APlacerville business beaten for longevity by only the oldest spots in the county, C&H Motor Parts has been in operation for 90 years. Such a long run of success is immediately impressive, and that impressiveness only grows when one considers that cars themselves have only been available for the masses just over 110 or so years. How, then, does a business so long in the tooth keep its doors open and its customers
happy? Operations Manager Jim Johnson, who has been with the business for 40 years, puts it down to C&H’s classic approach to customer service.
“Over the years, we have this one-on-one service with people, and we have sta that will
go to the manuals, the parts catalogues, and find what they’re looking for, even if it might take longer,” Johnson explained. “That’s a kind of service that a lot of places used to give in the ‘60s or ‘70s, but now most places don’t provide that.”
A novel concept nowadays, C&H doesn’t limit themselves on what they stock, if they know there are customers who need it. Though the sign outside says motor parts, C&H also provides work gear that construction
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Jennifer Tommasini
5130 Golden Foothill Parkway AND NEW SECOND LOCATION: 5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy., Suite 200 El Dorado Hills 916-521-1835 • www.thegiftofkids.net
I would like to thank everyone for their vote for #1 Favorite Daycare and continuing to trust us with your precious children. I love being part of this community and helping children learn and grow. With 4 children of my own (now 27, 24, 14 and 13), my own journey began in the daycare preschool eld because I was unhappy with the care and education I was receiving.
I have been blessed to have a large facility in El Dorado Hills where I employ 45 loving teachers and care for 200 children, and we are now expanding! We offer education and care for babies, Preschoolers, Pre-K, private Kindergarten, and school-agers, where we transport to 9 local schools. Don’t be fooled by our large size, our teachers make each classroom homey and warm. The kids have lots of outdoor space to play, we are on over an acre and have 7 large playgrounds, a soccer eld, and a an organic garden. The Gift of Kids outdoor area gives the kids space to explore, garden, and play on age appropriate playgrounds.
The teachers at The Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool include talent that brings us music, yoga, and even Spanish on a daily basis. We have been working with soccer shots for over 10 years and
have a very creative curriculum! Teachers here are all educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certi ed, and make it a priority to continue their education.
The Gift of Kids Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business, with 15 years in our original location, Business Park 1, and I just purchased my new building at 5041 Robert J. Mathews Pkwy. We could not have done it without the many wonderful families here in the community that I have called home for 20+ years! Again... Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me live out my dream in a business that I love and families that continue to bless us with their children.
Daycare and Presch l Where Learning and Love go Hand in Hand!
Ages: 5 - 10 Years
Registration fee: $250
$8 Per Hour for Child Care School What We Offer:
Mimi Escabar Special Sections editor
The Placerville Lions Club was chartered in Placerville in 1924. It was the fi rst service club in El Dorado County.
“The fi rst Lions Club was chartered by Melvin Jones in Chicago in 1917, as a way for businessmen to connect and network,” said Michael Ocensak, president of the Placerville Lions Club. “Helen Keller spoke at one of the meetings and called on the Lions to become ‘knights for the blind,’ so our mission became all issues dealing with sight and hearing.”
To that end the Placerville Lions provide hearing and vision screening for those in need. The members also collect, refurbish and distribute glasses and hearing aids to those in need.
When the Placerville Lions was chartered on July 12, 1924, the 35 charter members included President M.T. Kelly; Vice President Guy Wentworth; Secretary-Treasurer H.B. Thomas; Tail Twister Charles Molinari; Directors: A.L. Richardson, Ted Atwood, C.L. Knapp, H.C. Baum and Robert Gardiner.
Members included Max Baer; C.E. Barker, publisher of the Mountain Democrat; Thomas Maul; A. B. Gray; Charles Du y; Leo Bowen, editor of the Placerville Republican; H.E. Dillinger; John Keller and Dr. L.B. Rantz.
The charter night celebration was held at the Odd Fellow’s Hall in Placerville and included a solo by Dr. S.H. Rantz and an amazing whistling performance by former vaudeville performer and new Lion John Keller.
Taking action
The new club quickly launched into service projects, one of the fi rst being the building of the Marcus Bennett Jr. Park at El Dorado High
School. The land had been donated by the Bennett family but the Placerville Lions leveled the property and turned it into a park, which has now become the football fi eld for EDHS.
The club also built the Scout Lodge at Benham Park in 1932. It fi nanced and helped construct the fi rst city swimming pool there. In 1959, it acquired 20 acres of land and built Lions Park on Cedar Ravine, later donating it to the city of Placerville. The Placerville Lions members also turned their eyes upon Main Street, initiating Christmas lighting during the holidays in 1930.
The club collaborates with the city of Placerville for the Annual Fishing Derby for children at Lumsden Park. It also:
• Hosts a Community Halloween Party for local youth
• Assists with the Placerville Christmas Parade
• Provides scholarships for youth sports
• Increases awareness and help for victims of human trafficking
• Continues to support programs along with more than 1.4 million Lions members around the world to address global needs of vision, hearing, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer, diabetes and more
• Sponsors annual high school student speakers’ contest
• Awards annual scholarships to El Dorado High School students
• Donates funds and supplies to the Upper Room
• Provides various networking
opportunities
• Makes a difference as a group working toward common goals
• Provides community service, improving our community
• Pride of belonging to one of the world’s largest community service organizations
• Fundraising events in the community with all money raised dedicated to serving the community
In 1924, all Lions Clubs were a malesonly organization, but in 1986, the Lions Club constitution was amended to allow women to become members and there are many women among the 25 members of the Placerville Lions Club.
