Upgraded Living October 2016 by Upgraded Living

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FROM THE EDITOR When I think about October and the remaining months of this crazy, wonderful year, the word “celebration” certainly comes to mind—and it’s safe to say we have no shortage of reasons for it. There is still so much to look forward to in 2016, and we can’t wait to share it all with you. This month we celebrate the very welcomed fall season and all of the events that come along with it.

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

This issue is a combination of things that are very near and dear to us here at Upgraded Living. Each October we are proud to pay tribute to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, honoring those who have battled this disease and recognizing the amazing resilience of its survivors. This month we share the journey of our local legend and cover star, Charlene Mikeska, a tenacious breast cancer survivor who helped bring the Celebration Fashion Show to Chico. Scheduled for October 29th, this biennial event aims to create an empowering experience that celebrates life beyond breast cancer. Anyone who is familiar with this publication knows that we love all things related to home, sweet home. This month we’re excited to bring you an expanded section devoted to just that. Our area is home to a multitude of outstanding home improvement professionals that can help you create your dream dwelling, and we’re excited to share a small handful of them with you. Be sure to stop by and see us at the Fall Home & Garden Show, October 22-23rd at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.

AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner ERIN HANSEN Editor-in-Chief

JASON CORONA

NERISSA HANSEN

Sales Director

Graphic Designer

DARREN MICHELS

JACOB HUTCHISON

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Writer KYLEEN BROMLEY

FRANK REBELO

Writer

Photographer ALYSSA WORLEY

Last but not least, this month we celebrate the harvest season and the opportunity to experience local agriculture on the 11th annual Sierra Oro Farm Trail. If you’ve never embarked upon this selfguided tour of over 30 farms, wineries, and shops in Butte County and surrounding communities, we encourage you to do so! Six new locations have been added the trail this year, and we’re pleased to give you a sneak peek at these newcomers before the event on October 8th & 9th. Tour, taste, and toast all that our area has to offer!

PHOTO BY TAYLOR MCCUTCHAN

As always, thank you for reading. Cheers to the celebrations ahead!

Erin Hansen Editor-in-Chief

MICHELLE CAMY

Writer

Photographer EMMA HOPPOUGH Writer

CONTRIBUTORS CHICO BREAST CARE CENTER

RENEE MICHEL & JOE SWEENEY

Health

Finance

DR. KEVIN D. MYERS

DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.

Health

Skin Care

LILA RICH

ANNABELLE PEARL

Beauty Q&A

Cool Kid

LAURA GILMORE MARKUSEN

URBAN DESIGN SOLAR

Fitness

Home

ROBIN ZANON

KRISTA KNECHT

Interior Design

Floral

For advertising or editorial inquiries, please contact: Upgraded Living at 530.894.8091 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2016 COMMUNITY 13 Windchime of Chico welcomes seniors to a fun and active lifestyle

14 Cool Kid Annabelle Trento takes her love to Africa

55 Eagle Security takes Northern California under its wing

57 Meet the friendly folks of Perfection Pools and Spas

60 Discover sustainable living with Eco Living Resources

16 Local Legend Charlene Mikeska gives us a reason to celebrate

19 Fight breast cancer with wine? Wine not?

64 Fall in love with your home again with some help from Abigail House Redecorating

66 NVPOA provides education, advocacy, and support to property owners

21 Heavenly Blue Fine Lingerie lifts Chico up, in more ways than one

68 igreen helps create the most efficient

and comfortable version of your home

33 Rejuvenate, refresh, resurface, and reset

your skin with the experts at Rejuvené!

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FOOD & FARM 70 We can’t wait to try these exciting dishes from Fresh Twisted Café and Mariscos La Costa

22 The best in breast cancer screening from Chico Breast Care Center

24 Northstate Plastic Surgery Associates helps

72 Happy trails! Meet the new additions to this year’s Sierra Oro Farm Trail

post mastectomy patients feel whole again

26 Hair tips galore from Laura’s Wig and

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Beauty Supply

23 Twin Oaks presents: Bocce for a cure 28 Step into a fun and dynamic workout with the ladies of Kaia Fit!

31 Help to unmask mental illness at NAMI’s Masquerade Ball!

36 Artist and life coach Cal-Ling brings healing and transformation

76 Artists Sienna and Trevor bring their unique styles together in collaboration

HOME & GARDEN

78 Start your holiday shopping and

support your community with KIXE’s Holiday Auction!

40 New Again Kitchen Remodeling Presents House Call: Durham Dreaming

43 Meet your local tree experts, M&S Wesley

79 Community Calendar—plan your month!

46 Catrina Zotz of Urban Design Solar is all about girl power!

48 This simple DIY is sure to brighten you day 52 Chico Custom Cabinetry take one local kitchen from common to custom

ON THE COVER: CHARLENE MIKESKA DESIGNED BY: NERISSA HANSEN PHOTO BY: ERIN HANSEN

71 72 6

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LOCATION: A BEAUTIFUL LIFE FURNISHINGS OUTFIT: 5TH STREET CLOTHING COMPANY MAKEUP: DANIELLE LEIPER, MECCA SALON HAIR: CATHERINE CALDWELL, ATELIER CC & ASSOC.

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SAVVY SENIORS

Learn about Medicare’s Part D Open Enrollment! MEDICARE’S OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS OCTOBER 15 Passages HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) wants to remind Savvy Seniors to not miss Medicare’s Open Enrollment, also known as Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15–December 7, 2016 for Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, if available. The AEP is the timeframe each year where people with Medicare have the option to change their prescription and/or Medicare Advantage plan. Any changes one makes will be effective January 1, 2017. HICAP recommends that everyone with Medicare should review their options because premiums, deductibles and co-pays can change every year. In addition, some plans may even discontinue service altogether. Options for assistance: • Passages HICAP has State Registered counselors in 5 counties ready to assist • Log on to Medicare’s website at www.medicare.gov and use the Plan Finder and/or Formulary Finder • Call Medicare at 800.633.4227 • Read your Medicare & You book or select paperless option online to view On October 1, 2016 companies selling Medicare Part D plans or Medicare Advantage plans will start marketing to the general public. Brokers and agents must follow strict guidelines when marketing to you. If you suspect fraud, please call our office. Butte County residents can call HICAP at 530.898.6716. Outside Butte County, call 800.434.0222. Passages HICAP hours are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We look forward to assisting you!

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL CAREGIVER AWARENESS MONTH Passages Caregiver Resource Center will host its 10th annual Caregiver Conference on November 15th, 10 a.m–noon, at the Enloe Conference Center, 1528 Esplanade, Chico. Family caregivers are encouraged to attend and hear Melissa (Mo) Boeger, MS, a well-known caregiver advocate and entrepreneur. Reservations are required by November 7 by calling 530.898.5925. 12

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Don’t get lost in the maze of options… Workshops will cover information on:  Medicare changes, including prescription and health plans  How to lower your healthcare costs  How to recognize and report fraudulent marketing PARADISE: Tuesday, October 25, 10AM Paradise Senior Center, 877 Nunelley Rd CHICO:  Thursday, October 13 & November 10, 10 am-noon at Lakeside Pavilion, 2565 California Park Drive  Monday, October 17 & December 5, 9 am—1pm at Enloe Conference Center, 1528 Esplanade, Rm 101 Counselors available to do plan comparisons, with prior appointment

Presented by: Passages HICAP Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program Serving Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas and Tehama Counties

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: 1-800-434-0222

This announcement was supported by a grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Its contents are solely the responsibility of Passages HICAP and do not represent the official views of ACL.

WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

There’s No Place

Like Windchime There is an unfortunate stigma associated with assisted living. Many people back away when they hear the term, mistakenly imagining a sterile nursing home with “patients” rather than residents. Windchime of Chico wants to fight this image. Located across from Cal Park Lake and boasting spacious rooms and charming gardens, the dual assisted living and memory care facility seems far too elegant to be a medical center. In fact, though the staff at Windchime do provide care for residents, the assisted living model was not intended to have a medical focus, but to create a sense of security and community for those who might struggle with absolute independence. Now in its 16th year and with close to 100 residents, Windchime wants to do away with any unease surrounding residential care and demonstrate that the move can be comfortable, exciting, and beneficial for both residents and their family members. Surprisingly, of the many services Windchime oversees, its emphasis on transition is perhaps its most important. Everyone arrives to the building under different circumstances (with resident ages ranging from early 50’s to late 80’s) so it’s the up to Windchime’s staff to see that the move goes smoothly and that residents feel they have found a true home. Greg Asher, Windchime’s executive director, explains that the best way to enter an assisted living facility is to do so long before the move is urgent. Many seniors find themselves feeling isolated in their houses or stressed by the responsibilities of daily life; an earlier move to Windchime solves these problems through an active community and a source of support that can evolve into more comprehensive care if necessary. “We’re here to adjust with [residents],” states Asher. To decide whether that adjustment will be beneficial, prospective residents are encouraged to take advantage of Windchime’s free tours and short-stay respite care to experience the environment before they commit. After living at Windchime, it’s not unusual for some residents to also transition into the facility’s memory care program. Operated separately from assisted living but under the same roof, Windchime’s memory care attends to seniors with dementia and provides longtime residents with a familiar environment in what might otherwise be an upsetting change. Memory care staff aim to treat residents with love and kindness by engaging with their past and reestablishing a sense of community they may have lost before. The doors separating Windchime’s two programs are painted with brightly colored plants and butterflies surrounding an arbor, symbolically establishing a reassuring entryway to memory care instead of an empty divide. On either side of these doors, everyday life seems fittingly carefree for all residents regardless of their placement: they are treated to three in-house meals a day, weekly bus outings, musical performances, and even a mini salon that’s tucked inside the building’s second story. While staff provide the support that gives assisted living its name, the clear focus at Windchime is living—every resident is treated with respect, and every day is packed with activities to make each moment an exciting one. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WINDCHIME AT 855 BRUCE ROAD IN CHICO OR CALL 530.487.0946. 13

WRITTEN BY ANNABELLE PEARL PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANNABELLE TRENTO

COOL KID:

Caring Dentistry from Toddler to Teen Years Dr. Kimberly Lange, DDS General Dentist

650 RIO LINDO AVE. #4, CHICO 343-3137

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ANNABELLE TRENTO

Love. A complex word that means so much to everyone. We are surrounded by love everyday. However, we often forget the power that love can create.

amazing to see the things that they are grateful for, even just to be able to hold our hands,” Annabelle described, with tears in her eyes as she recalled the memories.

This past summer, seventeen-year old Annabelle Trento opened her heart by volunteering in Africa. She traveled and worked alongside her grandpa and cousin for seven days. They stayed in a village called Waterloo, and they volunteered in a town called Tissana, both of which are located in Sierra Leone. During that week, Annabelle and her family volunteered by visiting with the orphans three hours each day and working at a clinic. Before she left for Africa, Annabelle (with the help of her church) sewed dresses out of pillowcases which would be given to the girls there. “We called it ‘Beautiful Because’ because I believe it is important for every girl to feel beautiful, valued and special,” Annabelle explained with joy emanating from her face.

While Annabelle was there, she also worked at a clinic. Between her and her family, they saw a total of about 160 people the day they volunteered. During their work at the clinic, they handed out medicine, such as Tylenol and Aleve, and took people’s blood pressure. “The people there had diseases that we would never have here in America,” Annabelle described. “These patients had malaria, typhoid, pneumonia, and worms.”

Though Annabelle and her family only spent three hours a day working with the orphans, some of Annabelle’s favorite memories were from this short amount of time. “The one thing the kids just wanted was love.” However, Annabelle gave each and every one of these children more than just love and kindness from her heart. From America to Africa, she brought a variety of things— from nail polish to crayons and more clothes. In addition, she taught them both the Christmas and Easter story. “It was

My favorite thing Annabelle said about her experience was this: “Was this trip fun? No. Was this trip worth it? Definitely.” Annabelle didn’t hesitate to tell me that living in a third world country (even just for seven days) is extremely difficult. Though this may have been challenging, for Annabelle, seeing the children every day was the most rewarding part. Love is something we often take for granted. The smallest acts of kindness can be as simple as making someone’s day or as powerful as changing someone’s life. Never underestimate the power that love has; never underestimate the power you have to make a difference in someone’s life.

LOCAL LEGEND: CHARLENE MIKESKA

A Cause for Celebration

WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH PHOTO BY ERIN HANSEN

which Celebration is modeled) and dove in head first, joining a group of women for their third fashion show rehearsal the same night she discovered their existence. An idea took hold. Understanding how empowering it was to have models express their confidence and strength after overcoming so much, Charlene continued to volunteer in the Bay Area and “hit the ground running” after moving to Chico so that she could create a similar event for the city. Charlene refused to start small: the first Celebration fashion show premiered in 2009 and sold all 200 tickets within the first few weeks of sales. Since then it has grown considerably—this year’s event will take place on October 29th at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds to accommodate an audience of 450 people, with many past models working as much-needed volunteers like Charlene did in the Bay Area. Organizing an event at this scale took an incredible amount of coordination and networking, but Charlene wasn’t afraid of the task. Seeking help from multiple organizations, she found sponsors, funding, locations, eager models, and an equally excited audience. As Charlene likes to say, running this event is similar to planning a wedding for up to 40 brides: it is a hectic process that requires months of preparation, but ultimately it creates a uniquely special day worth every bit of labor involved.

When Charlene Mikeska speaks of the journey that led to the creation of Chico’s Celebration Foundation, she recalls a desire for adventure. After battling breast cancer in 1992, she refused to take her experiences for granted and set out to connect with others like herself—a goal she has certainly achieved. Since moving to Chico in 2006, Charlene has organized four biennial Celebration fashion show fundraisers that have allowed breast cancer survivors of all genders to establish community, inspire hope, and raise awareness. While Charlene’s efforts have had a clear impact on Butte County (the Celebration Foundation has now donated over $66,000 to our local breast cancer community through Celebration Compassion Fund, Cancer Connections at Enloe Medical Center and Feather River Hospice), her independence and determination are equally important to her story. Revealing that at the age of 19 she moved to Hawaii “with a one way ticket and $40 in [her]

pocket,” Charlene confirms that she has taken charge of her future from a young age and created opportunities where there appeared to be none. Her autonomy never wavered, and it proved especially critical when Charlene’s self-advocacy led to her own cancer diagnosis. Doctors were initially dismissive of the potential warning signs found during Charlene’s examinations until she pushed them to look more closely. “They told me everything a woman wants to hear,” she says— but she wasn’t convinced. Thinking of her sister Ruby, who lost a 14 year battle with the same disease, Charlene demanded to undergo more tests until finally a specialist listened to her concerns and delivered the life-changing news she had dreaded. Fortunately, the cancer went into remission after treatment, but things would never be the same. Fueled by these experiences and her ambitious spirit, Charlene contacted Marin County’s breast cancer fundraiser gala (after

One year after Chico’s first Celebration, Charlene was the recipient of the Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women, an achievement that she feels changed everything. Not only did the award come with $1,000 that could be fed directly back into the cause, it also led to a very generous grant from the Virginia L. Jones Foundation and many more. The Ruby Award represented official recognition of Charlene’s hard work and the determination that had led her along the way.

“I just knew this is where I should be,” Charlene remembers thinking. We could not agree more.

CHARLENE WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE HOW GRATEFUL SHE IS TO THE NUMEROUS BENEFACTORS AND VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR VERY GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE CELEBRATION FOUNDATION. TO LEAN MORE, VISIT CELEBRATIONCHICO.COM, CELEBRATION FACEBOOK PAGE AND/OR NVCF.ORG/ FUND/CELEBRATION. 17

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WINE

NOT

FIGHT THE FIGHT

Close your eyes and imagine sitting in a hot bath surrounded by bubbles, estrogen bubbles if you will, and sipping sparkling peach wine. Just the idea of life’s stressful challenges being washed away is soothing, let alone doing it with a full glass in hand. That was Mollie Openshaw’s vision with the newest addition to her famous line of Mood Swing Wines. Since 2013, Mollie has become what you might call “the voice” for menopausal women. She was inspired to start a line of wines specifically for her girlfriends who were starting to go through “The Change.” “The symptoms are annoying—hot flashes, plucking of the chin hairs and reader glasses,” Mollie says. Although she acknowledges those challenges, her mantra is really to encourage all women to embrace life and laugh about it over a great glass of wine.

