40 | Embracing Mental Health Counseling Before Crisis Strikes
45 | Seeking the Root Cause at The Well Integrative Wellness Centers
53 | Feel your Best at Redding’s Blissfusion Wellness Lounge
GOOD FINDS
24 | Birdwatching at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
32 | Gerard Minakawa’s Sweetshoots in Manton
64 | Plumas Ski Club Keeps Norcal History Alive with Longboard Races
LOCALS
49 | Christopher Matias of Hair Attractions
57 | Gold Award Winner Isabella Carbonell and Her Fully Restored Girl Scout Trailer
IN EVERY ISSUE
17 | What I Enjoy The Enjoy Team
70 | Recipe Pecan and Kale Salad
72 | Enjoy the View Frank Kratofil
74 | What’s Cookin’ Easy Clam Chowder
77 | Local Events Calendar
82 | Giving Back Spring Rivers Foundation
Enduring Enduring lessons
I grew up in Summit City (City of Shasta Lake), eventually graduating from Central Valley High School.
I never thought I would go into the fire service, but during my senior year I took an ROP fire technology course located at Redding Fire Station No. 5. That pivotal experience introduced me to the fire service during the 1987 Northern California lightning siege and shaped my future career path. After high school, I attended Shasta College, earning my Firefighter 1 certification and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) credentials, which provided a strong foundation for my future.
My career pivoted again when I became a paramedic. Seeking broader experience, I moved to Palm Springs, where I served as a firefighterparamedic before settling in El Dorado County. Over the years, I advanced through CAL FIRE, eventually leading the department’s training program and overseeing the development of over 7,000 employees.
Shasta College played a pivotal role in my education and career. Its instructors, particularly John White, and the relationships I built there helped shape who I am today. Partnerships like the one CAL FIRE shares with Shasta College remain crucial, enabling us to train the next generation of firefighters.
I was told by my mentors that you must learn something new every day. It doesn’t matter what those lessons are, you learn something new from each one. I encourage everybody to continue to pursue an education and Shasta College is a great place to start!
Chief Joe Tyler CAL FIRE Director/Fire Chief Shasta College Knight
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January means a fresh start, and we’re exploring mindful living, a concept that invites us to approach life with intention and awareness. As we embark on a new year, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how we can cultivate greater presence in our daily lives and nurture our well-being in all its dimensions – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
We’ll show you an integrative wellness center that seeks the root causes of disease, and then we will offer a glimpse into some of the ways our neighbors are creating a more conscious, compassionate community. For example, 18-yearold Isabel Carbonell transformed a dilapidated Girl Scout trailer into a mobile resource center, embodying the values of resourcefulness and service. We also dive into the proactive benefits of mental health counseling, because seeking support for our mental well-being is a sign of strength and a pathway to thriving.
We encourage you to embrace the principles of mindful living and find joy in the present moment. Let’s strive together to create brighter futures for ourselves and our beautiful North State community. Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
T he M c C onnell Found a tion
Helping build bet ter communities th rough phila n th ro py
Today Decides Tomorrow
The McConnell Foundation established a fund at the Community Foundation of the North State (CFNS) in 2001. Our goal was to expand philanthropic decision-making outside of our board and staff by adding community participation to our grantmaking process.
The mission of CFNS is to impact the region through the power of giving. Since 2000, it has awarded over $60 million in grants, made possible by the generosity of 176 fund holders representing $37 million in assets, along with professional fund management practices. In addition, North State Giving Tuesday has collectively raised $10 million for our communities.
A forward-thinking decision by The McConnell Foundation to help establish and fund the local community foundation has provided a significant return on our investment.
pounds, conquering your first marathon, or maximizing your overall well-being, success lies in understanding your body’s needs. PNO –E covers all the crucial elements of your biology, offering personalized nutrition, training, and breathwork programs that guarantee your success.
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AULT
REALTOR
OF THE YEAR
Coldwell Banker C&C Properties proudly honors Ray Ault, whose outstanding contributions to the real estate profession and dedication to his community have earned him two prestigious awards from the Shasta Association of REALTORS®. As “REALTOR® OF THE YEAR” 2024, Ray’s commitment to professionalism and support for clients, colleagues, and allied professionals exemplify the highest industry standards.
Ray’s visionary leadership and selfless service were also celebrated with the
LEADERSHIP AWARD
for his contributions as President of the Shasta Association of REALTORS® His wisdom, integrity, and ability to inspire have left an indelible mark on our profession. Congratulations, Ray, on this well-deserved recognition.
Prescriptive Hearing Aid Programming Comprehensive Aftercare and Maintenance Annual Hearing Aid Program Tune-ups
WHAT I ENJOY
THE ENJOY TEAM
FAMILY: 3 kids, two dogs, husband, Jack
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 34, five generations
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Community. Nature, its offerings and how they band together.
WHAT’S ONE FOOD YOU’LL NEVER EAT AGAIN AND WHY? Twinkies. When I was a teenager, I ate a whole box and it made me sick.
Darryll Alvey
Adams
FAMILY: Longtime boyfriend, 8 cats
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 8. Originally from San Diego
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? I like the calm relaxed lifestyle, and beautiful landscapes.
WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? Mr. Brightside by the Killers because I know the words and it’s easy to sing.
FAMILY: Wife Ronda, daughters Piper and Erron
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: Since 1973 (Eureka); and 1975 (Redding)
FAMILY: Husband Gary, daughter and step sons, one yellow lab, Asher
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: My whole life. Different parts, not always Redding.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The recreation, boating, hiking, paddle boarding, anything around water.
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE YOUR TEENAGE SELF? Live every moment. Don’t worry about the small stuff.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Fewer people than Southern California, scenery, mountains and lakes.
WHAT’S THE MOST RANDOM ITEM IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR RIGHT NOW? A syringe with tooth whitener
FAMILY: Wife Yvonne, 3 sons
FAMILY: Wife Michelle, daughter Reece, dog Diesel
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 56 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The great outdoors and being close to family.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION OR UNIQUE WAY YOU CELEBRATE? Christmas eve with family, games.
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: Off and on for 52 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The mountains, open space, waters.
WHAT’S THE MOST UNUSUAL FOOD YOU’VE EVER EATEN? DID YOU LIKE IT? Rocky Mountain Oysters. No!
FAMILY: Twin girls, 28 years old
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 24 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The outdoors, not too big, not too small. Great for small business owners. Great spots for horseback riding.
WHAT’S THE MOST RECENT SHOW YOU BINGE-WATCHED? Bridgerton.
Connie Blanc
Catherine Hunt
Alexis LeClair
Jeannine Hendrickson
James Mazzotta
Dean
FAMILY: Husband + cat
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: Since 1974
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Familiarity in the beautiful scenery.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE ABOUT YOUR LIFE AND WHAT GENRE WOULD IT BE? Winona Ryder, Horror
Jon Lewis
Jennie Blevins
FAMILY: Married + a dog
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: A little over three years.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? I like how people are concerned about and take care of the environment (recycling, conservation, etc.)
WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE ADVENTURE YOU’VE EVER HAD? Traveling from London to Italy.
FAMILY: Lone wolf
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 39 years
FAMILY: 2 kids
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 12 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? people, nature.
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE FOOD? Coffee.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The four seasons (minus summer!) and the easy living. Plenty to do, not too expensive, minimal traffic and good people.
IF YOU COULD ONLY EAT ONE TYPE OF CUISINE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Italian.
Carey
Wife Rachel, sons Zeke and August
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 18 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Bike trails, living quality, my wife
WHAT’S THE MOST BIZARRE TALENT YOU HAVE? I can make quite a few balloon animals.
Anderson
FAMILY: Boyfriend and house rabbit Maple
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NORTH STATE? Outdoor recreation opportunities and hardworking people. Being close to the Sacramento River, Whiskeytown, Shasta Lake and Mt. Shasta.
IF YOU COULD ELIMINATE ONE FOOD FROM EXISTENCE, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Canned peas. They’re mushy and disgusting, what is the point of them?
FAMILY: Husband Jim, Kids Maddie, Eric and Zach
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 1978-1992, then 1998 to present
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Lots of paddleboard places
WHAT WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD DREAM JOB? Vet for healthy animals.
Jessica Zettlemoyer
Jen VerMaas
Kerri Schuette
Kayla
Josh
FAMILY:
FAMILY: Sons, Michael and Brandon
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 55 of 59 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? There is still open country and freedom (space)
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY MASTER ANY Play electric
Megan Peterson
FAMILY: Husband Cleveland, sons Braxton and Alex, dogs Dooberry and Kylie
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 16 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The natural beauty, fall colors and stunning skies are my favorite.
WHICH FICTIONAL CHARACTER WOULD YOU BRING TO LIFE AND HANG OUT WITH FOR A DAY? “Towanda” – an alter ego mentioned in the movie “Fried Green Tomatoes.”
