Upgraded Living - June 2023

kincare KIN CHECKS S

say yes to healthy skin

what increases your risk?

Indoor Tanning

Sunburns

Skin Type

Unprotected Exposure to UVA & UVB Rays

Genetics

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day.

Asymmetry: most melanomas are asymmetrical.

Border: borders tend to be uneven with scalloped or notched edges, while common moles have smoother borders.

Color: multiple colors are a warning sign. Look for different shades of brown, tan or black, instead of the usual single shade of brown.

Diameter and Dark: Look for lesions the size of a pencil eraser or larger, and if it is darker than others.

Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, elevation of a spot on your skin, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign to see your doctor.

Summer is finally here and not a moment too soon— although it would have been nice to have even one day of spring this year! With the Northstate's rivers and lakes full to the brim, this summer promises to be an experience we haven't had in years, and I hope each of you takes the time to make the most of it.

With no shortage of fun and activities, summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all this area has to offer. It's also the perfect time for a mental and physical reset, and this issue of Upgraded Living is dedicated to just that. Over the winter months, it's easy to become sedentary and develop less than beneficial habits. We trade in seasonal fruits for candy, light and refreshing beverages for heavy and sugary ones, and generally exercise considerably less. The summer months provide us ample opportunity to change and return to a more balanced lifestyle. Righting those wrongs, and forming new habits in the process, will benefit us all year long.

I'm not exaggerating when I say we feel truly blessed to have a number of incredible contributors in our annual health issue. Each one is an expert in their field and provides a valuable perspective on a different area of health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Together, their advice creates an excellent roadmap to find a healthier and happier version of yourself at the end of these summer months. Everyone on staff had the pleasure of reading their pieces early, and I'd be surprised if any one of us hasn't already decided to incorporate them into our daily lives. I'd discuss each one by one, but I'll just point you to our table of contents on the next spread instead and allow you to discover each on your own. I'm sure you'll find them just as valuable and informative as we all have.

As always, thank you for your readership. We couldn't do what we do without you, and we all hope you have the best possible start to summer! Cheers!

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

AVEED KHAKI Owner/Publisher

JASON CORONA Sales Director

SHELLY BRANDON Writer

TIM MILHORN Writer

MADDIE RODRIGUEZ Writer

DIANE CLIFFORD Cover Story Photographer

ERIK BROWN Cover Design

CONTRIBUTORS

DOUG LOVE Real Estate

SWEENEY & MICHEL Finance

SHUREE WESLEY Nutrition

MICAH HANKINS Fitness

LAURA SCHIFF Health

LANCE FERRIS Health

DINA RABO Health

LAURA NELSON Health

COMMUNITY

14 Chico's Culligan Man does their part to purify Butte County's drinking water.

27 Century 21 in Chico launches their new REALTOR mentoring program.

30 SGB Painting beautifies Butte County and paints it forward with a new charitable program that's sure to brighten our community.

54 See what Ramzen is cooking up at the new King’s Gyro and Kabob Corner.

HEALTH

16 Nutrishop Chico dishes on the importance of a balanced diet, how to properly supplement it, and new genetic testing to create a nutrition plan custom-tailored to you!

18 Dr. Harry Moyses discusses advances in technology that are changing the frontier of cancer treatment.

20 Fitness guru, Micah Hankins, clears the air on the toxicity of excuses and how to overcome time, motivation, and money issues.

24 Dr. Doug Matthews explains the current state of colorectral oncology and what's on the horizon.

36 Laura Schiff provides a fresh take on the opiod crisis and a path to recovery.

38 Lance Ferris lays out an easy-to-follow roadmap for achieving our dreams.

45 Dr. Dina Rabo details the connection between the spine and what ails us.

46 Skyway Surgery Center invites us in, introducing us to what it offers and the people who make it possible.

48 Healing takes time and understanding. Laura Nelson, at Cedar Creek Wellness, creates space for both.

POTPOURRI

29 Resident columnist, Doug Love, recounts a recent run in with Greek tragedy.

50 Anything but the pits—we double down on our monthly ingredient as we feature avocados. Learn about this healthy fat, find some of our favorite avocado toasts, and check out a smoothie recipe we know you’ll love.

56 Drummer extraordinaire, Jimmy Fay, lays down the beat.

58 Cool Kid Kayla Grozea delights with her surrealist artwork.

62 You won't want to miss this month's calendar of events!

FEATURE

41 Bartlett's Hearing Aid Centers have been providing Northstate residents with hearing solutions for the past 50 years. Learn about the business, new technology, and what's to come for hearing loss.

ON THE COVER: BARTLETT'S HEARING AID CENTERS

PHOTO COURTESY: DIANE NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN BY ERIK BROWN @ HELLO FRISK

Whats in your Water?

If you could wave a magic Culligan wand, what would your water look like? Would it be clear, without that ever-present sulfur smell? Would it be softer and less damaging to your appliances? Would it stop leaving excessive rust stains on your drains and fixtures?

William Bocast and Clay Farrell are your local Culligan Water owners and are ready to help you solve your water problems. The Culligan company has been around for over 90 years, and it’s been here in Chico for almost 40. Clay and William bought the franchise back in January of 2022 after William had worked at Culligan for over 15 years. He shares, “We wanted to work somewhere where we actually wanted to work. We wanted to foster a culture and have a business where other people wanted to come to work as well, all while helping people.”

There is a lot to know about water, and as people have become more concerned and focused on the quality of the foods they eat, it follows that they’ve also become more aware of what goes into the water they drink. Having that local expert available to help navigate all the ins and outs of water treatment is an invaluable resource. William

says, “The internet is full of misinformation on water, and we’re here to weed through all that and help guide people so they can get good clean water for their home or business.”

The first step to getting the best out of your water is to contact Culligan for their complimentary water test. “We have to find out what’s going on with your water before we can start talking about solutions,” says William. Clay says going to a client’s home is like “going on a field trip.” They look at what’s in the water along with where the water is coming from—whether it’s municipal or well water. They perform a site survey to determine where the waterline enters the house, the size of the main line, and where the water shut-off valve is located. William says, “A lot of homeowners don’t know where their shut-off is, so we’ll find it and show them how to turn it off. Our primary goal is to educate and share our knowledge with them so they have all the tools to make an informed decision on what’s best for their family.”

William and Clay will ask clients questions about their water and gather information to discuss different solutions that would be available to them. Much the same way a

mechanic needs to check under the hood of a car in order to determine what’s wrong and how to go about repairing it, Culligan needs to take a look at your water, look in the back of your toilet tank, and see what’s going on. All of these details will give them clues as to what’s in the water and how to go about improving it. After Culligan’s in-house installation team installs new equipment, homeowners will typically notice a change in their water within just a few days.

The iconic ‘Culligan Man’ is what sets their company apart. Anyone can sell you a piece of water treatment equipment, but having focused expertise and a dedicated service department is crucial. They come out and service your equipment if anything breaks down, perform scheduled service on their products, and make deliveries of the bags of salt used to better your water directly to your home. William stresses, “We look at each customer as if we’re building a twentyyear relationship. It’s beyond just the sale of the equipment.”

Want to find out what’s in your water? Give the Culligan Man a call at 530-343-5100 or visit them at www.Culliganofchico.com.

It probably comes as no surprise when I say nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The food we consume provides our bodies with nutrients, vitamins, and the minerals it needs to function. A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for various aspects of our health, including physical, mental, and even emotional wellbeing. Adequate nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. But that all assumes we're eating a properly balanced diet to begin with—which, if we're honest, most of us aren't.

Proper nutrition supports a strong immune system, enabling our bodies to defend against illnesses and infections. Essential nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids play significant roles in boosting immune function. Additionally, good nutrition positively impacts cognitive function, memory, and concentration, allowing individuals to perform better academically, professionally, and in their daily activities. It also contributes to improved mood and mental health, as certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, have been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Overall, prioritizing nutrition is vital for maintaining optimal health, preventing diseases, and enhancing overall well-being.

So, with all of that being said, how can we better balance our nutritional intake and ensure our bodies have what they need to function optimally? If we're going to be realistic, making lasting changes to our diet and breaking longstanding habits takes time, but there are changes you can make today. Supplementing your diet with the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals will help your body function better immediately, allowing you to start seeing changes that will only help you stick to new behaviors and dietary choices. The following are some of our favorites at Nutrishop in Chico with explanations as to why. Stop in and see us at 2275 Springfield Dr Suite 140 in Meriam Park, and we'll be glad to help in your journey to better health and wellness! We also have a new location coming soon to East Avenue!

This nutrient-packed powdered formula offers important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients from supergreens, superfruits and other superfoods from around the world – all without any artificial colors or sweeteners. It is vegan-friendly, nonGMO, dairy and gluten free, high in fiber and comes in a natural tropical apple flavor.

