Village Life/Cameron Park Life, Thursday, March 2, 2023

Fire capt. part of mid-air miracle

Noel Stack

Managing Editor

Aight to Maui turned anything but relaxing when Auburn resident Karen Allen su ered a heart attack aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 59 in January.

Though she was ying with strangers at 35,000 feet above the Paci c Ocean, Allen had new friends in the making on her side — four medical professionals on the ight to paradise, including El Dorado Hills Fire Capt. Dan Nelson.

“The loudspeaker came on with the ight attendant asking if there was a doctor, nurse or any medical personnel on board,” Nelson told Village Life. “As I turned to look behind me a ight attendant was rushing forward. I told her I was a paramedic and asked if I could help. She said, ‘I need you now.’’’

Allen collapsed near the bathrooms at about the middle of the plane. As Nelson approached, he introduced himself to vascular surgeon Dr. Aaron Baker crouched down beside the victim. Joining them were Daryl Braga, an Emergency Department RN at Barton Health in South Lake Tahoe and Roseville anesthesiologist Dr. Brandon Winchester.

“(Baker) wasn’t sure if he could

feel a pulse. I opened her airway because she was only breathing about six times per minute. I also felt for a pulse and couldn’t detect one,” Nelson recalled.

EDH residents join Turkish earthquake relief efforts

Sel Richard Staff writer

With the death toll in Turkey rising to more than 44,000 since the Feb. 6 earthquakes, the Turkish community in El Dorado Hills has leapt into action.

Cigdem Askin, a teacher associate at Silva Valley Elementary who was born and raised in Turkey and immigrated to the United States in 1985, belongs to Silicon Valley Turks, a group of volunteers working in Turkey and the United States to deliver goods to families.

“At rst we felt helpless because of how far away we live from our country,” said Askin, who has been touched by her community’s response. “The outpouring of donations was much more than I expected. Within a day and half a er I shared on my social media in El Dorado Hills, we received enough donations to ll up a truck and a minivan.”

“Dr. Baker began CPR and I asked the ight attendant for a de brillator. She handed me an

Askin said families need everything — winter clothing, shoes, blankets, baby formula, diapers, wipes,

■ See RELIEF page A2

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EDH Fire Capt. Dan Nelson, Roseville anesthesiologist Dr. Brandon Winchester, lucky patient Karen Allen and Kaiser Permanente Dr. Aaron Baker, left to right, as well as Barton RN Daryl Braga via Zoom, celebrate Allen’s recovery from her in-flight heart attack.

Now

Rescue Union School District welcomes transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, new student registration and transfer requests for the 2023-24 school year. Registration has begun at all schools. To find your school of attendance check the boundary map at schoolworksgis.com/ Rescue/schoollocator. html or contact the district office at (530) 677-4461 for assistance.

Enrollment packets and transfer request forms are available to parents on all school websites to download/print and at school sites. Students must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2023 to enter kindergarten. Students who will be 5 years old between Sept. 2 and April 2, 2024, are eligible for transitional kindergarten.

The Stage at Burke Junction in Cameron Park presents “Becky’s New Car” through March 5. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” through March 5 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

March 2

The Shingle SpringsCameron Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Crafthouse Culture and Project Blue in the Burke Junction shopping center, 3300 Coach Lane in Cameron Park.

What’s your pick for the best picture Oscar?

El Dorado Hills

“‘The Banshees of Inisherin.’ I like the actor who was in it. ”

El Dorado Hills

“I would say ‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ It was really good. ”

“‘Top Gun.’ It was that good. I was at the edge of my seat.”

“‘Elvis.’ I haven’t seen it but my friend recommended it.”

“‘Avatar: The Way of Water.’ I loved everything about it.”

food, heaters, tents, generators, batteries and everything else a human would require to live their daily life. Unlike the U.S., having home insurance is rare in Turkey. “Most of the Turkish people truly lost everything they worked for all of their life.”

Turkish Consulates located throughout the United States have issued lists of needs and Turkish Airlines will be transporting donations to Turkey, alleviating the burden of shipping costs. Askin also noted sorting and transporting donations to designated locations has been challenging.

Although initial efforts focused on non-monetary donations, as per guidance received from the Turkish Consulate, sufficient amounts of items were reaching the affected areas after the first week. “We started to focus our efforts on raising awareness and collecting monetary donations,” said Demet Candas Green, president of the Turkish American Association of California, Sacramento Chapter. “It will take years to recover from this devastating earthquake, so raising funds to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts in the area is our current goal.

“The sad truth is the damage from the earthquake was so widespread. 11 cities were hit, close to 13 million people were

affected,” Green continued. “So every one of us knows somebody who is directly affected.”

Askin’s own family escaped the brunt of the devastation as they live in the Western Turkey. “However, we have friends who live in city of Adana,” she shared. “They are safe and sound, but unable to sleep in their homes because of fear of possible aftershocks.”

An additional 6.3 magnitude earthquake confirmed their fears on Feb. 21. Askin shared earthquake victims and volunteers work side by side and though some families have moved in with extended relatives in different cities, many are not as lucky and live in tents or shelters.