One thing that hasn’t changed about the Lions Club is that it is a fun way to make
friends and help others.“Our services will be forever needed but if we don’t have fun, it’s not the Lions,” said Ocensak, who said he had to learn balloon twisting to help out with the carnival. “Kids love it — that horrible squeaking noise and being sure it is going to blow up. “ The Placerville Lions Club meets every other Tuesday at noon in the Community Room at the Back of Raley’s on Placerville Drive. It also has Zoom. For more information about the Placerville Lions Club email Valerie Bellhop at vlbellnap@gmail.com or placerville.lions@ gmail.com. It also has a Facebook.
Sherri Bergmann Mountain Democrat correspondent
The Gift of Kids celebrated its 25th year anniversary in this year. The business’ success has been recognized by the community voting them the No. 1 Best Daycare and Preschool in the Mountain Democrat’s Readers’ Choice for nine consecutive years.
Since owner Jennifer Tommasini started The Gift of Kids in 1999 in her home in Citrus Heights, with her business growing, she moved it to El Dorado Hills in 2010 to a professional building boasting seven playgrounds and recently opened an additional location in El Dorado Hills to accommodate the community’s needs with a waiting list of more than 300 children.
Currently there are 37 certified teachers and caregivers for four age groups from infants 6 weeks old to Private Kindergarten for ages 5–6 years olds and provide advanced education that helps the children to be successful now and in their future.
To further enrich their learning experience, the children are also
provided with enhanced music, Spanish and yoga learning programs.
The teachers are educated in child development, CPR and First Aid certified. To help ensure success of the children’s learning development, The Gift of Kids partners with local colleges for college students to receive hands-on training with mentor teachers as well as partnering with Quality Counts El Dorado to help provide professional development for the teachers. The Gift of Kids also o ers an apprentice program that helps teachers gain skills
and education in child development through a mentor program and free education in child development.
“Currently we o er free education for six employees where they’re able to eventually get their bachelor’s through the state,” Tommasini said.
The Gift of Kids
centers also provide before and after school care and transport the children to nine local elementary schools, and an exciting summer camp blending education and fun for ages 5–10 years old.
Folsom resident Miranda Hom glowed when she spoke of her two children attending.
“It’s the love and care that Miss Jenn and the teachers provide where I feel like our kids are supported and appreciated. The curriculum and class activities are incredible. Our family has had a wonderful experience at Gift of Kids.”
Their two locations in El Dorado Hills are: The Gift of Kids, 5130 Golden Foothill Parkway; The Gift of Kids Nook, 5041 Robert J Matthews Parkway, Suite 200. To schedule a tour or for more information, call (916) 521-1835 or visit thegiftofkids.net.
With the help of our sponsors and El Dorado Disposal employees, we had yet another successful year of building bikes for the children in our community. With everyone’s combined efforts, EDD was able to purchase and assemble 180. This surpasses our goal of 175 bikes! These bikes will be delivered to the families in local programs such as, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, CASA, The Divide Rotary, El Dorado County Office of Education, & Stanford Sierra Youth and Families.
Waste Connections started this program 24 years ago and has provided over 95,000 bikes to children during the holiday season. We transform a box of parts into a beautiful bike with the skilled hands of EDD’s employees, our sponsors & their families. We thank everyone who was able to contribute to make small miracles happen for children in our extraordinary community.
Rebecca Murphy Mountain Democrat correspondent
Zach Berry, born and raised in El Dorado County for the past 47 years, inherited his father-in-law’s business Fast Freddy’s in 2022. Although the intention was for Fred Wren, then-owner, to teach Berry the business, sadly Wren passed away from cancer just one week after Berry and his wife, Valerie, took ownership.
“It’s been trial and error getting through,” said Berry, “but we’re making it work. I’ve talked with a lot of my customers who have their own businesses to get advice and ideas.”
A welder for 27 years prior to becoming proprietor of Fast Freddy’s, Berry said he wasn’t a normal welder.
“I worked for Vintage Transport and Siemens for awhile,” he said. “We did light rail cars and electric diesel locomotives. I also did slot machines and trailers, and I worked on my own cars most of my
4041 Motherlode Drive
Shingle Springs (530) 677-5823
fastfreddyslube.com
life. Then, I decided I’d just take my cars to my father-in-law.”
Wren opened the business in March 2014.
“We are 98 percent walk-in,” said Berry, who prefers his business without appointments.
“We are a smog and auto repair shop. We like to be able to do the work within 20-30 minutes for our customers. When we do an oil change, we go through everything and if we find a problem, we let the customer know and they can make the decision of whether to make an appointment for that concern. I’d love to have the business, but I don’t push it.”
Not a particular fan of auto repair shops, Berry said prior to having Fast Freddy’s in his life, he didn’t trust others to work on his cars. “It’s hard to get past that,” he said. “Shops that do honest work are the ones that su er.”
Recipient of the Mountain Democrat’s
Readers’ Choice Award for Oil Changes since 2017, Fast Freddy’s is no stranger to success. Owing to that success could be the fact that Berry ’s grandparents and his father-in-law’s grandparents all owned a service station and repair shops in the past. With two sons
— Aaron, 21 and Riley, 18 — Berry encourages ongoing learning. “My younger son worked for me last summer, then took auto classes at Ponderosa. He may decide to work here after high school.
“Things change constantly (especially in the automotive industry),”
said Berry. “The more you learn, the better,” which may be why Berry himself takes ongoing college courses in automotive. Fast Freddy’s is located at 4041 Motherlode Drive in Shingle Springs. The number is (530) 677-5823.
Rebecca Murphy Mountain Democrat correspondent
Ken Short is a third generation resident of Placerville whose business, ADCO Driveline and Custom Exhaust, has been voted “the best mu er shop” for the past eight years. He believes the reason for the honor is the quality of his work and the fair price.
“If you do a good job and charge a fair price, people come back,” said Short, who has been the owner for nearly 20 years, but the business is celebrating 50 years. “I ended up owning the business in 2006, then the recession hit and I thought I was going to
lose everything, but that didn’t happen.”