SUPER MULTI+ by NU-TEK Nutrition is a game changer when it comes to vitamin/ mineral supplementation. This impressively packed formula combines all the important vitamins and minerals you need like vitamins A, C, D3, E, K, B1, B2, B12, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron and more, but it doesn’t stop there. SUPER MULTI+ contains five additional blends, each with its own important function, to further support health, vitality and your immune system.

Give your connective tissues some love with REJUVIX JOINT™ by Xcelerated Performance Products®. This delicious, easy-to-drink, comprehensive jointhealth formula was created with vital ingredients, including AquaTurm® turmeric, OptiMSM® (MSM), glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. This proactive formula also contains 5g of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which have become increasingly popular for not only helping your joints, but also for supporting hair, skin, and nail health.

Heart Formula by Nu-Tek Nutrition® is a comprehensive approach for supporting a healthy heart. Heart Formula contains some of the most sought-after, hearthealthy ingredients today such as olive leaf extract, garlic, nattokinase, citrus bergamot, hawthorn berry, organic beet root, hibiscus flower, turmeric, and more. Give your heart the support it deserves and make Heart Formula a staple in your daily routine.

Genetic-Based Nutrition Planning

We're excited to announce Nutrishop Chico now offers genetic-based nutrition planning! Our new system utilizes a comprehensive tool that offers numerous benefits when it comes to managing and optimizing nutrition. The system provides personalized nutrition recommendations, nutrient analysis and tracking in real-time, health monitoring, goal setting, education, and guidance—a complete assessment of your individual genetic factors and what type of nutrition plan is right for you. By leveraging the power of technology and providing valuable insights, our new system assists individuals in achieving their nutrition-related goals, improving their overall health, and adopting sustainable healthy eating habits. Stop by today and experience it for yourself!

Shuree Wesley ISSA Certified Nutritionist at Nutrishop

Screen Early and Screen Often

Cancer statistics are unsurprisingly scary. On average one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. One in 23 men and one in 25 women will develop colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, statistics aren’t much better for prostate and lung cancers. Though the statistics are frightening, Dr. Harry Moyses, of Valor Oncology, says there’s a silver lining.

Dr. Moyses has dedicated his life to the fight against cancer and has spent his 36 years in medicine working to provide aid to those afflicted with the disease. “Since I started practicing, we’ve seen an increase in breast and lung cancer.” Dr. Moyses says, “It’s true for most of oncology. However, the good news is that we can catch these cancers significantly earlier these days. As a result of early screenings, we can catch cancers and treat them earlier when they’re still curable rather than fatal. Thankfully, lung

cancer rates have been dropping due to a decrease in smoking, and survival rates have been increasing due to CT scans and screenings catching lung cancer earlier than ever before. It still exists, but outcomes are significantly better than when I started in medicine.”

Born in New Jersey, Dr. Moyses relocated with his family to Mexico City, before moving to Los Angeles, at the age of 10. He grew up interested in medicine and found his way to Harvard for undergraduate studies before choosing USC as his final stop for medical school and residency. “Medicine always just seemed like a great profession.” Dr. Moyses said, “I went through my rotations during my first year of medical school and liked oncology a lot. It didn’t take long for me to decide it was the right specialty for me.”

Dr. Moyses moved to Florida to practice medicine as he had some family in the area,

but he always wanted to move back to California. When the time was right he did just that, electing to work near his mother in Southern California. “I always had my eye on Northern California though, specifically the Chico area.” Dr. Moyses said, “Oncology is a small profession, and by nature, you tend to know others in it. I looked at oncologists in the area and found Dr. Lomas and Dr. Stickney. They offered me a professional hosting so I came out to meet with them, and I thought they were great guys with a fantastic practice at Valor Oncology. I moved out here in January and have been Valor’s radiation oncologist ever since.”

Dr. Moyses sees 20-30 patients per week, predominantly treating breast, prostate, lung, rectal, and skin cancers as well as head and neck lymphomas using the latest technology. As a radiation oncologist, he has not only seen a change in how early people get screenings but also a drastic change in technology since he began practicing medicine. “Newer technologies have allowed us to focus in on tumors with incredible precision.” Dr. Moyses said, “That precision has increased our ability to control them and decrease side effects considerably. Modulated radiotherapy, conebeam image guidance, multileaf collimators, and new computer technology have provided giant leaps in radiation oncology. They allow us to deliver radiation to the area that needs it in a more definitive and refined way than ever before.”

Baseline screenings for prostate or breast cancers are recommended at age 40, whereas colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 50. Dr. Moyses recommends starting earlier, even up to 10 years earlier, if there’s a family history of these cancers. “Screen early and screen often for all of these.” Dr. Moyses advises, “We want to catch these things as early as possible so we can provide the best possible outcome. We hope to provide the best possible service to the community and those who need us, and it all starts with proper screening.”

If you’re in the age window mentioned above, have a family history of cancer or have been diagnosed with cancer, call Valor Oncology at (530) 691-5920. Catching cancer early is the key to effective treatment and with doctors like Dr. Moyses at the helm, you can trust you’re in good hands.

NO EXCUSES

After thirty years as a fitness trainer, I’ve learned a few things. You can’t help but pick up on shared thought patterns, that lead to behavior patterns, that either lead to success or failure. Three factors that I want to address, dispel, solve, and simplify in this article—time, motivation, and money. I’ve found that in life when things get hectic, difficult, muddled, and chaotic, you can often achieve clarity by simplification. If we know that health and fitness can only benefit us in all aspects of life, then why would we ever quit? And this right here, my friends, is where we utterly betray ourselves. So, please follow along, because I believe this can change your life; I believe by the end of this article, you can and will make a lifelong commitment to which you will never quit.

Time

First off, we must admit, there is no lack of time, rather there is a mismanagement of time. When we can admit this, and articulate this, we can then engage and solve the issue. “Oh my god, I have kids, and when I get home from work, I’m just so busy, and I just don’t have the time or energy to work out.” This is a general summation of 30 years of basically hearing the same thing, as if this is such a unique circumstance, one that no one has ever endured or encountered. Yes, I am being slightly facetious here, but my point is, what all of these people have just listed as an excuse is what I like to refer to as, life. Yes, it’s just life, and we ALL have jobs and commitments—if not kids, perhaps pets, two jobs, or a sick mom or dad. It is just life, and though these are legitimate factors, they are not an excuse to not take care of yourself. On the contrary, these things should serve

as the reason to take better care, even the best care, of yourself. All of this can be solved with time management, and an actual written plan, as in something very concrete and thought out. It doesn’t take much time to make a

serious change in your health and fitness, and it doesn’t require any money either. You can change your health with 15 minutes of basic strength training per day and a short walk a few times a week.

However, I’m going to hammer this point— you must schedule this time in and not take the approach of fitting it in when you can. Schedule it. Schedule it and have the mindset that this comes first; that you and your health come first. There is a saying I like that has become one of my mantras, “Discipline equals freedom.” At first glance, this seems counterintuitive, but it is true.

When you schedule what is important, and you implement it, your time and energy are more efficiently used, thus having more “free” time.

Motivation

Another very common thing I hear is something like this. “I just don’t have the motivation” or “I used to be so motivated, and I’ve just lost my motivation.” Neither of these reasons is true. Let me say it this way, neither of these reasons is accurate. A motive is a need or a desire that causes a person to act. Motive is not a feeling, it is a reasoning; it is a factual thing. The majority of the time when people refer to “motivation” they are referring to the emotional high, the dopamine hit that comes with the initial idea of change, and that comes with newness. This is why there are droves of people joining gyms after the first of the year, that good ol’ New Year's

resolution crowd. Did all of these thousands of people suddenly have some sort of group amnesia and simply forget why they started? No. The emotional high wore off, and when left with execution, minus the high, they quit.

This is no different from the high of a new relationship. We have to acknowledge we have become addicted to dopamine, and we are always chasing that feeling, or we are waiting for that feeling before we take action. If this was the case in relationships, we would only act with kindness, thoughtfulness, and commitment in the beginning and then simply ignore each other. Sadly, it often happens just that way, which is why I use it as a comparison; it is something we can all relate to.

Here’s the good news. That feeling you are searching for, that dopamine hit you crave, it’s still there, only it’s not to be found

where you think or want. The feeling you seek happens during the struggle, in the midst of the mundane, when you don’t feel like going, but you do. It happens when you want to give up five minutes into your workout, but you find a way to finish it.

When you have had a horrible, stressful day at work, and you start talking yourself out of the gym midway through your day, but you force yourself to just go—it is in these moments you will feel amazing, accomplished, and strong. When repeated over time, you begin to trust in this relationship between struggle, difficulty, and the amazing feeling of accomplishment. Every single rep, every single minute you push yourself, despite life stuff—all these little moments are moments that turn into tiny little wins.