Recently though, Mollie’s sights have been set on a different group of warriors: those who have fought or are battling breast cancer. Peach Bubbles is for them. Not only is this limited edition wine crisp and delicious, but a portion of the proceeds will remain local to help in supporting the local breast cancer community. “I had the name Peach Bubbles, but I wasn’t led to do anything with it.” Mollie said. After much reflection and prayer, one day it became very clear. This particular wine’s purpose would be to honor the people who have fought breast cancer and strengthen those who are still fighting. After experiencing the loss of several friends to this illness, Mollie knew she needed to do something explosive to help; like shake Peach Bubbles up with all your strength and pop the cork. 19

On October 3rd, you will no doubt notice a billboard on East Avenue featuring brave beautiful women accessorized in pink, encouraging this community to support the Wine Not Fight the Fight campaign. Along with the billboard, Mollie has created a section on the Mood Swings Wine website where every Monday a new story and picture from those affected by Breast Cancer will be posted. The hope is that this can be a safe place for survivors to share their stories and to help others battling cancer feel inspired and rejuvenated, knowing that they aren’t fighting alone.

SPARKLING GRAPE WINE WITH NATURAL FLAVOR

To show your support of this campaign, all you have to do is buy Peach Bubbles. There will be tastings all around town at businesses like Bidwell Perk and S&S Produce, and you can also buy this limited edition wine online. However, when the bubbles are gone, the bubbles are gone!

WRITTEN BY ALYSSA WORLEY PHOTOS BY LISA TOSI

Mollie’s words to those battling breast cancer are simply “stay strong and be brave. I commend you.” All it takes is a click of the mouse or in-store purchase to support this campaign, and the best part about buying Peach Bubbles is you get to drink it afterwards! Wine not?

PINK BUBBLES WINE TASTING EVENTS: BIDWELL PERK: 10.18 FROM 5:30–7:30 PM UNWINED: 10.23 WITH TWO SPECIAL BRUNCH SETTINGS LOOK OUT FOR MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL AT HARRAH’S LAS VEGAS—MOOD SWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE WINE FOR THE SHOW.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TASTINGS AND TO PURCHASE WINE, VISIT MOODSWINGWINES.COM. BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE CAMPAIGN ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM. U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E O C TO B E R 201 6

WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

A Good Fit For Chico Entering Heavenly Blue is like plunging into an ethereal, lace-filled Pinterest board. Natural light floods the shop from its second-story perch in Downtown Chico, spilling across satin pajama sets and through layers of gauzy fabric hanging near bright windows.

“I have yet to meet a woman who’s not beautiful,” Ellen states.

Yet every day, women enter the shop expressing frustration at their previous attempts to find underwear in which they feel confident and relaxed. Heavenly Blue was established to ease common insecurities by creating a respectful atmosphere and providing customers with understanding staff and high-quality products. “We just want people to be comfortable,” says Ellen, whether that’s from the ease of the fitting process or simply the privacy of the shop’s upstairs location.

Heavenly Blue’s compassionate approach to customer service is also reflected in its selection. The boutique makes a conscious effort to carry items for all women regardless of age, weight, or cup size—and its recently expanded inventory includes post-mastectomy bras and fittings to serve another large but underrepresented group within the area. Like the creation of the shop itself, the decision to launch into this new endeavor occurred organically. With changing healthcare laws and few local resources for women seeking post-mastectomy garments, Ellen realized that her own shop could address this need while helping women transition into a new phase of life. While the boutique has specialized in bra fittings since its inception (a deceptively difficult task, as most women know), effective postmastectomy fittings require even more accuracy. Set on providing the best care possible, Ellen is constantly reviewing the physical and emotional changes caused by breast cancer and its treatment. Although these fittings can last up to an hour to ensure proper balance and comfort for customers, Heavenly Blue staff are more than willing to take all the time that’s necessary for a woman to feel confident and comfortable with her body. “People will forget what you say, but they remember how you make them feel,” says Ellen, who recalls watching countless women leave the store visibly happier after finally finding the bra that makes them feel like a better version of themselves. While Heavenly Blue has only been open since 2010, it has already gained international recognition as one of North America’s “Best Overall Shops” in the 2013 Best of Intima Awards. With over 2,500 bras in stock, most imported from European companies and all ranging in price and style to cater to different customers, it’s easy to see how this small local store earned widespread attention. Even so, Ellen refrains from setting goals that can be quantified or categorized; she simply wants to improve what her store does well already and, more importantly, to show women the beauty she knows they possess.

VISIT HEAVENLY BLUE IN THE GRAND VIEW BUILDING AT 240 MAIN STREET #220 IN CHICO OR CALL 530.343.3333. VISIT THEM ONLINE AT HEAVENLYBLUELINGERIE.COM. 21

T H E G O L D S TA N DA R D O F

BREAST CARE

Are you a woman age 40 or over? If so, did you know that you should be having an annual screening mammogram? A woman’s chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 8, with most breast cancers occurring in women over 40. The good news is that if found early, before it has spread, the 5-year survival rate is 98%. Thus, early detection is a key factor in being able to successfully treat, and ultimately survive, this dreaded disease. Major health organizations including the American Cancer Society, the American Society of Breast Disease, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging agree that starting annual mammography at age 40 saves the most lives. If you have additional risk factors that may increase your chance of developing breast cancer, such as a strong family history, then you should discuss additional or alternate screening options with your healthcare provider. Once you have made the wise decision to undergo screening mammography, you will need to decide where to have your mammogram performed, since not all breast care centers are created equal. Some questions to ask yourself or your provider: • Does the breast care center use 3D Mammography, also known as Digital Tomosynthesis? • How long until my mammogram is read by the radiologist and the report sent to my doctor? • Is the breast care center also able to perform any follow-up exams or procedures that may be recommended? • Is the breast care center accredited? Having your mammogram done at a facility that offers the latest 3D technology 22

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can increase the chance that your cancer will be detected early while decreasing the chance that you will need to be called back for a follow-up exam due to a falsepositive finding. Furthermore, having your study done at a center that offers fully comprehensive and integrated breast care services can help speed up the process if you do have to undergo additional studies or procedures, which may include a diagnostic work-up with mammography and/or breast ultrasound, breast MRI, breast biopsy, and surgery. This type of fullspectrum integrated care is not only more convenient for the patient, but also allows for coordination of care and less chance of confusion between multiple providers and facilities. Additionally, a full-spectrum breast care center should also offer breast cancer risk assessment and nurse navigation assistance, which can prove invaluable should you be diagnosed with breast cancer. Lastly, make sure that the breast care center you choose is accredited by the American College of Radiology. This shows that the facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines and that its staff is licensed and well qualified to perform and interpret your exam. Not all breast care centers provide this level of comprehensive integrated care, but finding one that does is worth the trouble because it can save you time, money, and maybe even your life!

H E A LT H A D V I C E VIA CHICO BREAST CARE CENTER The Chico Breast Care Center provides comprehensive integrated breast care, including 3D Mammography, to residents of the North State. For more information, please visit chicobreastcare.com or call 530.898.0502.

PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO & ELIZABETH GRAHAM

Bocce For a Cure We joined the good folks from Twin Oaks Post Acute Rehab on September 17th at the Red Tavern for a good ol’ fashioned bocce ball tournament for a very worthy cause. The first annual community fundraiser, “Bocce For a Cure,” brought out a huge showing of familiar faces ready to raise money to benefit the Chico Walk to End Alzheimer’s and compete for some awesome prizes. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder where brain cells die at a faster than normal rate, leading to cognitive impairment and memory loss. The disease, a neurodegenerative type of dementia, can seem like simple forgetfulness at first but gets progressively worse, and is eventually unmistakable. Primarily affecting those

60 years of age and older, the disease is estimated at nearly 5 million cases in the United States alone, and is absolutely devastating. It is at the forefront of the minds of those working at Twin Oaks Post Acute Rehab as they provide skilled care for many patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and see its effects firsthand. With the mission to spread awareness of the disease, the fun filled afternoon accomplished just that, delighting visitors, teams, and sponsors alike with live local music from Station House and Blue Knights, delicious food provided by the Red Tavern, and a raffle full of amazing prizes. The tournament raised $4,600, and we can’t wait to see how that amount grows next year. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT, TWIN OAKS POST ACCUTE REHAB AT 1200 SPRINGFIELD DRIVE IN CHICO, ONLINE AT TWINOAKSREHABCHICO.COM, OR CALL 530.342.4885. 23

CONFIDENCE THROUGH

RECONSTRUCTION

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刀愀洀愀搀愀倀氀愀挀攀㄀㜀㐀䔀愀猀琀䄀瘀攀Ⰰ 匀甀椀琀攀儀䌀栀椀挀漀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㔀㤀㈀㘀琀攀氀㔀㌀ ⴀ㠀㤀㌀ⴀ㌀㘀㠀㌀昀愀砀㔀㌀ ⴀ㠀㤀㌀ⴀ㄀㐀㐀㔀搀爀琀愀眀愀琀愀爀椀搀搀猀䀀最洀愀椀氀⸀挀漀洀 24

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Our society, is perhaps the most universal external symbol of femininity. It represents the embodiment of nature and maternity, and is often an initial focus of sexual intimacy. We are born recognizing its central importance to our very existence. Throughout centuries of aesthetic endeavor, the idealized form of the female breast has ranged from the almost boyish and barely there (think 1920’s flappers), to the relatively small-idealized modern portrayals of the female form by Alberto Vargas or the airbrushed pictures in Playboy. While the ideal size or shape of the female breast may vary by an era’s fashion whims, ask anyone to draw a stick figure of an adult woman and the result will nearly always include some depiction of a breast. There is definitely an exception, and even an ideal or standard. From the time both the human male and the female are old enough to notice, to the time that we are old enough not to notice, or maybe even care, some part of the woman’s identity resides on her chest. It may be unfair, but this wellspring of positive emotions may develop life-threatening malignancy. Beyond the fear of mortality, feelings of decreased femininity, mutilation, and fear of rejection by a current spouse or partner, as well as the subsequent loss of the confident ability to initiate new physical intimacy are common consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast reconstruction represents both opportunity and challenge to a plastic surgeon: the opportunity is to restore a woman’s sense of well-being and identity, to change her circumstance for the better,

and the challenge is to reconstruct a breast that emulates what she has lost. While we cannot yet “grow” a perfect breast, we can often alter what remains after partial removal of a breast into a pleasing shape or create a breast mound where none remains after mastectomy, such that a woman can feel confident in public without constantly thinking about the fact that she has had a breast partially or completely removed. The bedrock of the breast cancer surgery is to give a woman (and, more rarely, a man) the chance to survive, to save her life, and a good plastic surgeon will always defer to the oncologic breast surgeon. But, as plastic surgeons, we aim to make that person feel whole again; there is nearly always a way, to do just that. Whether that means an external prosthesis, a prosthetic implant or reconstruction with a woman’s own tissue depends on the circumstance. There are precious few who are not candidates for some type of reconstruction. Should you or your loved one be diagnosed with breast cancer, or find from genetic testing that there is a high risk for the disease, ask the appropriate questions. You (or they) deserve to consult with a plastic surgeon to examine reconstructive options prior to surgery for breast cancer. Your main concern should be to preserve your life, but we can help preserve your self-image, ie, who you are.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

KEVIN D. MYERS

Kevin D. Myers, M.D. is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. For more information, contact Northstate Plastic Surgery Associated located at 251 Cohasset Road #340, Chico CA 95926 or call 530.345.5900.

BEAUTY Q&A H A P P Y H A I R , H A P P Y YO U !

UL: My kids are back in school, how do I protect them from lice before they get them? LR: Using a tea tree oil shampoo will help discourage lice from getting in the hair. Also, children with long hair might braid or pull their hair up to prevent lice infestation. It’s very important that children learn to share, but speak with your child about “healthy sharing.” For example, not sharing hats and other articles of clothing is one of the easiest ways to avoid contracting lice. UL: What can I do to keep my hair color fresh between color services? LR: Having a color-depositing shampoo to use from time to time can greatly diminish the amount of color fading. Using these once a week, or as often as needed, will help deposit color pigment back into those porous, more faded areas, while keeping your color fresh and vibrant. UL: I style my hair with heat everyday and it’s starting to feel dry and brittle. What am I doing wrong? LR: It’s important to remember that heat is damaging to the hair, so make sure to always use some kind of thermal protectant. It is also crucial to make sure that the hair is one hundred percent dry before taking any hot iron (flat iron, curling iron, wand, etc.) to it, even if there is a thermal protectant present. However, if there is preexisting damage, it is important to get your hair 26

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trimmed and/or do a deep conditioning treatment to replenish protein and moisture back into the hair. UL: My hair is lacking luster and just isn’t styling as well as it usually does. I haven’t changed my products or my styling method, what could the problem be? LR: It’s very common for hair to gather build up. You can get build up from your hair products, things in the environment, and even water. Using a clarifying shampoo once a month or as necessary will help remove built up impurities and hair product. Clarifying doesn’t damage the hair, it just deeply cleanses and leaves the hair looking and feeling fresh. UL: My hair is thinning, is a hormone based product my only option for regrowth? LR: There are several products for regrowth that do not use hormones and will not cause side effects if you stop using them. Products like this work by stimulating the hair follicles and increase scalp circulation for more productivity.

BEAUTY ADVICE VIA L I L A R I C H Lila Rich is a licensed cosmetologist who has been with Laura’s Wig and Beauty Supply for over three years. For more information and product recommendations, visit Laura’s at 872 East Avenue in Chico or call 530.342.1200.

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LINE-away!! You’re checking your face in the mirror, and all of a sudden you see a line. Or two. Maybe even three! When did those frown lines appear, and what can I do to fix it? Botox and other similar products have been in circulation for years now. When administered correctly, they are safe, effective, and they dramatically reduce the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines. Treatments are quick, relatively painless (very fine needles are used) and do not radically change one’s appearance. These products work by reducing the muscle activity that causes the lines to form. Frowning, squinting, and even laughing can contribute to the deepening of these dermo-creases. Injections are done every 3–6 months, depending on the strength of the muscle being injected. And you needn’t worry about getting “frozen face!” Our trained nurses inject conservatively, so you keep a natural and relaxed look. There are some contraindications, so a brief medical history is taken, and during your free consultation, the nurse will decide if you are a candidate for the procedure. The amount injected will be decided by your facial anatomy, your musculature, and what your concerns are. The nurse will explain the procedure and any possible side effects that could occur. Here at the Derm Bar MedSpa, we strive to enhance your own natural features, and want you to look like you, only better! If you decide that Botox or injectable fillers are for you, call us to schedule an appointment. DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672

the healthiest you! For the healthiest exercise routine, you need to diversify your workouts. Remember to include five key elements of fitness training in your workouts: aerobic exercise, strength training, core exercises, balance training, and stretching. Including a variety of activities will gradually build your strength and endurance over time. If you workout regularly, it’s easy to fall into the habit of doing the same exercises every time. When you perform the same exercises repeatedly, they become easier over time. Eventually, your workouts won’t offer you much of a challenge. If you don’t change up your routine, your fitness level will plateau. To maintain a healthy and challenging exercise regimen, it’s important to diversify your workouts with a variety of activities like yoga, dancing, step, cross-training that includes strength exercises, running, and many other varieties that are included at Kaia Fit.

