To Do
Now
The Stage at Burke Junction presents “Lobby Hero” through March 30. For tickets and more information visit stageatburke.com.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! ORDER TO GO!
Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom presents “Our Town” through March 16. For tickets and more information call (916) 353-1001 or visit sutterstreettheatre.com.
Chicken, Shrimp, Kimchi, and Vegetable. Or, take out a traditional
March 7
Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom presents “Pretty Woman, the Musical” at 7:30 p.m. The show runs through March 9. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
March 8
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park will host Living History demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit parks.ca.gov/?page_id=484.
Join Hands4Hope Youth Making a Difference for the 25th annual Empty Bowls Dinner from 4-7 p.m. at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. For tickets and more information visit hands4hopeyouth.org/emptybowls.
March
13
Oak Ridge High School Theater presents “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn, with performances March 13-22. For tickets and more information visit ortab.org.
March 15
El Dorado County Historical Society and Save the Graves presents Celebrating the Mother Road (Lincoln Highway), 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mohanna Ranch in El Dorado Hills For more information visit edchs. org.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the El Dorado Hills Rotary Community Foundation host the Surf n Turf Benefit, 6-10 p.m. at the EDH Community Services District, 1021 Harvard Way. The Nautical Nights-themed event will feature a delicious meal catered by West Coast Events, silent and live auctions and more. Purchase tickets on eventbrite. com; search EDH Rotary.
The Pops Chorale presents The Road to Big Band at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
March
17
Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills
Town Center is celebrating the new Hunger Games book with a party from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy show movies, play trivia and maybe even dress up a little in celebration of “Sunrise on the Reaping.” Because it’s midnight in
New York when it is 9 p.m. here, the publisher is allowing the shop to sell copies of this book after 9 p.m. so attendees can be among the first to purchase their copies.
March 21
Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents Storytellers and Scripts: “2 Across” by Jerry Mayer through March 30. For tickets and more information, go to itplacerville.org.
El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” on Stage 1 at the Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. The musical with unforgettable songs and a classic love story runs through Sunday, March 30. For tickets and more information visit harriscenter.net or call (916) 608-6888.
No turkey jokes please. She is a lovely kitty waiting for adoption at the shelter. F, Tortie, DSH, 3yr. BUTTER-BALL (A163701)
Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!
To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs
to a shelter near you. KITTEN SEASON is almost upon us. Get ready, get set, ADOPT Check for new arrivals at www.petharbor.com COMING SOON She would like to retire in a nice home, but might like to design paw-print clothes. F brown Anatolian Shepherd age unk. MARY-KATE (A163025)
(A163767)
Need a quiet pet? Consider a pocket pet like a house rabbit. F, brown, Short-haired, age unk.
We BUY and SELL firearms and ammo. Bring in your UNLOADED firearms and ammo (must be in factory boxing unopened) for a CA$H offer.
(A161521) Might you be her ticket out of doggy jail? Please stop in at the shelter to meet her this week. 27mo Tan Australian Cattle Dog mix (530) 387-0110
Durock Rd., #17
Our Certified Instructors provide the best in firearm training and CCW qualifying. Click on our website to register.. FFL and AMMO Transfer Services for Firearms and Ammo If it's California compliant, you can use our FFL transfer services.
Firearms Training
SPOTLIGHT Business
After 40 years in the flooring business, Mike Marjanovich, owner of Flooring Outlet, has seen every trend come and go ... and come back again.
He happily chats with clients about their flooring needs, whether they want to pay tribute to the past with shag carpet and hardwood or are looking for sleek, modern tile.
Marjanovich opened his Cameron Park showroom in 2008, just as the Great Recession hit but that didn’t slow down his desire to make customers happy — and his business grew.
“I love working for myself and the people make the job enjoyable,” Marjanovich said. “A lot of my customers I do consider my friends.”
Quality products, great customer service, competitive prices and an unparalleled knowledge of the flooring business — from consultation to installation — make Flooring Outlet stand out from the crowd.
“Once we’ve done a floor for someone they don’t want to go somewhere else,” Marjanovich shared, adding he gets a lot of business from his past clients’ referrals. He’s been in the business so long, Marjanovich has helped three generations of one family select flooring for their homes.
Trends Marjanovich sees this year and can cater to include waterproof tile flooring with upscale finishes mimicking stone and wood in the living spaces and soft carpet in the bedrooms. “Nobody wants to stand on cold floors after getting out of a warm bed,” he said.
Flooring Outlet covers all of Northern California and Marjanovich works with licensed contractors ready to install in both commercial and residential settings. Thinking about an upgrade before putting your home on the market? Flooring Outlet can help and if the new owners don’t like the redone floors, Marjanovich will buy the newly installed flooring back and help them select something more their style.