FAMILY: Married, two kids, two dogs and a cat
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: Born in Chico
FAMILY: Husband Ron, son Trevor
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 28 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Natural beauty
IF YOU COULD SWAP LIVES WITH ANYONE FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Elon Musk because he meets amazing people and comes up with the coolest ideas.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Four seasons, space, history.
IF YOU COULD BRING BACK ANY FASHION TREND, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Bell bottoms and fringe
FAMILY: Terry, 2 kids, Haley and Dalton, grandson Taylor
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 31 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The beauty, community, Enjoy Magazine
IF YOU COULD GUEST-STAR ON ANY TV SHOW OR MOVIE, PAST OR PRESENT, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? Finding Nemo, Dory, “just keep swimming.”
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 35 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE NORTH STATE? The abundance of fresh, locally grown foods and products.
IF YOU HAD TO GIVE A RED TALK ON ANY TOPIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE? My TED talk would be on the power of expanding your perspective through travel and cultural curiosity.
FAMILY: Married to Grace, 6 kids, 7 grandkids
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: On and off since 1983
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Rain (I currently live in Arizona = no rain),, Enjoy Magazine
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY THREE PEOPLE – DEAD OR ALIVE – TO DINNER, WHO WOULD IT BE? John Denver, my father, my step-father.
Marjan White
Kimberly Bonéy
Kevin Gates
Michael O’Brien
Melissa Mendonca
Melinda Hunter
FAMILY: Husband Dean, daughter Reece, dog Diesel
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 45 or so years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Having deer and turkey in my backyard.
WHAT’S THE LAST PICTURE YOU TOOK ON YOUR PHONE? Our dog Diesel, wrapped in a blanket.
FAMILY: 2 kids
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: Since 1970
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? My family is here, the beauty of the area, family atmosphere.
IF YOU COULD SWITCH LIVES WITH ANY ANIMAL FOR A DAY, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? A pampered house cat so I can sleep in the sun all day.
FAMILY: Mom Michelle, Dad Dean, dog Diesel
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 18 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Bethel Church, mountains
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TV SHOW, MOVIE OR BOOK? Gossip Girl
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 22 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? Outdoors
IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SUPERPOWER AND YOUR SUPERHERO NAME? My super power would be a truth seeker and I’d call out all the misinformation on social media. My name would be The Irritator.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The people, trails, Enjoy Magazine, Riverfront Playhouse
IF YOU WERE ABLE TO LIVE IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY FOR A YEAR, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? New Zealand
FAMILY: Wife Cathy, dog Fred, cat Doug
WHAT YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT THE NORTH STATE? The endless possibilities.
WHAT MIGHT YOU BE FAMOUS FOR IN ANOTHER LIFE? Zen Master
FAMILY: Husband James, 3 boys
YEARS IN THE NORTH STATE: 47 years
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE NORTH STATE? The seasons
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY RELOCATE TO ANY OTHER CITY OR COUNTRY, WHERE WOULD YOU GO AND WHY? French Riviera, for the food and culture
Richard DuPertuis
Reece Adams
Michelle Adams
Yvonne Mazzotta
Terry Olson
Stacie Moore
Ronda Alvey
& News News from NPR, JPR and music from emerging artists.
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the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles
BIRDS
BIRDWATCHING AT KLAMATH BASIN
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
VISITOR CENTER
rowned the country’s national bird in 1782, bald eagles were once in danger of going extinct. But with the habitat protection afforded by the Endangered Species Act, the banning of DDT and numerous conservation efforts, bald eagles can now be found in just about every state except Hawaii. One of the best places to see them in winter happens to be right here in northern California on the eastern edge of Siskiyou County.
“Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges host the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the contiguous United States,” explains John Fitzroy, the Visitor Services Manager for the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “These magnificent birds are drawn to the region due to the abundance of waterfowl that inhabit the refuges during the winter months. The eagles rely on these large waterfowl populations as a critical food source during the colder season.”4 continued on page 26
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
These magnificent birds are drawn to the region due to the abundance of waterfowl that inhabit the refuges during the winter months.
But this season, eagles aren’t the only ones with a critical place to congregate at the refuges. A new visitor center, made possible with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020, opened its doors to the public in spring 2024. According to Fitzroy, the building’s “unique architectural structure blends the built and natural environment while establishing a modern sense of place and community for all visitors.” And, he argues, it should be the first stop on any visit to the area. “It contains a variety of exhibits, displays, brochures and wildlife-oriented programs, and it’s manned by staff and volunteers who can help plan activities and answer questions. For both new and returning visitors, it can deliver an orientation with practical advice and up-to-date information on wildlife sightings. It’s also delivered personally by volunteers and refuge staff in a context that often gets lost in the information overload of the internet.” 4 continued on page 29
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
GLOVES SNOWBOARD GOGGLES
For Fitzroy, the visitor center serves a number of purposes, including functioning as an economic driver for the region. “Although refuges are places where wildlife comes first, refuge visitor centers add real value to local economies by attracting recreational users. Some visitors take part in hunting and fishing, others enjoy hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing or nature photography. These visitors pay for lodging, meals, and other purchases from local businesses to sustain the pursuit of their recreational experience.”
In 2017, the combined economic contribution to communities nationwide from National Wildlife Refuges was more than six times the amount appropriated by Congress to the entire refuge system, he adds. The center also offers a critical public education piece between the work the refuge does and the general population. “Helping the community connect with and support the work of the refuge is where the rubber meets the road, so the visitor center helps do that by creating a more fulfilling experience, maybe even one that generates the respect, support and defense necessary to ensure they will be here to inspire future generations.”
Staff at the center can give real-time insight about the best places to catch a glimpse of wildlife, including eagles, but one of the best overall ways is to drive one of the auto tour routes that pass through both the Tule Lake and the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges. These self-guided tours allow visitors to drive at their own pace, and provide places along the route to stop and take pictures or just sit and observe the majesty of nature. “The auto tour routes on Tule Lake and Lower Klamath offer four types of grebes along with a multitude of waterfowl species that occupy
the waters spring through fall. During the winter when the lake freezes, dozens of bald eagles can be found near areas of open water. You just have to follow the signs to stay on the route,” explains Fitzroy.
Fitzroy also encourages visitors to the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge in particular to take advantage of the free GPS-enabled narrated driving tour that begins at the new visitor center and explores the southern shore of Tule Lake. This tour takes a deep dive into the history of the region, along with the ongoing efforts to protect the largest wetlands area west of the Mississippi River.4 continued on page 31
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
The real estate market in Shasta County is a diverse mix of ranches, riverfront and lakeside residences, and homes with mountain views,” said Phillips. “Our mission has always been to provide luxury service to our clients with the utmost professionalism and compassion regardless of price point. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to elevate our operations to a global scale, while utilizing the brand’s best-in-class marketing tools and resources.
No matter the season, getting outdoors at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges affords visitors access to world-renowned wildlife-related recreation activities. But watching the high-speed dive of an eagle after its prey or seeing a convocation of this magnificent species unlike anywhere else in the contiguous United States should be at the top of anyone’s winter bucket list.•
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
4009 Hill Road, Tulelake (530) 667-2231 www.fws.gov/refuge/lower-klamath www.fws.gov/refuge/tule-lake
Megan Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, and she always relishes a touching human story. Aside from Enjoy, she’s typically busy writing and producing for television, having created more than 220 hours of on-air content on networks ranging from National Geographic to Netflix.
Photo courtesy of John Fitzroy
Photo courtesy of Discover Siskiyou
growing a memorable space
GERARD MINAKAWA’S SWEETSHOOTS IN MANTON
ight in the middle of the sleepy town of Manton, the new Sweetshoots acts as the perfect pit stop for those exploring Northern California.
In its couple of months of being open, hunters, bikers and lots of local kids have frequented the café/market/watering hole/ local hangout.
Award-winning industrial designer Gerard Minakawa opened Sweetshoots in October during the annual Manton Apple Festival. The place was formerly a dive bar/market called Manton Corners but had been closed for seven years before Minakawa reopened it as Sweetshoots (the general market originally opened in 1902). Now as an all-ages establishment, many locals said that they’ve been in Sweetshoots more in its first few weeks of being open than they have in their many years of living in Manton.
