Upgraded Living October 2015 by Upgraded Living

OCTOBER 2015 UPGRADEDLIVING.COM

NORTHERN VALLEY LIFESTYLE

214 Main Street . Chico, California (530) 345-1500 . GabrielleFerrar.com

STORE CLOSING

SALE ALL INVENTORY MUST GO!

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

W O L R HA HEART &

A NEW WOMEN’S STORE BY:

OPENS NOVEMBER IN DOWNTOWN CHICO 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER Over the past eight years at Upgraded Living, I’ve had the honor of being invited into the homes and lives of some of our community’s most notable members. They’ve opened their hearts and shared their stories with me — their triumphs, their failures, their joys, and their sorrows. They allowed me to be a part of their book, a number of times, as in the case of Helen Bell and Chris Copely, during their last chapter. Each story has been unique and each individual remarkable. When we titled the first of these interviews, “Local Legend,” we truly had no idea just how much each of our following interviewees would live up to the name. In this issue, I had the pleasure of interviewing someone who I consider to be a close friend, and yet, someone whose story I was truly ignorant of. Harold Park is probably best known as the co-owner of House of Rice, the store he and his wife, Catherine, share on Broadway Street in Downtown Chico. Located next to my store, Formal Education, I’ve worked alongside Harold and Catherine for the past three years. We’ve enjoyed more than our fair share of coffee, conversation, and laughter, but until this issue, we hadn’t shared tears. They were kind enough to share their story with me, and I’m honored to share it with you. My time with the two of them reminded me of just how surface-level many of our relationships are. There are very few people in each of our lives whose stories we truly know and it is, after all, these stories that make each of us who we are. To work so closely with two people for as many years as I have, consider them to be such close friends, and still not know their story is incredibly eye-opening. At the very least, it is a reminder of the importance of digging a little deeper and getting to know those around us on a deeper level than who is projected on the surface. I am challenging myself, during the month of October, to do just that — dig a little deeper. I hope you will join me in that challenge. Invest the time to get to know just one person better than you normally would. I think you’ll find, as I did with Harold and Catherine, that you’ll learn a bit more about yourself by doing so. In this issue, we dig a bit deeper and cover the triumph of five cancer survivors. Their stories of overcoming despair and remaining vigilant in the face of cancer are true testaments to the human Aveed Khaki spirit. We’re humbled by their journey Publisher and hope it serves as a reminder to create an early detection plan and support breast cancer research and awareness throughout the month of October. For advertising or editorial inquiries, please contact Upgraded Living at (530) 894-8091 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

Aveed Khaki PUBLISHER/OWNER Erin Wenham EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jason Corona

Frank Rebelo

SALES DIRECTOR

PHOTOGRAPHER

Darren Michels

Michelle Camy

PRODUCT INTEGRATION & MOBILITY STRATEGY

PHOTOGRAPHER

Alyssa Worley WRITER Natalie Dempsey ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Matthew Manfredi WRITER Kacey Gardner WRITER JACOB HUTCHISON WRITER

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Asad Amir

Brian Pierce

HEALTH

BEAUTY Q&A

Dr. Deepak Khanna

Renee Michel &

HEALTH

Joe Sweeney FINANCE

Dana Grant HEALTH

Dr. Vimali Paul, M.D. SKIN CARE

Kerilynn Fergeson HEALTH

Annabelle Pearl COOL KID

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OCTOBER 2015 UPGRAD EDLIVING .COM

NORTHERN VALLEY

LIFESTYLE

MOVING SALE

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UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Dear Jessen, I am writing this letter in the hopes that you will someday understand how strong and courageous of a person you are. You have been through so much already at the age of 5, having survived stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma, and yet you can’t help but live your life with a smile on your face. As soon as I met you, you came running to me with a huge grin and at that moment my heart melted. As you climbed onto my lap and hugged me close, at that moment I realized you are not the boy who had cancer — you are the boy who has not let cancer alter your jubilant attitude toward life. Everyone has challenges in life. It is not the challenges in life that define who we are but how we respond to the challenges life throws at us. Through six rounds of chemo, five surgeries, a stem cell transplant, radiation, and antibody treatment, you have gone through so much in so little time. Nonetheless, you are a ray of sunshine; like the sun’s rays you cannot help but affect everyone around you, leaving them with hope. Although you may have a different story than other five year olds, you are not limited in what you can accomplish. You play t-ball, draw pictures of tractors, enjoy kindergarten, and love vanilla ice cream! Right now, you love tractors and you hope you can drive one someday. As you sit up on the tractor and drive it for the first time,

COOL KID

VIA

think back to the many days you were in the hospital and recognize how far you have come. At five years old, you have had the opportunity for an endless amount of adventures, terrific travels, and magnificent memories. Your favorite book “Good Night, Good Night, Construction Site” by Sherry Rinker inspired your love of tractors. Meeting the author in Illinois was a once in a lifetime experience. In addition, your paintings have been printed on recyclable bags all throughout Chico and sold at local fundraising auctions. One art piece is even hanging in the state capitol! Lastly, you and your mom wrote a list of things you wanted to do when you were healthy again — things such as zip-lining, swimming with dolphins, and riding in a hot air balloon. You were able to experience all these things and many more because of your exuberant personality. I believe everyone has a gift. Your gift is incredibly special; no practice is required, nor weeks of studying or rehearsing. Your gift is bringing joy to others. Being a cancer survivor will forever be a part of your life, but it does not define who you are. You are defined by your dreams, your hopes, your wishes, and your personality. Never forget to smile (I know that won’t be difficult!) and enjoy every moment of the beautiful, unpredictable, precious thing that is life.

ANNABELLE PEARL

Annabelle Pearl writes about cool kids each month and, at 15 years old, she is our youngest writer and quite the cool kid herself! Find Annabelle Pearl on Facebook to suggest cool kids you’d like to shine the spotlight on.

BY JACOB HUTCHISON PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

COOL KID JESSEN WELCHEL

Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates

BY JACOB HUTCHISON PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

Going Beyond Beauty

It’s hard not to be comfortable sitting in the office of plastic surgeons Dr. Kevin Myers and Dr. Emily Hartmann at Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates. Jazz transitioned into Johnny Cash and eventually The Rolling Stones as I spoke with the two surgeons, whose welcoming demeanor was only outdone by the passion they had for their patients. Dr. Myers has been practicing plastic surgery in Chico for 11 years and recently added Dr. Hartmann to the team, early in September. Their passion for their work is the driving force behind the practice. “There’s no part of the body we don’t operate on,” Dr. Hartmann said. “Our field is designed to think outside the box.” The team performs all forms of cosmetic surgery as well as all forms of reconstructive surgery including breast and facial, which addresses deformities and injuries or any physical attributes causing health issues. Dr. Myers grew up in the small town of Wooster, Ohio. After spending three years in the army, he attended medical school at Columbia University. He completed his plastic surgery training at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and had a fellowship in hand and microsurgery in San Francisco at the Buncke Clinic. He was looking for a place for he and his wife to call home when the two found Chico. “It’s a nice town because of the college

(and) the arts scene,” Dr. Myers said. “I knew we could live here just coming up to visit.” Dr. Hartmann was born and raised in Chico and completed her undergraduate studies at Chico State. After finishing medical school at Georgetown University, she went on to the University of Wisconsin to complete her plastic surgery residency. She continued to excel in a cosmetic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills, where she gained experience among experts in plastic surgery. When she returned to Chico to visit her family, she had somewhat of a revelation. “I woke up one morning while visiting my family and thought, ‘I wonder what it would be like to come back here and practice?’” Hartmann said. She wanted to give back to the community she grew up with. “I looked up plastic surgeons in Chico and Dr. Myers called me back almost immediately,” Dr. Hartmann said. “At first he just gave me general advice about jobs. Then, about a year later we started talking more seriously. All the pieces just fell into place; it really felt like it was meant to be.” Dr. Hartmann, who is now a married mother of three, joined Dr. Myers at the perfect time. Plastic surgery is a competitive market in Chico, but Dr. Hartmann stood out above the rest with her extensive experience. According to Dr. Myers, “she was the ideal person” for the position. Most of what we see regarding plastic surgery on television, purely cosmetic surgery, is only a small part of what surgeons

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generally do. In fact, Dr. Myers estimates that the majority of their surgeries are necessary reconstructions. These are surgeries in which hands, legs and other body parts are brought back to life after tragic accidents and or complications from other surgeries. While the art of recreating body parts is the key to the fun Dr. Myers and Dr. Hartmann have, it’s those who come to them for work that truly motivate them. “The patients are so appreciative,” Dr. Hartmann said. “It’s a very rewarding field.” Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates have chosen a different method for consultations than what many are accustomed to. While many doctors try to optimize their time, they optimize the time of their potential patients. “There’s a lot of pressure on physicians to pack in as much as you can to maintain an office,” he said. “I understand the economics of that but I’ve always hated it. I like to give people time.” With Dr. Hartmann on board, they are planning on moving to a new location in Chico to make room for additional office space and an operating suite. “It’s our joint venture,” Hartmann said. “Fresh paint on the walls and we get to design it however we want it.” “We’ll have a facility to do more in the office in terms of procedures and forms of anesthesia,” Myers added. “It will be a lot more flexible.”

To learn more about Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates, Inc. located at 251 Cohasset Rd #340 in Chico, call (530) 345-5900.

Do the leaves under your tree look like this?

Help us honor one incredible veteran on Veterans Day this coming November 11th, with $1,500 in free tree work to ensure that the trees sheltering their home are prepared for the upcoming rainy season. For more details, visit our facebook page. ww www.FB.com/mswtree

El NiĂąo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it seems to be all the media is talking about these days, and for good reason. With the potential to refill our reservoirs and lift our great state from the longest drought in recorded rainfall history, its popularity comes as no surprise. Unfortunately, with the promise of tremendous rainfall, comes the promise of devastating winds. Improperly pruned tree canopies act as giant wind sails that pull a tree in the direction of the wind wind. Compromised root systems caused by the drought make our trees especially susceptible to being uprooted by these winds, potentially causing catastrophic damage like that shown in the photo above. Schedule a proper pruning before the upcoming rainy season hits and R A D E D L I V I N G your .COM OC T O B E R 2against 015 16 U P Gsafeguard help trees the wind that follows.

By Erin Wenham

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE CAMY

Fall is in the air! It’s time to enjoy all that the season has to offer. From pumpkins and petting zoos, to corn mazes and candy corn, we have your family’s guide to all things fall in Butte County this year. Carve out some time this month to enjoy the crisp air and harvest activities that make this season so welcomed. Happy harvest! TJ Farms Estates 3600 Chico Ave., Chico What you’ll find: Pumpkin patch, 16 varieties of pumpkins, hay ride, animals to feed, bouncy house, country store, seasonal vegetables for sale.

Mark the calendar: Pumpkin patch opens Saturday, October 3rd Weekdays - 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Weekends - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Free admission and parking! Get the full scoop: www.tjfarmsestates.com (530)-343-2294

Country Pumpkins

PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTRY PUMPKINS

s e ?

