Summer 2013
Top 10
Hosting Tips Summer Fun with Your Dog
Transforming Our Youth into Tomorrow’s Leaders
Don’t Miss the Yuba-Sutter Fair July 31st-August 4th
Mini Miss Yuba-Sutter 2012-2013 Delaney Amarel Invites You to the Yuba-Sutter Fair! July 31st - August 4th Visit http://www.ysfair.com
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5 Ways to Improve the Doctor-Patient Relationship Stereotactic Biopsy Summer Beauty Secrets by Tuesday
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10 Summer Fun with Your Dogs 18 Transforming Our Youth Into Tomorrow’s Leaders
22 Since We’re Neighbors, Let’s Be Friends
17 22 www.meandminemagazine.com Me and Mine magazine is an LLC and its information, format and designs are protected by copyright laws. Any reproduction of content, photography or arrangement is not permitted unless written permission is granted by the publisher of the magazine.
12 Allana Smiles 17 Local Royalty: Courtney Taylor 32 Getting to Know ME: Ivy Miguel
on the cover 2
From ME & Mine
The Amarel Family by Samantha Prather Photography
Contributing authors and photographers are responsible for content and accuracy in their submissions and Me and Mine Magazine, its founders or members assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Me and Mine Magazine, LLC, © Copyright 2013
Thank you to our contributors! Brandi Schwartz Design & Photography brandischwartz.com Farmhouse Photography farmhousephoto.com Heather Smith Photography heathersmithphoto.com Moments To Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler mymomentstoremember.com
Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Publisher Rona Desmond Marketing & Advertising Executive Rena Mathews Marketing & Advertising Executive Jessica Jaeger Editor
Samantha Prather Photography samanthaprather.com
f you’re ready to get onboard for a journey to your best summer yet, let us be your guide! We are convinced that travel does wonders for the soul, and we are not speaking of destination travel involving trains, planes, or automobiles! There is a special journey we all can take right here in our own community…one that can begin this summer…the journey toward your most dedicated commitment to your goals! We are all doing so many good things, and going in so many wonderful directions. We’re traveling on various paths, spreading goodness and happy energy, those beautiful ingredients which help us stay committed to our community, our relationships, and ourselves.
The path to fulfilling our commitments is rarely a straight road. However, the detours are filled with many opportunities to gain wisdom, form relationships, and build character along the way. That is why this summer, we are sharing with you a road leading to a stronger commitment through reaching out! Whether your journey involves a commitment to your community, your pet (pg.10), the people you love, your own beautiful self (pg. 9), or a professional relationship (pg. 4), we’ve got something for everyone. We’ve rounded up a few experts from our own Yuba Sutter Fair to share their own commitments (pg.17), details about our favorite summer event (pg. 29), and our best guide to summer entertaining (pg. 20). Once you’ve plotted where your journey will take you, we hope you’ll get out there and enjoy your summer!
Me & Mine
Ways to Improve the Doctor-Patient Relationship by Samantha Geweke
In this day and age, we tend to be super-efficient with our time, letting technology lead the way and making every minute count. As a patient, you want to get the most out of your health care visits. In addition to patients wanting the best care, most health care professionals enter the field because they genuinely care about their patients and want to help them be healthy. Here are a few general reminders for improving doctor-patient relationships and preventing frustration on both ends. 1) Be prompt (or maybe even a few minutes early to allow for traffic, parking, a line at check- in, and updating insurance). Calling ahead to let the office know you are running late is helpful, since this allows them to adjust their schedule accordingly. And remember, doctors and providers are human too. They have bad days and sick families, as well as unexpected emergencies with other patients. They do their best to stay on track, and they know your time is valuable. This issue is often a touchy one and can be rather controversial, but all it takes is one patient being late or one emergency and suddenly the provider is behind for the rest of the day. Notify the staff ahead of time if you are on a strict time restraint, but also be realistic when scheduling your appointment; you may not be in and out of the office in 20 minutes like we all wish! 2) Come prepared. Bring your list of current medications, both prescription and over the counter. Bring pertinent information such as recent surgeries, procedures, hospitalizations. You may want to have a family member accompany you for an extra set of ears, since medical information can be overwhelming to the patient. Leaving young children with a sitter or family member is a good idea to avoid being distracted and not getting the most out of your visit, or if procedures are anticipated. Books, Kindles and smart
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phones can all make the time go a little faster if you do end up having to wait. 3) Be honest. This includes medications you may or may not be taking, diet, lifestyle, and any medical or home remedy you have already tried. Patients often end up delaying or not reaching treatment goals when they leave out key bits of information to their medical provider. Also, please share your questions and concerns with the medical assistant or nurse ahead of time when possible, so the provider can try to prioritize and accommodate. Good communication will most likely result in patient satisfaction. 4) Have realistic expectations. Understand that providers will generally address the most worrisome issues first and may not be able to solve every problem or concern during one visit. Follow-up appointments are very important to build trust and ensure compliance. Procedures may not be able to be performed on initial visits due to insurance coverage and scheduling purposes. Many medical conditions and diseases do not have quick fixes. What worked for your friend or coworker may not be the best option for you. 5) Be courteous to the staff. The office staff are often the “gate keepers.� They can be your key to getting in on a
cancellation, obtaining medication refills, and making sure your message gets to the provider. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way. The doctor-patient relationship has received attention since the times of Hippocrates and is still very relevant today. It has always been and will always remain a keystone of good healthcare. This relationship guides decision-making and is a critical factor in determining whether a patient stays with a particular provider or organization. Making sure that both the doctor and patient do their parts to build and maintain their relationship is very important, and can be aided by following these five tips.