Even the smallest efforts can have an impact, including raising awareness through social media, making cards, writing notes of encouragement and even providing online services. Askin and her family will fly to Turkey to personally deliver goods to families in need. “The recovery is going to take many, many years,” she said.

“Any amount helps,” assured Green. Currently, $1 is equivalent to 18.85 Turkish Lira. “$10 buys about 36 loaves of bread, 130 bottles of water, 70 diapers, 50 men-

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strual pads, one blanket, four meals or 50 rolls of toilet paper.” TAAC recently hosted a gathering in Davis to raise awareness and collected more than $3,000 in two hours. Lemonade stands and bake sales have raised approximately $1,000.

“To this day, we receive daily messages or emails asking if we still collect non-monetary donations such as blankets, winter coats, etc.,” said Green. “It is heartwarming to see this kind of care and support from the communities we live in here in the U.S.”

“Even though we are safe and sound here, we all are deeply sad; we all are grieving,” she continued. “So please make sure to check on your Turkish friends, neighbors, classmates and be supportive. They need it.”

El Dorado Hills resident Bill Tobin, Rotary relations manager at ShelterBox USA, reported at the EDH Rotary meeting last week ShelterBox is on the ground in Turkey providing temporary shelters and supplies to victims as the quakes flattened more than 11,000 buildings. Visit shelterboxusa.org to learn more.

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Ashton reflects on CAO years

Noel Stack

Managing Editor Skis or sunscreen?

Retiring El Dorado County Chief Administrative Officer

Don Ashton plans to choose both after he turns in his keycard and closes the door on an approximately 30-year career in public service.

Ashton, 52, came to El Dorado County in 2011 from Los Angeles County, calling it “the best move of my life, both personally and professionally.”

He began his career here as the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office’s chief fiscal officer. After a year-and-a-half he moved to the Chief Administrative Office, serving as a principal analyst. About six months later he shifted to the Health and Human Services Agency, first working as the department’s administration and finance assistant director and later as the HHSA director, a title he held for nearly three years.

Then came the call Ashton said he never wanted.

“I never had ambition to be CAO,” he told Village Life. “There was so much chaos at that time.”

The CAO position, among other leadership roles at the county, had experienced turmoil in the years prior to Ashton taking the job. The board hired interim CAO Larry Combs in June 2015. He replaced acting CAO Pamela Knorr, who served from November 2014 until June 2015.

Knorr took the temporary appointment after the resignation of CAO Terri Daly in November 2014 after four years on the job.

In a unifying effort to promote from within, many El Dorado County department heads and El

Dorado County Superior Court judges sent letters of support for Ashton during the spring 2016 CAO recruitment process. His permanent appointment to the top job came in May 2016 with the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ unanimous vote.

Ashton credits his wife Anne for pushing him, gently, into the leadership role with an ultimatum: take the job or stop complaining. With his last day March 3, he will leave the CAO role two months shy of seven years — the longest Ashton said he’s ever stayed in one position.

“I got bored easily,” he said of his frequent job shifts. “I never got bored being CAO.” Time will tell how the county fared under his leadership, Ashton

reflected. “I hope people see the county in better shape now than it was seven years ago.”

And what an eventful seven years it has been.

The county endured several department head shake-ups, the COVID19 pandemic, the Caldor Fire and the Mosquito Fire. Ashton said he’s proud of the partnerships he helped establish during the rough times, handling it all with what he called “steady, stable leadership.”

He noted many positive achievements during his tenure, including financing and construction of the new sheriff’s headquarters, park improvements (the Old Depot Bike Park on Missouri Flat will open soon) and facilities acquisitions on the West Slope and in South Lake Tahoe that will help county depart-

ments better operate and serve the public.

“I wish we had the Costco,” he said with a sigh. The El Dorado Hills project continues to slowly move through the development process.

His primary regret, Ashton shared, “I was unable to facilitate and be a part of restructuring the fire (protection) system in El Dorado County so that it would be fiscally sustainable while continuing to provide a high level of service to our residents.”

The outgoing CAO also noted he developed some thick skin. “Being in the role, I’ve lost who I thought were friends because the job had to come first,” he confessed. “But far more positive relationships were built.” And strong relation-

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Community gathers to honor Peggy Willis

Noel Stack Managing Editor

Remembered for her energy and commitment to community, dozens gathered Feb. 13 at El Dorado Hills Fire Station 84 to pay tribute to Peggy Willis, a Lakehills resident who died in 2020 but not before leaving behind a legacy that has benefited hundreds, if not thousands, in El Dorado Hills.

Peggy and her husband Steve, along with others, established the Lakehills Fire Safe Council in 2012 and she tirelessly worked with residents and agency partners to reduce the risk of loss of life and property due to wildfires. In a fitting tribute, the El Dorado Hills Fire Department and Lakehills Fire Safe Council dedicated in her honor a bench, plaque and free library filled with fire-safe literature at the Francisco Drive fire station.