Autumn Attractions

7152 Hwy. 32, Orland What you’ll find: Pumpkin patch, corn maze, haunted corn maze, hay pyramid, farm animals, children’s activities Mark the calendar: Open daily through the month of October 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Get the full scoop: www.countrypumpkins.net

Johnny Appleseed Days

Historic Hawes Farms

Terry Ashe Park 6626 Skyway, Paradise

21923 Dersch Rd, Andersone

What you’ll find: A two-day fall festival to celebrate Paradise’s apple heritage. This year, the community celebrates the 127th anniversary of this historic and treasured tradition. Bring the whole family to enjoy apple pie and ice cream, handcrafted wares from artisans all over the state, children’s activities, and non-stop entertainment all weekend! Mark the calendar: Saturday, October 3rd 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday, October 4th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What you’ll find: A plethora of family harvest fun in a historic farm setting. The activities are plentiful to say the least –– take a train ride, navigate the corn maze, pick your own pumpkin, enjoy an evening campfire, or brave the Hawes Haunted Acres! Historic Hawes Farm has something for every member of the family to enjoy. Check out their website for a full list of activities, hours, and pricing.

Get the full scoop: http://historichawesfarms.com (530) 365-8488

Get the full scoop: www.paradisechamber.com/johnny-appleseed-days (530) 877-9356 17

Oct. 3 - 25th

Autumnfest Oct. 10th & 11th

Fiber Fusion, Stock Dog Trials & Sierra Oro Farm Trail Nov. 6th No

Break Bread with a Farmer Dinner Dec. 4th, 5th & 6th

Annual Fine Arts Show & Sale

10381 MIDWAY IN DURHAM, CA 95938

patrickranchmuseum.org (530) 342-4359

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BY AVEED KHAKI PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

Perking up The Perk

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Bidwell Perk is one of the longest standing cafes in the Chico area. The quaint little coffee house on the corner of Mangrove and East 1st avenues is more reminiscent of a charm-and-character home than it is a coffee shop. Perhaps it’s exactly this cozy nature that keeps patrons coming back day-after-day and year-after-year. Most of what you see today in Upgraded Living developed from meetings shared around the tables on their patio, so it’s no surprise that “The Perk” has a bit of a special place reserved in our hearts. Three years ago, we interviewed the cafe’s owners, Gentry and Michelle Power, and asked about the future of this local favorite of ours. Michelle mentioned that she hoped to someday expand their offerings to include beer and wine. Three short years later, she’s doing exactly that. As travel enthusiasts, Michelle and Gentry have spent a fair share of their travels frequenting cafes throughout Europe. When it came time for Michelle to redesign the interior of Bidwell Perk, she took her inspiration from a number of the cafes she visited during her travels. Along the way she came up with the name One Mile Wines and when the opportunity to open a wine bar presented itself, she jumped at the chance. Citing the old Redwood Forest Restaurant in Downtown Chico, Michelle was looking to develop a similar setting where visitors could enjoy a glass of beer or wine along with a small plate, like quiche or a salad, and not feel as if they were at a bar. Instead of abandoning The Perk’s cafe roots, Michelle decided to blend the two, extend their operating hours, and house everything under one roof. Now, in their fourth

week with in-house beer and wine, the concept is proving to be a runaway success. Rather than simply add a handful of standard beers and wines to the menu, Michelle sought out options that weren’t already readily available in town, like Domaine Laroque’s chardonnay from France, Schramsberg’s Mirabelle Brüt sparkling wine from Calistoga, and Angeline’s pinot noir from Sonoma County. Where beers are concerned, the Duvel Golden Ale, Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale, and Ballast Point Sculpin IPA provide The Perk with a delicious set of import and craft beer offerings. For those who are gluten-conscious, The Perk also offers Crispin Original Cider. With house wines starting at just $6 per glass and beers starting at $4, there’s something here for everyone. It isn’t just the beer and wine though, that make this new venture particularly appealing — the food selection has been elevated as well. To the prior menu of salads, sandwiches, and pastries, The Perk has added baked brie, hot artichoke dip, asparagus & aioli, a caprese plate, and bruschetta. Better yet, each plate was developed to pair perfectly with a glass of one of their new in-house beverages, and a number of them feature local products like Morse Farms’ mandarin jam and Lucero Olive Oil’s balsamic vinegar. With an incredibly affordable happy hour menu to round out the list of new offerings, we can’t help but be excited about what the future has in store for The Perk. Secretly, we hear they have plans to expand their patio to make room for live music as well. Stop by when you have a moment and see what’s new at Bidwell Perk. We’ll look forward to seeing you there.

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Bidwell Perk, located at 664 E 1st Avenue in Chico, is open seven days a week — 6am-7pm weekdays and 6:30am-6:00pm on weekends. Call 530-899-1500 for more information.

Support breast cancer research and awareness throughout October at

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS.

Seeing is Believing Give the gift of vision this holiday season!

PHOTO BY ERIN WENHAM

SO GOOD, IT’S IN OUR NAME OVER 40 KINDS OF IN-HOUSE MADE BEEF, PORK OR CHICKEN SAUSAGES

196 EAST 14TH STREET CHICO, CA 95928 (530) 343-7370 Cinful Dessert’s

Ingredients: 1 box cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box) 2 lbs orange chocolate candy melts (~3 bags)

1-2 tbsp vegetable shortening 4 ounces green chocolate candy melts 48 sucker sticks

Caramel Apples & Pumpkin You have Pie Truﬄes the fun...

Instructions: Bake your favorite cake in a 9x13 pan. Cool completely. Crumble the cake into a large bowl (you should not see any large pieces of cake). Add about 8 ounces of frosting. Mash together with the back of a spoon. Add more frosting as needed. The mixture should be moist enough to roll into 1 ½ inch balls and still hold a round shape.

...we’ll clean the mess!

After rolling the cake balls by hand, place them on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Take one of your sucker sticks and make the pumpkin indentions in the cake ball. Chill in the refrigerator for about one hour. Place about one pound of orange chocolate candy melts into a microwaveable bowl and melt following instructions on the package. If the chocolate seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable shortening to thin it out.

Monday - Saturday 10 -5pm 1183 Bille Road, Paradise 530-872-9167 24

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Take a few cake balls out of the refrigerator at a time. Dip your sucker stick into the melted candy then insert into the cake ball no more than half way. Stand the pops upright by sticking them into a piece of styrofoam. Once these are set, dip the cake pops completely into the chocolate. Let the excess drip back into the bowl. Tap the stick on the side of the bowl to help remove any excess. Melt a small amount of green chocolate and fill a disposable pastry bag or ziplock bag. Cut off the tip, then pipe pumpkin stem and tendrils.

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Cinful Desserts is located at 752 East Avenue, Chico Visit www.cinfuldesserts.com or call (530) 354-0848 for more information.

PHOTO FRANK REBELO

family gatherings business parties Enjoy Our night Fresh Fall Treats or game

Cake Pops

PHOTO FRANK REBELO

This Season

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Tiramisu

PHOTO FRANK REBELO

Ingredients: 6 egg yolks 1 cup sugar 1¼ cup mascarpone cheese 1¾ cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions: Combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler, over boiling water. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly. This is your sabayon. Remove from the heat and whip yolks until thick and lemon colored. Add mascarpone to whipped yolks, and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream in the mascarpone sabayon mixture and set aside. Mix the cold espresso with the coffee liquer and dip the lady fingers into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. Do not soak them! Arrange the lady fingers in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish (or container similarly sized). Spoon half the mascarpone cream filling over the lady fingers. Repeat process with another layer of lady fingers and cream. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Dust with cocoa before serving.

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Forcella is located at 1600 Mangrove Ave. #175 in Chico Visit www.forcellabistro.com or call (530) 809-1530 for more information.

So where do you start? The first step in living a healthier life is to first see where you are right now. Find out what your body mass index (BMI) is as well as your body fat percentage and how it compares to a healthy weight. Start keeping a record of what you eat and drink each day and how much you exercise. Once you start writing it down, you may learn things you never knew about your habits. You could be drinking four sodas a day and not even realize it. There are several free smartphone apps out there that help you monitor your food and exercise. A few of my favorites are Loseit and Myfitnesspal. Taking stock of where you are now gives you a sense of what needs to change. The next step is very important — you have to make a long-term commitment. If you’re going to change your eating and

Holiday Weight Planning

weeks or six months. You have to decide that you’re motivated to make changes that will last for the rest of your life. Once

In my house, October is the gateway to

total) were due to obesity. For women, it

you have made a mental change, making

worsening eating habits: It starts with Hal-

was 50,500 news cases or 7 percent of the

and maintaining a physical change will be

loween candy, then there’s Thanksgiving in-

total. If obesity trends continue, the NCI

much easier, especially with the right sup-

dulgences, followed by a seemingly endless

projects roughly 500,000 additional cases

port system. One of the programs we use,

run of holiday parties. It is nearly impossible

of obesity-caused cancer by 2030.

Take Shape for Life, has a simple acronym,

to get through it without putting on a few

Cancer is already the nation’s second

“BeSlim,” to help remember six core behav-

extra pounds. For many of us, that means

most common cause of death after heart

iors that have been proven to help maintain

we are even more likely to be over our ideal

disease, killing more than 585,000 Ameri-

a healthy weight:

body weight. Sure, we all want to look good

cans each year. An expanding obesity rate

in our clothes, but being obese is not just

gives it a better shot at becoming the num-

Breakfast every day

a condition that affects our appearance.

ber one killer.

Exercise

More than two-thirds of U.S. adults are

It’s difficult to say exactly how obesity fits

overweight or obese, which comes with a

into the cancer-causing equation, but the

Low-fat meals 5-6 times a day

long list of associated health risks, among

good news is that studies also show that by

Individual plan

them: coronary heart disease, stroke, high

losing a few pounds, you can start to turn

Monitoring

blood pressure, type 2 diabetes — and can-

your health around and with it, decrease

cer. Since October is National Breast Cancer

your susceptibility to cancer. According

If you make a mistake and have an off-

Awareness Month, and the beginning of in-

to the folks at WebMD, ‘’Lifestyle changes

plan day or meal, know that it’s okay. Don’t

evitable parties, it’s the perfect time to talk

that include healthier diets, regular physi-

beat yourself up about it; learn from it.

about the link between obesity and cancer.

cal activity, and weight loss of 7%-10% have

You’re changing a lifelong habit and it won’t

Dr. Scott M. Lippman, the Director of UC

shown phenomenal health benefits that can

happen overnight. Remember the 21/90

be more effective than medications.

rule. It takes 21 days to create a habit, and it

San Diego Moores Cancer Center wrote an

exercise habits, you won’t be done after six

Support

article talking about this very subject. He

Lowering body weight can reverse or

stated, “An ever-growing number of stud-

prevent diabetes, lower blood pressure,

ies show that packing on excess pounds

cholesterol, and

increases the risk for cancer, most notably

improve sleep apnea and other sleep prob-

Cornell University Certified

colon, pancreas, kidney, thyroid, breast,

lems — along with helping you feel better

Plant Based Nutrition

uterine, esophageal and gallbladder.”

about yourself.

Villanova Certified TSFL

triglyceride levels, and

takes 90 days to create a lifestyle. Keri Lynn Ferguson

The numbers are alarming and likely to

90% of all diabetes, 80% of heart dis-

worsen. In 2007, the National Cancer Insti-

ease, and 60% of cancers are preventable

530-636-0766

tute (NCI) estimated that 34,000 new cases

with healthier lifestyles and normal body

www.lifethelifestyle.net

of cancer in men (4 percent of the annual

weights.”

