Coastal Home & Garden Fall 2013 by Times Publishing Group, Inc.

&ALL 7INTER

THE CRUSH IS ON

SANTA CRUZ WINE HERITAGE

Coastal Home Publisher & Editor Patrice Edwards Art & Design Whitney Wilde Conrad McAnany Production Coordinator Sandra Gonzalez Associate Editor Noel Smith Sales Representatives Don Beaumont Judie Block Michelle Hayes Jackie Hinds Contributing Writers Noel Smith Cathe Race

pp To advertise in our 2014 Spring/Summer edition of Coastal Home & Garden Call (831) 688-7549 or Email: sales@cyber-times.com coastalhomeandgarden.com tpgonlinedaily.com

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Times Publishing Group 9601 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003 Phone: 831.688.7549 Fax: 831.688.7551

Coastal Home & Garden Fall/Winter 2013 is a publication of the Times Publishing Group Inc. located at 9601 Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95003. Entire contents © 2013 by Patrice Edwards. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form is prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

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in the garden 06 We’ve Got a Crush on You Vintners working to keep local heritage

10 CLCA’s Best of the Best Annual landscaper awards

Fall / Winter 2013

CONTENTS

12 6 Steps to a Beautiful Landscape Next Season 14 Easy Season

FALL / WINTER 2013

#19

Fall gardening spells success

in the home 16 Re-arranging Your Furniture Tried and true decorator tips

18 Creating an Outdoor Sanctuary Outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard

20 Introducing Passive House

What is a Passive House?

22 Year Round Deck

A homeowner’s guide

24 5 Steps to a More Stylish Outdoor Living Space

26 Nine Simple Tips for Recycling at Home 28 Kitchen Remodeling 101 Making the Space Your Own

in the kitchen 30 Are Your Food and Cooking Choices Accelerating the Aging Process?

32 Autumn Recipes

Pumpkin Risotto, winter squash and more

36 Green Ways

to make the autumn sun work for you

senior living

38 Have Chronic Hepatitis C? 1.5 million suffer without knowing

40 Giving Back to Family Caregivers

Tips to help those that sacrifice for others

42 Fraud Alert

Grandparent scas trick people out of money

43 New Technology

Discreet hearing aid options

44 Service Directory

Service Providers in Our Community

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve Got a Crush on You Growers and vintners working to keep their heritage By Noel Smith Throughout the mountains and valleys of Santa Cruz County, small wineries and growers of grapes are preserving the tradition of the small farmer in Central California. Blessed with a unique coastal climate, mountain vistas, redwood forests and lime-rich soils, world-class, and distinctive wines have all become part of the legend of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local winemaking. The agricultural tradition for this region started with the many apple, pear and peach orchards that once dotted the Santa Clara and Pajaro Valleys and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Then came the fields now filled with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and the storied olallieberry. Now another tradition has started with the planting of 5, 10, and 20-acre vineyards or olive orchards by small farmers in the valleys and mountains of Santa Cruz. Both grapes and olives can be grown as drought resistant crops with little or no water needed. As the local water wars heat up and rainfall totals decrease, these high-value, estate-bottled wines and olive oils are the new frontier for agriculture along the Central Coast because these crops need a minimum of fertilizer and water to grow and be productive. The grapes harvested in the Santa Cruz area in 2013 are sure to become some

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of the most sought-after California wine vintages in recent memory. The rains of late 2012 and the dry weather of 2013 all through the g rowi n g and harvest seasons have assured the vintners of grapes that will be used to produce cutting edge wines with extravagant flavors and bouquets. However, due to the dryness, yields for some of the vineyards have not been as great as in past years. Because of the climate here, close to and in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of the most popular locally grown grape is Pinot Noir â&#x20AC;&#x201C; known as one of the most difficult grapes to grow because it demands optimum growing conditions, warm days and consistently cool evenings. Another popular grape grown locally is an unusually fruity Chardonnay. These two grapes produce not only great varietals but when blended with other wines, lend their distinctive character to the combinations. Local winemakers are now able to work with more mature vines as the local vineyards age and are becoming bolder continued on page 8

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Crush... continued from page 6 in their selection of blends. This means that a weekend spent roaming the tasting rooms of Santa Cruz County is time well spent searching for a blend or varietal that you can truly boast of as a “true find.”

tubs using a customized yeast. When finished, the fermented grapes are put into a press that uses a rubber water bladder that crushes them against the sides of the press as it fills. The juice is collected and put into imported French oak barrels to finish the process, which takes from 1 to 1.5 years, depending on the wine, before it’s bottled. Nicholson Vineyards’ tasting room is open Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Visit their website at www. nicholsonvineyards.com Another grower of the Pinot Noir grape is Donna Viro whose 6-acre vineyard is visible from Highway 1 next to the Deer Park Shopping Center in Aptos. Closer to the coast and lower in elevation than most vineyards, this year’s picking right off the vine is exceptional in its sweetness and fruity flavor.

Vineyard near Deer Park

Typical of this new generation is Nicholson Vineyards specializing in handcrafted wines and Estate bottled Tuscan olive oil. Estate wines bottled from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in their own 4.5 acre vineyard at an elevation of 700 feet, the days are warm and the nights cool, perfect for their Pinot Noir. Brian and Marguerite Nicholson’s other wine offerings come from suppliers throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties and are carefully blended and aged under the direction of their winemaker, John Ritchey. Marguerite’s family were farmers in the Paso Robles and Santa Clara areas. “Eighteen years ago we had this idea to grow some grapes here.” Marguerite explains, “Now we not only grow, but bottle our wine and even have a wine club. We have club members nationwide that order whatever they like as long as we have it in stock.”

“Even though this has been a dry year,” said Rebecca, “we have only had to irrigate the vineyard once this season. We want to show that even here close to traffic, a shopping center and a residential area, environmentally friendly dry farming along the Central Coast is as possible today as it was for our grandparents and great grandparents. Vineyards and olive orchards are a great way to preserve open space and to help provide a living for those in agriculture.” With their vineyard’s unusual location, Rebecca is looking forward to the day they will be able to share their passion for preserving agriculture with visitors.

te Nicholson Max Kellerman, Margueri and Nicholas Pisano

Nicholson Winery begins the process by picking the grapes when their sugar content is at or close to its highest level. Next, when making Pinot Noir, comes pre-fermentation in

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A vigneron is someone who cultivates a vineyard for winemaking. The word emphasizes the critical role that vineyard placement and maintenance has in the production of high-quality wine. Both these families we visited have a two and three generation history in local agriculture going back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and these are just two of the many small farmers working to preserve their agricultural heritage and traditions along the Central Coast.

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No Longer As Easy As Pie

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CLCA's Best of the Best A

t the beginning of every summer the local chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) get together and put on a show of their best work from the past year.

it was much like a community gathering after a prolonged and violent storm.