Former Lakehills FSC board member Richard Slepian called Peggy “an outstanding member of our community,” adding that she wore many hats during her years serving the fire safe council — working as board secretary, preparing newsletters and literature, organizing events, etc.

“She was known for her energy,” noted District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, explaining that if someone wanted something done in the community, Peggy was the go-to person who could make it happen.

El Dorado Hills Fire Chief Maurice Johnson called Peggy “an amazing individual whose commitment and dedication were second to none.” He said the memorial in front of the Robert B. Cima Memorial Fire Station not only serves as a way to remember Peggy, but

Pickleball fans ask for courts

Sel Richard Staff writer

Pickleball is exploding across the nation, El Dorado Hills being no exception. At last month’s El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors meeting, pickleball enthusiasts pled for the district to make the sport a priority in both short- and long-term planning for the community. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, in the last two years pickleball has become the fastest growing sport with 2022 participation rates rising 39.3%. Invented by three dads from Bainbridge Island, Wash., in

1965 it combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong and is played with a plastic wiffle-like ball on a court only a quarter of the size of a tennis court.

“There’s a need for more pickleball courts to be built in our community,” insisted Lesley Connell, a 30-year denizen of El Dorado Hills. “I represent many residents that are here tonight who are frustrated with the lack of pickleball courts.”

El Dorado Hills currently has four indoor wooden courts only available for two mornings a week at a nominal

n See Courts, page A5

Village Life photo by Noel Stack EDH Fire Chief Maurice Johnson, left, and Steve Willis lift the cover off a bench dedicated to Steve’s late wife, Peggy Willis. The 40-year EDH resident who died in 2020 was instrumental in forming the Lakehills Fire Safe Council.

Village Life photo by Sel Richard Mary Hansen from Shingle Springs and Chris Groff (in back) from Placerville play pickleball at Heritage Park’s courts which just opened last September.

Willis

also to remind the community of her message that everyone needs to pitch in to make El Dorado Hills as re safe as possible.

Johnson helped Steve Willis pull the cover o Peggy’s memorial bench a er the little free library and plaque featuring her portrait were unveiled to cheers.

“Peggy’s focus on outreach enabled

Ashton

ships are what Ashton said the next CAO must maintain and grow to keep El Dorado County moving in the right direction.

“I don’t see this job as being the boss,” he explained. “Building positive relationships and collaborating are the two most important things in this job. That’s how you get things done in El Dorado County.”

The Board of Supervisors has initiated another recruitment e ort to ll Ashton’s shoes a er two failed attempts last year. An interim CAO was named at the Feb. 21 board meeting — Assistant Chief Administrative O cer Ti any Schmid.

Ashton acknowledged the board faces challenges with recruitment and said it would be in the county’s best interest to start cultivating its leaders from within.

Events

The Ponderosa High School Band and Jazz Band Ensembles hosts Music & Marinara at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music and a pasta dinner plus dessert and raffle basket drawings. Tickets are presale only. Purchase online at ticketstripe.com/Music-Marinara2023.

March 5

Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts bestselling author Susan Wels, who will lead a discussion on her book “An Assassin in Utopia,” 1-2:30 p.m. For more information call (916) 941-9410 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

March 8

Vitalant will hold an El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX Theater blood drive with the Bloodmobile in the parking lot, noon to 4:30 p.m. at 2101 Vine St. Make an appointment at donors.vitalant.org and use blood

Courts

fee. Two outdoor courts were recently opened at the new Heritage Park, which Connell reports are consistently full of players with others waiting to play. Also very popular are the 12 courts at Lembi Park in Folsom and the eight courts available at the Cameron Park Lake tennis courts. Connell o ered three solutions to the board. The rst was to open Rolling Hills Middle School’s 14 existing courts to the public on evenings and weekends via a lease rental agreement with the Buckeye Union School District. She also encouraged converting a portion of Stephen Harris Park’s tennis courts to pickleball courts or painting lines to allow either sport. Finally, Connell suggested building new courts on available land owned by the CSD.

“Not only is it social and fun, but it’s regular moderate exercise that helps keep your mind and body t, improves di erent functions of different areas of the body to maintain a healthy

Continued from A4

residents to learn ways to protect their homes and themselves from wild re,” the plaque reads in part. “Beyond that, she inspired others to not only be educated about re safety and preparedness, but to become involved in spreading the re safe message to others. In that light, Peggy’s goal hs become the goal of many and her energy lives on.”

Continued from A3

“We have to do better growing our own people,” he insisted.

Whoever next moves into the CAO’s Fair Lane o ce will nd a message from Ashton. The note’s content remains secret. Though he came from Southern California, Ashton said he no longer feels like an outsider thanks to the community’s support and the friendships he has made. He loves El Dorado County so much he moved his parents here. “It’s a place I truly call home.”

Sticking close to that home, Ashton and his wife will visit their family and friends on the West Slope o en and plan to move to Incline Village a er his retirement. When the snow gets too deep for snowshoeing, the couple will head to their other retirement escape in Costa Rica.

Continued from A2

drive code SMFM486 or call (877) 2584825 and mention the same code. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows.