Success breeds success, and if success

Photo courtesy Jeanette Krzyzek Photography

PHOTO COURTESY PATRICK ALTERI

breeds success, so too does quitting beget quitting, and failure begets failure. That is why it is paramount to just get to the damn gym, get that hike in, or get that yoga session in. It is not that this one session will transform you, but the pattern and momentum are what’s most important. Half the time, I go based on this principle and the knowledge that in the long run, these will all add up. It’s like putting money in the bank— every little deposit counts and adds up. All the little things add up to big things, so keep making those little deposits, and soon, you’ll have a good chunk of change.

Money

You can get in phenomenal shape with almost no money and no equipment. To this day, a large portion of my fitness routine involves bodyweight-only exercises and low-tech, low-cost equipment. For my online clients that train at home, I ask that they at least purchase a set of resistance bands, but even those aren’t necessary. When I was in the police academy, stationed at

Lackland Air Force Base, I got in amazing shape with no equipment at all. Every night, I did push-ups, dips off of chairs, and sit-ups. This taught me a lot about the effectiveness of bodyweight-only exercises, high reps, and consistency. I’m a firm believer in doing things better. Sounds “no-duh,” I know, but far too often, people get too focused on lifting more when they should be focused on lifting better. With Play it Again Sports, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, you can find great, super-cheap deals on used fitness equipment.

There is a final factor I want to go over, one that supersedes all the factors we’ve addressed. What’s the alternative to not taking care of yourself? Think on that for a minute. Really think about it, and then hold it up against all other excuses. What’s the alternative and where does that road lead? Better questions lead to better answers. Doesn’t this serve as the ultimate way to simplify things? Listen, we get one shot here, this one life. We all know it goes by

extremely fast, and it doesn’t slow down. I don’t know about all of you, but when I look at life this way, it gives me a sense of urgency and a sense of immediacy that keeps me going. This is not merely a fitness article or even a wellness article—it is a call to live more fully and to truly seize the day. You can replace stuff, but your body is the one you have for life. When I was younger, life seemed near infinite, and time was so vast. Now, life seems very finite, and time just keeps going by seemingly at an accelerated pace. I’ll leave you all with this—take care of yourself, and make time for yourself; you are worth it, and your life is worth it. Live better and more fully, move better, feel better, and ultimately think better.

One Life.

Micah Hankins is a fitness trainer, competitive stand-up paddleboarder, father, son, and motivational speaker. Reach him by email at micah@mhfitnesschico.com.

Caring for your colon with valor

Formerly known as proctology, the field of colorectal care deals with disorders of the large intestine, especially the colon. Dr. Doug Matthews has been practicing in Chico for 13 years and currently works as a colorectal surgical oncologist at Valor Oncology. “Probably the two things that I spend the majority of my time doing are colonoscopies to either diagnose or prevent colon cancers, and then surgeries to remove colon or rectal cancers,” Dr. Matthews says. “That’s how I fit into the oncology world.”

According to Dr. Matthews, men and women are both equally at risk for developing colon cancer, which is why it’s important for

everyone to get regular colonoscopies. This procedure is done to look for pre-cancerous polyps as well as to screen for colon cancer. Unlike with other cancers, particularly ones of the skin and mouth, symptoms of colon cancer can be so minimal as to go unnoticed. “Until a colon cancer is in its later stages, people may not notice a little blood in their stool or a small change in their bowel habits,” Dr Matthews says. “But by the time they start having abdominal pain, weight loss, or major changes in how they go to the bathroom, typically that’s a much later, more advanced cancer.” It is recommended that adults have screenings every 10 years, though some may need

more frequent monitoring, especially if they come from a family with a history of colon cancer or polyps.

Typically, one thinks of a colonoscopy as something only older adults are subject to, but that is changing, as Dr. Matthews points out. “We’ve been finding that in the general population we’ve seen some migration of how early we’re starting to find colon cancers,” he said. “Within the past 5 years, the American Cancer Society has lowered its initial age from 50 years to 45 years for their first recommended screening colonoscopy.” For people at higher risk due to family history or background, screenings could be recommended as early as age 35.

So, how does one keep one’s colon healthy? Doctor Matthews recommends a diet high in raw, crunchy, fibrous foods like fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts while low in red meat, especially red meat cooked at high temperatures. It’s also important to eat little to no preserved foods like bacon and ham. Keeping one’s weight healthy and incorporating regular exercise into one’s daily routine is also helpful.

Doctor Matthews finds his own recreation and regular exercise as a volunteer firefighter with Cal Fire. He’s been with the organization on and off since high school, when he was looking for a summer job and ended up working out of the dispatch center in Oroville. After medical school and the attendant years of residency and fellowship, he returned to Northern California and asked Cal Fire about joining up as a volunteer. “I went back through their training program and have been involved in some of the major fires we’ve had since that time, like the Camp Fire and the Dixie Fire,” he said.

Giving back to the community is important to Dr. Matthews, which is how his day job as a colorectal surgeon and his volunteer work at Cal Fire dovetail. “At Valor, we pride ourselves on personalizing the care and actually knowing the patients as people,” Dr. Matthews says. “There are a good number of patients that are people I’ve become friends with and that I remain friends with as we fix their problems.”

Dr. Doug Matthews is a colorectal surgeon at Valor Oncology. He can be reached by calling (530) 691-5920.

Turning Your Dreams of Success into Reality

Real estate legend Georgie Bellin will be the first to tell you, “Real estate is a fabulous career, and it gives you so many freedoms and opportunities. If you have the dedication and determination, there’s no ceiling to how much you can achieve.” Having unofficially worked as a career mentor for a number of decades, bringing many of Chico’s most recognizable real estate agents into the fold, Georgie decided her 50th anniversary in real estate was the perfect time to make things official. “Once I started working at Century 21 Select Group in Chico, I found the energy was just incredible, and with 55 offices in our Select C-21 network, we have so much to offer. We continue to look to train individuals to be part of our team, and we’re ready to take it to the next level. We have a roadmap in place for exactly how we’re going to do it too.”

That roadmap consists of a brand new REALTOR® training and mentoring program at Century 21 Select Group in Chico spearheaded by Georgie as a designated career mentor; Patrick Riley, the company’s career development coach; Jodi Martinez, one of two company pre-licensing trainers; Branch Leader Shelinda Bryant; and Office Manager Doug Love. The training program

promises to provide to-be REALTORs® with a bottom-to-top journey through the ins and outs of real estate. Georgie says, “We’re bringing everything to the table and making sure interested individuals have whatever they need to succeed. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent time in the industry or are completely new to it, we’re providing training on everything from the fundamentals to legal, social media, podcasting, lead generation, negotiating, making the sale, and everything in between.”

C21 Select Office Manager Doug Love

agrees, “We want even more of that youthfulness; we want more of that energy, optimism, and those young life experiences, but we want to teach those individuals how to channel all of it and balance it with proper fundamentals through training. We want to raise the next generation of real estate professionals who are ready for anything and able to achieve everything. This program and our office resources provide all of that. Many seasoned REALTORs® will tell you they had to figure everything out for themselves, and we want to change that. This program was developed to give those with drive and determination the tools they

would need to succeed, not just through training, but also by having a support team ready to assist them whenever they need it.”

To Doug’s point, Century 21 Select employs a team of individuals who are all experts in their fields. Patrick Riley, the company’s career development coach, guides new REALTORs® step-by-step through their first six transactions, providing valuable advice and guidance. Cara Pearce continues that support with training on how to grow your business with effective marketing and presentation skills. Finally, a group of videographers, graphic designers, social media specialists, and more are available to C-21 Select agents to take some of the heavy lifting off their hands, allowing them to focus on providing exceptional customer service to their clients.

The new program is truly a fast track to success in real estate, and Georgie couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it. “We’re teaching things from the start that took me 50 years to learn.” She says, “I wish it was around when I started!”

If you’re interested in jumping into the real estate industry and turning your dreams of success into reality, contact Century21 Select Real Estate at (530) 345-6618.

Doctor, Doctor

For my contribution to this month’s theme-of-the-issue, matters of health, I asked if referring to health professionals by name would be inappropriate or insensitive. I was given the green light.

Insensitive or not, facts are facts, and one reason I feel I must include a local doctor’s actual name herein is because I have a specific doctor-patient conversation to report that simply doesn’t work without including his name.

The report results from my having blown out my right-ankle Achilles tendon.

“It happened to a buddy of mine in college,” said my friend Rob. “He was running toward the high jump, and when his Achilles blew it sounded like somebody fired off a gun. Everybody in the stadium could hear it!”

I’ve heard victims say, “It felt like somebody kicked me in the back of the leg. I went down, looking for who did it.”