The photographs illustrate the high level of craftsmanship found in local landscape contractors who belong to the California Landscape Contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association. They are truly a cut above. to cope with the storm and how we were able to survive the but the economic downturn.

- Regan Berry Coastal Evergreen Library orks Scotts Valley W c First Place Publi

we held our irreverent and festive gathering at the Dream Inn

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lighting the best work of local landscapers produced over the past

TOP PHOTO: Goldsmith Residence by Innovative Designs, Karen Aitkins First Place: Lighting Category

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als who found a way to survive the toughest business cycle in over 70 years. -

Hull/ Gizvold Resid ence by Jerry Allis on Landscaping Judges Award: Be st Entry

know you are hiring the very best of those survivors.

Landscaping Kurt Christianson Pera Residence by ories teg Ca d: Best of all Sweepstakes Awar

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Steps to a Beautiful Landscape Next Season by gardening expert Melinda Myers Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments and is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ web site, melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips. ut the grass, recycle fall leaves, and imC prove the soil with a pass of the lawn mower.

Shred leaves and leave them on the lawn as you mow this fall. As long as you can see the grass through the leaf pieces, the lawn will be fine. As the leaves break down they add organic matter to the soil, improving drainage in clay soil and water holding ability in sandy soils. Or, as an alternative, use excess leaves as a soil mulch. Shred the leaves with your mower and spread a layer over the soil to conserve moisture and insulate the roots of perennials. Fall mulching gives you a jump on next spring’s landscape chores. Improve your lawn’s health by fertilizing this fall with a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer, like Milorganite. You’ll reduce the risk of disease problems and with slower weed growth in fall, your lawn, not the weeds, will benefit from the nutrients. Fall fertilization also helps lawns recover from the stresses of summer by encouraging deep roots and denser growth that can better compete with weeds and tolerate disease and insects. Northern gardeners can follow the holiday schedule and fertilize Labor Day and Halloween. Southern gardeners should make their last fall fertilization at least 30 days before the lawn goes dormant or the average first killing frost to avoid winter kill.

Leave healthy perennials stand for winter. This increases hardiness and adds beauty to the winter landscape with their seed heads, dried foliage and the birds they attract. Plus, it will delay cleanup until spring when gardeners are anxious to get outdoors and start gardening. However, be sure to remove any diseased or insect-infested plants to reduce the source of pest problems in next year’s garden.

Do a bit of planting. Cool season annuals brighten up the fall garden and, for those in warmer regions, the winter garden. Consider adding cold hardy pansies. They provide color in the fall garden, survive most winters, and are back blooming in the spring just as the snow melts. Fall is also a good time to plant perennials, trees and shrubs. The soil is warm and the air cooler, so the plants are less stressed and establish more quickly. Select plants suited Plant daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and other bulbs to the growing conditions and be sure to give in fall for extra color next spring. Set the bulbs them plenty of room to reach their mature size. at a depth of two to three times their height deep. Then cover them with soil and sprinkle on a low Start composting or add shredded leaves and nitrogen slow release fertilizer. This type of fer- other plant debris to an existing compost pile. tilizer promotes rooting without stimulating fall Combine fall leaves with other plant waste, a growth subject to winter kill. Start planting after bit of soil or compost, and sprinkle with fertilthe night temperatures hover between 40 and 50 izer to create compost. Recycling yard waste degrees. Be patient, waiting until the soil cools saves time hauling and disposing of green dereduces the risk of early sprouting that often oc- bris. You also reduce or eliminate the need to curs during a warm fall. Chilling can be done at buy soil amendments to improve your existing home by storing the bulbs in a 35 to 45 degree garden soil. Incorporate one or all six of these location for at least 14 weeks before planting. practices to increase the health and beauty of your landscape now and for years to come.

Don’t let a busy schedule stop you from creating a beautiful landscape. Incorporate a few of these changes in your fall landscape care. You’ll create beautiful results with a limited investment of time and effort.

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Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working in the backyard, a raised bed or in containers on a deck, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see how easy and successful fall planting can be. Start now to ensure you enjoy a healthy, plentiful and fulfilling fall harvest. For more tips on fall gardening visit www.bonnieplants.com.

Fall gardening spells success Scrumptious, healthy veggies, hefty harvests and a break on your grocery bill

any appealing advantages draw people to growing their own

time to get growing your own produce. Cooler temperatures and milder sun can spell success for any gardener who takes up the trowel as autumn approaches.

Choose cool crops that your family likes to eat.

Favorable fall conditions mean growing cool weather crops is -

Popular fall favorites include: Lacinato kale

and then slow their growth as days become shorter and cooler. as both insects and animal populations will taper off in fall. And

Early dividend broccoli Cabbage

Pick your plants

Romaine lettuce - Romaine packs a big punch with more vita-

Start with transplants, rather than seed. A shorter, gentler growing season means you need to get started right away. Many local garden centers will have a selection of transplants from producers like Bonnie Plants that will grow well in your geographic region. be able to harvest sooner than if you start from seed and skip the

amend if necessary. Adding a 2-inch layer of bagged compost is

through rain or supplemental watering. You might want to consider raised bed planting; beds are easy to build or buy and allow harvest time. Position your plot and let the sunshine in.Most veg-

and move pots to a protected location on frosty nights.

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re-arranging Autumn is definitely in the air.

your furniture

It’s the time of year to re-fresh and re-energize both ourselves and our homes in preparation for the coming holidays. One quick and easy way to give yourself a refreshing new outlook is to spruce up your home. Even a small task like rearranging the furniture will not only give your space a fresh, newer look, but it can also feel more welcoming, comfortable and functional. Follow these tried and true decorators’ tips to help make re-arranging your furniture fun, quick and easy.

Plan it on paper. Before you start shuffling your furniture around, wasting time and energy trying different configurations, you first need to think about where you want your furniture to be and how you want it to function. For each room that you want to re-arrange, you have to take time to assess the area. Determine where your furniture can be placed, not only where it will fit, but where it will serve you best. So as not to forget anything that you have planned, draw it out on paper. Include even the smallest details so that when you start working, you save time and energy by avoiding repetition. This includes where you would like that large painting and that potted ficus tree.

Think of a theme.

When you want to radically change the rooms in your house, having a theme in mind is a good idea. Also, this will give you more incentive to change the placement of the furniture. For example, if you want to have a more contemporary feel in your space, clearing out any clutter and excessive accessories and collections will give you a more stream-lined, up-to-date look.

Use a tape measure. Often times, our perception of size and space is off, so ‘measure twice, move once.’ When re-positioning large furniture, you need to make sure that they fit. Measure both the furniture and the intended space. When you cannot seem to make the item fit, try a different angle or position. Planning this out on paper saves not only your time, but your back muscles! Try Feng Shui.

