Upgraded Living August 2020 Issue

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FROM THE EDITOR Our August issue comes at a time of more uncertainty, with more questions than answers. My hope is it comes with care for both

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

teachers and parents, students and their support staff on campus.

There is a quote I turn toward to gain balance. “What is right is not

AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner

always popular; what is popular is not always right.” Countrywide, we have lost school time from snow, floods, hurricanes, and fire.

KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief

We came through just fine. We are not out of the crosshairs of this unprecedented pandemic. As I tell my daughters, most decisions make themselves. Afterall, the 2021 Rose Bowl parade has been cancelled and the Toronto Blue Jays are not allowed to return to their country to play baseball. We will ultimately have the opportunity to look back at this in its entirety. We’ll be able to judge for ourselves which side of the quote took precedence. In the meantime, wear a mask.

This issue also comes with an Upgraded Living staff overflowing in excitement and joy. There are two reasons for that. First and foremost, our little family got a bit bigger. Our production director gave birth to an adorable girl. Mom and baby are doing great, and Aveed and

NERISSA QUINN

SHELLY BRANDON

Production Director

Writer

JASON CORONA

FRANK REBELO

Sales Director

Photographer

DARREN MICHELS

MICHELLE CAMY

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer

I will keep the magazine going for the next couple of issues or so.

We’re already looking forward to her return. The other source of joy and excitement is in your hands! We are super delighted about how the August issue turned out. Nerissa was around long enough to design both the cover and its five page insert. The original idea was a “Hike Butte County” magazine. After gathering a pair of local experts, Mike Peck and Sarah Van Hout, the thinking went a little outside our county. All of the amazing pictures were taken by Mike and they brightened each page to life. You may note the text is a bit obscure, if

CONTRIBUTORS CALIBER HOME LOANS

TIM MILHORN

Home

Food

not ambiguous. Rest assured, that’s on purpose as we figured those in

DR. EMILY HARTMANN

MIKE PECK

the know will be in awe, and those who are not will do their research.

Beauty

Feature Photos

HRiQ

SARAH VAN HOUT

Human Resources

Lifestyle

Sarah, the mother of 8 and 5 year old sons, used her experience to write an all inclusive article about how to pack for day trips. You will find it very helpful. We also hope you find the same delight in this issue as we did.

As a former Chico High West teacher, I have a plethora of memories, stories, and experiences. In honor of our cover, it was easy to go back to the multiple times we took our senior classes on a midnight hike to Mount Lassen’s peak. It’s funny to realize how one thousand words later it feels like our readers get just the tip of the iceberg as a result.

ISLA KERR

NIKOLE ENNS

What Are You Comprised Of?

Interior Design

KEVIN DOLAN

CARLA LAI

Backpage

Beauty

SWEENEY & MICHEL

JASON CORONA

Finance

Cocktail Corner

I believe it’s enough and urge you to take a peak. Pun intended, misspelling on purpose.

On to September with this continued life of Groundhog Day, day after day after...

For editorial or general magazine inquiries, please contact: Kevin Dolan, 530.894.8091 kevin@upgradedliving.com

Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief

For sales inquiries, please contact: Jason Coronoa, 530.591.2634 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

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WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTO PROVIDED BY EMMA RIEM

Pivotal Point As Emma Riem reflects on the uncertainty centered around the beginning of her senior year at Chico High, her bright, telling eyes narrow and cast themselves downward.

Emma’s demeanor suggests a level of seriousness, perhaps even guarded. That is until she lashes that resplendent smile and all bets are off. The ending of her junior year appears to her as a precursor of her upcoming start of school. She handled the distance packaging with poise and balance and so welcomes the realization of things to come without much fuss.

Emma’s path to Chico High went through both Hooker Oak and Chico Junior.

Her smile even brightened more when mentioning Kevin Berry, her elementary school teacher, who, “Still talks to me today.” Chico Junior also brought treasured memories and “too many great teachers to name one.” Emma’s spring schedule at Chico High included a Sports Medicine class and Yearbook. She absolutely loved Sports Medicine and credited her teacher, Tammy Taylor. Her Yearbook class brought to light a comfortable connection to her Dad’s calling and vocation—Special Education. When dealing out the pages for each student to be in charge, Emma chose the special education pages knowing that, perhaps, her classmates just might be uncomfortable being responsible for those pages. This is not the only offhand connection between Emma and her Dad. Emma had been watching her brother play lacrosse with great interest. She felt drawn to the sport merely by learning from her brother’s participation. It just so happened her Dad was working with Lexi Lauer, a Special Education aide, who was also a girls’ lacrosse coach. She began playing her sophomore year and found it to be “Both really fun and a great experience, though we only won a few and lost most games.”

She went on to talk about how the sport of 10

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lacrosse is so interesting. The boys play with pads and helmets and “can hit each other.”

They also have faceoffs to battle for control of the ball. On the other hand, girls play with mouth guards and goggles, with no contact and a toss-up instead of a faceoff. Emma just can’t quite understand how the boys' version is “more hardcore,” and admits she would relish in the contact and be happy if the girls could actually hit each other. She remarks, “I can be more hardcore.” Her bright smile turned mischievous and eyes widened removing any doubt at the veracity of the statement.

After high school, Emma wishes to attend the University of Montana and study both business and accounting. At first, it was to be the University of Nevada, Reno, figuring it was “just far enough and not too close.”

Now she feels it is ok to leave Chico and have a completely different experience.

With those expressive eyes and winning smile, we have little doubt she does nothing but succeed at anything she puts her willing and empathetic sides to work in the same direction. We celebrate Emma and wish her the very best in her future pursuits.

Supplements are invaluable to the healing process and aiding in a faster recovery, which is one of the reasons why individuals tend to recover much faster in hospital settings than they do at home. By providing your body with the proper resources, it is better able to battle infection and heal itself at a far faster rate.

Finding Pure Hydration There are few things more inconvenient than headaches, sore muscles, or brain fog.

An otherwise productive day can be turned totally upside down by any one of these, and though there are plenty of ways to achieve them—an intense workout, night out, long flight, or illness—they usually trace back to one thing: dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when you lose or use more fluids than you take in, and your body doesn’t have enough fluids to carry out normal functions. In essence, your body goes into survival mode, slowing those functions to better match the level of resources available.