Mine was not the classic sudden snapping of the tendon, where the victim drops to the ground in agonizing pain. Mine was a gradual blow-out. The tendon over the years shredded like a piece of beef jerky, injury by injury, semi-healing by semi-healing, until it wasn’t semihealing anymore. I had a floppy foot. I finally went to my doctor, who was clearly disappointed in me. He said, “Why did you wait so long?” He sent me for x-rays and a visit to the orthopedic surgeon, a

specialist at Orthopedic Associates of Northern California.

“I’m Doctor Hu,” he said. He explained in careful detail the surgery I would require, which was tricky because of the shredded Achilles tendon.

As the surgery date approached, I was able to reserve as my anesthesiologist, my old friend and real estate client, Roger, one of the brightest, most capable, and caring people you could ever meet.

Surgery day, with Roger at my side and Dr. Hu performing the tricky work, went perfectly. My care and recovery have gone exactly as stated by Dr. Hu.

On my recent follow-up visit with Dr. Hu, I said, “I have a joke for you.”

“Oh, really,” said Dr. Hu.

“Knock, knock,” I said.

“Who’s there,” he answered.

“Doctor,” I said.

“Doctor who (Hu),” he said.

“Thank God,” I said.

Dr. Hu liked it. And I meant it.

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

SGB PAINTS IT FORWARD

If you’ve ever painted anything in your own home, you know no matter how much you prepare, how many ‘mess-free’ new-fangled painting tools you buy, or what specialized paint you pick up, nothing makes up for experience and attention to detail. SGB Painting of Chico understands this and, with almost 15 years in the business, their reputation of kindness, quality work, and professionalism is well known.

Scott Bernhardt moved to Chico in 1996 to attend Chico State and began remodeling and building houses. He had worked in the painting business throughout high school and junior college. Following the market crash of 2008, he got back into the painting trade. Scott says, “In the beginning, I would basically just pick up some work where I could. I’d find an exterior to paint and paint it all by myself, which would generally take about a week. Then, I slowly started expanding.” Together, he and and now co-owner Jesus Campos, who is also the company’s lead field manager, set out to build the business. Today SGB Custom Painting has between 25 and 30 employees at any one time.

Scott enjoys building relationships in the community as he continues to develop his business. SGB works on a wide range of projects from high-production units like new subdivisions and apartment complexes in Meriam Park to custom home fine finishes and even commercial work like Crush’s cabinet refinish in Downtown Chico.

Scott shares that his employees are the

most important aspect of the business. Their paint crews consist of 2 to 3 people including a foreman, and projects are generally completed in 3-to-5 days. Scott’s 13-year-old daughter, Macie, has also joined the team as his personal assistant and keeps him on track throughout her time with him.

When asked about the most common mistake homeowners make when painting, Scott says, “Most don’t make the necessary time and preparations. To do a good job, it takes time.” he says, “Prep work is probably 98% of it.” Scott shares that prep isn’t just the initial sanding. It’s caulking, cutting, ensuring all the surfaces are covered to prevent overspray, and selecting the best products for the job. Hiring a licensed, insured, and experienced company like SGB ensures a quality finish due to the years of knowledge they’ve acquired by completing thousands of projects. However, if you’re still wanting to do a small job on your own, SGB is always willing to help and answer any questions you may have. “Give us a call if you need anything, and we’ll try to answer any questions you have about stuff you might be trying to do on your own, Scott says.

Late this summer, Scott is excited to announce SGB Painting’s first annual “Paint It Forward” charity event in which a family will be awarded a giveaway for an exterior paint job worth up to $8,000. He was inspired to create this event by a contractor in Southern California who he had been following since he began his business here

in 2009. “I just thought it was such a great thing, and I’ve always wanted to do it. I feel like I’m in a position now where I can give back and follow through with it every year.” He’s been in contact with local churches and charities to identify possible families who could benefit from this and will use a third party to make the final determination. He hopes to include an employee tool giveaway along with bringing in a taco truck to celebrate the completion of the job. Scott is looking forward to involving his employees and giving back to the community he lives in.

If you’re considering a refresh of your home or business, SGB’s website, www.sgbpainting.com has all the information you need. You call also give them a call at 530-343-1246.

"Our whole family has worked with Effie on many occasions. She always stays on top of things and looks out for our best interest. She is a wonderful real estate agent and most importantly a beautiful person, inside and out. Our whole family loves her and appreciates her truthfulness and her ability to make things run smoothly during the saw of our home(s)." -John

& Kathy O'Donnell

Pssst! The owners will be jetting off to a far away place, leaving behind this delightful home that seems to echo years of laughter and happiness. As you enter the home, you will be immediately drawn into its warm and happy aura. The spacious living and dining rooms have held numerous parties and entertained many family members and friends. The joy can be felt throughout each and every space of this gorgeous home. On cold and rainy days, you'll enjoy snuggling up and warming your toes near the cozy fireplace. The kitchen, with its breakfast bar, granite counter tops, gas stove/oven, microwave oven, and a refrigerator is a dream for any cook. This home offers an open floor plan, high ceilings, dual pane windows, whole house fan, indoor laundry room with sink, plus side-by-side washer and dryer. The master suite boasts his and her closets, dual vanity, and granite countertops. To top it off, the yard is beautiful with its darling dining patio, mature landscaping, and offers plenty of space for gardening. This home is also equipped with a 3-car garage, with one of the spaces currently used as a media room. Here, whether working in the garden or just relaxing on the rocking chair on your patio—today, tomorrow, or the whole week need not mean urgency!

Located on a private cul-de-sac, this Paradise lot was once home to an elegant residence. Still remaining are the beautiful wrought iron entry gate with its brick work, a pond, paved driveway etc. The property is connected to PID water and condition of septic is unknown to seller. Buyer to investigate.

Acres: 1.02 Price: $55,000

Situated in a wonderful neighborhood in lower Paradise with an easy commute to Chico, this amazing property once held a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1370 sqft home with a 2 car garage. The previous home was on PID water, septic tank and had a natural gas. The seller does not have information about the condition of the septic tank—buyer to investigate. Price: $39,500

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,765 Price: $549,000

Own a piece of PARADISE!!! If you are looking for your private estate property, then come and see what this gorgeous 1+ acre parcel has to offer. Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac location, it will take only one look to know this is where you want your dream home to be. While its heavenly, the price is down to Earth. Bring your blueprint and build!

Acres: 1.02 Price: $49,900

Three Compelling Reasons Retirees Should Consider Dividend-Paying Stocks

We all know money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy two reasonably close things—time and freedom. Retirement is the ultimate symbol of both. If you’ve saved up enough, eventually, you won’t need to trade your time for a paycheck. Retirement happens, as the saying goes, “When you have enough, and you’ve had enough.”

If you’re like most people, you can’t afford to keep your retirement savings under the mattress. Often, what you’re looking for are investments that offer both stability and a steady stream of income.

One strategy that can provide both is ownership of dividendpaying stocks. Here are three reasons why they can be a fantastic addition to a retirement portfolio:

1. Mark Your Calendar:

Shareholders enjoy a portion of the company's earnings, which are often distributed quarterly or even monthly. Successful companies can keep this up for decades or longer; there’s

BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA, AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP ® , FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT SWEENEY & MICHEL, LLC

even a list of “dividend kings” which have paid and increased dividends for 50 years in a row.

2. The Income-Tax Loophole:

Most people don’t realize that a married couple can earn up to $83k in qualified dividends without owing any federal income tax. Above that, they only pay 15% on the next $400k of income.

3. Inflation Protection:

Dividend-paying stocks are historically one of the greatest ways to protect your paycheck from inflation. In 2022, while inflation touched 8%, the average dividend payer increased its payout by over 10%.

Every investment strategy comes with risk, including stocks. But we believe the potential benefits make them worth considering.

If you’d like to discuss your retirement income strategy, give us a call, or schedule a free appointment online today.

Recovery

When I was asked about medical issues in our community, my first thought was opioid use disorder (OUD). It is so pervasive in our society, but I feel even medical providers do not have a good understanding of it. I have been providing medication-assisted treatment for the last three years, and I want to share my experience.

First, let me describe OUD. Many people envision a heroin junkie on the streets, but in reality, it can affect anyone. The criteria that define OUD is using more opioids than anticipated for a longer period of time, with an impact on daily life. This can take the form of having cravings, or withdrawal symptoms, worrying about running out or getting that next dose, or using opioids when it is dangerous. It can cause difficulties with work and with relationships. There are many people out there who are physically dependent on opioids who do not have OUD, but when it starts to impact your life it becomes OUD.