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The North State Symphony welcomes autumn with not one, but two concerts! On Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m., the symphony’s string players will perform in the beautiful new Zingg Recital Hall at CSU Chico’s state-of-the-art Arts and Humanities building. You’ll hear music from Edward Elgar, a Beethoven Quartet, plus Tchaikovsky’s String Serenade conducted by Scott Seaton. It’s an extra-special concert because most of the music was chosen by the musicians on stage! For November’s concert, “Inspired by Italy,” trumpet player John Hagstrom will join the symphony at Laxson Auditorium. He’s from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which Scott describes as having “the best brass section in any American orchestra.” John will play a trumpet concerto to complement Mendelssohn’s famous “Italian” Symphony, a crowd-pleasing opera overture, and a contemporary rhythm-driven for strings. It’s a perfect Sunday afternoon outing: 2 p.m. on November 13. Single tickets for North State Symphony concerts are on sale through the University Box Office at 530.898.6333. For more information visit us online at www.northstatesymphony.org. Follow the North State Symphony on facebook, too!

Motivation: A Driving Factor To Change The Way You Do Things and Do Them Better. What’s holding you back right now? Maybe something has been nudging at you to try or excited you every time you’ve thought about it. Seasons are in transition and it’s a great time to continue to motivate yourself to keep yourself thriving mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. It takes something in all of us to be better at what we do in our own lives on a dayto-day basis, whether it is related to health, family, or career, motivation and consistency are key. Everyday we can ask ourselves the question, “am I going to be the norm or am I going to be the exception?” We all can choose to be better than the person we are right now by changing our habits. Maybe it’s time to take an interest in your weight, your lack of activity, or your daily choices that leave you feeling less than great about yourself. • Register for an Event or Set Specific Goals: Walk, run, hike, swim, or cycle! Set daily, weekly, monthly, and/or annual goals. • Measure Your Distance: Studies show wearing a pedometer increases your activity and weight loss. Set your step goal at 6,000–10,000 per day to begin with. Speed and heart monitor watches give more purpose and excitement to your workout. • Journal: Keep track of your exercise in minutes, steps, laps or mileage. Total each week to see your progress. • Get a Workout Partner: Keep each other moving no matter what the weather or other excuses. The conversation, silly jokes, and coffee afterwards are great ways to make even a blah workout a lot of fun. • Join a Walking, Cycling, Running or Swim Club: Being part of a club or organization makes exercise more fun. There are several around Chico and local areas. DR. DINA RABO, DC Rabo Chiropractic Center www.RaboChiropracticCenter.com 490 Sycamore Street Gridley, CA 95948

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WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH

With mental illness affecting one in four families, NAMI also works with the broader community to raise awareness and reduce stigma. “We have to educate the community; [mental illness] is not something that anyone did on purpose,” says Phipps, who recognized a need for social and legislative reform when her son developed a mental illness and was met with ineffective mental health resources. To improve public support and fuel change in future generations, NAMI volunteers visit high school students across the North State to teach them the signs of mental illness and how to empathize with those affected by it. Current NAMI Butte County president Cathy Gurney and other volunteers speak throughout the North State to local law enforcement and educators, whose awareness of mental illness could have an immediate impact on their daily interactions and workplace procedures. The organization was recently invited to speak about mental illness to our local California Highway Patrol Officers as part of their Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) in Oroville. Most recently, however, NAMI volunteers have been preparing for one of October’s most exciting local events—the Masquerade Ball— so that Butte can maintain the long list of programs the organization provides. Hosting this event for the second time, NAMI plans to make the evening even bigger and better than the inaugural 2015 bash; doubling the number of tickets available. They have ensured an especially energetic dance floor to accompany Big Mo & The Full Moon Band, as well as twice as many costume-watching opportunities. (But don’t fret if you can’t find a mask before the 21st; NAMI will have some available for sale at the door.)

Unmasking Mental Illness Fall is in the air (or should be, at least), and while the appearance of pumpkins and artificial cinnamon may satiate the autumnal appetites of some, others like me are always looking for new events to make this time of year special. Luckily, NAMI Butte County—the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness—has big plans in store. Though the season is secondary to the cause, NAMI will be hosting its 2nd annual Masquerade Ball Fundraiser on October 21st, allowing attendees to test out their more elegant costumes while feasting, dancing, and supporting one of the North State’s most valuable nonprofits. Former NAMI president Colleen Phipps brought the organization to Butte County 20

years ago, and (through the help of other tireless volunteers) it has been serving the area with countless initiatives ever since. Because the alliance advocates for all types of mental illness, the issues it tackles are both broad and inclusive: anyone with mental illness can attend NAMI’s 10-week peer education courses or monthly support groups, and their family members can take part in the “Family to Family” class, held twice per year, to understand their role as caregivers. Classes and services are free to those in need. NAMI even extends its educational programs to staff at mental health facilities, who can enroll in provider education courses to recognize a patient’s needs beyond his or her prescribed treatment.

Additionally, guests can enjoy a prime rib dinner supplied by Manzanita Place and, of course, participate in activities like the silent auction. With its focus on community support of all types, NAMI Butte County has also chosen to keep the event absolutely local, with auction prizes sourced from beloved Chico businesses like 5th Street Steakhouse, Rolling Hills Casino, and Chico Performances. For anyone wanting to show their support of NAMI in return, tickets are available at Christian & Johnson, Diamond W Western Wear, or eventbrite.com.

NAMI’S MASQUERADE BALL WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 21ST FROM 7–11 PM AT MANZANITA PLACE IN CHICO. FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NAMI, VISIT WWW.NAMIBUTTECO.COM. 31

Being there is why I’m here. Joni Ginno, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0732591 1915 Esplanade Chico, CA 95926 Bus: 530-891-5881

Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved, or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®

String Serenade TCHAIKOVSKY

BETHOVEN

ELGAR

with Terrie Baune, violin

Sunday, October 23 | 2:00 PM Zingg Recital Hall, CSU Chico

16-17 SEASON Scott Seaton Music Director

Inspired by Italy MENDELSSOHN

HUMMEL

ROSSINI

with John Hagstrom, trumpet

Sunday, November 13 | 2:00 PM Laxson Auditorium, CSU Chico

tickets: 898-6333 | chicostatetickets.com P097193.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

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WWW.NORTHSTATESYMPHONY.ORG

Rejuvené

PHOTOS COURTESY OF REJUVENÉ THE REJUVENE’ TEAM OF REGISTERED NURSES (RNS): MALLORY (LEFT), RACHELLE (MIDDLE), AND MEGAN (RIGHT).

Rest with

Post-summer skin is often anything but perfect. After months of sun-damage and abuse, finding the reset button for your skin can be one of the most difficult fall tasks, and the challenge often comes at a time of increased stress as well. Dr. Hodari, the owner and medical director of Rejuvené recommends the Encore Skin Correction Treatment package. This series of treatments is customized to address all of these issues, including the brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, deep pores and uneven skin tone that are so characteristic of post-summer skin. This multi-faceted treatment approach utilizes several top of the line technologies that, when blended together, provide faster and more effective results than if each was utilized alone. By using these technologies in the correct order, patients can enjoy decreased downtime and more effective results overall. The ability to skillfully combine treatments is an important breakthrough in repairing damaged and aging skin, making more noticeable results possible. The Encore Skin Correction Treatment utilizes four separate technologies over four separate visits. Each visit aims to address a different level of skin abnormality, starting with the surface level during the first visit, and diving deeper into the skin with each visit thereafter. It is important to complete the series in the time specified by your Rejuvene RN to ensure the best possible results.

Rejuvenate The first visit focuses on breaking up uneven pigment in the skin and treating any facial redness using a Broadband Light (BBL) PhotoFacial. This treatment uses intense pulsed light that slowly heats the upper layers of the skin, causing cells to regenerate new collagen. The PhotoFacial is followed by a Microlaser peel to condition the skin for ultimate treatment results in the visits to follow. Recovery time is minimal, between two to four days; redness and slight swelling may be visible during this time. Refresh After the first visit, an additional treatment to address pigmentation and facial redness may be necessary. A HydraFacial preparation will fully hydrate, cleanse, and exfoliate facial tissue while also extracting imperfections

and providing antioxidant protection simultaneously. The treatment soothes and moisturizes the skin, increasing its general condition and further accelerating results from the BBL PhotoFacial. The treatment is non-invasive, non-irritating, and should result in no downtime. A second BBL PhotoFacial may be required to achieve the desired outcome.

Reset Finally, the fourth visit will capitalize on the newly regenerated skin cells with one last BBL PhotoFacial to ensure continued response and further healing of the skin. Combined, these treatments leave the skin clean, clear and radiant.

Resurface The third visit addresses multiple conditions at once including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin texture, age spots, loose crepey skin, and larger areas of uneven pigmentation or scarring, through the use of our ProFractional laser. This treatment penetrates the deepest of all four procedures and requires four to seven days for full recovery.

IF YOUR SKIN IS IN NEED OF A BREAK FROM THE RIGORS OF SUMMER AND IN SEARCH OF A RESET, SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH REJUVENÉ TODAY BY CALLING 530.342.8295. YOU’LL BE READY FOR FALL IN NO TIME AT ALL. 33

OCT. 7-16 2016 Campus. Community. Celebration.

THE CHICO EXPERIENCE WEEK brings students, alumni, parents, and friends together for 10 days of fun, education, and entertainment. Reconnect with friends, the campus, and the wonderful City of Chico! Preferred Partners: OXFORD SUITES CHICO, BASQUE NORTE, GRANA WOOD FIRED FOOD, ITALIAN COTTAGE, MADISON BEAR GARDEN, MOM’S RESTAURANT, RED TAVERN, TJ FARMS ESTATES, SIERRA NEVADA RESTAURANT & TAPROOM RESIDENCE INN AND COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

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Sierra Oro Farm Trail’s Passport Weekend Chico State Family Weekend Queer Week CAVE 50th Anniversary Celebration Chico State Alumni Reunions Chico Walk to End Alzheimer’s Downtown Harvest Sidewalk Sale Into the Woods at Chico State Chico State Soccer Sierra Nevada’s Oktoberfest The Producer’s at Chico Theater Company You Know You’re From Chico Festival Make a Diﬀerence Day

thechicoexperienceweek.com

Investing in Our Community ONE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME

Renée Michel, MBA

Joe Sweeney, CFP®

rmichel@amgchico.com

jsweeney@amgchico.com

CALL US TODAY:

530.342.2900

2452 Lakewest Drive, Chico, CA 95928

Securities and advisory services offered through Registered Representatives of Cetera Advisor Networks LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGAN Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Some advisory services offered through Sweeney & Michel, LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. CA Insurance License #: 0H82321 and 0I22683

SHOULD I PAY OFF THE HOUSE?

BY RENEE MICHEL, MBA AND JOE SWEENEY, CFP® FINANCIAL ADVISORS AT ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP

There is a saying amongst real estate agents, “the dream of the older generation was to pay off a mortgage, and the dream of today’s generation is to get one.”

•

Loss of Deductions: Many people can’t afford to lose the tax deduction on the home interest paid. For many, this is the only tax deduction they still have in retirement.

Unlike previous generations, people today tend to buy more than one home over their lifetimes. This can mean when they get to retirement age, many retirees have an outstanding mortgage balance. This often raises the question “should we use part of our retirement savings to pay off our mortgage?”

•

Large Distributions Can Be Expensive: Pulling money from an IRA or 401(k) is a taxable event. All the money pulled out is ordinary income, and can push retirees into a new, higher tax bracket for the year. In the 25% federal tax bracket, pulling 100K from the portfolio will cost $25,000 in federal tax alone. Most states and local governments will tax the distribution as well.

At first glance, the idea of reducing or eliminating mortgage debt seems like a good idea. However, tax implications should play a huge role in this decision. Each person’s situation is different, but it may be better to keep paying a monthly mortgage payment in retirement. Paying off the bank with retirement money can mean:

•

Loss of Liquidity: With so many variables in life, having cash available is important. For example, Fidelity estimates that retirees will need $220,000 for medical expenses throughout retirement. Having little cash available can limit options later in life. The only way to get money back out of a house is to sell it, borrow against it, or do a reverse mortgage.

•

Opportunity Cost: The longer money is invested the more likely that money can grow and collect income from the investments. The choice to pull lump sums from a portfolio means losing valuable compounding time and investment income that a smaller balance can’t make up.

•

Better Debt to Pay Down: Higher interest debt may be a better first target. People can’t deduct credit card interest, and we encourage people to pay off those debts first. There’s no reason to pay 12-20% interest on anything these days.

As always, there can be great reasons and peace of mind behind paying off a mortgage too. But weigh all of the pros and cons with your financial and tax advisors before pulling the trigger.

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.

She was soon discovered by the Mondavi family, whose work in the wine industry had made Napa one of the world’s most sought after destinations. She began working on commissioned pieces for Robert Mondavi’s wife, Margrit, before being enlisted as the winery’s personal paper-maker, creating unique papers for wine and menu presentations to foreign dignitaries during their legendary Napa Valley dinner parties and world wide wine and food pairing exhibitions. The position exposed her work to an even larger international audience, and the private commissions only continued to grow in both size and volume.

Healing through Empowerment At the far end of the lot, we finally discover our destination. Tucked away neatly beneath a giant tree, the door is almost invisible from the entrance and, perhaps, it couldn’t be more perfect than just the way it is. Solitary in its placement, it is the only part of gasoline alley that seems separate and unto itself. We park and enter only to find that the location is as surprising inside as it is outside. 30 gallon bags of shredded rags (cloth) stacked as high as the eye can see with various buckets of paper pulp and machines scattered throughout the building, it’s a good deal of information to take in. Almost as if she sensed our bewilderment, Cal-Ling appears from nowhere and comments that our jaws appear a bit slack. She opens with a personal introduction and, “Welcome to my studio.” It turns out she is a coach as well as an artist and a rather notable one at that. It is a magical space of creativity for art and transformation. Raised in Riverside, California, Cal-Ling began visiting Chico at a young age. Her family, the DeMeyers were well known as rice farmers who began their business in the early 1920’s. She visited once per year throughout her childhood and teens before deciding to pursue her undergraduate studies in art at Chico State, double majoring in textiles and ceramics. New York beckoned for grad school 36

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where she garnered two different grants from the Ford foundation and returned with her masters to begin teaching art at Chico State in the fiber department. She had settled on a passion for paper-making and, as it turns out, she was quite impressive at it. Her teaching style and experience in the field earned her grants from the California Arts Council, allowing her to expand young minds along with those in college, teaching art classes at local elementary and junior high schools while still instructing at Chico State. Also involved in the local food cooperative, Cal-Ling was instrumental in helping to get the local Farmer’s Market running by calling local organic growers to see if they would be interesting in presenting their crops in a shared market setting. It was an exciting community effort that is still ongoing and expanding. Her artistic talents continued to evolve and, with it, so did her reach. In 1981 she began presenting her work in fibers and papermaking on the professional art circuit, garnering impressive international attention at shows across the country and commissions from notable figures like US ambassadors and a general at the US Air Force, as well as Nickelodeon TV, Sun Microsoft systems, and Gensler, the design and architecture firm.