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business Builder Blender and ribbon cutting 5:30-7:30 p.m. at MotlMD, 4359 Town Center Blvd., Suite 217, El Dorado Hills. RSVP at eldoradohillschamber.org.

March 11

Folsom Lake Symphony presents It’s About Time, a family concert featuring an instrument petting zoo at 11 a.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

March 17

The El Dorado Hills Community Services District hosts a free St. Patrick’s Day party for seniors, 1-2 p.m. at the Gilmore Senior Center. Sign up at the site. Space is limited.

Continued from A4

Miracle

AED and I attached it to the patient,” he continued. “A er stopping CPR I pushed the analyze button. To the surprise of all of us, the AED said ‘shock advised.’ I told everyone to clear the patient and delivered the shock. Within seconds she started breathing regularly and had a strong pulse.”

Nelson, a paramedic for more than 20 years, said he was concerned for Allen’s continued wellbeing as they were still hours away from a hospital. “O en, a patient will go back into the dysrhythmia and require de brillation or cardioversion again,” he explained.

believe how well she was doing,” he marveled. “It is obvious she is a ghter and has a strong spirit.”

Allen was incredibly grateful to her in- ight dream team. “It was phenomenal that I had everyone there that I needed; it was meant to be,” she said during their meeting. “You all were just so wonderful.”

“It was just weeks after the event and I couldn’t believe how well she was doing. It is obvious she is a fighter and has a strong spirit.”

“A patient with this type of emergency needs de nitive care at a hospital as soon as possible. The pilot increased the speed of the aircra and made a downwind landing in the other direction to save as much time as possible.”

— Capt. Dan Nelson of his patient

Allen and her heroes reunited last month at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville where Nelson said the rst thing did was ask for a hug. “I ... told her how glad I was to see her. It was just weeks a er the event and I couldn’t

Nelson, a Hawaii super-commuter who lives on Maui about 50% of the time, said this is the rst time has encountered an in- ight emergency.

Although, in an ironic twist, he said a friend had recently inquired about the exact situation. “It is not uncommon for something like this to happen at work but that’s my job,” Nelson said. “At work I am surrounded by my coworkers, have medical equipment that I am intimately familiar with and hospitals that are minutes away instead of hours.”

He commended all the healthcare professionals who assisted in the lifesaving e ort. “We worked together seamlessly and had the best possible outcome.”

lifestyle and it improves the players’ balance, exibility, stability and cardiovascular tness,” explained Connell.

“As elected members of our Community Services District, I’m sure you are all very interested in nding the best use of land

and resources to support the growing needs of our community,” she continued. “Access to pickleball courts provides outdoor social recreation ful lling an immediate need of El Dorado Hills residents.”

The board made no decisions at the meeting.

Serving

Publisher Richard B. Esposito (530) 344-5055 resposito@mtdemocrat.net

Managing Editor Noel Stack 530-344-5073 nstack@villagelife.com

Advertising / Distribution Ian Balentine 530-344-5048 ibalentine@mtdemocrat.com

Multi-Media Sales Representatives: Chris Jones 530-344-5023 cjones@mtdemocrat.com

Kristi Massey 530-344-5059 kmassey@mtdemocrat.com

2889 Ray Lawyer Drive • Placerville, CA 95667 (530) 622-1255 • Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-5pm

A dentistry that aims to be a home away from home

Jessica Cyphers

Staff writer

For patients of Dale Stanec, Jr., DDS, going to the dentist feels a little like going home.

“We know all of our patients. They’re our friends,” said Dr. Stanec, who works alongside his wife and office manager, Elena, in his Cameron Park office. “The experience in our office is very personal. We’re very small and greet each patient by name when they walk in. It’s a comfortable, homey place to have dental work done, and we like it that way.”

Dr. Stanec has been in dentistry in the Cameron Park area since 2002. As a kid, he was “always into science and math” and loved the idea of owning his own business. “I ran a lawn-mowing business as a kid — always had some kind of business going — so becoming a dentist and owning my own practice just made sense,” said Dr. Stanec. Dr. Stanec did his undergraduate work at Cal Poly,

San Luis Obispo and then attended dental school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern in 2001 and says that, although he was born and raised in San Jose, it was a natural draw to open his practice in the foothills. “Elena and I love this area. We had a lot of family and friends here and thought it would be a great place to raise our kids.”

In his office, Dr. Stanec offers a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry with expertise ranging from porcelain veneers and dental implants to crowns and bridges and more. Unlike many other dentists, Dr. Stanec doesn’t employ dental hygienists or other technicians but does all of his dental work himself.

“I spend a lot of one-on-one time with my patients. It’s fun for me to do the work myself because I get to spend more time with my patients and hang out with them and really get to know them. It makes it fun to do what I do,” said Dr. Stanec.

Another advantage of keeping his practice small is that, because he sees every patient one at a time, Dr. Stanec can be very thorough and immediately answer any questions that come up. He is also able to really respect his patients’ time. “I am almost always early or on time,” said Dr. Stanec. “My patients know that, so they’re usually early or on time for their appointments, too. It’s a win win for everyone.”

