Village Life/Cameron Park Life, Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Bass

fields in flux

Stantec Senior Principal Paul Marcillac began by showing revised plans for the park’s west side, which included combining recreation areas and minimizing cost by eliminating road redundancy. “We really want to consolidate all those play areas into one,” he said, asserting that the new layout creates a safer environment. “You can supervise your children. They’re close to restrooms and you’re not crossing streets.”

The event center was relocated to avoid ood zones and grading adjustments were proposed to lower existing elds. Marcillac suggested removing volleyball courts and placing them at another site. Multi-use elds were rotated to free up more space.

“This provided approximately over an acre of space where we can program the sensory garden, the venture area, the all-inclusive play, the picnic areas bu ered from the parking lot,” Marcillac explained, mentioning that several oak trees were also saved.

CSD Director Sean Hansen, disappointed to see the volleyball courts nixed, said “You killed volleyball courts and you have too much parking.” He suggested excess parking be tabled for a future phase.

However, CSD interim principal planner Je Kernen advocated more parking rather than less at the park and was backed up by EDH Lacrosse representative Marilyn Vinciguerra. “Where do we over ow park?” she asked, pointing out a scarcity of street parking in

Photos by Cecilia Clark

photo,

tosses magic glitter that lights the beautiful tree in front of the movie theater. Above left, Buddy the Elf and Santa Claus enjoy the warmth of the California Welcome Center in Town Center. Pictures with Santa are offered there through Christmas Eve.

Sel Richard Staff writer

Final designs for the future Bass Lake Regional Park presented at the El Dorado Hills Community Services District November board meeting showed design shi s met with concern from the sports community in particular.

“I have nothing against Little League, but they do have 33 fields and I have one.”

JD

Stinson with Foothill Girls Softball

Wreaths Across America Day events set

News release

Each December the Daughters of the American Revolution join Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths on veterans’ graves, honoring those who have served the country and preserved freedom at home and around the world. With a stated mission to “Remember, Honor, and Teach,” Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at

more than 3,400 locations across the United States every December.

Folsom’s Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter, NSDAR, will participate locally at ceremonies honoring 400 veterans buried at Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery and 16 veterans buried at the Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery.

An opening ceremony (rain or shine) to commemorate these local veterans will take place at Folsom Veterans Hall, 1300 Forrest St. (at the end of the street), 9 a.m Saturday, Dec. 17. The VFW ceremony will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Lakeside Memorial Lawn Cemetery, 1201 Forrest St., at 10:30 a.m. (rain or shine). A ceremonial wreathlaying (rain or shine) will take place at Mormon Island Relocation Cemetery, 2547 Shadowfax Lane, in El Dorado Hills (o Green Valley Road), at 2 p.m. Folsom’s Boy Scout Troop 94 will assist the chapter in the location and placement of the wreaths.

For more information about the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter of DAR, honoring and preserving the legacy of your potential Revolutionary War ancestors and promoting historic preservation, education and patriotic endeavors email: charlotteparkhurstdar@gmail. com or visit the Charlotte Parkhurst Chapter website at folsom.californiadar.org.

Jana Rossi Staff writer

This year fans of Lucy, Linus and, of course, Charlie Brown have the opportunity to enjoy two very special Christmas shows in El Dorado Hills. Director Jonathan Reis from Dream Catchers EDH and his tal ented cast will present “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “A Christmas Miracle” Dec. 9 at the Holiday Inn Express in Town Center.

This is a free event, but donations are welcome.

Earlier this year, the cast performed “The Greatest Showman” in Town Center’s outdoor amphitheater. The show was a huge success, rais ing much-needed funds that help keep this amazing pro gram going. They are hoping their holiday showcases will raise even more funds which all go right back into their nonprofit organization.

Dream Catchers opened its doors in 2018 with a mission to “empower people with intellectual and developmen tal disabilities (IDDS), to live their best lives.” Program leaders accomplish this by offering opportunities to indi viduals that will help them

the surrounding area and the potential for multiple teams at a time needing parking. She inquired into field lights and whether they have been approved by neighbor ing homes, citing recent lighting wars at other local parks.