Cal-Ling continued to work voraciously in the art world until she was involved in an accident with a drunk driver just outside of Chico on December 7th, 1999. Side-swiped and sent flying off the road, she awoke to find the roof of her truck caved in with a complete lack of memory for what had happened. That memory would never return and creating memories from that point forward would be a job in itself. Having suffered serious head trauma during the accident, the injury had rendered her brain incapable of retaining short-term memories or converting them to long-term retrieval, an ability not only important in day-to-day living, but also tantamount to completing commissioned pieces for clients. The next few years were spent in deep selfdiscovery and seeking alternative forms of treatment for her injury as conventional methods had proved less than successful. She continued to produce art, while studying and integrating various healing methods that had proved useful for those who had experienced events similar to her own. Throughout her journey she continually encountered the perfect mentors and teachers, articles, seminars, books and random conversations that fueled her quest for homeostasis in body, mind, and spirit. As she continued to expand her worldview of healing modalities, eventually her lingering battle with the effects of her brain injury ended. The people she interacted with not only helped treat her in the physical realm, they helped her find balance and amplify the skills that had allowed her to become a recognized artist in the first place. Her intuition grew exponentially and a new awareness of the body, brain and heart. Realizing the gifts she had been given, the whole accident experience in its entirety, she returned to the art world dedicated to help empower people to be the best version of themselves possible. Her artwork as well as her classes and programs are designed to guide people in how to balance their emotions, work and play. She resolved to share her understanding and knowledge of ancient methodologies in conjunction with

PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

cutting edge contemporary methodologies to optimize the lives around her. Activating a person’s innate creativity is a powerful tool for personal growth and ANYTHING is possible from there ! For herself, Cal-Ling knows she is doing the best work ever and it just keeps coming! Over the years that followed Cal-Ling has done just that. Keeping in line with the promise she made to herself years ago, she has spent the past few years teaching others to lead more expanded, mindful and joyful lives. As she puts it, health begins with inner strength and wellness, and both of these come from leading a balanced life. Through practicing creative thinking exercises, proper nutrition and simple body movements, the experience of harmony, balance and joy is made considerably easier and produces real results in body/mind coherence. When you maintain body/mind coherence life becomes much simpler and so much more enjoyable. Her programs have allowed her to work with families as well, especially with gifted students and teens in conjunction with their parents, discovering the clarity, courage and communication skills to optimize everyone’s ease instead of dis-ease with themselves and each other. Struggle

is an old paradigm that often dominates family dynamics and now is the time in our conscious evolution to let these old programs go. This has been one of the most potent ways for families to rebalance family dynamics. Implementing the way in which family members communicate with one another along with ensuring that all three needs are balanced, has shown a marked improvement in the home lives of her clients. The road to self-realization is more than just balance though, it’s learning to make the most of the talents you have. Over six years of intensive study and 35 years in the high-profile and high-powered world of art, Cal-Ling learned how to function at her truest potential. She is now teaching others to do the same, by amplifying their inner self and finding balance with ancient and contemporary tools of mastering one’s self. Certified as a high-performance coach, her programs empower clients to be clear about their goals and productivity and find the inner confidence to succeed in these areas. The cycle, then complete, feeds itself as confidence breeds success and success empowers further confidence. The end result is a happier, more fulfilled life that one can

not only be proud of, but use to make the lives of others around them better as well. After all, to make impactful change in the world and those around us, we must first be content with ourselves. The classes, titled Navigating the New World: Balancing Emotions, Work, and Play take place over a six week period with the next set of classes beginning on Wednesday October 12. Each class is 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m. and the six week package of classes costs only $297. In addition to the Navigation class, Cal-Ling is offering a weekend Paper Workshop on October 15 & 16 as well as November 5 & 6. If you’re looking for tools and techniques to expand your current level of performance in work, school, relationships or self esteem this is what you’ve been waiting for; it is the perfect training course for creatives, entrepreneurs, and business people alike. Private coaching sessions and family coaching can also be scheduled by calling the number below. TO CONTACT CAL-LING AND ENROLL IN ONE OF THESE CLASSES OR COACHING PROGRAMS, SIMPLY CALL 530.354.4339 OR EMAIL CALLINGPAPER@GMAIL.COM. IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE US, YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT WHAT YOU HAVE LEFT TO LEARN. 37

Are you a bad parent? If you do not have a will to take care of your children if something happens to you, the answer is yes. We have seen itâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both parents of young children were killed in a car crash, and they did not have a will. The grandparents fought over the children, and the children not only had the trauma of suddenly losing both parents, but had to endure a very avoidable custody battle. If the parents had done a will and appointed a guardian, this likely would not have happened. In my practice, at least half of my clients choose someone other than their parents to raise their children should they pass away. A proper will should appoint a guardian for your children, a trustee to manage the estate gift to the children, estate gifting provisions, and an executor to administer the will. Our firm does an inexpensive will for young families, as do other firms. You also need to provide for your pets. Pets are personal property, but we know they need care and love. I advise my clients to be sure their pets are given to someone who will care for them and often give a cash gift to the caregiver to pay expenses and say thank you. Many pets end up in the pound when their owners die without a plan in place for the animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care. Do not let that happen. We always discuss trusts with our clients as part of the will or estate consultation. Generally, a will is only effective upon your death, has to be probated in court and is more expensive to administer than a trust. However, a will is generally less expensive to have drafted by an attorney, a trust is more involved and normally is more expensive to have drafted and set up. I will talk more about the advantages of a trust in my next article. I have been an attorney for over 30 years and done a large number of wills and trusts. I promise you that getting your will or trust done will not be painful, and you will sleep better having properly provided for your loved ones. PERSONS & MILLER ATTORNEY 1209 Esplanade #4 Chico, CA 95926 530.893.0717

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SHASTAN HOMES Shastan Homes is in the process of bringing you a new exciting neighborhood: Shastan Homes at Saint Lawrence Avenue. This subdivision offers the same high quality building program and house plans that Shastan Homes is famous for. This amazing location is only a stone’s throw from Upper Bidwell Park; the park is easily accessible via the walking/biking path along the northeast boundary of our neighborhood. Architect Frank Glazewski has designed all the homes to be beautiful on the outside with exceptional floor plans on the inside. All homes are built with energy efficiency and water conservation in mind. Some of our customers that have installed solar panels on their homes are reporting $0 electric bills.

Shastan’s cutom design-build process is also ideal for building your dream home on any piece of property. We have the best in the business to take you through the entire process. Shastan Homes at Saint Lawrence Avenue is located on the far North East side of Chico near upper Bidwell Park. At Pleasant Valley High School go North on Marigold, then right on Eaton and left on Saint Lawrence Avenue. To learn more visit www.shastanhomes.com or call Jay Halbert at 530.520.3146.

HERE IS OUR LIST OF TALENTED CONTRACTORS Architecture Frank Glazewski, 894-5001 Appliances Ginno’s Appliances Scott Dilg, 342-2182 Cabinets Armstrong Cabinets Brian Shirley, 342-5533 Carpet, Window Coverings, Wood Flooring Towne Carpet Henry Iyone, 343-0215 Ceramic Tile Hinkle’s Tile Joe Hinkle, 693-0735 Ceramic Tile Shower Pans Pickering Hot Mop John Pickering, 321-7586 Countertops Ginno’s Appliances Kevin Skinner, 342-2182 Electrical/High Voltage Telic Electric Dave Rudolph, 520-0796 Electrical/Low Voltage - Defcon Security Brett Bowen, 566-6481 Electrical Fixtures - Northern Lights Joe Tilton, 893-8008 Excavations/Backhoe George Neary, 330-3151 Fencing - M & M Fence Mike Smith, 624-3775 Final Cleaning - Annette’s Mop & Bucket Annette Perez, 354-0369 Finish Carpentry - Sam Leaf Construction Sam Leaf , 518-2230 Fireplaces - A-1 Stoves Steve Bruffy, 345-9292 Concrete Flatwork & Foundations Andy Sprague, 864-3273 Framing-Construction & Framing Services Jim Ratekin, 624-4165

Garage Door Sharp’s Locksmithing Tyler Sharp, 533-5713 HVAC & Sheet Metal Jessee Heating & Air Mike Gray, 891-4926 Interior/ Exterior Doors Advanced Door Co. Jim Poole, 894-7000 Landscaping - Sunchasers John Goddard, 624-7000 Landscaping Plants Timshell Nursery Craig Thompson, 521-9125 Maintenance & Whole House Fans Pappa’s Tool Box, Bob Keller, 521-3257 Painting Casey Swaim, 520-6424 Pool Sunshine Pools Ralph Merlo, 521-0365 Plumbing & Fire Sprinklers Knight Construction Tim Knight, 624-5179 Raingutters & Downspouts: North Valley Raingutter 894-3347 Roofing - G & R Roofing Elaine Rios, 518-7760 Sheetrock - Butte Drywall Rick Woodcock, 693-0148 Smith Insulation Ed Smith 217-9425 Solar - SunPower Corporation Jay Halbert, 520-3146 Stucco & Masonry - Mid Valley Lath and Plaster Lonnie Joyner, 680-0491 Windows, Mirrors, Skylights, Shower Doors Miller Glass Jim Beltramo, 624-6213 39

NEW AGAIN KITCHEN REMODELING PRESENTS HOUSE CALL:

DURHAM DREAMING

THE CLIENT

Tile Backsplash

Born and raised in Durham, Ken Wagner graduated from Durham High School before venturing out to Los Angeles in search of his future. He attended college there and eventually moved north to the Bay Area, spending 10 years in the booming tech industry before taking a position as vice president of a large commercial laundry company. In 2014, Ken decided it was time to move back to his hometown with his then-14 year old son. Closer to his family again and excited for his son to complete school with a number of familiar faces from his high school years, Ken began searching for a home in Durham that would be exactly what he and his son needed. After two years of renting and spreading the word on his real estate needs, small-town serendipity arrived at Ken’s door in the form of a perfectly located Durham home owned by a friend-of-a-friend. Ken placed an offer on the home and began moving in shortly thereafter.

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THE CALL Though the home was perfectly situated, it hadn’t been updated since the 60s and was due for some remodeling, especially in the galley-style kitchen. Ken began the process of gathering bids from local vendors and big box stores, continuously driving by New Again Kitchen Remodeling on Park Avenue on his way back to Durham from Chico. Eventually, he decided to stop in and see what was available. New Again’s store manager, Ric Powers, greeted Ken as he arrived. The two discussed Ken’s home along with his wants and needs. Unlike his previous homes that were more modern, he was interested in keeping the country feel of the home to match its location. He had already decided to replace the carpet with lighter wood flooring throughout the home to make it look bigger, and wanted to make sure that the kitchen didn’t clash with the flooring he had selected. Ric offered advice on current trends and available

Granite counterops

options, suggesting a cabinet, countertop, and backsplash combination that would accomplish just that. Ken found New Again to have the most comfortable showroom he had experienced during his search, and that Ric’s level of customer service went above and beyond the others. The pricing was competitive, and perhaps best of all, everything including installation was taken care of in-house, so he didn’t have to play the role of a subcontractor. Ken followed Ric’s suggestions and the two set out to make Ken’s kitchen new again.

THE CURE New Again’s installation team arrived and quickly began putting Ken’s new kitchen together. In two short days, the team completed installation of knoll-mould cabinetry in a maple glaze finish above and below golden dream granite countertops with an undermount sink. The intricate moulding and color of the cabinets combined with the

CONNECT

variegation of colors in the granite set the groundwork for the perfect country vibe in the kitchen. New Again’s tile expert, Victor Cabrera, brought the kitchen together by installing a bedrosian 3x6 inch gloss/biscuit subway tile backsplash throughout, adding one more day to the project’s install. In just three days, the team at New Again had completely transformed the old kitchen into exactly what Ken had hoped for, and left without a trace of their visit. As Ken put it, “The installers were really professional and cleaned everything before they left. Ric was great to work with! He was really friendly and it wasn’t an overpowering or pushy sales experience like you usually would expect. They were all so helpful and responsive; I was very impressed!” When asked about advice he would give others looking to remodel their kitchen, Ken replied, “Look at magazines for ideas and get multiple bids. It’s easiest to just go with the first one you receive, but you can do a lot more if you shop around. I did it for everything in my home. I try to stay away from trends and Ric had great advice

on how to accomplish that. I would absolutely recommend them to friends and family!” With a beautiful new kitchen as the first thing he sees when he walks into his home, we’re sure that Ken will only continue falling in love with his own little piece of Durham in the years to come. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or bathroom and fall in love with your home all over again, call New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888 or stop into the showroom at 2502 Park Avenue in Chico.

NEW AGAIN KITCHEN REMODELING | 2502 PARK AVE, CHICO, CA 95928 | 530.899.2888

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PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN & FRANK REBELO

credit card to purchase the most affordable chainsaw he could find. He reached out to the same friend who loaned him the trailer bed and secured space in his yard to park the trailer each night and house his chainsaw and climbing gear. Shuree created her marketing plan and hit the streets, walking home-to-home, neighborhood-by-neighborhood for six hours each day hanging door-hangers and introducing their new company to anyone that would open the door. After a few weeks of non-stop networking, the first handful of calls began to trickle in. Marc and Shuree visited each home together and remained there until the job was completed, working together afterwards to ensure that the yard was left even cleaner than they found it when they arrived. As the number of jobs grew, their eldest daughter Aundrea stepped in, helping the crew and ensuring that work was completed in a timely manner. Word began to spread in each neighborhood where they found work and they soon found themselves answering referral calls from friends of clients who had been impressed with their service. They invested every dollar back into their business and, rather than turn down jobs that required equipment they didn’t have, the two creating an account with a local rental company to rent the necessary items. Though they made significantly less per job, they made a commitment to provide the same level of service to each person that was willing to offer them work, and to never say, “no” when it was offered. The following years proved to be a huge success for the business. In 2010, M&S Wesley Tree Service was awarded the bid for the City of Corning’s tree work, maintaining over five hundred trees throughout the city. The new work gave them the ability to both grow their staff and their equipment. In 2012, Shuree was finally able to step away from the the administrative side of the business. She focused on their marketing efforts instead, and joined every committee and networking group she could. Realizing that public relationships were just as important as the level of service they provided, she soon found her schedule filled with meetings and community events. Over the following two years the company became known just as well for their community service as for their tree service.

M&S Weasley Tree Service Now ubiquitous with tree care in the Chico area, it may come as a bit of a surprise that M&S Wesley Tree Service officially began serving our community only eight years ago. In that short period of time, the once small startup company has grown by leaps and bounds, making a venerable name for itself as not only the premier professional in tree care service, but in community service as well. Dreamed up in 2008, Marc and Shuree Wesley recognized a gap in the local tree care industry, and sought to fill it. Having been in the local tree care industry for some time, Marc discovered a need for greater education about the trees that filled our wonderful city. He and Shuree dedicated the year to researching information on proper planting, maintenance, and treatment of the species most commonly found in our area. In 2009, armed with the knowledge necessary to extend the life of trees, rather than simply cut them down, the two opened the doors to M&S Wesley Tree Service. With one black truck and a trailer bed borrowed from a close friend, Marc and Shuree set out to make a name for themselves. Marc visited a local equipment company and used his

Fully equipped, M&S Wesley Tree Service can now take on just about any project thrown at them. Proof of this can be found in the photo above where they removed two 75+ foot tall redwoods that had begun to dangerously lean off of the homeowner’s property. Though the removal of the two redwoods was one of their most complicated projects to date, the majority of their projects have focused on increasing the lifespan of our community’s trees by treating them before they’re too far gone to save. They’ve invested heavily in equipment that allows them to do just that. Tools like the Resistograph® allow for a deeper look into a tree’s core to determine whether a tree is sick or compromised. The Air Spade® helps assess its root system which is the source of most tree-related problems. Finally, their injector-kit allows them to administer treatment directly into a tree’s vascular system which is better for the tree and neutralizes any harmful effect the treatment would have to those around the tree if it were administered normally through spraying. With the impressive list of accolades earned over the past eights years, we can’t help but be excited to see where they go from here and what the next eight years have in store for them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE LOCAL DO-GOODERS AND THE WONDERFUL WORK THEY DO IN OUR COMMUNITY, VISIT WWW.MSWTREE.COM OR CALL 530.343.6809 TO SCHEDULE A VISIT! 43

Why choose M&S Wesley Tree Service?

Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (TCSP)

When selecting a tree care specialist, it’s important to ask research a few points to make sure you’re hiring the right one for your job. Here’s how M&S stacks up:

Working on trees is one of the more dangerous jobs out there. Between the risks from climbing, hazards like power lines, and potential instability in tree structure by the time a tree care professional is called, it is important to know that your tree care specialist has been trained in ensuring their own safety as well as those living around the tree. All employees at M&S Wesley who care for trees are TCSP certified.