Samantha Geweke is a local Physician Assistant and has been specializing in Dermatology with Dr. Tanabe for the past 11 years. She has also worked in both Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care. She resides in the Yuba City with her husband, Brett, and their three children Kelsey, Carson, and Kate.
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Stereotactic BreastBiopsy by Philip D. Shelton, MD
What is a stereotactic guided breast biopsy? It is a breast biopsy system that uses two stereo images of the breast taken at a known distance and angle from the center of the stereo imaging device. The doctor marks the area to be biopsied on both images. The computer then directs the doctor to the exact area to be biopsied. Which patients can have a stereotactic breast biopsy? Most calcifications and densities that require a biopsy can be biopsied with the stereotactic system. In some cases, the radiologist may recommend an ultrasound guided biopsy or surgical excision, depending on the location of the questioned abnormality in the breast and other imaging findings. What’s the advantage of a stereotactic breast biopsy? Stereotactic guided breast biopsy is often the top choice for biopsy, as it is the least invasive, most accurate, and most reliable method for obtaining an adequate amount of tissue that the pathologist needs to make the correct diagnosis. It is also the most costeffective biopsy procedure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour. After the biopsy, the patient is able to return to her normal daily activities with only a few
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limitations for the 24 hours following the biopsy. The post-biopsy pain is usually minimal and can be typically managed with Tylenol and cool packs.
mammogram of the tissue will also be taken.
Does the biopsy hurt? The patient is awake during the examination but typically feels no pain, as the area to be biopsied is first numbed with a local anesthetic.
What’s the post biopsy clip? At the end of the biopsy, before the needle device is removed, a very small titanium clip is placed in the breast at the biopsy site. This is done to mark the area that was biopsied. We always hope the biopsy will be noncancerous, but if it returns a diagnosis of cancer or atypical cells, further treatment will be needed. It is important to know the exact location that was biopsied. For women who have a benign diagnosis, the clip will remain in the breast. It is an inert substance and will cause no harm. The patient will not be able to feel it and it won’t set off the alarms at airport security, but it will be seen on their next mammogram.
What is the biopsy device like? The biopsy is performed using a vacuum-assisted needle device. This system allows the doctor performing the biopsy to take several pieces of tissue while only having to place the needle in the breast once.
What’s the final step? When the biopsy is finished, a mammogram of the biopsied breast will be taken. This is done to make sure the area in question has been biopsied and that the post-biopsy clip is in the correct location.
How does the doctor know that the area in question has been biopsied? If the area in question was for microcalcifications, a mammogram of the tissue that has been taken out during the biopsy is done to show that the calcifications are in the biopsied tissue.
Hopefully, this has helped clear up some of the mystery of the stereotactic guided breast biopsy. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact the staff at Sutter Buttes Imaging. Stereotactic guided breast biopsy using the prone table is available at Sutter Buttes Imaging.
The residual scar is minimal, if visible at all several months after the biopsy. If the biopsy center uses the prone table version of the stereotactic biopsy, the entire procedure is done out of the patient’s sight.
If the area in question was for a nodule, the tissue is visually inspected for different tissue densities. Often, a
Philip D. Shelton MD is certified by the American Board of Radiology. He completed his Radiology training at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. He is a member of the Radiology group at Sutter Buttes Imaging in Yuba City. Prior to moving to the Yuba/Sutter area, Dr. Shelton served his country as a medical doctor in the US Air Force, reaching the rank of Lt. Colonel. Dr. Shelton has over 20 years of experience performing stereotactic biopsies.
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# 1 Wet your hair with clean water before getting into a
swimming pool! Dry hair is like a dry sponge, ready to soak up the first liquid it comes into contact with. Clean water from a hose, spray bottle, or shower is much better than pool water. You can also put a small amount of conditioner in your hair for added protection from chlorine.
# 5 Another great way to take advantage of the warm
weather is to apply your favorite deep conditioner to damp hair and braid or twist into a bun. Spend some time outside, and the warm air will open up the outer layer of your strands, which will make the conditioner penetrate deeper and be more effective!
#2 Sunscreen is NOT just for your skin! We all know the # 6 Buns, braids, and bands! Summer is a great time to
benefits of using an SPF on your face and exposed skin in the sunny months, but did you also know that there are many products that contain UV protection for your hair and scalp? Don’t let that lovely brunette hue fade away or let your red strands turn brassy! Your scalp can also get a painful sunburn, but can easily be protected by these types of products!
# 3 Take advantage of the warmer weather and let
your locks air dry! This is healthier than blow drying and is a nice break for your hair when the temperature is up! If you have some natural wave and curl, mix a smoothing serum with your favorite type of hair gel and distribute generously through hair. Working from the bottom up, twist 1-1 ½’ sections of your hair until all hair is twisted, almost resembling dread locks.Twisting waves and curls together will promote a spiral curl shape and sections will naturally unravel as they dry! If your hair is straight, try braiding it into four different sections to get an un-done wavy look! If time is a factor, just speed up the drying time with the blow dryer when hair is about 60% dry.
# 4 Do you love your deep chocolate brown hue, but want
something a little lighter to go with the season? Have your stylist put in very light brown highlights! Highlights don’t all have to be blonde. In fact, the most flattering type are usually just 2-3 levels lighter than your base color and can easily be blended back in when summer is done! For example, if you are a deep copper red, then try a few strawberry blonde strands around the face. A few strategically placed lighter strands can be a great way to make your base color appear lighter without a drastic change.
play with different ways to get your hair up off your face and neck to beat the heat. Try the easy and popular ballerina bun, which is also a great way to skip shampooing for an extra day! The secret is in your sock drawer. Find a sock that has lost its mate and cut off the band that goes around your ankle. Flip your head upside down as if you were going to create a pony tail right on top of your head. Pull hair through the sock band and begin to tuck loose hair back under it, forming a “donut-shaped” bun. If needed, secure loose ends with bobby pins. If you have lots of layers, you will most likely need a few. If your style is a little more laid-back, then try a messy low bun at the nape of the neck. Braids are still making an appearance in all kinds of creative ways, so bring the two trends together by braiding your hair and twisting it into a bun, securing with bobby pins! The most creative braids are a spin-off of the French braid, when a basic braid is started and sections are added first from one side and then the other. Continue switching the side that you add hair to until there is no more left to add.