Potential field program ming conflicts due to the sharing of seasons by multiple sports was another concern raised in regards to the proposed multipurpose fields.

“We would prefer, instead of three shared fields, two fields that you don’t have to share,” said Steve Montoya, fields coordinator for Foothill Girls Softball, who men tioned Promontory Park as an example.

JD Stinson, also from Foothill Girls Softball, advocated for a girls soft ball field. “We have one field in all of El Dorado Hills,” he said. “I have nothing against Little League, but they do have 33 fields and I have one.”

Board members Michael Martinelli and Heidi Hannaman called for additional public out reach, primarily with the impacted sports groups. The possible relocation of the park’s existing Sellwood Field was also discussed.

East side revisions

learn ways to become more independent; the theater pro gram is one important aspect. Not only does performing in the theater boost confidence, but important life skills are also developed such as read ing and memorizing, proper

shifted the nature center closer to the amphithe ater to make a combined multi-purpose space.

Though the buildings are only in conceptual stages, Stantec proposed enlarging the event center from 8,500 to 13,000 square feet to encom pass two ballrooms, two meeting areas, two breakout rooms, a warm ing kitchen, restrooms, storage and a viewing deck. The nature center has been expanded from 2,500 to 5,200 square feet to house a reception area, two classrooms, two labs, science center, conference room, warm ing kitchen, storage, restrooms and outdoor area. Three options for a 1,500-square-foot caretaker building were offered.

Promise Foundation representative Rowland Gaal advised considering

enunciation, and how to stay focused.

In addition to the theater program, Dream Catchers also offers a day program where individuals can work on other basic day-to-day skills such as shopping, cooking, budgeting,

sun exposure and glare when planning field and nature center orientation. He asked that the care taker facility and parking areas not be situated on any potential study areas. “I noticed one of them was almost up on top of the dry pond and some of the really interesting natural areas,” he noted.

The staff report states that the park’s final design has been modified multiple times as a result of draft environmental analysis and existing con ditions. Kernen noted that the CEQA lead agency status is yet to be determined, impact ing the ability to move forward with the project as the county will not accept any application without this matter being resolved. The planning application and environ mental documents have yet to be submitted.

House Cleaning

interviewing, résumé writing and more that will help clients one day lead a life of more independence. The nonprofit’s future hope is to one day offer housing to individuals with IDDS.

Tammy Stein Sandbo’s 24-year-old daughter Raeana was one of the first to join the Dream Catchers theater pro gram when it began in 2018. Tammy recalled how the pro gram almost didn’t happen; when she went to sign Raeana up she was told they didn’t have enough participants. Undeterred, Tammy asked Reis to give her a few days to get the word out and she was able to bring in more than enough actors to get the pro gram up and running. Since then, Tammy along with other parent volunteers, has helped with props and set designs.

For Raeana’s solo perfor mance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in “A Christmas Miracle,”it will be her mom’s PowerPoint designs displayed in the background. Tammy shared how much her daughter loves the pro gram. She said Raeana not only enjoys being around friends, but has laso learned about commitment and responsibility. The best part

for Tammy, she added, is “seeing the joy from all the kids. I love watching them have this opportunity.”

In these two productions, Reis is working with a cast of 18 and said roles were given to those who sounded the most like the character. He recalled some of the cast asking him, “Do you really think I sound like that?” In the end, Reis shared, they were a perfect fit and have enjoyed practicing their roles.

To find out more about Dream Catchers EDH or to make a donation visit dream catchersedh.org.

See “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “A Christmas Miracle” at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Holiday Inn Express in El Dorado Hills. No tickets necessary.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” Cast: Sally (Kali); Lucy (Audrey) (Amanda); Charlie Brown (Will) (Connor); Snoopy (Hanah); Linus (Jai); Pig Pen (Isaac); Frieda (Cambry); Little Red Head Girl 1 (Kim); Little Red Head Girl 2 (Rae); Schroeder (Caleb); Shermy (Dennis); Black Hair Girl (Emily); Violet (Savannah); Chorus (Jaquel, Nick, Cruz).