Once dehydrated, rehydrating isn’t as simple as quickly drinking a glass of water either, as it can take up to two hours for water to reach its endpoint—whether that be the brain, muscles, tissue, etc. There is, however, a way to instantly rehydrate and restore your body to its normal functioning, and it’s available at Pure Hydration, a new boutique medical spa in Chico opened by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Tracy Riddle and Anesthesiologist, Dr. John Kermen.

Located at 360 Salem Street, Tracy and her team of nurses at Pure Hydration utilize IV therapy to bypass the body’s normal uptake speed, delivering nutrient and vitamin-rich

fluids directly into the bloodstream. This direct infusion provides immediate access to areas of the body that need fluids most, allowing for a faster and easier recovery.

It is the same process commonly used by EMTs when stabilizing patients, hospitals after surgery, professional athletes after challenging games, and you’ve undoubtedly seen it offered in larger cities, like Las Vegas, as a quick cure for a hangover.

Our bodies need a wealth of different vitamins and nutrients to maintain normal daily function, and even more to perform optimally. Unfortunately, our bodies cannot create these items on their own and instead depend on external sources like food and beverages. As efficient as the metabolic process is, the body does not absorb all the nutrients it takes in. IV therapy circumvents this problem and allows 100% absorption as the nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, allowing your body to feel fully refreshed immediately without having to determine how to consume enough of each nutrient to achieve the proper level of absorption.

The effectiveness of IV hydration is especially valuable during illness, when the body’s demand for nutrients is greater than usual.

Pure Hydration offers many IV drip therapy solutions to quickly and effectively improve the symptoms from a wide variety of conditions. They also custom-blend formulas upon request based on what the individual is most in need of. Each of their treatments contains a unique combination of ingredients perfect for anything from fighting fatigue and reducing pain to increasing energy and boosting immunity. There are even treatments available to strengthen hair, skin, and nails— truly, there’s something for everyone! If you’re not sure which treatment fits you best, simply book your appointment as “undecided,” and their nurses will guide you to the right choice.

Whether you’re looking to simply take a breather in a relaxing spa-like environment, quickly recover from a night on the town, or elevate your immunity levels, Pure Hydration is the perfect place to visit. With plenty of affordable options, their service could be the difference between days spent on the couch or being fully focused and productive!

To schedule an appointment, call (530) 400-0142 or visit Pure Hydration online at www.PureHydration-Chico.com. You can also find them on Facebook at www.FB.com/PureHydrationChico

PURE HYDRATION 630 SALEM STREET, SUITE 130, CHICO CA 530-400-0142 11

against it. The ambience itself may be enough to attract the attention of both gawkers and travelers itching for the next adventure. These mountain tops will not disappoint.

Twin Tabletops We have long been accustomed to the beautiful mountain ranges surrounding both sides of our Sacramento Valley. From the foothills to the high peaks beyond, the sheer magnitude of the beauty on a clear day can all but be taken for granted. Down on the valley floor, nestled side by side, lay a pair of mountains with a unique formation which could go a long way in helping confirm believer’s view of the earth is, indeed, flat.

On occasion, you may see a train pulling a kaleidoscope of brightly colored boxcars in stark contrast to the mountain’s changing hues of the seasons. They are named for their individual flat surface, resembling a tabletop; and because of that distinction, it is often mistakenly called Table Top Mountain. The North and South Table Mountains are two prominent basaltic mesas overlooking the city of Oroville, California. They lie a few miles north of Oroville across from the Forebay on highway 70. The South Table contains the "O", a big capital "O" on the side of the plateau, that stands for "Oroville."

Dedicated on June 8, 1929 by Oroville High School the "big O" is formed out of a four inch concrete thickness and measures 87 feet by 33 feet. Its intent was to last through the generations, conveying a spirit of good sportsmanship in local high school athletic events. Beyond that, the dedication hoped the "O" would remind students of "cooperation and teamwork, both on the athletic fields and in our school activities". It is interesting to note, the "O", and most of its access routes, 14

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are located on private property. Perhaps the students some 20 miles away missed out on the true meaning of this iconic symbol. In the 1950’s and early 60’s, this large letter served as the perfect prank for Oroville’s biggest football rival—the Chico High Panthers. Brave, and perhaps foolish students from Chico would risk the climb, darken the line on the right side, and scamper away, leaving the giant letter “C” in their wake.

Both mesas are commonly known as North Oroville Table Mountain and South Oroville Table Mountain in order to differentiate them from a single mountain top. The resident twins are capped by the eroded remnants of a Miocene lava flow. The dense, black basalt that caps North Table Mountain and South Table Mountain was initially called the Older Basalt. This basalt was later renamed, and is currently known as its more romantic term, the Lovejoy Formation. Table Mountain is a prominent table-like geologic formation likely formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Thus causing the magma to flow into a stream valley and fill it up. The enigmatic shape of these mountains beg the question of just how did they end up in such a formal and stringent fashion.. It is said that around 300 million years ago the mountain was still at sea level during an ice age and ice sheets flattened the layers of sandstone creating what we call today, the 'Tabletop.' Interesting to note, the flat face of the mountain, known as a ‘cliff face,’ was remarkably caused by the action of waves when the sea constantly lapped

This beautiful mesa serves up a jaw-dropping spring wildflower bloom, nothing short of 17 ever changing waterfalls, and a chance to spend a day in a truly unique natural area.

Formed by ancient lava flows, the underlying basalt rock holds water, resulting in stunning vernal pools and dramatic waterfalls like the ephemeral and spectacular, Phantom Falls. Grab a kite, a picnic basket, and some hiking shoes and plan to spend a day at Table Mountain. If you are looking for the super bloom, for a few weeks every year some 600 varieties of native wildflowers blanket the hillsides. The wildflowers are typically in bloom from the beginning of March to the end of April. Of the numerous falls to behold, Phantom Falls will amaze. The impressive 140-foot seasonal waterfall situated in the Ecological Reserve is one of those waterfalls leaving you wanting to hunt down all the others on this blessed land. The land is also kind to avid hikers, as the sheer beauty of the trails dotting this place will leave a lasting imprint, memories sure to stick with visitors for a long time, surely inspiring others to get out on those same trails. In normal conditions, North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is open to the public year round, dawn to dusk, for self-guided visits.