Instead, Short said the economic crisis made him strive to be the best.
“I started coming in on Saturdays and working harder,” he said. “I’m lucky to have the generations of people who follow us.”
Families of at least two generations take their vehicles to ADCO Driveline for the mechanical work that Short can o er them.
“I have doubled the business since becoming owner,” he said. “We’re a specialty shop for exhaust systems, not for oil changes,” or that kind of thing.
Short learned his trade in high school ROP and on the job. “I’ve been a
ADCO DRIVELINE AND CUSTOM EXHAUST
4122 Sunset Lane, Suite 109 Shingle Springs (530) 676-1516 adcodriveline.com
mechanic since I was 13 years old,” he said. “I like cars. The Placerville Speedway is my life blood. My grandpa was always out at the races and my mom said I went there when I was a baby in a basket. It’s part of my life.”
As such, ADCO
of the cars, particularly number 21 Sprint car.
Andrew Vonderschmitt
olsom Lake College is a place of
The El Dorado campus o ers a diverse range of programs, with over 85 degree and certificate options across the fields of general education, transfer and career education. Many of its graduates have gone on to transfer to top universities such as the renowned University of California and California State University systems, as well as prestigious private colleges and outof-state institutions.
In the mid-’60s, Folsom Lake College’s El Dorado Center was established as a state-funded education center and operated out of portable buildings on land owned by El Dorado County next to the county fairgrounds. As enrollment continued to grow at the center, the community of Placerville expressed a strong desire for a permanent community college in the area. In response, the Los Rios
EL DORADO CENTER
6699 Campus Drive Placerville (530) 642-5644
c.losrios.edu
Community College District Board of Trustees purchased approximately 19 acres of land from the El Dorado County Board of Education in 1988. This site was approved by California Community Colleges and the State of California for a permanent location.
The first phase of permanent facilities was completed in 1994 and opened for classes that summer. A physical education building was added in 1999, followed by an additional parking lot in 2003. The second instructional building, completing the center’s construction, opened in 2006. A student services area expansion and remodel
were completed in 2015.
The El Dorado Center caters to the educational needs of those living and working on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, serving students from El Dorado and surrounding counties. With over 2,500 students enrolled, the facility boasts state-ofthe-art science labs and a fitness center and has even been awarded a statewide architectural award for its excellence. The center o ers a wide range of programs
including transfer options and vocational programs, as well as comprehensive student support services. It is well-equipped to meet the educational demands of the growing population in the area and is also home to attractions such as the Cameron Park Rotary Club Community Observatory and Sherwood Demonstration Garden.
Mimi Escabar
Special Sections editor
he name
T“Valhalla” was taken from the Norse Myths of the Viking’s Heavenly Place. Valhalla, the name of the great hall of the Viking after life, provided an apt description of the Heller residence, which features a vaulted central living area surrounded by a horseshoe balcony, all of massive timber, and a 40-foot stone fireplace su cient in size to accommodate several dozen people.
History of the Valhalla Grand Hall
Walter and Claire Heller’s love of Tahoe was undying, and they used the estate as their summer home from 1924 to 1956. Shortly proceeding Walter’s death in 1956, Claire Heller Strauss sold Valhalla to Wilbur Kuhl. In 1960 Wilbur Kuhl sold the estate to Santa Cruz lawyer Raymond H. Goodrich, who sold two shares of Valhalla to two Santa Cruz dentists. In 1965, following the death of one of the co-owners, Raymond Goodrich and the remaining co-owner
sold Valhalla to the South Tahoe Valhalla Corporation. The South Tahoe Valhalla Corporation proceeded to form a Yacht Club o ering memberships to interested parties. The andirons placed in the massive Valhalla fireplace were boat propellers and are still in
use today. Not enough memberships were sold to cover expenses, so in 1971 Valhalla was sold to the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service for $550,000. The USFS had obtained the Pope Estate in 1965 for $750,000, and following Dextra Baldwin Winter McGonagle’s death in 1967 had
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For Reeg, financial work has always been in her veins. Even as a child, she dreamed of working with money. “I’ve wanted to do this since I was ten years old,” she said. “Once I graduated from high school, I started working in banking and continued my education with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of San Francisco and a graduate degree in banking from University of Washington.” Reeg is passionate about serving her community. She recently served as a Board Member to Marshall Hospital, Planned Giving of the El Dorado Community Foundation, and member of the Assistance League of Sacramento’s Advisory Board. She is past Chair of Los Rios Community College Foundation. Reeg would like her legacy to be that she made a difference in the lives of her family, clients and the community.
purchased the BaldwinMcGonagle Estate for $650,000.
For many years the three estates were used as dormitories for summer USFS workers and firefighters. The estates were closed for a period of years until they were opened up and restored with the support of Valhalla Tahoe (founded
1979) and the Tahoe Heritage Foundation (founded 1996).
Today the Grand Hall hosts celebrations that rival the estates glory days in the late 1920s when famous guests danced the night away under the pines. The Grand Hall can be rented for weddings,
See VALHALLA, page C12
— Walter Elias Disney
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat correspondent
Susan Wirgler’s motto is: “Never force a horse. Work with them, teach them and guide them.”
Her mission, since 2004, is to train a rider to communicate e ectively with a horse (or mule) and she has been successful doing so through her business, Wirgler’s Horse/Human Partnership, in Shingle Springs for more than 20 years.
Wirgler’s dream of teaching horsemanship began while she was a student of Jerry Tindell, a well-known horse and mule trainer in Southern California.
“I was a working student, working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, working his horses and assisting,” she said. ”This is where I learned my trade.”
She and her husband, Darren, purchased a home on five acres in Shingle Springs in the year 2000 and the dream came to fruition in 2004 when she began to o er one-on-one individualized training sessions and weekend groundwork clinics.