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 Cam eron 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-mow ing 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 under graduate work at Cal Poly,

San Luis Obispo and then attend ed

school

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 hygien ists 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 Cam eron 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 sched ule every day,” said Dr. Stanec.

dental

at

Courtesy photo

Dream Catchers EDH actor Audrey, front, rehearses the group’s Christmas show with Isaac, Hanah and Dennis, behind her left to right. See the per formance Dec. 9.

Rescue Troop sees its Eagle Scouts soar

Avis Jolly Special to Village Life

Despite the difficult environ ment of COVID during the last two years, Rescue’s Boy Scout Troop No. 700, chartered under the Rescue Volunteer Fire Association, kept up its amazing Eagle Scout streak with seven Scouts earning their Eagle. This brings the troop’s total to 105 since its formation 29 years ago.

Eagle Scout is the highest achieve ment or rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program of the Boy Scouts of America. Since its inception in 1911, only 4% of Scouts have earned this rank after a lengthy review process. Requirements include earning seven rank advancements and at least 21 merit badges, including 14 specific badges intended to create a well-rounded Scout who demonstrates the Scout Spirit, an ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service and leadership. Earning Eagle rank also includes the comple tion of an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages.

Those recently earning this notable achievement are:

Eathan and William Craghead, sons of Jason and Nicole Craghead of Cameron Park. Eathan earned his Eagle Feb. 10, 2021, and graduated Ponderosa High School in 2021 and is currently employed at Cameron Park’s Night Drop Motorsports. William earned his Eagle March 23, 2022, graduated Ponderosa High School in 2022 and is employed at In-N-Out Burger and is saving to start a small business.

Ryder Best, son of Tom and Laura Best of Venice, Fla. (formerly of Placerville), earned his Eagle May 12, 2021, and is currently a senior at Venice High School.

Nathan Fishman, son of Joel and Jila Fishman of Cameron Park, earned his Eagle March 23, 2022. Nathan gradu ated Ponderosa High School in 2022 and is currently attending American River College and is employed at In-N-Out Burger.

Ian Roberts, son of Boyd and Wendi Roberts of Placerville, earned his Eagle June 22, 2022. He graduated from El Dorado High School in 2022 and is currently attending Folsom Lake College and is employed at In-N-Out

Burger.

Trace Plamondon, son of Paul and Lori Plamondon of Camino, earned his Eagle Aug. 11, 2022. Trace gradu ated from El Dorado High School in 2022 and is currently attending the University of Nevada-Reno.

Michael Delany, son of Guy and Brandie Delaney of Rescue, earned his Eagle Sept. 28, 2022, graduated Ponderosa High School in 2022 and is currently employed doing automotive upholstery fabrication and plans to be an upholsterer for Rolls Royce.

Service projects completed during the Scouts’ attainment of their Eagle rank were wide ranging from wood duck nesting boxes at the Cold Springs Golf and Country Club to flag retire ment collection boxes at both the Rescue and Bass Lake Road fire sta tions. Efforts also included constructing and installing lending library boxes at the Rescue Fire Department and the Rescue Community Center plus install ing a proper shotput throwing sector at Pleasant Grove Middle School. While another proj ect benefited the Rescue Community Center, where the troop meets each week, by installing a new sign, paver walkway and stairs leading to the horseshoe pits.

The recent Eagle Scouts of Troop 700 have garnered a lot from their years in Scouting.

William said his favorite memories include “accomplishing large goals with my Scouting friends such as Philmont, a 100-mile backpacking trip in the backcountry of New Mexico for 10 days.”

“The biggest thing I learned from scouting is how to be an effective leader,” Nathan shared. “Many people my age are entering the world with no leadership experience and I can tell that they are uncomfortable in a leadership position. Thanks to Scouting, I can eas ily and comfortably step into leadership roles and effectively complete all tasks given to me with minimal stress.”