For those who believe in the benefits of Feng Shui, it can be worth a try. This ancient principle supports the idea that there has to be a smooth channel around the house. This means that furniture should not block paths nor be in your way while you move around your space. For example, you should not have to circle around a chair to reach a door. Feng Shui or not, applying this theory is a good thing.

Start with a clean slate. Take everything out of the room.You will have a better perspective of the space and you can move around easier, enabling you to envision how you want to live

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in the room. This will also give you an opportunity to completely clean the room. Dust and dirt from hard-to-reach places will be given attention at this time. Leave the largest furniture in place as it will be the largest item that will be the first one that you will want to re-arrange.

Choose a focal point.

For example, in the living room, is your television or your fireplace the focal point? The focal point will be on what you base all of your decisions for furniture placement.

Purchase new furniture. It may be the best time for you to add to or replace the furniture in your home. New furniture can be very uplifting; fresh colors, new fabrics and comfortable styles

can completely change a room. It can be designed to complement your favorite furniture that you are keeping. When deciding on a new look, keep a budget in mind.

Select a color palette. Once your room is empty and you are ready to make a change, pick the color theme to carry throughout the room or rooms. Look at the existing textures, flooring, walls, wood trim, fireplace, lighting, etc., and decide if you want to modify or replace those items as wall color will help pull the entire look together. Following these guidelines will help you give your home the look of a well thought-out, carefully crafted design.

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Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.

oming home from a long workday to a place of peace, quiet, relaxation and even harmony is a dream for many homeowners. And by creating an outdoor sanctuary in the backyard, this private place of solace will become the first destination for all members of the family when they need a break. Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.

Create a walkway A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This

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walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and wood chips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers.

Incorporate a seating area This space doesn’t have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of redwood to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that redwood gives off. Natural materials like redwood weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come. “Using redwood for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around,” says Katie Webb of Big Creek Lumber “This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space.”

is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access.

Design for both night and day

Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing?

In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family

Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

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Passive House

Introducing the...

s humans have evolved, so have our dwellings. At first, the type of man-made dwelling was dictated by climate and available materials: Igloo, adobe, grass huts, for example. As energy became plentiful and cheap, homes were created to suit our whims since they could be made comfortable no matter the climate and materials could be shipped in from anywhere. Now, in order to address our man-made climate concerns, the focus has changed to sustainable/ recycled materials and reducing our carbon footprint. The next generation of building ideas comes from Europe where they have transcended just “green” to high energy efficiency while still being able to have a house to suit your taste. Enter Passive House.

What is a Passive House? The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) refers to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building that reduces its ecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that require little energy for space heating or cooling. The idea of super insulated homes came from North Americans, William A. Shurcliff and Wayne Schick, in the 1980’s. The Passivhaus standard was developed in Germany in the early 1990s by Professors Bo Adamson of Sweden and Wolfgang Feist of Germany. The first dwellings to be completed to the Passivhaus Standard were constructed in Darmstadt in 1991. Although it is mostly applied to new buildings, it has also been used for refurbishments.

Why are Passive Houses better than standard built homes? Passive Houses achieve an overall energy savings of 60-70% and 90% of space heating without applying expensive “active” technologies (i.e. solar cells or solar-thermal hot water systems). Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that buildings are responsible for 48% of greenhouse gas emissions annually. An even more shocking statistic shows that out of all electricity generated by U.S. power plants, a total of 76% supplies solely the Building Sector. Because of its incredibly efficient design, widespread application of Passive House construction would have a dramatic impact on energy conservation.

How do they work? There are key elements in creating a Passive House to ensure the efficiency of the building. A few of these elements include proper window orientation with shading and specifying finishes such as tile floors, finished concrete slabs, concrete or granite countertops, stone fireplace surrounds, adobe walls or earthen plaster. It’s important to plan for sufficient thermal storage mass in the design of the house. Being aware of thermal storage capacity for materials and their “passive” effects on the indoor temperature of a home is crucial for all systems

The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) refers to a rigorous, voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building that reduces its ecological footprint. within the Passive House to function properly. The heat/ energy recovery ventilator is what helps keep energy that has already been generated within the house to use when heat is required, instead of venting it to the outside. The ventilation system automatically extracts moisture while filtering the air from dust, pollen, and other unhealthy particles. This provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply. The overall result of the Passive House is a system that not only saves up to 90% of space heating costs, but also provides high quality indoor air at a comfortable temperature every day of the year.

“Passive” also describes its retention capacity. Working with natural resources, free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently, instead of relying on “active” systems to generate energy. Extraordinary reductions in energy use and carbon emission in these houses are due to an airtight building shell with high performance triple-glazed windows, superinsulation, limitation of thermal bridging and balanced energy recovery ventilation.

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Is building a Passive House more expensive than a standard building? Building a Passive House generally costs between three to eight percent more than a standard built home. However, the cost of materials and work put into the Passive House is quickly gained back due to its efficiency as well as the high quality of the home. Because the cost difference is so minimal, it makes sense that Passive Houses are becoming more popular among newly constructed homes.

Are there any Passive Houses in Santa Cruz County? The first Passive House remodeled in Santa Cruz County is the Midori Haus. The 1922 Arts and Crafts style home was remodeled into a certified Passive House. The house was completed in March 2013, and for the last 6 months has only consumed 227kwh per month. The average American home consumes 825kwh per month in comparison. Talmadge Construction, Inc, a Design/Build company in Aptos, is in the process of creating plans to construct a Passive House from the ground up, with the end goal to build a â&#x20AC;&#x153;certified Passive House.â&#x20AC;? Architect Danielle Grenier is working with Certified Passive House Designer Jacquie Low and Beyond Efficiency, Inc. not only to ensure the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; personal needs/ aesthetic desires are met, but to engage all aspects of the Passive House design to give them the highest level of comfort and efficiency. Construction is planned to commence in 2014. By Nicole M. Brown, Designer Talmadge Construction, Inc. Design/Build/Remodel

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homeowner’s guide to

During the warm summer months, having an outdoor deck for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends is a great addition to any backyard. The approach of cool weather may signal the end of barbecue season, but homeowners can still use their deck after the warm temperatures have past.

lthough decks are generally a summer attraction, there are ways to make them accessible during the winter as well. here are many ways to make your deck functional and enjoyable during the winter, no matter where your home is located.

substances can stain your deck over the course summer use. But before applying cleaner to your deck, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it will not change the coloring of your deck boards.

Warm up your deck

When it comes to enjoying outdoor living, beauty is everything. A wellinstalled deck can offer a certain aesthetic appeal by itself, but plant life can make a big difference, even in the winter time. When the cool temperatures of late fall start to move in, you can help your plants extend their life. Move them closer to your house, ideally under a roof, to delay when they are hit by frost. If you have time before a frost sets in, help protect your plants by covering them with lightweight blankets or plastic sheets overnight and uncover them in the morning.

