Fall 2010 Edition
Tea for Two
Celebrating a New Baby
Day Care
Choosing the right one for your family
"She's Talking about Me"
Dollars and $en$e
One of the most embarrassing
Problems
for women Solved!
Tell
ME
about you…
Lori Meinking Yuba City Midwife
Why I became a midwife…
I have to say, I never set out to become a midwife. Actually, I never set out to be a nurse either. Growing up, all I ever wanted to be was a lawyer. Debating was something that I was good at. My own births actually inspired me to switch majors from pre-law to nursing. I became a labor and delivery nurse and loved it. I was content as a nurse but always felt compelled to do more. Midwifery was always a thought in the back of my head. As a registered nurse, I wanted more and more to protect normal birth. I began to realize that the intensity of supporting other women at their most transformational time in their lives was initiating personal growth in me. An opportunity opened up in my life to go back to school to become a midwife, and here I am.
Preventive Dentistry
for Infants and Children
Who do midwives care for?
Midwives provide primary health care to women of all ages, from puberty through menopause. They provide personalized care, focusing on education so you can take a more active role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. They attend to women during labor and birth and are trained and experienced in prenatal, postpartum and normal newborn care.
Where do midwives practice?
They practice in many settings, including home, birth centers, or hospitals. I assist women at Fremont Medical Center, where women give birth in a hospital LDR where you labor, deliver and recover in the same room and then are transferred to your postpartum room with 24 hours rooming-in with your baby. Lori Meinking has founded Yuba City Midwife, as a joint practice with Dr. Christopher Genobaga’s “W” A Center for Women’s Health, Inc. After 10 years experience in labor and delivery as a Registered Nurse at Fremont Medical Center, Lori has completed her training as a midwife. She is a licensed nurse-midwife in the state of California and Board Certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. She received her Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing at the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing. Lori was raised in the Yuba-Sutter area and lives in Yuba City with her husband and two daughters. Lori is dedicated to providing our community with gentle, compassionate, and comprehensive midwifery care for women from pre-adolescence through menopause and beyond.
to learn more about midwives, visit our blog...
www.meandminemagazine.com
Kimberly D. Thiel, D.D.S. Yuba City’s
Premier Pediatric Dentist
• Learn how to care for your infant’s teeth and prevent cavities • Gain important information about achieving optimum oral health • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a dental visit by age 1 Ask about our program for 2 year olds. 1045 Live Oak Blvd, Suite B Yuba City, CA 95991 (530) 755-0571
please visit: www.KimberlyThielDDS.com
in every issue 4 6 7 8
Dollars and Sense Does Your Life Revolve Around Your Bladder? It’s a Life Altering Problem Learning Self Examination at Home
17 Tea for Two 20 Supper Club
2 22 27 38
From the Publisher Share with ME Book Banter Generations & Traditions
24 Happy Grahams
10 Daycare Dilemmas 12 She’s Talking About Me 14 Teen Driving
on the cover
The Foster Family, photographed by Moments to Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler.
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. 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 2010
www.meandminemagazine.com
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Welcome to… There are many issues and interests women have and concerns and questions they face every day.
Thank you to our contributors!
That’s why Me and Mine magazine is here for you-- to provide information from professionals and everyday people in hopes that you will be educated, inspired and entertained.
My Moments To Remember Photography by Michelle Chandler mymomentstoremember.com Sarah Tamagni Photography sarahtamagniphoto.blogspot.com
Basically, we’re here to do the legwork. The purpose of this magazine is to feature topics you’re interested in. In turn, we want you to share your lives and interests with us. We want to know what’s happening around town, and we want to know what interests you.
Wow Now Photography by Debbie Lavelock wownowphotography.com Editor: Kymm Mann
Spread the word to women and everyone in their lives who care about them, their family and their friendships. Let them know that a quality magazine is here to focus on the importance of taking care of ourselves in order to provide healthy and fun lifestyles for our kids and families, and to influence others to do the same.
Account Manager: Rona Desmond
My hope in creating a magazine for and about women is that it will encourage and inspire them to have fun, create and continue lasting friendships and focus on the value of family. With the support and inspiration of my family and friends and the hope of giving something valuable to the community, I welcome you to Me and Mine magazine--a publication dedicated to local women created by women. Enjoy!
Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Publisher/Director of Sales
The Smile You Desire… The Dentistry You Deserve Come in and meet us when you are ready to experience the difference.
Two Locations, to better serve our patients New Yuba City Location… State of the art facility 1275 Tharp Road Suite A Yuba City (530) 673-4614 360 A 5th Street Colusa (530) 458-4616
www.tomgibsondds.com
TGIF…we are here on Fridays!
Our new tranquil and peaceful location is just like a day at the spa… We invite you to relax and rejuvenate while we create your smile to last a lifetime.
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GENERAL COSMETIC DENTISTRY INVISIBLE BRACES
{ CHERISH CHILDHOOD }
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Dollar$ and $en$e Money-Smart Women Written by Sharen Dowdall Cornils Photography by Wow Now Photography
What is one word that describes your relationship with money? Your answers will be as different as you are from other women.
Not having enough money in a family can teach children to feel “deprived.�
Did you know that how you relate to and use money is a learned behavior? What were the messages you got about money when you
were a child?
Sometimes we learn that money equals love. In my family, money was always tight, and this caused a lot of stress and anxiety. From
this early learning we develop a relationship with money and spending that may not always be healthy.
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Money is a powerful tool we can use in a healthy way-- by making good choices and spending prudently.