Dr. Stanec is located at 3955 Cameron Park Drive — in Cameron Park. His office is right near the Goldorado Shopping Center, directly across from the new Walgreens on Palmer Drive, and is very conveniently located for all of his patients. The move is just one more way Dr. Stanec shows his commitment to providing the best possible care for his patients.

“I look forward to going to work and getting to see who’s on the schedule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.

“I love the work that I do and am proud to do really quality work. Originally I’d planned to be a little bigger, but then I realized I liked it this way. I really enjoy my patients and

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When it’s time to retire for the day, head to the mail level’s primary suite, Relax in the suite’s sitting area with a gas log replace or in the spa-like bathroom with a jetted tub, stall shower, dual sinks and a walk-in closet.

Rounding out the main level are a mudroom, the laundry room with ample storage, garage access and a half bath.

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ets. The junior suite on the third level has its own bathroom while the other two bedrooms share a jackand-jill bath. There’s also a large recreation room and storage closet.

The lower level features a bedroom with a spacious closet and a full bathroom as well as two un nished spaces, deck access and a separate entrance. This could easily become its own home — perfect for the in-laws or a college student seeking a little independence.

The home has an attached, three car garage with a long, wide driveway that o ers ample guest parking as well as separated space for a boat/RV. Garage features include a bonus room and a workshop.

Front landscaping showcases well-maintained, mature trees and shrubs along with an assortment of planters. There’s open and covered seating space near the gorgeous front door.

The home has two spacious Trex decks from which to enjoy the views and the un nished backyard is ready for the new homeowners’ vision. There’s plenty of space for a pool, outdoor kitchen, perhaps a putting green and/or a gazebo; it’s only limited by the imagination.

Interested in a tour of this Crooked Mile Court property in Placerville? Contact Realtor Marilyn Go at (530) 672-4530 or visit marilyngo .com.

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The arts, freedom of speech and promoting the common good

We live in interesting times. To listen or not to listen? To ponder or not to ponder? To agree or to agree “not to agree?” These are the questions. Our nation’s founding fathers took up these questions in 1787 at the Constitutional Convention, less than three years a er laying down the arms they took up against a sea of troubles from across The Pond.

How could a diverse, awed — human — group of people yet to be born peaceably resolve the issues that would inevitably arise as society grew and evolved?

Freedom to speak out

Their answer was the Bill of Rights, the rst 10 amendments to the Constitution. Prime among these is the First Amendment. It states:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

In a nutshell, this means that Americans have the right to freedom of speech. If we can’t speak freely about matters important to us, then we are

under the worst form of tyranny. That includes selfcensorship.

You have the right to speak your mind, whether others agree with you or not. They have that same right. Everyone has the right to speak their ideas in the public square.

Remember what our teachers told us in kindergarten? “Use your words, not your sts.”

It’s that simple.

Art as speech

Art is a form of that freedom of expression. It can provoke, stimulate thought and serve as a forum to discuss controversial ideas or actions.

For example, Star Trek’s Capt. Kirk and Lt. Uhura had the rst television interracial kiss in 1968. It shocked audiences and sparked a national discussion. Yet today, interracial couples are a part of the normal landscape of society.

Today there are cultural issues and mores to discuss aplenty and a need for open forums. One of these public squares is the annual LUNAFEST, locally hosted by the Soroptimists International of Cameron Park/El Dorado Hills.

LUNAFEST features short lms all by, for and about women. The lm festival believes that sharing diverse

■ See LAIRD, page B4

Susan Laird

Grow for it!

Let’s get growing

Tucked toward the back of the Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, you will find the whimsical and educational Children’s Garden. As the weather warms, lots of plants, flowers and trees will burst with leaves and blooms in this delightful garden dedicated to children. The perfect time to bring your kids to Sherwood’s Children Garden would be Saturday morning, March 4, for the Grow & Show Kid’s Workshop. The workshop and planting supplies are free. Registration is required. (See below for more information.)

Keep in mind that there are 16 different gardens at Sherwood Demonstration Garden. Planting and design of the Children’s Garden began in 2014. Over the years this little garden has evolved and flourished. It is a favorite destination of our young gardener visitors. Kids love to explore and experience this child friendly environment. There are many

Christie mystery rolls into theater

News release

FOLSOM — Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer.

An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — in case he or she decides to strike again.

Sutter Street Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” opening March 3 at the Folsom Theater. This production is adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig and directed by Connie Mockenhaupt. The show is rated PG-13.

“A love letter to the original material, with a swift moving script adaptation by Ken Ludwig .... Everything you could want — broadly drawn characters, exotic settings and a spectacular murder with no shortage of suspects.”

BroadwayWorld Performances are scheduled 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 4:30 p.m. Sundays at the theater, 717 Sutter St. in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit SutterStreetTheatre.com.

Pauline Atkins

brightly colored vignettes, beginning with the Sherwood Kids statues posed holding their gardening tools. A wacky yellow Flowerpot Minion warmly welcomes visitors. There are 1-2-3 Hopscotch and ABC stepping stones on the safe and easy-access mulch pathways. Ladybug Checkers invite you to sit down for a game or two under the shade sails of the outdoor classroom.