The addition of a fireplace can transform your deck into an outdoor gathering spot and a scene-stealing area for those cool nights. The type of fireplace you decide on for your deck can add beauty and charm as well as complement your existing color scheme and deck furniture and decorations. Outdoor fireplaces can be made from stone, brick, tile or even granite, so the color options are endless. “Outdoor fireplaces can be big, beautiful and elaborate, but there are other options for homeowners who prefer to keep their outdoor living space simple,” McNally says. Structural safety and potential fire hazards are serious considerations when deciding on a fireplace, so having your deck inspected before you begin installing an outdoor fireplace is suggested. If you install an outdoor fireplace of any kind, make sure that it is done to the manufacturer’s standards.

Reducing summer dirt and grime

Spice up plant life

If you want to decorate with plants during the cool months, there are a variety of colorful, cool vegetables that make handsome pot-fillers. Consider plants with purple and dark-green leaves like beets, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard, spinach or even herbs. Mixing several types of plants together in the same pot can have a nice effect and the addition of garden art statues can add a pop of color.

As the summer months come to an end, your deck is due for a well-deserved, thorough cleaning. Fall is a great time for this necessary chore because other outdoor tasks, like gardening and mowing, usually begin to decrease. “Semi-annual cleaning of your deck is part of the required maintenance that reduces dirt, dust, grime and other residue build-up that the summer months have left behind,” McNally says.Use a garden hose to rinse your deck. A fan-tip nozzle works best, but make sure the pressure from the hose does not exceed the manufacturers regulations. Ensure that you have removed all food and trash particles from the summer so that they do not contribute to build-up over the winter. For TAMKO’s EverGrain decking products, use a nozzle with pressure that does not exceed 1,000 psi. While rinsing your deck can reduce dirt and grime buildup, water alone will not remove the stains that have appeared on your deck. Cooking oil, suntan oil and other greasy

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If a large outdoor fireplace is not for you, but you want to enjoy your deck on cool winter nights, consider the addition of a fire pit, fire bowl or even a chiminea.

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steps to a more stylish outdoor living space

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not too late in the season to create your dream deck - or to give your existing outdoor living space a fresh new look. Design a backyard retreat thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideal for entertaining family and friends as the weather grows more temperate with a few tips from the experts. 24

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Make the most of your space. Think about the types of activities you’ll enjoy on your deck and use fashionable, weather-resistant furnishings to establish spots for socializing, dining or simply relaxing. Create a cozy conversation nook underneath a pergola or trellis by facing sofas together or bringing in comfy club chairs accompanied by upholstered ottomans. “If you have a pool, set up a spa-like area with chaise lounges and side tables on which to place refreshments,” says Vanessa De Vargas, designer and one of the faces of Trex’s Engineered Artistry campaign. “For backyard barbecues or evening cocktail parties, add food and drink stations and portable bars or serving carts.”

Choose materials that offer long-lasting good looks. High-performance, wood-alternative decking like Trex combines enduring beauty and durability thanks to its signature protective shell. Resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold growth - even after several years of spills, splashes and other outdoor entertaining mishaps - Trex requires only an occasional soap and water cleaning. No sanding, staining or painting necessary. “When creating an outdoor living space that’s a natural extension of your home and your style, it’s important to start with materials that offer both hassle-free maintenance and incredible design flexibility,”

says De Vargas. “Today’s composite decking boasts high-definition wood grain patterns and a full palette of rich, saturated colors inspired by nature.”

3 4 5

Accent with color.- Adding “pops” of color is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient - ways to spruce up a new or existing outdoor living space. Small items like multi-hued pillows, blankets, candleholders and glassware can all make a big visual impact. According to De Vargas, brightly-colored accessories look especially appealing when contrasted with outdoor furnishings in natural or cream shades. These fun pieces may be switched out each year as color trends evolve - allowing you to constantly refresh the look of your deck. Frame it up. The railing is a sure way to upgrade any deck from drab to fab - adding style, as well as safety and support. For instance, with its sleek and unobtrusive appearance, Trex Reveal Aluminum Railing maximizes scenic views by spanning long lengths for panoramic sightlines. Enhance the beauty of your railing and set the mood for alfresco dinners with LED dimmable deck lighting that will extend the time you can spend outdoors. Create a focal point. If you want to add some drama to your deck, consider incorporating an element like a fireplace, fire pit - or even a large screen television - that will capture attention and serve as a natural spot for guests to gather. “Fountains and waterfalls not only look appealing, but they create a very soothing atmosphere that draws people in for relaxation,” says De Vargas. “Sculptural pieces in copper, metal and different textures also catch the eye and turn your outdoor living space into a work of art.” For more inspiration to create a stylish outdoor living space - or additional design tips from Vanessa De Vargas - visit www.trex.com. You can purchase Trex locally at Big Creek Lumber. They have 2 locations to serve you Watsonville 1400 7EST "EACH 3TREET s s 3ANTA #RUZ 3OQUEL !VE s

Come by for free design assistance!

GRANITE MARBLE AND QUARTZ SLABS s STONE PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC TILE STONE GLASS AND TILE MOSAICS s TOOLS SUPPLIES AND SETTING MATERIALS AND MUCH MUCH MORE 3098 Winkle Ave. Ste. A, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 tileoutletsoquel.com

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Nine Simple Tips for Recycling at Home Unfortunately, many people either aren’t recycling as much as they could be, or are recycling the wrong way. A main reason for this is lack of access to accurate information. Even if you know the basics, you may have lingering questions. GreenWaste, a leader and expert in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, offers helpful insights into common recycling questions:

s 7HAT CARDBOARD IS RECYCLABLE All cardboard boxes

except waxed can be recycled. In some communities, cardboard includes cereal, pasta or other food boxes. If possible, remove adhesive labels and tape prior to placing it in the recycling bin, as glue can interfere with the pulping process. Recycle the non-greasy portion of pizza boxes and discard the rest with the trash.

s )S WET NEWSPAPER RECYCLABLE

Paper fibers can only hold so much moisture. If wet paper arrives at the recycling facility, it may not absorb the chemicals needed to process the paper fibers into new products. Try to keep recycle-ready paper indoors until pick-up day.

s 3HOULD YOU REMOVE plastic bottle caps and wine corks? Corks should be

reused or thrown in the trash. Remove plastic caps so you can crush the plastic bottles, making it easy to fit more into the bin. Some caps are recyclable, but recycling centers often discard non-recyclable caps as trash.

s #AN YOU RECYCLE ITEMS THAT CONTAINED CHEMICALS

Yes, as long as they’re completely empty. An exception is motor oil, because residual oil can interfere with plastics recycling.