Unhealthy spending is focusing on what we think will make us happy without serious thought about our financial situation, or other
people in our lives. Unhealthy spending is a slippery slope, often leading to huge credit card debt and even lying and stealing. This is a critical problem for millions of Americans.
And fair or not, women need to do
This is because we live longer and are
more to plan for their financial futures than men.
active longer, generally earn less, move in and out of the workforce to have children and typically depend on our spouses or partners to provide for our future.
Most women believe that when their
It’s not about the amount of money
spouse dies they will be taken care of--but is this really true?
we have; it’s all about how we use it. Do you often find yourself buying things to
cheer up or reward yourself? Do you often buy what you want whether or not you can afford it at the time? Do you have trouble saving even a little bit each month?
If you answered yes to any of these it’s
time to start gaining skill at handling your money. I call it “making friends with your money.”
Let’s start by doing inventory. Get a
small notebook that fits in your purse. You can also use any notepad you have lying
around or a few pieces of paper. Call this your “Spending Diary.”
For one week-- seven days-- note
every penny you spend for non-essentials.
That doesn’t include groceries, rent, gas or
other living expenses; only extra things you pick up, often without thinking.
There are many examples. For me, it
was Starbucks every morning and People
adds up pretty quickly, even with interest rates as low as they are now.
Everything you need to know about
It is not rocket science, just adding
managing money you learned in the second grade.
and subtracting. Awareness is the key to starting to change our relationship with
money, leading to healthier choices, and a more positive relationship with money.
And you can teach your children what
you’ve learned so they can develop healthy spending habits too.
Magazine on Fridays. For another client of mine it was bottled water and lunch from the lunch wagon every day.
Write down exacty how much you
spend and what it was for.
These are the places you are “leaking”
money. Add up where you have been leaking money.
This does not mean you can never
ever have Starbucks again, but it will help
you become more aware and start making different, healthier choices about where you want to use your money.
I was spending almost $100 a month
on coffee! Even saving a small part of that-$2, $5 or $10 per week or per month-- in an interest-bearing savings account, that
Sharen Dowdall Cornils is an RN, holds a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology, is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Children’s behavior issues, and a Management Training Consultant specializing in Executive Coaching. She lives in Yuba City and contributes articles for several publications. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
“ Money is
a powerful tool we can use in a healthy way-- by making good choices and spending prudently.” 5
Written by Kymm Mann
It may sound funny, but for those suffering from bladder leakage – medically known as stress urinary incontinence-- it can be not only troublesome but life-altering.
way since your grandma had it done.
There are several causes for stress
used to be, but it’s so different now, with
in the support system around the bladder.
gynecologist with Sutter Medical
outpatient surgery since patients go home
Dr. Richard Maddalena, an obstetrician/
Foundation in Yuba City for 15 years, has
adopted a newer, quicker, nearly painless outpatient procedure for women suffering from bladder leakage.
The Transobturator Mid-Urethral Sling System from Boston
Scientific is essentially a support tape for the bladder; holding it
tightly in place so movement such
as jumping, lifting or coughing and
out there; about what a big operation it
minimal anesthesia and less down time.” The whole procedure starts with a light
general anesthetic to calm the patient and
block out pain. It is done vaginally– without
cutting open the patient – and is considered immediately after surgery.
incontinence, including genetics, childbirth
and menopause which can cause a weakness The problem tends to occur later in
women’s lives – after age 40 – but can
happen at younger ages as well. If you feel you may be a candidate for the procedure, the doctor will perform several tests for
incontinence. If they indeed prove you have a problem, most of the time insurance will
Most women spend just a few days recuperating and are back to their normal lives as usual—except now their bladder doesn’t rule them.
sneezing will not cause leakage.
Maddalena said the problem is a lot more common than most people realize. It’s
considered one of the most embarrassing
problems for women, which means a lot of it goes unreported, so statistics are not exact. However, the doctor estimates the number
of procedures he does to repair the problem ranges from two to five per month, but
believes it would be much higher if women were more comfortable reporting it.
“It’s very prominent; more than we even
know,” he said. Maddalena said that not only is it embarrassing for many women, but
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“I’m sure a lot of women hear the old stories
stories of the surgeries done in the past are
scary—but the procedures have come a long
cover it, Maddalena said.
For more information about the TOT procedure, visit bostonscientific.com to view the sling and information regarding the procedure.
“The success rate is around 85 percent,”
the doctor estimated. “There is about a 15
percent risk of failure, but most do very well and get very good relief. They may not be
completely dry, but most get relief and feel better than before.”
Maddalena said the term “life-altering” is not an exaggeration.
“Women who have been suffering from
incontinence say this procedure is a huge
success,” he said. “They can’t cough, sneeze or do any lifting; some women have it so
badly they barely cough and have to cross
their legs to keep from leaking. Very often I hear people say, ‘This changed my life.’”
Dr. Richard Maddalena is an OBGYN and has a practice with Sutter Medical Foundation. He lives in Yuba City with his wife, Nancy, and their three children. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
Written by Kymm Mann
Mary Lynn is a happy, active 43-year-old with a seven-year-old son. She
loves her job and the people she works with.
She had a real problem, though-- one that plagues nearly 1 out of 3 women,
usually over the age of 45--stress urinary incontinence, or the inability to hold urine. In many cases, it is a small amount of bladder leakage, but it’s not as simple as it may sound.
Mary Lynn’s case was almost life-consuming, she said. She couldn’t laugh,
jump or lift her son or other objects without some leakage every time.
She planned her life around her problem; carrying extra underwear,
“ Even my
friends notice the difference; I can stand here and cough and jump all day and nothing happens, instead of changing my scrubs because of leaks every single day.