We very well may be surrounded on both sides by mountain range after mountain range. However, right here, in the center of our county lies a truly twin treat. Though mainly known for its beauty and adventure, the mountain's history is rich and real. The small ghost town of Cherokee is on the mountain, and is named because a small group of Cherokee Indians were brought there and established a small community. Today only ruins remain, but the area is home to around 20 people. Dating back to the late 19th century, the ruins of the ancient house is all that is left standing on Phantom Ranch. It was heavily used during the Gold Rush. The ranch, itself, can be seen from the Phantom Falls hike. Though completely in ruins, the ranch’s history is alive on the long stretch of flat ground. Native wildflowers, impressive waterfalls, hiking trails, and a haunting history.

We celebrate our local legend and in awe of everything it has to offer.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

• Wash The Bite With Soap & Water: Remove venom that still may be on the skin’s surface in order to avoid accidental envenomation.

• Cover The Bite With A Clean Dry Dressing: Keeping the wound clean and dry will help with infections.

• Remove Jewelry: Watches, rings, or any restrictive clothing could result in greater tissue damage as swelling continues.

You’ve Startled a Snake,

Now What?

One morning while hiking a trail in Upper Park with my husband, I happened to glance down and see an enormous rattlesnake coiled up just off the edge of the well-worn dirt path. He was snuggled up to a fallen branch, neatly camouflaged against the sandy brown and grey tones. My heart rate shot up and adrenaline surged as I realized just how close we came to startling the snake into a bite. My mind raced as we continued on. What would I have done?

What should I have done? The following is a list of Do’s and Don’ts should a chance meeting ever turn into a bite.

Do's • Immediately Call An Ambulance: Assume that any snakebite is a venomous snakebite. The quicker the hospital is able to begin administering antivenom, the better the prognosis.

• Have The Victim Lie Down And Keep The Bite At Heart Level: This will help to keep swelling at the site down as well as decrease the rate of circulation and absorption of the venom.

• Keep Them Calm And Immobile: Venom is transported both in the blood and through the lymphatic system.

Muscle movement and increased heart rate both stimulate lymphatic flow, which would increase the absorption of the venom.

• Mark The Wound: Identify the edge of the area that is tender and/or swollen along with the time to monitor progression of venom.

Don’ts • Don’t Attempt To Catch The Snake: A photo or description is the safest way to identify the species.

• Don’t Apply A Tourniquet: Most snakes found in North America have hemotoxic venom, which causes excessive bleeding and can result in tissue death. By restricting circulation, the tissue will be subject to more damage by blocking off the flow of oxygen and other nutrients.

• Don’t Cut The Wound Or Attempt To Suck Out The Venom: Following a bite, the venom quickly enters the surrounding tissues and is impossible to remove. Cutting into the tissue can often result in additional injury.

• Don’t Apply Ice: The ice may block circulation increasing the chance of tissue death.

• Don’t Take Any Pain Relievers: Substances like aspirin and ibuprofen thin the blood, which can cause the venom to circulate faster.

The United States has about 21 species of venomous snakes, California has six, and Bidwell Park is home to only one, the Western Rattlesnake. Respect its home, keep a watchful eye on the trail and remember—a cool head and your phone are the most valuable tools in your first aid kit.

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Made for more big moments

Our Team Sam Mazj, MD, FACP Medical Oncology & Hematology

Kirsten Schwab, PA-C

Adventist Health and UC Davis Health. Bringing you personalized, academic-level cancer care right here, close to home.

You were made for more. More birthdays. More adventures. More healthy years. Adventist Health and the UC Davis Health Cancer Care Network have partnered to bring you a dedicated cancer care center in Chico. That means that the physicians and oncology-certified nurses you know and trust provide personalized care and services that support your journey to healing, including chemotherapy and infusion treatments.

You also benefit from UC Davis’ academic-level cancer care, including clinical trials and discussion of patient cases at multidisciplinary tumor boards. That means more expertise and leading treatments close to home and near to those who matter to you most.

You were made for more, so learn more.

AdventistHealth.org/CancerCareCenter 530-332-1042

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E X F O L I AT E F O R A

Clean Slate Over time, dead skin cells can build up on the surface of our skin, making it look rough, dull, and uneven. On most people, skin cells naturally slough off by themselves, but for some of us, they require a little extra help.

With the use of chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, we can loosen those dead skin cells and wash them down the drain.

There are also physical scrubs with rounded granules in them to remove dead skin without abrading or leaving the skin feeling sensitive or sore. Both options are designed to reveal the soft, smooth, fresh skin underneath. Microdermabrasion can do the same thing by taking off the uppermost layer of the skin and sweeping it away. When the skin is exfoliated, it allows for serums and moisturizers to be more readily absorbed, so they work more efficiently.

Self-tanners and spray tans are popular because they give you the color you want without exposing you to harmful UV rays that can age and dehydrate the skin. If you use an exfoliating product beforehand, you will get a more even, streak-free color. A dead skin cell will absorb the self-tanner more freely and turn darker than the surrounding skin, so you have that streaky appearance.

Exfoliation should always be the first step to fresher, smoother, more even-toned skin. Here at the DermBar, we carry several options to give you the skin you'll want to show off.

DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672

How to Reduce Cellulite and Stretch Marks As a plastic surgeon, my medium is skin, fat, and fascial tissue. It is almost daily that I have patients asking about cellulite reduction and/or prevention. Here's what I tell them:

exactly. In certain patients who undergo skin tightening procedures there may be a side benefit to reduced cellulite when the skin is pulled taught. However, cellulite reduction is not the main focus of the procedure.

1) Cellulite is caused by tethering of the skin to the underlying fascia creating a pouched look of the surrounding fat. Certain factors exacerbate its appearance such as thinned skin, excess sagging skin (think weight loss patients), fatty globules making the pouches look larger (weight gain), genetic predisposition, hormone changes, accumulated toxins, or simply a poor diet.

4) How can cellulite be prevented? Much of this stems from supporting your body's tissues from within. Start with a clean diet focused on minimizing toxins (processed foods, refined sugar, artificial sweeteners).

Hydration is so very important to keep your tissues flushed and supple. This actually helps move toxins out of the skin and provide a smoother appearance.

Dry brushing is wonderful for exfoliating the skin and flushing toxins. Of course, if we are talking about minimizing toxins, I must always advise that it is best to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

2) Are there non-surgical treatments?

Many modalities claim to correct cellulite but they all have underwhelming results.