Snow White and her little friends are nestled around the garden. The music trellis is interactive. A garden yardstick lets you see if you are as tall as a full-grown sunflower. There is even a huge green sea serpent topiary guarding the garden. The plants and flowers themselves are easy access, growing in raised beds. It is all about the

senses: see, touch, smell and taste. There are lots of colorful flowers to see, soft lamb’s ears, Stachys byzantina, to touch, common lilac, Syringa vulgaris to sniff and strawberries, apples and tomatoes to taste, when in season.

To introduce your kids to the Children’s Garden, plan to bring them to Sherwood Demonstration Garden on March 4. This free workshop for kids is offered and taught by UCCE Master Gardener Barbara Brydon. The Grow & Show Workshop will be educational and lots of fun.

After learning the basics about plant needs, each child will be provided with pots, soil, a succulent plant and a bean seed for their hands-on planting experience. They will take their plants home to care for and nurture.

The El Dorado County Fair will be held June 15-18, 2023. Your child can choose to enter their plant at the fair. A blue ribbon may be in their future. Instructions on how to enter plants in the fair will be provided at the workshop. There will be two sessions on March 4, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 10:30 a.m. Register by going to the UCCE Master Gardeners of El

n See Gardener, page B5

UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Photo by Pauline Atkins

The Children’s Garden at the Sherwood Demonstration Garden focuses on the senses: see, touch, smell and taste.

Photographer takes on forces of nature

News release

FOLSOM — Harris Center for the Arts presents National Geographic Live! Keith Ladzinski –Force of Nature, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9.

From the towering mountains of the Himalaya to the slot canyons and stone arches of the desert, Earth is shaped by the raw power of Mother Nature. Capturing this might and majesty takes a special skill set — and a willingness to sign up for the seemingly impossible. Ladzinski, adventure photographer and filmmaker, is renowned for his ability to get the shot in some of the world’s most inaccessible and inhospitable environments. His unique combination of skills makes him a natural choice for assignments that require the talents of both a top athlete and a master of photography. Ladzinski’s subjects are as varied as the dozens of countries he’s visited. He has swum with alligators in the Florida Everglades, chased tornadoes across the American Midwest, hung from massive natural arches in China and explored the effects of climate change in Antarctica. His fearless spirit leads him to the furthest reaches of all seven continents and his hope is that the stunning images he captures inspire new understanding of and respect for our planet.

Ladzinski is an Emmy-nominated director and director of photography and has made films, advertising and television content for National Geographic TV, Disney, Apple, Discovery, Oprah, Nikon, Dell,

Laird

perspectives can spark conversation, connection and change. In a span of 90 minutes, these films tackle universal themes of friendship, bravery and community. The hope is to break down barriers and celebrate the importance of finding joy. The films are screened across the country by a variety of service organizations.

The films contain mature subject matter. Age 16 and up is advised. Some topics are controversial. But that is the purpose of this art: to start conversations within society. To view the list of 2023 films visit lunafest.org/filmmakers.

Doing good

Local funds raised through LUNAFEST by the Soroptimists support needs in the community by providing programs

Adidas, ABC, Honda, The Weather Channel and Red Bull TV.

Born in New York, raised in Colorado, Ladzinski’s love of photography started after buying a beat-up camera from a pawn shop. His early subjects mirrored his polarized passions, skateboarding in the city and exploring the quiet mountains of Colorado. One, built around an immersed subculture, skating from concrete place to place with friends, trespassing, shooting photos in the dead of night with rushed artificial light setups and running from security guards. The other, alpine starts in the mountains, long approaches alone to quaint places, patiently hunting for natural light and thoughtful composition. It was an unintentional education in two styles of photography and it wasn’t long before the two merged, initially into his love for rock climbing. It was here that Ladzinski forged his roots in the world of extreme sports, working tirelessly with the industry’s top athletes, outdoor industry clients and agencies.

Today his work primarily focuses on natural history, climate change, extreme sports and advertising, sending him to the furthest reaches of all seven continents multiple times over. Ladzinski is a contributing photographer at National Geographic magazine and a founding member of the Sea Legacy Collective.

Harris Center for the Arts is located at 10 College Parkway on the Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit HarrisCenter.net.

Drive in Cameron Park.

and monetary support for women and children in need. Programs include Live Your Dream educational grants, high school and Folsom Lake College scholarships and Tech Trek camps for girls. The Soroptimists also support local agencies working to stop human trafficking in Sacramento and El Dorado counties. This fundraiser provides their most important community impact.

Two ways to participate

This year’s film festival has virtual and in-person options. Virtually the films will be available for a full 48 hours, from 11 a.m. March 30 to 11 a.m. April 1.

The in-person event is March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Complimentary desserts are provided and small plates and beverages will be available for sale. The event has a spring theme which will be reflected in raffle and auction items, just in time for Easter.

Tickets for either venue are $25 each. Visittinyurl.com/lunafest23 to learn more.