”
wearing pads and avoiding strenuous activity. It was frustrating and lifealtering, she said. “I’m very active but I didn’t even want to join a gym or anything,” she explained.
Though it has been called the number one most embarrassing problem for women, Mary Lynn was not embarrassed, but determined to find a solution so she could live more carefree.
As an employee at Sutter Medical Foundation Surgery Center, she’d seen
“I’d seen it done and knew that was probably what I needed,” she said. “I
the procedure done by Dr. Richard Maddalena, called Transobturator tape
placement, which essentially acts as a type of sling that supports the bladder. wasn’t embarrassed at all, I wanted this taken care of.”
She’d always had a bit of trouble with urine leakage, Mary Lynn said,
but after giving birth to her son, it seemed to intensify, which is a common
occurrence, according to Dr. Maddalena (see “Does your life revolve around your bladder?” on opposite page).
She was also pleasantly surprised by the lack of pain and discomfort after
the approximate 20-minute procedure.
“I expected my whole abdomen to be sore, but I was just a little sore right
where the incisions were,” she said. “I rested maybe a day or so and I was back to work on Monday.”
Mary Lynn said she’d spent so much time planning her life and daily
Mary Lynn was eager to tell her story because she hoped being open about
activities around her problem that she didn’t realize what an enormous effect it had on her until afterward.
the problem would make other women take the steps to fix bladder leakage.
“I know it sounds like a cliché, but if just one woman realizes how much it
helped me, then it’s worth sharing,” she said eagerly. “And it doesn’t matter how old you are; it can happen at any age and you know your body, so listen to it.”
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Beginning in their 20s, women should be told about the benefits and limitations of breast self-exam (BSE). Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast changes to a health professional as
soon as they are found. Finding a breast
change does not necessarily mean there is a cancer.
A woman can notice changes by being aware of how her breasts normally
look and feel and by feeling her breasts for changes (breast awareness), or by
choosing to use a step-by-step approach
(see below) and using a specific schedule to examine her breasts.
If you choose to do BSE, the information below is a step-by-step approach for
the exam. The best time for a woman to
examine her breasts is when the breasts are not tender or swollen. Women who
examine their breasts should have their
technique reviewed during their periodic health exams by their health care professional.
Women with breast implants can do
BSE, too. It may be helpful to have the
surgeon help identify the edges of the
implant so that you know what you are feeling. There is some thought that the
implants push out the breast tissue and may actually make it easier to examine. Women who are pregnant or breast-
feeding can also choose to examine their breasts regularly.
It is acceptable for women to choose not to do BSE or to do BSE once in awhile.
Women who choose not to do BSE should still be aware of the normal look and feel
of their breasts and report any changes to their doctor right away.
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How to examine your breasts • Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. The exam is done while lying down, not standing up. This is because when lying down the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue. • Use the finger pads of the 3 middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue. • Use 3 different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs. It is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast, but you should tell your doctor if you feel anything else out of the ordinary. If you’re not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot. • Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting straight down your side from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone (sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area, going down until you feel only ribs, and up to the neck or collar bone (clavicle).
• There is some evidence to suggest that the up-and-down pattern (sometimes called the vertical pattern) is the most effective pattern for covering the entire breast, without missing any breast tissue. • Repeat the exam on your left breast, putting your left arm behind your head and using the finger pads of your right hand to do the exam.
• While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips, look at your breasts for any changes of size, shape, contour, or dimpling, or redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin. (The pressing down on the hips position contracts the chest wall muscles and enhances any breast changes.) • Examine each underarm while sitting up or standing and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area. Raising your arm straight up tightens the tissue in this area and makes it harder to examine. This procedure for doing breast self exam, is different from previous recommendations. These changes represent an extensive review of the medical literature and input from an expert advisory group. There is evidence that this position (lying down), the area felt, pattern of coverage of the breast, and use of different amounts of pressure increase a woman’s ability to find abnormal areas.
Information courtesy of the American Cancer Society.
Daycare Dilemmas? Written by Patti Mayo Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography Choosing the right care for your child
can be a huge stress, both emotionally
and financially. Begin by asking people with young kids of their own who they
recommend, and/or call a local Reference and Referral office such as our local Children’s Home Society.
Once you have a few names, call and
speak with the provider and get a feel for
what they offer: Hours of operation, rates
and whether they have any openings. Often there will be a waiting list, which could be several months long.
Once you have several potential
providers, set up a time to meet with each
written policies and procedures, including a
day to ease your mind during those first few
up-to-date on all training. Ask for references
games did you play?” “What did you like
discipline policy, posted in sight?
Be sure the staff is certified in CPR and
and call past or current daycare parents and get feedback. Go with your gut! If you don’t
“
The relationship with the child, parent and provider can be a wonderful one…
”
and view the facilities. Don’t be afraid
feel comfortable with the daycare for any
both the children and the teachers. Are
see if the daycare has any violations against
to stay for awhile—30 to 45 minutes is
not too long. Observe the daycare. Watch
the teachers loving and attentive? Are the
children happy and interacting with other
children or adults? Check the facility-- is it clean? Are there any safety concerns? Are
reason, keep looking. Be sure to get license
numbers and call the state licensing office to them.
After choosing a daycare for your child,
school yourself on what their policies and
procedures are. Have a copy of them and be sure you’re in agreement with everything before enrolling your child.
When packing your child’s bag for the
day, stock plenty of diapers, wipes, bibs,
blankets, pacifiers, bottles, formula and food (if not provided by daycare), a change of
clothes, rash cream and any medication your child may need.