Troop 700 started in 1993 with seven Scouts and is excited to celebrate 30 years in 2023 and continues to wel come boys ages 11-17. For more infor mation about Troop 700 visit troop webhost.org/Troop700Rescue/Index. htm or contact Scoutmaster Roger Johnson at (916) 882-2840 or roger johnson30@gmail.com.

Courtesy photo

Eagle Scouts Nathan Fishman, Michael Delaney, Ian Roberts, Trace Plamondon and William Craghead, left to right, have completed projects that help the community. They join 100 other Troop 700 Scouts who have earned the Eagle rank.

“Thanks to Scouting, I can easily and comfortably step into leadership roles and effectively complete all tasks given to me with minimal stress.”

— Eagle Scout Nathan Fishman

whAT’S hAPPEninG in EL DOrADO hiLLS AnD BEyOnD

Now: The El Dorado Hills Fire Department hosts its annual Santa Run through Dec. 9, bringing cheer to the community while Santa and his elves collect food and toys for the needy. For more information visit edhfire.com.

Dec. 10: The Amani Center, 2558 Greenwood Drive in Cameron Park, hosts its Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa arrives for photos at noon.

Dec. 10: Rescue Community Center, 4180 Green Valley Road, host its third annual Holiday Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free and guests receive a free raffle ticket along with free coffee and hot chocolate.

Dec. 10: Ponte Palmero in Cameron Park hosts a holiday event for residents and the public, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a craft fair, drinks, appetizers and photos with Santa Claus.

Dec. 10: Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills Town Center hosts picture book authors Erin Dealey, Lori Mortensen, Lisa Riddiough, and Jocelyn Watkinson, noon to 2 p.m. For

GrOw fOr iT!

garden for winter

Laurel Rady UCCE Master Gardeners of El Dorado County

Prepare your property now so you are ready before rain and frost arrive. Some cacti, succulents and drought-tolerant plants rot when exposed to too much water or freez ing temps; move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a covered spot. If you leave potted plants outdoors, examine them regularly to ensure that they are not filled with water and remove excess water buildup right away. Clean and put away garden tools and other equipment. Protect outdoor furniture by cover ing it, raising the legs off the ground or moving it indoors.

Lots of water runs off the roof when it rains. Check gutters for leaks with a running garden hose and seal all leaks and cracks. Check every downspout to see where the water hits the ground; these areas get a lot of extra runoff. Paths and driveways may develop water buildup and some plants can drown if excess rain has nowhere to go. Check these spots regularly during the rainy season to make sure that water is not seeping under garage doors, pooling on walkways or sitting on saturated soil. Once all surrounding trees have dropped their leaves, clean the gutters to remove all debris. If you have rain chains, check them during the first rain (and regularly thereafter) to make sure that water is moving down the chain and away from your property.

Depending on your elevation, you may get many nights of freezing tem peratures or just a few. If you have plants that might be damaged, obtain and prepare the supplies you will need now before stores sell out. Frost cloth comes

more information call (916) 941-9401 or visit getyourfaceinabook.com.

Dec. 10: The Sierra Symphony hosts a Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. For tickets and more information visit sierra symphony.org.

Dec. 10: The Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad hosts Santa’s Whistlestop Adventure Dec. 10 & 11 and Dec. 16 & 17. Enjoy a scenic trip down to Santa’s Whistlestop at Willow Springs in Folsom. Spend time with Old St. Nick and enjoy various activities and refreshments before your family returns to the station. For tick ets and more information visit psvrr.org/ ride/santas-whistlestop-adventure.