The kids will be ‘alright’

Thomas Jefferson was a self-proclaimed arts enthusiast. Looking at America’s future, he was an optimist.

“When I contemplate the immense advances in science and discoveries in the arts which have been made within the period of my life, I look forward with confidence to equal advances by the present generation, and have no doubt they will consequently be as much wiser than we have been as we than our fathers were, and they than the burners of witches,” he said.

The Great American Experiment continues, right here in El Dorado County. God bless America!

Send your event for consideration in Susan’s column to slaird@handywriting.com.

Photo by Doug Ladzinski

Adventure photographer Keith Ladzinski will share stories about his experiences all over the world getting those perfect shots during a stop at the Harris Center March 9.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Time for financial ‘spring cleaning’

Now that we’ve put winter behind us — at least on the calendar — it’s time for us to think about sprucing up our homes, inside and out. But it also may be time to do some nancial spring cleaning.

Some of the same ideas involved in tidying up your home can also be used to help put your nancial house in order.

Here are a few suggestions:

Suzy O’Neal

Financial columnist

• Dust off your investment strategy. As you look around your home, you might nd that many items — tables, desks, bookshelves and computer and television screens — could bene t from a good dusting. And, once you’ve accomplished this, you’ll get a clearer view of all these objects. Similarly, your investment strategy needs to be “dusted o ” every so o en so you can see if it’s still working to help you move toward your nancial goals, such as a comfortable retirement. Over time, your personal circumstances and risk tolerance can change and these changes may lead you to reexamine your future nancial and investment decisions.

•De-clutter your portfolio. if you took a survey of your home, would you nd duplicates or even triplicates of some things — brooms, vacuum cleaners, toasters and so on? If so, it may be time to do some de-cluttering. And the same could be true of your portfolio — you might have several identical, or substantially identical, investments taking up space. If so, you might want to replace these redundancies with investments that can improve your diversication. While diversi cation can’t guarantee pro ts or protect against losses in a declining market, it may help reduce the impact of market volatility on your holdings.

Gardener

Dorado County website: mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education_

Classes/?calendar=yes

&g=56698.

If you miss this class, the Sherwood Demonstration Garden is open Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. Master Gardeners o er tours and answer questions or you can just enjoy the garden. Check the website for further information about the Sherwood Demonstration Garden at ucanr.edu/sites/ EDC_Master_Gardeners/

•Get organized. If your closets are overstu ed with clothes and miscellaneous items crammed on shelves and the oor, you may well have trouble nding what you’re looking for — but with a little straightening up, your searches will become much easier. And when you’re trying to locate nancial documents, such as investment statements or insurance policies, you’ll also bene t from having everything organized in one central location. Even if you get most of these documents online, you can save what you need and keep them in a le on your desktop, laptop or tablet. (And it’s also a good idea to tell your spouse, adult child or another close relative how these documents can be accessed, just in case something happens to you.)

• Protect yourself from dangers.

If you look around your garage, shed or other storage area you may well nd some objects — such as gardening tools, paint thinners, engine uids and leaning ladders — that could be dangerous if they aren’t stored properly. As part of your spring cleaning, you’ll want to remove these hazards to safeguard yourself and your family. But have you addressed the various nancial risks that could threaten your loved ones?

For example, if something were to happen to you, could your family members maintain their lifestyle? Could your children still go to college? To guard against this risk, you may want to discuss protection strategies with a nancial professional.

Spring cleaning can pay o — in a cleaner, safer home environment and in helping ensure your nancial strategy continues to work hard for you.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Suzy O’Neal, (530) 676-5402. Edward Jones, member SIPC.

Demonstration_Garden. Master Gardener classes are o ered monthly throughout the county. Find the class schedule at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education_

Classes/?calendar=yes

&g=56698 and recorded classes on many gardening topics at mgeldorado.ucanr. edu/Public_Education/ Classes.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website, mgeldorado. ucanr.edu, or leave a mes-

Let us help you pay tribute to a loved one. When you experience the loss of a loved one, our Village Life team can help you convey information in several ways!

Continued from B3

sage on the o ce telephone at (530) 621-5512. To sign up for notices and newsletters visit ucanr.edu/ master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Obituary ~ You may write the tribute in your own words or if needed we can provide assistance. Obituaries will publish on the day requested, subject to publication deadline.

Anniversary Remembrances ~ You may place an ad in memory of a deceased loved one on the anniversary of a significant date such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or the anniversary of their death.

Call Elizabeth Hansen for more information 530-344-5028

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SHINGLE

SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK Chamber of Commerce

President’s Corner

Colette Thiel

It’s amazing how fast time goes by when we are busy growing our Chamber. It’s the start of the last month of the 1st quarter of 2023! We start o March with our Monthly Networking Mixer on March 2nd co-hosted by Crafthouse Culture Taproom (New Business/ Member) in Burke Junction and Project Blue. Should be a fun night seeing this new business finally open after many setbacks and learning about how Project Blue Financial Consulting is bringing the best practices of Fortune 500 companies to the small business owner. In case you are wondering, YES, we did move our Monthly Mixer to the 1st Thursday of the Month 5:30pm – 7:30pm. So, make a note to join us and bring a ra e prize, valued at $25 or more, to promote your business.