Recycling is crucial to running a green home. It’s also an easy and effective way to reduce your weekly contribution to the local landfill.

s (OW DO YOU RECYCLE BATTERIES AND ELECTRONICS

Many municipalities are now recycling electronics. And some department stores, such as Best Buy, have take-back programs. Visit www.Call2Recycle.org to find your nearest battery takeback location.

Environmental stewardship starts at home. We must all take steps to educate ourselves on recycling.

s 7HERE DO RECYCLABLES GO After curb-

side pick-up, recyclables go to an interim processor called a Materials Recovery Facility. There, they are sorted by machine and by hand using a conveyor belt. Separated recyclables are sent to a processing plant to be made into new products.

s 7HY RECYCLE

Recycling preserves natural resources and is good for the economy, accounting for about one million manufacturing jobs nationwide, and generating more than $100 billion in revenue, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

s 7HAT HAPPENS TO WASTE that’s not recycled? While some

materials may be sent to landfills, the preferred option is an Energy-from-Waste facility, which offers a safe, technologically advanced means of waste disposal that generates clean, renewable energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and recycles metal left over in household waste. More information about how recycling and Energy-fromWaste go together can be found at www.CovantaEnergy.com/ virtualtour.

s )S CRUSHING CANS NECESSARY It’s not necessary to crush

cans in preparation for recycling, but doing so makes room in your recycling bin and the transport truck, which means fewer trips to the recycling facility.

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Incredible Oceanfront Oasis

Rare opportunity to own one of Pleasure Point’s premier oceanfront homes. Located on a world-class surf break, this gorgeous home features large picture windows with breathtaking ocean views, a chef’s kitchen, 2 master suites, large landscaped front yard, expansive deck plus a bonus room/office above the attached 2-car garage. A stunning home with some of the best views on the coast. Come Sea for Yourself! Price is $3,395,000 Call Cara DeSimone at 831-465-7029 for more information or for a private showing.

Cara DeSimone Previews Property Specialist

831-465-7029 www.CaraSellsHomes.com Cara@CaraSellsHomes.com

46/4&54 "/% 0$&"/ 7*&84 Enjoy Stunning Ocean Views from this large end unit. Beach access is just 1.5 blocks to the sand. This beautifully remodeled beach home offers: 3 BR 2.5 BA apprx. 2300 sq. ft., Gourmet kitchen with granite, remodeled bathrooms with tile, hardwood floors, sit down bar, expansive ocean view deck and 2 car garage. Enjoy the pristinely maintained grounds and gorgeous landscaping, community pool, spa, tennis courts, rec room. Offered at $799,000

s a nearly lifelong resident of Santa

Kathleen Manning Broker Associate BRE #00885315

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46//: 1"3, -*,& 4&55*/( Sunny home on spacious lot is located close to shopping and beaches. This unique 3BR 2 BA home has an open loft as 3rd BR or office, remodeled bathroom and fresh exterior paint. Cathedral ceilings and many large windows add drama and light. 20,000+. sq. ft. lot has beautiful Oak trees and flat back yard great for kids, pets or gardening. Offered at $599,988

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Kitchen

Remodeling 101 Making the space your own

After T

here is a lot to think about when remodeling your kitchen. product will look like. Seeing your ideas come together before taking a sledgehammer to your old tile not only gets you

everything you need from your new space before demo and installation begin. you well on your way to a kitchen design that not only looks great

Tip four: Create timeless beauty. Tip one: Know your style.

with the kids. Loving the look is important. Make your design yourself room to grow. Look to classic color combinations like the food you love. you can imagine.

Tip two: Get creative on a budget.

Tip five: Start with simplicity.

A great way to save money is to repurpose found items for your repurpose an old console table as a center island. You might even want to spray-paint the old dining table and give it a new life.

pull handles will move them in a more classic and traditional direction and linear pull handles will take you down a modern road. By keeping your appliances and more permanent items

Tip three: Develop your vision. Keep your ideas on track by collecting loose drawings; they can the road.

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Your Pillow Solution SC41â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ergonomically designed Sleep Wedge is a convenient and comfortable aid for better sleep positioning. Pairing it with our Oxygen Pillow can mean the difference between no rest and deep, rejuvenating sleep. Research shows restorative sleep helps relieve:

Paired with our organic bedding, the Sleep Wedge and Oxygen Pillow create the optimal sleep environment. Come visit SC41 to see for yourself.

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Are your food

&cooking choices

accelerating the aging process

hen it comes to health, many people are aware of the major doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, people often focus on their cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI), and overlook another key medical marker: Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs). AGEs are harmful compounds in the body that accelerate the aging process and are linked to many of the top health concerns people face today. AGEs develop in the body or are ingested through certain foods, including browned, sugary and processed foods. When people consume too many of these foods, higher than normal levels of AGEs build up in their tissues. This accumulation accelerates the aging process from the inside out. Slowing the progression of AGEs is vital to living a long, healthy life. In an effort to educate the public about AGEs, the A.G.E. Foundation, a global not-for-profit organization, is unveiling the findings of its U.S. survey on the effect of eating habits and cooking methods on aging. The A.G.E. Foundation is dedicated to educating consumers about AGEs and how they can protect themselves.

The impact of eating habits and cooking methods on aging Seventy-six percent of Americans know that eating and preparing processed food can accelerate aging, according to the survey. Thirty-two percent cited the manner in which they prepare food as having an impact on aging, while just 11 percent indicated cooking food at high temperatures affected aging. As temperatures warm up and outdoor cooking season begins, people will be heating up the grill with limited awareness of the way to reduce AGEs. The survey showed that six in 10 people prefer grilling their meat over ovenroasting (23 percent), stir-frying (9 percent), steaming (3 percent) and poaching (1 percent).

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“It is important for people to limit the amount of barbecued, saut ©ed or even toasted food,” says Dr. Michelle Davenport, a board member with the A.G.E. Foundation. “We’ve found that the higher the temperature you cook something, the higher the AGE level - and excessive AGEs cause our bodies to age prematurely.” The survey also showed that when people are eating processed, fried or sugary foods, 81 percent are more concerned with the impact on their weight compared with 58 percent who are more concerned about the effect on their internal organs.

Controlling your AGEs The key to lowering AGEs is to reduce heat, extend cooking time and incorporate more water and acid into your food preparation, according to the A.G.E. Foundation. Waterbased cooking methods (i.e., steaming, poaching) dramatically reduce AGEs. When queried about healthy ways to prepare meats for grilling, herb and oil

ranked the highest (34 percent), followed by “straight to the grill” at 21 percent. Only 17 percent of respondents knew that adding an acid-based marinade was the best cooking method to reduce AGEs. “Adding a marinade in the form of lemon, lime or vinegar can cut AGEs by 50 percent,” says Dr. Davenport. Avoiding foods high in AGEs and opting for brightly colored fruits and vegetables and whole grains, which are low in AGEs, is also recommended. Opt for foods that include iridoids, which are healthy elements produced in plants and found in certain fruits and vegetables like noni, blueberries, olive leaves and Cornelian cherries, as well as the supplemental beverage TruAge Max. In addition to eating a healthy, fresh diet and preparing low-AGE level foods, it’s important to quit smoking, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and control stress levels to achieve an AGE-less lifestyle. To learn more, visit www.TruAge.com.