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Health Coach

Keri Lynn Ferguson is a certified health coach located in Chico. For more information in achieving your health goals, visit www.lifethelifestyle.net

Kerilynn’s

Tuna Steak with Mediterranean salad, almond pesto, and sauce vierge Ingredients: 2 (6-ounce) wild-caught yellowfin tuna fillets 3 tablespoons Basil-almond pesto ½ cup artichoke hearts, quartered 5 ounces organic green beans 1 organic Roma tomato 2 cloves organic garlic, peeled

⅓ cup organic green olives 6-8 sprigs organic parsley 1 large organic roasted red pepper 1 large organic roasted yellow pepper 2 loosely packed cups organic baby spinach

Basil Pesto Ingredients: 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped 1 ½ tbsp almonds, sliced 2 tbsp avocado oil Salt to taste ½ clove garlic, peeled and minced

Instructions: Step 1: Make the pesto. Combine all basil pesto ingredients in blender except oil. Blend until mostly smooth, adding about 1-2 teaspoons water if necessary. While blender is running, slowly pour in oil. Season to taste. Step 2: Cook green beans. Fill a medium pot two-thirds full with lightly salted water. Bring to boil. Trim ends off green beans and cut in half. Add to pot and boil 5 minutes. Green beans should be bright green and slightly crunchy when done. Step 3: Add green beans and toss vegetables. Strain and rinse green beans under cold water. Place in a medium bowl. Add artichoke hearts, sliced roasted peppers, baby spinach, and basil pesto. Toss to coat and combine. Salt and pepper to taste. Step 4: Chop olives and parsley. Roughly chop olives and place in second, smaller bowl. De-stem parsley and roughly chop leaves. Add to olives. Step 5: Dice tomato. Cut tomato in half lengthwise. Remove core. Roughly chop tomato into about ¼-inch wide pieces, similar in size to the green olives. Add tomatoes to olives and parsley. Step 6: Finish sauce. Mince garlic. Add to olive mix. Add about 3-4 tablespoons olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir and set aside. Step 7: Sear tuna. Pat tuna steaks dry with paper towel. Salt and generously pepper. Heat about 1 ½ tablespoons cooking oil in a medium sauté pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add tuna steaks to hot pan. Sear about 3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust develops. Cook longer for more well-done piece of tuna. Step 8: Plate your dish. Divide pesto vegetable salad between plates. Slice tuna steaks on a bias into about 4-5 pieces each. Fan tuna across vegetable salad and top with sauce vierge. Enjoy!

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Join Keri Lynn for a healthy cooking demonstration, Wednesday, October 21 at Cabana Cafe, located inside In Motion Fitness at 11:30am.

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North State Audiological Services

BY KACEY GARDNER PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

Celebrating 20 Years of Serving the North State ... Because Hearing Is A Wonderful Gift! As a teenager in the 1970s, Crystal Chalmers, Au.D., Doctor of Audiology, worked with seniors in convalescent homes, earning money that would help put her through college. But what she ended up finding through this work was not only the means of affording an education, but also a passion for a field of study that would become her life’s calling. It all started one day when, while lining a patient’s dresser drawers, she came across an object she had never seen before. “I took it up to the front, and they told me what it was,” Crystal recalls. “It was a hearing aid. Big guy. Big, huge hearing aid.” She took the hearing aid to a local repairman who fixed it for her and showed her how to use it. The patient who it belonged to was a 95-year-old woman who everyone had assumed was deaf. Back then, hearing loss was thought to be connected to aging, and in the ’70s, 95 was old. “I went back to the room, put it in her ear, and I said the horrible thing: ‘Can you hear me now?’” Crystal recalls with a shake of her head. “And she said, ‘No one’s talked to me in years.’” The woman in question came from a very well-connected, political family, and she had a fascinating life — full of incredible stories. “When you have someone like that in front of you, you realize the stories get lost if you can’t hear,” Crystal says. “It’s important for

people to hear so that they can tell their stories, they can listen to other people’s stories, and be a part of life.” In the decades since, Dr. Chalmers has made it her life’s work helping people to hear. She is the owner of North State Audiological Services in Chico, celebrating 20 years this October as a thriving — and still growing — practice. Dr. Chalmers, and the team she’s assembled, provide a level of hearing care that Chico is lucky to have in its backyard — bringing in people from the North State and beyond for state-of-the-art hearing aid technology, advanced hearing testing, tinnitus services, and AudigyCertified patient care and best practices. For Dr. Chalmers, fellow audiologist Traci Long, M.A., CCC-A, and each member of the support staff, the work is a passion first and a job second. “It’s what we do every single day because we love it,” says Debbie Martin, an audiology aide and patient care liaison. “It’s not a 9 to 5 — figuratively and literally.” What’s so rewarding about the job for the staff — which also includes audiology aide and patient care liaison Aubrey Lee, and front office staff Angelica Martinez — is how successfully diagnosing and treating hearing difficulties changes people’s lives. Dr. Chalmers says many people first come into the practice with misconceptions and low expectations — they’ve either had or heard of

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bad experiences at other places, or simply don’t want to wear a hearing aid. It’s nice to be able to change those opinions and expectations, she says, by showing people what their hearing can be. “There’s instant gratification,” she says. “That’s one thing we get around here.” These days, as life has gotten louder and louder for many because of societal and technological advances, hearing difficulty is becoming more and more prevalent. The Baby Boomer generation will be the first generation to really experience an explosion of hearing loss, Dr. Chalmers says. And it’s a problem that can have unseen consequences if not treated, affecting memory and other brain processes. “When you treat hearing, you’re not changing the ears, you’re not changing a thing that the ears can do, but you are giving the brain the information it needs to stay happy, healthy, and processing successfully,” she says. With 20 years behind them and many more to come, Dr. Chalmers and the rest at North State Audiological Services look forward to helping this and future generations to care for their hearing — preserving their stories and connection to the world around them. “It’s a very wonderful life around here,” she says. “We’re really blessed to help people in their lives. It’s huge to know that the practice is creating a legacy and will be in Chico for a very long time.”

To learn more about North State Audiological Services, located at 15 Jan Court in Chico, visit nsaudiology.com or call 1 (888) 876-7450.

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BEAUTY Q&A

The Art of Massage

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Getting a massage is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. They can be like a mini vacation for the body and mind. Massages offer an exceptional amount of benefits that stem from countless different techniques and styles. A good massage therapist can adjust their style in many different ways to offer you the most rewarding experience for any given concern. That being said, there are several things that you, the client, can do to ensure you’re getting the most out of your massage treatment. 圀攀猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀琀栀攀㨀

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How long should I book my service for? It depends on what your therapy goals are. If you want to relieve a headache or another specific body part, then a half hour may be adequate. I don’t think people get massages often enough so I recommend they get at least an hour, if not 90 minutes. How do I know what service is right for me? It may take some time and experience for you to find the most rewarding type of massage for you. A relaxing Swedish massage focuses on long, soothing strokes and is often used in conjunction with other techniques. Deep tissue and Sports massage are more vigorous and intense, however they are longer lasting. Shiatsu or acupressure massage works with your body’s pressure points to help release tense areas. Thai massage encompasses acupressure and assisted yoga stretches to relieve soreness. Many therapists are trained in several techniques and will blend them into your session. I encourage you to try several different techniques and therapists to discover what is available. . What type of clothing should I wear? Wear what makes you comfortable. A Certified Massage Therapist wants you to feel relaxed and safe, and will work with you to ensure your enjoyment. Should I talk during the massage? Personally, I don’t like to talk while I’m getting a massage, however I do have several clients who enjoy talking while they are on my table. As a therapist, I check in with my clients once early on to make sure

BEAUTY ADVICE

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BRIAN PIERCE, CMT

2889 Cohasset Rd. Suite 4 | 530-966-4117

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

they’re enjoying the pressure I’m using and then I follow their lead with talking beyond that. If you are stressed and need to relax, I recommend you try to keep the talking to a minimum and really try to focus on the music and your breathing. If the pressure is too weak/too strong, but I don’t want to insult the therapist’s technique. What should I do? As healers, we want to help you and we want you to have a relaxing experience so your feedback is greatly appreciated. I tend to enjoy when my clients are comfortable enough to give me cues on pressure needs. If you have been to someone several times and the pressure has continued to be undesirable, it may be time to give another therapist a try. If I’m self-conscious about a certain part of my body and don’t want the therapist to see me, what can I do? This concern is most often alleviated in the interview process. Two questions that I ask before every massage are: “What areas are bothering you today?” and “what areas would you like me to avoid?” If your therapist doesn’t ask you these questions it is still ok for you to volunteer any information that will make you more comfortable with the experience. How am I going to feel the next day? It really depends on what type of massage you receive. The deeper the massage, typically, the more sore you will feel the following day. The trade off is that a deeper massage will have longer lasting effects. Be aware that during a deep tissue massage, some bruising may occur. Don’t forget that you will need to drink extra water following your massage.

Brian Pierce CMT has been a massage therapist in the Chico area for most of the past twenty years. His focus is in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Hot Stone and Sports therapy. He is the owner/operator of BP Massage. His office is located at 2889 Cohasset Rd. Suite 4. To book an appointment, please call 530-966-4117

Get the LED out! by Dr. Vimali Paul LED light therapy has been used for skin rejuvenation, acne, and wound healing for more than 20 years. Photobiomodulation is used to promote the skin’s natural repair and rejuvenation process.The absorption of LED (light-emitting-diode) stimulates collagen production and increases blood flow, resulting in greater tissue oxygenation and cellular efficiency. What that means for us is a softening of fine lines and wrinkles,smoother texture, and improved elasticity. The treatments are non-invasive, with no side effects, no pain, no redness or irritation, and no down-time! The treatment also enhances other aesthetic procedures such as microdermabrasion and lasers. The LED treatment itself is quick and simple; the eyes are covered, and the light exposure is only 20 minutes! The cells in our skin contain receptors that absorb photons

of light, allowing collagen production, and increased metabolism and detoxification of the cells. This treatment also enhances recovery time post laser and injectables by speeding up the body’s own natural healing process. Treatments are scheduled about twice a week for optimum results, alternating the red and blue LED lights for maximum collagen response and antibacterial benefits. When followed by SkinCeuticals vitamin C,E and Ferulic acid serum, the skin has a healthy glow, and is protected against environmental damage. More information about LED therapy can be gleaned from the internet, or you can call the Derm Bar Med-Spa at (530 )3422672 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.

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MONTHLY FITNESS

PLANKING!

by Maureen Sweeney

The term “planking” went viral in 2011, when the world decided to compete for who could best mimic a wood board in the most obscure of locations. Long before the planking game became a fad, though, planking was being used in gyms and living rooms across the country to strengthen fitness buffs’ cores, backs, and legs, while bettering flexibility and balance. Unlike many fitness activities that require gym equipment, planking requires no gym equipment or special clothing. Planking can be done anytime and just about anywhere, so take a few minutes, find a flat and safe surface, and get to working out!

Position 1: Plank

Position 2: Bridge

Tip: Build strength by adding a few seconds to the duration of your plank time each day.

Tip: Work up to 3 sets of 60 second reps.

Position 3: Side Plank

Position 4: Reverse Plank

Tip: Test your balance by opening your chest and stretching your upward facing arm slowly backward.

Tip: Test your expertise in this position by doing reverse pushups.

What it’s good for: Bettering spinal flexibility, strengthening core, lower back, and hamstrings. Also helps posture and mood.

PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

What it’s good for: Upper body and core strengthening. Also great for lower body flexibility.

What it’s good for: Strengthening shoulders, upper back and arms.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

What it’s good for: Strengthening your core, arms, shoulders, back and legs. Also great for your posture and opening your chest/heart.

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Padgett Business Services in Chico John Livernois sits poring over client financials as I reach his door, a bit early to the interview, maybe for the first time ever. He files the papers into his client’s folder, places it in his cabinet, and motions for me to enter, greeting me with a smile and firm handshake. Per usual, we catch up on life for a bit before getting to business. Perhaps it’s that personal care and connection that makes working with John and his wife, Piper, so rewarding. Originally from El Centro, California, John graduated from Chico State in 1984 with an accounting degree and moved to Davis to work as a troubleshooter for a subsidiary of Unocal in their agricultural operations division. He met Piper, a Sacramento native and retail manager, while enjoying a night out with close friends. The two dated for some time, and in 1993, when presented with the opportunity to return to Chico or transfer to the LA area, they decided to head back north. John began working as a controller for a group of hotels both 38

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

in Chico and the Bay Area while Piper took over as the manager for a jewelry store here in Chico. When he and Piper had their first child, he reached out to a professional coach who encouraged him to follow his passion. He did just that! As a lover of all things outdoorsy, John took a position on the senior management team of a North State company that manages regional, state, and national park facilities. To this day he is involved with them as a consultant. Through the years, John’s passions have led him to many experiences and achievements. He’s a self-claimed foodie who has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From entry level jobs to a general manager at a large winery, agriculture to recreation and restaurants, he has loved every job he’s ever had and applies all of those experiences in his every day practices. After spending years on the road, John soon found himself homesick. He missed his family, so he decided to make one final move, and alongside Piper, opened Padgett Business

BY AVEED KHAKI PHOTOS AVEED KHAKI

Ten Years of Service to our Businesses and Community

BY AVEED KHAKI PHOTOS AVEED KHAKI

Services in Chico. Now celebrating their 10th anniversary at Padgett Business Services, John and Piper have found the flexibility they were looking for to raise their family. With two teenagers at Pleasant Valley High School, the business affords the two their due family time, while allowing them the ability to use their immense experience managing the frontend and backend of businesses to help others do the same. It is this point that truly sets them apart from so many other businesses that offer similar services. Having not only studied how to manage businesses, but also having managed their own and a number of businesses for others, the two share a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Padgett Business Services in Chico offers financial reporting, tax preparation, payroll, and advisory services specifically dedicated to the small business owner. More importantly, they don’t just provide

you with a stack of papers, they help you interpret the financial information that is vital to the success of your business. While many businesses do their own

accounting, many struggle to get it right. As a result, business owners seldom have the information essential to run their business to its fullest success or correct its trajectory before it’s too late. To add to the assistance they provide business owners, John and Piper are also big on community service. As members of Rotary, LeTip, the Chico Food Project, and the Lassen Park Foundation, the couple

have helped raise an incredible amount of money for local and national charities. Last year alone, with John as CFO, the Lassen Park Foundation provided 27 $1,000 grants to at risk youth groups. They are currently working to build a permanent campground to expand usage of the park and interpretive programs in the park. Having recently outgrown their office space, John, Piper, and their assistant, Erin Johnson, have moved into the newly renovated office complex next to Enloe Hospital. With a full conference room and plenty of space to meet with their clients, they are ready to grow their own business with the expectation to provide 3-5 new jobs in Chico over the next few years. For clients, their service provides peace of mind and the ability to focus on their passions and reaching their goals. As Piper puts it, “We love helping small business owners. There are so many great people here, and plenty of great people who could do so much more if given the right toolset. It’s difficult to run a business and understand the financial side, but it is your compass. Having the ability to provide that information and support to our clients is the most gratifying part of our business.” Padgett’s service is all inclusive and built for small business owners with monthly rates starting at just $200. Better yet, their locally owned and operated business has a national presence whose CFO is frequently called to speak before the IRS and the House Ways and Means Committee on behalf of the small business community. As a result, the company always has a heads up on upcoming changes to the tax code and are therefore better equipped to assist their clients during tax season. When it comes to running a business, we could all use a bit of extra support, and there are few that provide it better than the folks at Padgett Business Services in Chico. 39

d to lush ard, ove, des!

Tucked away in a upscale neighborhood & sheltered by majestic trees, here you will find your dream home. This beautiful home is designed for indoor/outdoor entertaining and is loaded with upgrades. You will love the generously proportioned rooms, the gorgeous wood floors, the formal living and dining rooms, the cozy family room with it’s fireplace, guest quarter, expansive master suit, large kitchen with can lighting, breakfast nook over looking a beautiful private yard, 3 car garage, gated R.V. parking all on almost one ace of total privacy. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,501 Price: $487,500

Intoxicating view! Where the eagles soar, this captivating residence sits shielded behind iron gates. This home is truly magnificent with towering ceilings, walls of glass, gleaming wood floors, a lavish living room, formal & informal dining, gourmet kitchen, granite counters, designer hood, 3 fireplaces, 6” interior walls, 2HVAC, 3 car garage and more all onan almost 2 acre parcel. The ambiance is peaceful with views of sunsets & city lights. You will breakfast on the patio watching the mountain ranges & Sutter-Buttes. At night simply relax & enjoy your unobstructed view of the star-speckled sky. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,389 Acreage: ~2.0

The lake is only seconds away from this beautiful home! Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, this well maintained home offers a darling gated porch, perfect for summer days to sit upon and relax. Inside you’ll find an open floor plan, high ceilings, tile counters, and wood flooring throughout. Tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, fireplace in the living room, walk-in closet, mater bath with dual sink, separate shower and a tub. The yard is maintenance free so you can enjoy life by spending more time by the lake canoeing, fishing, or just enjoying walking the paths around the area. Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,346 Price: $269,000

Pirates will squeal & scurry for this hidden treasure! The delightful, large front porch of this gorgeous home provides relaxation and a great place to get to know your neighbors. With soaring 10 and 12 foot ceilings, this home features walls of glass windows providing ample natural lighting, crown molding throughout, bamboo ﬂooring, a cozy ﬁreplace with mantel, built-in bookshelves, cabinets with glass doors, a darling kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a loft, indoor laundry, a beautiful patio with fountain and Zen-inspired landscaping plus 2 car garage.

PENDING

Bed: 3.0

Bath: 2.5

SqFt: 1,739 Price: $309,000

000

PENDING Two commercial properties. The ﬁrst parcel has 1.6 AC with a 600 Sq ft. building structure that was built in 1979 and has been operating as a nursery for the last 25 years. It is partially fenced, it is on city services and is near park and shopping. The 2nd parcel is on .29 AC and is adjacent to the other parcel. Price: $400,000

This home features granite counter tops, laminate ﬂooring, crown molding, security system, central heat and air, dual pane windows, upgraded appliances and ﬁxtures. This home also has a large basement perfect for your wine collection and storage! Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,085 Price: $239,000

Intoxicating views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen!! This well maintained home sits on 10 acres of total privacy. Featuring a large living room with a free standing wood stove, a newly remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and newer appliances, this home also provides tile and laminate ﬂooring, an over sized bonus room with a wood stove, indoor laundry, water softeners, 2 balconies, a private domestic well plus a shared Ag. well, central heating and air, barn/shop, 4 car carport and much more. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,240 Price: $399,900 39

Glass tile backsplash and border

Bedrosian Tile New Again has been offering tile for some time, but they recently picked up their own inhouse lineup of Bedrosian Tile. Great for non-slip surfaces, the majority of these tiles are made from porcelain and are excellent for indoor and outdoor use alike, especially in bathrooms and showers.

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Laminate Flooring Similar to their other offerings, New Again’s laminate selection goes above and beyond the laminate flooring you’re used to seeing. Thicker than standard laminate flooring and hand-scraped for texture, these planks resemble real wood and stand up to daily wear and tear beautifully.

Countertops New Again has long been known for their granite yard on Park Avenue, where you can see full 8-foot slabs of granite prior to buying them rather than 3-inch squares at competing stores. However, most folks don’t know that New Again Kitchen Remodeling also carries an impressive lineup of quartz countertops as well. With so many options to choose from, you’d be hardpressed to not find exactly what you’re looking for.

Service Though New Again’s selection speaks for itself, it’s truly their level of service that sets them apart. The company’s owner, a licensed contractor, is on-site for every granite and cabinetry job to ensure that the work completed by their inhouse installation team is done perfectly. Ric and Sean still offer free in-home design and measure consultations which, these days, is almost unheard of. Best of all, everything remains under one roof, which makes communication easier and guarantees consistency. With an average of 3 weeks to complete a remodel from start to finish, there are few outfits that do kitchen and bath remodeling quite like New Again.

New Again Kitchen Remodeling | 2502 Park Ave, Chico, CA 95928 | 530) 899-2888

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Antiques, collectibles & the BEST in mid-century modern furnishings Retro / Vintage ~ Modern Since 1983

Buy ● Consign Estate Liquidation Collectible vintage vinyl & music memorabilia 260 E.1st Street, Downtown Chico | 530-899-8443

(530) 877-6650 8672 Skyway ● Paradise, CA 95969

BUY ● CONSIGN ● GIFT CERTIFICATES 47

Serving Butte County

SPECTACULAR OPPORTUNITY! Not your average home! Living room, family room, bonus great room with soaring ceiling, brick hearth & wall of windows, large bonus rooms, detached workshop, deck, patio, beautifully landscaped yard, massive 50’+ deep garage, big enough for RV’s or trailers plus cars!! Additional storage mezzanine!

NEAT AND CLEAN! Lovely home modern feeling home on .24 Acres of level useable land! Oversized living room with gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, large attached deck, massive RV parking, storage shed, area of nice homes in established neighborhood, lovely landscaping, WON’T LAST! Beds: 3 Baths: 2 SqFt: 1,626 Price: $184,900

BREATHTAKING CANYON VIEW ESTATE! Astounding large home, living room, family room, office, 3 fireplaces, covered decking, magazine worthy landscaping, gazebo, relaxing pond with waterfall, amazing must see property!

HOME WITH TWO LOTS! Ever dream of space between you and your neighbors? Well this is perfect! 1981 2 Bedroom home with detached carport and oversized two car garage/workshop on two contiguous lots. The two lots total nearly a half acre of flat usable property!

TWO HOUSES ON ONE Unique LOT! Perfect SPECTACULAR ESTATE! home opportunity for multi-generational living, family and 9+ acre property in Butte Valley, compound, guest home, or??? Larger home is 5/4 vaulted ceilings, tile, wood, barn, garden 2050+SqFt, smaller home is 3/1.5 1660+SqFt. area, Salt water solar heated pool, covered .64 Acre lot, two carports, RV Parking, extra porch, Brick hearth, open Storage woodstove space, Quietwith Cul-De-Sac setting, nearly floor plan, amazing views, Great horse unlimited potential! Call Today! potential! Bed: 8 Bath: Bed: 6 SqFt: 3,668 3 Bath: 3 SqFt: 2,606 Price: Price: $375,000 $565,000

CUTE HOME IN QUIET SETTING! Enjoy an end of the lane setting from this sizable 1.16 acre usable lot! Large living room, family room with brick fireplace with woodstove insert, two ample bonus rooms previously used as guest bedrooms, updated open kitchen, indoor laundry room, basement storage area, and more!