There are three medication treatment options for OUD, including methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine. I use buprenorphine (with or without naloxone) in my practice. It has many trade names, the most common is Suboxone. It is typically a tablet or a film taken daily, but it also comes in a monthly injection. It works by making your body think you have enough opioids in your system, so it is very helpful for cravings. It is also

useful for pain, but it is most commonly used for OUD. It does not have the same risks of overdose as traditional opioids and therefore has fewer restrictions. I find that it gives my patients the time to get counseling or other services to help with the underlying cause of their OUD.

Getting on to buprenorphine, like the other medication treatments, does take guidance from a provider. The most important thing about transitioning is that you cannot change straight from opioids to buprenorphine. It can cause sudden onset of withdrawal. Instead, with the help of your provider, you will stop your usual opioids and wait until you are in moderate withdrawals—for example sweaty, nauseated, or irritated. Then we start the buprenorphine, and the withdrawal symptoms will stop within a few minutes.

Some people see getting help as a sign of weakness, but I see asking for help as a sign of strength. It can be really scary to admit that you need help. My patients have been able to get their lives back after their opioid use—they have been able to maintain their jobs, have successful pregnancies, get treatment for underlying anxiety and depression, and address their other health concerns. It makes a difference, and you deserve it.

Laura Schiff R.N. is a nurse practictioner at Mangrove Medical Group in Chico. She can be reached through their office by calling (530) 345-0064.

7 Tips for Achieving What Matters Most

Defining your priorities means identifying the things that matter most to you and aligning your actions and decisions with those priorities.

Chasing the wrong things can lead to wasted time, energy, and resources, and ultimately prevent us from achieving our goals and fulfilling our potential.

Here are some tips to help you stop chasing the wrong things:

1. Define your priorities: Take some time to reflect on what's important to you and what you want to achieve in life. Write down your priorities and use them as a guide to make decisions about where to focus your time and energy.

2. Focus on your strengths: Instead of trying to improve your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and develop them further. This will help you excel in areas where you are naturally talented and passionate.

3. Let go of perfectionism: Trying to be perfect in everything you do can be exhausting and prevents you from taking risks and making progress. Instead, focus on doing your best and learning from your mistakes.

4. Set realistic goals: Setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and

frustration. Instead, set realistic goals that are achievable and relevant to your priorities.

5. Take action: Once you've defined your priorities, take action to align with those priorities. This may mean making changes to your daily routine, setting boundaries, or saying no to things that don't align with your priorities.

6. Be flexible: Priorities can change over time, and it's okay to adjust your list as your life changes.

7. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you stay present and focused on the things that matter most to you. Take time to practice mindfulness meditation or other mindfulness techniques to help you stay centered and focused.

Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and change course if something isn't working.

By staying focused on your priorities and developing your strengths, you can accomplish your goals, achieve the things that matter most to you, and live a more fulfilling life.

Lance Ferris LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in Chico. He can be found online at LanceFerris.com or conctated by phone at (530) 592-7847.

Don't Let Hearing Loss Lose You

Helen Keller said, “Blindness separates us from things, but deafness separates us from people.” Hearing is so much more than just detecting sounds; it’s hearing your grandchildren laugh, enjoying a dinner out with friends, and listening to the echoes as you move about your space. When that sense of hearing begins to degrade, it can be a profound loss for the individual

affected as they begin to separate and lose connections with family, friends, and the world around them. The Bartlett family has been helping the community hear better and recapture those connections for 50 years at Bartlett’s Hearing Aid Center.

Joe Bartlett continues the legacy of bringing better hearing to Northern California as the

family’s third generation. His great aunt, Donna Jensen, “confident and surrogate matriarch,” was the instigator of the idea. In the 1960s, she began selling hearing aids through door-to-door sales in the greater Sacramento area. He says that her gregarious personality and belief that “whatever she's doing is the absolute best thing anybody should be doing” enabled

her to convince Jack and Jean Bartlett, Joe’s grandparents, to join in the endeavor. The Bartlett’s had opened up and run a feed store in the area, so they were well-versed in what was required to start and succeed in business. Joe says, “I think they saw a community in need.” That, along with their existing entrepreneurial spirit, prompted them to go ahead and give it a try. They opened their first two locations in Oroville and Citrus Heights in 1973. Donna continued to remain involved with the business until her passing in 2019.

The Bartlett’s eldest son, Terry, took over the business in the early 1990s and subsequently hired his son, Joe, in 2002. Joe’s path to the business was not as direct as his grandparents but his dedication and passion couldn’t be more clear. He says he’s always been a “computer techie guy, even as a little kid.” He went to college with the idea of getting into either computer science or computer engineering but says, “I loved all the science, but I wasn’t passionate enough about it to really apply myself.” So, at the age of 21, Joe moved on and did door-to-door vacuum cleaner sales for a year. During that time, he learned he had the same interest in entrepreneurship as his grandparents, and he began determining a way he could work for himself. He approached his father and shared that he wasn’t sure where he was headed but needed a place to work while he found it. He started working at the office in April and by that fall he had already completed all his training licensing requirements. He says he applied all his computer training from college to tuning and programming the various devices they carried. Joe attended every manufacturer training seminar and learned all he could about the products. He says, “What I found, as I was training, was that I really understood what I had learned in college about computers, the science of acoustics, and how it all really works. I felt like the presenters were talking directly to me, and I knew exactly how I could apply it to hearing aids. I found my calling, and it fit exactly into who I am and what I do.” A year later, he earned his dispensing license, and in 2007, Joe passed the requirements to receive his BC-HIS title from the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences. Three years later, he purchased the Oroville and Chico facilities from his father and has since opened three more offices in Paradise, Red Bluff, and Redding.

Hearing aids have changed and advanced so much since the Bartletts first became involved. In the 1970s they were bulky, over the ear, and all analog. A hearing aid takes sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified according to the user's needs. However, in analog hearing aids, all sounds are amplified at the same level, much like turning up the volume on a speaker. Very often these hearing aids would begin to make a loud squealing noise before they could produce a clear signal to the wearer. The advent of digital hearing aids in the late 1990s changed the face of the industry. Digital aids use an advanced computer chip to convert sound waves into digital signals. These signals can then be processed in different ways: voices can be amplified and sharpened, background noise volume can be decreased, and incoming noise levels are interpreted and adjusted accordingly. Bartlett’s carries Starkey brand hearing aids and has since Joe’s grandparents were working. Within the brand, there are several different types of devices including IIC or invisible hearing aids, ITC or in-the-canal aids, ITE or in-the-ear aids, RIC or receiverin-the-canal and BTE or behind-the-ear aids. Each type has pros and cons for individual users. Within these types, there are four or five technology levels, so needless to say the choices are innumerable, and having a caring, qualified hearing aid professional is

crucial in determining which device is best suited to your needs.

Hearing loss can affect so much more than just an individual’s ability to hear; it’s important for brain function and overall well-being. Untreated hearing loss has been shown to be associated with an increased risk for dementia and depression as individuals withdraw from the world because they can’t understand what’s being said. They often become confused, then embarrassed, and find it’s easier to remain alone rather than try and navigate social situations with their limited hearing. This isolation can result in significant declines in cognitive functions as their interactions with the world become less and less frequent. Increased incidence of falls and balance issues can also be attributed to hearing loss. Joe explains, “The ears hear sounds bouncing off of the walls and structures around you, and people don’t realize when you lose your hearing, you lose this sense of echolocation. The first thing a lot of people hear when I turn on their hearing aids are the echoes bouncing off the walls. That’s one of the first sounds that people lose, that high frequency, those tiny little ticks and clicks” that help focus our location in space.

Joe stresses the importance of maintaining follow-up appointments after that first fitting. The new digital hearing aids have

so many additional applications including fall detection with texts sent to a loved one, fitness tracking, and usage analysis. He says that the data from the aids is a great counseling tool. “The hearing aid logs information about how it’s been acting and working.” It keeps track of usage time, records information about the noise the person is exposed to, and then how it’s adjusting to that. “I find a lot of what I do is teach and counsel after we get people hearing better. Nothing’s perfect, but it’s so much better. The more they put in the time and the more they attend their follow-ups, the more they learn.” People come into the office with an enormous level of stress and anxiety, and Joe and his staff are able to give them back their sense of self. He shares, “We cry all the time. When they’re leaving without that stress, you see you’ve really changed their life.”

If you or your loved one is concerned about possible hearing loss, contact the Bartlett family today to set up a hearing evaluation. They have four locations to serve you in Chico, Oroville, Red Bluff, and Redding. Bartlett’s Hearing Aid Center’s website has all the information you need to remain connected to the people around you. Visit them online at www.Bartletthearing.com.

Starkey GENESIS AI

Starkey evolv AI

HEALTHY HABITS

We all have a set of habits that keep us happy and healthy. We asked our staff members for each of theirs.