There are minimally invasive treatments such as Cellfina (needles that break up the bands), ultrasound technology, lasers, radiofrequency, cryotherapies, and suction assisted technologies. Many lead to mixed results with a large hit to your wallet. Fascia Blasting, a hard stick with claws invented by Ashley Black, is all the rage; however, there is no non-biased evidence to support its use and it can have the side effect of bruising and pain. Topical creams often have caffeine as their active ingredient which increases blood flow to the tissue and reduces the appearance of cellulite temporarily. You must use these creams indefinitely to retain their results.

3) Are there surgical treatments? Not

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In summary, cellulite is best treated with prevention. A healthy lifestyle with diet, regular exercise, and toxin avoidance are the keys to fending off this pesky nuisance.

I also recommend practicing self-love because, at the end of the day, our bodies are beautiful in all their imperfections.

Be kind to yourself while looking in the mirror. The genetics that likely gave you that cellulite also gave you all the other treasures that make you, you.

Emily Hartmann MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with a holistic approach to surgery. She can be reached at Northstate Plastic Surgery (530) 345-9500

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WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

YOUR HEALTH NATURAL ENERGY BOOSTS

We’ve all experienced that drop in energy, the days or times it feels like you’d be better off crawling back into bed and waiting for your energy to magically appear. If you’re looking for ways to boost your energy naturally, in lieu of waiting for the energy fairy to appear, there are a lot of options available ranging from lifestyle changes to dietary modifications.

• Sleep: Experts recommend getting at least 7 hours of sleep per night, that’s 7 hours of good sleep. Drinking caffeine late in the day or having that evening glass of wine can disrupt your sleep cycle leaving you lethargic and unrested the next morning. So get to bed on time, switch to non-caffeinated drinks after 3 p.m. and skip that late night alcoholic beverage in order to ensure your body gets the welldeserved rest it needs.

• Workout: Regular exercise, often as little as 20 minutes, can lessen fatigue throughout the day. Our energy levels typically dip down in the afternoon, so try working in a walk after lunch or swing by the gym later in the afternoon to stop that energy slump and release those feel good endorphins to boost your mood and your energy.

• De-stress: Fatigue can often be fueled by excessive stress. This stress can make it hard to concentrate on daily tasks, and result in an inability to ‘turn off’ the worries of the brain. By discovering ways to alleviate anxiety through music, walks in the park, or other activities, we can decrease stress and increase daily energy.

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• Hydrate: Drink a couple of glasses of ice water to jolt you awake and ward off any fatigue that might be caused by dehydration.

• Green Tea: Sipping on green tea will give you a steady supply of caffeine to help fuel your day along with some metabolism boosting benefits. It has less caffeine than coffee, so you won’t have to worry about it affecting your sleep or giving you the jitters after indulging in several cups.

• Asian Ginseng: Eaten raw, added into your recipes, or taken in capsule form, ginseng has been shown to help control blood glucose levels as well as increase energy and reduce tiredness.

• Diet: Avoiding excess added sugars will help prevent the dreaded sugar crash which follows that sugar high.

Look for complex foods with a low glycemic index that won’t cause such great fluctuations in blood sugar.

Foods like nuts, apples, and high fiber vegetables make excellent quick snacks on the go. Eating multiple small meals through the day will provide a constant supply of necessary nutrients to your brain and increase alertness.

While there may not be any magic spell for increasing your energy levels, there are many different lifestyle and eating habit changes that can help contribute to a better sense of well-being and increased vitality.

Ensuring you eat a healthy diet, alleviate stress, and get a good night’s sleep will aid you on your way to a life of renewed energy.

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BEAUTY Q&A K E E P I N G YO U R P O R E S C L E A R

Before you get started, it is critical to choose products that are right for your skin, stay consistent, and always use a quality sunscreen.

This simple process of cleaning pores, and keeping them clean, begins with a good cleanser, such as Sorella Apothecary’s Orange You Jelly or PCA’s Blemish Control Bar, paired with an exfoliant Comedix Purity Clean. This is the first step to getting picture perfect pores. When skin exfoliates, it draws out the oil and dirt trapped, paving the way for skincare products to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. I would recommend exfoliating twice a week.

Following the cleanser and exfoliator you should choose a serum that treats your pores, like Cosmedix Serum 24, then finish with a light moisturizer specific to your skin type. The choices include: Sorella Apothocary’s Daily Greens, PCA Clear Skin, or Cosmedix Shineless. This simple 4-step process is key to keeping your pores unclogged. Having a mask for targeting areas is also a wonderful idea.

By Chico Author

On Sale Now @ Amazon.com and Made in Chico Contact karenmchenry48@gmail.com

Another great tip to take this process to the next level is pairing it with a toner. I suggest using a toner once a day to help your skin feel refreshed, and it also doubles as a great backup for removing daily build-up like makeup. There are two types of toners, hydrating and exfoliating. I typically like to alternate between the two depending on what my skin feels like on any given day.

Two of my favorites are PCA Nutrient Toner which not only hydrates but also smells divine. The other, Cosmedix Purity Balance, is an exfoliating toner to get that extra deep clean.

It’s also important to get professional facial treatments every four to six weeks as your skin will regenerate itself approximately every 28 days. My favorite treatment, and the one that garnishes noticeable results, are peels. These procedures work, especially on clients with clogged pores.

Peels target and treat uneven skin tone and congestion. Peels also stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin. After applying a peel, your skin is instantly brighter and tighter.

You will leave feeling refreshed and with dewey skin for days after. At Noomi Skin Care, facials are customized to every client because each client’s skin is unique.

I carry a wide variety of skin care products, including all those mentioned, that can be tailored to target specific skin concerns.

Make an appointment for a consultation to discuss your individual specific skin care concerns. Remember, it only takes 4-steps to better looking skin: cleanse, exfoliate, treat, and moisturize.

BEAUTY ADVICE

VIA

CARLA LAI

Visit Carla at Noomi Skin Care. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to schedule a free consultation call 530.514.0632 or visit her at 1731 Esplanade Suite #7 in Chico.

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Your Custom Home Builder Take a stroll through some of Shastan Homes’ prior developments, and you'll get a sense this company offers a special perspective on what it means to be a builder today. The Shastan Homes development at Forest Avenue is tucked in amongst the established oaks. These eye catching dwellings offer energy efficiency standards above and beyond California requirements. The most recent expansion, Foothill Park, built right next to Bidwell Park with its walking and biking paths integrated into the design, facilitates the use of our naturally beautiful resources.