Tuesday Reece is the owner of Elements Salon in Yuba City. She is an educator for Goldwell Hair Color Company, as well as a stylist and hair color specialist.
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Summer Fun with
Your Dog
Some people may feel that sharing their life with a dog is restricting when it comes to summer vacations. However, there are many fun summer activities you can do that include your family pet. Planning ahead for trips and activities will help keep that time away from home safe for your dog and fun for you .
By Lynda Piercy Dog Obedience Instructor/Pawformance Photography by Heather Smith Photography
Tip #1 When traveling, make sure your dog always has proper identification, such as a collar or tag with your cell phone number on it. Microchips are great, but only if a scanner is available to read the chip. You should also always travel with your dog’s Rabies certificate. Tip #2 Before you plan a trip, double-check that dogs are allowed to come with you. You do not want to arrive only to find out that dogs are not allowed. Check with hotels that accept dogs, as some hotels accept crated dogs only. Although most RV parks and hiking trails may allow dogs, they also may have restrictions, so be aware of any restrictions and abide by the rules with your dog. Tip #3 There are two occasions where dogs most often can become dehydrated. One is while being boarded and the other is while traveling. When traveling, you should continually have water available for your dog. If you crate your dog while on the road between destinations or at times throughout the day, provide water in the crate. There are many great attachable bowls that work well in crates. For the hotel room or RV they have wonderful non-spill bowls that make it easy to provide water for your dog. Some dogs drink better from a familiar bowl, so introduce any travel bowl to your dog before you leave on a trip. I always travel with water from home for my dogs or use bottled water should I run out of water on a long trip, as sometimes dogs can develop intestinal problems from drinking water that is treated differently.
Tip #4 Enjoying the warm weather can be great with your dog, but if it is too warm for you to be walking or hiking in the heat, it is too warm for your dog as well. Dogs can easily develop heat stroke, so precautions must be taken to keep them safe from the heat. When walking with dogs on roadways, place your hand on the surface. If it is too hot for your hand to stay for long, this surface is also too hot for your dog to walk on. If it is too hot for you to sit in your car with the windows up and air off, it is too hot for your dog to be left in the car even a few minutes while you run in to pick up a few things. If the outside temperature is 85 degrees, it will rise to 100 degrees in a car in just over five minutes. An outside temperature of 100 degrees will rise to 140 degrees in a car in just 15 minutes. Dogs can panic when they begin to overheat, which causes them to overheat even more quickly. This can result in brain damage and ultimately, death.
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Tip #5 A great way to cool off in summer travel is playing and swimming in water. Try to avoid letting your dog drink from streams, river, lakes, or even water puddles as they can contain parasites that can cause your dog to become extremely ill and sometimes even cause death. If you do not know for sure if your dog is a good swimmer, get your dog fitted properly with a dog life vest. Rivers and streams can have swift water and undercurrents that can quickly sweep your dog away. It is best to keep your dog on a leash around this type of water. Lakes usually provide a little beach area for you and your dog to enjoy as your dog swims or plays in the water and then retreats back to you. Keep your dog on leash if your dog does not come back when called so that they do not get lost in unfamiliar territory. If you are letting your dog enjoy wooded areas, wilderness areas and/or hiking trails, be sure to check them thoroughly for ticks and fleas at the end of the day. Keep Benadryl on hand for bug bites or bee stings in case of a reaction. Tip #6 Fourth of July is usually very busy and crowded, as with most holiday outdoor celebrations. Many dogs begin to panic over the sound of fireworks and will try to flee the scene. The busiest days of the year for shelter intakes are January 2 and July 5 due to dogs running scared and panicking over the sudden and loud sounds of fireworks. Keep your dog safe and on a leash. Tip #7 Clean up after your dog so that dogs will continue to be welcome. If you do not pay the property taxes on the ground where your dog does his duty, pick it up and dispose of it in the nearest waste can. There are many types of plastic bag holders that can be attached to your dog’s leash or your belt loop that make this duty easier for you. Planning ahead will make this summer fun and safe for you and your dog! Lynda Piercy has been raising and training dogs as well as educating the public on responsible dog ownership for over 20 years. She has accomplished 42 Championships and 237 performance titles on dogs owned and/or bred by her. She is very active with Boston Terrier and Small Breed Rescue. She is a Dog Obedience Instructor at Pawformance Pet Specialties in Yuba City.
Allana Smiles Foundation
The
dedicated to making a difference with dentistry
By Adele Reische Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Imagine sitting across from your oncologist and finding out that the fight of your life is before you, and then finding out that before you can even begin your fight, you must take care of any and all dental health issues. Now imagine that, like the majority of Americans, you at the very least have some form of gum disease, or like the other majority of Americans, you are afraid of visiting or do not even have access to a dentist. he mission of the Allana Smiles Foundation is to provide essential dental care and assistance to newly diagnosed cancer patients—patients whose treatment cannot proceed until they have been determined by a dentist to be orally healthy and stable, and therefore able to move forward with their prescribed course of treatment.
supported patients and all of their care providers. We are working with dentists across the country to form alliances with oncologists and their patients, and trying to develop a standardized protocol for the dental assessment and clearance, as well as at-home treatment instructions and support for patients and their caregivers to follow.