COUNTRY VIEW ESTATE! Beautiful home on PRIME PARADISE LOCATION! Spectacular UNRIVALED CANYON VIEW! Astounding 3.43 Acres of built mostly level useable land! Large custom home in 2004 a split floor views from the living roomfeaturing and bonus room plan, tall ceilings, full or master suite including bonus formal dining, garden ofliving this room, super cleanroom home. Covered decking, walk-inwell closet, with view tub area, with en-suite storage bathroom tanks. Overlooks large court yard, indoor laundry, attached and shower , spacious with plenty beautiful reservoir. 2 Car garage, kitchen large deck, of carport, workshop shed, end of lane cabinetry and trailers, eatingarea, bar, tile, gas room for RV’s, boats or freestanding whatever! privacy, newer paint, newer roof, vaulted fireplace, large fenced yard, gated RV parking, ceiling, tile, walk-inGorgeous closet and generous setbacks. wellmore! kept home. Bed: 3 Bath: 2 SqFt: 2,194 Bed:2 Bath:2 SqFt:1620 Bed:3 Bath:2 Price: $299,999 Price:$79,000 SqFt:1869 Price:$294,900

ALPINE STYLE LIVING! Spectacular view estate, decks, bonus room, office, 3 fireplaces, patios, spa room, botanical garden room, well, extra storage, mature landscaping, attached garage, room for second unit!

Bed: 2

Bath: 2 SqFt: 2,326 Price: $159,900

Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,200 Price: $99,000

IMMACULATE ONE OWNER HOME! Attention to detail and pride of ownership exude from this lovely home. Open living room, soaring ceiling, skylights, split bedroom floorplan, hardwood flooring, large detached RV garage, low maintenance landscaping, partially covered rear patio, sweeping corner lot, MUST-SEE HOME!!

Bed: 3

Bath: 3 SqFt: 2,095 Price: $389,900

CUTE, CLEAN, GREAT LOCATION! You will fall in love with this home as soon as you see it! Large living room, oversized bonus room, walk-in pantry, fully fenced rear yard, attached garage, additional detached garage, great curb appeal and centrally located in a nice neighborhood!

Bed: 2

Bath: 1 SqFt: 1,246 Price: $164,900

Must Sell Properties! UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Beds: 4+

Bed: 2+

Bed: 4

Baths: 3 SqFt: 3,407 Price: $559,000

Bath: 2 SqFt: 1,536 Price: $169,000

Bath: 3 SqFt: 2,796 Price: $379,000

Sean McCreary is always on the move, managing his ever expanding solar energy company in Chico. McCreary began Urban Design with the Chico community in mind. Adding solar paneling to his wares and service catalog has only strengthened his bond with a community that is truly starting to embrace solar energy. McCreary credits much of the success of his company to a highly skilled team. “We have a great team and we’re looking to add to it,” McCreary said, referring to the company’s current hiring status. Two of Urban Design Solar’s biggest projects are Skyway Tools and Creative Composition, a job consisting of 411 solar panels. If you are still skeptical about the costs and whether or not it is worth it to make the commitment, “the system pays for itself after about five years on average,” McCreary said. It is important that the customer come first in all respects of the process. Whether McCreary’s team is making sure to get off the roof before they start leaving footprints on hot tile or coming together for a barbeque at the residence of a customer, the emphasis remains on quality and respect. 50

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

In contrast to many big box solar companies, Urban Design Solar not only installs panels, they sell them too. The current popular business model revolves around a leasing program for the panels, which often ends up in less savings for the consumer. However, when the customer can buy and own their panels, there is no fear of additional charges or of throwing away tax credits to the installers. “There’s a big difference between what people are used to from solar businesses and what we do,” McCreary said. This often surprises people who reach out to Urban Design Solar. “The way prices of solar have come down, people don’t have to do that anymore,” McCreary said. “People would say ‘I didn’t even know you could buy a system.’ So it’s nice to be able to intervene and help them save money.” Though branding and advertising is a key part of Urban Design Solar, the most effective process of gaining new customers is word of mouth. “If you really want to nail it down, it’s the customer that gets you the next job,” McCreary said. “It’s been tremendous how much our customers have helped push this business along.”

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There’s big talk of the new Tesla Wall, a battery that assists in powering your home, that is currently in development. The excitement has also made its way inside the offices of Urban Design Solar. “All of our inverters that we are currently installing are compatible with the Tesla battery,” McCreary assures. McCreary has found a home in Chico for both his family and business, and he appreciates all that the city has to offer. “It’s a fun community,” McCreary said. “I love being here. There’s a high level of education. We all seem to value parks, trails, outdoors, family and using our downtown,” McCreary said. The Urban Design Solar team is getting ready to settle into their new office building just across the street from their current warehouse location off Park Avenue. At the end of the day, what matters to McCreary is the positive impact his company has had on the local community. “I have no visions of grandeur,” McCreary said. “I just want to build something of quality, that’s manageable, sustainable, and have good people to work with and do a good job.”

Urban Design Solar, located at 2260 Park Ave. in Chico, is open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. For more information, visit them online at urbandesignsolar.com or call (530) 345-0005

BY JACOB HUTCHISON PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

Urban Design Solar: People of the Sun

THINK PINK THIS OCTOBER AND SUPPORT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND AWARENESS.

THE KNIFONG TEAM

Lana Gunn

891. 4866

ON THE WATER!

Spacious, one-owner lakefront home in California Park. This custom, contemporary home features generous dual master suites, three bathrooms, office/study, family room with an open bar, and living room with a large open dining area. With the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many windows, it feels very bright and spacious. Cozy up to your choice of two different fireplaces, sit and relax on the inviting backyard deck overlooking the lake; and enjoy your own private dock. Bed: 2 Bath: 3 SqFt: 3,261 Price: $550,000

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Parker Realty

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KATIE'S CORNER II

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Care Cleaning Service

I count on Care Cleaning Services to keep our house happy. Over the years, I've found the CCS team to be very reliable, eﬃcient, and friendly, and the rates are very aﬀordable! -Janine Rood, CCS Customer

Residential & Commercial Oﬃces Licensed & Insured Serving Chico & surrounding areas for over 12 years (530) 680-7854 | carecleaningserv530@yahoo.com

Protecting Your #1 Investment Residential & Commercial Inspections Chico, CA and Surrounding Areas

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

UNCOVER HIDDEN SAVINGS IN YOUR BUDGET

BY RENEE MICHEL AND JOE SWEENEY, FINANCIAL ADVISORS WITH ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP

✔ REVIEW INSURANCE COVERAGE ANNUALLY. Re-examine your auto and home/renters insurance policies annually for savings opportunities. Combining insurance coverage to one company often provides a discount to your premium. Increasing deductibles immediately saves you money too. Don’t raise your deductible if you do not have the ability to cover that amount should you need to make a claim. ✔ GET FIT. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can potentially save you hundreds a year on medical prescription drugs, and health and life insurance premiums. Many health insurers offer money-saving incentives like subsidized gym memberships, so make sure you’re taking full advantage of any available discounts. However, paying for a gym membership that you do not use is wasteful.

✔ EVALUATE YOUR TECHNOLOGY. Check with your wireless phone provider to see if they offer deals or discounts on TV and streaming video services. Also, make sure that over the years you haven’t created a costly internet and video package. Maybe you buy Netflix and HBO NOW! as standalone products, but these are sometimes offered at a discount when purchased through your cable provider.

✔ IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining if you qualify for a loan and the rate and terms of that loan (mortgage and car loans, credit cards, auto insurance, and more). A strong credit score can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Visit myFICO.com for steps you can take now to begin improving your score. Many credit card companies now offer free online monitoring tools as well. Each of these ideas take time but investing a few hours in your expenses could save you a couple of hundred dollars a year and thousands of dollars over a lifetime.

Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 2452 Lakewest Drive, Chico, CA 95928 530-342-2900 | 800-333-2901 | (F) 530-342-3925 | rmichel@amgchico.com | www.sweeneymichelamg.com Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

Filled with treasures, X marks the spot at The Stanford Barn. Only a short drive away resides the magically irresistible address to home décor, unique accessories, and rustic handmade pieces. The concept of Stanford Barn has been a dream for owners Margaret Deitz, Judy Catalano, Lynne Pierce, and Rebekah Dietz for many years. Exploring the refurbished barn is fittingly dreamy. Pulling up to the small dirt road you would never expect to see a colorful sugar skull crescent moon painted on a barn, surrounded by large metalwork art and furniture. Inside, multiple chandeliers sparkle in the dusty light, hand dyed scarves and linens accompany rustic furniture and original home items. Judy Catalano’s career has long been focused on retail merchandising and window displays for merchants in the 58

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Downtown Chico area and surrounding cities. Her extensive knowledge in design has provided the aesthetic for Stanford Barn, concentrated on strategic showcasing of their products. Margaret Dietz’s love for textiles began many years ago as a weaver. Built by her husband Neale, Margaret and daughter Rebekah Dietz have spent many hours in their sewing studio at Long Fellow Lumber Co. “Making things for Stanford Barn has given me so much pleasure. It sure gets me up and going in the morning,” says Margaret. Most recently, Rebekah has found pleasure in the art of welding. She has worked many hours creating one of a kind bars and tables for The Stanford Barn. Lynn Pierce met Rebekah in 1998, learning and exposing herself to the art world through Rebekah’s eyes. However, selling and meeting people over Rebekah’s pieces have

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come naturally to Lynn. Self taught artist Sunset, with mural experience dating back to the 70’s, painted the signature crescent moon welcoming you to the wonderland. Through scouring flea markets, salvage yards and junk shops, each piece sold and created inspires individual character and signature style. Like marbles in a bag, the women of the Stanford Barn polish each other’s talents. Open the third Saturday and Sunday of almost every month from 10am-4pm, you can dig for your own treasure at the Stanford Barn. Small pop-up tents line the drive with vendors from the community peddling their vintage furniture, jewelry and infused glass; snacks and a mimosa bar top off the shopping experience. “Get your butt to the barn before all the good stuff is gone!”

Stanford Barn, located at 9184 Stanford Lane in Durham, is open two days each month. In October, visit on the 17th and 18th. In November, visit on the 21st and 22nd.