The property hosts a full-sized arena, a round pen and a covered arena.
“We also do trail rides in the neighborhood and along an old railroad track (Rails to Trails) adjacent to our property,” she added.
She owns multiple horses that are used in various lessons and rescues several each year, including Sweet Pea from the Humane Society who she said has become a “great kids’ horse.”
emphasizes that it is important for “owners to know how to maintain the training that was given to the horse.” The main goal is to provide horsemanship training for people to foster good communication “so they can learn how to do things the horse understands.”
She said that her own horses are well-trained and that “If I am going to put you on a horse, the horse is going to take care of you. You’re always training your horse, good or bad,” meaning that it is important for the owner to know what they are communicating to the animal by their own actions. Wirgler
When asked if there was ever a horse that couldn’t be trained, she replied, “There’s never been a horse that I felt wasn’t fixable but there were horses that were not the right match for an owner,” adding that a beginner horse and a beginner rider are “a bad combo.”
Wirgler works with people of all ages with varying levels of experience, o ering lessons to
crews or truckers might need because they want to cater to the needs of their community.
“We’re not just stuck with getting auto parts;
people wanting to get back into riding. The lessons are individualized and based on good horsemanship with the goal of fostering a better relationship between the rider and the horse.
if you look around, you can see that we have a lot of things that have nothing to do with that,” Johnson said. “It might not be an auto part, but
ADCO Continued from C8 Valhalla Continued from C11
voted “rookie of the year” and also worked at Short’s shop after high school. The car is driven for High Sierra Industries, Hopkins’ primary sponsor, but Short is at the raceway every Saturday and loves being part of the crew.
Married to Theresa, for the past 28 years, Short has a son, Kumar, and daughter, Kendra, soon to be the bride. He has one full-time employee, Lindsey Winslow, “my proteje,” he said, and tons of return customers, who trust his workmanship.
The business is located at 4122 Sunset Lane, Suite 109 in Shingle Springs, near the Toy Shop and vet clinic. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. For more information call (530) 676-1516.
fundraisers, meetings and other community events.
The 100th-year anniversary party in October featured live music, food, beer and wine, including a special Valhalla Anniversary beer brewed in partnership with South Lake Brewing Company. The celebration brought the community together to enjoy the property for its original purpose — a gathering place for leisure, entertainmen, and connection.
Meg Peart, executive
director of Valhalla Tahoe said, “Our nonprofit is committed to honoring Lake Tahoe’s south shore history while looking toward the future and how our mission to bring arts and culture to the basin supports the historical structures of the Heller Estate.”
Part of the property is the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. It was built with a lot of blood sweat and tears over 25 years ago. Since that time it has become one of the most significant
Wirgler also starts horses “under the saddle” emphasizing that “We don’t call it ‘breaking’ anymore. We don’t want to break them. We want to give them a good start.” She emphasized
it could be useful for the industries around here, so we get it. We have the unique ability to do that. We sell all kinds of safety equipment, highvis clothes, things like that. But we also help stick to a project and find those right parts. We’re not always going to be the cheapest, but there’s a value that can’t be matched in getting the right part in good quality and getting it right the first time.”
In addition to auto parts, C&H’s sta has a wealth of knowledge and an extensive
south shore venues for theater, music and other performances. The 100-year-old building is a wonderful place to enjoy Tahoe and the entertainment.
“We make magic there every year,” Dave Hamilton, director and former president of Valhalla Tahoe, said.
The mission
Preserving Tahoe Heritage through restoration, arts, music, theater and celebrations on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
that her two priorities in her business are safety for the rider and better communication with the animal. She added that safety is a priority and that, “If it’s not safe, it’s not fun.”
selection of hydraulic hoses. They’re able to help with what the customer needs, if they have the one tractor in the back yard or a fleet of 50 ready to hit the fields.
“We got our motto from a customer who would come in regularly,” Johnson said. “He told us he couldn’t go anywhere else to find what we could get. He made a version of our logo and he added the words ‘The Best Service in Town,’ and that’s what we always try to be.”
Vision
To preserve our unique lakefront historical estate while providing community and visitors quality cultural experiences and inviting them to participate in sustaining the site for future generations.
The Valhalla Tahoe site and o ce, 1 Valhalla Road in South Lake Tahoe is open May through November. For more information call (530) 541-4975.
ver the last forty years, Ellerman Strand has earned a reputation for thoughtfully guiding clients through important decisions with care and respect. Attorneys Jana Ellerman and Kimberly Strand offer guidance in estate planning, probate, trust administration, mediation, and conservatorship matters. The rm represents a variety of clients, from families who have recently lost a loved one, to parents whose disabled child cannot manage their nances or personal needs, to individuals who want to plan for their future. The rm also represents private duciaries and public administrators in probates, trust administrations, and conservatorship matters. Proudly serving the El Dorado County community and clients throughout the greater Sacramento region.
Celebrating its 35th year in business, Thompsons Auto Group is a name that will be very familiar to many readers as the trio of dealerships — Toyota, GMC and Chrysler/ Dodge/Jeep/Ram — found off Forni Road and nearby Placerville Drive.
The company started in 1989 when Ron Thompson and his wife Betty decided to open up their own dealership. Ron had worked his way up from washing cars for Frank Hurling Chevrolet in Sacramento, doing virtually every job someone could do at a dealership on his way up the ladder to general manager. Ron and Betty searched far and wide
for a spot to open a business, looking over Nevada and the central valley before settling on a spot on Broadway in Placerville. The couple poured everything they had into getting their fledgling business up and running, even selling their home. They had a 2-acre lot and 14 new cars to sell, and nowhere to go but up.
The American Century Championship is conducted annually at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.