Mountain Democrat photo by Noel Stack
Mike Marjanovich, owner of Flooring Outlet in Cameron Park,
business.
I) Team's setback
5) A dollar, in slang
9) River to the Rio Grande
14) Skip over
15) Big Southwestern cooking Jar
16) Observe Yorn Kippur, e.g.
17) Redhead, slangily
19) Third canonical hour
20) Bit of newspaper advertising
21) Held sway
23) One way to join metals
25) Ceramist's ovens
26) Cardinals' manager?
29) "The Gold Bug" monogram
31) Missouri River tributary
34) Newspaper page
35) Sundance Festival site
37) Break-in indicator
38) Flier's concern, for short
39) Cocoon critters
41) Language of Southeast Asia
42) Cheapskate
45) Badly wound
46) Comic sketch
47) Tote with effort
49) Race on snow
50) "Cast Away" setting
51) Drunk, in slang
53) "Miracle On Ice" losing team
55) Whom mentors mentor
58) Dancer who got a head?
62) Dine at home
63) Veggie-loving beetle
65) Discharge, as lava
66) Letters on a phone button, once
67) A tiny amount
68) Auto dealership department
69) "_ went thataway!"
70) More than want
I) Locales or venues
2) Arab League member
3) Dubbed ones
4) Broadcast about
5) Hold in
6) Consultants, at heart?
7) Drain backup cause
8) Life preserver stuffing
9) Kneecap
10) Adjective applied to Rome
11) They're all ears, practically
12) A single time
13) Bit of bird food
18) Metallic rock
22) Club section
24) Information item
26) It could be verse
27) Fiber-_ cable
28) Small-caliber weapon
30) Daddies
32) Thing to follow in the woods
33) Act theatrically
36) Japanese verse fonn
40) Delegate
43) Snooty sort
44) Lets up
46) Steak choice
48) Wooden hat-holder
52) Railroad tenninal
54) Sank into the sofa
55) Chick's pronouncement
56) "Muffin" starter
57) Frosh, in a year
59) Pastoral woodwind
60) Horn blower's accessory
61) "Good griefl"
64) Golf gadget
Natalie Stephens-Butler
Ponderosa High School
What started as a teacher’s simple suggestion turned into an inspiring journey for Ponderosa High School senior Natalie Stephens-Butler, whose experience in Academic Decathlon has shaped her perspective on learning, teamwork and resilience.
Natalie joined Academic Decathlon at the encouragement of Learning Center teacher Cassie Barton, who saw its potential to be a positive space for her. Not only did she find a sense of belonging and a boost of confidence, but she grew academically and personally through a competition that’s about much more than earning medals.
“Academic Decathlon has taught me that winning is about the time you spend with your team and how I’m learning, then putting my effort into teaching others,” she shares. “I’m helping others feel confident in their abilities. Even if they don’t win a medal, they leave knowing some fun, tricky questions. That’s a win in my book.”
Each year’s competition has a different theme, and this year’s focus on climate change challenged Natalie and her peers to consider multiple viewpoints on controversial topics. The experience broadened her perspective and strengthened her critical thinking skills.
Academic Decathlon also became a source of motivation during difficult times. When Natalie struggled with her mental health, her commitment to her team gave her purpose and strength to keep moving forward.
Now, with 12 medals over three years, she encourages other students to join. “It’s so much more than tests and essays,” she said, emphasizing the unexpected rewards of being part of a life-changing team.
Just the facts about Lake Tahoe’s black bears
Peter Tira California Department of Fish and Wildlife
The Tahoe Interagency Bear Team is a collective of bear experts across federal, state and local agencies who study and understand bears and have devoted much of their professional lives to ensure the health and well-being of the Lake Tahoe Basin’s black bears. TIBT provides proven and scientifically backed information about the real issues and solutions for living and recreating in bear country.
Tahoe bears may at times seem unique due to their learned lack of fear and boldness around humans (habituation), but these black bears follow the usual biological patterns of black bears across California and Nevada. Whether living in or visiting bear country at Lake Tahoe or beyond, this information should clarify what is really needed to help wild bears survive and thrive.
Don’t let your house become a makeshift den
Many have seen photos and videos perpetuating the myth that property owners and residents should allow bears to den under homes and in crawl spaces. Some may have
even seen people encourage this unwanted behavior by laying out hay and other materials for bears. Surprisingly, however, most homeowners aren’t even aware that a bear is under or around their home until it has already established a makeshift den.