The Allana Smiles Foundation was formed just under two years ago in New England and has quickly evolved to encompass the entire East Coast. Our goal now is to expand our reach to be able to assist patients all across the nation— patients who are desperate to survive the battle before them.
I made the decision to partner with Allana Smiles this past October, after hearing the Foundation’s founder, Ms. Charlotte Charteir, present the foundation to my professional organization. Her mission, and more importantly, the incredible need the Foundation addresses immediately resonated with me.
The Allana Smiles Foundation was named in memory of the daughter of a dentist. Young Allana was an old soul. She had an amazing personality, strength and drive; unfortunately, she died as a result of cancer at only eleven years of age. The Foundation’s goals and determination are fueled by her memory. In 2013, we are dedicated to fundraising and developing systems that support communication with and care for our
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Like most Americans, I have been traumatically affected by cancer, from the diagnosis to the fight to the ultimate triumph, as the primary caregiver for my husband of 30 years. In May 2001, my husband Ken was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and given only a 10% chance of survival. Today I can happily say that he is a survivor, thanks to the many, many people that kept him healthy.
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But just imagine realizing as you’re first discussing your diagnosis with your doctor that you have to wait to begin chemotherapy or radiation treatment until you can get dental treatment. Imagine feeling horrified and anxious because you know you can’t afford dental treatment, much less the cost of a dental assessment, or are simply petrified by a dental phobia which is still very prevalent, even with today’s modern dentistry and caring providers.
•A re listed by state on the Allana Smiles website (AllanaSmiles.org), along with their logo and link to their website. •A re further supported and encouraged in providing Survivor Smiles for those patients who, very much like my own husband, require full mouth reconstruction after the battle with cancer is won.
This problem is real, and together we really can make a difference with dentistry and touch the lives of millions and millions of everyday Americans.
FOR PATIENTS You are not alone in your fight - there is hope! The Allana Smiles Foundation is devoted to guaranteeing that newly diagnosed cancer patients receive proper dental care prior to and during treatment. We do this by working with individual patients’ dentists and oncologists, so we can streamline necessary dental treatment in order to expedite cancer treatment.
FOR DENTISTS Become an Affiliate Member and bring smiles back from the brink! As we introduce The Allana Smiles Foundation nationwide, we want to begin locally. In my own area, at least six patients a month are referred out for a dental clearance. Our local social worker reports that at least four of these six patients are in dire need of financial assistance, and she often hears from several additional patients who come to her on their own looking for dental assistance. Partnering with The Allana Smiles Foundation helps these patients tremendously, preventing them from having to postpone necessary treatment. Just because they do not have or cannot afford the cost of the dentistry should never mean delayed treatment for their cancer. Not while we can come together and help them. The Foundation will also assist these patients to find their perfect dental home with a dentist who is comfortable treating them while they are undergoing cancer treatment, and with whom they are comfortable in kind. We encourage general and specialist dentists to get involved by becoming an Affiliate Member of The Allana Smiles Foundation. Our Affiliate Member Dentists: •K now that cancer can affect anyone at anytime. Dentists affiliated with Allana Smiles understand this and provide an essential component of the patient’s medical treatment with compassionate, affordable dental care. •A gree to provide a dental clearance for at least one cancer patient per month at no charge, allowing the patient to begin treatment as soon and as healthily as possible. • Spread the mission of the Foundation through ongoing outreach to Cancer Centers and Support Groups, providing patient and caregiver support and education as necessary. • Become involved in our local and national fundraising efforts in any way that they can, from helping to promote specific Foundation’s fundraising events to friends and patients to hosting their own.
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Once a patient has been referred for a dental clearance, they can simply go online to AllanaSmiles.org and fill out our Patient Application Form. Once an application is reviewed and accepted, our patients find their dentists by contacting Affiliate Dentists directly from the directory of Affiliate Member Dentists found at AllanaSmiles.org. Our supported patients meet the following criteria: • They require a dental clearance in order to move forward with chemotherapy or radiation. • They do not have insurance that covers the costs of their necessary dental treatment, or they have a demonstrable financial need. FOR ALL OF US It’s time to make a difference with dentistry. Can you imagine not being a part of the solution to this national problem? We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. None of us are alone in the fight anymore. It is our hope that the Foundation encourages and inspires others, just as Allana herself did. Please join us in making a difference with dentistry. Adele Reische of Synergy Practice Management brings a unique blend of training, support, and insight to her clients, coaching them through the shift from surviving to thriving. With over 25 years of experience in dentistry, management, and speaking, Adele rallies the troops to action, engaging everyone on the dental team as they work together to effect positive change and growth for the entire practice.
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When Daniel Chibaya, MSIT, joined us in 2004, technology did not play much of a part in actual patient care. Now virtually every aspect of care at Rideout Health is based on the latest technology. Everything from patient files, lab results and Xrays to robotic medicine dispensers and state-of-the-art equipment provide the highest quality medical care possible. The advances will rise to a new level with the new tower under construction and in increased telecommunications systems that will help nurses and providers better network with their patients. “I tell my team they are as much a part of patient care as the nurses and physicians and everyone else. It is a great feeling. It gives me pride that whatever we do in the hospital directly impacts our community.”
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OUR LOCAL ROYALTY
Courtney Taylor Mini Miss Yuba-Sutter 2006-2007 Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter 2010-2011
Here, she tells us about her experiences in the scholarship competitions. What is your favorite memory while being Mini Miss or Miss Teen? I was Mini Miss Yuba-Sutter 2006-2007 and Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter 2010-2011. Through the scholarship competitions, I was able to learn more about the people and opportunities in the Yuba-Sutter area. It was a worthwhile experience, and through the program I gained a broad network of contacts and lifelong role models. I continue to keep in touch with my former “Royal Court.” In fact, I just received a letter from Miss Teen Yuba-Sutter 2006-2007 Margery Magill this past week. She is currently traveling the globe as she studies abroad through UC Davis! I love hearing what the other young women I have met through the scholarship program are accomplishing.