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

Getting Lost at the Stanford Barn

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

My first memories of Harold Park date back to my freshman year at Chico High School. A common stop for us on our way back from lunch, my friends and I would stop into Harold’s store, House of Rice, on Broadway Street and peruse what seemed to be an infinite assortment of gifts, gadgets, gizmos, and trinkets. Though we always found something new at the store to marvel at, there was one thing that remained consistent: Harold’s watchful eye. Seldom would we walk the aisles of his store when we wouldn’t feel his gaze a few steps behind us. It eventually became an expectation of ours and only added to the charm of the store. Though I never knew his story, or had the wherewithal to ask in those days, it always seemed that there was more to Harold than met the eye — one of those feelings of intuition you have when you’re near someone with an air of prominence about them, but you simply can’t decipher the why or the how. Fifteen years later, I finally decided to ask and, over the past year, pieced together the story that came before the Harold Park that most of Chico knows today. He was kind enough to allow me to share his story. Born in Kaesung and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Harold Park belonged to one of the most successful and wealthy families in the country’s capital city. His father, Taesick, a successful businessman, was involved in a number of different ventures including banking, herbal medicine production and distribution, pharmaceuticals, and stock brokering. As there were no dairy products for children in South Korea at the time, Taesick reached out to contacts in Holland and began importing powdered milk and baby food. Within a few short years the business emerged as a runaway success,

grossing millions of dollars each year and placing Taesick in a class of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country. Thinking toward the future of the company, Taesick began grooming Harold to be a lawyer from a young age. Entered into the most prestigious high school in the country, and spoiled financially, it didn’t take long for his family’s success to contribute to his growing ego. He attended the country’s foremost law school, but during his time at school, found that his passion was in photography. Over his university years, his love for photography flourished, resulting in five private, individual gallery expositions and 50 group expositions. He graduated with his law degree, but his father knew it wasn’t where his heart was. Rather than practice law, Taesick asked Harold to take over the family business. Over the following few years, the Korean government began leaning towards a more ethnocentric view of their country, placing heavy restrictions on imports and dealings with foreign businesses and countries. In 1964, Harold left South Korea for the United States at his father’s request. Realizing the impending changes to the country’s political structure, he sought to discontinue importing and produce his own goods in South Korea instead. Harold traveled to San Francisco and began studying dairy farming and production at San Francisco State University, completing his studies in two short years. He returned to South Korea in 1966 and helped his father build and operate their new dairy business. The transition from importing to production was nearly seamless and even more profitable. Without the taxes

and roadblocks involved with importing, sales and margin rose dramatically. The company business and Taesick became progressively stronger both financially and politically. Successful at such a young age with an ego to match his success, Harold quickly gained notoriety as a playboy. Endless partying and entertaining business colleagues and political dignitaries eventually began to take its toll on his health. And then Harold met Catherine. An intelligent and humorous Miss South Korea contestant, Catherine took Harold by storm, though he wouldn’t admit it then. The niece to South Korea’s second president, Yun Posun, Catherine belonged to one of the country’s royal families, and through her beauty, intelligence, humor, and social standing, had the ability to put Harold’s ego in check. The two dated for three years before Harold finally stepped up and proposed to Catherine; the two were married in 1970.

In 1972, South Korean President, Park Chung-hee declared martial law in South Korea and rewrote the constitution to grant himself complete control over the country. With a zero-tolerance policy towards opposition, President Park ruled South Korea with an iron fist. Harold’s father, an opponent to this new form of governing, provided financial aide to the rebels and opposing government party.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

her accomplishments, House of Rice had grown in popularity as Chico’s only Asian import store and was expanding into Downtown Chico. One of Michelle’s close friends moved to Oregon and, after continued requests to

visit her, Harold finally caved. Catherine drove Michelle to the airport and saw her off on her trip to visit her friend. Catherine

returned home and the two woke at 2am the next morning to the voice of Michelle’s friend’s mother. Her friend’s sister was playing with candles in her room that evening and forgot to put them out. The house had caught fire. Michelle passed away in the fire, and along with her, her friend’s father who ran back in to save her, attempting to pull her out of the fire. Devastated, the two lost the passion for

life that had pulled them through so many other trials during their time together. They would come into the store each day, sit down, and sit in silence. Neither had any energy and business was the last thing on either of their minds. Within the year, Harold’s hair lost its jet black color and had turned completely white. It took a considerable amount of time for the two to recover. Eventually, they decided that the immense love they had shared with their daughter would best be served as shared with each other. As Harold puts it, “Life is never perfect for anyone. Nobody has everything and nobody has nothing. Losing a child is the most difficult thing a human being can experience, but it’s also one of the biggest lessons.” The lesson that life is short and often unpredictable has guided everything they’ve done ever since. For the past 42 years, Harold and Catherine have spent nearly every minute together. They work at their store together, they travel together, and they’ve learned to live day-by-day together. They’ve accepted the past and found a way to move on, keeping their daughter’s lesson close and her memory even closer. While talking in their home, Harold reflects on the path his life has taken. Even though it has been filled with wild uncertainty and extremes of both happiness and sorrow, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Though their time with their daughter was short, the three lived every moment to the best of their ability and loved their time together. That is, after all, better than most of us can say. Now 75 years old, Harold spends his time working at House of Rice alongside Catherine, Monday through Saturday. The two take off on Sundays to travel to their favorite destinations, living the promise they made to each other in memory of their daughter, and looking forward to the coming years where they’ll be able to retire and find themselves traveling together on a permanent vacation. Having had the pleasure to work next door to Harold for the past three years, I can confidently say that there are few people I’ve ever met with the kind of appreciation for life that he and Catherine share. With all they’ve done for the community over the years and the kindness they show to those around them, it should come as no surprise that we find them to be local legends.

BY AVEED KHAKI PHOTOS FRANK REBELO

The move proved disastrous, as President Park focused his resources on eliminating Taesick and his businesses. With 250 tax specialists sent to Taesick’s offices, the companies came to a crawl as President Park had his legal teams pour over the company’s records. Banned from operating until the inquiry was completed, President Park’s lockdown crippled the family’s stock brokerage firm, real estate business, dairy farms, herbal farms, medical wholesale business, and their factories. Within a few short weeks debt began to accumulate as revenue generation had ceased. President Park ordered all banks to call in any loans owed by the family immediately. As the new government granted all legal power to President Park, fighting the injustice was out of the question. Harold’s family fell from one of the strongest and most influential in the country to having nothing almost overnight. As a final nail in the coffin, President Park labeled Taesick as a traitor and sent the South Korean National Intelligence Service to arrest him. He disappeared to Japan in 1973 barely escaping capture. Having missed the opportunity to capture Taesick, President Park turned his sights on Harold and Catherine. One of Harold’s closest friends, a director of the National Intelligence Service, warned the two of their impending arrest and provided them with unflagged passports. They narrowly escaped to Los Angeles with $8,000, leaving the rest of their possessions behind. From that point on, Harold decided to live life differently. Rather than chasing money, he chose to focus on the time he had with Catherine. They traveled at every chance they had, and used the $8,000 they escaped with to build a new life for themselves, eventually leaving Los Angeles and moving to Chico where they opened House of Rice. The two had a daughter, Michelle, who proved to be brighter than Harold, and somehow, kinder than Catherine. She excelled at school, and seemed to grow in popularity just as the store did. By the time she was in her teens, she had earned a scholarship from Rotary to study in Germany for two years, and had made a name for herself as one of her high school’s most accomplished musicians. Alongside

Did you know? Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities

Making Strides, Building Strength In 2013, we had the fortune of being

Strides walk gives us power to make

contacted by Erica Smith, a volunteer

a real difference in the fight to end

for the Making Strides Against Breast

breast cancer. At the event, we are able

Cancer Walk here in Chico. This annual

to celebrate survivorship and pay a

fundraiser aims to unite the community

meaningful tribute to those touched by

in the fight against breast cancer as

the disease. Thanks to participants, the

well as fund research, education, and

American Cancer Society is there for

support programs. Erica was seeking

those who are currently dealing with a

help in promoting the event, but her

breast cancer diagnosis, those who may

dedication inspired much more. This

face a diagnosis in the future, and those

communication sparked the idea for

who may avoid a diagnosis altogether

what is now our third breast cancer

because of education and risk reduction.”

feature, aimed at increasing awareness

- Cesar Carrizales, Volunteer Event Chair.

and education on this disease. In the

“I am a part of Making Strides because

next several pages we share with you the

I believe this cause is so important and I

amazing stories of strength and courage

have seen firsthand what the American

from five local breast cancer survivors.

Cancer Society has done. They truly

We hope for these stories to be a source

care and want to help patients and their

of encouragement in many ways to

families along with finding a CURE for

many people — encouragement to get a

cancer. Through faith, family, friends,

regular mammogram, to provide support

love and support I made it! After cancer, I

to someone in need, to feel a sense

turned 50 last year, got married, and have

of hope and healing. We cannot fully

been enjoying being a grandma to my

express how much we appreciate these

precious granddaughter. I had cancer but

women sharing their experiences with

it didn’t have me!”

such openness and transparency, and hope that we’ve allowed their beauty and

- Leann Pierce, volunteer and breast cancer survivor

Since 1993, more than 11 million supporters nationwide have raised over $685 million for breast cancer In 2014, hundreds of walkers in Butte County helped to raise more than $30,000 An estimated 231,840 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 An estimated 40,290 will die from breast cancer this year

resilience to shine through. The American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will be held on October 17th in Bidwell Park. Registration begins at 7:30 AM and the walk is set to start at 8:30 AM. “Uniting with others at the Making

To learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and how you can become involved, visit makingstrideswalk. org/Chico, call 530.342.8365 or email ChicoCAStrides@cancer.org. Show your support and connect with us on Facebook: facebook.com/MakingStridesChico.

Source: American Cancer Society

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

Sometime in the fall of 2014, LaDawn Hall found a thickness in her breast. “It was always there but a little different. It was becoming to where I knew where to feel it or it was getting bigger because it was very easy to detect.” Even then, at 41 years old, she was not interested in having a mammogram. “It sounded like a horrible torture device and I never wanted to have one.” Eventually, LaDawn started bleeding from her nipple, alerting her to the definite need for a mammogram. Several months later it was found that the tumor biopsied was only stage 1 but it was extremely aggressive, a 3/3 on the scale and growing fast. January 14th, 2013: The day of LaDawn’s diagnosis. “It’s kind of interesting that I say the date so specifically because it was told to me that day but I didn’t really know it till a few days later. The radiologist that looked at my ultrasound and mammography images said, ‘You have a mass.’ I thought, ‘Duh, I know I have a mass. That’s why I’m here.’ Later, he said, ‘My best guess would be that it is a cancer.’ A cancer, I thought, not THE cancer. I am kind of forever the optimist so I said, ‘OK, let’s wait for further confirmation from the biopsy.” From across the room that day, LaDawn noticed her husband, Dave, was making significant eye-contact with the doctor like they knew something she didn’t. It was sinking into them, she later realized. The moment it actually hit her wouldn’t be till a few days later when she went to get the paper report of the findings. Bi-rads level 5, the paper said. “I thought, what is Bi-Rads? So I Googled it and read: highly suggestive of malignancy. A greater than 95% chance of malignancy. That was when it hit me, which was 3 or 4 days after the initial diagnosis.” After LaDawn’s chemo was over she went to Stanford for a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. She was knowingly well-endowed before surgery. “There were lots of boobs jokes, which was actually true before cancer,” she said, but after chemo she had lost 35 pounds and didn’t know how much she had to give. A 12 1/2 hour surgery later, doing both the

LaDawn Hall

mastectomy and reconstruction at once, LaDawn woke to a different cancer free test. LaDawn, positive from the beginning, seems to have colored many clouds in her stormy breast cancer journey with silver lining. “I had to go to something called chemo orientation where you learned different medical terms and about getting used to the hospital. They took us on a tour of the transfusion room at Enloe. It was so depressing. I wasn’t sick yet and was still searching to see the humor in it,” LaDawn said. In classic LaDawn style, she showed up to her first treatment with little umbrellas for everybody’s drinks, donning a boa, balloons and pom poms in hand. “Three rounds later, I was not in the mood anymore. It was amazing how quickly it took the verve out of me. It’s very serious stuff. Part of staying positive was my amazing support group.” This is the point in which Nicole Scoubes came into LaDawn’s life. She

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

“You don’t realize how strong you are until strong is your only choice.”

