.

“On an average day, when we are in session, we are one of the largest cities in the service area. Obviously, Chico, Oroville and Paradise are larger but there are about 6,000 people on campus on an average in-session day.” says Les Jauron, Vice President for Planning of the Sustainability Committee. “As a result of that, we operate like a small city, a municipality. We have our own water system that uses three on-campus wells, a police department, sewage treatment plant and, we produce our own power.” Currently, 10,000 solar panels are dispersed across the Main Campus; the Committee places them in such creative ways one hardly notices their existence. For example, those canopies keeping your car from reaching a fantastic 1,000 degrees in summer and early fall are all topped with solar panels. In 2009, the campus created 43 percent of its own power. The percentage has signif icantly risen over the last few years, in fact, as of 2011, the campus became grid positive. Les explains, “We are well past that [per-

centage] now. Basically, we are counterbalancing all our costs and in a few years we will be able to pay off one of the [solar] projects”.

The path to Butte College’s progressive sustainable success has always been a process and The Sustainability Committee tackles this process with a very strategic and thorough initiative plan. An initiative plan was created in 2007, which the committee and campus triumphantly surpassed these last few years. The current 2014-15 strategy, unlike the 2007 initiative, isn’t focusing so much on the already exceeded “big ticket” matters, but concentrating more on infusing sustainability into the students’ and staff ’s everyday processes and routines. The Main Campus’ print shops are a great example of these steps toward modeling sustainability. Nearly all of the paper used in the print shops gets converted into recycled content and the ink used in cartridges is a crayonlike substance that evaporates over time.

Cafeteria and dining services compost over 1,500 pounds of compost every month. Resources used for napkins, plates and containers in these facilities are all either recycled or made from recycled materials. The Sustainability Board continues to take even the smallest matters into consideration: furniture, cleaning products and office products are among the smaller factors that do not get overlooked, because they too, contribute to the bigger picture.

Another goal the Sustainability Board is continuing to strive for in the 2014-15 initiative is achieving carbon neutrality.

Several elements contribute to greenhouse emissions such as electricity and natural gas. Unfortunately, commuting by personal vehicle towers over all other factors, creating a staggering fifty-five percent of the school’s emissions between students, faculty and

staff. The Board has been and continues to do everything in their power to lessen these percentages. Another shocking fact: Butte operates the largest community college transportation system in California. Daily, this keeps 1500 cars from commuting to Main Campus. These buses are biodiesel compatible and also use natural gas. The carbon neutrality endeavor doesn’t stop there, not nearly.

A collaborative plan is being established with the state and county to develop a bike path leading directly from Chico to Main Campus along with a carpool lane added on the small strip of Highway 99.

If you ever find yourself milling around Main Campus, you will quickly notice the numerous gold plaques placed on walls of several of the surrounding buildings. “U.S. Green Building Council” stands out in a bold font at the top of these plaques, and at the bottom, LEED in all caps. For those of you who are not aware, these are LEED Gold certification awards. The U.S. Green Building Council rigorously examines a building’s design, construction, operation and maintenance when considering recipients for this award.

What exactly does this say about a building when LEED Gold criteria is met?

It means the building exhibits minimized environmental impact, smart and sustainable usage of water, better usage of energy inside and out, smart waste reduction, resourceful building materials and better indoor air quality. Excluding the bay area, Butte College was the first institution in Northern California to be presented with LEED Gold certificates. Among several other accolades and awards, LEED isn’t the only national recognition Butte College has received. In 2009, Butte was presented with another prestigious award —the National Campus Leadership

in Sustainability presented by The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Similar to LEEDGold, this award isn’t merely handed out. It is a thorough breakdown of how sustainability is integrated into research, campus operations, administration and finance.

Needless to say, Butte College is far beyond qualified at this point.

Not only have the sustainability efforts effected the good of the school; they have given students the opportunity to enhance their lives and education. A few years ago, the board created an educational program called Sustainability Studies. The certificate program is exclusive to Butte College and gives students the chance to experience “sustainable pathways for social and personal change”—a subject we should all take the time to get more familiarized with. Kelly Munson, Advisor to Student Activities and Associated Students, clarifies, “There are not many sustainability related certificates out there, but overlay this on your business degree, overlay this on your agriculture degree, your teaching degree, and you have an advantage and a modern lens to go with you into the workplace.” Upon finishing the curriculum, students are able to participate in a conference called Power Shift held in Pennsylvania. Every year over 10,000 students assemble for this event with one idea: a clean, just, and sustainable future.