What are some of the skills you learned from these competitions?
positions. I continued to add to that profile as the years went by, and I was
The Yuba-Sutter Fair Scholarship Program is committed
well prepared when I applied for college.
to preparing young women for real world interviews and public speaking events. The interview process, both as
What are you doing now?
a Mini Miss and Miss Teen Contestant, helped prepare
I am currently finishing my freshman year at the University of California at
me for several scholarship interviews and introduced
Berkeley, where I am pursuing a double major in Political Science and
me to numerous local contacts who later wrote
Media Studies.
recommendations on my behalf.
What does your community mean to you?
How has it helped your communication skills?
I am incredibly thankful to have grown up in the Yuba-Sutter area. A lot of
The program has been invaluable in expanding my
young people want the excitement of a big city. However, now that I live in
communication skills. I had many opportunities as Miss
a busy city (and right next door to San Francisco), I really appreciate coming
Teen Yuba-Sutter and my involvement in community
home to my relaxing, friendly, and familiar hometown.
events to improve my onstage presentation and public
What are your favorite things about the Yuba-Sutter area?
speaking skills. Since my time in the program, I have won several speech competitions, including a scholarship for $4,500.
My favorite things about the Yuba-Sutter area are the people and the agriculture. Having the opportunity to introduce myself as the daughter of a prune grower and processor is a novelty in the Berkeley area. Even my college
How did this experience help you prepare for college?
roommates are hooked on prunes!
The program stresses its participants’ commitment to
How do you give back to your community?
community service. When I ran for Miss Teen YubaSutter, I created a profile with my community service hours, academic accomplishments, and leadership
By supporting agriculture and informing my peers about the importance of farming, I believe I am supporting my community even while I am away at school.
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TRANSFORMING
Our Youth into Tomorrow’s Leaders in 300 Days or Less! By Ken Freeman Photography by Brett LaGrande
Would you enroll your child in a program that would turn them into a lifelong leader? W
e’ve all heard of or tried programs that help us learn another language, lose weight, or learn a skill if applied over a period of time. But what if there was a program to transform a shy or non-committed youth into a confident, excited, and responsible person in one year or less? What if this program was right here in your community? Each summer, many counties, as well as the state, host a fair or exposition. Yes, kids love carnivals and food, but the learning and commitment of the program I’m about to describe will keep your child busy, excited, and not spending much time at the carnival. Most of us are familiar with the green and white worn by 4-H members and the Blue and Gold of the FFA Programs. But are you aware that these programs teach your children many of life’s most important lessons? These lessons include: ➊ Respect for people, animals, and the rules of life. ➋ Responsibility, as they must raise and take care of their projects every day. ➌ Research, as they learn how to feed, care for, train, and show their animal. ➍ Commitment, because for 90 to 300 days, they will spend a great deal of time with their project. ➎ Mentoring, as older members will teach and mentor the younger members. ➏ Learning how to demonstrate and present before their peers and adults. ➐ Learning how to keep records, because each youth must keep accurate records of expenses and receipts. ➑ Time management, as our programs take place before and after school, so they must learn to work with their projects consistently. ➒ The ability to say “goodbye”! This project or animal is usually sold to the highest bidder. Part of life is knowing how to say goodbye to loved ones, and this is a difficult lesson learned by these youth. They also learn compassion by helping others deal with this same lesson.
Some of you will say that you don’t have any place to house an animal. However, your leader or school may have facilities or people willing to house your project. Plus, 4-H and FFA are not limited to only livestock projects. Many programs will offer welding or construction projects, photography, art, sewing, rocketry, horse showing, dog training and others. If one of these programs is not available, check with the 4-H office and volunteer to be a leader. Most projects are entered into competition to be judged both on showmanship and quality of presentation. The following projects are sold at the Livestock Auction at the Fair:
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• Rabbit • Poultry • Sheep
• Swine • Beef • Goats
• Welding • Construction
All of the above programs teach our youth the life skills that will put them at the top of their class and become highly employable as well. In addition, most will take their earnings and save them for their college education. For more information on how to enroll your child into these programs, check with your local Farm Extension office.
The Yuba Sutter office is located at 142 Garden Highway, or you can call 530.822.7515. Children as young as eight years old can start participating, learning, and growing through the 4-H program. The FFA program is offered at most local high schools, so check with your counselor or the Ag Department for more information. Locally, FFA is offered at Yuba City, Live Oak, Marysville, East Nicolaus, River Valley, Colusa, Maxwell and Gridley High Schools. Local fairs are coming up starting in June. Do yourself and your child a favor and visit the livestock barns and speak with the children and teens involved in these programs to witness their maturity firsthand. Take some time to watch the livestock auctions on Saturday of each fair, then contact the organization necessary to enroll your child in one of these programs. In my many years of teaching at Yuba College, I could tell which students had been involved with 4-H or FFA during class. They were more engaged, answered more questions, and were always ready to learn. The building blocks for a successful future can always be gained by participating in 4-H and FFA.
Ken Freeman graduated with honors from King City High School, and from Cal Poly, SLO and received two Master’s degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno. He spent six years in Corporate Credit and Finance for a Fortune Top 50 firm. Ken owned and operated Feather River Mills, Inc. for twenty-six years, plus taught part-time in Ag and Business at Yuba Community College for over twenty-one years. He has been a Small Business Development Center Consultant for five years and director for another nine years. Ken is married to Sharron, and they have three daughters and a deceased son. He has lived in the Yuba-Sutter area for 35 years, served on the Livestock Committee, purchased many animals, and founded Youth In Ag in 1979. Youth In Ag is an organization that helps youth receive a fair price for their animal projects.