Education With over 70 yearly continuing education units necessary to maintain the accreditations listed below, it is no surprise that education is a huge component of what makes M&S Wesley Tree Service stand out. Each and every certification further assures that you are receiving the very best in tree care possible. Accreditations M&S Wesley Tree Service prides itself on being one of the most accredited tree care companies in all of northern California. Board Certified Master Arborist In the dark ages, when someone had a diseased arm or leg, they would simply cut it off. Hundreds of years later, we know better. Doctors can treat, and most often cure, what ails us instead of simply amputating— the same goes for trees. Made up of a complex vascular system, trees are in need of someone who understands their internal structure just as much as we are. Certified arborists are considered tree doctors as they have received the training necessary to operate on trees rather than simply cut them down.

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Municipal Specialist Where (as well as how) trees are planted and cared for are often protected by local ordinances, city codes, etc. Hiring a tree care professional with the Municipal Specialist designation ensures that the changes you make to your trees are done in accordance with the law, saving you from potential fines or ticketing. Utility Specialist When trees overgrow, they often find their way into potential hazards like power lines above and pipe networks below. A Utility Specialist is trained to work around these utility services to minimize the damage and downtime in services to both your home and the homes of others in your neighborhood. M&S Wesley tree service is Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP) Certified as well. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Belonging to TCIA is essentially the gold standard for tree care companies. TCIA certified companies undergo rigorous screening and education to guarantee that they are always up-to-date on how to operate safely and efficiently based on industry standards.

Our Customers Say it Best “Marc and Shuree were absolutely great to work with. They took good care of our home and our trees which was no easy feat, considering the trees were 80 feet tall! They offered the highest level of service, performed their work in a timely manner, and left a completely clean job site behind. We highly recommend M&S Wesley Tree Service for any tree advice or expert work. They are amazing community partners and we share their core values in building a stronger and healthier Butte County.” –Michelle and Gentry Power, Owners of Bidwell Perk in Chico “The guys showed up promptly at the assigned time and wasted no time getting set-up and to work. They efficiently removed two pine trees and trimmed the canopy on another tree which was hanging above our second story roof. The workers did a fast and professional job cleaning up and leaving no obvious trace that they had even been here working. I can say I am very impressed after seeing other tree services which have been in our neighborhood recently. Would I recommend this business? You betcha!” –Linda B., Redding “After the windy night of December 9th, we awoke to find our birch tree tipped over and hanging precariously over our fish pond. We called M & S Wesley and Andrea assured us they’d have someone out there within the hour and if we liked their bid, they could take care of everything that very day. In less than an hour we had a very reasonable bid and within a few hours the tree was gone, the large wood cut up for firewood and the grounds were clean. My husband, “Mr. Perfectionist” was so impressed with the work done by Tim, Leland and Cesar. I was amazed at how quickly everything was done and the price was very reasonable. We now have a new tree service!” –MaryCarol D., Chico

Meet the Board Certified Master Arborist: Marc Wesley Although there are a fair share of certified arborists and tree care professionals in Butte County, there is only one that can claim the title of Board Certified Master Arborist. Presented by the International Society of Aboriculture to professional arborists who have achieved the highest level of aboriculture, the certification designates its recipient as an expert in tree science and tree care. Marc Wesley, of M&S Wesley Tree Service is a board certified master arborist, and the only one north of Davis to the Oregon border. After ten years as a certified arborist in Butte County, Marc’s experience, education, and knowledge in the field has earned him the the industry’s highest designation and, with it, the trust and respect that it entails. As a certified master arborist, Marc is an expert in tree biology, soil biology, tree diseases, pesticide allergies, pest management, plant health care, and tree interactions with municipalities and utilities. His level of education in the field has earned him the title of “Chico’s Tree Doctor” and he doesn’t take the title lightly, using every opportunity to teach Butte County’s residents methods for preventative care to save local trees before it’s too late. With the recently publicized wave of tree-pests moving north, such as the pine bark beetle, emerald ash bore, and shot hole bore, that are known to decimate every tree in their path, we are lucky to have someone in the area with the level of knowledge Marc has to help defend our trees against the upcoming attacks. If you have a treerelated question, or could use help in preparing your trees against potential infestations, call Marc Wesley at 530.343.6809. 45

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT URBAN DESIGN SOLAR AT 2260 PARK AVE IN CHICO OR CALL 530.809.1079.

A BRIGHT FUTURE Urban Design Solar has had a busy year. With an ever-increasing number of people switching their homes and businesses to solar, many have decided to follow suit. Due to their outstanding quality of work and customer service, Urban Design Solar has become a hotspot for Chico’s solar needs. One of their more recent changes has been the addition of a new partner to the business. Former operations manager, Catrina Zotz, has joined owner and founder, Sean McCreary, in running the growing local business. We sat down with Catrina to find out more about her new position at Urban Design Solar. UL: How did you get started in construction? CZ: I actually started working in the construction field when I was 15 as an office assistant at the company my mom worked for. I loved the construction field and, though I left it a couple times to pursue a more advanced office position, I always ended up returning to it. I just felt most at home and comfortable there. UL: Was working at 15 difficult alongside school?

UL: And now, you are a partner in Urban Design Solar. How did that come about? CZ: Becoming partner was a slow and gradual process. It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but that hard work and dedication paid off. When I started with the company in April 2014, I was hired as the office manager. My position quickly grew and changed as our company expanded and I learned more and more about the solar field. In December 2015, Sean and I started talking about becoming a partner. We finalized the paperwork this spring and are now announcing it to the public. UL: How have your duties changed? CZ: Since becoming partner, my duties have become more focused on sales, growing the company, and managing our daily operations. I oversee all facets of the company and make sure that things run as smoothly as possible for Sean and all of our employees.

CZ: We love our customers and our customers love us! I would say that most of our business comes from customer referrals. As a company, we focus on building connections with our customers and those within the community. Yelp and our website have also been a huge help in obtaining customers. We are the only local solar company in our area with a five star Yelp rating. It is something we are very proud of and a rating that we hope to maintain as our business continues to grow. Customer service is very important to us and something we take seriously. We believe in the saying, “Treat others how you would want to be treated,” and we do just that. We treat our customers how we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes. As a company, we really try to go above and beyond for all of our customers to make sure they are happy. Happy customers for us means more business! UL: Employee satisfaction has been one of the focal points of Urban Design from its inception. How do you plan on continuing this focus as a partner? CZ: I definitely want to add to our feeling of family here and continue our policy of treating each other as such. We’re a tightly-knit team and everyone feels like family already. If an employee has a problem, we go out of our way to make sure that it’s resolved and no longer an issue. We take care of our own. Everybody looks out for each other and everybody takes care of each other. We host barbeques and other business events; we like to have fun! As a company, we very much live by the principle that if our employees are happy and can live comfortably, then everyone gets better results. UL: What is it like balancing family and work now that you’re a partner? CZ: I have two daughters; one who just turned two in August, and another who turned three at the end of June. They stay home with Daddy, who has been incredibly supportive. It’s definitely a balancing act between work and family. I give my whole heart to Urban Design and then go home and put my whole heart in there. I want to be the best I can be both as a mother and professionally as a partner in the business. UL: What is it like being female in the more male-dominated construction industry? CZ: It isn’t always easy, but Sean has really backed me in the business and helped me learn the industry. Adding a woman’s touch to a maledominated industry makes a noticeable difference, and I feel that our customers appreciate it. I hope that other women who are interested in the construction industry feel encouraged to enter the field and not be discouraged simply because we are the minority. There’s so much we can bring to the table, and I’m excited to see how the industry changes as more women become involved in it.

INTERVIEW BY JACOB HUTCHISON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY URBAN DESIGN SOLAR

CZ: For me, no. I was excited to work and go to school. I was enrolled in a charter school that had a home-study program. All of my school work was done at home on my own time schedule, so it was easy to work and attend college at the same time while finishing my high school credits. I graduated high school at the young age of 16! I continued to work and attend college after high school and at the age of 18, I graduated college with an associate degree in social and behavioral science and a certificate in child development. I am very proud of these accomplishments! Education is important to me and it’s something I am very passionate about. One should never stop learning! Each new experience gives us a chance to learn and grow!

UL: Urban Design Solar has grown primarily on word-of-mouth referrals. Why do you think that is?

From this…

A Bright Idea Project by Alisa Woods, owner of A Beautiful Life Furnishings, Chico “Upcycling” is one of my favorite ways to update old items I no longer have use for. I found these cute little flower bowls that were originally used around a garden or walkway to add a splash of floral color. They are not the most practical planters for Chico because they allow plants to dry out very quickly—so on a 100+ degree day you need to water several times per day—who has time for that? I realized that they could be inverted to create these adorable hanging lamps!

To this!!

What you’ll need: • Old wire planter, basket or container • Lamp kit • Metal chain • Vintage style light bulb Instructions: • This project was so simple! I wove the wire through the chain and down the top portion of our shade. • Follow the instructions on your light kit, then simply screw in your bulb and plug in your new lamp—amazing!

You may choose to use a “rusting” technique on your metal chain to help it match the planter (there are several tutorials online). I decided that I liked the juxtaposition of the clean, galvanized chain, rusty curlicue wire, and warm coppery light from the bulb. Sometimes having a mixture of metals works—I love the patina and charm of older items, and mixing elements to make them more current. VISIT A BEAUTIFUL LIFE FURNISHINGS AT 250 E 1ST STREET IN DOWNTOWN CHICO. 48

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“Looking for house with Sherry was so much fun, she was understanding and knowledgable amd made our experience positive and instilled us with confidence in our purchase.“ -Sam amd Carlie Adams, Chico

landis4sale25@gmail.com

Facebook.com/Landis4sale

This is one of Chico’s most spectacular homes. Camelot Court is conveniently located in northwest Chico with only 3 custom homes on the tree-lined street. The impressive French Chalet exterior has an impressive roof with unbelievable landscaping and 70 tons of exterior stone. The home is privately gated for security, has solar, and sits on almost 2 acres. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 6,065 Price: $1,750,000

Inside this beautiful gated community you will ﬁnd this stunning custom built home, designed with an open and inviting ﬂoor plan! Quality and detail are found in every nook and cranny and pride of ownership shines throughout! It is apparent that this home has been an inviting gathering place for friends and family over the years...now it’s just waiting for you to start creating your own happy memories! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,847 Price: $640,000

Nestled underneath beautiful trees, this home has a very popular ﬂoor plan with ﬁreplace, remodeled kitchen with granite counters, newer appliances, and dual pane windows

This beautiful home opens into an amazing faux painted dining room, kitchen, and formal living room by Chase Lundgren, this soft botanical theme has soft blues, greens, grays and taupe. Traditional accents such as built-in cabinetry and custom dual ﬁre place create a very inviting feel. This is a one owner home with many upgrades, and simply too much to list. Call today for more information! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,301 Price: $465,000

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,341 Price: $179,000

Beautiful architecture, updated kitchen and appliances, granite counters, new carpeting, and fresh interior paint! RV parking with dump station, huge corner lot, and a ﬁnished shop with 480 sq. ft!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,257 Price: $449,000

From the entry of the laminated dark wood floors entering the kitchen with really fun granite and stainless steel appliances, look out your beautiful kitchen window through your plantation shutters! Inside the home you’ll find a fireplace, alarm system, wiring for surround sound, Indoor laundry room, granite in both baths and new shower doors! We keep saying NEW because there’s so much of it! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,961 Price: $399,000

#3 in Production for 2014!

You might hear bird chirping in the seasonal creek that is outside your bedroom window or the sound of the trickling water. Not only is there an attached 2 car garage but this property has a great detached shop and RV access. You might think your at the Redwoods but your at home in Paradise California. Kitchen has had an extensive remodel approximately ﬁve years ago. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,081 Price: $312,500

Tucked away in a upscale neighborhood & sheltered by majestic Intoxicating view! Where the eagles soar, this captivating residence trees, herepopular you will fiWestside nd your dream home.you This beautiful shielded behind ironby gates. This home truly magnifi cent On the of Chico, will find home this one-owner, sits custom-built home Sorenson. Heisactually built thiswith home is designed for indoor/outdoor entertaining and is loaded with towering ceilings, walls of glass, gleaming wood floors, a lavish living for himself, and near completion of construction our sellers stopped by and bought it! That’s why you will fi nd amenities upgrades. You will love the generously proportioned rooms, the room, formal & informal dining, gourmet kitchen, granite counters,in this home not common to most. This home features beautiful architecture, updated kitchen and appliances, granite counters, gorgeous wood floors, the formal living and dining rooms, the cozy designer an hood, 3 fireplaces, 6” interior walls, 2HVAC, 3 car garage and family with it’sand fireplace, quarter, master suit, more all onancorner almostlot, 2 acre The ambiance is peaceful new room carpeting, fresh guest interior paint!expansive RV parking with dump station, huge andparcel. a finished shop with 480 sq. with ft! This large kitchen with can right lighting, nook looking views of sunsets & city lights. You will breakfast on the patio watching property will blow outbreakfast the door, soover don’t wait!a beautiful private yard, 3 car garage, gated R.V. parking all on almost one ace the mountain ranges & Sutter-Buttes. At night simply relax & enjoy your of total privacy. unobstructed view of the star-speckled sky. Bed:Bed: 3.0 4.0 Bath: 2.03.0 SqFt: 2,257 Price: $449,000 Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,501 Price: $487,500 Bath: SqFt: 2,389 Acreage: ~2.0

PENDING The lake is only seconds away from this beautiful home! Tucked away in neighborhood, a friendly neighborhood, immaculate home offers an open inTucked a quiet this well this maintained home offers a darling floor plan, highperfect ceilings,for large living days room,to ansitopen kitchen with an island, a gated porch, summer upon and relax. Inside five burner gas cookfltop a double ovens. Seller has made many upgrades you’ll find an open oor and plan, high ceilings, tile counters, and wood this darling home which includes new appliances in the kitchen, new flto ooring throughout. Tile floors in theallkitchen and bathrooms, fireplace faucets, shower head, bathroom sink, newer carpet and some new windows. in the living room, walk-in closet, mater bath with dual sink, separate The master is yard located in the first floorfree and so theyou other two bedrooms shower and bedroom a tub. The is maintenance can enjoy life are on the second fl oor. The yard is beautifully landscaped and off ers a lush by spending more time by the lake canoeing, fishing, or just enjoying lawn, a bubbling spa, water fountain, 2 large sheds and an oversize side yard. walking the paths around the area. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,516 Price: $273,000 Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,346 Price: $269,000

PENDING PENDING Pirates will squeal & scurry for this hidden treasure! The delightful, large BIDWELL PARK is just a stone’shome throwprovides away!!! This stunningand home is situated in front porch of this gorgeous relaxation a great a greattocul-de-sac location is designed indoor 10 /outdoor place get to know your and neighbors. Withforsoaring and 12entertaining. foot Here, you will find an open flwalls oor plan, largewindows rooms, a lavish formal living/ ceilings, this home features of glass providing ample dining room withcrown its cozy fireplace, a family room with huge windows and a natural lighting, molding throughout, bamboo ﬂooring, a cozy breakfast nook with sliding glass doors facing the darling patio. You will love ﬁreplace with mantel, built-in bookshelves, cabinets with glass doors, kitchen with its3granite countertops, island, cabinets with a pull-out shelves, athe darling kitchen, bedrooms and a loft, indoor laundry, beautiful double oven and a new sink. This landscaping home is a must see! Call garage. today! patio with fountain andfarm Zen-inspired plus 2 car Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 2,054 Price: $485,000 Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 1,739 Price: $309,000