The first drop-off may be difficult for you and your child. Keep your “goodbye” short
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and sweet and call the daycare during the
days. Talk to your child each day and ask
questions: “Who did you play with? “What most about your day?”
Routines are important and make
children feel secure.
The relationship between the provider
and the parent is very important. Be
involved in your child’s daycare. Talk with
the provider for a few minutes each time to discuss your child’s day. Always mention
any concerns you have. Stay informed on the activities and calendar at the daycare.
Be on time to pick up your child and
make timely payments. Always inform the
provider of any changes in your child’s life
that may affect them at daycare. Keep your child’s emergency information up-to-date,
read and follow the policies and procedures for when your child is ill. Notify your
provider in advance of any changes to your child’s schedule or upcoming vacations.
The relationship with the child, parent
and provider can be a wonderful one if the parent and provider agree on the teaching
and discipline techniques. If your child has
consistency with both parents and provider,
they will be able to understand and adapt to the new environment much easier.
Your child will let you know if he is happy,
even if he is too young to talk. You can tell
too: Is your child eager to go to daycare? Are they playing happily when you arrive to pick
them up? Does your child feel comfortable with the providers? Do they talk about their friends and providers at daycare in a positive manner?
Knowing that your child is in a warm and loving environment will
make all the difference in the world to you as a parent. Know that
there is no “perfect” daycare out there, but you decide what is most important and what you are willing to compromise on.
Patti Mayo has lived in the Yuba-Sutter area for the past 20 years. She has four children, ages 19, 15, 10 and 22 months old. Patti has owned and operated a large family daycare in her home for the past 10 years and was voted “Best of Yuba Sutter” in 2009. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
Important
Questions
to keep in mind
• Is the facility kept clean? • Do the children and staff appear happy? • Are there enough caregivers for the children in care? s there a First Aid kit present and the staff CPR • Icertified? • Are there plenty of age-appropriate toys and materials? • Are the toys and equipment safe and maintained? • Are the toys and books within the child’s reach? the daycare have planned activities for both indoor • Dandoesoutdoor play? • Does the provider take children on field trips? • Does the facility have liability insurance? • Does the facility have a child illness policy? oes the facility have a discipline policy? Do you agree • Dwith the policy on discipline? • Are the meals and snacks provided healthy? o you feel truly comfortable leaving your child with the • Dprovider?
“She’s Talking about Me” Written by Sara Nowinski Photography by Wow Now Photography Jenny Jones arrives at her seventh-grade school Monday morning with new jeans, new skirt, shiny new shoes and her backpack in tow; she feels ready to take on the world. However, the bounce in her step slows and the smile on her face quickly fades as she
approaches the group of girls otherwise known as her friends. The friends shush each other and glance awkwardly as Jenny gets closer. Jenny stands outside of the friend
circle for what seems like a long five minutes until the bell rings. Scurrying off to class, Jane’s face feels hot and she feels sick to her stomach. Her good day has immediately been ruined.
She feels a tap on her shoulder in first period and turns to find one of the friends
looking at her with a concerned face. The friend whispers to her that all of the girls Sara Nowinski is the Assistant Principal at Butte Vista in Yuba City. She has a Masters in educational management from the University of LaVerne. She lives in Sutter County with her two daughters, ages 2 and 4. Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
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were talking about what a bad friend and person Jenny is because, supposedly, she
was heard talking about someone at a birthday party this last weekend. Apparently
everyone has been talking about it through text messages since the party Friday. Jenny vehemently denies these allegations and is devastated because she knows all too
well that this gossip will damage her reputation and some of the friendships she has worked so hard to establish.
If you have a pre-teen of your own or know a pre-teen girl, the phrase, “she’s talking about me,’’ is the precursor to tears, anger, lies and emotions run amok. Of the
struggles pre-teens face, gossip circling around their everyday lives can consume all their energy and become the focus of their social and emotional lives.
As an assistant principal, I have spent countless hours talking
with students about ways in which they can minimize the impact this issue has on their lives. Numerous pre-teenagers are thrust into this phase of life without the skills and tools needed to
successfully battle the wild emotions tied to the gossip circle. As the adults in the lives of our pre-teens, it is our duty to validate and help put into perspective these incidents and feelings.
Some of the things I have seen work with students are: Giving validation to their feelings Let pre-teens know that you realize what they are feeling is very real
Putting things in perspective Without minimizing their feelings, help them see the “big picture” in life
creating
Showing empathy
beautiful smiles
Talk to them about your own experience with
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things like gossip and hurt feelings, and discuss the lessons you’ve learned about friendships
Giving realistic solutions
clear braces
Help them come up with some doable solutions,
invisilign® treatments available
for instance, finding another person to hang out with at school until the problem blows over
over 30 years of providing quality orthodontics
Giving our kids the time they need to develop ways in which they can cope with facing the daily barrage of bullies, gossip, trash
talking, cliques, and the ever-present stress these cause, will make
excellence in creating beautiful smiles by an orthodontic specialist
them into stronger, more confident young adults. Left ignored, these problems can cause the self-esteem of young girls to be
damaged; permanently scarring the view they have of themselves as young girls and later as women.
So the next time your daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister or
friend comes home from school and goes running to her room in tears, take the time to sit down and have a chat.
Ask about her day and use the opportunity as a chance to learn
about her and share some things about yourself-- investment well worth the time!
Sara Nowinski recommends, for more information on the same subject, reading: “Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls” by Rachel Simmons
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754 E. Walker Street, Ste. 2
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visit www.meandminemagazine.com for coupons and savings towards orthodontic treatment.