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autumn recipes

Pumpkin Risotto Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Ingredients 1 ½ cup pumpkin - chopped into small pieces. (Smaller pumpkins are a favorite as they are sweeter than the large ones— and you can use them as bowls in which to serve the risotto!) 1½ cups Arborio Rice 1 qt chicken stock ½ cup white wine ½ cup chopped onion (1 small onion) 3 Tbsp unsalted butter 1 Tbsp olive oil ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped Kosher salt, to taste Cut open the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds. Use a spoon to carve out inside, then dice the flesh into halfinch pieces. If you are using small pumpkins, keep the shells to serve the risotto.

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin chunks in about a tablespoon of olive oil and a sprinkling of Kosher salt. Transfer to a sheet pan and and roast for about 30 minutes or until they’re tender and lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside. Heat the stock in a saucepan, and lower the heat so that it just stays hot but doesn’t boil. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil, then add the onion and sage. Sauté for a minute or so, until the onion is translucent. Add the rice and sauté for anothe couple of minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until it gives off a nutty aroma and the grains are coated with the oil. Add the wine and cook for another minute, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Now begin by adding a ladleful of hot stock to the rice and stirring until it is ab-

sorbed. It’s important to stir constantly, especially while the hot stock gets absorbed, so that the rice doesn’t scorch, and add the next ladle as soon as the rice is almost dry. Continue in this manner, adding a ladleful of stock and stirring while the liquid is absorbed, then adding another ladleful when the rice is almost dry. You’ll see the rice develop a creamy consistency as its natural starches are released. Keep adding stock, a ladle at a time, for 20-30 minutes or until the grains are tender but still firm to the bite, without being crunchy. If you run out of stock and the risotto still isn’t done, you can finish the cooking using hot water. Just add the water as you did with the stock, a ladle at a time, stirring while it’s absorbed. Stir in the roasted pumpkin along with the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, the parmesan cheese, and season to taste with Kosher salt. Serve the risotto right away, as it will turn glutinous if held for too long. Makes 6 servings.

in the

kitchen

aking dishes worthy of a choice restaurant menu doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen. It’s more about choosing top-drawer ingredients — and here are a few you can pick up in the deli department. They’re all members of an elite club of authentic foods made according to traditional methods and are certified PDO (Protected Denomination of Origin) by the European Union. Grana Padano, a cheese made only in the Padana Valley in Northern Italy, is terrific for easy but sophisticated dishes.

Asparagus, Orange and Prosciutto di San Daniele Salad 1 pound asparagus, trimmed 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon orange juice 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 8 slices Prosciutto di San Daniele (4 ounces), halved lengthwise 2 navel oranges, peeled and segmented 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Prosciutto di San Daniele is a special ham, produced in San Daniele del Friuli, in the Northeast of Italy, and like all PDO products, it must pass the strictest inspection. Parmigiano Reggiano, renowned for its complex flavor, is made exclusively in Parma, Reggio Emilia and three other neighboring Italian provinces. Prosciutto di Parma, a delicately flavored, all-natural ham, is produced in the gently rolling hills near Parma. With legendary European foods, it’s easy to make restaurantquality dishes like these. For more serving ideas and information about the PDO system, visit www.legendsfromeurope.com.

Prosciutto di Parma and Toasted Breadcrumbs 2 slices country-style bread, crusts removed, torn into pieces 1/3 cup olive oil, divided trimmed and chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 slices Prosciutto di Parma (4 ounces), cut into 1-inch squares, divided 8 ounces dry ziti, cooked and drained, reserving 1 cup pasta water 1/2 cup dry white wine or to taste

Parmigiano Reggiano-Spinach Puffs 4 cups baby spinach (6 ounces), cooked, cooled 1/2 1/8 3/4 5 3 1 1/2

teaspoon salt teaspoon cayenne pepper cup milk tablespoons butter large eggs, at room temperature cups (6 ounces) coarsely grated Parmigiano Reggiano coastalhomeandgarden.com

All About Winter Squash G

ardening isn’t all about summer. Winter brings many delicious varieties of squash. They are nutritious, decorative, and grow well in coastal areas. They’re called winter squash not only because they grow well in winter but also because they keep well throughout winter. Butternut squash combines rich flavor and smooth texture with natural resistance to squash vine borers. This bottle-neck shaped squash has a buff-brown rind and will store for six months or longer. It is delicious cooked and mashed with butter and a taste of brown sugar.

Winter squash is a good source of fiber, and low in calories, fat and sodium. Buttercup squash rival butternuts in flavor and productivity. The vigorous plants produce heavy crops of squat, green fruits. Fruits will store for four to six months.

microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. It may be stuffed with rice, meat or vegetable mixtures. The seeds of the squash are also eaten, usually after being toasted. Spaghetti squash are full of stringy fibers that resemble pasta. The oblong fruits have smooth rinds that range from tan to orange, and they will store for three to six months. Spaghetti squash is not just a novelty anymore, but is now consiådered a serious low carbohydrate pasta substitute. Winter squash is higher in calories than summer squash but is also higher in Vitamin A (beta carotene), Vitamin C, Potassium, Folic Acid and Niacin. Winter squash is a good source of fiber, and low in calories, fat and sodium. One small serving can provide a third of the daily requirement for vitamin C. The high beta-carotene content of winter squash causes the golden-orange color of the flesh.

Hubbard squash and Kabocha squash range from mediumsized to huge and have drier flesh than other winter squash. Rind color varies with variety, and all varieties will store for four to six months. Cylinder-shaped Delicata squash and pumpkin-shaped Dumpling squash produce single-servingsize, ivory fruits with green stripes that turn orange in åstorage. Fast to mature, these are among the easiest winter squash to grow in cool climates. Fruits will store for three to five months. Acorn squash are ribbed, round fruits that have gold or green rinds. They mature quickly and will store for at least three months. Acorn squash is most commonly baked, but can also be

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ways to make autumn sun work for you

When autumn sun shines brightly on golden leaves and warms forget the winter doldrums that approach. Winter rain and dreary days seem far away. All that sun can work in your favor. From powering your hot water heater or fresh air skylight to saving money by running your clothes dryer the sun to work for you.