PENDING PENDING Two commercial properties. The This home features granite Intoxicating views of Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen!! This well maintained Expect to be impressed. Superbly appointed in the exclusive community of fine estates, this elegant home was built to exact specifications with almost no first parcel has 1.6 AC with a counter tops, laminate flooring, home sits on 10 acres of total privacy. Featuring a large living room regards to the cost. As you approach the house, you will fall in love with the peaceful ambiance of the beautiful koi pond and the water falls. The massive 600 Sq ft. building structure that crown molding, security system, with a free standing wood stove, a newly remodeled kitchen with double doors entry will welcome you to stunning residence offering exceptional detailing through out the house and featuring radiant heated marble floors, was built in 1979 and has been central heat and air, dual pane granite counter tops, custom cabinetry and newer appliances, this imported Brazilian mahogany pillars, dramatic ceilings, formal living room, formal dining room and a family room w/ fireplace, kitchen w/ granite counters, operating as a nursery for the last windows, upgraded appliances home also provides tile and laminate flooring, an over sized bonus double convection oven, trash compactor and eating bar. The master suite offers dual vanity, his & her closet, jetted tub and walk-in shower. You will love 25 years. It is partially fenced, it is and fixtures. This home also has a room with a wood stove, indoor laundry, water softeners, 2 balconies, the fully equipped home theatre, the wine cellar and the dumbwaiter, whole house fan, central vacuum, 2 A/C units , 2 water heaters, intercom and security on city services and is near park large basement perfect for your a private domestic well plus a shared Ag. well, central heating and air, system. The backyard is centered around entertaining with a gorgeous pool, water falls and covered gazebo. In addition to all these, there is a gated 4 car and shopping. The 2nd parcel is wine collection and storage! barn/shop, 4 car carport and much more.like an understatement. This can garage which is equipped with inside car wash amenities, plus 1.01 acre of total privacy. The description “ magnifi cent” seems on .29 AC and is adjacent to the Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.03.0 SqFt: be your sanctuary. Bed: 4.0 Bath: SqFt:2,240 4,367 Price: Price: $399,900 $699,900 other parcel. Price: $400,000 SqFt: 2,085 Price: $239,000 39

After last month’s profile piece on Chico Custom Cabinetry, we reached out to a few of their more recent clients to get a better idea of the type of work they do. Kim and Geoff Huber were the first to answer our call. We asked them a number of questions regarding their recent custom cabinetry job and why it was so important to their family. They were kind enough to share their story with us. Kim and Geoff met at an Italian restaurant in Dallas in the late 80s. Kim was working her last night at the restaurant before taking off to New York to begin her first year of college when Geoff, a northern California native and restaurant trainer for Sizzler, stopped in with a couple of friends to grab dinner. As they were the last customers in the restaurant, Kim decided to hang around and have dinner with them. The two hit it off and, impressed by her demeanor, Geoff gave her his business card with the promise of a job if she ever returned to Texas. She did just that on her first winter break from college, worked with Geoff, and the two fell in love. Geoff moved to Chico to take on a job in the tech field and, after graduating in 1993, Kim joined him in Chico to begin working in the financial services industry. They purchased a brand new home in 1997. Prebuilt, they found that the only thing they were able to customize was one wall in the house that separated the living room from the dining room. They made small changes here and there but, after nearly 20 years in the home, finally decided it was time to renovate, calling on Chico Custom Cabinetry to help build custom cabinets for their new dream kitchen. We caught up with Kim and Geoff at their home in Chico to ask them about their remodeling experience. UL: What inspired you to renovate your kitchen? KH: A number of things, really. We have a son with cerebral palsy and, with each renovation, we’re trying to make our home as accessible to him as possible. We needed more space on our countertops and definitely needed more storage. Geoff is the cook around our house, and his back was always towards the living room as all of the prep and cooking space faced the back wall. It’s important for us to be able to watch over our boys and changing the layout of the kitchen allowed us to do that. UL: What was the kitchen like before the renovation? KH: We had the standard honey oak cabinets that you see in most homes from the mid-to-late nineties, and it didn’t really match our style. Geoff had recently bought an espresso machine that he had wanted for a long time. He dismantled it and rebuilt everything top-to-bottom but, once it was on the countertop, we realized we wouldn’t have nearly enough space for it, and we wanted it to be the focal point of our kitchen. Our entire breakfast nook was unusable the way it was laid out, so we decided to merge it with the kitchen and use the added space to build out an espresso bar for Geoff’s espresso machine, while reconfiguring the rest of the kitchen.

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UL: How did you hear about Chico Custom Cabinetry? KH: I met John and Dianna Petterson from our business networking group and had heard great things about their company, Chico Custom Cabinetry, so we reached out to them. We had a bit of a different situation in that the upper cabinets we had in our kitchen were in good shape, they just didn’t look the way we wanted them to. We were on a budget so we decided to have new base cabinets built, while keeping our upper cabinets and having them refaced to match the new base cabinets. Chico Custom Cabinetry was able to handle both projects for us. Having the ability to really customize everything was important to us so that we could make our kitchen accessible to our son, while also making sure that we had everything we wanted in it. UL: What were some of your favorite additions to the kitchen? KH: There are so many of them. They took our old kitchen into account with what we were already used to, and made some really smart upgrades. John installed an awesome pull-out spice cabinet to the left of the stove that has made cooking so much easier. They installed half moon lazy susans with shelving that operates independently and pulls out completely, making the entire shelf accessible in corners that are unusable space in most kitchens. The lazy susan to the right of the stove allowed John to turn four shallow drawers into three with more storage room allowing us to store larger items out of sight. The lazy susan to the left of the oven allowed room for a bank of 4 smaller drawers next to the sink for smaller items. Soft close doors and drawers made sure that slamming cabinets are a thing of the past, and horizontal hand pulls made the kitchen more accessible for our son. The cabinets under the espresso machine were the final touch that continued the kitchen cabinetry into the dining nook with several more cabinets and a special drawer that catches all of the grounds from the espresso beans. Our own personal espresso bar! They really increased our storage space—there are 36 cabinet doors throughout the kitchen now!

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHICO CUSTOM CABINETRY & MICHELLE CAMY

From Common to Custom

UL: What was your experience with Chico Custom Cabinetry like? KH: They were absolute geniuses and they really rescued us. We had recently had a negative experience with a contractor at our home, but they listened to everything we said and absolutely restored our faith in the construction industry. Everything in the project, aside from the upper cabinets, was custom-built for us by hand and took less than one month from the planning stage to completion. They were super easy to work with, and were kind, compassionate, and really trustworthy. Plus they were great with our kids and really patient, which is even more important when you have a child with special needs. The cabinets look like furniture rather than simply cabinets and they were affordable. We LOVE the new kitchen. Love it, love it, love it! We would recommend them to friends and family in a heartbeat.

IF YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE LIKE KIM AND GEOFF AND HAVE A CABINETRY PROJECT, LARGE OR SMALL, THAT COULD USE A CUSTOM TOUCH, A PERSONABLE CONSULTATION AND/OR A FREE ESTIMATE, CONTACT CHICO CUSTOM CABINETRY AT 530.324.0032 OR VISIT THEM ONLINE AT CHICOCUSTOMCABINETRY.COM. 53

INDEPENDENT Realty Group presents the

FALL local artists ... Gemini Jules, Jen Moon, Kandis Horton, Sue-Sue Vintage, Michelle Camy & more.....

INDIE FAIR OCTOBER 15 26 pm

30 Landing Circle, Chico

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WRITTEN BY JACOB HUTCHISON PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

A BIRD’S EYE VIEW When walking downtown, it is difficult not to notice that most of the windows have a small white octagon in their corner featuring a blue eagle. This symbol indicates that the business is protected by Eagle Security, a company that has been serving Chico’s residents and businesses since 1979. The logo has become a highly recognizable staple among the community as it is almost impossible not to see it when roaming around town. At 37 years in Chico, the company has just as much expertise in the community as they do in protection. Eagle has many roots in philanthropy throughout Chico and has supported many organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Chico Theater Company, and The North State Symphony just to name a few. Keeping the community protected is the underlying pulse behind their business ethic, but providing security services is only part of their identity. When a business is committed to its town, it functions as such and does whatever it can to help it grow outside the “business as usual” mindset.

The size of their jobs ranges from a small residential home to their work at the massive Hearst Castle in San Simeon. They install systems all over Northern California and utilize remote services to identify problems and be able to help alleviate them as quickly as possible. What this means is that fast service is always a phone call away, rather than having to wait for a specialist to drive to your location like many other providers rely on. These services include simple sensordriven security systems, camera/monitor installation, fire alarms, and medical alert. Eagle Security takes a different approach to security installation. They pride themselves heavily on their interest in the client’s needs and understand that every job is specific to those needs. Instead of selling one system to everyone, they consult with the buyer and work with them to find the best option for both budget and purpose. The business is comprised of a twenty person team of experts, all of whom live in the area and understand each aspect of the business. A goal of the company is to ensure that they are run by people, not answering machines and robots.

The new ownership has only deepened Eagle’s connection to the town and further emphasized the human element. The company maintains 24-hour phone assistance and ensures that there is always someone in their office to help you during business hours. Chico is an incredible place to live. The city is full of culture, local business, and endless activities for families and college students alike. However, like any city, theft can occur, and it is always better to be protected in an uncertain world. With client care being their primary standard, customers can be sure that Eagle Security will do everything they can to keep their home and business safe, day and night. The next time you are out and about you will certainly notice the stickers and yard signs displaying a prominent eagle icon—an icon that represents safety and peace of mind for Butte County and beyond.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EAGLE SECURITY VISIT, 3268 ESPLANADE IN CHICO, EAGLESECURITY.COM, OR CALL 530.345.6395. 55

Community means everything. Gayle Aylward, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0691589 1277 East Avenue, Ste 110 Chico, CA 95926 Bus: 530-895-1356 www.gayleaylward.com

1601483

That’s why I’m proud to be here to help life go right – and to support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. If there’s anything you need, call me.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

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™

WRITTEN BY KYLEEN BROMLY PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

NOTHING SHORT OF

Perfection Originally located in an old barn in south Chico, Perfection Pools and Spas, Inc. was founded in the spring of 1981. For the first three years, founder Terry Larocco ran the business out of the back of his truck. The business went on to open a modest retail outlet that displayed a pool, a couple of spas, and a small supply of chemicals and pool products. Since its humble beginnings, the company has grown considerably and relocated twice. Today, Perfection Pools and Spas, Inc. proudly operates in a 6,000 square foot building occupying nearly half of a block on the corner of Park Avenue and 20th Street. Despite its remarkable growth over the years, the family business prides itself on keeping a small business feel and continually providing the best in quality and service it its customers. In 2014 Tony Larocco, Terry’s oldest son, became CEO of Perfection Pools and Spas, Inc. Tony has worked in the family business for over 20 years and continues to work hard to honor his father’s legacy while improving and maintaining the wonderful business he created. Perfection Pools and Spas, Inc. employs about 25 people locally and helps thousands of customers each year with their pool and spa needs. The list of services and products that Perfection Pools and Spas offers is a long one. Tony and his team build pools, design and install landscapes, and service, repair, and maintain pools and spas. In addition to a friendly and knowledgeable staff, their large retail location offers spas, pools, chemicals, parts, and other related accessories. Perfection also offers free in-store water testing to help any customer with their water chemistry needs. It’s more than just pools and spas for Tony and his wife Tenaya. It’s about making the perfect space and helping to create memories with the best quality they can offer. The pools, spas, and services offered are just a touch of what makes Perfection Pools what it is. The quality and care that Tony and his team have taken to ensure the name “Perfection” is the best they can offer. While many might use the word “perfection” as a simple description, Tony takes a literal approach to it and defines it in a human sense, owning the fact that perfection is somewhat impossible. But the beauty in using that word is the pursuit of it. Perfection is not an end-all, but rather something to strive for. It is something that changes over time, and Tony knows that providing quality services and products and expanding what he and the business can offer each year for his customers is his pursuit towards that perfection. While the needs of the industry change year after year, Perfection Pools and Spas, Inc. has dedicated itself to continually meeting and exceeding expectations to the best of their ability. The goal of living up to its name and the urge to better itself year after year has proven that the dedication and passion for this business has made it successful. The perfection that Tony and his team offers is more than just great services and products, but a dedication taken to continue the success of his family’s business.

VISIT PERFECTION POOLS AND SPAS, INC. AT 172 E. 20TH STREET IN CHICO. CALL THEM AT 530.895.0437 OR FIND THEM ONLINE AT WWW.PERFECTIONPOOLSANDSPAS.COM. MENTION THIS ARTICLE TO RECEIVE $200 OFF OF A SPA PURCHASE FROM OCTOBER 22–25! 57

What really happens when you order flowers online from Deceptive Order Gatherers

Google any combination of “Chico, Florist and Flowers” and what pops up first? Ad links for some of the largest deceptive order gathers (DOGs) in the Floral industry, advertising “discounted” arrangements and using taglines like CA Florist, Chico: Florist Delivery, Local Chico Florist, but none of these companies are actually in Chico. This is very confusing to customers who feel they have ordered from a local flower shop only to give their money to a company in another city, state, or country. Most people go online to research and purchase flowers, being one of the only gifts that can be ordered and delivered same-day to anyone, in any city, across the United States. How it works: You accidentally click on one of the top ads that looks like a local florist in Chico. You select the flower arrangement you want to be delivered, fill out the order form, review your order and notice a “service fee” is added, ranging from $17.98– $32.98. The $44.99 arrangement you selected is now $75.00 or more. The DOG processes your order, withholds the service fees, sending a minimal amount to an actual local florist, via a wire-service, to design the arrangement and get it delivered for them. The local florist gets paid 73% of the total they received from the DOG, which was undervalued to begin with. The wire-service keeps 7% and the DOG gets 20% of the order total. The only parties benefiting from 58

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these companies advertising “discounted” arrangements are the DOGs and the wireservices. Customers are ripped off and florists lose money as soon as they accept the order. Ordering flowers directly from a local florist is best. When researching florists online, make sure a local phone number and address are listed. Calling the flower shop directly will give you the opportunity to talk with a trained staff member, or maybe even the owner, who will be able to discuss what products they have available and how the flowers will be arranged and delivered. There are no hidden service fees and the local shop retains 100% of the sale. Local flower shops build relationships with their customers through important life events like, births, proms, weddings and “in sympathy” as well as donate to charities, silent auctions, schools, and community events. What are the DOGs who advertise “discounted” flowers doing for your community?

FLORAL ADVICE

VIA

KRISTA KNECHT

Krista Knecht is the owner at Chico Florist. Visit them at 1600 Mangrove Ave #145 in Chico, online at ChicoFlorist.net, or call 530.345.1855.