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Hosting a party can seem like an overwhelming job, but if you plan ahead, you might just be able to relax and have a little fun! Read on to find out Chrissy Harp’s Top 10 Tips to a successful event.
Photography by Brandi Schwartz Design & Photography
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Create a timeline and plan ahead! From shopping to cleaning to baking to decorating to hosting, the more prepared you are, the smoother your party will go. For any last minute things that may (and usually) pop up, have your timeline end thirty minutes prior to the start of the party. At the very least, this will allow you a few minutes to collect yourself, freshen up, and make sure all of your T’s are crossed.
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Determine the specifics of the party. Will it be potluck style, BYOB, or fully hosted? Is it casual or formal? Adultonly or family-fun? This will help in preparing the budget, menu, invitations, and more. Your guests will need to know what, if anything, is expected from them.
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Separate your shopping list: non-perishables and perishables. Get everything that is non-perishable well ahead of time and do or make what you can ahead of time. Save your perishable shopping and prepping for closer to the party deadline. When calculating food and drink needs, always err on the side of caution. Better to send leftovers home with your friends than to be in a position where you’re running to the store at the last minute or being nervous that you won’t have enough.
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If you are cooking and/or baking, be sure to read through the entire recipe and instructions. This way you are sure to have all the required ingredients, as well as enough time to fully prepare the dish, as some dishes require a cooling/chilling period. Unless you are extremely confident, your party isn’t the time to try out a new recipe.
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Focus on cleaning the areas where the most traffic will be. For example: make sure the main bathroom is spic & span, but don’t worry if your kids’ bedrooms are picked up.
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If you’re hosting a party that isn’t “adults only,” be sure the kids are entertained. If it’s fun for the kids, it’s fun for the adults. Entertained means occupied – and that means they aren’t bored. Summertime in our area usually involves SUN! Water balloon fights are always a hit, and you really can’t go wrong with a good ol’ fashioned game of Twister!
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Delegate duties. If you can enlist some help from your partner or kids, do it! The less stress on your shoulders, the more likely you are to actually enjoy your party. Let’s face it, all too often we get so wrapped up in making sure everything and everyone is taken care of that we miss out on the fun. It doesn’t have to be that way!
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Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. If you’re hosting a party outdoors, start tracking the forecasts…and have an alternate plan if it looks like the weather could pose a problem.
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At some point prior to the party’s beginning, do a “once-over” on your house. Make sure the bathroom is stocked with extra toilet paper, plenty of soap, and an extra hand-towel. Empty the dishwasher so that you don’t end up with a sink full of dishes at the end of your party. Light candles. Empty the trashcans.
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Use technology to your advantage! Ask your guests to share any photos they take during the party via Instagram. Using a hash-tag, you can easily search for photos tagged from your party. For example, if a picture from your party is posted/shared on Instagram and hash-tagged based your instruction (for example: #smithbackyardparty), anyone can search and see the photos. This way you can enjoy your party even after all of your guests have left.
Chrissy Harp has a passion for planning, organizing, and entertaining! She loves seeing and experiencing the enjoyment of others, which is how she evolved from entertaining family and friends to branching out with her own event-planning business: Eventually Yours. She believes that a perfectly planned and executed event leaves lasting memories.
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HOMEGROWN GIRL. LOVES PEOPLE. CARING NURSE.
Isela Iachella RN, BSN Clinical Coordinator 2-West Rideout Memorial Hospital
Presenting
Good Medicine Right Here at Home Growing up in Yuba City, Isela Iachella decided on a career in medicine because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and in her community. A Registered Nurse since 2003, Isela is now a Clinical Coordinator for Rideout Memorial Hospital’s 2 West, a general medical-surgical unit with a growing complement of orthopedic patients. Although tasked with scheduling and coaching her co-workers, she remains directly involved in patient care, working some shifts as a charge nurse each week and always offering an extra pair of skilled hands when needed. “Being part of the team that cares for my own family, friends and community makes working here very personal and rewarding,” she said. “I grew up with the people of this community. Now I work with them, and I help take care of them.” At Rideout Health, we understand what it takes to make a good hospital great — focus on patients and families — and great healthcare staff — right here at home.
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Since We’re Neighbors, Let’s Be Friends By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Jessica Risse Photography
I LOVE FILLING MY HOUSE WITH FRIENDS, and I’m lucky to live in a neighborhood full of them! My friend Gretchen, who happens to live close by, shares my
love of entertaining. Whether it’s a Christmas party for 150, a rib cook off for 50, a Super Bowl party for 25, or a simple dinner for 6, we enjoy decorating, preparing food, and spending time with each other, whatever the celebration may be. Since we do like to entertain often, we’ve made a couple of investments together. I know the old rule was to have your own style, or don’t steal your neighbor’s decorating ideas. However, we’ve found that it is much easier to share what we love! In fact, we’ve made several joint purchases and plan on continuing with that philosophy. It’s much easier to invest in some of the party essentials, instead of renting every time you host a function. Tables and chairs, linens, serving pieces, stemware, and lanterns are all great things to share. Since you don’t use these pieces every day, it’s easy to share the cost and the storage space. Our next investment is high top cocktail tables. With the amount of times we have rented them, they would already have been paid for! 22 22
arty food that allows everyone to dig into the same pot embraces the spirit of bringing people together – plus one-dish meals make planning super easy & a favorite when summer arrives. One of our favorite traditions every summer is hosting a seafood boil!! We should all really be embracing these precious days of summertime, and what better way to do so than by throwing a big seafood boil for your friends? It’s incredibly delish and a perfect way to get everyone together! Decorating is simple. On each paper-covered table, simply place large baguettes of French bread, butter, salt and pepper shakers, a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce, and a roll of paper towels. Once your batch is cooked, dump all the seafood and corn on the tables. Guests can stand around eating, disposing of used corn husks and seafood shells. Once everything is consumed, gather up the papers and throw the whole thing in the trash.