“A lot of kids come through here, play games, and buy ice cream. I like that vibe that kids bring. It’s comfortable, you can hang out for a while, jump on the free Wi-Fi, hang out on the patio,” Minakawa says. Inside Sweetshoots is a refrigerator full of necessities, a freezer with frozen pizzas and apple pies, shelves with craft beer to enjoy on the patio. There’s a rolling pool table that can be moved outside during Wednesday cinema nights as kids eat popcorn and watch a movie on the projector screen. The big grassy fenced-in yard with bamboo trees lining it has a cornhole setup and ends with a neat metal/
bamboo stage, what Minakawa calls the “Dumpster nest” because he pulled the bones of it out of a trash can in Las Vegas eight years ago after the Electric Daisy Carnival festival. Although they have not been open that long, Sweetshoots is already known to have the best caramel macchiatos, mochas and chai tea in town. “I thought this was a drip coffee kind of town, but that’s not the case,” Minakawa says. With live edge wooden tables to sit at (and a bamboo laminate checkout counter), he eventually wants to have a kitchen and offer more made-to-order food so he can start selling wine.
The name “Sweetshoots” comes from Minakawa’s other business in growing and building bamboo art sculptures. Minakawa is originally from New York City, born to a Bolivian Japanese father and an Argentine mother. His parents live in Manton as well; his dad speaks five languages.
Minakawa studied industrial design in Santa Barbara, evaluating bamboo furniture, and then did freelance furniture design for a while. In 2000, he went to Kyoto, Japan, to visit his sister and found bamboo in everything. “It’s used in kitchen devices (like whisks), basketry, painting, gardening. It’s part of the forest,” he says. “It’s very ubiquitous. I think you’d have to be blind to go there and not somehow touch bamboo. Bamboo is a lifestyle, a part of history, it’s an integral part of the culture.” 4 continued on page 34
Photo by Tina Stewart
“We have a lot of builders here, and we’re trying to figure out how to harness that talent to make a world-class establishment; create a memorable place that people want to drive to...”
Minakawa made “grass furniture” for three years, then went to Bolivia for three years and worked with indigenous artisans, finding more inspiration. “The creativity was astounding,” he says of his time there, talking about a guy he found in the jungle who made canes out of animal bone.
Eventually, Minakawa wanted to settle down and work in the United States again for its stability and opportunity to see through his long-term goals, like growing his own bamboo. He originally imported different species of bamboo commissioned to design into furniture (the front window trims are made of Guadua bamboo imported from Columbia) and art festival structures, but now grows his own “sweetshoots” bamboo species (scientific name: Phyllostachys dulcis) that can get up to be three inches in diameter and 40 feet tall. This type of edible bamboo is fast growing and cold-hardy, surviving in temperatures of 5 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
This sweetshoots version is also used in stir fry dishes, and the leaves can be steeped into tea. “It’s good for your hair,” Minakawa says. Minakawa is also cultivating Madake bamboo at Sweetshoots, which will hopefully provide shade in a few years.
Plus, it takes a lot to snap bamboo. “It’s known for its strength and flexibility. In spirit, I try to be like that,” he says.
That’s why there are wheels on the pool table, and a pop-up cinema. “I try to make this place flexible, adaptable, a multidimensional space,” Minakawa explains. It’s one of the only spots in town for kids to go to; Minakawa notices that when they get
dropped off the bus coming from Red Bluff, they end up at Sweetshoots.
“Offering essentials every town should have,” Minakawa says, he also wants to build a sculpture garden, make Sweetshoots a music/ performing arts venue where the functioning bamboo permanently grows.
“We have a lot of builders here, and we’re trying to figure out how to harness that talent to make a world-class establishment; create a memorable place that people want to drive to,” he says.
Since nothing had really been done to the building since it was built in 1902 by German carpenters Theo and Frank Paselk, Minakawa had to completely renovate the space. He kept the original footprint of the place, including the ceiling, back wall and subfloor, but had to rip out and redo the plumbing, electrical, HVAC and everything else. Wires crossed over each other in the ceiling, and Minakawa said the original wood was “crispy.” Revitalizing the space with sturdier materials not only made it more welcoming, but has also made it more fire resistant. “I was motivated to see this place reopen. It took 120 years, but it can now we’re here,” Minakawa says. •
Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University and loves to visit her parents in Redding.
Photo by Tina Stewart
Photo by Kayla Anderson
Dr. Bob Ghelfi and his team, with 32 years of combined regenerative health experience, are fully committed to you and the community they call home. Your wellness journey is their passion.
“...it’s one of the most beautiful marathons they’ve ever run just because of the scenery.”
on your mark
KEEPING ACTIVE WITH SWEAT RUNNING CLUB
ater this month, when contestants set off for the Redding Marathon from a Shasta Dam overlook, they’ll be helping to mark the SWEAT Running Club’s 55th year of promoting health and fitness.
Known formally as the Shasta Wonderland Elite Athletic Team Running Club, the organization was founded by Egon Harrasser in 1970 and has hosted more than 200 running events, ranging from fun runs to 26.2-mile marathons. Harrasser, who passed away in 2022 at age 87, was an avid runner who formed the group to make a difference in the community by funding scholarships for high school track and cross country athletes, says Tori Parks, SWEAT’s longest-serving board member.
The group’s oldest event, at 53 years old, is the NorCal John Frank Memorial Run, a 10-mile race held each March. It now commemorates Frank, a legendary Central Valley High School athlete (a state champion and U.S. Junior Olympic winner in 1979) who died in a construction accident in 1986.
SWEAT also conducts the Redding Marathon, a stunning cross country trek from Shasta Dam down to the Sundial Bridge that has been around since 2002. While not as big as other marathons in the state, the Redding Marathon continues to draw raves. Parks says SWEAT routinely receives feedback from runners “who always say it’s one of the most beautiful marathons they’ve ever run just because of the scenery.”
In addition to the Shasta Dam and Sacramento River views, the Redding Marathon is a Boston Marathon-certified race, meaning runners can use their Redding times when they apply for highly coveted invitations to the historic race in Massachusetts. 4 continued on page 38
Whiskeytown Relays
Founding members
Igon Harasser and Dr. Harry Daniel
“You have to have a time at a certified course to be considered for the Boston,” says Jamie DeSantis, a member of SWEAT since the mid-1990s. “That means it has to be exactly measured at 26.2 miles, all mapped out, and sent to the USA Track & Field Association to get certified.”
By far, the most popular SWEAT club event is the Turkey Trot, held on Thanksgiving mornings, where runners and walkers can choose between a 6-mile run or a 2-mile fun run/ walk prior to sitting down for the big turkey dinner. Parks, the race director, says about 1,700 people showed up at November’s event.
The Whiskeytown Relays, featuring four-member relay teams on a 20-mile course around Whiskeytown Lake, was another popular SWEAT club event that was brought to an end by 2018’s Carr Fire.
Parks says the chance to catch up with past SWEAT scholarship recipients, who routinely come back to participate or volunteer at club events, is a big motivation to stay involved with SWEAT.
“The Turkey Trot is a perfect example of the community coming together and all the kids who participated in track coming home. I’m grateful we have that event in our group of races.”
Parks, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Shasta Regional Medical Center, also is eager to keep alive the memory of SWEAT’s early leaders, including Harrasser, the Hon. Richard Abbe, Dr. Harry K Daniell and
Parks’s late husband, Dick, a popular track and volleyball coach at Shasta College and Enterprise, Shasta and Anderson high schools. Dick Parks died in November 2022 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Annually they award more than $10,000 in scholarships in memory of Abbe, Daniell and Parks.
DeSantis, a six-time Boston
“There’s a lot of nice people and a wide variety. The commonality is everybody likes to exercise and run.”
Marathon runner who also has completed marathons in New York, Rome, Greece and the French Alps, says he sought out SWEAT after relocating from Los Angeles and has found it to be a fun conduit to meet people and promote running in the North State.
“There’s a lot of nice people and a wide variety. The commonality is everybody likes to exercise and run. It’s a really good support group,” DeSantis says. He notes that the Tuesday night social runs provide a nice introduction to SWEAT and a great way to find running
partners. “There’s safety in numbers,” he adds. •
SWEAT • www.sweatrc.com
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Upcoming Events: Redding Marathon, Jan. 19 NorCal John Frank Memorial Run, March 1
Jon Lewis is a Reddingbased writer with more than 40 years of experience. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and sharing stories about people, places and things. He can be reached at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.
Dick Parks
SWEAT scholarship recipient Landon Woollard
Whiskeytown Relays
mindful well-being
EMBRACING MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING BEFORE
CRISIS STRIKES
hen we think of mental health counseling, it’s easy to imagine someone lying on a couch, pouring out their heart while grappling with anxiety, depression or a major life crisis. However, therapy isn’t just a lifeline in times of turmoil – it’s a powerful tool for fostering healthier relationships, personal growth and overall well-being long before a crisis hits.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it’s time to embrace the proactive benefits of mental health counseling. Let’s dive into why seeking therapy before things hit rock bottom is not only wise, but also life-changing.