was picking up her daughter at a birthday party. LaDawn describes being absolutely blindsided by a huge bear hug. She had no idea who the woman was that was embracing her. A mutual friend had told Nicole about LaDawn’s diagnosis, the same diagnosis Nicole herself was being treated for. “She took me under her wing and was my mentor. She knew all the right doctors and questions to ask and which medications have what side effects. She just was a huge help to me. Meeting her was what made me choose my oncologist, Dr. Mazj, later titled, The Wizard of Mazj.” LaDawn was invited by her new and wonderful friend Nicole to be a model for the Celebration Fashion Show that year, a breast cancer fundraiser put on in Chico. “I thought oh, that sounds fun. It’s for a good cause. I’m giving back and giving time. I had no idea that it was FOR ME. ‘Showcasing the beauty and resilience of

life after breast cancer,’ the Celebration pamphlet said.” However, for LaDawn, life after breast cancer was not great. “Days before reading that motto, I wrote in my blog ‘people think that cancer sucks because of all it does to you during treatment. I’m here to tell you that all of that is chump to what it takes when it leaves.’ I felt like before I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was in the prime of life, full of verve and sexuality and just loving life. Not even 2 years later post treatment and post surgery, I felt like an old lady. I completely felt like it stole from my marriage and was really, really angry. At the same time I was feeling guilty because I should be grateful that I lived when others haven’t been as lucky. I always try to be sensitive to that and not air my complaints.” Then, the day of Celebration arrived and a gift was given that changed LaDawn in ways that affected and improved her marriage when nothing else could before. “I felt like a bride that day. I got cheered for, family and friends were there, even the people who weren’t my friends were whooping and hollering. Walking that runway built me and gave to me permission to be resilient and sexy and beautiful again.” A quote comes to mind for LaDawn in response to how she copes with her cancer. “You don’t realize how strong you are until strong is your only choice.” “I reread one of my first blog entries and it said something like, ‘I know I haven’t hit the hard part of this journey yet but I feel courageous and hopeful and strong.’ I remember feeling that hope and invincibility, which did get kicked out of me quite a bit, but I think without these kinds of things testing us, we don’t get to know our potential. You don’t have the chance to find out that you’re strong or funny or positive unless something bad happens to you.” LaDawn’s character and strength shines when she speaks of the difficult times she has endured and her humor and positivity when she talks about happy moments gained from this hardship. Every breast cancer is different along with every person’s response to it; LaDawn Hall’s is inspirational. 65

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

Frankie Dean One day you are living your everyday life, playing with your kids, and working; the next, you are knocked down by one scan. One mammogram changes your entire perspective forever but also saves your life. In the case of Frankie Dean, a REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Dufour Realty, sharing life with her soulmate and rock, Dana Miller, a free mammogram gave her the diagnosis she could never have foreseen. “There were no symptoms. My boyfriend Dana just had a gut feeling and kept urging me to get a scan,” Frankie said. So when the Chico Soroptomists held a free mammogram clinic for women over 40, Frankie finally decided to go, if only so she didn’t let Dana down. Her shocking diagnosis came back positive; she had non-invasive breast cancer, meaning Frankie wouldn’t need chemo or radiation. From that point on, she felt called to be a messenger to make sure every woman knows that, “if I can get breast cancer, you can too.” A healthy non-smoker, Frankie decided to be proactive about her situation. She ran an unbelievable 16 races in 2014, donning a pink t-shirt that urged, “Get Your Mammo. One Saved My Life.” As she ran, pats on the back were felt and words of encouragement heard. Women would stop her at the finish line, saying, “I did it because of you.” Unfortunately, life doesn’t always continue the way you think. On May 15th 2015, Frankie had a second diagnosis; an invasive and extremely aggressive triple negative cancer form was found. This particular type of cancer has a nasty way

of coming back to your body, so positive thinking was, and remains, crucial for Frankie. Thankfully, the entire mass was removed after a lumpectomy. Still, five days a week, using the Canadian Fraction treatment, Frankie undergoes a serious high dosage of radiation. “They target the area. I have a burn on my chest, serious

recovery and radiation, Dana would bring her a pink jar full of encouragements from friends and supporters. “When I’m having a hard day I pick one out — on really hard days I pick three. It’s the coolest thing ever. That really helped me get through rough times and keep positive,” says Frankie. Along with her naturally sunny disposition, Frankie has been overwhelmed with her support team. She raves about the new Breast Cancer Center in Chico, deeming it FABULOUS. She also praises her breast cancer surgeon Lydia Schrader and her “radiant radiation” team. At her place of work, co-workers made pink t-shirts and are helping Frankie with plans for implementing a city-wide Pink Day. Her family, four children and grandchildren, along with Dana, helped her through the entire process. Frankie’s advice for people newly diagnosed with breast cancer is simply to get your support team. It can be one person, two people, or it can be 18 people, but it’s extremely important to have that and if you don’t have one she’s offered to be one. She can’t be out in the sun, ride her bike or run right now due to inflammation, but Frankie’s mission to spread the word makes the hard stuff easier. “I’m like a normal person, the normalest of normal. Just because you’re healthy or it’s not in your family doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Every year you should be getting a mammogram.” We’re listening! Visit Frankie Dean’s blog http:// frankiesbreastcancerjourney.blogspot.com for more personal insight.

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

“I’m like a normal person, the normalest of normal. Just because you’re ‘healthy’ or ‘it’s not in your family’ doesn’t mean you can’t get it. Every year, you should be getting a mammogram.” fatigue and an odd taste of burnt pizza in my mouth, along with skin blistering and peeling. ”Even with these painful side effects, Frankie remains ever-optimistic. “I maintained a really good outlook on things all the way. I need to help people and influence women to get mammos. I have the ability to impact the people around me in a good way and that feels really good. If I can help one or two people, then I’m doing good.” To further uplift Frankie, during

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

Jen Sanchez As a nurse practitioner, you don’t often envision yourself being the one getting diagnoses and treatments. Jen Sanchez has been holding the clipboard for years and getting cancer was just not on her radar. “I really wasn’t worried about it when I went in for a mammogram. Even when I had a biopsy I wasn’t worried. If I had to identify one feeling at the moment of hearing I had breast cancer, it would be surreal.” At 40, Jen wasn’t yet due for regular mammograms. She had been married to her wonderful husband Saul for 20 years and they have 3 boys. Being a working mom who loves spending time with her family and an outdoor enthusiast, she doesn’t have much spare time. Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t seem to take that into consideration. “I had a spot that felt different. As a practitioner, I do a lot of breast exams. I kept trying to figure out what it was but couldn’t. It was more of an intuition that something could be there.” After a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy the results came back positive. “Breast cancer has many animals to it,” she says. Jen’s tumor was small but she tested positive for lymph nodes during surgery, with a BRCKA mutation, “the same one Angelina Jolie has” she notes, which puts you more at risk for ovarian and breast cancer. Keeping things positive and in perspective has been the way Jen goes

about beating her cancer. “With the potential of all that could happen, I’ve had it pretty easy symptom wise. I have had serious GI symptoms and nausea. You stay in bed. The chemo and summer heat have been very limiting, but my husband holds down the fort when I can’t. ”

With five weeks of chemo till she’s done, then surgery in November and radiation in January, that kind of mantra seems necessary. But keeping with the habitual positivity, her oncologist Dr. Mazj and surgeon Dr. Schrader have reiterated to Jen that no matter how hard moments feel, it’s five months of difficult treatment but it’s a short time out of your whole life. Stress managers like yoga, paddle boarding and acupuncture are all tools Jen recommends for someone going through the same process as she. Also getting a binder to keep track of everything is important. “Even with my background, I’ve had times when I have struggled with it. There’s so much to keep track of. Having extra ears when you go in for appointments is key, never go to an appointment alone.” Even with such willing supporters, accepting the help was really difficult for Jen. “As moms, maybe part of our extinct is being strong and doing everything. It’s hard for us to let go of that but learning to accept love and help from people is so essential. You gotta do what you gotta do.” Because she has the BRCKA Mutation, genetically making a person more susceptible to cancers, Jen’s call to action is finding out your family’s medical past. “If you don’t know your family history, call and ask.” It could save your life.

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

“As moms, maybe part of our instinct is being strong and doing everything. It’s hard for us to let go of that but learning to accept love and help from people is so essential.” Having that strong support system, even from people she would have never expected, has been unpredictably wonderful for Jen. “So many people have come out and been there for me, driving me to chemo and more.” Early on, Jen found a yoga instructor, Lisa Weber, who talked about grace, gratitude and greatness. That is the mantra she tries to live by day-to-day.

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

Cindy & Marilyn Watching a person you love endure something as difficult as cancer is life changing. For mother Marilyn Williams and daughter Cindy Lares, they have had to watch, support, and help one another as each were diagnosed with different forms of breast cancer at different times in life. Talk about strength! These two are the definition of the word. On her 70th birthday, Marilyn was diagnosed with Situ, the type of cancer found after a routine mammogram. Born in Arkansas but raised in the Bay Area, Marilyn was a healthy married mother of 3. Retiring from her career of nursing in 1996, she was very familiar with breast cancer, having given exams many times., never envisioning herself as that patient someday. “That moment was devastating. I wanted to see my grandchildren grow up and be a part of their lives.” Although the memories of watching women hear that same diagnosis with no viable treatments was still at the forefront of her mind, Marilyn also knew that with modern medications and treatments she would surpass and survive all of this. She would meet her grandchildren. 29 treatments of radiation, chemotherapy, and a regimen of Tamoxifen for five years alongside Arimidex has kept the cancer at bay for Marilyn. Getting a BRCA test, which tests the link between a person’s genes and breast cancer, was incredibly important to her. Her mother had breast cancer at 50 as did a first cousin. “I had to practically beg them for the test. I really wanted to do it for the women and men on our side of the family.” Surprisingly, the BRCA test came back negative. Cindy’s breast cancer was unrelated to Marilyn’s. Still, she would be the third generation to hear those heart wrenching words. Cindy, having watched her mother undergo the harsh realities of breast cancer, describes hearing the same diagnosis as surreal. “It’s so overwhelming. Even so, it’s sadly fortunate for me because I had my mom, whose experience I had the opportunity to watch. I knew what the possibilities might be but got to watch her courage and bravery through all of it, so it was very inspiring.”

A lover of music festivals, the outdoors and her family, Cindy’s tumor was found three years ago. Thankfully, because of her type of cancer she did not have to have radiation or chemo. A mastectomy and five year regimen of Tamoxifen was prescribed. Beyond that, wellness was found through huge support from her work, Sunseri Construction, her family, and many people she surrounded herself with. Cindy says, “I think that I’ve found

advises, “Our family support is so strong and really believing that you are going to get through this even though some days may be bumpy and rocky. There is an end to it. You have to have a positive attitude and try to take care of yourself.” “And survivor friends.’ Cindy includes, ‘When we participated in Celebration, I mean you talk about a really crappy situation happening to you. I have to say there are amazing outcomes through a really fun experience. You get to go out and dance and sing and do crazy stuff. There is someone designated there just to dress you.” “I got to wear false eyelashes for the first time! I took the picture that they gave us and glued the eyelashes onto the back. I was thinking, ‘Good grief who can sit and do this every day, plus all that other makeup?!’” says Marilyn. Being pampered and getting to walk down the runway as a huge crowd cheers you on, reminds women of their incredible strength. The journey is different for everybody but endurance through hard times makes these some of the most inspiring women. “I am so much stronger than before I had the diagnosis and went through the treatments. I could have just decided to sit in a chair and say, “Woe is me,’ but then I would never have had these opportunities. I would still be in the chair. That was not what I felt my lifestyle should be.” Ever the jet setter, Marilyn plans to continue in her hobby of travel, gaining rich experiences in cultures other than her own. “She’s never home,” comments Cindy. “And I think the same thing. I have a different outlook in terms of go for it! Don’t wait. If there’s something you’re interested in doing, make that happen. I think having a diagnosis of cancer does that. Don’t waste time.” Both mother and daughter find it inspiring how women all over the world are taking control of their tough situations, forming a sisterhood of survivors. It is empowering having a mother who you can learn from and a daughter that you can support. Breast cancer is scary, but someone being by your side every step makes the journey for Marilyn and Cindy a little easier.

BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS ERIN WENHAM

“It’s so overwhelming. Even so, it’s sadly fortunate for me because I had my mom, whose experience I had the opportunity to watch. I knew what the possibilities might be but got to watch her courage and bravery through all of it, so it was very inspiring.” it’s kind of like having babies. Every time a generation gets pregnant there are so many new rules and treatments. Treatments for me, even from the time of my mom’s diagnosis, are different. Insurance used to be very limited. By the time I was having my issues, my insurance covered everything, not only during the mastectomy and reconstruction, but also 10 years from that point when I go back for a spruce up. There has been such a big change in terms of what’s available for all of us going through it currently compared to 10 years ago.” Positive outlook has been a theme for this family from the start. Marilyn, with years of knowledge and life experience

㤀㜀㐀䴀愀渀最爀漀瘀攀䄀瘀攀渀甀攀䌀栀椀挀漀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㔀㤀㈀㘀眀眀眀⸀氀愀戀攀氀稀挀栀椀挀漀⸀挀漀洀

⠀㔀㌀ ⤀ ㌀㐀㔀ⴀ㄀㘀㄀㔀

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

Chico City Limits By Matthew Manfredi | Photos by Martin Christian

stray away from traditional television broadcast. This October will be the very first time the series will be available online and streaming in high-definition. All 10 episodes of Season One will be located directly next to other PBS

“If you have ever heard of Austin

producing documentaries and television

shows including Downton Abbey and,

City Limits,” says Peter Berkow. “[Music

programs. “To me, media is all the same,

(you guessed it) Austin City Limits—all

Gone Public] is as close as you’re going

it’s just telling a story,” says Berkow. Music

available on smartphones and tablets

to get Chico City Limits.” A laugh follows

Gone Public is what he loves to do and is

exclusively through PBS stations.

appropriate

something that isn’t going to stop anytime

Internationally known acts from the

comparison between the two Public

soon. “I look at being a TV producer as

first season include, Frankie Moreno, a

Broadcast Station music series.

being journalist with a camera.”

Las Vegas performer turning the heads

Berkow

makes

the

Over the course of five years, Berkow

Originally designed to be released in

of everyone strolling down the Vegas

and his crew traveled all over the western

the fall, debuting only in September and

strip. Delhi 2 Dublin, a troupe of talented

states (and Canada), filming performers

October of 2014, Music Gone Public was

musicians playing an eclectic blend of

and musicians that share a passion for

so well received by television audiences,

instruments, giving them a unique and

music just as much as he does. The efforts

PBS stations across the United States

culturally rich sound, and Antsy McClain

from his hard work can be seen on Season

could not wait to air the series, including

and the Trailer Park Troubadours—a

One of Music Gone Public in its entirety.

the two largest located in New York and

group performing Americana music with

Los Angeles.

a sense of humor. With several more acts

Berkow has been working with PBS for the last twenty years, gaining experience

As technology keeps controlling the

featured on the first season, though an

as a journalist for much of his early

ever-changing media landscape, Music

eclectic mix of musical genres, Berkow

career and then eventually going on to

Gone Public has begun to adapt and

says the one they have in common is that 73

“It’s high quality American music that the

track of the episodes of Season One and

With the second season of Music Gone

corporate American doesn’t support.”

created a rivaling studio sound only

Public approaching, Berkow returns to his

Like all the artists on Music Gone

found in Nashville and Los Angeles.

roots to begin shooting at Sierra Nevada

Public, Berkow forms close professional

The same group the four or five go-to

Big

relationships with all the performers.

camera operators all living here in Chico

created his first 13 episode series “Sierra

Legendary Australian guitarist Tommy

that Berkow goes to for every for every

Center Stage.”

Emmanuel, voted best acoustic guitar

performance—including his wife, Tricia,

“It will definitely feel like coming

player of the year several times in a Guitar

who gets all the shots from the audience.

home again, working with Bob Littell

Player Magazine readers poll, has made

All these different elements are what

and the good folks at Sierra Nevada,” says

many performances on the stages that

makes Music Gone Public truly unique.

Berkow. The third time will once again be

November—where

Berkow has filmed and produced,

vivid video display of performers

including those shot multiple

playing

times at the Sierra Nevada Big

Americana, jazz, bluegrass, and

Room. Guitar players such as

rockabilly for PBS audiences.

vast

collection

Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins and

Being a musician himself,

Les Paul have referred to him

Berkow has used Music Gone

as the greatest guitar player

Public as a way to get the music

alive. An absolute sensation in

into the public eye that usually

Australia, Emmanuel became a

wouldn’t have found a way in

star in the United States through

traditional

Berkow’s previous PBS shows.

mission statement: “We’re an

Berkow has confirmed an encore

alternative to the assembly line

performance

mass

media.

The

music machine.” The conviction

Emmanuel The list wouldn’t be complete without

on Season 2 of Music Gone Public with

Berkow’s

voice

illuminates

his

an additional push towards the media

including

Hoopingarner,

passionate interest are directed at making

coverage and exposure the celebrated

Berkow’s co-producer, business partner

the performers on Music Gone Public

guitarist deserves.

Michael

and right hand man throughout the

seen for their musical talent, which is

The finished product seen on the

making of Music Gone Public. In charge

exactly what he has done—creating a

screen is something that he would have

of logistics and equal in producing efforts

musical and cultural display to as an

never been achieved without the team

of the entire first season, Hoopingarner

alternative to mainstream music and

of professionals that have helped Berkow

lives in Los Angeles now, but is with

media. “We’re really doing a service to

make Music Gone Public all possible.

Berkow at every single performance. “He

the public,” says Berkow. “All of this music

is amazing, I couldn’t do it without him,”

is so important, and I think it is really

says Berkow.

important for America to see it.”

Dale Price, at the helm Electric Canyon Studios carefully went over each audio 74

Room

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Filming for season two of Music Gone Public will begin November 30th at the Sierra Nevada Big Room. For more information about the project, visit www.musicgonepublic.com

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圀漀漀搀䈀爀漀琀栀攀爀猀䌀愀爀瀀攀琀簀㜀㤀㤀䔀渀琀氀攀爀䄀瘀攀䌀栀椀挀漀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㔀㤀㈀㠀簀 ⠀㔀㌀ ⤀ ㌀㐀㔀ⴀ㈀㐀㌀㠀簀眀漀漀搀戀爀漀琀栀攀爀猀挀愀爀瀀攀琀⸀挀漀洀 75

ARTIST: Alex Johnson Walking into the home of Alex Johnson, the first thing you notice

crafting furniture and sculptures right in his backyard. He found this

is the vibrantly colored glass art lining almost every surface along

hobby at an early age as his dad was a carpenter who focused on

the walls. Plates, vases, sculptures and just about anything else that

building boats.

Johnson molds from his mind into existence.

“I do construction to make money,” Johnson tells. “Building decks,

You may have noticed the lamps above the door at Monk’s Wine

remodeling houses. I do a lot of tiling.”

Lounge. These are made from recycled wine bottles by Johnson. With

His woodworking aspirations have led him to his work building a

Fall finally here, Johnson is beginning his yearly process of creating his

sawmill to begin urban forestry projects in which he utilizes leftover

famous glass pumpkins.

firewood as scrap material.

“Last year I ended up making 200 to 300,” Johnson said in regards to maintaining supply. These will surely once again find their way to store windows and among restaurant decor, along with Johnson’s Christmas tree ornaments and other items.

Recycling also has a function in is glass work. For example, he uses discarded windows to make plates. Though he finds inspiration in many places, Johnson cites nature and wilderness as two major influences in his sculpture work. “I’ve

In high school, Johnson delved into art but it wasn’t until his senior

done a lot of what they call ‘burnout’ where you take a branch or bark

year starting Chico State through a college connection program that

and invest it in plaster and then you burn the wood out of the plaster

he discovered his talent in glass blowing.

and and pour glass in,” Johnson explains. “It’s what I did for my BFA.”

Since graduating with his BA in sculpture, Johnson has worked

Glass blowing is not an easy skill to master. “It’s definitely more of

alongside many glass blowers in the Chico area as well as those he

a team sport, especially with bigger projects,” Johnson states. “Your

met during his time in Seattle.

timing has to be perfect if you do it alone.”

Johnson worked with local glass blower, Johnathon Schmuck,

Among adversities faced by Johnson, his biggest at the moment is

where he learned a technique called the “Bullseye Method” which

the electricity bill. “It takes a lot of power to melt the glass,” Johnson

eases the electricity bill by eliminating the need for molten glass as

admits. “It is one of the more expensive arts in that regard.”

well as expanding his talents. Now he often works with his friend Brian Sutherland who runs a shop in Durham.

The next step for Johnson is to expand to a warehouse in Chico for larger glass and wood projects. “We’re negotiating with PG&E

His passion is reflected in his business, Helltown Glass. Its mission statement opens with “Our minds and bodies are tools honed to

right now to get commercial power,” Johnson said, “$1,000 is a lot of money to be paying monthly.”

create. We focus on artistic experiences. Great experiences fuel

To catch Johnson in action, make your way to Sierra Nevada’s

our art. Our work reflects our memories and becomes a catalog of

Oktoberfest where he will be doing a live glass blowing demo. This

experiences.”

will be a great opportunity to witness exactly what it takes to create

Johnson does not limit himself to glass blowing. He also has

the art which has made him such a prominent member of the Chico

an entire workshop dedicated to his other passion: woodworking.

Community.

Sporting an “awesomely large” chainsaw, he spends much of his time 76

UPGRADEDLIVING.COM OCTOBER 2015

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Check out Alex’s work at Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest, October 2nd - 4th or visit www.helltownglass.com

伀刀䤀䔀一吀 ☀ 䘀䰀唀䴀䔀䄀刀吀伀䈀䔀刀匀䄀䰀䔀匀䄀嘀䔀㈀㔀─ 伀一䄀䰀䰀䄀刀吀䜀䰀䄀匀匀䤀一吀䠀䔀䜀䄀䰀䰀䔀刀夀匀䔀倀吀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀㈀㤀吀䠀刀伀唀䜀䠀伀䌀吀伀䈀䔀刀㌀

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LOCAL ARTISTS

We have the largest selection of local jewelry artisans CLASSES - BEAD SHOP

Hours: Mon 1-5 | closed Sun & Tues | Wed-Sat 11-5

Sally Dimas Art Gallery pottery- jewelry - art

493 East Ave, Chico | 345-3063 Open Tues-Sat 11 to 5pm

Elegant Holiday Expressions For Your Home