Since its establishment in 1977 by Jay Halbert, Shastan Homes has built over 1,000 homes and apartments in Butte County. The company continues to grow and evolve and, as part of this evolution, has decided to shift focus and concentrate solely on the building of custom homes.

Holli Anderson, Jay’s daughter, talks about this shift. “We build amazing houses and we stand behind them. We believe in creating a home you love and a home that’s good for Chico.” It is important to note Chico is not the only place fortunate enough to 24

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have Shastan Homes, they also have built custom homes in Durham, Paradise, and Mendocino County.

When asked what makes Shastan Homes desirable to work with, Holli says, “We are a turnkey operation—starting with design and engineering, as well as an established team of the best subcontractors in the area.” Once you’ve decided to have Shastan Homes build your custom dream home, you’ll sit down with the architect and develop plans for your house. You can work to develop your home from scratch or choose from one of the ten established master plans already approved by the City of Chico and use them as a jumping off point for the design. The company feels it is important to facilitate a truly “collaborative approach between the owner, architect, and builder.” They operate with the idea of complete transparency and no hidden numbers. They provide invoices each month in order to allow the customer to remain abreast of their finances and be part of the process every step of the way.

Creating a custom home allows you to be

the master of your dream, to establish your priorities in a home, and Shastan Homes will make the dream come true by working to meet and exceed all of your expectations. If the aim is energy efficiency, Shastan has “always been at the cutting edge” and offers various solar arrays, tankless water heaters, added insulation in the walls and attic, radiant barrier sheathing on the roof, along with healthier interior finish options. Whatever you’re looking for in your new home, Shastan Homes can provide it.

Jay Halbert and Holli Anderson are ready to build your custom home. They are available at every stage in your journey to help make the process fun and enjoyable while keeping the project on time and on budget.

Come see for yourself what forty years of family-owned excellence can do for you, your family, and the entire community.

SHASTAN HOMES CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.SHASTANHOMES.COM. YOU CAN REACH THEM BY PHONE AT (530) 519-9190 OR BY EMAILING SHASTANHOMES@GMAIL.COM.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON | PHOTOS COURTESY SHASTAN HOMES

Shastan Homes

Key Retirement Age Milestones

BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA, AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP ®, FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT SWEENEY & MICHEL, LLC

We've organized and outlined some of the key milestones for those approaching or considering retirement. More information can be obtained at ssa.gov, medicare.gov, or by calling your financial advisor.

Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 196 Cohasset Road, Suite 100, Chico CA 95926 (530) 487-1777 | renee@sweeneymichel.com | joe@sweeneymichel.com | www.sweeneymichel.com Sources: www.irs.gov; www.ssa.gov; www.medicare.gov | Sweeney & Michel, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. This brochure is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Sweeney & Michel, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Sweeney & Michel, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.

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want to make sure we can coordinate and follow up on all healthcare issues.”

North State Primary Care Your Medical Hub

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Dr. David Alonso MD has been practicing in Chico since 2010. Over the years, his practice has changed and grown, expanding to its current multi-provider practice with Dr. Alonso and two Family Nurse Practitioners, Joy Culp and Madison Dempewolf. Dr. Alonso realizes, with the growth of Chico and the surrounding areas, there are more patients looking to establish a relationship with a primary care provider for ongoing medical needs.

As a result, he and his team are excited to announce they are accepting new patients to their expanding practice.

school at Temple University in Philadelphia and his residency training at Dartmouth in 2006. He is currently serving as the President of the Butte-Glenn Medical Society. Their practice, now known as North State Primary Care, will be moving to its brand new facility at 546 Rio Lindo Ave, Suite 102 in August to accommodate their new FNP Madison Dempewolf and welcome new patients. Dr. Alonso’s Amour Medical Aesthetics office is also moving into Suite 100 of the same address and will now have a dedicated space for it’s growing client base.

Joy Culp joined the practice in 2013 and is originally from Grass Valley, CA. She attended Chico State’s Nursing program, worked twelve years as an RN in the North State area, and then continued on to graduate from Sonoma State with her FNP degree in 2012. Madison Dempewolf moved to Chico from Santa Cruz for the nursing program as well, then continued to work as an RN for five years before deciding to get her FNP from Sonoma State. She will officially join the practice in mid-August of this year. Dr. Alonso has been practicing internal medicine for almost fifteen years following completion of medical

Dr. Alonso speaks to what he feels the true role a Primary Care provider should play in healthcare. “We should be an individual’s medical base of operations” that aids in “coordinating, supervising, and overseeing their care, even when the patient moves to other specialist’s offices.” Having a provider who will follow your care at various locations throughout the area is invaluable to your health and well-being. Joy Culp reiterates that idea saying, “We are going to be [the] hub for all of your information. I want to make sure I have all your consult notes, your treatments, and your previous records here because we

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During these concerning times in dealing with the COVID-19 virus, the practice is implementing improved protocols to allow for social distancing and protection of patients as they continue their healthcare. The office will be instituting mobile check-in procedures along with text notifications to indicate when to come into the office and what procedures should be followed to ensure the safest visit possible. Additionally, the office has fully implemented virtual visits for those individuals who are unable­— or for whom it is unsafe—to come into the office. Though Dr. Alonso points out that in-person visits are always preferred, in an effort to alleviate some risks they can meet with patients virtually on certain issues. Joy Culp agrees, “It’s so important to offer personalized care to meet every individual’s needs.”

In order to ensure that each individual’s needs are addressed to their satisfaction, Dr. Alonso offers a Personal Care Practice, also known as concierge medicine. This service is for people who are looking for additional time and oversight with their physician. The care program has an annual membership fee which provides for additional time and contact, personalized development of a custom designed wellness plan with the addition of “24/7 availability through dedicated cell phone or email” and goes above and beyond the primary care practice.

North State Primary Care looks forward to assisting you with your ongoing medical needs and overseeing your medical hub. Most insurance plans are accepted, but it’s always advisable to call the office to verify your individual accounts.