Therapy: Not Just for Crisis Management: One of the most significant misconceptions about therapy is that it’s only for those dealing with severe mental health issues. In reality, therapy can be incredibly beneficial for anyone at any stage of life and for a variety of reasons. It’s about developing a deeper understanding of ourselves, improving our relationships and equipping ourselves with tools to handle whatever life throws our way.
“In our culture, most people expect to get an annual physical, which is important. I suggest that people should, at the very minimum, schedule a session with a psychotherapist at least once a year for a mental health check-up,” said Lynn Fritz, a marriage and family therapist in Redding. “The true goal of therapy is to help people to thrive, not merely survive. And, really, who doesn’t want to thrive?”
Fritz has served on the board of the Redding Regional Chapter of the California Association of Family Therapists for five years. She is also an ordained minister, serving as the chair of Shasta Interfaith, and a tribal descendant of the Karuk Tribe. She produces and hosts “Enjoy Exceptional Living,” a weekly radio program in partnership with Enjoy Magazine and KKRN Radio 88.5 FM Community Radio. The program airs Mondays at 8 am and repeats the following Saturdays at 11am.
“All humans encounter grief. We all feel pain when a loved one dies. Many of us have family issues that remain unresolved,” Fritz says. “A therapist’s office provides a safe place to explore loss and grief in a confidential manner. It’s where we can talk about, reflect and embrace change.”
Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Therapy isn’t just about addressing existing issues; it’s about building resilience and learning how to cope with future challenges. Life is full of challenges, and having a solid foundation of coping mechanisms can make a world of difference. Regular sessions with a therapist can help individuals develop these skills, ensuring they’re better prepared for whatever comes their way.
Burt Gershater, a life coach, mentor, author, poet and public speaker, began his private practice in the 1970s. His book, No Guts, No Love, has brought inspiration to thousands of readers around the globe.
“Nearly everything in life that works needs to be maintained: Your refrigerator, washing machine, car. Keeping things in working order is part of life,” he says. “Think of going to therapy the same as getting your car tuned up. Don’t think going to therapy means something is wrong with you. The words ‘something wrong with me’ should never be used in therapy. We are all a work in progress when we choose to be.”
Strengthening Relationships: Another powerful benefit of therapy is its ability to improve and strengthen relationships. Whether it’s couples counseling, family therapy or individual sessions focused on relationship dynamics, therapy can provide invaluable insights and tools for fostering healthy, fulfilling relationships.
“I’ve spent years working with families and couples,” Gershaster says. “What I find exhilarating is that we are breaking through generational pain. And we are helping our children and future generations break harmful generational behaviors. So, even if you don’t feel therapy benefits you, just think of future generations. They will thank you.”
Overcoming Stigma: Despite the clear benefits of therapy, there’s still a lingering stigma around seeking mental health support. Some people feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they see a therapist, fearing judgment from others. “There are still people who believe that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness,” Gershater says. “It is actually the exact opposite. It requires courage to seek help. You need to surrender your ego. And that takes strength.”
But Gershater has seen a tectonic shift in his 50-plus years of helping people improve their lives. “Generations before us thought that struggle and difficult times were just life. And they just gutted it out. Today, we know more about how our mind works. It’s as if since Dr. Sigmund Freud’s breakthrough work in psychoanalysis, humans have evolved. Was it an evolution of culture or an evolution of our species? I lean toward the latter, but probably some of both.”
Breaking down stigma requires open conversations and a shift in societal attitudes. By sharing our experiences and normalizing therapy as a healthy, proactive choice, we can help others feel more comfortable seeking the support they need, he says.
Embrace the Power of Proactive Therapy: Whether it’s improving family dynamics, building resilience, or strengthening relationships, the benefits of therapy are vast and profound. Remember, you don’t have to wait for a crisis to seek help. Embrace therapy as a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being, and take the first step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future. Let’s make 2024 the year we prioritize our mental health, one session at a time.
Terry Olson loves culinary arts, adult beverages and hiking in the North State wilderness. You may find him soaking up the scenery at one of our area’s many state or national parks or sitting in a barstool sipping a cold locally brewed craft beer.
Boutique Shopping
Enjoy several booths from local organizations and women-owned businesses. Shopping, education and fun! Booths open at 10 am
Nationally renowned Interventional Cardiologist, Dr. Dipti Itchiporia. She will be presenting an inspiring educational discussion filled with warmth and humor!
not what you think.)”
stories from performing all over the world
DR. DIPTI ITCHIPORIA
Wellness Keynote Speaker – Irene Salter, “What’s the opposite of overwhelmed? (It’s
IRENE SALTER
Linda Bott, Master of Ceremonies, Motivational speaker, Entertainer with
LINDA BOTT
L ADIE S’ NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, February 27th 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Grab your girlfriends and co-workers for some Heart Healthy fun!
Appetizers & Wine will be served.
SRMC Cardiac Rehabilitation 1355 East Street, Redding (Across the street from SRMC)
Space is Limited
RSVP by Thursday, February 20th
Lynnann Foster at LFoster5@primehealthcare.com
Join Shasta Regional Medical Center for a fun and informative evening promoting women’s cardiac health.
Receive Heart Health Screenings for FREE. Personalized Health Education
❤ Heart Rate Cholesterol
A1c ❤ EKG
❤ Tanita Scale (body composition)
❤ Enjoy heart healthy appetizers, wine and chocolate.
Mindful Living
Specialized Care in Dental Implants and Gum Health
At Team Perio, they’re dedicated to creating a positive dental experience for every patient. Whether you’re considering dental implants, addressing gum disease, or restoring your smile, their specialized team provides expert care with comfort and compassion. With advanced techniques tailored to your needs, they make improving your oral health stress-free.
Schedule your consultation today at 530.241.3302.
384 Hartnell Ave., Suite A
530.241.3302
www.teamperiodontics.com
@TeamPerioRedding @TeamPerio
Experience ultimate relaxation and wellness in the Salt Cave, “Knock-Out Tent” and infrared saunas that burn 300-600 calories. Clear your sinuses, reduce pain, inflammation, asthma symptoms, cough and boost immunity—perfect for kids, pregnant moms and the whole family. They also welcome pets! Shop for healthwise gifts like the GENESIS Stone, Salt Packs or the “Essence of Renewal” oil for nerve pain, foot and joint relief. Gift certificates are available!
BEING A SOLUTION
SEEKING THE ROOT CAUSE AT THE WELL INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS CENTERS
hile the word “health” might mean different things to different people, the World Health Organization defines it as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This same sentiment is echoed in the work being done by the medical practitioners at The Well in Yreka. “We are a Christian integrative wellness center, and our focus is on seeking out the root causes of disease, whether it’s emotional spiritual, or physical to treat the whole person. We have all been trained allopathically, which means in traditional Western medicine, but we also blend it with complementary medicine approaches,” explains owner Emily Sander. 4 continued on page 46
This means care is specialized for each patient, she says. “Some just want a primary care provider, but they don’t really love the traditional system,” Sander says. “They want longer appointments, and a more flexible or collaborative approach. We also do more comprehensive lab testing than the typical labs. We look into hormones, gut health, and the immune system.”
The center also offers genetics, physical therapy, pelvic floor therapy, intravenous vitamin infusions and Equiscope therapy, which is microcurrent therapy that helps with things like lowering inflammation. “It really is a team of specialists offering a mix of options,” Sander says.
The center opened in Yreka a couple of years ago, after the vision for it sprang from Sander’s emergency medical work during the pandemic. “Everyone working at The Well right now was on the front lines treating
patients. Our hearts would break seeing patients who were really isolated. They were coming into the ER, but they were dealing with so many more things than physical issues that the pandemic especially brought up. That opened our eyes to saying we think that medicine can be better, where patients have a safe place to discuss more things that are impacting their health.”
Even in emergency medicine, many patients are dealing with a chronic illness that stems from stress, unresolved trauma or family and emotional issues, Sander explains. “We felt that need was not being matched at all in a traditional setting,” she says. “We just thought, ‘How can we be a solution for others who are looking for more?’”
some patients who are New Age, who meditate and see a shaman as well.”
The Well starts its integrated healing from a place of working with the things people all struggle with, like forgiveness, or the roots of anger, bitterness and fear, because these emotions can be toxic, she says. “A lot of people these days will not enter a church, but they will enter a healthcare facility so I look at that as an opportunity to help those who know they’re hurting but aren’t finding answers in the world,” Sander says. “Our goal is to love them and to give them answers in a non-pressuring way.”
“...an opportunity to help those who know they’re hurting but aren’t finding answers in the world. Our goal is to love them and to give them answers in a nonpressuring way.”