C H I CO P E R F O R M A N C E S

2016–2017

Season

U P CO M I N G E V E N TS 10/5

Dave Rawlings Machine

10/8

Parsons Dance

10/14

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles: it gets better

10/27

Capitol Steps: What To Expect When You’re Electing

10/30

Verona Quartet

FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS: www.ChicoPerformances.com (530) 898-6333

G A RY C H A N G O F E C O L I V I N G R E S O U R C E S :

Helping Communities Live Earth & Eco Friendly There’s no shortage of information out there on eco-friendly living, and a good amount of that information has been shared here in Upgraded Living. Most opportunities provide a two-benefit approach; they offer something positive for the environment and they save money on your electricity bill each month. We’ve covered a number of these, but have yet to cover one with a four-benefit approach that also touts a considerably lower cost of getting started. Gary Chang of Eco Living Resources in Chico is providing his customers with exactly that, through a system of affordable home upgrades that allow his clients to reduce energy use, conserve and use water efficiently, make healthy choices in food and lifestyle, and save money. Each upgrade can be added to the home without dependence on the others, making the process simple and easy to implement. A long time resident of Chico, Gary became interested in sustainable living as a means to provide his family a healthier life and to leave a smaller carbon footprint. He met the owner of QuietCool while researching sustainable products at a home builder show five years ago and fell in love with their whisper-quiet whole house fan technology. He bought the product, had it installed in his own home and was impressed with its cooling power and significant energy savings. Gary raved to friends and family about the fan and they would ask how they could get one, so he decided to begin selling them himself. It was the beginning of an amazing journey that would eventually lead to the start of his company, Eco Living Resources. As the quietest, most energy efficient fan built, QuietCool is now his top selling system. Whole house fans can make a huge difference in home comfort at a considerably lower price than air conditioning. They typically use 1/10 the electricity of comparably sized air conditioners, and are relatively inexpensive to install. Whole house fans are designed to operate in the early morning and after sundown, when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees. Used correctly, they can help cut air conditioning bills substantially. The idea is to turn off the air conditioner and turn on the whole house fan. With the windows open, fresh, cool air is drawn into your home forcing out hot air. Your entire home can be cooled by outside air without the needed help from your air

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conditioner. This equates to one of the fastest return on investments of any green product, plus more comfortable, clean fresh air in the home. Attics can be brutally hot on a summer day. When heat is absorbed by your walls and ceilings, temperatures can climb to over 150 degrees. Even if your ceiling is well insulated and your home is air conditioned, this heat can seep from your attic down into your home. An energy efficient attic fan that moves a lot of air will effectively keep your attic substantially cooler, which keeps your home cooler, decreases the need for air conditioning, and saves you money. QuietCool Whole House Fan Systems can be installed into most attics because the damper boxes are only 14.25” wide and fit perfectly between a home’s standard 16” trusses, unlike traditional whole house fans that are 30–39” wide and take considerably longer to install. Gary teamed up with his longtime friend and general contractor, Bob Keller of Keller Construction in Chico, to install QuietCool Whole House Fan Systems. Their process is efficient and takes just a few hours to install. Over the past five years, Gary and Bob have completed about 400 QuietCool installations, with over 250 installations taking place in the past two years alone. The system was found to be so beneficial, and so enjoyed by homeowners, that Jay Halbert of Shastan Homes made it standard equipment in all of his new energy-efficient homes. Gary sells them and Bob installs them. Perhaps best of all though, QuietCool fans are backed by a 1-year guarantee through Gary himself. Put it in your home for 365 days and, if you don’t like it, take it out and he’ll give you your money back. That’s a guarantee we have yet to find

with any other green system anywhere. So far, everyone is amazed and impressed with no returns to speak of. The success of his eco-friendly ventilation systems encouraged Gary to look into other ways to improve indoor air quality, eventually adding Panasonic Whisper Green, super quiet IAQ Fans to his list of offerings. With the statewide drought, Gary also wanted to help homeowners become aware of their water usage and helps them use water efficiently. He found it strange that most folks know the cost of nearly every liquid they purchase by the ounce, liter, or gallon, but have no idea what city water actually costs them or how much they use. With ½ of the water used in homes going to landscaping alone, he implemented ways to use water efficiently and capture water that could then be used to promote healthier and greener living outdoors. When it rains an inch, every 1,000 square feet of your roof sees 620 gallons of water. That’s a considerable amount. On average, Chico sees 26 inches of rain per year. If we were to assume you have a 1,500 square foot home and a completely flat roof—the smallest square footage possible for a 1,500 square foot home—your roof would have seen over 24,000 gallons of water over the course of a year. A home of 2,000 square feet of roof area would see nearly 32,000 gallons. To put that into perspective, an average inground swimming pool requires 20,000 gallons of water to fill. Most of the water that hits our roof during the winter flows into our gutters, out the downspout, and into storm drains when it could be used to water gardens throughout the year. Filtering that water and storing it properly, Gary thought, could change that.

• • • • • •

Save 50–90% Off Your A/C Bill Stay Cool for Pennies an Hour Improve Indoor Air Quality Create a Healther Home Live MORE Comfortably Built in the USA

Once again implementing strategies into his own home, Gary installed gutter guards on his home five years ago. Not only did the gutter guards eliminate the danger, inconvenience, and time required to clean his gutters, but they also served as the first level of filtration for water from his roof flowing to his rainwater harvesting tanks. His success with the system encouraged him to carry the product, and now offers the most comprehensive line of Gutterguards available. As a system, gutterguards and rainwater harvesting tanks are Green-Sustainable Systems that can help homeowners use water efficiently. Tanks are available in storage capacities ranging from 200 gallons to 12,000 gallons and can be paired with a number of different systems to allow drip irrigation of gardens year round—and for wildfire preparation for people who live in the WUI (Wildland Urban Interface).

Collect Free Rainwater... Store Water for Gardening & Wildfire Preparation Gutterguards Keep Water Flowing... Clean—No Clog Performance & 1st Stage Filtration for Rainwater Catchment

A small tank could provide all the water a garden would need for the growing season. An 8x4 plant bed requires approximately 32 gallons of water per week during the summer. A 1,000 gallon water tank would satisfy the water needs for 2 of these planting beds and still only use about 3% of the water that arrives on your roof each year. Best of all, you will have fresh home-grown produce.

TESTIMONIALS “We live more comfortably and eco-friendly in our home thanks to the systems from Eco Living Resources. Our Energy Efficient Quiet Cool Whole House Fan System brings in cool fresh air and saves us money by reducing our AC usage. Their gutterguards have made gutter cleaning a thing of the past...clog-free and no more unsafe ladder climbing. Gary Chang always bring professional and efficient people to perform installations. They left our home clean and tidy” –Gary & Katy Hildenbrand, Chico, CA

“I want to tell you how happy I am with both of your fans. Especially the Panasonic Bath Fan. It’s making a big difference! The bathroom no longer sweats from our shower” –Brenda, Hamilton City, CA “Our Quiet Cool Whole House Fan System from Eco Living Resources has been amazing. We are so pleased. It is a proven system that works” –Denise, Chico, CA “Our Quiet Cool Whole House Fan is AWESOME and VERY QUIET compared to our old unit. The big surprise has been the Attic Fan. I really did not expect to see much benefit from it, but WOW! We don’t even turn our A/C on until around 4:00 p.m. and it only runs for a handful of hours before it is cool enough outside to open the house and use the whole house fan again” –Paul & Jen, Chico, CA

GARY’S COMPANY, ECO LIVING RESOURCES AND ITS TEAM OF TALENTED CONTRACTORS, INSTALLERS, AND ASSOCIATES HAVE JUST WHAT HOMEOWNERS NEED TO TURN THEIR HOME INTO A SUSTAINABILITY POWERHOUSE. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO LOWER YOUR ENERGY BILL, CONSERVE WATER, GROW YOUR OWN FOOD, OR SIMPLY FORGET ABOUT CLEANING YOUR GUTTERS EVER AGAIN, THEY HAVE SYSTEMS THAT WILL FIT THE APPLICATION PERFECTLY AND AFFORDABLY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT ECO LIVING RESOURCES CAN DO TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY GOALS, CONTACT GARY DIRECTLY AT 530.520.3931 OR EMAIL HIM AT GARY@ECOLIVINGRESOURCES.COM. 61

PHOTO COURTESY OF GALLERY INTERIORS

Reupholster to

Refresh

What is your personal design style? Everybody has their own unique style and the goal of an interior designer is to help you figure out what yours is. A great place to start is with fabric! Personalize your space with fabrics that inspire you. Start with a fabric you LOVE and center the design around it. Pull colors from the fabric to use in pillows, accessories, rugs, throws and more. By spreading that color throughout the space, you will achieve a more cohesive design. It’s all about layering! Choose fabrics that compliment your main fabric by mixing patterns and textures to get a more interesting look. If your main fabric is a big bold print, pair it with a textured solid, geometric, and even a stripe. Add contrasting piping on the pillows for a pop of color, some fringe for a little pizzazz, or even a leather appliqué to really personalize your look. Get more bang for your buck by placing different fabrics on either side of the pillow! When you feel you need a little change, you can flip your pillows around to show off a new look. A great way to give your space a custom design is to use the same fabrics in multiple applications. For example, your drapery fabric could also be used for pillows on your 62

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sofa. Reupholster your dining chairs in a fun, bold pattern and repeat the same fabric on a window seat cushion. We can make any size or shape cushion for a fireplace seat, bay window, bathroom vanity bench, and more! We custom cut each piece of foam and fabric to ensure a perfect fit. Reupholstering is another great way to showcase a fabric you love. We get asked so many times, “Should I have you reupholster my existing furniture or buy new?” Our answer is always, “It depends on three things!” If your piece is well made from a solid wood frame, has a unique size or shape, or is sentimental to you, then it’s worth reupholstering. When you choose to reupholster, it’s like having a brand new custom piece of furniture. One way we love to add some flare to your upholstered piece is by using multiple fabrics. Wingback chairs are the perfect example. Often times we’ll use one fabric on the outside arms and back of the chair, and a coordinating fabric on the inside back and seat. This gives the chair a completely custom one-of-a-kind look! Nobody will ever have the same piece of furniture as you!

DESIGN ADVICE

VIA

JENNAH & ROBIN

When you’re ready to personalize your space, come see the owners, Jennah and Robin, at Gallery Interiors located at 1954 Bird Street in Downtown Oroville. Or call us at 530.533.3430.

AFTER

BEFORE

Making the Very Most of It Location, location, location. It is often said that the most important thing to consider when buying a house is its location. As it turns out, the same can be said for turning the interior of that house into a home. The commonly held view is that interior design can be expensive and requires buying brand new furniture, fixtures, and accessories. To add to the new furniture, the hourly consultation bill can put the service out of reach for many. Gail Selby Aagaard of Abigail House Redecorating is on a mission to change that, proving that it isn’t so much what you have in your house that matters, but rather, where it’s located. A nearly lifelong Northern Californian, Gail grew up in Chico in the 1950s. Wanting to someday becoming an architect, she found herself in an era void of female role models or opportunities to do so. With options limited by the times, she studied at a private liberal arts college where she completed an AS degree in nursing. At the same time, to fulfill her 64

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creative side, she finished a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in interior design before getting married and taking off to travel the world with her husband. The two moved numerous times in the years that followed, living in Bolivia for a year nursing and teaching, completing a two-year term with the Peace Corps in Venezuela, hitchhiking through South America twice for 2–3 months at a time, and traveling often in many countries around the world. Each new location further fueled Gail’s creative side, inspiring her through art, culture, and experience. For most of the last 40 years Gail has worked as a nurse in various fields wherever they have lived, raising her children, while earning her masters of science degree in nursing along the way, and eventually settling into teaching nursing for 12 years before retiring. Because she and her husband were professors, the

two were privileged to enjoy summers off from academia to travel. He spent his time lecturing to other educators all over the world during those summers, giving Gail the opportunity to further expand her worldview and become even more inspired by the creativity and design that those countries had to offer. Through all the years, Gail has used that inspiration and prior schooling in interior design to assist friends and family who needed a hand in decorating their homes. In 2004, the couple chose to move to Chattanooga, Tennessee. They continued to teach at the university, but Gail decided it was time to turn her passion for interior design into something more. She began her business, Abigail House Redecorating, and started reaching out to potential customers. Jobs began to trickle in and, with each new customer, her business began to grow exponentially as referrals poured in. In 2007 she took extra training in decorating and received her certification from the Interior Redecorators Network, becoming a certified Interior Redecorator. Rather than go the way of many interior designers who are product driven, she decided to focus on her services and education, showing clients how to rearrange, reorganize, and declutter their own belongings to bring a fresh new look to

treatments, then the plan will show how they can be purchased and placed to maintain the tranquility that was created during their time together. With so much going on in our lives, Gail believes that it’s important for our homes to be a place where we can return to regroup and to refresh. Helping her clients make a space in which they feel comfortably at peace, and empowering them to continue that comfort throughout their home, is the first step in allowing them to enjoy their homes as a place of sanctuary. It’s all part of her mission to involve, inform, and inspire, and we’re excited to see her do just that.

Testimonials

AFTER their rooms. Sensitive to the design style and preferences of her clientele, she worked to provide a total transformation of each room in just a single day, leaving her clients with a complete written design plan for further work as their budgets allowed. Though the business was very successful in Chattanooga, in 2009 her husband retired and they moved to Bend, Oregon to be nearer their grandchildren. She continued the business in Bend, but they eventually decided the weather was too cold most of the year, and opted for one final move back home to Chico in 2011. When she arrived, Gail started Abigail House Redecorating again, with the mission of bringing something different to the interior design market in Chico. Focused on providing affordable design consulting to the community, Gail charges a flat rate per room based on the size, regardless of how long the project takes, rather than charging hourly as most interior designers do. Instead of entering a home with the mindset of buying new, she works with what the client already has, making better use of what they already own, decluttering each space, and turning them into something more beautiful and tranquil in just one day. By working together with the client throughout the project, she is able to get a better sense of who the person is and what changes to their living space would be the most meaningful change to them. The end result, as so many of her testimonials have stated, are spaces in which her clients finally feel comfortable again.

BEFORE Perhaps most importantly, Gail approaches each project as a learning experience for her clients, taking the time to teach them what she has learned over the years and showing them why something works, as well as why something doesn’t. Lessons, like the “10 Decorating Mistakes to Avoid,” empower and prepare clients to take the reins in designing their own spaces in the future, and doing so properly to maintain the newly created aesthetic. As she puts it, “I feel like my purpose is to educate people on how to make their home more calm, more peaceful, and more tranquil, one room at a time.” According to Gail, “A home should celebrate your life, so it’s important to use things in each room that are meaningful to the client.” From photos to trinkets to fabrics and art, items that hold special meaning can bring energy to a room and, when placed properly and effectively, can turn into conversation pieces when company visits. Not to be underestimated, the addition of items like these can also make a big difference to the space, transforming a room into something brand new. As part of the flat rate consultation, Gail scours the home with her client in search of these meaningful memories, using them to set the tone for each room. At the end of each consultation, Gail leaves behind a written design plan detailing what was done during her visit and what else can be done in the future that fits with the new look they designed. If the client wants to spend more money in the future on new items like furniture, paint, art, or window

“After three hours of fun moving furniture, searching for treasures all through the house, and getting lots of advice—we did it! We created a masterpiece. My once empty living room/dining room is our favorite place to hang out. Thank you, Gail! You are wonderful to work with.” –Vivian Grabiner “Gail, I sent you a postcard but it didn’t describe well enough my feelings and thoughts about your service to my husband and me! I just know when he gets home tonight he is going to appreciate his “new” dressing room. Actually, it looks more like a peaceful retreat. And, I slept better last night than I have for weeks! You were right about removing some furniture from the room, and moving the bed to the other wall. The picture placements were perfect, and now my master bedroom just “sings!” –Liz Wilkerson

IF YOU HAVE A ROOM OR AN ENTIRE HOME IN NEED OF INSPIRATION, CALL GAIL AT 530. 809.2520 OR VISIT HER WEBSITE AT ABIGAILHOUSE. NET FOR MORE PHOTOS, TESTIMONIALS, AND INFORMATION. 65

“ I’ve been involved with North Valley Property

Owners Association for about 5 years now, and they have been a terrific resource for me as a landlord. When I was getting up and running with my business, it seemed like I was on the phone with them weekly asking for advice, which they were always happy to share. The legal forms they provide are frequently updated, and I always use them in my business. The educational courses that are offered by NVPOA are all thorough and thoughtful. Renting properties is a people business, and NVPOA never loses sight of that. If you are a rental property owner, I definitely recommend NVPOA as a resource, especially if you are just getting involved for the first time.” – Scott W., Chico