Teens: Ready to drive? Written by Kymm Mann Photography by Wow Now Photography
Many people, not just teens, take their driving test when they aren’t sufficiently prepared, haven’t practiced enough, or haven’t practiced properly. Others get nervous because they don’t know what to expect. Parents and teen drivers—know what to expect. A driving test will last about 20 minutes. The test consists of basic maneuvers you will encounter while driving, including: -- Left and right turns and stops at controlled and uncontrolled intersections --Straight line backing -- Lane changes and driving in regular street traffic --Driving on the freeway. Study by reading the DMV’s pamphlet as well as the California Driver Handbook. Try to relax and do your best.
Parents, try to remain calm and
The driving test for the basic license class -- Class C -- is the same for all drivers regardless of age. An adult driver takes the same type of driving test as a teenage driver. A driver with a physical and/or mental condition may take a different version of the driving test containing additional test elements.
Next, take them out to a rural area, out of major traffic, Buckland
Are All Driving Tests the Same?
Preparing for Your Driving Test
Yuba City Police Lieutenant John Buckland recommends the following for new drivers:
Get enough practice. Minors must
complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 10 hours of night driving are required before taking a driving test.
When starting out, a licensed adult
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over the age of 25 must be with the minor driver. Buckland recommends first finding a large, public vacant lot in which the driver can practice the steering maneuvers of the vehicle; have the driver do low-speed tasks like pulling into a designated parking slot, stopping correctly and getting a general feel for the car.
correct mistakes in a constructive manner. The more agitated a teen driver gets, the harder it is to concentrate. Buckland’s advice is to remember that this is a very high-stress task for a young teen, but can be a good time to make it a positive experience between parent and child.
advised. It helps to just work at being comfortable behind the wheel in different situations, but without the stress of multiple lanes and cars. Find roads that allow a margin for error, such as those with wide shoulders and no ditches alongside the road.
margins for error like wide shoulders mentioned above. The lieutenant personally took his children up Highway 20 to Grass Valley – all during daylight hours at this point – where they practiced changing lanes, merging and eventually parking along the inclines and stopping on hills.
It’s a great chance to bond with your child during what could be difficult teenage years, and they learn something valuable from you – even if it’s just a threehour drive. Buckland is an advocate of new drivers getting as much time behind the wheel as possible.
After you and your trainee feel comfortable, Buckland said, it’s
on simple roads, avoiding the highways and practicing low-speed driving without constantly looking at the speedometer. The California DMV tells drivers to practice all the driving maneuvers listed in the Safe Driver Handbook.
about time to introduce them to multilane roadways, right here in Yuba City or Marysville; where they can make proper lane changes, do a head check (actually turning your head to look over your shoulder before changing lanes) and when they’ve got command of the car and the road, heading down I-5 to Sacramento for some heavier traffic.
Buckland recommends taking your trainee driver on multi-lane roads, with safe
Buckland stated, is that they make multiple stops, get on and off the freeway several
As drivers get up to the 10-15hour mark, take them into the city
At about the 20-25-hour point,
Very important on these trips,
times, change lanes and merge. Do these things over and over, he said, as they are very important.
Now that the freeway environment has been tackled, Jeetinder Sohal, MD, ObGYN is dedicated to quality women’s healthcare...
Buckland said to hit the basics again – go back to the parking lot and the smaller roads they were comfortable with, and start practicing the nighttime driving.
• Gynecology • Obstetric Care • Preventive Care
Last, but certainly not least, advise the teen to stay alert for
one-lane roads, which still exist, especially in construction conditions and small towns. Also, stop coaching and allow your teen to drive and make his or her own corrections – within safe limits, of course – and try to make it a positive experience. Your teen will thank you later, and you might relax more when they drive off alone for the first time.
Jeetinder Sohal, MD 470 Del Norte Ave Yuba City, CA 95991
• Menopausal Evaluation and Therapy
• Teen Care • Surgical Offerings • Contraception • Infertility
530-751-7350 • M-F 9am to 5pm smgobgyn.com
Safe Driving Tips for all ages from the DMV:
Steer smoothly at all times. Stop the vehicle gently.
Start braking well ahead of
where you must stop to avoid
sudden jerks and know where to stop.
Be very aware of crosswalks.
Follow at a safe distance.
Enlarge your following distance
in bad weather or poor visibility.
Know what the traffic signals mean. Obey them at all times.
Signal for all lane changes and turns.
If your view is blocked at a
Always be on the lookout for potential hazards.
before entering the intersection.
Scan the surrounding areas and
crosswalk, move forward
carefully and look both ways
Always obey the posted speed limits.
If needed, reduce your speed to adjust for existing weather or
other road and traffic conditions. Remember to turn on your lights at the same time you decide you need your windshield wipers in poor weather conditions.
check your mirrors frequently. Always look over the proper
shoulder before making lane
changes or pulling away from the curb.
Drive defensively.
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Try to anticipate another driver’s errors.
Information provided by the Traffic Division of the Yuba City Police Department and the California Department of Motor Vehicles. For full examination information and appointments, log onto www.dmv.ca.gov.
CALL TODAY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT
530.415.6641
Families on the Path to Success Do you have children between the ages of 0 and 5? If so, School Readiness is the place for you & your child!
Attend FREE educational classes to prepare your child for Kindergarten and receive tools to help you as the parent educate your children.