While The Well is billed as a Christian wellness center, seeking treatment doesn’t require religious belief. “We put it out there because that’s the basis of how we want to treat patients. We want them to feel comfortable. If they want prayer, we are happy to pray with them. None of us are ministers and we aren’t affiliated with any church, but we all have a strong passion for God and are happy to support a patient on that level. We also have a lot of nonChristians that come to our practice, who are tired of just feeling like another number in the medical system, and feeling loved when they come through our door. I even have
The Well offers a full list of services at its main office in Yreka, with limited services by appointment in Redding and Medford. They operate as a fee-for-service or direct pay clinic, although things like blood work, imaging and prescriptions are often still covered by insurance as they happen outside the clinic. Sander says they can provide bills to customers to give their insurers for out-ofnetwork coverage. And, while they’ve been growing at a steady rate of 30 to 40 patients a month, Sander is thinking much bigger than that. “My big, big dream is that something like The Well could become a movement for practitioners across the United States, where they might be more willing to step into this form of integrative medicine because it doesn’t have to come from a New Age perspective. There aren’t many clinics that say, ‘Hey, we are Christian-based, but yet we are accepting and loving of all people.’ It’s a shift in the mindset of how we do patient care. You can treat your patients in a more compassionate, less-burned out way that’s focused on helping each individual patient.” •
The Well • (530) 572-1566 thewellcenterforhealing.com
Megan Peterson is a freelance storyteller who loves her family, her pets, and Northern California. Her favorite part of writing is finding flow, and she always relishes a touching human story. Aside from Enjoy, she’s typically busy writing and producing for television, having created more than 220 hours of on-air content on networks ranging from National Geographic to Netflix.
Photo by Michelle Kerr
Touch of Care
Rachael Townsley is a CMT, Certified Doula, and Placenta Specialist. Rachael is excited to introduce herself as the founder of the family-owned massage and birth business, Townley’s Massage Therapy. Townsley’s Massage Therapy is growing and celebrating your self-care. The mission is to create a relaxing, safe environment incorporating massage therapy, infant bodywork and birthwork to support the community.
Foot And Ankle Pain?
Don’t let foot and ankle pain keep you from what you love. Dr. Sean Stoddard and his team have experience and knowledge about foot and ankle conditions to give you confidence that you will receive the best care possible. Dr. Stoddard focuses on the treatment of all foot and ankle conditions which include foot inserts, on-site x-rays and the application of non surgical and surgical care of all foot and ankle conditions, including joint replacement procedures. Dr. Stoddard is an expert in foot and ankle arthritis care. He prides himself in utilizing the most advanced, state-of-art technologies to achieve outstanding outcomes for his patients. From the friendly staff to exceptional patient care, you can be assured of getting only the best patient care. Call today for an appointment. Most insurance plans accepted.
405 South St. Suite F, Redding 676 E. 1st Ave., Suite 9, Chico 530.342.5621 www.chicofootandankle.com
FemFit Redding is a strength & conditioning gym designed for women in ALL seasons of life! Their classes offer women an educational health experience in a safe and supportive environment. They also offer 1-on-1 Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching. Their specialty classes offer a unique approach to fitness by including breathwork practices, pelvic floor exercises, hormone health support and so much more!
Photo by Paint With Light Photography
Happy New Year!
May the New Year bring you happiness, health and prosperity!
from the start
CHRISTOPHER MATIAS OF HAIR ATTRACTIONS
en years ago, Christopher Matias graduated from a local cosmetology school and rented a booth at a Redding beauty shop. Within a year, he purchased that shop, which in another year was paid in full. He now runs Hair Attractions and rents booths in the shop to select hairdressers who have the opportunity to learn advanced techniques, the same lessons Matias teaches his students at his alma mater, Shasta School of Cosmetology.
Of course, Matias offers his own clients his expertise hairdressing, exercising a talent begun as a child working in his mother’s shop in Puerto Rico. His clientele ranges from women to men to small children. The care he exhibits to all who sit in his chair has earned him a reputation as a skilled and conscientious handler of hair, wise beyond his 30 years.
He stood out from the start. Tina Hitchcock Nelson met Matias when he was 19 and straight out of cosmetology school. At Hair Attractions, his chair stood next to Nelson’s hairdresser’s. When her hairdresser told Nelson she was moving on, she recommended Nelson try Matias. Nelson did, and was amazed at how her hair coloring process that used to take two shop visits now took only one. “It comes out beautiful every time,” Nelson says. “He’s just magnificent.”
She calls him a master of hair color. Years before he began teaching at Shasta School of Cosmetology, she witnessed him answering questions from other Hair Attractions hairdressers promptly and concisely. “He spits out this chemical formula of steps, a pinch of this and a pinch of that, and he’s actually teaching the other hairdressers, teaching them how to be better,” she says.
Matias effortlessly wins people’s trust. Vicki Oller has also known Matias for many years, and she and her husband Rich adopted a baby boy who she says has an abusive past. When4 continued on page 50
HEALTH WISE
C e r v i cal C ance r Aw are ness Month
As the New Year rolls in Greenville Rancheria wants to encourage you to learn more about cervical health and cervical cancer prevention and take steps to help eliminate this preventable cancer. Cervical Cancer is highly preventable and highly curable if caught early. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide and fourth in cancer-related deaths. All women are at risk for cervical cancer. However, data show it occurs most often in women over the age of 30. In the United States, Hispanic, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native, and non-Hispanic Black women have higher rates of new cervical cancer cases than women of other races and ethnicities. Nearly all people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own within a year or two as the immune system controls the infection. These shortterm infections do not cause cancer. When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it can lead to changes in the cervical cells, resulting in a precancerous lesion. If the precancerous lesion is not found and removed, it may eventually develop into cervical cancer. People who become sexually active at a young
age, especially before age 18, or have multiple sexual partners are more likely to become infected with a high-risk type of HPV. Prevention starts by:
• Get regular cervical cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that women get Pap tests every three to five years, starting at age 21. For women over 30, a Pap test may be combined with an HPV DNA test.
• Be proactive if screening comes back abnormal. It’s important to do followup testing and treatment as needed.
• Get the HPV vaccine if you’re 26 years old or younger. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective at preventing cervical cancer. The CDC recommends that children get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9. If you’re 26 or younger and haven’t been vaccinated, you should get it. HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
“She didn’t have a babysitter, so even through school, I was always in the corner watching everything,” he recalls. “And I helped her, because she didn’t have anybody to help. I was little, I’d say 8. And I liked it a lot. So when I moved here, she told me, you should go to school to become a hairdresser.”
time came for the traumatized child’s first haircut, the Ollers naturally took him to their friend’s beauty shop. To comfort the boy, they set him on his father’s lap in Matias’ chair. “The way he handled him was so gentle,” she says, recalling Matias’ approach. “He knew to use scissors instead of the buzzer. He was so careful.” She says the first haircut was such a success that for the second one, the boy was comfortable sitting in the salon chair all by himself.
Matias began working in his mother’s beauty shop at a very young age. “She didn’t have a babysitter, so even through school, I was always in the corner watching everything,” he recalls. “And I helped her, because she didn’t have anybody to help. I was little, I’d say 8. And I liked it a lot. So when I moved here, she told me, you should go to school to become a hairdresser.”
He and his mother moved to Redding when he was 15. He graduated from Shasta High School, then tried Shasta College for a year or so, dropping out to pursue a beauty career. While building a clientele at Hair Attractions, he had to work two jobs to make ends meet. “For my income, I was working full-time at Jamba Juice, working part-time at Wendy’s, sleeping three hours, then working more at the salon,” he says.
While working this wearying schedule, he noticed that he was the only one actually working in the shop, and decided to take action. “It
was either I will have to find another place or I will buy it,” he recalls. “I talked to the owner and he said he didn’t want it. That’s pretty much how it went.” Matias bought Hair Attractions on a payment agreement. “I paid it off in a year,” he says proudly.
Today, he runs Hair Attractions, renting booths to aspiring cosmetologists, as he was 10 years ago. And he teaches at Shasta School of Cosmetology. And, of course, he personally serves a long list of clients who loyally return to him for his hairdressing skills.
It’s loyalty that keeps Vicki Oller from making an appointment with her friend, the talented young hairdresser. That’s loyalty to another hairdresser, one she’s gone to for years. But, she says, if the day ever came where she parted with her hairdresser, she would sign up with Matias at Hair Attractions without hesitation, declaring, “Oh, I would have no problem with Chris doing my hair!” •
Richard DuPertuis is a Redding grandfather who writes. His stories and photographs have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online. He strives for immortality not by literary recognition, but through diet and exercise. He can be reached at dupertuis@snowcrest.net
Rancheria
HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV
• Practice safe sex. Use condoms during sex. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, and having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of contracting it.
• Stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Smoking increases the risk of precancerous conditions and cervical cancer. Eat foods high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting nutrients. Avoid diets high in saturated and trans fats, sugar, and sodium. Studies show that getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a week can help prevent cervical cancer.