NORTH STATE PRIMARY CARE 564 RIO LINDO AVE, CHICO CA 530-965-9900

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Recent Changes for the

Agricultural Industry Labor Law Anyone who has grown up around the ag industry knows how important employees are to farm owners and their businesses. The ability to create a flexible work schedule for laborers plays a major role in a farmer’s success, which is why understanding the specific agricultural labor law updates, and how to maneuver them, is the key to a successful operation in today’s society.

2020 brought a lot of changes in regards to agricultural worker employment laws, one of which changes the definition of overtime altogether. Time and a half is now considered 9 hours in a single workday, and 50 hours in a single work week.

California determined that agricultural laborers engage in back breaking work, and need the ability to earn a proper wage in overtime hours. AB1066 intends to lower the requirement for overtime hours more and more over the next four years, and is reinforcing this bill through hefty fines in order to ensure compliance.

HRIQ–HUMAN RESOURCES + PAYROLL 236 Broadway Suite #B,Chico, CA 95928 Shelby@upyourhriq.com | Upyourhriq.com 530.680.4747

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Design Mistakes You Might be Making in Your Own Home We all want a home that reflects our personal values, style, and unique family vibe while also feeling welcoming and comfortable. Do you ever get stuck and feel like you’re unsure if you are “doing it right”?

I’ve got a handful of small mistakes that you might be making and tips on how to remedy them.

Editing Do you have too much stuff? We tend to acquire things constantly, especially in our culture. Hand-me-down furniture, collectable knick-knacks, walls full of art, and momentos. If this is you… You. Are. Not. Alone. So many people struggle to edit what they bring into their homes. The first step to solving this issue is to decide what items are important, useful, sentimental and/or beautiful. If not, donate it, or give it away.

Cleanse your design palate and get ready to enjoy your home in a new way.

Color Palette Color is super important to design. You can have too little OR too much.

When it’s just the right amount, you know it! It feels calm, but also interesting. Colors have families that they belong to, and they tell your design story. When planning a color story, pick one color and use it as the storyteller. Show it through out, try not to add more than one or two extra colors, and keep these minimal.

Mixing Wood Many times I find clients that have so many different types of wood in the same room or throughout their home.

It’s really difficult to have different types of wood with similar tones next to each other.

They end up competing against each other, and no one is the star. Choose one and make her the star. If you want to use more than one type of wood, try a contrasting tone.

Texture A lot of people don’t think about texture as a design tool and fail to use it to enhance their designs. For example, choosing a shag area rug instead of short pile. Choosing a woven pillow with fringe to add to your sofa or bed or a wooden piece of art or woven textile to proudly display.

These items add texture that you can feel and also add visual interest.

Inaction I can’t tell you how many clients come to me because they are unable to make the first design move. It’s not that they don’t have a good design eye, they just don’t know where to start. I always say, "Start with one thing or one room. You don’t have to have it all figured out in the beginning, but you do have to start."

Nikole Enns, Owner of Iko Design an Interior Design Studio in Chico, California

From Sycamore Pool at One Mile to Brown’s Hole off Upper Yahi Trail, folks looking for a spot to cool off have a plethora of open and intimate choices. For those wishing to feast their eyes on epic sunsets, the uppermost point of the south rim offers grand views.

Looking for inspiration from wildlife?

Myriad close places, mostly under utilized, flourish with the promise of swimming, fishing, tubing, or just hanging out. A simple twist in the tributary, or the sheer awe of the ravine’s facade, is enough to provoke a renewed appreciation in anyone’s soul.

Join Highway 99 to I-5, and allow that short drive away to thrust you into the legendary waterfalls and hikes dotting the North State. The joy of the hunt, the guarantee of a challenge or two, and the amazement over the resolute calmness will certainly ensure multiple return trips.

Nestled between two highways lies one of our nation’s hidden gems and best kept secret.

Upon entry, each visitor may realize the fruition of their own wildest dream, whether it’s backcountry skiing, the spotting of wildlife, endless trails, stunning photography, comfortable camping, or writing poetry in a meditative state.

Destinations include the journey, and the notion of “stop a little� is a delightful one. Regardless of the highway, countless stopovers feature local eateries leading to great burgers and brews off the beaten path. Smaller falls, creeks, and beckoning hamlets beg you to hit the brake and take a break.

DESIGN BY NERISSA QUINN PHOTOS BY MIKE PECK

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FICO Scores for Mortgage Lending FICO stands for Fair Isaac Corporation, the inventor of the analytics software that produces credit scores. A person has 3 FICO scores, one from each of the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you recently purchased your FICO score online, it may be vastly different than your FICO score used for Mortgage Loan qualification. This is because Consumer FICO scoring models are designed with different algorithms on predicting risks and credit behavior.

Here are the Big Five Credit Score Factors and how each one may affect your overall creditworthiness: 1. Payment History makes up 35% of your Mortgage FICO score and is the single most important factor. Payment history factors include: - A variety of accounts, like credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and 2nd lien like home equity and lines of credit.

- Events like bankruptcy, judgments, liens, lawsuits, and unpaid accounts put into collections or sent to debt collection companies.

- Details of late payments follow 2 general rules: the length of time, in months, a payment was late and how long ago the late payment occurred.

Example—a 30 day late payment will lower your score in less than 6 months.

- 60 or 90 days late. Also, a late payment from 4 years ago is not as damaging to your score as a late payment occurring in the last 2 months.

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2. Amounts Owed: Approximately 30% of your credit score falls within this category.

Reviewing this can be complex, especially since many consumers carry several credit cards with varying balances along with auto or student loans. Generally, your score will be higher if you pay off credit cards and installment loans quickly and avoid “maxing out” credit cards.

3. Length of Credit History: This category is around 15% of your total credit score.

Typically, a longer credit history will increase your score, although borrowers with shorter histories can still receive high FICO scores if they’re carefully managing their credit.

4. New Credit Accounts: although this portion only affects about 10% of a FICO score, it’s best to avoid opening new accounts if you’re preparing to apply for a home loan. If you’ve been doing interest rate shopping, it should not affect your FICO score as long as you are not applying for new accounts or loans.

5. Types of Credit in Use accounts for the remaining 10% of your FICO score. The FICO modeling looks at the types of credit accounts held and how many of each.

Too many accounts can have a negative impact on the FICO score due to a sense of potential over-extension of credit.

For more information on the mysterious world of FICO scores you may be able to find more details about industry-specific scoring models at www.myfico.com. Contact Caliber Home Loans at 530.518.2667 for answers to any of your home loans questions.