Monday through Friday
Little Learners – 2 Morning Classes Daily 8:00am-10:00am and 10:30am-12:30pm • Enroll in two or more classes per week • Class size limited • Call a school below to enroll • For more information call Stacie at the School Readiness Office: 822-3207 Daily classes are provided by a Child Development Specialist at a school listed below. King Avenue School
Bridge St. School
Park Avenue School
Luther School
School Readiness Karisa Williams 630 King Avenue Yuba City, CA 95991 530-822-5250 ext 321 School Readiness Wendy McGinnis 100 Morton Street Yuba City, CA 95991 530-822-5083 or 530-822-5265 ext 213
School Readiness Niki Baldez 500 Bridge St. Yuba City, CA 95991 530-822-5225 ext 121 School Readiness Kelly Cameron 10123 Connecticut Live Oak, CA 95953 530-695-5450 ext 1103
Want to know more, visit our blog...
www.meandminemagazine.com
Tea for Two By Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
Beckie Miller has coordinated dozens of fantastic
events throughout the local area.
An event-planner by nature, she is gifted with
creativity and enjoys celebrating milestones and other special occasions.
When her daughter Rachel announced she
was expecting a baby, Beckie wanted to bless her
daughter with a beautiful shower and welcome her first granddaughter, Vida LaRue, with style.
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“
Having the privilege to use my
design creativity to celebrate and
honor special moments in the lives of my daughters has probably been the most emotionally rewarding, - Beckie
”
“Tea for Two” was the theme of the shower that took place
at Beckie’s home in Yuba City. A garden area was the stage of
celebration, where tables were set with different fabrics and family teacups, bright paper lanterns and mama and baby birds perched throughout the yard.
From the food to the vintage details, the shower recognized
family traditions through and through. For example, the name Vida LaRue is a combination of both great-grandmothers; this set the theme of sharing family favorites with their guests.
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The brunch menu included some
of their favorites, like monkey bread, Williamsburg soufflé,
Modesto Mint tea -- Grandma
LaRue’s favorite -- and the mommyto-be’s favorite, cupcakes.
Beckie reflected back to the day of the shower.
“The thing that brought me the
most joy at Rachel’s shower was
watching my daughters, along with their family and friends, celebrate motherhood,” she said. “My own
mother has been gone for 30-plus years and I missed out on having her participate in most of my life
celebrations. Just being here as an
integral part of my children’s lives
has been the most important thing ever to me.”
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“The last party we had was an
Australian theme,” Barbara LaSalle
said. “We served kangaroo and it was delicious!”
Fellow Supper Clubber MaryJean
added that the fun part about the group is the opportunity for each member to try new things.
“ Because we’re asked to make
specific recipes, it forces you to make
things you normally wouldn’t,” she said.
The host of the party is also responsible for putting all of the recipes together
from each dinner party and every guest receives a copy to take home.
The group estimates it has dined
together more than 100 times in 24
Written by Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Moments to Remember Photography
A special group of neighbors has been serving each other dinner for
years. But these aren’t your simple “Sloppy Joe” or tuna casserole meals you might think of at first glance. These families share their dinner recipes and give others ideas for out-of-the-ordinary meals; even kangaroo.
Yes, you read that right—and if you think it’s impossible, read on and
find out how it’s done by a local gathering of friends every three months. The Supper Club, a selection of neighbors in Yuba City, has been dining
together since 1986, when the 16 friends began arranging quarterly dinner parties together.
“We just wanted an excuse to all get together. We all enjoyed
entertaining, and we wanted to make it a little bit easier,” Barbara said. “We
all bring something so the host doesn’t have to carry all the expense or have to do all the work.”
Here’s how it works: The rotating hosts each take a turn. First they
set a theme, if any, then send out invitations, decorate and provide the main course and beverages on the night of the get-together. The guests of the
party each are assigned a recipe by the host -- it may be an appetizer, side dish or a dessert.
“The rule is that you must follow the recipe,” said participant Mary Jean
Hamilton. “No substitutions unless approved by the host. Sometimes the recipes work, sometimes they don’t. That’s the fun of it!”
Themes throughout the years have varied and include a football tailgate party, “surf & turf,” a summer picnic, seasonal celebrations and even a
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Kentucky Derby party.
years—creating not just meals but lasting friendships and memories.
“I just love that we have been getting
together all these years,” Mary Jean said. “We have history together; we’re like family.”
These photos were taken at the dinner party in celebration of the Kentucky Derby.
Back to School
Recology 101 Before you run out and buy new school supplies, take inventory of what you already have.
Join Us for Women’s Health Screening Day Low-Cost Health Screenings for Underinsured & Non-Insured Women $5 Low-Cost Well Woman Examination $30 Low-Cost Mammogram Referral for women 40 & older Walk-In Clinic.
No need to buy everything new! Take a look at the school supplies your child already has, and then buy from there. Also, think about this when it comes to new school clothes and backpacks too. Consignment stores can be a great place to go on a treasure hunt with your child, and
Sutter Medical Foundation Brownsville Care Center 16911 Willow Glen Road Brownsville Call 530-675-0466 Wednesday, October 6 9 am - 3 pm
Sutter Medical Foundation Obstetrics & Gynecology 969 Plumas St., Suite 103 & 116 Yuba City Call 530-749-3585 Wednesday, October 6 9 am - 4 pm
Peach Tree Clinic 5730 Packard Ave., Suite 500 Marysville Call 530-749-3242 Wednesday, October 6 & Thursday, October 7 8 am - 2 pm (Friday, Oct. 8 by Appt. Only)
Live Oak Medical Clinic 9980 Live Oak Blvd. Live Oak Call 530-695-0700 Wednesday, October 6 & Thursday, October 7 8 am - 2 pm
hand-me-downs are also another option. And when you’re thinking about packing lunches this school year, remember to think about reusable containers. Reusable bottles, containers, silverware, and cloth napkins are some things to consider. If you have children heading off to college, have them consider buying “used” books, instead of purchasing “new.” It saves cash and helps out the environment. When headed out on the road to your destination, whether it’s school or work, consider how you get there. Walking, biking or public transportation are all great ways to travel. Brought to you by the Employee Owners of Recology Yuba-Sutter.