Denise Pearson FNP has been practicing and specializing in Women’s Healthcare since 2003 and is currently accepting new patients.
HEALTH PROGRAMS
Family Practice
Pediatrics
Medical Facilities
Dental Facilities
Medical transport within Plumas and Tehama Counties
PARTICIPATING IN PARTNERSHIP AND MEDI-CAL MANAGED CARE
AS A COURTESY, WE WILL BILL MOST INSURANCES NATIVES AND NON-NATIVES
Open for Walk-ins. 8am – 5pm.
Medical - Dental Monday - Saturday 8am-5pm
• Relationship Issues
LYNN E. FRITZ LICENSED MARRIAGE FAMILY THERAPIST 1452 Oregon Street, Redding, CA 96001 530 243-8862 • www.lynnfritz.com EMDR • Sand Tray • Neurofeedback • All Ages
to healtyourh
FEEL YOUR BEST AT REDDING’S BLISSFUSION WELLNESS LOUNGE
he New Year brings thoughts of resolutions, and many of those will be about getting into better shape or improving health. While these intentions often start strong, they can falter as life becomes busy or as soreness and fatigue set in after adopting new routines. What if there were ways to increase energy, shorten muscle recovery time and enhance your body’s response to exercise? Such support could make sticking to those resolutions more achievable, potentially turning them into lasting lifestyle changes.
A business in Redding focuses on helping you feel your best. Registered nurse Kayla Park has worked at both local hospitals, and she had a vision to create a space to help people feel better. “I wanted to create a space where people would want to be, where they could come for wellness, connect with others and focus on preventive care,” Park says. She discovered some work being done by Dr. Matt Ahern, an emergency room doctor in San Luis Obispo, and his wife Tiffany Ahern who developed this business model with the goal to make treatments affordable and flexible for busy lifestyles.
In July 2021, Kayla opened Blissfusion Wellness Lounge in Redding. With its spa-like atmosphere, Blissfusion provides intravenous hydration infusions, vitamin injections, a dry salt chamber, skin treatments and more.
Tiffany of Red Bluff calls Blissfusion a “game changer” for her wellness journey. A regular for three years, she tailors her services to meet her body’s needs and appreciates the continuous addition of new offerings. Park and her staff are committed to staying at the forefront of wellness technology, and recently attended the Longevity 2024 Summit in Las Vegas to explore the latest products and treatments.4
continued on page 54
Photos courtesy of Blissfusion
“I wanted to create a space where people would want to be. Where they could come for wellness, connect with others, and focus on preventive care.”
Many local athletes come in to get a hydration infusion before an intense competition. They have a hard time staying hydrated as they are out competing, so this helps pre-hydrate them and increase their performance. For Alex, a local firefighter, staying hydrated is a constant challenge given the physical demands of his job. “The infusions I’ve received here have made a huge difference in how I feel,” he says. “I have more energy, and my recovery time after intense work is much faster.”
Staying active can be difficult in the winter months, as cold and flu season take a toll on our immune systems. It is hard to get up and go to the gym when your body is fighting off a virus. “The hydration IVs with vitamins absorb into your system more efficiently,” Park says, which can help to boost one’s immune system. Blissfusion’s offerings have expanded to include services from Brooke Eulberg, an esthetician with nearly 20 years of experience. Eulberg provides treatments like facials and ZO medical-grade skincare products, helping clients achieve healthier, more radiant skin. “Sports and physical activity can irritate the skin,” Eulberg notes, “but proper care can calm and reduce inflammation.” Her mother, Jene, is a satisfied client, saying, “I get treatments monthly because they make my skin feel smoother, softer and more youthful.”
If eating well and exercising are on your to-do list this year, Park hopes you will consider exploring Blissfusion as part of your wellness journey. It could provide the extra support you need to achieve your goals and maintain them for the long term. •
Blissfusion
1620 E. Cypress Ave., Suite 1, Redding www.blissfusionredding.com
Stacie Moore, with more than 20 years in education, holds roles from teacher to superintendent in the North State. She’s also a Realtor at Better Choice Real Estate, adding a personal touch to home transactions. Rooted in Redding, she cherishes family and is most proud of her two amazing, successful children.
Photo by Stacie Moore
LILAC & MAGNOLIA
Lilac Magnolia
James Mazzotta Enjoy Magazine
Ronda Ball-Alvey Enjoy Magazine
Carl Bott Man Up
Linda Bott KCNR
Michelle Slade
Heroes of the Northstate
Ted Lidie Man Up
WITH A TRAINED EYE
GOLD AWARD WINNER ISABELLA CARBONELL AND HER FULLY RESTORED GIRL SCOUT TRAILER
o see pictures of the 1976 travel trailer Isabel Carbonell converted into a mobile resource for camping activities and badge attainment, one could readily agree that it would take the trained eye and confidence of a longtime Girl Scout to see the potential in the raw material she started with.
The trailer had been donated new to Carbonell’s Girl Scout service unit and had barely withstood changes in leadership over the years. No one was quite sure what was in it anymore. “I was pretty well acquainted with it because it was utilized by our service unit,” she says. “But it was pretty much a traveling storage unit.”
It was in sad shape, as well. “The trailer would tip back and forth if it wasn’t fixed with something because we didn’t have stabilizing jacks,” she says. The license plate was bent from grazing the ground. Additionally, “when I was cleaning the trailer, I found several dead animals, so it was very unsanitary.”
The now-18-year-old started as a young girl in Girl Scouts and noticed over the years that many Scouts did not have the resources she had to develop skills progressions over the years, things as standard as earning camping and cooking badges. In determining how she could address that issue, she took a look at the trailer-turned-storage system and envisioned a new use. 4
continued on page 58
Photos by Clare Carbonell
Ultimately, it means that I’ve used my time in a way that has benefitted others
“If there’s a project that you’re not qualified for, you’re just not qualified yet,” she says. “It shouldn’t stop you from trying to do something because you don’t think you can do it well or well-enough. I’ve seen a lot of young people be afraid of taking on new challenges because they’re afraid of being bad at it.”
The fully restored trailer is now stocked with supplies to help local Girl Scouts achieve badges in camping, woodworking and cooking. “To fulfill these badges, you would often need tarps to make tents,” she explains. “And troops don’t have those.” The trailer is now stocked with five tarps and other higher-ticket items like a miter box, hammers and cookware, everything meticulously organized and inventoried. “It was important to me that the trailer had a very simple layout that followed logic,” she adds.
Her efforts have earned her the prestigious Gold Award, of which only one other has been bestowed in her service unit (707) over the years. A Gold Award is a culminating achievement and Carbonell had prepared for it by first achieving bonze and silver awards through her troop.
“I knew it would be a project that I would need technical skills
that I didn’t have,” she says. “But I was more than willing to get those technical skills.” Now she can proudly say that she can splice electrical wires, use five different drills, remove a false wall and clear propane lines as well as switch out an old refrigerator unit for a modern one.
And she now knows about paint. “I did not know paints,” she
says with a laugh. “Paints are more complicated than I realized when I went into this. It became a whole side project.” Gratefully, she found support in the people at Red Bluff Paint Mart, who guided her on appropriate types of paint for various surfaces and even donated some to complete the project.
“If there’s a project that you’re
not qualified for, you’re just not qualified yet,” she says. “It shouldn’t stop you from trying to do something because you don’t think you can do it well or well enough. I’ve seen a lot of young people be afraid of taking on new challenges because they’re afraid of being bad at it.”
While most Girl Scouts don’t develop a Gold Award project, Carbonell was clear that she had one more project in her before she left Red Bluff High School for college at Oregon State University. “As I was getting ready to graduate, I wanted to do one more large project to give back to my community,” she says. She had already earned bronze and silver awards by creating native plant gardens and bat boxes at the Sacramento River Discovery Center.4 continued on page 61
Girl Scout Law
I WILL DO MY BEST TO BE HONEST AND FAIR, FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL, CONSIDERATE AND CARING, COURAGEOUS AND STRONG, AND RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I SAY AND DO, AND TO RESPECT MYSELF AND OTHERS, RESPECT AUTHORITY, USE RESOURCES WISELY, MAKE THE WORLD
A BETTER PLACE, AND BE A SISTER TO EVERY GIRL SCOUT.
“She had to put a team together that did not include me,” says Clare Carbonell, Isabel’s mother and troop leader, with a laugh. “It was a much-needed renovation, and it turned into a sentimental project.” One of the other strong adults in Isabel’s Scout life was Carla Perry, camp cook and service unit advisor. She was a consultant on Isabel’s project, especially in regards to how to stock the kitchen, and died suddenly during the project. Isabel had her likeness painted on the trailer and dedicated the project to her.