Voila!!
Seafood Boil In a 60 quart pot, on a burner (preferably
• Add enough water to make the pot
outside), combine:
half full and bring to a boil.
4 sweet onions, quartered
• Then add: 2 pounds of sliced
4 lemons, halved
Andouille • Boil for about 3-5 minutes and add:
1 packet of McCormick Shrimp & Crab Boil (if you want
12 ears of corn, broken in halves
to spice it up, I recommend Walker & Sons “Slap Ya Mama”)
or thirds
4 to 5 whole heads of garlic (smashed)
3 pounds of baby potatoes (whole)
6 bay leaves
• Boil for 8 minutes and then add:
6 oz Old Bay Seasoning
Lobster tails (one per guest)
¼ cup of Sea Salt
• Boil for 5 minutes and then add:
¼ cup of red pepper flakes
2 pounds of fresh shrimp/prawns (not shelled)
2 tablespoons of whole peppercorns
1 pound of clams • Boil for about 4 minutes and then spread the feast on your table! • Serve with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, melted butter and bread.
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Summer Refresher Ingredients 1 (12 fluid oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate 1 (12 fluid oz.) can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate 1 liter of club soda, chilled 1 (750 mL) bottle of sauvignon blanc wine, chilled 2 (750 mL) bottles of champagne, chilled Sliced watermelon for garnish Sliced strawberries for garnish Frozen raspberries for garnish Directions In a large glass container, combine the pink lemonade concentrate, raspberry pink lemonade concentrate, sauvignon blanc wine, club soda, and champagne. Garnish with sliced watermelon, strawberries and raspberries.
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Baked Mac & Cheese Ingredients 1 box elbow macaroni 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 qt. heavy whipping cream 3 eggs ½ tsp salt ½ tsp pepper Directions Boil noodles, drain, and pour half of the noodles into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the noodles, then layer the rest of noodles and the rest of the cheese. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the top of the noodles and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Note: This recipe is from the Omega Nu cookbook, From Our Table to Yours, contributed by Betsy Reyna.
Caramel & Sea Salt Brownies Ingredients 1 cup butter, melted 3 cups white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 4 eggs 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 5 to 6 ounces caramel sauce (you’ll want to melt your own caramels, or use an apple dipping caramel sauce) 2 to 3 teaspoons sea salt Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Combine the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each until thoroughly blended. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually stir flour mixture into the egg mixture until blended. Stir in the chocolate morsels. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean; about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove, and cool pan on wire rack before cutting. Before serving, spread caramel sauce over brownies, and sprinkle sea salt.
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Kids Birthday Parties Dodge Ball • Tug of War Soccer Basketball • Prizes Food • Fun
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Fun Idea! To mix things up for your next party, have the guests bring a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag. As soon as the guest arrives, collect their wine from them and assign the bottle a number. Don’t tell the guest their bottle number. The wine can range from $-$$$$$; it doesn’t matter. Line up the bottles and give your guests a score card. Score the wines from 1-10. Start with Bottle #1 and work your way through the tastings. When you’re finished with the tastings, add up the score cards and reveal the winner. It’s a fun way for people to get to know each other, because you’re just judging exclusively on taste, not where it’s from or how much it cost. It’s a ton of fun! My bottle of $3.99 wine from the Grocery Outlet in Yuba City once won among $45-$60 bottles of wine.
TEEGARDEN HOUSE W &E C EDDING
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Book now for holiday parties
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The Teegarden House allows guests to bring their own food. Seats 80 people indoors • Spacious downstairs Affordable rates • Available 365 days a year Offering Military Discount
Make it an Event to Remember Indoor and/or Outdoor Space Available
First Floor ADA Compliant • WiFi Hot Spot • Like us on Facebook 731 Plumas Street • Downtown Yuba City, Next to Jerry’s Stereo Visit our
page for images of events hosted at the beautiful Teagarden House.
Kid ’s Summ Great Experiences happen at NAPS! Delicious, made-from-scratch,
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gourmet cupcakes LOTS of flavors! Gluten Free & Vegan Cupcakes available.
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Cupcake Magic offers free tier stand rental for parties with the purchase of cupcakes!
Come in and try our chocolate dipped bacon! Cupcake Magic 728 Plumas St Y.C. (530) 923-7847 www.cupcake-magic.com
Everybody's got a favorite!
The Cookie Tree, Inc 441 Bridge Street, Suite A Yuba City,CA 95991 530.673.1246 www.cookietree.net
Plan your special party at The Cookie Tree!
er Fun Guide
Year round educational and exciting learning opportunities. Early enrollment creates greater opportunity for placement in the Pre-K program. Openings in 2 year old program, potty training included.
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FREE Batting Cages • Private Lessons, Pitching and Hitting Baseball & Softball instruction Tunnel Rental Summer Hours: 2:00- 8: 00 p.m. Play Ball 851 Gray Ave. Y.C. (530) 701-2311
CARNES& company
Spa Birthday Party Packages! Give your little princess the Glitz and Glamour Party she'll never forget! *Mini Manicure & Pedicure *Makeup or Face Painting *Hair Styling & Braiding *Hair Tinsel *Glitter Tattoo's and more.....