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WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

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And You Thought They Were Vegetables!

As a “person of a certain age” (old), for years I ate bell peppers one way: green peppers filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices roasted in the oven.

I usually peeled off the pepper to reveal a compacted mound of filling which I ate first and saved the pepper for last. The only bell peppers I ever saw were green.

Years later, I discovered not only were bell peppers a variety of color, but they are actually a fruit of the Grossum cultivar group and the species Capsicum annuum.

The colors of this fruit include red, yellow, orange, green, and purple. While they are fruits, botanically classified as berries, they are commonly used as a vegetable ingredient. Bell peppers, like tomatoes, are considered fruit because they are produced from a flowering plant and contain seeds.

Peppers are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

There are many types of peppers that vary in degree of heat as registered on the Scoville Scale. Bell peppers register as 0 SHU. Compare that to the Carolina Reaper at 2,200,00 SHU, Scotch Bonnet at 350,000 SHU, and Jalapeno at 10,000. Bell peppers were “discovered” and named by Spanish explorers looking for peppercorns in the New World.

Along with the colors mentioned previously, rarer colors are brown, lavender, dark purple, and white. A rarely known fact is that red peppers are simply ripened green peppers. Bell peppers ripen in color stages from green, yellow, orange, and red. During this process some peppers can be multicolored as well. One variety, Permagreen, stays green when fully ripe.

Bell peppers contain a variety of nutrients and are a healthy source of vitamins and

minerals. The riper the pepper, the more nutrition value. Red peppers contain the most nutrients and taste sweeter as well, due to their sugar content. Antioxidants abound in bell peppers, especially red bell peppers, containing nine times more lycopene and carotene and twice the vitamin C of green bell peppers. The pulpy white interior, usually discarded, is a rich source of flavonoids and can be eaten.

Discarding this section is up to you, but I suggest not eating the seeds unless you have dental floss on hand! These delicious and versatile fruits are high in vitamins C, B6, and K, and they are a fair source of magnesium and manganese. They are low in carbohydrates and fat, but they are a great hydrating source as they are 94% water.

Bell peppers are prepared in a variety of ways, from the aforementioned stuffed peppers to being served raw in myriad ways. Diced bell peppers can be used as a pizza topping and in salads, and many people enjoy them raw and sliced to be eaten as a healthy snack along with celery and carrot sticks. Of course, people also enjoy them with various dipping sauces such as a peanut sauce, Buffalo bleu cheese sauce, and just about every kid’s favorite, ranch dressing. As the joke goes, “How do you make celery taste good? Slather it in ranch dressing!” Yeah, we know it’s not healthy, but sometimes you just gotta go for it.

Interesting Facts: Traditional Chinese medicine uses bell peppers as a treatment for certain digestive ailments such as indigestion, loss of appetite, and improved blood circulation due to frostbite. Also, bell peppers are not a seasonal fruit as they are available year round, and you can head over to your local Chico Farmers Market to purchase from local farmers at a great price.

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Liquor Toolbox PA R T 1

It wasn’t until I owned a home that I realized, even before the fire, how few tools I previously owned, how to use them properly, or what I really needed to perform the job right. I made it a point this summer that both my eldest son and somewhat adopted son know their way around the proper tools by watching instructional videos. They could then help me keep up our ol’ Victorian—at least the jobs which I am proficient in.

This thought came across my mind as I constructed an old fashioned using some of the barware I have again collected. I read a saying “If the only tool you have is a hammer, it’s hard to eat spaghetti.” With that in mind, I hope to help you build a great bar, not only with a blend of common and obscure bottles, but the proper tools to make each cocktail.

First of all, you cannot pour correctly without the right spout. The plastic ones are awful, get a metal spout with no stopper on the end. Norcal Restaurant Supply stocks the best value in a bag of 12.

The jigger is a precise unit of measurement with a top and bottom cone, each with a different measurement (1.5 oz and .75 oz) allowing you to pour, dispense, then fill the other side. You will need a set of these for most applications since you might not know where to fill for .25 oz. For this reason, at home, I prefer the 2 ounce measuring

cup from Mainstays, found at Walmart for $2, as it has a measurement for just about everything you’d need.

The mixing tin is a must, so you can fervently shake ice into your cocktail. There are endless sizes and types, just find the right one that fits your hand. I am not a fan of most of the lids that come with these as they can be difficult to remove, so I prefer finding a 14–16oz mixing glass that will sit in the tin about a half-inch down, creating an airtight seal.

There are two strainers and I recommend both. The basic bar strainer has a passage for liquid and a metal coil that stops ice and larger items in the tin. The second mesh strainer catches things like mint that are much finer that would otherwise create a drink filled with debris.

The y-peeler is my final ‘must have.’ Unlike other kitchen utensils, the simple plastic handled one, for a couple of bucks, is the best. It is sharp, and has the ability to lightly pivot to meet the fruit edge while avoiding the sour white pith under the peel. The one at Norcal Restaurant Supply is my favorite.

Start with the basic tools and you’ll be able to fix yourself a great cocktail, and just maybe be able to “eat the spaghetti.”

COCKTAIL ADVICE

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JASON CORONA

For more cocktail tips, give Jason a call at 530.591.2634.

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Whether on a bar’s patio sitting between the Kelly Brothers busting out Adele’s “Hello,” or in the midst of a raucous wedding reception as the female lead for the Decades band, Samantha Francis is in control. Her voice stretches the gamut from quietly soothing, hauntingly memorable, and delightfully endearing. It is the strength of her control that stands out mightily; almost like she was born to perform. She indeed was. Samantha was raised in a huge family in Orland, including some 40 first and second cousins.

The best part of having her whole family around were her parents—“her rock.” Her face softened as she explained, “They are who I want to be when I grow up.”

Samantha, the self-proclaimed “Theatre baby,” benefited greatly from her mom’s advocacy. The support branched out from the Chico Cabaret to the Blue Room and all stops in between. She also found herself singing in church or any other venue presenting itself. Samantha’s grateful time 44

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with the Decades also brought a dual beneficial twist and turn. Upon joining, Samantha found herself memorizing 200 songs in a short period of time, a test to behold. The eclectic collection of songs represents multiple decades, demanding a larger test on Samantha’s vocal range. In the end, she passed with flying colors. Both paved the way for where you’ll find her now.