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4
STEPS
for Kids
California state law mandates all children under the age of 6 years or 60 pounds, be properly restrained in the rear seat, in an appropriate child passenger restraint system. A citation can be issued to the parent or guardian for each child not in compliance.
STEP 1 Rear-Facing Seats
STEP 3 Booster Seats
• Newborns & infants up to 20-35 pounds. Infants should ride facing up to the maximum weight rating on the child paasenger restraint system, check seat for weight rating.
• For children over 40 pounds. • Must be used with lab and shoulder belts. • Lap belt fits low and tight across hips. • Shoulder belt crosses the collar bone and center of chest.
STEP 2 Forward Facing Seats • Children over one year of age AND at least 20 pounds. • Face forward only. • Most can be converted to a belt positioning booster after child reaches 40 pounds.
530.743.1565
STEP 4 Seat Belt • Age 6 or older or over 60 pounds. • Must be in the back seat unless exempt. • NHTSA recommends all children 12 and under should be in the back seat.
Appointments can be made at the CHP or Yuba City Police Depart. for parents to have their seat inspected for proper fit and installation by a nationally certified technician. Parents should periodically check their child seats for any manufacturer recalls. They may do so at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gav/recalls/childseat.cfm Ad Courtesy of California Highway Patrol
23
Happy Grahams Written by Jennifer Jaeger Traynham Photography by Sarah Tamagni Photography
A trip to the mailbox is a daily chore, and usually the result
is a handful of bills, catalogs, and junk mail.
But every once in awhile, a card addressed to you in actual
handwriting grabs your attention, doesn’t it? A card that was put in the mail especially for you to send a kind thought your way makes you feel cared for and loved.
Glenn Ann Bayne was the recipient of many wonderful letters
and cards from her grandmother, Georgia Graham of Colusa
County. Throughout Glenn Ann’s life, it was routine for her to
receive a handwritten letter from her grandmother; whether she was living nearby or traveling throughout Europe, a letter would
The goal is to improve the quality
find her with almost militant punctuality.
of life for lonely elderly residents in
The letters were funny and descriptive stories about what was
assisted living facilities by connecting
going on in her grandmother’s and other people’s lives that would
them with students by mail.
keep Glenn Ann connected to family and friends by sharing those details.
In every letter she would describe a meal she enjoyed in such a
way that Glenn Ann felt she had shared that meal with her.
Georgia spent her last days in a senior citizen care facility, but
Glenn Ann remembered how much joy she and her
remained vibrant and continued to have a positive outlook on life.
grandmother shared by exchanging letters, and thought of the idea
In fact, she continued writing Glenn Ann letters about life in the facility, and shared stories about the other residents as well.
Glenn Ann soon realized, while visiting her grandmother, that
not all residents were fortunate enough to have the same liveliness and interest in the world outside, and not all residents had visitors on a regular basis, if at all.
After Georgia passed away, Glenn Ann had an idea—one that
could help bring joy to elderly men and women through letters.
It was with that idea that “Happy Grahams,” a non-profit
The program also gives students a chance to share their lives
program, was born. Glenn Ann’s idea was to bridge the gap between generations with letters.
with someone else and learn about generations that came before
24
them.
as a way to keep the memory of her grandmother alive and give happiness to others.
“Happy Grahams” assigns students a senior citizen living in
an assisted living facility. The students have been pre-approved to work with the program and during the school year, the students and their new friends correspond with monthly letters.
The “Happy Grahams Pen Pal Program” is free to all schools
The program is supported by public and private donations and
and organizations and all assisted living participants. It provides all postage, handling and coordination fees. makes no profit in the process.
If you would like to become involved and help make a difference in an elderly person’s life, visit www.happygrahams.org for more information.
visit
happygrahams.org for more information
1258 Stabler Lane, Suite 140 Yuba City, California 95993 (530) 673-7000
Family Physicians A Medical Corporation
J. David Miller, III, D.O. | Kimdary Chek, M.D. Dwain W. Rickertsen, M.D. | John G. McAvoy, P.A.
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1233 Plumas St., Ste A | Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 671-2020 or (530) 751-1701
26
“My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult, Reviewed by Kymm Mann
I’m sure most people, even if you don’t have much time or delight in reading as I do, have heard of Jodi Picoult. The controversial yet inarguably talented author is probably best known for her 2004 novel “My Sister’s Keeper,” which was recently made into a motion picture. I admit I was leary of reading her work because of its emotional and high-drama topics. Most readers and movie-goers know the basis of the story: 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald stuns her family when she hires a lawyer to sue her parents for medical emancipation so she won’t be forced to give her dying sister a kidney.
“
Makes you think— about everything in your life and how precious it is.