Dec. 14: SIR – Gold Country Branch meets the second Wednesday of the month at Cameron Park Country Club. Be a guest for a complimentary lunch. Contact SIRBranch95@gmail.com for more details and visit sirinc.org/branch95.

in many varieties. Look for a product that provides at least 10 degrees of pro tection, is light- and water-permeable and comes in the size and shape you need. Choose one that provides enough protection to touch leaves without damaging them. Otherwise, you will need a frame to prevent plant material from contacting the cloth. You will need stakes or some other method to secure the cloth and keep it from blow ing away. Small strings of Christmas lights are also helpful in generating just enough warmth under the cloth to keep plants safe. Be sure to use only those lights designed for the outdoors. Most citrus trees require this protection. Move tender plants to a protected loca tion if you can and cover those you can't move. Make sure the frost cloth extends to the ground and that it completely surrounds the plant.

By preparing now, you will be ready to protect your plants — and save your self from last-minute stress. Don't wait until it's too late.

Master Gardener classes are offered monthly throughout the county. Find the full 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.

The Sherwood Demonstration Garden, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, is open for a free public tour on the first Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m.  Check the website for details at  ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_ Master_Gardeners/Demonstration_Garden.

Have a gardening question? Master Gardeners are working hard to answer your questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on mgeldorado.ucanr.edu or leave a message on the office telephone at (530) 6215512. To sign up for notices and newslet ters visit ucanr.edu/master gardener e-news. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Dec. 15: Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet presents “The Nutcracker” with perfor mances scheduled Dec. 15-18 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net/events.

Dec. 16: The El Dorado Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ invites the com munity to enjoy the free Drive-Thru Live Nativity at 3431 Hacienda Drive in Cameron Park, 6:30- 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17.

Laura Chancellor

El Dorado Hills

Lauren Philipp Cameron Park

“We’re involved with Samaritan’s Purse and we give through that.”

Teresa Scott

Folsom

“Through our church — we do a clothing swap and other projects.”

Carol Tannus

El Dorado Hills

“I just moved from Brazil so I’m still looking for places to volunteer. I used to help the homeless there.”

Erika Corbett Fairfield

“We’ve already purchased food for a food drive and I’m also making cards with my granddaughter for nursing homes.”

Agated entry leads to this stunning, three-story Placerville home overlooking breathtaking sunsets. Set on 5 acres, the house boasts an open, spacious oor plan that showcases vaulted ceilings, a oor-to-ceiling stone hearth and numerous picture windows letting in tons of natural light.

The front door opens into a charming entry on the main level with a winding staircase leading to the upper oor close to the door and another staircase leading down a few steps in.

To the right for the entry is an o ce and to the le is the formal dining room with stacked-stone walls, lush carpeting and a charming chandelier hanging from the tray ceiling accented with crown moulding.

The main level’s great room is an inviting space with a cozy living room warmed by a stone-surround replace framed with beautiful wood. Shiplap siding adds charm to the nearly oor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the replace.

Chefs will love spending time in the nearby kitchen with dazzling granite countertops, a large center island, KitchenAid appliances, a Thermador gas range, pantry closet, dining bar and dual ovens as well as a breakfast nook warmed by a pellet stove. Take the meal outside via double glass doors that open onto the balcony.

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.

Upstairs features three bedrooms with walk-in closets. The junior suite on the third level has its own bathroom while the other two bedrooms share a jack-and-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) 6724530 or visit marilyngo .com.

JUST FOR ME

Brewery/Pub Casino

Children’s Entertainment

Dance Studio Day Spa

Fitness Center

Golf Course

Massage Music Instruction/Store Sports Bar

Tanning Salon Tap House Winery Wine Tasting Swimming Lessons Yoga Studio

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Assisted Living Facility Bank

Barbershop

Charitable Organization Chiropractor Cosmetic Surgery CPA Day Care

Dentist

Estate Sales Financial Advisor Firearms Training Hair Salon

Hearing Center Hospital Housing Development In-Home Care Services Insurance Agency Lawyer