In 2024 the tournament celebrated 35 years. The area’s largest annual special event features more than 80 sports and entertainment celebrities in a 54-hole competition aired live on NBC Sports. American Century Investments, the event’s title sponsor since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community. The tournament has raised nearly $8 million for scores of notfor-profits over the years including the UNCF, Autism Speaks, Mark Cuban’s Fallen Patriot Fund and FDNY’s Uniformed Firefighters Scholarship Fund. In the wake of the devastating 2007 Lake Tahoe region fires, players in the tournament came together to raise $485,000 for relief and rebuilding initiatives. The tournament’s official charity is The Stowers Institute for Medical Research, a biomedical research institute founded by the late James E. Stowers Jr., founder of American Century Investments. In 2023, Television ratings for the tournament on NBC Sports delivered the largest Sunday audience for the event since 2004 across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock, peaking at 2.6 million views in the last 15 minutes of the
broadcast. Furthermore, Stephen Curry’s hole-inone coverage via social media yielded more than 30 million impressions. The gallery of 76,810 also established a new high for attendance at Edgewood Tahoe, while publicity value for coverage was a mindboggling $180 million with an audience reach of 10 billion-plus.
National media exposure included the Associated Press, Today Show, ESPN, SI.com, Golf.com, The Athletic, USA Today, San Francisco Chronicle, New York Post, and network and major market television and radio affiliates throughout the country, plus dozens of national sports radio, podcasts and social media platforms. The celebrity field even captured Hollywood’s interest with Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and People Magazine on-site. Since 2009, donations exceeding $2.25 million have been distributed to more than 90 Tahoe area nonprofits to assist 12,000+ individuals. During the 2024 American Century
Championship, NBC remembered Tim and Stacy Wakefield, announcing a pledge of $10,000 annually in their names to support the South Tahoe Recreation and Aquatic Center. American Century Investments, the tournament’s title sponsor for 26 years, immediately matched the gift. NBC initiated the program to honor the couple’s charitable legacy and their longtime association with the tournament and through it, the South Lake Tahoe community. The Wakefields were beloved attendees here for 11 consecutive years.
In honor of the first tournament since their passing, organizers ensured they would not be forgotten. Tim, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox for 17 years and won two World Series titles, had played in the American Century Championship the past 11 years. He was caring for his wife Stacy last year as she was battling pancreatic cancer, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He passed away at age 57, on Oct. 2, 2023, and Stacy died five months later at 53. They left two children, Trevor, 20, and Brianna, 18. At a press conference during this year’s
tournament, Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Vice President of Programming and General Manager of Owned Properties, and a personal Wakefield friend who initiated the program, said, “Tim and Stacy loved the Lake Tahoe community, and we’re proud that their legacy is going to be honored for many years to come with the recreation center association.” He continued, “This event is 35 years old primarily because of how this community has embraced us. We have a responsibility and desire to give back the way they’ve given to us, and we thought this was a
memorable way to keep Tim and Stacy in our hearts.”
“Once again, our partners at both NBC and American Century Investments have demonstrated their commitment to our community,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, the tournament’s destination sponsor. “What they’ve done on behalf of the area resonates throughout the year, not just for one week in July. We value our long-term business relationship but more importantly, our friendship. This
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat correspondent
Rick Mackendrick may say he is “retired” but is far from it. He’s been in the business of repairing computers for more than 40 years, beginning his training while enlisted in the United States Air Force. He studied avionics and afterwards said he had to teach for six years to pay for the schooling.
Mackendrick still enjoys teaching and he and his daughter, Mae Roberts, offer individualized lessons at his business, Mackendrick Computers, on Placerville Drive.
“I tell people to make a list of what they need to learn,” said Mackendrick. “Sometimes it is a husband and wife, together. They bring their own computer to connect to our monitors and keyboards or they use one of ours.” The going rate for this service is $100 per hour, a bargain
when one considers the wealth of knowledge and experience of the in-house team.
Mackendrick keeps an assortment of mechanical hard drives along with other smaller samples of solid-state drives at his front desk to show the customer how technology has evolved.
Mackendrick said that a common problem is that a “computer just quits,” adding that, “We will troubleshoot it for $50 which is then applied to the cost of fixing it.”
Mackendrick advises his customers, “Don’t buy junk. You’ll be on a $100 treadmill,” he said referring to the cost of maintaining an inferior product. He sells refurbished business computers and offers a three-year warranty on them and a one-year warranty for new items in store. He compares his business with other well-known computer repair businesses.
“We get the computers
after these kids have done the work. In two hours, we have the computer working just fine,” he said.
Mackendrick Computers makes service calls, does computer clean-up and will transfer data at $125 an hour. “We work on all makes and models,” he said. Occasionally, an outside data recovery service is used as a resource. The business sees a lot of repeat customers and he believes his repeat business is because of his policy of being honest. “We don’t rip people off. I actually give stuff away,” he said.
Reneé Hargrove Mountain Democrat correspondent
W hen asked what some current highlights or benchmarks Marshall Foundation for Community Health has experienced or reached, Mindy Danovaro, executive director, began sharing countless ways the community benefits from its involvement in fundraising. It’s important to note that Marshall Medical and the Foundation are more closely aligned than ever since healthcare philanthropy focuses on the “Need to have, not a ‘nice to have’” purpose and value. Programs and services are designed, funded and administered to bolster community programs that support the health and welfare of patients and the community-at-large, ones that make a difference.
To list a few:
• The Safe-D Program installs safety features, like grab bars, in seniors’ homes to prevent slip-and-fall and other injuries. Safe-D is grantfunded and some 525 seniors have remained safer.
• Thousands of dollars has provided no-cost gas cards to Marshall Cancer Center patients. No-cost mammograms, wigs and transportation have been funded.