Samantha suffered from an unfortunate and rare medical issue in her ear. After multiple trips to doctors, the outcome of the puzzling problem was solved, thrusting her into the passion of her life - music. Samantha and her partner, Ben Ruttenberg, from her days with the Decades, began with an acoustic project, springboarding into a new group, The Bidwells. With Carole King and James Taylor as models, the duo performed in the park, shot videos and posted them, all formed, as Samantha puts it, “out of love.”

Currently, in these troubling times, they are out in the community spreading socially

Samantha freely admits teaching, too, is a personal passion. You simply cannot “teach” the kind of passion she possesses, you can only perpetuate it in an infectious manner.

Of course, Samantha is doing just that. She is a full-time music instructor. Her services include: beginning and advanced vocal lessons, beginning guitar, piano, harmonica, and flute lessons. In addition, she coaches the students as performers with tips and musts to conquer both fears and uncertainty.

This involves learning a proper and powerful base, breathing, along with hand and head movements for a successful stage presence.

Ever clever, “precise and experimental,” coupled with her love for the city by the bay - Samantha’s teaching endeavor can be found online by the name Sam Francis Co Creations. The theatre baby is now a seasoned performer and recording artist with the spirit and dedication to pass these skills on to the future generation. Ones you might find on a bar’s patio sitting between dueling pianists, busting out a tune of the time. Just like Sam.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN | PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY

Hitting Every Note

distanced singing telegrams. Orders stem from picking three songs, however, they have played an entire hour show from a porch. In May, the couple, and their full six piece band, released an album of 14 original songs. They find themselves, “carefully navigating the waters to keep performing live.” From the response following their telegrams and the electrifying collection of ballads and ditties with unparalleled melody and harmony in their album, “Anywhere You Take Me,” the chances to perform remain imminent.

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2 20 Looking Through A Cracked Rearview Mirror

The Chico High West seniors hiked Lassen Peak. It was never about the hike; 2.5 miles up, and, for some reason, 2.6 miles down. The hike, however, served as a metaphor. The metaphor ran the gamut from the importance of following through to the stark truth life will prevent from doing so. The comparison also took into account Mother Nature and her way of getting involved, changing plans in an instant. Teamwork, empathy, cooperation, listening, and awareness were intricate components far before the first switchback. Early on, teachers named each grade level. The freshmen became the Foundation House, and the seniors emerged as the Summit. So, why wouldn't the Summit House hike the summit. And it began, not at 10:00 am, but rather a midnight harvest moon hike. With its metaphorical status, the numerous details of the hike became the matter at hand.

The second year of West, we formed an affiliation with Odyssey.

It began with low and high ropes team building and was about to take on a vastly different intent. Lain Hensley heads up this motivating and multifaceted company. In fact, the midnight hike was his idea. Lain stood in front of each class and formed them with light-hearted seriousness and organization. We would leave campus Sunday morning, hike that night, and return Monday afternoon.

Lain established the importance of preparing by introducing the imposing rally cry - “Cotton kills!” He described the first part of the hike’s ascent as a slow and steady climb causing sweat, even in the coldest condition. The higher the ascent, the more likely the winds increased, turning hikers wearing cotton into human swamp coolers.

So, no jeans, cotton t-shirts, socks, and yes, underwear. The Friday before, seniors brought a bag of hiking apparel and a sleeping bag to leave in the classroom ensuring nothing was forgotten on Sunday.

For transportation, parent and teacher’s names went up on the whiteboard with how many would fit in each vehicle. Mind you, this is taking place long before the trip. The final step was the formation of “teams,” covering every need. The teams consisted of: dinner, hike water and snacks, breakfast, and housing crew. Groups responsible for sustenance, brain-stormed the menu, divided up the responsibility for kitchen needs: pots, pans, knives, and the like.

Each group, ‘purchase order’ in hand, shopped and packed their fare. The housing crew divided up who brought rakes, shovels, and other necessary tools. The housing crew was also responsible for cleaning the kitchen after each meal. With details in tow, the excitement, jitters, and butterflies were palpable. The Sunday came quickly, and with one last pep talk from Lain, the students filled the vehicles. Each one was given a sealed envelope to open on the drive. The contents were instructions to put together either a skit or

song using the trip as motivation to be performed on Monday. Too many of these gems to do justice in this space. The group reworking Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” as a tribute to Lain along with the new title, ‘Free Ballin’ should suffice.

It may not have been about the hike, but each one proved memorable in myriad ways and no two were alike. The inaugural went off without a hitch. Smooth hiking up to a calm and not so freezing peak. It felt like we could touch the Milky Way, and the ominous orange moon, hanging majestically in the sky, lit up Lake Almanor, turning it into a stunning diamond ring. Other hikes had similar conditions, absent the haunting Blood Orange. A pair of hikes were turned back before the summit due to roaring winds.

There were times where the decision was made to send small groups back down due to differing reasons, such as altitude sickness and cases of just not-gonna-make-it any further. It is said that mountains like these have their own weather system. And then, along came the hike of 2000. Everything went so perfectly on the ascent. For a brief moment, the peak mirrored other years. Brief indeed, for in an instant we found ourselves in a complete whiteout, literally not seeing the hand in front of our faces. We were told later the winds were between 50 and 70 miles an hour. If we ever had a thought that we could do this without Odyssey, that moment dispelled it thoroughly. In a matter of seconds, Lain and his crew had us all broken up into threes, walking together, arms around each other’s shoulders. How they kept each trio on the switchbacks is beyond my comprehension. When walking into the wind, we kept low and fought together to keep moving forward. But when we turned the corner and had the wind at our back, we actually went into a running motion for several steps. Frightening at best. Lain went from the head of the line to the back constantly, checking on each trio. I became aware of our rather petite students and became super concerned for their safety. As weather does, just around the next switchback was clear and the wind turned into a steady breeze.

We would now collectively have one hell of a story to tell.

The car trips and meals and skits and trying to sleep on a fifty foot tarp below and fifty foot tarp above, coupled with the hike itself, became a wave we rode for the rest of the school year. The metaphor of the hike and life burned in our kids' hearts. They got it. The literature became more important to them, the lessons in government and economics took on a different perspective, a personal one. Treating each other with care and empathy became the norm.

I’ll leave you with this. Looking back now through that cracked rear view mirror, just maybe, all along, it really was all about the hike.

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