Free room rental with purchase of cookies, beverages & Treats! Perfect children's party: tea, cookie decorating & tasting, wrapped cookies to take home as a favor and leave the mess!
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Expires: October 1, 2013
Carnes and Co- 870 W. Onstott Y.C. (530) 821-0123
Recology Yuba-Sutter would like to thank our local Scouts for helping keep Feather River Parkway litter free! Enjoy Yuba City’s newest park this summer!
Feather River Parkway....Observe Nature.... Explore the Trails...Enjoy the View of the River.... Feather River Parkway is located in Yuba City, East of Market Street and North of the 10th Street Bridge
What to do? Free Concerts in the Park Gauche Park, 421 C Street, Yuba City
7PM
July 11th Boy’s of Summer Eagle’s Tribute July 18th Snee Beatles Tribute July 25th Legend 70/80’s Rock Tribute August 1st Rotary OCD Band Bluegrass/Country/Folk
Enjoy Dinner at the Concert!!
The �cting Company Presents
“Around the World in 80 Days” June 21-July 14 “Alice In Wonderland” June 29-July 13 “Charlotte’s Web” August 2 - 24
Complete information on show times and tickets can be seen on-line at www.actingcompany.org or call or stop by the box office at the theatre weekdays between Noon and 2:00. (530) 751-1100. 815 B Street, Yuba City
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Getting to know ME
Ivy Miguel
Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Let’s face it. All women come in beautiful packages. No two women will ever exist on this planet with the exact beauty as another…with the same amazing ideas, combined with the identical skills, mixed with the same dazzling personality, flaunting matching styles, with the same very special way of doing things. Every woman is unique and extraordinary. A woman’s individual talents, combined with where she is in her life, can help create an amazing situation that will always be her very own, and which can NEVER be duplicated by anyone! We love those things that only you can do. We believe each of you is beautiful, but your truest self is the most stunning! Your individuality is our inspiration. Here we share all of you…from your inner hotshot to what fuels your soul!
Are you the same person you were as a child, or are you much different? I was so shy and insecure as a child. Making friends was terrifying, and I was always worried about what everyone thought of me. It is hard to remember being so insecure with myself because I am so different now. I feel like the older I am, the more secure and confident I am. I am at a point in my life where I am comfortable with myself. What lesson did you learn in childhood that has stuck with you throughout your life? Eating healthy. Even as a child, I ate healthy. I was never into eating fast food, and I did not grow up drinking lots of soda or eating lots of sweets. It was never because I was worried about my weight, I just wanted to make sure the things I was putting in my body were good for me. Of course, now that I am older, I am so grateful for my younger self craving veggies and fruit instead of cheeseburgers! What is one wish you have for your children? I want my children to be confident in the decisions that they make for themselves. Parents always want the best for their children, and it is natural to always want some type of control over their life, but someday you do have to let them go and make decisions on their own. It is a scary thought, but you should have the confidence in yourself and your parenting to know that you have raised them to be strong individuals, and that the decisions they make will be the right ones for them. What are three things you and your family will be doing this summer?
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We stay in Santa Cruz for about a week in July. It is so fun! Our family goes with five or six other families, and we just take over this little inn across from the Boardwalk. The majority of the group’s children are teenagers, so they all hang out on the beach. We have volleyball games, go to the boardwalk, and take bike
rides. It really is a great vacation. We also plan on a camping a few weekends with friends, and of course every Sunday is family day at the house. We swim, bbq, and just spend the day relaxing. How do you celebrate? I love celebrations! I love entertaining friends and family. We have a lot of parties at our house, for everything from Halloween parties to gingerbread competitions during the holidays. I have hosted baby showers, first birthday parties, and sweet sixteen birthday parties. No matter what we are celebrating, I try to make sure everyone is having a good time, and that everyone feels like they’re a part of what we are celebrating. Celebrations are meant to be shared, so every time I am celebrating something, I definitely have people over to share it with. Describe your pets’ personalities. My pets are crazy. I have a Great Dane named Oakley. She is amazing, and demands attention wherever she goes. She loves to cuddle with you while watching movies, and during the summer she lounges near the pool on the chaise lounge in the shade. We also have a twelve year old Chihuahua named Bruiser. He thinks he is bigger than our Dane. Bruiser rules the house, and yes, Oakley is intimidated by him. It is hysterical to watch the two interact. How would your best friends describe you? I have a very small group of girlfriends that I keep close to me. Their friendships are so important to me, and I would do anything for them. These ladies are my sanity sometimes, they are my strength, they are my inspiration. I can only hope that I am these things for them as well.
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Whom do you admire and why? I admire so many people! It is so hard to pick just one, so can I pick two? The first is my mom, because she is so kind and thoughtful. She has dedicated a big part of her life to volunteer work in Hospice. It is amazing to me to see her have so much strength for the families that are losing a loved one. She takes on this emotional tidal wave from these situations and handles it with such compassion. She is truly an amazing woman. The second would be Tessa Grimes, because she is so dedicated to her family and friends. She is the one who inspired me to go back to school to get my nursing degree. She is so strong and confident; she is like a force of nature. I am so thankful to have both of these women be part of my life, because they inspire me to always want to do better. How do you relax? I practice yoga on a daily basis, which helps me keep myself centered and keep things in perspective. When I practice yoga, it gives me time to just focus on myself. I shut my phone off, I go to my yoga mat, and I am able give my mind and body a chance to let go of anything I have been worrying about. Tell us something that most people don’t know about you. I would say that most people find me pretty reserved, however if they saw me at home they would see someone that is so goofy. I randomly dance around the house, and it is not uncommon for me to start singing my favorite song. Thankfully, my husband and children are used to it, and find it entertaining.
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