Solar water heating Replacing an old water heater proactively is a good idea for a number of -

green product incentives mitigate those duce energy costs in the long run. the home and the volume of water you

moisture and unhealthy air to escape your home. air that rises to your ceiling in your mechanical cooling systems while reducing your power bill. In

ered fresh air skylights and solar water they can cut your water heating bills by sive when you consider that the U.S. ing can account for up to 25 percent of a

Solar-powered fresh air skylight

leaving your family without the water they need to shower and keep clothes and dishes clean.

You can also save money and improve

Consider replacing your current water heater with a solar water heating system. While such systems may cost more to purchase and

accessories like solar powered skylight -

calculator on its website to help you es-

large and small.

Clothes drying Humans have been using solar power to dry clothes for about as long as ing clothes to dry in the sun allows you to trim your electric or gas use (depending on how you power your clothes dryer) as much as -

Commission says on

Decor-enhancing designer blinds added to no leak solar powered fresh air skylights make a fashion statement while boosting energy efficiency. Indoor air quality improves as healthy natural light and fresh air fill the space. The solar powered products and installation costs are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

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per load to dry clothes in dryer runs on gas. By outlay to cover the cost of sunshine and fresh air are free.

Cooking

hover over and watch it? Solar cookers are the answer. dishes at once and are used in countries around the world where gas grill. You can buy one online or build your own - a great greener living.

and use sunlight to brew tea? Just place a few bags of your favor-

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Nearly 1.5 million baby boomers may

suffer

from chronic

Hepatitis C

...

without even

knowing it

............. Dr. Jensen and the CDC would like to see all boomers get tested for Hepatitis C and if positive, seek follow-up care. Speak to your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov for more information about Hepatitis C.

id you know that Hepatitis C is a leading cause of liver cancer and the number one reason for liver transplants in America? Between 1999 and 2007, more people died from Hepatitis C related complications than HIV. Despite this, many people live with the Hepatitis C virus for years, without experiencing any symptoms, while it silently causes liver damage. At particular risk is the growing population of baby boomers - adults born between 1945 and 1965. Baby boomers account for over 75 percent of Hepatitis C cases and are five times more likely to be infected than those in other age groups. Dr. Donald M. Jensen, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Chicago Medical Center, explains, “Most boomers may have been infected in the 1970s and 1980s when Hepatitis C virus rates were the highest.

Since chronic Hepatitis C can go unnoticed for decades, many baby boomers may not even know they are infected. Universal screening of blood wasn’t in place until 1992, so many boomers may have been infected from receiving contaminated blood products without being aware. I encourage all baby boomers to speak to their doctor about getting tested.” As baby boomers with Hepatitis C age, it becomes more likely that they will suffer serious complications. Since many baby boomers don’t realize they are at risk and aren’t getting tested, the number of Hepatitis C related deaths is increasing. However, once those infected are diagnosed through a blood test, they can speak to their doctor and take the necessary steps to manage their condition. It’s important that those who have Hepatitis C realize that they shouldn’t feel ashamed. senior

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living

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Serving our community for the last 18 years

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As a result, the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Giving back

tofamily Tips to help those who caregivers

sacrifice for others

No one knows exactly what life will bring, but we all know that there will be joys and there will be challenges. Sometimes, life gives you a combination...

... as millions of average Americans who are family caregivers can attest. Providing dedicated care to a loved one is a generous way to live one’s life, but it can also brings difficulties, stress and isolation. That’s why giving back to those unsung heroes - caregivers - who give so much can make a world of difference to them, and the people they help. It’s not unusual for non-professional caregivers to insist that they don’t need a break or a pat on the back. Recognizing their sacrifices, even in small ways, can help them understand the importance of their work. Also giving these caregivers a little time to themselves can help them recharge, ultimately allowing them to take even better care of their loved ones. If you know a family member, friend or neighbor who is a non-professional family caregiver, consider these ways to give them the recognition and help they deserve. Arrange a relaxing day off. Many caregivers are members of the “sandwich generation” which takes care of their children as well as an elderly

or disabled family member. Looking after everyone else can easily eat up all of a caregiver’s time. So give the caregiver you know a ‘free day’ that is just about them. Arrange a massage, a trip to a museum, a sporting event, favorite restaurant or park-- whatever they will enjoy most. Then arrange for respite care so they know their loved one is well cared for while they’re away. Consider making a BRAVE Awards nomination. The Shire BRAVE Awards honor the courage and devotion of non-professional caregivers around the world. These annual awards celebrate the amazing commitment of unsung, everyday heroes - non-professional caregivers. Many BRAVE Award recipients provide care over years and decades, overcoming incredible challenges to ensure that their loved ones have everything they need to live as full and rewarding a life as possible. Nominations for the 2014 BRAVE Awards are open through June 30, 2014 and award recipients selected each receive $10,000. For more information, visit shirebraveawards.com.

senior

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living

Offer to help with the little things. There are countless small tasks we all have to finish every day, but for caregivers, that “to do” list can be extra long and overwhelming. Offer to assist with a regular chore, like making dinner, mowing the lawn, picking up prescriptions or putting out the garbage, and you’ll be taking away some of the stress. Even if you can’t lend a hand on a regular basis, let the caregiver know to call on you when he or she needs help. Having others to rely on can help make caregivers feel that they’re not alone. An old-fashioned “thank you.” A simple word of encouragement, when unexpected, can have a big effect. A handwritten note only takes a little time, but has a far-reaching impact. Add a small treat, such as a photo or a gift card, and you will surely brighten the caregiver’s day.

Caregivers dedicate themselves to helping others without expecting recognition or thanks, but that makes them all the more deserving of both. By lending a hand, nominating them for an award or offering a few kind words, you’ll be giving them a bit of well-earned care, too. coastalhomeandgarden.com

ALERT

Grandparent scam continues to trick people out of money Imagine being woken by a phone call in the middle of the night. It's your crying grandchild, who is asking for money because of an accident.

Hopkins recommends you follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim of the emergency scam or other types of fraud:

Of course you want to help your loved one, so you do whatever you can in this emergency situation. You open your wallet without hesitation. Unfortunately you've just become a victim of a scam that is happening across the country. Known as the "grandparent scam," this type of fraud involves bogus calls from people claiming to be relatives in trouble. The personal nature and urgency of these calls causes people to let their guard down, and act quickly without verifying the validity of the call.

"Criminals often target older people, but in reality anyone of any age can be a target of a scam," says Phil Hopkins, vice president of global security with Western Union. "With more people sharing personal information online, such as through social media websites, it's easier for criminals to learn details of personal relationships so they can imitate loved ones by name. Newspapers and obituaries are also good sources of personal information, providing detailed relationship information."