Bears often damage the insulation, exposing pipes to freezing temperatures or even damaging them in the process. Once a bear gets comfortable, it can be difficult to make it leave. This increases the chances of human-bear conflict and habituated behavior.
Bears under homes need to be addressed by trained agency professionals as bears can be dangerous. If disturbed, mother bears with newborn cubs may abandon the den, orphaning the cubs in the process. For this reason, only a wildlife professional should evaluate the situation and offer advice to homeowners.
It’s important to remember that bears have evolved to comfortably survive winter without human help, so it is essential to board up all crawl spaces around homes to discourage them from denning and damaging property.
Secure your trash
Black bears are very resilient and adaptive animals and, as opportunistic omnivores, they will take advantage of any available food source, including human supplied foods like garbage. Their highly developed sense of smell allows them to find these food sources, even when locked in a vehicle or a home, which in turn may lead bears into conflict with people.
Never feed bears — intentionally or accidentally
It is true that bears need a lot of calories, especially in preparation for winter, but giving them handouts will not set them up to thrive. Repeated exposure to human foods can lead to food-conditioned bears that view neighborhoods as reliable sources of food.
When mother bears teach their cubs to access human foods, they not only continue the cycle of human foodconditioning, but the cubs are much more prone to conflict, including being hit and killed by vehicles.
Consuming human garbage can also be harmful for bears because the high sugar content can increase tooth decay and painful abscesses. Additionally, intentionally feeding bears is illegal in both California and Nevada.
As omnivores, a bear’s diet is about 85% plant-based, with the remaining proportion coming from consuming insects, small mammals and carrion. Thus, bears should be allowed to fulfill their very important and vital ecological role as seed dispersers, predators and scavengers.
Black bears are smart. They have learned how to unscrew lids and open sliding-glass and vehicle doors. They are also strong. In order to access food, they can peel a car door down from the top or break through a typical home door or window. Even after an incident like the 2021 Caldor Fire, where a huge swath of vegetation was burned, wildlife biologists saw these resilient omnivores find natural ways to survive.
Protecting human life and property
On rare occasions, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Nevada Department of Wildlife must remove bears that are putting human life and property at risk. No one, including the agencies’ biologists who have dedicated their lives and careers to protecting bears, want this outcome. It is only used with great discretion and as a last resort.
Servings: 9-12
Nonstick cooking spray
1 box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
3 tablespoons water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
Filling:
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup whipping cream
5 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
5 drops green food color
Topping:
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-inch by 8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.
Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.
Tips: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.
Mint Brownies
Lucky Mint Brownie perfection
Family Features
How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.
These mint brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, green mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a chocolate layer on top made with chocolate chips, butter and a little whipping cream.
All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The green mint color really pops off the plate, giving it some
extra flare and an appetizing glow.
To start, create the soft, chocolate filled brownie. Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, one egg, water and the chocolate syrup pouch. Bake and cool completely.
Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make the filling with powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, softened cream cheese, a splash of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled brownie pan.
The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the filling for the final layer.
Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth.
Find more seasonal dessert recipes like the one below left at Culinary.net.
A yummy St. Patrick’s Day sandwich
Family Features
In honor of the day when everyone is Irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this Reuben Sandwich recipe.
Find more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.
Reuben Sandwich
Servings: 2
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 slices rye and pumpernickel swirl bread
4 slices swiss cheese
6 ounces corned beef
2 tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, Thousand Island Dressing,
divided
4 tablespoons sauerkraut
Directions: Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of two bread slices. Place buttered side down in heated skillet. Add two slices cheese to each bread slice. Spread 2 tablespoons dressing over cheese slices. Add 3 ounces corned beef to each bread slice.
Spread 2 teaspoons dressing over corned beef. Spread 2 tablespoons sauerkraut over corned beef.
Spread remaining butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Place buttered side up on top of sauerkraut.
Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Take a hike
Saratoga Recreation Trail
The mostly decomposed granite and concrete public recreation multi-use trail in El Dorado Hills provides an east-west connection between the Crescent Ridge neighborhood on Platt Circle through Saratoga Estates and connects to the larger Promontory Trail system. e trail is accessible through the pedestrian gate at the entrance of Saratoga Estates to access the Promontory Trail. e recreation trail includes picnic tables and benches to rest or enjoy a snack or picnic before connecting to the larger Promontory trail system, which extends from Saratoga Way to Alexandra Drive (approximately 3 miles). You can also access the Recreation Trail at the Saratoga Trailhead, which was opened in June 2022 and is located at Saratoga Way and Saratoga Estates. e trailhead includes a small parking lot, shade structure with picnic tables, and a bike x-it station. e trailhead is located at the southern-most starting point connection for the Promontory Trail, which extends from Saratoga Estates to Promontory Community Park.