”
However, whatever your personal convictions or political standings on the subject she approaches in “Sister,” it is worth the read to simply catch a glimpse of a truly talented writer. Picoult doesn’t approach her subjects as typical novelists tend to—third person, narrated and described in detail with flowing sentences and well-placed 50-cent words. Picoult instead delves into each character’s psyche—ranging from the confused, emotional ramblings of a 13-year-old to a 18 year-old budding convict, to a mother struggling between two of her children and a father who is caught in the middle a lot of the time. Picoult’s ability to tell a story so compelling in each character’s voice is a rare talent, and I believe few authors of her caliber come along. Each time the character or chapter
changed, I was immediately pulled back into the personal world of that character and what he or she was struggling with at the time. Without spoiling all of the twists and turmoil for those who haven’t read it and still may do so, I will only give a brief synopsis of the story: Kate Fitzgerald was two years old when she was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia. She has an older brother and for three years the two were the only children. As young Kate’s leukemia rages on, her parents try to find matching blood, bone marrow and other donors to help prolong her life. Eventually they decide to genetically engineer a “designer baby,” a child created by the two parents but scientifically geared to create perfectly matching genetic donor items for Kate. Enter Anna, the youngest of the Fitzgerald children, who has only known that when her sister goes into the hospital, she must follow… but for very different reasons. As Anna reaches age 13, Kate is still fighting the leukemia and going in and out of the hospital more and more. The only thing that could possibly save her life is a kidney transplant, which means taking a kidney from Anna. Then, a monumental decision by Anna throws the family into further turmoil. As Picoult takes you through the heartwrenching and page-turning events, emotions run high, suspicions abound, but nobody really quite knows the reason Anna has made her life-altering decision. Not her lawyer, not her guardian ad litem appointed by the courts, and certainly not her parents. Surprises not even contemplated pop up in places least expected, and not only are we following the family’s long road through the situation, but many of the supporting characters – including Anna’s lawyer, his former lover and several nurses who seem like guardian angels in the cancer wing of the
hospital—are fleshed out in excruciating detail. True talent, I believe, is the ability to pull a reader in to a character’s life and make you forget about your own while you have the book in your hand. Picoult pulled me into seven character’s lives, almost simultaneously, and she is well above the curve in dramatic writing. One caveat, though: If you take emotional dramas and detailed pain to heart, you may want to make sure you’re strong and ready to feel what these characters feel. If you can handle all of the issues thrown at you in this page-turner, then you should attempt this read, and trust me, you won’t forget about it just because you put it down when you’re finished. There are versions of the book available with question and answer sections in the back, as well as options for discussions with a book club. Otherwise the book does what I believe Picoult meant for it to do: Make you think— about everything in your life and how precious it is.
NEXT REVIEW: Three-part review coming! The Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson—a synopsis of the first three of nine novels with friends and career women Detective Lindsay Boxer, Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas, Assistant District Attorney Jill Bernhardt and budding ADA Yuki Castellano. **PLEASE! Send your suggestions and favorite book titles so we can review them or suggest other genres to our readers! We welcome your comments and questions!
27
Mary DeWitt
is surrounded
by her mother,
daughter and two granddaughters.
Photo by Moments to Remember Photography
rose mary triplett, mary dewitt, wally dewitt, walker dewitt, Words of wisdom from my mother: mark dewitt, erin dewitt, marlo, graham “Remember who you are...” My mother has always been such an example to me of service to others. She took care of my and cash, ann harward, adam harward, jude, amy grandmother and my father at home before they died. She furstenau, chris furstenau, estee, simone rose mary is 85 and still always busy, has a great sense of humor and is so much fun! triplett, mary dewitt, wally dewitt, walker dewitt, mark Words of wisdom to my children: “Always dewitt, erinIsdewitt, marlo, graham and cash, ann harward, the one thing in this world stay close to each other.” With my sons in San Diego and my daughters in Salt Lake City and Provo, UT., they adam harward, furstenau, I’m jude, mostamy proud of. I’mchris at furstenau, have to make more of an effort to stay close by phone, by vacationing together, coming home at Christmas and as estee, simone rose mary mary dewitt, wally my best whentriplett, I’m with them many other times as they can. dewitt, walker dewitt, erin dewitt, because theymark bringdewitt, out the Traits I hope to pass on to my children/ grandchildren: To be genuine and caring and always marlo, graham andbest cash,inannme. harward, adam very appreciate their family. harward, jude,-Mary amyDeWitt furstenau, chris Common love the women share: furstenau, estee, simone A strong love for each other and each other’s children, and instilling in
my Family “
”
them the value of family and staying close. We also collect many of the same things and enjoy shopping for them together. One collection we all have is Dept. 56 Christmas villages. My mother, my sisters and I, my daughters and daughterin-law all collect them.
What we love doing together:
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Cooking, shopping, vacationing; really anything we can do together. Whenever we’re together there is nothing we love more than cooking or baking up something delicious from scratch. We love making cinnamon rolls, fresh pasta and cupcakes. My mother, her sister, my oldest sister Lane and I have gotten away together for a week every summer for more than 25 years and we always have a blast!
,
Gift Outlet Open Monday - Friday 8 am to 4 pm 901 N Walton Avenue Yuba City CA 95993 800-447-5218 www.sunsweet.com
Sutter Medical Urgent Care Experience, skill, compassion and convenience you’ve grown to trust in the Yuba-Sutter area for more than 20 years.
Open 7 days a week – 365 days a year! 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 444 Plumas Blvd. Yuba City Town Center (530) 749-3420
We’re here when the unexpected happens. Our staff of full-time medical professionals can treat your minor illnesses and injuries with a full range of medical services on-site. When you or someone you love is suffering from a common ailment, run to Sutter Medical Urgent Care and see the doctor in 20 minutes or less on the FastTrac program. MRI and CT available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most insurances accepted.
Sutter Medical Urgent Care FastTrac The Sutter Medical Urgent Care FastTrac program provides prompt, quality care for common problems that require specific tests or routine treatments. These include: • Cold Sores • Impetigo • Tuberculosis (TB) testing
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• Bladder infections • Pregnancy testing • Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or sties
• Ear infections • Seasonal allergies • Sore throat
• Flu • Sinus infections • Strep throat