Con artists may also impersonate attorneys, police officers or bail bondsmen to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy. Add in loud background noises, muffled voices or fuzzy phone lines, and it's easy to believe someone is calling from jail or a remote location, where he or she may be in trouble. In addition to calling victims, hackers use similar strategies to target victims through email. Tapping into a person's address book, scammers send emails or instant messages directly from the person's email account alerting friends and others of the "emergency" and requesting funds. Do not respond to the email and confirm the situation by contacting the person by phone or other means.-

If you receive a phone call or email claiming a friend or family member needs cash, take a moment to review the situation. Does it make sense? Can you verify the emergency? Call the person at a known telephone number, not a number given to you by the caller. Or, call a mutual friend or another relative and find out if he or she is aware of the situation.

Let your friend or family member know that you have received a call or email from the person requesting help. If the request turns out to be fake, contact the police immediately. Regardless of whether you are contacted by phone, email or some other means, be suspicious of requests to send money to "help a friend or family member out" unless you can verify the information you've been given with 100 percent confidence.

If you did send a money transfer through Western Union, and then realize that it was for a scam, contact the Western Union Fraud Hotline at 1-800-448-1492. If the transaction has not been picked up, it will be refunded to you.

6. 7.

Never send money to someone you have not met in person.

For more information on scams or for more tips on how to help protect yourself from scams, visit WesternUnion.com/stopfraud.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Awareness is the best defense against emergency scams," says Hopkins. "These scams can be convincing, but it's important to keep a few things in mind before you rush to help.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

senior

living

New technology provides discreet hearing aid options

If you suffer from hearing loss, you’re not alone. Nearly 20 percent of American adults suffer from hearing loss. And as you age, the possibility of hearing loss increases. Thirty percent of Americans older than 65 suffer from hearing loss and that number reaches 50 percent for people older than 75. Despite the fact that many people have hearing loss, they often wait years to get help. Only one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one. Many people still think of hearing aids as the big, bulky models of the past. That couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many of today’s top hearing aids reside inside the ear and are invisible to the naked eye. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hearing loss and could benefit from wearing a hearing aid, here’s an overview of some of the latest discreet technology that can greatly improve the quality of your life. AMP. AMP from Starkey Hearing Technologies is designed specifically for first-time hearing aid users. About the size of a fingernail, AMP sits invisibly in a person’s ear canal and amplifies sound. Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). The IIC is the most advanced invisible technology on the market today. These aids - similar in

size to a jelly bean - are custom fit to your ear canal and hearing loss. An IIC is placed deep in your ear, usually making it completely invisible to anyone else. The highest quality IICs are custom, digital and fully programmable. Mini receiver-in-canal (RIC). People who want the benefits of an invisible hearing aid but can’t wear an aid that fits in their ear canal can choose a mini RIC. This aid resembles the shape of a more traditional hearing aid but it is nearly half the size. The mini RIC hides behind a person’s ear, making it nearly invisible. Despite its size, this hearing aid still offers the highest performance, power and features available. The latest advancements in hearing aid technology mean you no longer have to be self-conscious about combating your hearing loss. To read more about each of these types of hearing aids and to learn how a hearing aid can improve your quality of life, visit invisiblehearingaid.com.

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needs change. We invest in hiring, training and retaining the best staff, so there is consistency in who cares for your loved one. With a choice of lifestyles and levels of care, Aegis provides a community that is specially created for each resident.

yields, low loan rates, and many low and no-cost services. Our Board of Directors is made up of unpaid volunteers who spend countless hours ensuring the safety and stability of your money in the Credit Union.

CARE FROM THE HEART 3143 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz ph 831.476.8316 w www.CareFromTheHeart.net

Antiques/Collectibles DUSTY TREASURES, ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES 723 F East Lake Avenue, Watsonville ph 408.422.3896 w dustytreasuresantiques.com e dustytreasures_antiques@yahoo.com

Dusty Treasures, Antiques and Collectibles is a family owned business specializing in highly sought Treasures, Antiques, and Collectibles. Our independent ownership allows us to source merchandise based on your inquiries and deliver quality merchandise at competitive market prices. Located in the Carriage House at the Historic Tuttle Mansion. Dusty Treasures, Antiques & Collectibles welcomes you to stop by for your first of many visits.

At Care From The Heart Home Services, when you welcome us into your home, we welcome you into our hearts. You become a cherished member of our family. When you contact us, we make arrangements to conduct an immediate comprehensive care assessment (with our compliments)-whether that s for you (or your loved one). At all times, we remain sensitive to your preferences and do our very best to ensure you receive professional care that comes from our hearts.

COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR MOM & DAD IN HOME HEALTH CARE ph 831.818.5338

Compassionate Care for Mom & Dad in Home Health Care is a small, family-owned health care provider, specializing in personalized care for your loved ones. We offer short term, long term and vacation relief care. We make daily activities easier with private transportation in our wheel chair lift van. Call today to see how we can help you.

DOMINICAN OAKS 3400 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 ph 831-462-6257 fx 831-462-6742 w www.dominicanoaks.com e cathleen.burnham@dignityhealth.org

Assisted Living Services AEGIS LIVING 125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA ph 831.684.2700 fx 831.684.2719 e Jennifer.andronico@aegisliving.com

Aegis Living, never underestimates the power of a smile, gentle touch and a kind word. Our caregivers provide consistent service, a creative approach to care and a higher quality of life that provides peace of mind for our residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s families. Aegis Living is a leader in Assisted Living and Memory Care offering a continuation of care that allows our residents to age in place as their

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Dominican Oaks has proudly provided independent and assisted living services to Santa Cruz since 1988. Rent is on a monthto-month basis and includes a full package of services: three meals daily, weekly housekeeping and laundry, most utilities, scheduled transportation and stimulating social and cultural programs.

Building Supplies BIG CREEK LUMBER 2 locations: Santa Cruz and Watsonville ph 831-722-7137 (w) 831-477-1231 (sc) w www.Big-Creek.com

Big Creek Lumber Company has been in business since 1946 & remains one of the few family-owned lumber companies in the area. We currently operate a sawmill & wholesale sales department, Five Pro Dealer lumberyards, a forestry department, & a logging operation. Big Creek has a long history of practicing superior forest stewardship -growing, selectively harvesting & milling California redwood and Douglas fir.

Carpet CARPET KING 6000 Soquel Dr., Aptos ph 831.476.4849 e carpetking@sbcglobal.net

Locally owned and operated for over 27 years in Santa Cruz County. Customer service is our #1 goal. Let us help make your home beautiful. Come visit our showroom for a wide selection of handmade area rugs, wall-to-wall carpet or to schedule your carpet cleaning.

Banking BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION ph 831.479.6000 w BayFed.com

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full service, not for profit financial cooperative. We provide personal and business banking services but, unlike a bank, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re owned by our accountholders and members like you! Our goal is to be better than a bank by delivering outstanding service, competitive savings

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