I consume blackberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries every day, and I drink a lot of green tea. As the assistant coach of Butte College soccer, I'm the “Official Ball Chaser.” Keeps me hitting those extra steps every day!

UNBLOCKING

Most people believe that chiropractic care is for helping spinal conditions, like neck and back pain. Many individuals I work with seek chiropractic treatment for such musculoskeletal issues, which is very typical. However, once we start looking into the individual’s health history, we often find there have been other ongoing issues as well that may be related to their pain and other health conditions that we may help with.

Recently, I had a female patient who came in with horrible fatigue and headaches. She had been suffering from these headaches for years. She visited several doctors and tried medications and injections, ice, stretching, etc., but nothing lasted. As we went through her health history, she also mentioned issues with brain fog and chronic indigestion that had been going on for quite some time.

As chiropractors, we look at the body in its entirety because it’s how we are wired as humans—everything is connected. The brain and the spinal cord serve as an intricate wiring system that gives feedback to the rest of the body—what we feel, how we move, what we sense, and how we function daily without telling our lungs to breathe and our stomach to digest. If there is an interference along this intricate wiring system, an individual may not only sense pain but may also have a disruption in everyday function, like stomach indigestion, because

the nervous system is working harder somewhere else.

Returning to the patient I spoke of earlier, she was a mother of two, very active during the week, and works part-time. Like many women, she was trying to balance life with chronic fatigue and headaches, which can be very disruptive over time. I looked at her lifestyle, diet, activities, stress levels, posture, and sleep. Changes were made to all areas over the course of a few months along with her chiropractic treatment, which all helped to reduce interferences in her nervous system, allowing for better nerve response, resulting in less inflammation and less pain overall. She noticed less indigestion, less tension in her neck, and also less brain fog as she began to sleep longer and didn’t wake up with daily headaches.

It’s a matter of finding the source of the problem causing the pain and a lot of time it’s multifaceted, therefore it may result in multiple health concerns. She is now able to recognize when she goes off course because she is tuned in not just her pain, but other signs of getting off course with her health as well. As a result, she is able to manage her health better.

Dr. Dina Rabo is a chiropractor and owner of Rabo Chiropractic Center in Chico. You can find her online at www.RaboChiropracticCenter.com

I start my day with a cup of matcha green tea and then fill up my ginormous water bottle with 8 cups of water and drink that throughout the day to stay super hydrated. try and get 10,000 steps in a day either on the treadmill or walking in Bidwell and take time to be outside and soak in just being.

My husband and I usually do a big loop in Lower Park a couple times a week with our dogs. They love to swim in the creek when it’s warm, and we have lots of dog friends and people friends we see on our walks. In nature, and in the park, much of the outside worries get stripped away in favor of your baser understanding of your place in this world and what’s really important. It’s incredibly peaceful.

I enjoy listening to The Mindset

Mentor podcast. My sister-in-law sent me one, and I am hooked. It helps me see different views and helps keep me positive. With 20-minute episodes, I can listen on the way to and from work, and the language is genuine and not overdone.

I try to start each day with a twomile walk, take a one-mile walk after lunch, and finish off the day with one last two mile-walk. The cadence ensures I get five miles in each day, and I just naturally feel better by doing it! It's a great way to get energized in the morning without coffee, beat the lunch food coma, and wind down before bed.

Aveed Khaki

Jason Corona

Maddie Rodriguez

Tim Milhorn

Shelly Brandon

Skyway Surgery Center It's About the People

The prospect of scheduling surgery can be scary enough on its own; couple that with the idea of having it performed in a large, unfamiliar, and often expensive hospital, and the idea can quickly become overwhelming. Skyway Surgery Center is ready to help alleviate your fears by offering a more comfortable and cost-effective alternative to hospital-based surgeries and procedures.

Raymond Yip, M.D. is an anesthesiologist and serves as the medical director of the Skyway Surgery Center. Originally from Hollister, California, Dr. Yip completed his anesthesiology residency at Loma Linda University and then became part of the teaching staff there. He had wanted to eventually move to Northern California and says, “Chico was intriguing because it had a Level 2 trauma center and an open heart program.” He was also drawn to the small

town feel surrounded by agriculture while juxtaposed with the cultural events brought into the area by the university. Dr. Yip relocated to Chico in July of 1991 and says, “This is home. We’ve raised our boys here.”

Because people have a choice in which facility their surgery can be performed, Dr. Yip and a group of other doctors established the Skyway Surgery Center in July of 2004 with ease and comfort in mind. They wanted to create an environment that allowed them to be more intimately involved in patient care. As an anesthesiologist working in a hospital, Dr. Yip would see patients before surgery but then wouldn’t see them again once their operation was complete. He felt it was difficult to make any real patient connections in that environment. However, he says at Skyway, “I see you come in at the beginning during pre-op. We

take you into surgery, then we talk to you and your families in recovery. It’s just way more personable. It’s important to us, and we want to take care of people.”

Skyway Surgery Center has more than fifty physicians dedicated to caring for the community. When the staff first makes contact with an interested client, they speak with the patient and their referring physician in order to obtain a clear and concise health history. They want to ensure patients meet the criteria required to have the procedure done outside of the hospital. Their surgical outcomes are some of the highest in the area and among the top throughout the country. Dr. Yip shares that safety is their number one concern and having surgery done at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) is safer, more efficient, and much less expensive than having it done at a hospital, even if it is through the hospital’s outpatient facility. It is a multi-specialty center with physicians boarded in anesthesiology, ENT, ophthalmology, pediatric dentistry, orthopedics, podiatry, psychiatry, general surgery, and urology.

The surgeries and procedures offered at the center are extensive. Their GI specialists perform common procedures needed to examine the health of the gastrointestinal tract including colonoscopies and esophagogastoduodenoscopies (EGDs). Their psychiatrist is one of the few in Northern California who offers Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and patients travel from around the Northstate to take advantage of this treatment. Their general surgeons perform hernia repairs, cholecystectomies and provide dialysis access. Their orthopedic surgeons perform knee arthroscopies, ACL repairs, carpal tunnel surgery, total knee, and total hip replacements as well. The total joint replacement surgeries cost significantly less when performed at the Skyway Surgery Center.

Prior to opening, Dr. Yip and his associates understood that the costs of healthcare were astronomical and by opening a purely outpatient surgical center, they could create a viable business while patients would be able to pay a fraction of the normal costs associated with surgeries. Administrator Marissa Long shares that the primary benefit of coming to a surgery center is the cost savings, “Sometimes a hospital can be two-

to-three times as expensive as it is at an ambulatory surgery center.” Jill Prius, Skyway Surgery Center’s director of business operations says, “There are so many procedures that don’t necessarily have to be done at a hospital, that can be done faster, safer, and cheaper at an ambulatory service center.” Most hospitals will admit patients who are in for surgeries resulting in additional costs and stresses associated with being away from home while an ASC allows patients to leave with family or friends following their procedure.

In addition to providing more economical and connected care, the founding physicians wanted to create a positive work culture where employees enjoy their work and actually want to come in every day. Jill says she was working at a private billing company when her husband had surgery at the center. She was impressed with how everything was handled and when she heard there was an opening in the business office, she immediately applied. “The fact that it's a big family, with the staff and our patients, that’s the best.”

Shannon Zwald, RN, BSN, and Assistant Clinical Director says she joined Skyway initially because she wanted to change out of the acute care setting she had previously been working in, and friends had very positive things to say about their experiences working at the center. “Everyone’s like a big, close-knit family, and you get to know the patients better. It’s a really supportive group of people.”

Marissa shares that they make an effort to celebrate and advocate for their employees. “We do a lot of lunches, recognitions, and little things to let our employees know they are valued.”

Dr. Yip remembers his mentor Richard Hamamura who was so patient-focused. “He said, ‘You take care of people. Nothing else really matters at the end of the day.’ Nothing in life goes without people, the business office, its people; administration, its people; nursing, its people. It’s rewarding; it really is.” The doctors who own Skyway Surgery Center are very hands-on and actively try to make the center a positive place to work and a positive place for patients. “We want to take care of people.”

If an individual is interested in finding out if they are a good candidate for surgery at an outpatient center, there are several ways to schedule a procedure. They can ask their primary surgeon to refer them to perform the procedure at Skyway Surgery Center, or they can call the center to get a list of doctors’ contact numbers who have privileges at the facility. They can also complete the contact form on Skyway Surgery Center’s website and then receive information on how to schedule their preliminary appointment and procedure.

Skyway Surgery Center is located at 121 Raley Boulevard in Chico. They can be reached by phone at (530) 230-2000 and visited online at www.skywaysurgerycenter.com.