While Isabel now has lifelong membership in Girl Scouts, her time is transitioning to her degree attainment in computer science focused on cyber security. She is certainly leaving a legacy in the North State, however. As if in embodiment of the Girl Scout Law, she says of her time in Girl Scouts and achievement of the Gold Award, “Ultimately, it means that I’ve used my time in a way that has benefitted others, and I really hope a lot of people get a lot of use out of this.” •
Melissa Mendonca is graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.
Third Sundays of January, February and March
SPEEDING TO A DOWNHILL DESTINATION
PLUMAS SKI CLUB KEEPS NORCAL HISTORY ALIVE WITH LONGBOARD RACES
oing to Johnsville Ski Bowl in the winter provides a blast from the past, especially if you go during a longboard race. Held on the third Sunday of January, February and March, Plumas Ski Club hosts the Historic Longboard Revival Races at Johnsville Ski Bowl, inviting people to strap on 1860s-style wooden 9-16’ skis and point them down a snowy slope, hoping for the best. Participants are dressed in 1860s ski attire and race each other head-to-head in a single elimination format. The winners of each division then win belt buckles that are passed on from year to year.
Don Fregulia, vice president of the Plumas Ski Club, learned to ski at Johnsville when he was 4 years old, and four decades later it’s still one of his favorite events. You must be at least 18 to enter
“Maybe a good tele marker could turn, but most people go straight down... But it’s not like it used to be, old miners went 80-90 mph...”
(for liability reasons) and since the skis are so long, it’s hard to turn on them.
“Maybe a good telemarker could turn, but most people go straight down,” Fregulia says. It takes about 20 seconds to get down the run; racers have been clocked at going up to 32 mph and perhaps faster. “But it’s not like it used to be; old miners went 80 to 90 mph,” he adds.
Plumas Ski Club held the first Longboards Races Revival in 1992, and the event has grown significantly in the last few years. It’s weather dependent, and if the weather’s nice, maybe 600 to 800 people will come out. If it’s a blizzard, maybe only a couple hundred. At the last race of the season in 2023, close to 1,000 people came out. They’ve come from all over the world to compete – past participants have been from Germany and Inner Mongolia. A lot of locals also come out, as well as quite a few from the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee area.
“For the last 10 years, the turnout’s been good. There’s not a lot going on up here in the winter, so this provides some entertainment for people,” Fregulia says.4 continued on page 66
The longboard races originally started in 1861 in Onion Valley (south of Quincy and La Porte) and are recognized in the International Ski Racing Congress. There used to be dances, parties, and races all weekend long back in the 19th century as it provided the miners and residents something to do on the snowy weekends. Plumas Ski Club Member Andrew Burger is also involved with the races, heading the events committee and surface lift/rope tow project. He lived in Graeagle/Plumas Pines for three years (Portola before that) and entered the races after being a spectator one year. As an avid backcountry skier/snowboarder, he’s donned a felt hat, corduroy pants, suspenders and leather boots, racing on 14.5-footlong wooden skis he made himself.
“The thought process is the longer they are, the faster you can be,” he says about the massive planks he straps his feet to. Yet he also admits, “It’s almost impossible to turn; more of slowing down is coming from the one pole racers carry that acts as a rudder.”
Burger made his own set of skis with the Plumas Ski Club building class and is now part of the teaching staff. They teach classes at the Feather River Community College and/or the Portola High School wood shop. The three-month class starts in the beginning of October and ends before Christmas (held one day a week), so students
“It doesn’t matter how good of a skier or snowboarder you are; it doesn’t translate on longboards. Everyone’s on the same level of playing ground. The first time is intimidating, but like most things you learn pretty quickly and that fear fades away and turns into fun.
But if you jump on a pair for the first time on race day, you’re probably going to be a little scared.”
have their own skis ready to race by the first event in January.
“It’s open to the community. We get vertical grain Doug fir (that comes from the center of the tree) from the Quincy Mill,” Fregulia says, adding that about a dozen people were enrolled in its most recent class. Fregulia has competed in about 30 races himself, but he doesn’t get on his 16-foot sticks too much anymore. “I’m a firefighter, so I have to watch my knees,” he says.
If you want to attend or compete in an upcoming World Championship Longboard race, get there early. People are coming from farther away and even camping in the parking lot the night before. And as far as what kind of skill level it takes to race longboards, Burger says, “It doesn’t matter how good of a skier or snowboarder you are; it doesn’t translate on longboards. Everyone’s on the same level of playing ground. The first time is intimidating, but like most things, you learn pretty quickly and that fear fades away and turns into fun. But if you jump on a pair for the first time on race day, you’re probably going to be a little scared.
“Lots of families come out for this. It’s good, wholesome fun and awesome to watch.” •
Plumas Ski Club • plumasskiclub.org
Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University and loves to visit her parents in Redding.
We were big fans before we were ever business owners. We like to go out and visit other businesses in the community. We find and read your magazine there. We love reading about our northstate community and the people in it. It comes natural to want to support other businesses in your magazine!”
A FRESH START
PECAN & KALE SALAD
he New Year is a time for healthy resolutions, fresh beginnings, and, let’s face it, a collective groan at the thought of saying goodbye to holiday feasts. But don’t worry, fellow food lovers! I’ve got just the ticket to ease us all into a healthier 2024 without sacrificing flavor: Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad.
Now, before you roll your eyes at yet another kale salad, let me set the stage. Picture this: a crisp winter day, your post-holiday glow lingering, and the scent of fresh ingredients beckoning you to the kitchen. You’re ready to embrace healthier eating, but not at the expense of your taste buds.
Kale is a Powerhouse.
First things first, let’s talk kale. This leafy green has had quite the upsurge in recent years, transforming from a humble garnish to the star of many a healthy dish. Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants, kale is a powerhouse ingredient that’s perfect for starting the year on a nutritious note.
Give your kale a massage before preparing. Yep, rubbing this leafy green makes it more tender, easier to chew, and more flavorful. Here’s why:
• Tenderizes: The rubbing motion breaks down kale’s tough fibers.
• Eases bitterness: When kale leaves are damaged, enzymes and organic compounds interact to create an isothiocyanate, which can make kale bitter. Massaging kale helps break down these compounds.
• Infuses flavor: Massaging kale with olive oil and/or lemon juice adds flavor before dressing.
• Improves texture: Massaged kale has a softer, silkier texture. To massage kale:
• Wash and remove the kale leaves from the stems.
• Tear the leaves into smaller pieces.
• Rub the leaves in your hands with olive oil and salt.
• Continue massaging until the leaves begin to wilt.
• Note: You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to massage kale
The real magic happens when you begin combining kale with the right companions.
Pecans: Tasty and Good for You.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of pecans. These buttery, crunchy nuts are a delightful addition to any salad, providing a dose of healthy fats and a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more. Toasting them lightly in a pan releases their rich, nutty aroma, making them absolutely irresistible. Plus, pecans are packed with antioxidants, which means they’re doing double duty—delighting your taste buds and giving your body a boost.
And what’s a salad without a little cheese? Parmesan, with its sharp, salty flavor, is the perfect match for the slightly bitter kale. A few shavings go a
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bunch curly kale, stems discarded and leaves torn into pieces
• 1 T olive oil
• Dash of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 ounces Parmesan, crumbled (about 1 cup)
long way, adding a savory depth that ties the whole dish together. Not to mention, parmesan is rich in calcium and protein, making it a nutritious addition to our kale and pecan party.
Now, the dressing is where you can really let your creativity shine. I love a simple vinaigrette with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and just a few tablespoons of bacon grease.
And there you have it—a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s perfect for ringing in the New Year with a nod to healthier eating. So, here’s to new beginnings, to nourishing our bodies and delighting our palates, and to a year filled with health, happiness, and fantastic food. •
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Combine kale and oil in a serving bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Massage kale gently until leaves soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan, toasted pecans, radishes, and avocado.
Step 2: Whisk together maple syrup, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl.
Step 3: Cook bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 7 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a cutting board and chop. Add bacon and 2 tablespoons of bacon fat to the dressing and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add to salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Servings: 8 | Prep Time: 25 minutes
• 1 cup pecan halves, lightly toasted
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 2 T pure maple syrup
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• 1 T Dijon mustard
• 4 slices cooked bacon
Terry Olson loves culinary arts, adult beverages and hiking in the North State wilderness. You may find him soaking up the scenery at one of our area’s many state or national parks or sitting in a barstool sipping a cold locally brewed craft beer.
FRANK KRATOFIL
FROZEN BURNEY FALLS
Frank Kratofil enjoys spending time with his family, friends and patients and he enjoys time in the outdoors. As a young man, Frank was legally blind. Two successful corneal transplants encouraged him to photograph the magic in nature... beautiful colors and the delicate balance of nature, animals and humans. Find him on Instagram @frankkratofil
Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this classic clam chowder is a comforting dish that comes together with simple pantry staples. Serve it with (or in) a crusty bread or oyster crackers for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please!