• A Pollock Pines resident, whose brother is afflicted, saw the need for Lewey Body Dementia education and awareness — the Foundation answered the funding call.
• Dr. Martin Entwistle, Associate Chief Medical
• The Lap Swim Program, encourages low-impact exercise at the Placerville Aquatic Center, supported with Foundation grant funds.
Officer, VP Population Health and Ancillary Services at Marshall Medical is overseeing a pilot health monitoring program in Georgetown, helping seniors to agein-place in more remote areas.
“I feel so privileged to work in partnership with Marshall Medical in a way that is respectful and valuable. Successful philanthropy is about true succession planning, inclusive of people, passion and positivity. We interact in a collaborative, strategic
nature, surpassing any other that I’ve experienced so far,” Danovaro explained.
Marshall Foundation for Community Health, founded by a community-driven need for a hospital, and still governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees, has become an essential community partner in addressing health and social needs.
Two important, future projects are underway and one is an Emergency Room Behavioral Health
space, called an Empath Unit, where younger patients with triage needs can receive special, perhaps life-saving treatment. The other capital improvement project is a covered ambulance bay to keep patients, family members and responders out of extreme or severe weather, ensuring that environmental factors are not harmful.
As Danovaro said, “All of this matters … It’s philanthropy at its very best as we meet patients where they are in all
Reneé Hargrove Mountain Democrat correspondent
Marshall Medical Center’s roots date back to initial project fundraising in August 1957, to opening its doors in July, 1959 and now, 65 years later, it remains an independent, not-for-profit, community-based hospital that is held in trust for El Dorado County. The visionary, pioneering spirit that forged this healing institution hasn’t diminished — it’s been strategically guided by past and current visionaries who “assume positive intent, meaning that community, compassion and quality care are forefront, with equally strong leadership, capital investments and emerging benefits for employees, patients and the community-at-large. Offering a comprehensive range of health and wellness options and resources, Marshall is able to fulfill that major, total wellness need for its patients and their families. Marshall Medical has five “hubs” of healthcare-related services throughout the county, each offering an
MARSHALL MEDICAL CENTER 1100 Marshall Way Placerville (530) 622-1441 marshallmedical.org
array of specialties from the birthing center to wellness clinics.
Continual review is performed, ensuring tit stays current with culture-focused patient care and advocacy. Being a rural-based hospital has its challenges and an appropriate level of care in the varied county regions requires awareness, knowledge and understanding of every demographic.
Marshall’s President and CEO, Siri Nelson, has been at the helm for five years, saying it’s the best job she’s ever had!
“I’m a finance person with a long-standing medical facilities background, so managing day-to-day operations in the business of healthcare is natural, along with ensuring strategic,
wise capital investments and growth,” she said. “However, I’ve found that the “heart of the matter,” that intangible something that offers inspiration, a desire to help and to have everyone at their best, whether they’re a patient, an employee or affiliate, is most rewarding.”
With an eye on a
healthy internal culture, Nelson spearheaded efforts to create a peer support group for caregivers to voice issues and find solutions to challenges faced in their jobs. Encouragement to “have this be your best job ever” is given, thereby ensuring quality care and positive outcomes.
Jonathan Russell,
RN, Chief Ambulatory Officer, along with a forward-thinking administration, peer groups and the El Dorado County Office of Education, designed and implemented an in-house, accelerated Medical Assistant Program with the goal of having locally-trained staff. In May, 2024 there were eight skilled graduates. Last year Marshall Medical Center was awarded its “Full Standards Compliance” certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) — a measure of its high standards of care, all born of the community decades ago.
Our 64-acre campus features beautifully landscaped, walkable and pet-friendly paths, along with inviting outdoor spaces for you to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Experience maintenance-free living with the convenience of restaurant style dining, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour staff on-site and no yard work to worry about.
Our dedicated staff provides attentive, individualized care with around-the-clock staff, transportation and assistance with daily activities.
Reneé Hargrove Mountain Democrat correspondent
When you read Apple Ridge Farms’ website and it says, “The Perfect Slice of Apple Hill” and you know that means “pie,” you just have to head for the hill, right?
That’s what motivated Kandi and Steve Tuso to visit Plubell’s Family Orchard in October, 2008 to buy apple doughnuts. By February, 2009 they owned the property and were ready to renovate, build, farm, bake and repeat. In the 16 years that Apple Ridge has cultivated the land, their family, a butterfly flower trail, apple barn, smokehouse cuisine, country store, a maze, their customers and other attractions. They also created an unparalled family experience.
Apple Ridge is open August through November but work on the farm is year-round, being the “core” job for Steve, Kandi, their grown children and inlaws. During Apple Hill season, visitors will find many locals working
side-by-side with the Tusos, which is now generational.
“We bought the farm on a lark but coming from Tracy, we have generational farming experience,” said Kandi. “Steve is a man who knows how to farm, teach and invest in what’s important, especially since this lifestyle has no defined seasons and is 24/7. I started Kandi’s Pies & Pastries shop on our Tracy farm so easing into the same here was natural. We’re thrilled that it’s worked out.”
With their personal 40th anniversary happening, the Tuso’s kids are the young farmer and rancher category age — they’re modernizing what needs it and keeping traditions that work. Selling at farmers markets is a boon to the community. There are some 7,500 apple varieties worldwide, so Apple Ridge has hosted apple tasting for kids. They learned about the fruit’s anatomy, about trees, water — that slice of farming life as a takeaway. Agriculture’s future is nerve-wracking because
APPLE RIDGE FARMS
1800 Larsen Drive Camino (530) 647-0613
Appleridgepies.com
of regulations, water rights/usage, workers, shrinking margins and more, but it feeds the world and worthy of continual investment.