Healing

Throughout our lives we will experience the grief process. Some traumas are universal in life. Allowing ourselves to experience the cycles of grief is important. Our community has endured several traumatic events that we have collectively been affected by including the Camp Fire tragedy, several years of annual wildfires, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the local housing crisis. This trauma stimulates many primal human emotions of fear, sadness, or sorrow. It can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as mental health symptoms or underlying issues connected to previous traumas.

Feelings of anxiety and depression are ubiquitous for any adult paying attention to the systemic ills of our society including violence, disease, and the effects of humans on our environment. Offer family and friends a brave network of validation and support. Give space and permission to take time to slow down, rest and reset the pace. This permits growth, healing and recovery from trauma. Challenge our value systems to include courage. Have the courage to encourage yourself and others. When we work within the collectivity of our shared experiences, we find relatedness and similarities. These bonds will increase our empathy quotients and abilities for partnership.

Healing is a decision to take direct authority over your own wellness. It's perfectly acceptable to gather information to find what is best for your individual health in a diverse portfolio of peripheral

modalities. Allow yourself a do-over as needed. It’s a forgiveness practice to be able to say, “I need to do this over and better this time.” Begin with small redos, then it's common practice when a greater chance for change arises.

For optimal health, one must be a diligent manager of stress each day. It takes balance which includes the food we eat and the activity or exercise we participate in daily. Start small, perhaps try out the local farmer's markets for your “pharmacy” needs of life such as fruits and vegetables, local honey, and nuts. Get to know the local growers and farmers! Walk your neighborhood, local trails, or parks.

Pets are family. Bring them along. Get some wind in your nose. Sniff around. Observe a sweet symphony of silence.

Acquire a childlike sense of wonderment. Find time to play and laugh. Get curious. Gather some flowers or foliage in your nearby environment. Take time to hear the birdsongs or notice the sunlight or shadows in the breeze.

Understand the role you play in the development of your life health. You hold the key. Consider the possibility of dynamic approaches or techniques to healing, health and well-being.

Laura Nelson is the owner of Cedar Creek, a place for healing in Chico. Visit her online at www.CedarCreekChico.com.

TOAST-WORTHY

There are plenty of options for avocado toast in Butte County, but some just strike gold. These are a few of our favorites.

SUNNY

CALI

AVOCADO TOAST

Unwined | 980 Mangrove Ave, Chico

Over-easy egg, crushed avocado, herbed goat cheese, on house-made foccacia toast. Served with a tangle of greens

Try Some Alligator Toast!

TOM'S AVOCADO TOAST

Parkside Tap House | 115 W 3rd St, Chico

Sourdough, avocado, black pepper, 2 eggs any way, tomato, greens.

It’s easy to see why avocados received the sobriquet (a fancy word for nickname) alligator pear. The skin certainly resembles a ‘gator, with its lumpy, bumpy dark green surface and pebbled texture, but the comparisons end there. I imagine you could create some form of “alligator toast” with ‘gator meat and some nice Giannini’s SF Sourdough bread. Yum! However, alligator is hard to find in Chico, so you’ll have to settle for avocado.

Did you know avocado is actually a berry?

“The avocado fruit is a climactic, singleseeded berry, due to the imperceptible endocarp covering the seed, rather than a drupe.” Please send the definitions of climactic, endocarp, and drupe to me. Thanks!

THE WEEKLY SPECIAL

Ethan's Eatery | 2275 Myers St, Oroville

A surprise avocado toast each and every week made from seasonal ingredients!

For years, people claimed avocados were bad for you due to their high fat content. Of course, those same people said you’d drop dead of a heart attack if you ate more than one chicken egg a month. These days, we know avocados are loaded with good fats (such as monounsaturated) and oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acids. Though they do have some saturated fat, avocados also provide 28% of the daily value of vitamin E, 30% DV of B6, 41% of folate, 35% of vitamin K, and minimal potassium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.

PLEASE NOTE: Avocados can be toxic to some animals! Do not feed to your dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, or fish. The pit is especially toxic to horses and cattle.

Most of the world’s avocados are produced in Mexico, and the crop is a huge money maker for the country. The state of Michoacan exports roughly $2.8 billion in avocados yearly. With that type of profit, the avocado trade has attracted the attention of the Mexican drug cartels. They currently use the time-honored mob technique of “Hey, that’s a nice avocado farm you got there. It would be too bad if anything happened to it.” So, avocados have become a victim of the cartel protection racket. Sadly, the lime industry in Mexico has begun to suffer from the same treatment, and prices have risen dramatically because of it.

But here we are, way up in Northern California, looking forward to our avocado toast. When did that become a thing? Of course you can indulge in avocados in a variety of ways, including fresh slices, guacamole, avocado oil for cooking and salads, and most interesting, an avocado milkshake with ice cream and chocolate syrup! No matter what, there’s bound to be a favorite avocado dish for you.

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

Avocados are a delicious addition to just about any meal, but when it comes to summertime, there are few things that satisfy quite like an icy avocado margarita at Tres Hombres in Downtown Chico. Getting in on that cold avocado goodness before 5pm is a cinch with the following recipe. It's the perfect non-alcoholic substitution—just make sure you save some room for the real thing.

1 ripe banana, sliced

1 avocado, peeled/pitted 2 tsp honey (optional)

¼ tsp vanilla extract

2 cups low-fat milk or almond milk, chilled 5 ice cubes

Blend banana, avocado and honey in a food processor until smooth.

Add vanilla, milk and ice and blend for 30 seconds.

Serve immediately.

All Hail the King!

With the busy corner of West Sacramento and Nord Avenue as the backdrop, we took our place in line at one of the newest food trucks in town, King’s Gyro & Kebab Corner. The brainchild of owner Ramzan Javeed, King’s Gyro brings a wholly different flavor to town from anything we’ve tried in recent years. A world traveler, Ramzan sampled cuisines internationally before starting his food truck business in Brazil which rapidly grew. Luckily for us, he moved to the Bay Area and eventually found his way to Chico, bringing those flavors with him. Not wanting to miss out, we opted for a variety of items, including a mixed platter and the Bomb Burger, to get a decent sampling.

We purchased drinks from the adjacent gas station and took a seat at the table; yes, one table, since most of the business is grab-and-go. The last thing I expected from King’s Gyro & Kebab Corner is one of the best burgers you can get your hands on in town. Packed full of quality ingredients, the thin sesame bun gently cradles the two seasoned patties and myriad goodies throughout—fried egg, caramelized onion, pickles, lettuce, and sauce. Each bite was tangy, savory, cheesy, and salty. Have you ever eaten something so delicious and given someone who’s trying the same item as

you that awkward stare? That nod and exhale without words? Yeah, you know what I mean, and you should expect to do it here.

Moving on to the mixed platter with the lamb gyro and chicken, we wondered how something so thin could be grilled to such a degree and still be so tender and juicy. Under a dome of protein covered in a bright creamy Brazilian sauce was gorgeous, lofty, long-grain basmati rice. The Brazilian sauce on top is a tzatziki with what we believe to be cardamom. The rice itself is a meal, and the fact that it’s combined with so many other quality ingredients is something to marvel at. The gyro is an explosion of flavor, and the chicken is filled with spice and moisture. Finally, at the edge of the dish is a quick salad of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, perfectly complementing two wedges of fluffy pita bread.

King’s Gyro is something to bring home— or enjoy at their one table—that’s a little outside the norm. Take the time for lunch or dinner, even just to treat yourself, and see what your tastebuds have been missing. King’s Gyro & Corner Kebab is located at 952 Nord Avenue in Chico. They’re open from 11am-9pm every day of the week, but usually sell out by 7pm.

The GRILL

Imagine

A Chico State restaurateur has teamed up with local families to create a vibrant new dining experience. Together, they are bringing a fresh and exciting new energy to the downtown food scene that is sure to delight.

Feel

Step into our home in the heart of Downtown Chico. Our experienced team is ready to welcome you to The Grill at the Diamond, set in the beautiful Historical Diamond Hotel. Visit once and become a part of our family.

Discover

Come spend a night out with our upscale yet approachable comfort food, expertly crafted cocktails, and warm and thoughtful service. Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy the best of what Downtown Chico has to offer.

The Genius of Jimmy Fay

Many names come to mind when you think of the iconic Chico band Spark ‘n Cinder, but Jimmy Fay is the name at the top of the list. As Jimmy says, “If the band was a steam locomotive, I shoveled more coal than anyone else.” The line-up of musicians from the band is formidable and lengthy, with many members coming and going, some briefly and some playing for years, but Jimmy Fay has been there through every iteration.

Jimmy started on the piano at nine years old in New Jersey and shifted his focus to drums at ten, where one snare drum soon gave way to myriad additions. Eventually, he was performing in bars with his brother’s band around the Union City and Jersey City locales where he had the experience of playing with a group of Cuban musicians. He learned the Caribbean beat during those jam sessions and later incorporated it into Spark ‘n Cinder.