According to Les, “The commitment and en-

gagement made by the students is very gratifying. The enthusiasm is something you don’t see with students in other programs”.

Over the years, because of consistent success, the “bigger sustainable picture” has received more attention from the Butte School Board and outside entities. Steps are being taken towards allocating even more resources and considering sustainability when important decisions are made.

This gives people like Les Jauron and Kelly Munson the tools and assets required to keep driving the school sustainably forward. Though, it is the collaborative effort between students, staff, and faculty that makes the biggest difference. Each of Butte’s graduating students is given the option to take a pledge called “Pledge Of Social and Environmental Responsibility.” The oath states, “I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.” A green tassel is placed on the cap of each pledgee at graduation and with that, a modern and sustainable perspective is instilled in each departing student, taking the values and standards Butte College teaches for wherever the next drive down Pentz Road may lead.

Mathew Manfredi Bree Chun

56

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

Dental Care is More Than Brushing and Flossing

Cancer Screening

by Dr. Ashley Harrison, DDS

by Dr. Sam Mazj

Brushing and flossing your teeth are not the only things to consider when trying to prevent cavities!

Your diet and salivary f low have a huge role in the process of tooth decay. Some foods and beverages can alter the pH of our mouth. The more acidic the oral environment, the more prone someone is to decay. Luckily, your saliva helps to neutralize these acids!

At my office, we recommend waiting 20 minutes after eating or drinking before you brush your teeth! I make this recommendation because it takes saliva a period of time to neutralize acids in your mouth. If you brush directly after eating, imagine your toothbrush as scrubbing the surface of your teeth with a mild acid! Over time, this can lead to thinning of the enamel and cause teeth to be more sensitive and more susceptible to decay.

Medications, such as some blood pressure pills, can decrease your salivary flow, causing your mouth not only to feel dry all day but also decreasing the ability to neutralize the pH in your mouth. It is important to discuss with your physician the potential side effects of your medications, especially the effects they may have on your dental health. If you are experiencing dry mouth (xerostomia), I recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day and looking into saliva replacement products that can help to “wet your palate.”

I am Dr. Ashley Harrison and I look forward to helping you and your family with any questions about how to achieve better dental health. Your education is the first step to a healthy and happy smile!

Ashley Harrison, DDS Call Today! (530) 894-5454 1660 Humboldt Rd #1 Chico, CA 95928

HAVE YOU LISTENED LATELY?

As we discussed in last month’s issue, there are different recommendations when it comes to cancer screenings.

Two specific groups that provide cancer screening test guidelines are the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Below is an overview of recommendations from both groups for breast cancer screening tests for people without symptoms.

Mammography. An x-ray of the breast.

• ACS recommendation: Women 40 and older should have one every year.

• USPSTF recommendation: Women 50 to 74 years old should have one every two years. They recommend that mammography be considered in women aged 40 to 49 after evaluating the risks and benefits of this test with a doctor.

Clinical breast examination. A breast examination performed by a medical professional.

• ACS recommendation: Women 20 to 40 years old should have one at least every three years. Women 40 and older should have one every year.

• USPSTF recommendation: The current evidence is insufficient to assess the additional benefits and harms of clinical breast examination beyond screening mammography in women 40 years or older.

Breast self-examination. A breast examination performed by women on their own breasts.

• ACS recommendation: Women 20 and older should be told about the benefits and limitations of this examination and the importance of talking with the doctor about any breast changes. This examination is considered “optional.” However, if a woman chooses to perform breast self-examinations, she should have her doctor review her method at periodic check-ups.

• USPSTF recommendation: Recommends against teaching breast self-examination.

In the next few months we will discuss screening recommendations for cervical, colorectal, prostate and skin cancers.