The Tusos appreciate agri-tourism and love where they live and work. Being a family operation, they’ve spent time honing the layout of every attraction, paying special attention to customer wait times, keeping them to a minimum with kindly efficient staff and a
■ See APPLE RIDGE, page D12
Courtesy photo
Apple Ridge Farms in Camino offers many fun adventures for visitors to enjoy from great food to outdoor activities.
Sherri Bergmann Mountain Democrat correspondent
Sacramento Area Wood Specialists has been recognized for six years by the Mountain Democrat’s Readers’ Choice for Best Flooring Store and in Village Life.
Well experienced in flooring, Denny Alexander started Sacramento Area Wood Specialists, a business specializing in the installation of pre-finished hardwood, laminate, carpet and vinyl flooring in both the residential and commercial environments, and remodels as well as new construction, Denny and his wife Nicole have built a strong and successful business.
Contributing to their successful growth over the years Denny and Nicole have built great and continuous relationships, trust and an excellent reputation in providing quality work and service over the years with thousands
of area homeowners, custom and large area production builders, area realtors, investors and property managers. Some of their customers have included Habitat for Humanity, KCRA News, Nugget Markets, Bistro 33, CC Meyers and more.
Being a family-owned business allows them to care for their clients as if they are a family member instead of a numbered business customer.
In thriving among large chain flooring stores, Nicole revealed her secrets for their success, “I believe being a small family-owned business is intriguing
to potential clients, we really strive to have the best customer service. We have our own installers that work for us and are very experienced. We care about our clients’ homes and treat them as our own.”
Part of their success
in growing is striving to keep up with the latest flooring products and installation methods. Their product partners are personally selected to ensure that their customers receive high quality products and provide a large
selection to appeal to the customer’s ideal environment.
They provide free in-home consultation and offer financing for budget flexibility. For examples of their flooring samples and work that has transformed home and business into stunning interiors, visit the showroom at 2714 Mercantile Drive in Rancho Cordova, or the website sawsflooring. com. For more information call (916) 879-1798
Shelly Thorene Mountain Democrat correspondent
Third generation general contractor and President of Straight Line Roofing and Construction, Jack Borba, sits at the helm of the No.1 construction company in El Dorado and Sacramento counties. His father and grandfather before him were his inspiration and started him on this path when he was just 7 years old.
Borba said that “longevity” is important in this business and that, “People count on us to be around and to do the right thing.”
Borba’s wife, Melanie’s father was also a general contractor, who helped build the Sea Ranch development in Sonoma County. She is the general manager, or “Integrater” in the business and manages a staff of 25 employees.
The couple both agree on one thing, and that is, according to Jack, “You can have it all in life if you help others,” and this philosophy extends to their employees and the community at large.
“We want them (employees) to feel like they are in the family fold, and we strive to show them how much we care about them,” he said. When an employee has been with the company for five years, they are recognized for their service with a plaque with their name on it to be proudly displayed at the business office in Shingle Springs.
“When it rains, we train,” Jack said. He added that their field supervisors have more than 100 years combined service, and the company has 13 different licenses, ranging from general building and roofing to weatherization, energy conservation and solar. The dedication to helping others includes raising nearly $1 million in food and services with a partnership with the El Dorado County Food Bank, replacing the roof on the Upper Room facility on Broadway, supporting local youth sports teams and partnering with others to offer a $125,00 Home Improvement Giveaway. The company is also recognized nationally as one of the top 500 remodeling companies and in the top 100 roofing companies. Since the inception of the business in 1999, over 15,000 projects have been completed and currently there are around 100 projects a month.
The company provides training in a classroom upstairs in their shop known as Straight Line University and provides cross training in multiple areas of the trade.
When asked about the economy’s effect on the construction business, Jack said that it is hard to predict the future.
“Big storms generate a lot of work,” he said and added, “I don’t know what the year will bring but I do know
Brothers Donnie and Sean O’Neal, raised in El Dorado County, grew up immersed in the roofing industry. Over the years, each has refined their skills both as laborers and leaders, leaving behind numerous satisfied customers with beautifully completed roofs. The O’Neal’s, alongside a team of dedicated professionals—many of whom are family members— have worked collaboratively to serve their community.
Mountain Roofing Systems, owned by Donnie and his wife Sharon,
specializes in commercial and residential roofing services, including roof repairs and replacements, new roof installations, and gutter systems.
“Quality is our top priority,” Donnie emphasized. “We are committed to ensuring every job is done right.”
Mountain Roofing Systems operates with three crews each day, all highly trained to meet and exceed industry standards. Our dedicated crews do thorough job site cleanup, quality work and make customer satisfaction their central focus.
This commitment has resulted in numerous referrals and five-star reviews. One satisfied customer shared, “From start to finish, Mountain Roofing was professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with. Their pricing was the most reasonable, and they completed our beautiful
roof in just two days. Communication was excellent, and we were very impressed by the crew’s work ethic.”
“I enjoy the personal relationships we build,” Sean said, quoting his motto: “Making friends, one roof at a time.”
Employee satisfaction is equally important to the O’Neal family. “We are all a team,” Sharon explained. “Our staff and crew members enjoy excellent benefits and incentives, and we take care of our employees, creating loyal, happy employees”
Serving El Dorado County and surrounding areas, Mountain Roofing
Systems is committed to exceptional customer service and community involvement. The company proudly supports local projects, such as its recent partnership with New Morning Youth and Family Services to aid in the remodel of its Placerville facility.
“We love being part of the community,” Donnie said. “People can rely on us—we’re here for the long haul.”
Andrew Vonderschmitt
ow celebrat-
ing 25 years of operation Imagination Theater has served up wholesome, family-friendly and thought provoking theater to El Dorado County residents and visitors year round at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds to an estimated 100,000 patrons. After producing upwards of 100 awardwinning live performances including, but not limited to children’s shows, dramatic plays, comedies, broadway musicals, original plays, variety shows, readers’ theater productions and improv and standup comedy shows, its secret to success is simple: community.