Jimmy also played with black musicians in the area, and he practiced across town for four years in their neighborhoods. In 1967, civil rights riots occurred in the area and suddenly the police were out on patrol. “I’d been going over there to practice for years. One day the cops showed up and stopped me outside. The four of them kicked my ass, and I thought I was going to die. It was crazy.” One

group he played with is still together, The Royal Counts. Jimmy sums that time up in New Jersey, “That’s cuttin’ your teeth playin’ in those places. That’s a tough gig!”

A few years later, Fay ended up in Chico with some other New Jersey musicians. He soon found himself playing in Jack Straw, a local band, and then in the East West Transcendental Spark and Cinder Band. That was soon shortened to Spark ‘n Cinder, and the rest is 37 years of history. Jimmy has played with other bands over the years including Supa Nova, Mother Hips, Black Uhuru, and more recently the Pub Scouts and Dylan’s Dharma.

Local percussionist Michael Tonetti— whose friendship with Spark ‘n Cinder goes back to the beginning—said, “Jimmy is a genius. He’s just one of the best musicians around. Drums or mandolin— when he puts down a track, he never has to do another take.” Jimmy’s next project, with engineer Brian Asher, is tentatively titled The Artist Formerly Known as Spark ‘n Cinder—a definite Jimmy Fay idea.

Fay credits his children, Casey and Nikki, with keeping him grounded and in Chico all these years. “I’m lucky to have those kids,” he said. “They’ve been a big part of my life.”

WRITTEN BY TIM MILHORN

The Surreal Creations of Kayla Grozea

The world is full of cool kids, but it takes non-stop calls to schools and youth organizations to find them. Sometimes you get lucky and a cool kid appears as if by providence. A chance observation of the artwork on the wall of Mugshots Coffee in Oroville is what it took to discover Kayla Grozea. A remarkable painting and a few intriguing drawings pulled us in, and a call to Las Plumas High School put us in touch with Rita Torres, Kayla’s art teacher.

“Kayla has such a wonderful presence; she is kind, creative, and easy to talk with. Her work shows the years of daily practice

she has dedicated to art. Her artistic eye is growing and changing as she experiments with new mediums.” Kayla is quick to praise her teacher too. “Ms. Torres pushes you to get the most out of your artwork, but I push myself as well.”

Kayla’s interest in art began in kindergarten at Ophir School and progressed with various forms into seventh grade at Stream Charter School. Now a junior at Las Plumas High School, she uses acrylics, watercolors, pencils, and other forms. She entered her brilliant painting “The Flyover NorCal Rice Fields” in a contest sponsored

by Congressman Doug LaMalfa. It is an amazing blend of the real and surreal, with vibrant greens, blues, and reds exploding off the canvas. But it wasn’t till Kayla opened up her drawing pad that surrealism showed itself.

In a fantastic riot of imagination, page after page of intricate and fine detail—born in the depths of Kayla’s hidden world—with combinations of dragon-like scorpions, dinosaurs crossed with alien life forms, and amalgams of the truly awesome you need to see to understand. It is an incredible display.

While Kayla plans on concentrating on art her senior year, she had a sort of epiphany this winter where she decided to improve across the board in her classes. She said, “I enjoy the teachers at Las Plumas, and I enjoy school because I’m good at it. I just want to excel at everything.” Among her favorite teachers are Ms. Torres, Pamela Johnson, and Matt McCombs. Each has encouraged her to fulfill her dreams.

Currently, that dream is to attend the Butte College Fire Academy and become a firefighter, an endeavor her parents, Robert and Rebecca, fully endorse. Kayla also credits her grandfather, Sica Cristescu, with being a positive influence in her life.

bring us home

Butte County has an inordinately high number of animals in need of adoption due to a number of factors including wildfires, floods, and irresponsible breeding. Please consider adoption as an option for increasing the love in your own household. These soon-to-be pets can be adopted by contacting the Northwest SPCA at (530) 533-7636. You can also visit their website at www.northwestspca.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JUNE 3

Paradise Police and Fire Station

Open House @ 10AM-2PM

CAll families are invited to participate in this fun and free local event for children of all ages! Free to attend!

National Trail Stewardship Day @ Paradise Lake 8AM-2PM

Meet at Paradise Lake to reconnect with nature while you get your hands a little dirty helping clean up beautiful trails.

JUNE 4

Jenny Don't & The Spurs + The Family Band @ Duffy's Tavern, 7:30PM

Jenny Don't and the gang is back in Chico, on a Sunday night! Local support from The Family Band. $10 presale, tickets can be found at www.jennydontandthespurs.com

JUNE 10

Run With the Law 5K and 1 Miler at 1099 Woodland Ave in Chico from 8AM-12PM

Coin the Butte County Correctional Officer’s Association for the annual Run with the Law to help support the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Money raised will assist with community outreach like the Trunk or Treat, scholarships, sports sponsorship, and much more.

Neverland @ CUSD Center for the Arts at PV High School, 5:30PM

A show for the whole family that will be a highlight of your summer. Based on J.M Barrie’s classic tale. Cost is $12-$18

Girl Named Tom at Gold Country Casino in Oroville. Doors open at 7PM

Small-town sibling trio Girl Named Tom seeks to create harmony in a world divided. With their distinctive harmonies and heartfelt performances, Bekah, Joshua and Caleb Liechty won the hearts of America while becoming the only group to ever win NBC’s “The Voice.” In addition to their chart-topping covers (“River,” “The Chain,” & “Dust in the Wind” among others), GNT writes original music that will almost certainly project them to becoming the bestknown harmony trio of their generation.

JUNE 11

Brad Paisley @ Rolling Hills' Obsidian Amphitheater at 8PM

Brad Paisley is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Starting with his 1999 debut album Who Needs Pictures, he has released twelve studio albums and a Christmas compilation on the Arista Nashville label, with all of his albums certified Gold or higher by the RIAA.

JUNE 18

Aaron Lewis @ Rolling Hills' Obsidian Amphitheater at 8PM

Aaron Lewis is an American singersongwriter and musician hailing from Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Best known as the lead singer of rock/metal group Staind, he has now forged a solo career as a country musician.

JUNE 20

Pollinator Day at the Orland Library at 333 Mill Street in Orland from 11AM-12:30PM

Free kid activities at Orland Library at 333 Mill St, Orland. Come celebrate Pollinator Week with us and learn about our favorite pollinator, the honeybee!

Soroptomist Craft Brew Festival at 1705 Manzanita Ave in Chico, from 2PM-6PM Soroptimist Bidwell Rancho took a few years off from hosting this event during the pandemic, but they’re back this year and better than ever! This year promises to be a great one for the Brew Fest, so get your tickets early. www.ChicoCraftBrewFest.com

JUNE 23

Gavin DeGraw at Gold Country Casino in Oroville. Doors open at 7PM Gold Country Casino Resort Welcomes

GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi-platinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw’s inimitable voice and soulful style which boldly bloomed on his 2003 platinumcertified full-length debut, Chariot. It included the gold single “Follow Through,” as well as both platinum hits, “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want To Be.” Now, he stitches his own soundtracked with a signature fusion of pop, soul, country, folk and funk.

JUNE 24

LIVE Music at Allies Pub in Chico: The Matt & Shawni Band from 1PM-4PM

Visit Allies Pub for an afternoon of live music. Grab a pint and some pub grub with some friends and start the weekend off right! Reservations STRONGLY recommended and can be made easily on their website www.TheAlliesPub.com

Party At The Pool at 5600 Recreation Drive in Paradise from 8PM-11PM

An outdoor movie event and fundraiser for the Paradise swimming community. See Finding Dory on a 30-foot screen while floating in the pool! Donations welcome.

JUNE 26-JULY 7

Musical Theater Camp at Chico Creek Dance from 9AM-12PM

This two-week camp teaches children the fundamentals of dance through musical theater. Ages 4-8, $375 to attend. Call (530) 893-9028 to sign up.

JUNE 26-29

Ninja Fun Summer Camp at Kinetics Academy of Dance in Chico

This camp is designed specifically for young kids who love to swing, climb and jump. We’ll guide them through learning a new obstacle course each day. Campers will practice strength, balancing and endurance exercises. With crafts, games and open gym time your kiddo will stay busy and get plenty of exercise! Call (530) 345-2505 to sign up.

JUNE 30

LIVE at the Barn at Meriam Park: The Band Pink House from 4:30PM-7PM

Pink House is an alternative/rock band that performs original music sprinkled with complementary customized covers within the set-list. Add a high energy, visually appealing performance with a cross-genre blended instrumentation style, and the result is a fresh approach to the current norm. The band was formed in the fall of 2022 by multi-instrumentalist, and worldrenowned drummer, award winning singer/ songwriter, and published author Lou Mars. Free to attend.