FELICIA (A141161)
This class act could bring you happiness and luck when you adopt her. B&W Pit Bull Terrier 3yr.
Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!
To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs
DENA (A124986)
This F brown tabby DSH is currently hanging out in the main display enclosure at the shelter. Stop in to meet her. 6yr.
NECKO (A163596)
This classic Shiba Inu X will rock your world daily when you adopt. M, white, 4 yr.
MR. COOPER (A163252)
Does he like cherry pie and coffee? Maybe, but he would like to be adopted. Brown, Belgian Malinois-X, 3 yr.
KITTEN FOSTERS
It’s time to get your purr on. Become a kitten foster this year for a daily dose of heaven. Sign up at the shelter.
This sweetie has clean sleek short Russian Blue fur. You will erase the blues when
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and may also lead to serious balance problems.
This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood ow to the nerves in the hands and feet. If not properly treated this lack of blood ow may cause the nerves to degenerate.
As you can see in Figure 1, as the blood vessels surrounding the nerves become diseased they shrink and shrivel. This process hastens the ow of vital nutrients to the nerves required to remain healthy.
When these nerves begin to “die” it could lead to balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling and burning symptoms in the hands and feet.
In order to effectively treat your neuropathy 3 factors must be determined. Our advanced treatment method has 3 main goals
Placerville, CA – Currently the most common method most doctor’s recommend to treat neuropathy is with the use of prescription drugs. Although these drugs may temporarily reduce your symptoms they may cause a feeling of discomfort and in some cases lead to a variety of terrible unwanted side effects. We have a different method!
The treatment to increase blood ow utilizes a specialized low-level light therapy (not to be confused with laser therapy) using light emitting diode technology. This technology was originally developed by NASA to assist in increasing blow ow.
The low level light therapy is like watering a tree. The light therapy will allow the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. It’s like adding water to a tree and seeing the roots grow deeper and deeper.
The amount of treatment needed to allow the nerves to fully recover varies from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. “My feet hurt so bad after sitting I could barely take the rst few steps. I have had 11 treatments and no longer feel sharp or shooting pains and most of the tingling is gone. I now have full balance and can walk without pain. As Dr. Mooney explained the treatment is not painful, nothing uncomfortable, and is actually very relaxing.” – Neuropathy Pain Patient
33) Act theatrically
36) Japanese verse fonn
40) Delegate
43) Snooty sort
44) Lets up
46) Steak choice
48) Wooden hat-holder
52) Railroad tenninal
54) Sank into the sofa
55) Chick's pronouncement
56) "Muffin" starter
57) Frosh, in a year
59) Pastoral woodwind
60) Horn blower's accessory
61) "Good griefl"
64) Golf gadget
Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.
CLUES
1 dogs’ BBQ counterparts (7)
2 unenrolls from, as a class (5)
3 first line (6)
4 “Oklahoma!” lyricist (11)
5 boredom (5)
6 knew just by feeling (8)
7 babysat (7)
SOLUTIONS
©2018 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel
Yippee ki yay!
handsome mud slinger in town;
mix, 3yr., black.
Bears
Continued from 11
Bears are large, strong animals and once they become conditioned to human foods or habituated to people, they pose a significant threat to human safety. For these reasons it is very important for people to be educated and dedicated to being “BearWise.” Learn how to live responsibly with black bears at the BearWise website.
It’s also important to note that except in the case of immediate protection of human life, the only people who can legally interact with wildlife are designated state agency or law enforcement professionals.
Protecting bear health and wildness
It can be exciting to see a big, beautiful animal like a black bear in a neighborhood, but it is not where they belong. Human-developed areas pose many dangers to bears, particularly roads with cars, which bears must cross to get to the unhealthy human food and garbage in developed areas.
By allowing bears to comfortably live in or pass through neighborhoods, the chances that they will get struck and killed by vehicles increases immensely. If a bear is in your neighborhood, encourage it to move on by scaring it away
so that it can lead a much safer life away from developed areas and conflict.
The TIBT is dedicated to creating the best environment for bears to thrive and remain wild in an ever-growing, ever-changing environment like the Lake Tahoe Basin.
CDFW and NDOW should be the only points of contact for any bear-related incidents or questions. CDFW and NDOW have trained black bear experts who can help navigate any human-bear conflicts.
Be sure to visit TahoeBears.org for accurate information about bears and to report any bear sightings or incidents.
To report bear incidents or conflict in the Lake Tahoe Basin, use the following:
• In California, contact CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife incident Reporting System.
• Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to public dispatch at (916) 358-1300.
• In Nevada, contact NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327).
• If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.