“We do what we do with and for the community,” said Peter Wolfe, founder.
The enduring success of Imagination Theater is a direct result of the enthusiasm, passion and hard work of founders, Peter Wolfe and the late Lanny Langston accord-
25 years
IMAGINATION THEATER
100 Placerville Drive Placerville (530) 663-6983 itplacerville.org
ing to Artistic Director, Lorin Torbitt.
“Peter and Lanny created a solid foundation,” said Torbitt.
Torbitt added that volunteers are the life’s blood of the theater and contribute greatly to the lasting achievements of Imagination Theater.
“The theater continues to flourish because of the talents and efforts of our volunteers,” she said. “They embody our mission and create shared experiences that cement as memories.”
Imagination Theater’s board and staff strive to be both inclusive and diverse in the theater’s offerings of shows and other services they offer to the community.
These ideals can be found in the environment that they foster day to day. Whether it be in the rehearsal room, at auditions or in the lobby of an opening night, Imagination
“Since 1970”
Theater’s guiding principle is one of inclusion, respect and engagement.
“Which I think has supported the ability for the theater to be flexible in an ever changing world,” she said.
The community embraces and supports Imagination Theater’s mission to tell good stories well in an atmosphere of trust, respect, personal growth and challenge.
“We would also not be successful without the support of our patrons that attend our shows and fundraisers,” Torbitt mused. “They share with us the magic of theater.”
and gift engraving
Thirty-five years later, Thompsons has built off of not only Ron’s success but his dedication to the community and the customer.
“We have a complete customer focus,” General Manager Keith Fradenburg explained.
“The customer is our primary focus, our primary concern, and everything that we do is built off that. Another reason why we’ve been successful for so long is our giving back to the community, with philanthropy and being involved.”
it. When customers come through their front doors (whichever of the three dealerships that may be), they’re not just a potential sale; they are friends, family and neighbors.
Another part of Thompsons’ success formula is the aboveand-beyond efforts from its staff.
“When you come into a Thompsons location, we don’t want it to be good, or even great; we want it to blow your mind, how well you were treated here,” Fradenburg said.
Thompsons is more than a place to buy a car that happens to be in the region; it is a business that is actively engaged with the community that surrounds
“We’re striving to be that good, to hit that level of customer service, and that all starts with our employees.”
Such a strong focus on happy customers is what sets Thompsons apart from other car dealerships.
“I’ve been in the car business for over 25 years, and no other organization that I’ve worked for has stated that ever,” Fradenburg explained. “This is by far the best approach to the customer experience that I’ve been blessed to work with, and I think it’s a big reason why this business has lasted.”
Everyone at Thompsons takes their relationship with the community seriously; their core pillars for success say as much, reminding every employee that, “Customers are deserving of the most courteous and attentive treatment we can give them.”
event makes a positive difference for locals and now, through the Tim and Stacy Wakefield recognition, the benefit continues.”
“We are deeply grateful to American Century Investments for their generous donation to the South Tahoe Parks Foundation,” said Cody Bass, mayor of South Lake Tahoe. “This donation will go to our new recreation and aquatics center and will enable us to offer improved facilities, programs and services. For over 35 years this tournament, through the longstanding commitment of American Century Investments, NBC, LTVA and Edgewood Companies, has always contributed to enhancing the quality of life for our residents and visitors through donations to many local organizations. This is one more example of their dedication to our community.”
During the press conference, Kevin Millar, Wakefield’s friend and Red Sox teammate who is also a regular at the ACC, summed it up, “Everybody in this room has probably been touched
by Tim Wakefield at some point. Tim Wakefield and Stacy Wakefield were two of the greatest people you ever met. Tim gave his time every single day, and he did it while he was a big leaguer.”
The ACC honored Tim during the tournament with his number, 49, embroidered on all the player’s hats, stenciled in the fairway 49 yards from the 18th green, and the pin flag on 18 also displayed his number.
A Tim Wakefield quote that Stacy found soon after his passing reflected his life’s philosophy, “Never forget where you came from. Be a mentor to others. You didn’t get to where you are today by yourself, and no matter what status you accomplish in life, you should assume the responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than you.”
The 36th annual American Century Championship is July 9-13, 2025. For more information visit AmericanCenturyChampionship.com or visitlaketahoe.com.
to it!” has made this journey a success.
With great affection, Kandi shared that, “Our secret to success is in our pies, no doubt, but our family thrives on teamwork and we utilize everyone’s best traits to accomplish much while enjoying our lives together.”
Awarded the highest 5-Star Superior Rating by Bauer Financial since 1993, as one of the strongest nancial institutions in the U.S.
The FINDLEY REPORT
Awarded the classi cation of Premier Performance by The Findley Reports for two years consecutively, 2023 & 2024.
Our daily hospital goal is to be “Better today than yesterday for our patients and pet parents”
Our veterinarians are; Drs. Johnson, Hodge,Ladner, and we would like to welcome Dr. Miranda Clotti-McClallen.
Our wonderful staff members include: Amy, RVT; Emily, CVA; Tylene, CVA; Doreen, Jamie, Helen, Kelly, Jessica V., RVT; Evelynn, CSR; Nicole, RVT; Jamie, RVT; Sierra, Asst.; Austin, Asst.; and Shelby.
Rd • 530-626-5701
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PINES • 6462 Pony Express Trail • 530-644-2363 EL DORADO HILLS • 3963 Park Drive • 916-933-3002 GEORGETOWN • 6310 Hwy. 193 • 530-333-1101
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SACRAMENTO • 5500 Folsom Blvd. • 916-452-2613
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ELK GROVE • 9003 Elk Grove Blvd. • 916-685-3936
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