Mail & Shipping Services Mortgage Co. Orthodontist

Personnel Services

Physical Therapy Preschool

Private School

Real Estate Agent Real Estate Company

Real Estate Broker, Independant

Title Company

Travel Agency

Tutoring Service Vision Center

AUTOMOTIVE

Car Wash

Car Detailing

New Car Dealer

Tire Dealer

Used Car Dealer

PETS

Doggie Day Care

Pet Friendly Business

Pet Groomer

Pet Sitting

Pet Store

Pet Training

Veterinary Practice

RETAIL STORES

Bicycle Shop

Consignment/Clothing & Other

Event/Party Rentals

Furniture Store

Gift Shop

Grocery Store

Health Food Store

Jewelry Store

Mattresses/Bedding Shopping Center Toy Store

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

SHINGLE SPRINGS~CAMERON PARK Chamber of Commerce

President’s Corner Colette Thiel

December! A time of hopeful prosperity with increased holiday sales for business owners.

It's Small Business Season: Support Local!

Throughout the holiday shopping season, the Chamber is encouraging consumers to “Think Small” and earmark at least part of their holiday spending in support of local small business. Small business is the backbone of our economy. 64% of our new jobs in the US come from small business. When people spend their dollars locally, more money stays local. On average, for every $100 spent locally, $68 of that stays here.

By implementing Small Business Season, we hope to encourage people to patronize all sorts of small businesses this holiday. In addition to our wonderful retail options, there are dining establishments, personal service providers, even local artisans that need our support. Small Business Season is a way to help our residents develop a better appreciation for how their spending affects our area and quality of life.

All businesses need one another. There’s a symbiotic relationship. But small business is the most endangered because many small businesses don’t operate with large cash reserves. When costs skyrocket, they feel it.

On December 14th, please join us for a Tri-Chamber Holiday Mixer at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites El Dorado Hills. If

you know of a business in our community that could benefit from networking, marketing, and more exposure, please send them our way or better yet, invite them to attend our monthly luncheon to check us out.

Visit our FB page www.Facebook.com/ SSCPChamber and our website at www. sscpchamber.org to keep informed of events happening in our great area over the next few months. We invite everyone to participate in our events. It’s a terrific opportunity to meet other residents and business owners.

Our Chamber has an open-door policy and works in partnership with our community and businesses to help navigate the road map to have a thriving and healthy community, which benefits ALL residents.

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 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 at Colette@thielhomes.com for more information.

Shingle Springs Cameron Park

From

(530) 642-5621, Ext. 9.

December - Shop Locally! Visit Small Businesses for Holiday Shopping Shop locally by visiting the various shops and restaurants in El Dorado County!

December 10 & 11 – Christmas In Coloma Join the fun of olden times this weekend from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday at the Marshall Gold Discovery Park in Coloma. Parking is $10. You’re invited to tour many of the Park’s historic houses, rarely open to the public during Christmas in Coloma. Hear the history told by costumed docents. Games and holiday crafts and a visit with Santa will keep young and old entertained. Fresh greens, ribbons, and bows will be available for wreath-making activities. Plus, thirteen historic buildings in the park will be decorated and open for visitors. Costumed docents will be on hand to share the history of the structures and their former inhabitants. Hot food and drinks will be available for purchase through the Gold Discovery Park Association, the cooperating association for Marshall Gold Discovery SHP. All proceeds from these sales remain in the park to help fund educational programs. Visit with Santa, play in the snow, decorate a cookie, and make a wreath for your door. Enjoy live music, wagon rides, and refreshments. Historic House Tours: $5 per person. For more information, call the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park museum at (530) 622-3470.

December 11 – Christmas In Cool

Sunday, from 11am to 4:00pm, visit the historic Cool shopping center, 2966 State Hwy. 49 (parking lot for American River Pizza). Vendors, food, and drinks. The pet parade starts at Noon, tree lighting at 4pm, and raf e at 1:30pm. Live music, visit with Santa, and take part in the Ugly Sweater Contest. Buy raf e tickets with canned food items; 1 can = 1 ticket; 3 cans = 5 tickets; and 10 cans = 15 tickets. Vendor applications

available. Contact Sol Nisbet at (530) 4015605 or Deb Manley at (510) 368-5402.