Sam Mazj Feather River Cancer Center (530) 876-3141 59

Dañiel Alexich-Duran & Brianna Minton:

UP-CYCLED ARTISTS

A man in a grey suit bangs articulately arranged pots and pans with a pair of black drumsticks at the Boys & Girls Club 15th Annual Valentine’s Gala Saturday night. Held together with bungee cord inside a 4x4 foot circular trampoline frame, these pots and pans have been transformed into a sleek, matte-black percussion piece. Visually pleasing, and acoustically stimulating - this sculpture has got rhythm. And what’s even more impressive, it was created by two teenagers at the Boys & Girls Club from recycled materials.

Meet 15-year-old Dañiel AlexichDuran, and 16-year-old Brianna Minton, who, with the help of Dañiel’s father, local artist Esteban Duran, were challenged to create art using materials found at Basik Recycling. “Dylan McFann is really the brain-child of this project,” Esteban said referring to the president of Chico’s scrap yard, Basik Recycling.

McFann pitched his idea to the Museum of Northern California Art (monCA) 60

and the Chico Boys & Girls Club early this year. After creating four two-person teams, each mentored by a local artist, the kids and mentors were let loose inside Basik Recycling yard on January 11th to forage for usable materials. The winning team’s creation would be sold at a live auction the following month

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

at the Boys & Girls Club 15th Annual Valentine’s Gala.

“It was so fun digging,” Brianna said recalling the two hours they spent excavating mounds of trash at Basik Recycling. Among the jungle of junk were ice-cream scoops, crutches, bicycle wheels, kitchenware, a fire extinguisher, an old-fashioned typewriter, a bent stopsign, a pitchfork and a piece of metal full of bullet-holes. “We were like kids in a playground,” Dañiel said. Esteban’s team, “The Rowdy Recyclers,” initially wanted to make some sort of kinetic sculpture using bicycle wheels before they found out the piece was limited to a 4x4x4 foot dimension.

Having to revise their original plan, the team decided to that they wanted to incorporate some type of interactivesound element to their piece. And thus the banging began! The trio tested the sound of numerous items before deciding on what to include. “If it sounded the same, we would only take one,”

Dañiel said about the process. This way, each item would create its own unique sound resulting in a complex interactive sound-sculpture. And let’s be honest, banging relentlessly on metal objects is just down right, good old-fashioned fun-especially when there’s no authority to tell you to stop.

After the items had been selected, which included a variety of pots and pans, a pitchfork and a grill, the team scaled each object down on paper to figure out how each would fit inside the circular trampoline frame. “We didn’t think about it, but we made a mirror image so we had to do it backward,” Dañiel explained. Nevertheless, they followed their chosen design and began strategically placing each sound-bearing element inside the frame. With everything in place, all that was left to do was secure the items in place by stringing recycled bungee cord through drill-holes, and unify the piece visually with a matteblack finish.

“The Rowdy Recyclers” spent around six 90-minute sessions at the Boys & Girls Club to complete the final product. Because the piece was only 4 feet tall, the team cleverly attached it to the bottom of an upside-down 5 gallonbucket, which they also sprayed black, so the average-sized human could play it. With a splash more of genius, they drilled two holes in the bucket to hold the drumsticks needed to produce sound.

“I was pushed into it,” Brianna said about

first getting involved. “But then I was like this is really cool.” And aside from the fun experience, all their hard work would pay off -- literally. At the auction they were each surprised with a scholarship that came from half of what the piece was sold for: $1,500.00! Both Dañiel and Brianna now each have $375 in their scholarship funds, and the remaining $750 goes to the Club to keep projects like this going.

Even before the bidding began, the audience clapped along as fellow teen center member, 15-year-old Erik T. gave a musical demonstration on stage. “He totally rocked it,” resource coordinator for the Club, Jessica Booth said. As Police Chief Kirk Trostle, who is also learning to play the drums, joined him on stage to perform a little drum solo himself, the auction quickly became an unexpected concert. “I bet whoever owned that pitchfork has no idea it’s in a live auction tonight,” Dañiel said.

The teens said this project really goes to show that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Emma Wood-Wright Michelle Camy

61

64

UPGRADED LIVING | MARCH 2014 | UPGRADEDLIVING.COM