BIG NEWS!! THUNDER IN THE PARK is back in 2023! This classic car show was originally held in June but due to the pandemic was moved to October. We are now back with our original weekend. So, mark your calendar for Saturday, June 10th, 8am -3pm at Cameron Park Lake. This is a fun event for the whole family! We have SOLD OUT the past several years and expect the same for 2023. Registrations for vehicle entry, vendor & food booths/trucks is now open at https:// www.sscpchamber.org/thunder-in-the-park-car-show-2/ !

Our Monthly Networking Luncheon will be held on Wednesday,

March 22nd, 11:30am at Los Pinos. Our Guest Speaker is El Dorado County Auditor/Controller Joe Harn. We invite you to come meet Mr. Harn and hear what he will tell us about the fiscal standing of El Dorado CountyDoradoCounty. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and space is limited. So, call the Chamber o ce for your reservation. (530) 677-8000

February, once again, brought several new members and renewals for our Chamber. Our Board of Directors and Ambassadors are our visiting current and potential new members. We have lofty membership goals this year. I look forward to meeting many more business owners in my second year as President. I continue to have an open-door policy and encourage ALL our members to get involved. And if you know a business that should be a member, we’d love the opportunity to talk with them.

Happy March!

Colette Thiel, President SSCP Chamber of Commerce

The SS/CP Chamber Needs Volunteers!

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park Chamber of Commerce needs volunteers to spend a few hours a month helping the chamber with its events and management.  The payback is helping your local business advocates support the community in which

MARCH Events

they live and serve, while striving to make Shingle Springs and Cameron Park wonderful places in which to live!  We have several key positions opening right now.  Get involved today!  Please contact Colette Thiel@ ThielHomes.com for more information.

Celebrating ST. Patrick's Day!

7:30pm. Contact the Chamber for more information at (530) 677-8000.

March 3

Caregiver Appreciation Day

Take time to especially thank those that care for you.

March 12

The Drifters Concert

March (Fridays to Sundays)

CP Rotary Club Observatory

From 8:30pm to 10:30 pm, weather permitting, the observatory is open to the public on weekend evenings. Trained docents show the many celestial wonders of the universe through two 14-inch telescopes. Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, Campus Drive (continue through the back parking lots to the left of the observatory gate). For info and closure updates, call (530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.

March

Support Small Businesses To Keep It Local!

Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!

March 2

SS/CP Chamber Mixer

Come mix and mingle at the monthly Chamber Mixer, to be held at Crafthouse Culture, 3300 Coach Lane, #D5-6, Cameron PARK, and co—hosted by Project Blue Financial Services. Time is 5:30-

The Shingle Springs/Cameron Park

Inc. in December 1967. It works to

community.

THE DRIFTERS… one of Rock & Roll’s founding vocal groups is once again touring the U.S. under the auspices of their original management team. Up on the Roof, Under the Boardwalk, This Magic Moment, There Goes My Baby, Dance With Me, Spanish Harlem, Stand By Me. The list goes on and on. Get your tickets at The Harris Center. https:// www.harriscenter.net/

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrate green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and being Irish!

the area,

March 18

Third Saturday, Placerville Art Walk

Historic Downtown Placerville. Main Street galleries and merchants host changing art shows and late night shopping every third Saturday of the month. Demonstrations, refreshments, music and more. Placerville Downtown Association, 376 Main St., Placerville. Read more on EventCrazy.com.

March 22

SS/CP Chamber Networking Luncheon

Please join us at Los Pinos, 3420 Palmer Dr., Cameron Park from 11:30am to 1:00pm for our monthly luncheon! The guest speaker will be Joe Patterson, the new Assemblyman. Contact the Chamber for more details at (530) 677-8000.

March 31

Cesar Chavez Day

Expect your local government of ces to be closed in observance of this State holiday. Federal of ces and services will be open.

Chamber Community, by means of a strong, healthy and diverse business community.”

The Chamber’s mission statement re ects this premise: “To advocate, promote

JOIN US FOR OUR WINE TASTING EVENT! At Cloud Bar in El Dorado Hills

Come experience a combination of technology, fi ne wine, and delectable pairings that create an unrivaled wine-lovers experience! Guests have the opportunity to learn, sip, and delve deeper into the history of each wine during this time.

Thursday, March 9 - From 4:00-6:00 pm Mingle, Sip, and Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres Limited Seating!

Please RSVP to ( 530 ) 677-9100 by March 7th!

Choose the retirement community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care. Choose a life without chores but full of friendship and fun!

• Spacious fl oor plans

• Full kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances

• Washer and dryer in your unit

• A robust activity calendar and transportation program

• Attached garages for every apartment and house

• Pet-friendly retirement community with NO pet fees! Dog walker available for additional fee.

Ask about our RENT FREEZE Promotion!

Choose the retirement community that you deserve! Come tour Ponte Palmero!