December 14 – Tri-County Chamber Mixer

Holiday Inn Express, Town Center, El Dorado Hills. 5:30-7:30pm. Enjoy a no-host bar, appetizers, and raf e throughout the event. Bar and raf e proceeds bene t Kiwanis. Reservations are highly recommended. Meet someone new, mingle, network, and enjoy the season! RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/4YJ556CS

December 16 – 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.

Dark Month – SS/CP Chamber Networking Luncheon

Please join us again in January. Contact the Chamber for more details at (530) 677-8000.

Dark Month – SS/CP Chamber Mixer Please join us again in January. Contact the Chamber at (530) 677-8000.

December 22 – Menorah Lighting

Join Rabbi Yossi for this beautiful cultural experience. From 6:30-8:00pm, visit Town Center in El Dorado Hills and hear Hanukkah songs, eat delicious foods, enjoy warm drinks. Everyone welcome! https://edhtowncenter.com/upcomingevents/

December 29 – “TRACS” AKC Agility Trial

From Thursday, December 29th to Sunday, January 1st, the Two Rivers Agility Club of Sacramento (TRACS) will host an allbreed agility trial. What a great way to ring in the new year! Murieta Equestrian Center, 7200 Lone Pine Dr., Rancho Murieta. Camping is available. Trial Secretary, Kathie Leggett. Look us up online, or for the trial premium, visit: http://agiltracs.org/ akc/dec2022/2022%20TRACS%20Dec%20AKC%20Premium%20 List%20-%20Full.pdf Entries close December 17th at 11:30 pm.

Join the Chamber

The Shingle Springs/Cameron

December

The Chamber’s

statement re ects

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Park Chamber of Commerce, originally formed as the Shingle Springs Business and Professional Association, Inc. in

1967. It works to promote the area, encouraging business and industrial investment to provide the foundation for a solid community.

mission

this premise: “To advocate, promote and preserve the quality of life in our Chamber Community, by means of a strong, healthy and diverse business community.”

December (Fridays to Sundays) – CP Rotary Club Observatory

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

Teen launches startup to make gi giving more convenient

Sel Richard Staff writer

Tanish Shenoy has had a heart for giving since he played elf to his father’s Santa to distribute gi s at local toy drives.

“One of my favorite traditions, that I absolutely loved since childhood, was gi ing during Christmas,” the 16-yearold insisted. “Being able to help others allowed me to see the beauty in serving others.”

An El Dorado Hills resident since 2015, Shenoy saw this tradition of gi ing thwarted during COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, when many of his family and friends relocated. He wanted to send surprise gi s, but didn’t know their new addresses.

In addition, businesses around him were closing, Jake’s Desserts in Folsom’s Palladio being one that was especially poignant. “A er COVID hit, I went to go get some cupcakes from there,” he said of the shop where he remembers getting treats for his 12th birthday. “I saw that they were permanently closed and that just kind of broke my heart.”

It was at that point when Shenoy began pondering his idea of a “swi gi ing platform.” Through it, customers can select a variety of gi s within a certain budget and send the list, needing only a name and email address. The recipient then chooses and

to financial strategy

To achieve your nancial security, and that of your family, you will need to create a comprehensive strategy. But for this strategy to succeed, you'll need to guard it from various challenges — and that means you'll need to build in di erent layers of protection.

Suzy O’Neal Financial columnist

What are these challenges and what types of protection can be used to defend against them?

Consider the following:

• Challenge 1: Protecting your ability to reach your goals — To achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you'll need to build adequate nancial resources. And that means you'll need to create an investment portfolio that's suitable for your objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon. And you'll need to keep your long-term goals in mind when adjusting your portfolio during times of volatility.

• Challenge 2: Protecting your family's future if you're not around — Hopefully, you will live a long life and always be around to support your family. But the future is not ours to

redeems their gi and provides their shipping information.

Products are sourced from small businesses, include eco-friendly selections and cover a range of categories from pet treats and toys, teen-focused products and corporate gi s. “It makes gi ing easier and supports small businesses at the same time,” he explained. “A lot of small business lack online shopping and a lot of people like to shop online. I saw that as an opportunity.”