• 2 russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Heat a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Cook the bacon until browned and crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the pot; discard the rest.
Step 2: Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the thyme and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Sprinkle the flour into the pot, whisking until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stock, reserved clam juice and bay leaf. Continue whisking until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the diced potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the half-and-half and chopped clams, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 6: Add the reserved bacon to the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Note: For a thinner consistency, add additional half-and-half until the desired texture is achieved.
local events
CALENDAR
JANUARY 2025
FEATURED EVENTS
December 6th
REDDING MARATHON
January 19, 2025
reddingmarathon.org
anderson
January 1-7
• Synthetic Ice Rink, corner of East Center Street and Ferry Street, 4-8pm, noon5pm January 7, www.ci.anderson.ca.us
January 11
• Frosty Fun Run, Anderson River Park, 2800 Rupert Road, 7am registration, 8am run, www.midniteracing.net/frosty-funruns.html
• Family Game Day, Anderson Grange, 8085 Airport Road, noon-4pm, www.facebook.com/ events/1390506951620706
chico
January 1-12
• Chico Ice Rink, Chico Plaza, various times, www.chicorec.gov/chico-ice-rink
January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• Chico Wednesday Farmers Market, North Valley Plaza Mall parking lot, Pillsbury Road adjacent to Trader Joe’s, 7:30amnoon, www.chicofarmersmarket.com
January 4, 11, 18, 25
• Chico Saturday Farmers Market, Downtown Chico municipal parking lot, 2nd and Wall streets, 7:30am-1pm, www.chicofarmersmarket.com
January 25
• The Chico Chamber of Commerce 87th Annual Dinner & Business Awards, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, East 1075 20th St., 5-10pm, www.chicochamber.com
dunsmuir
January 11
• Dunsmuir Second Saturdays, Downtown Dunsmuir, 11am-9pm, www.dunsmuirsecondsaturday.com
durham
January 23-26
• The 25th Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway, Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, www.snowgoosefestival.org
• “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” Shasta College Theater, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, 7pm ThursdaySaturday, 2pm Saturday January 25, square.link/u/OR5Fop6B
January 25
• Frosty Fun Run, Clover Creek Preserve, 7am Registration, 8am Run, www. midniteracing.net/frosty-fun-runs.html
shasta lake
January 29
• Community Ukulele Club Meetup, Shasta Lake Community United Methodist Church, 1509 Hardenbrook Ave., 2-3:30pm, www.enjoylocalevents.com
anderson library
www.shastalibraries.org
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• Knitting Club, 10am
• Storytime, 3:30pm
January 7, 14, 21, 28
• Color Your World, 10am
January 8
• Candy Bingo, 3pm
January 15
• Adult Board Games, 4pm
January 24
• Kids Board Games, 4pm
January 29
• SenseSational Storytime, 2pm burney library
www.shastalibraries.org
January 2, 16
• Tiny Tunes at the Library, 11am
axiom repertory theatre
www.axreptheatre.com
Visit website for dates and times
• “Wonder of the World,” chico performances
www.chicoperformances.com
January 24-26
• Chico Community Ballet presents “Cinderella,” 7pm Friday, 1pm and 6pm Saturday, 1pm Sunday
835 Browning St. B, Redding Daily 10am-9pm (530) 276-8850 jerseymikes.com
22020 Palo Way, Palo Cedro Daily 8am-1pm (530) 547-4290 Find them on Facebook
1636 Market St., Redding Mon-Wed 11am-8pm / Th-Fri 11am-10pm / Sat 9am-10pm / Sun 9am-10pm (530) 246-2190 postofficesaloon.com
137 Lake Blvd, Redding Sun 11:30am-4:30pm / Closed Mondays / Tu-Th 11:30am-6:30pm / Fri-Sat 11:30am-8pm (530) 605-6405 donatellospizzeria.com
1400 Eureka Way, Redding Mon-Fri 7am-4pm / (530) 605-4758 On Facebook and Instagram downtowngroundsredding.com
1154 Hartnell Ave., Redding Tu-Sat 7am - 3pm / Closed Sundays and Mondays (530) 605-1611 Find them on Facebook
January 21
• Dave Stamey with Special Guest Annie Lydon, 7pm
the dip
www.thedipredding.com
January 13
• Lana Del Rabies, and God Is War, 8pm
January 16
• Sweat, 8pm
January 22
• Voodoo Glow Skulls, Mustard Plug and Half Past Two, 7pm
trinity alps performing arts center
www.tapaconline.org
January 26
• Poetry Out Loud
turtle bay exploration park
www.turtlebay.org
January 1-31
• Water Wonders, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am
January 1-5
• Mindbender Mansion, museum hours
• Redding Garden of Lights, 5-9pm Wednesday-Sunday
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• Little Explorers, 10-11am
January 3
• First Fridays with First 5, museum hours
January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• Animal Parade, 2pm
January 4
• Charlie Rabbit and Friends, 10-11am
January 4, 11, 18, 25
• Predator vs. Prey Animal Show, 2pm
January 5, 12, 19, 26
• Animal Intellect, 2pm
January 11
• Family 2nd Saturday, 11am-2pm
January 18
• Science Saturday, 11am-2pm
January 25
• Guided Garden Walk, 10-11am
• Art Lab, 11am-2pm
win-river resort & casino
www.winriver.com
January 3-31
• Overtime Live DVJ, Friday and Saturday, 9:30pm
SCAN THIS TO GO DIRECTLY TO OUR EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE
GO DIRECTLY TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE
GO DIRECTLY TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
HOW TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR
If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine, please post it on our website www.enjoylocalevents.com by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a May event will need to be posted by April 1.
GIVING BACK
SPRING RIVERS FOUNDATION
ENJOY Q&A, with Allison Breedveld, Education Program Director
QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY MISSION OF SPRING RIVERS FOUNDATION?
ANSWERS
The two-fold mission is to protect the health and diversity of our region’s unique spring-fed waterways, and to provide outdoor learning opportunities for our communities’ schools. The foundation works with local landowners, stakeholders and regulatory agencies to encourage habitat protection, restoration, recovery and stewardship of the aquatic species native to and only found in the Intermountain Area of Shasta County. Spring Rivers Foundation also works with elementary schools to provide student field trips with fun, hands-on learning that meet state science standards.
HOW HAS THE FOUNDATION’S VISION IMPACTED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN SHASTA COUNTY?
HOW DO YOU INVOLVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN CONSERVATION EFFORTS?
WHAT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DOES SPRING RIVERS FOUNDATION OFFER TO FOSTER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS?
HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION SECURE FUNDING FOR ITS PROJECTS?
ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS TO VOLUNTEER OR CONTRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDATION’S INITIATIVES?
WHAT ARE THE FOUNDATION’S PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE TO 10 YEARS IN SHASTA COUNTY?
ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES YOU’RE PARTICULARLY EXCITED ABOUT?
Maria Ellis and Jeff Cook founded Spring Rivers Foundation in 2004 to provide stewardship for the region’s native species and habitat and inspire a real and lasting bond between people and the outdoors. Through restoration and research, projects have created and protected habitat essential for the critically endangered Shasta crayfish, which is a species only found in the Intermountain area of Shasta County. The foundation’s work also helps protect other native species and habitat found in the waters of the Intermountain area, one of the largest spring systems in the United States.
Spring Rivers Foundation has sponsored internships and worked with local high schools to get students directly involved with conservation efforts. We believe that getting students outdoors and providing hands-on learning experiences helps to ensure greater success of local long-term conservation efforts.
Spring Rivers Foundation’s staff, educators and volunteer docents provide outdoor, science-based learning for more than 1,000 students and community members annually through field trips, hikes and events. These experiences connect participants with nature, foster community and encourage physical activity. We also offer educational activities for all ages at outdoor learning days and community events, focusing on connecting people with their local environment through hands-on education.
Federal, state and local grants and private donations.
The foundation is always seeking volunteer docents to lead educational stations, hikes, and activities at our field trips and events. No specific skills are needed—new docents receive all necessary training, materials, and information. A clean background check and enthusiasm for educating local youth are required. Spring Rivers Foundation needs donations and program sponsorships to continue our outdoor education work. Contact springriversfoundation@gmail.com or our Facebook page to learn more.
Our most urgent conservation goal is to establish a safe and protected refuge population of Shasta crayfish that will ensure the future survival of the species. The foundation strives to continue to offer a variety of outdoor education activities for local youth and other community members.
I am looking forward to our 2025 education activities! The Outdoor Education Team continues to develop integrated educational programs and locations to connect students and adults with the natural world, enhance the fun and relevance of learning and increase environmental awareness.
Spring Rivers Foundation • (530) 335-5446 • springrivers.org springriversfoundation@gmail.com