Shenoy has been working on his startup company Morgy z, o cially launched in September 2022, for the past two years.

To fund the development of his idea, he saved up chore money from washing dishes and doing laundry, although the bulk of his savings was earned via an internship with a marketing company. “I want to buy back the equity from my mom,” he said. “So I’m still doing dishes.”

Apart from funding challenges, Shenoy admit-

see and if something were to happen to you, how would your family cope? Their chances could be much better if you have adequate life insurance. Proper coverage could help pay o your mortgage, pay for your children's higher education and allow your family to continue its lifestyle.

• Challenge 3: Protecting your income should you become temporarily disabled — If you were to become ill or temporarily disabled and could not work for a while, the disruption in your income could jeopardize your family's living situation or, at the least, lead to an inability to pay bills in a timely fashion. To protect against this threat, you may want to consider adding disability insurance. Your employer may o er a short-term disability policy as an employee bene t, but it may be insufcient, either in duration or in amount of coverage, so you might want to look at a private policy.

• Challenge 4: Protecting your long-term investments from short-term needs — Life is full of unexpected expenses — a major car repair, a new furnace, a large bill from the dentist, and so on. If you did not have the money available to deal with

ted that fear of the unknown was also a big barrier for him. “I had literally no idea about how to run a business so I had to do research,” he said, noting that several years of attending summer camps like Y Combinator and Inspirit AI helped him understand some of the process.

“I’m learning a lot about a startup and managing a business,” Shenoy said. “The most exciting part has been launching it and getting the products.”

Shenoy's entrepreneurial spirit has been fueled by business moguls like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, in particular. “When Bill Gates was about my age, IBM made him an o er for some so ware but he refused,” he said. “I found that pretty inspiring. I thought, hey, maybe this could be me too.”

His message has recently been captured on a TEDx talk during which he details his experience as a nearly blind child before cataract surgery at 5 and 7 years old. “When I was a kid I only had about 5% vision,” he explained. During that period his family lived near the San Jose International Airport. “For the rst time I could both hear and see planes ying over our house. I could see the logos on the planes.” His TEDx talk has already amassed more than 7,000 views.

Shenoy believes his experience with childhood blindness gave him a heightened awareness and compassion for others. “COVID-19 opened my eyes to the fact that while I had access to all this technology and its conveniences, that wasn’t really the case for everyone — especially for small businesses,” he said.

Shenoy volunteered at local businesses to help with its online presence, creating Facebook and Instagram accounts and even providing them with avenues for lead generation. “Technology is power,” he asserted. “You can use technology to make a di erence in your community.”

As for downtime, Shenoy described most of his weekends as consumed with stocking his product selection and getting ready for the holiday season. But he conceded that he does enjoy playing Minecra or getting out for a run now and then. He hopes to study business management and entrepreneurship a er graduating from high school. And Shenoy has advice for his fellow teens as well. “Follow your passions, don’t give up and just work hard.”

For more information visit morgy z.com.

these costs, you might be forced to dip into your long-term investments, such as your IRA or 401(k). Taking money from these accounts earlier than you intended could incur taxes and penalties and, even more importantly, could reduce the amount of money you have available for retirement. To help protect these investments from short-term needs for cash, try to build an emergency fund containing three to six months' worth of living expenses, with the money kept in cash or a liquid account.

• Challenge 5: Protecting your financial independence — You would probably do all you could to avoid ever becoming a burden to your

grown children, which is why it's so important to maintain your nancial independence throughout your life. One potential threat to this independence is the need for some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, which can be extremely expensive. A nancial professional can suggest protection strategies to help you prepared for these types of costs.

It can be challenging to keep your nancial strategy intact — so do whatever it takes to protect it.

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

Courtesy photo

Tanish Shenoy’s startup company Morgyftz takes the hassle out of gift giving.

“A lot of small business lack online shopping and a lot of people like to shop online. I saw that as an opportunity.”

— Tanish Shenoy