NORTH VALLEY PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION: Education, Advocacy, and Support Chico is no stranger to the residential rental industry. With a large student population and limited housing near Chico State’s campus, landlords in the heart of Chico have enjoyed a relative guarantee that their property would be tenant occupied year-after-year for the past four decades. With an ever-growing crowd of young professionals in Chico’s tech and healthcare industries, as well as a growing population of young families, buying properties for the purpose of renting is becoming an increasingly lucrative business outside of the city center. Just as with any business though, it’s important to do your research before diving into it. The North Valley Property Owners Association (NVPOA) is working to make that research and access to resources for landlords easier than ever before. Founded in 1981, the NVPOA was created with the goal of educating property owners and property management companies on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. As a non-profit association, the group provides members with up-to-date forms written by real estate attorneys, monthly educational seminars on topics specific to the rental industry, and more support and resources than one could possibly imagine. Jennifer Morris, executive director at NVPOA, joined the organization in June 2008 and has been working to expand the organization’s reach and membership since. In just eight short years, the association has grown from 374 members to 750 members, representing over 20,000 rental properties throughout a twelve county territory including Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Yuba, Sutter, Plumas, Tehama, Shasta, Trinity, Modoc, Siskiyou, and Lassen counties. With that increase in reach has also come a significant increase in what the organization is able to provide its members in support and resources. The NVPOA is a one stop shop for anybody in the rental housing industry, and provides support whether you have a tenant or landlord question. As a resource center, they provide tenant screening reports, over 100 forms for property owners (including rental agreements), and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Membership in the organization automatically provides membership with the 66

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California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) and National Apartment Association (NAA) which have their own set of benefits including various certifications and huge discounts with national retailers like Home Depot, Lowes, FedEx, and Office Depot, to name a few. The NVPOA even provides monthly communication to keep members up to date on changes in laws that directly affect them. It is important to note that the NVPOA assists owners in self-managing their properties and does not provide property management service, though a number of their members are property management companies and the organization also serves as resource to connect landlords with them. In fact, 80% of the organization’s members own fewer than ten rental properties and many of them started out as accidental landlords, where the owner’s intention was not to originally rent the property but for one reason or another did so out of necessity. In such cases, the organization provides an important support group at a time when someone may be thrown into a situation that they have no knowledge of. The NVPOA also works closely with real estate agents to assist any to-be landlord clients. Currently NVPOA is offering a Realtor membership with discounts for both the agents and their investments clients first year of membership dues. The NVPOA will be hosting a number of workshops over the coming months, including one on fair housing in the fall as well as another titled Landlord 101 on November 10th. There are a variety of topics and workshops throughout the month for a full listing of available workshops visit www.nvpoa.org. Don’t miss our upcoming trade show in Chico this coming January. With their commitment to education, advocacy, and support, their place in our community is one of necessity. If you are a landlord, or find yourself in a situation where you might be one in the future, stop by their office and see how they can assist you.

NVPOA IS LOCATED AT 984 EAST AVENUE, SUITE B-1 IN CHICO, CA. YOU CAN REACH THEM BY PHONE AT 530.345.1321 OR VISIT THEM ONLINE AT WWW.NVPOA.ORG

A professional team with integrity that is here to serve our clients

530.532.0400 Let our 100 years combined experience work for you • We work with First Time Buyers to Investors • Let us help you with low down payment loan programs • The market is increasing so it is a great time to Buy or Sell Call us today at 530.532.0400 for a FREE consultation on how we can help you Buy or Sell 130 CRANE AVE

34 MILLET LN

Mini Ranch is Move-In Ready, Near Ophir School - Public water & sewer, Plus utilities for 2nd dwelling are in $299,000

Large Spacious home with vaulted ceilings, 3302 Sq. Ft, kitchen has been updated with new cabinets & granite counter tops, in ground pool sits on 5.7 AC with a private setting Just listed at $569,000

3014 OLIVE HWY, OROVILLE CA 95966 | OROVILLEBHR.COM | CALBRE# 02012905

Let us manage your property! 2 MONTHS FREE with 12 month commitment. We know managing rental properties can be stressful and time consuming. We would like the opportunity to earn your business. For more detailed information or questions about our services, please call us at:

C I N D Y P E E B L E S & T R I S H A A T E H O R T U A 530.370.9188 Benefits of hiring a professional property manager: • Peace of Mind • Professional Expertise • Thorough screening for new tenants • Timely and Affordable Maintenance and Repairs (in house licensed contractor)

For more information visit: www.peeblesproperty.com 3014 Olive Hwy, Oroville Ca 95966 530.370.9188 Broker BRE# 02012905 67

experience with Green Construction Services was “ My extremely positive. I thoroughly enjoyed the people that did the work and the customer service was impeccable. They were on time to every appointment and were helpful, knowledgeable and respectful. The jobs they performed exceeded my expectations and were always done in a timely manner. I would recommend Green Construction Services to anyone and would use them again in the future.

–Desi Cowan, Chico had Green Construction Company “ Idohave 2 jobs at my home. David was friendly,

informative, punctual and professional and also did an excellent job in the stated amount of time, at the estimated cost. I would highly recommend David and his company based on his work at my home. –Al Rios, Chico

I saw exceeded my expectations as before. It “ What looked like a new house and though there was still

evidence of things to complete, I am more than confident the final look will be worthy of a Sunset mag spread. The tenants love it, I love it. Another winner, so please thank the entire crew that worked on it as well as David for instilling a sense of pride and quality in every project he takes on. Again, I am more than happy to be used as a reference for any future jobs you undertake. Thanks again to you and the rest of the Green Team.” –Michael Du Bois

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appropriate level of insulation for the home. To top it off, the lighting used within the home was traditional and using a significant amount of energy each day. With these findings alone, a 40% energy savings for the home was certainly in the books. Andrew and Martha agreed, so David and his team set out to make the home energy efficient.

Saving Green with igreen Andrew and Martha Baum had a $15 PG&E bill in August, despite consistently hotter than average temperatures in Chico. When others in town took to Facebook to complain about rising energy bills that had doubled or tripled since spring, the Baums continued to operate their air conditioner at full use, achieving maximum comfort without worrying about what it would do to their monthly bills. With a home that had recently been renovated by Chico’s energy specialists, igreen, to operate with energy efficiency in mind, the woes of astronomical energy bills were a thing of the past.

David Green, and his team from igreen, promptly arrived and began conducting a comprehensive assessment of the home’s energy systems, looking for opportunities to cut energy loss and monthly costs for the couple. The first major finding was that the ducting for the home’s air conditioning system was in the crawl space, as many in Chico are. The downside of this placement is that cool air does not rise, causing the conditioned air to dwell on the bottom of the home, creating airflow issues and taking far longer for the temperature change to be recognized than if the cool air was being released from above. They also found an old gas water heater which was anything but energy efficient, along with windows and doors that weren’t providing the

igreen installed two super-energy-efficient ducted mini-split air conditioning systems in the ceiling of the home for climate control throughout. The two systems created separate climate control zones in the home, allowing Andrew and Martha to selectively condition the air in only the areas that they were actually occupying at the time, rather than paying to condition the entire home. The ducted mini-split systems also used far less ducting than the previous system, allowing for less energy to be used to push air to each room of the home. The home’s closed patio received a low-power wall unit of its own as well. Upon turning it on, the change in the room was almost instant, and the couple found themselves surprised at just how powerful an energy efficient unit could be. LED lighting was added throughout the home to help further shrink the Baums’ carbon footprint and energy use throughout the month, plus the new lighting produced significantly less heat, meaning less work for the air conditioning systems. Andrew notes that in spite of consuming less power, they seldom have to turn up the fans beyond their mid range settings. Finally, they decided to retire the home’s old gas water heater, exchanging it for an ultra-efficient heat pump water heater, which proved to be significantly more efficient than its predecessor. A water heater’s energy efficiency is determined by something called its “energy factor” (EF), which is determined on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The

The new system is entirely remote controlled for easier accessibility. Andrew emphasizes how well the integrity of the home was maintained during construction. The visible changes to the home are subtle rather than jarring like many external systems often are. Most Americans generally associate clean energy with high cost and, in many cases, they are correct. igreen has a personal interest in showing the true long term value of sustainable engineering and how significant money can be saved over traditional methods of sourcing alternative energy. They’ve been doing it for clients like Andrea and Martha Baum since 2008. The company also installs solar panels, skylights, and assessments for those interested in switching their systems. They are a full service remodeling company that focuses on long term savings and ultimately creating a more sustainable home model. With a drastic drop in their electricity bill, and the knowledge that they can live comfortably and help the environment, the Baums are living the northern California dream without the nightmare of rising energy costs. They, like so many of igreen’s clients before them, have realized that sustainability isn’t only about finding alternative sources of energy, but making the absolute most out of the energy that you use. After reducing the energy needed, igreen can also install solar systems to produce the balance of your energy needs. igreen is a full heating and air provider specializing in energy efficiency with emphasis on long term savings and ultimately creating a more sustainable home. If you own a home or business that could benefit from lower energy bills and better energy efficiency, call igreen today at 530.519.0020 or visit their website at www.igreen.energy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IGREEN, VISIT GREENCONSTRUCTIONSERVICE.COM OR CALL 530.230.0656.

TOP PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO (ANDREW & MARTHA BAUM) & BOTTOM PHOTO BY SHANNON IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY ( DAVID GREEN FOUNDER OF IGREEN)

When Andrew and Martha moved to Chico at the beginning of the year, they anticipated the heat and proactively decided to prepare for it. Summers in Chico can be harsh, so they needed something that could pack an air conditioned punch. With an interest in sustainability and energy conservation, the couple also wanted to make sure the upgrade would be easy on the environment. They spent a good amount of time consulting with contractors around town and having their home evaluated to discover what options were available to them. They eventually found igreen, and invited the energy specialist in for yet another opinion.

igreen sealed off the floor vents and removed the ducting that ran under the home which previously supplied cold air through the floors. They air-sealed the attic to make sure that any air that was being pumped into the home, whether warm or cold, was kept where it needed to be, rather than allowing it to escape through the ceiling. New R-60 cellulose insulation further ensured that the home remained at the proper temperature for longer, decreasing the amount of time their new heating and cooling systems would need to operate throughout the day. Lastly, new windows and doors gave the home a much needed energy-efficiency upgrade, keeping the outside out and the inside in. With the home fully insulated, it was finally ready for new technology.

more efficient the water heater, the higher its energy factor. The old gas unit had a .58 EF, whereas the new heat pump water heater boasted an impressive EF of 3.25.

Garden Croissant Sandwich (with Bacon!)

Ingredients:

Directions:

1 croissant

Melt cheese onto croissant then layer ingredients together. Eat & enjoy!

1 slice of cheese of your choice 3 eggs, scrambled ⅓ avocado, sliced 2 tomato slices Spinach 3–5 slices of cucumber 4 strips of bacon

RECIPE COURTESY OF FRESH TWISTED CAFÉ, 156 EATON RD, CHICO, 530.809.2489.

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PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Fresh Twisted Café’s

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Main Dish Ingredients:

Garnish Ingredients:

½ zucchini, sliced

Red onion, 2–3 small slices

½ celery stem, sliced

Cilantro, 4–5 leafs

½ carrot, peeled and sliced

Lime, about 5 drops

½ bell pepper, cut into bite size slices ¼ yellow onion, cut into bite size slices 6 whole shrimp size 40/50 2 crab legs 4 oz Clamato cocktail juice 4 oz tomato sauce 32 oz water 1 tsp salt

Directions: Place crab legs, Clamato juice, tomato juice, salt, and cut vegetables in a pot with 32 oz of water. Let boil for 15 minutes, then add whole raw shrimp and boil for 4 minutes. Garnish with cilantro and sliced red onions. Add lime as desired once served.

Mariscos La Costa’s

Shrimp & Crab Soup RECIPE COURTESY OF MARISCOS LA COSTA. VISIT THEM AT 1141 FOREST AVENUE SUITE #10 IN CHICO OR CALL 530.342.3627.

tour, taste, toast! The 11th Annual Sierra Oro Farm Trail is a weekend event that offers a chance to take an agricultural tour through Butte County. The “Tour, Taste, Toast” event is a self-guided, set-your-own-pace tour through 15 wineries and 19 specialty farms that offers an opportunity to meet with local farmers, winemakers, and producers of other local goods. This year, the Sierra Oro Farm Trail is proud to have added six exciting new locations to its already magnificent list of places to visit. If you are looking for vineyards specifically, there are four great new locations, one of which has just opened their doors for the first time in January. The wineries include Almendra Winery & Distillery, Nesseré Vineyards, Purple Line Winery, and Spencer Shirey Wines. To add a little local taste and flavor to the mix, the trail now also includes Harvest Hill Farm as well as Sohnrey Family Foods. Gourds, squash, heirloom pumpkins, handmade gifts and much more can be found at Harvest Hill Farm. For a wide and flavorful array of almonds and nuts, Sohnrey Family Foods has what you’re looking for. These spectacular new additions are sure to be the perfect complement to an already amazing lineup of local products! Don’t miss out—passports are on sale now for the October 8th & 9th event. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SIERRA ORO FARM TRAIL AND SEE A FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS, VISIT WWW.SIERRAORO.ORG.

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Almendra Winery & Distillery With grapes grown right here in Butte County, Almendra Winery features hand crafted wines showcased in their gorgeous tasting room. This year’s stop at Almendra will also spotlight four new house distilled Brandy options. Promoting Sierra Nevada and Pedrozo cheeses, along with Maisie Jane’s and Skylake Garden products alongside their own, it’s clear that Almendra values community. This being their first Sierra Oro Farm Trail, they love that the event gives locals the opportunity to see what can be produced right here in Butte County. Expect to experience wine tasting in their grand barreling room along with featured chocolate and cheese vendors. If you’re anything like us, when you walk through the heavy wooden doors of Almendra, the smell of the freshly crushed grapes alone will keep you coming back for more. You can enjoy Almendra’s tasting room six days a week, with seventeen wines available for tasting flights on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Enjoy extended hours on Thursday and Friday evenings, with live, local musicians on Friday nights; sip Bertagna Son Kissed Wines and Almendra offerings to the smooth sound of an array of musical genres. This is certainly a spot you won’t want to miss on this year’s Sierra Oro Farm Trail! ALMENDRA WINERY & DISTILLERY: 9275 MIDWAY IN DURHAM (TUES.–SAT. 11:00 AM–5:00 PM) 530.343.6893.

THE BEST COUNTRY AND TALK RADIO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!

Eating Right and what this means for you So many choices, so much chatter; “What should I be eating? Why does my belly hurt and what about these headaches?” There are a myriad of nutrition modalities these days that boggle the mind. All worth your consideration, but completely daunting if you choose to go down that rabbit hole. There’s Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Raw, Paleo, Pescatarian (always fun when designing food for a large party) to “opportunitarian.” The latter is my very favorite as a caterer, as these folks will make life easy for their host and eat what is being served. (Thank you opportunitarians of the world!) Kale is “the new black” (it’s actually watercress now, people) and we think that the movement towards a more grounded approach to eating and letting food be your medicine is a beautiful thing. However, it all does take a bit of your time. Fresh, clean, eating for your lunch everyday takes planning, shopping, prepping, and packaging. It’s fun and completely worthwhile if you happen to enjoy time in the kitchen. Getting involved with the food that you eat can and will change your life. Taking an interest in where ingredients are sourced and how they’re handled and prepared is eye opening. If you find yourself out of time and ideas for a healthy meal that not only tastes incredible, but is beautiful to look at, try our new BizBox. Simple, clean, delicious, and delivered. Skip the food coma from that bad lunch habit you’ve been trying to kick and tell us how you feel when 3:00 p.m. rolls around. Whatever “eating right” ends up being for you, fast and easy just got pretty delicious. AMANDA LEVERONI Bacio Catering 1903 Park Ave Chico, CA 95928 www.bizboxchico.com

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Located in charming Downtown Oroville, Purple Line Urban Winery is serving up classic favorites with a not-so-classic twist. With wines like “Little Red Panties” and “Bastard Child,” this might be your new favorite place to unwind. From the basement of their 1865 Victorian home to a large warehouse on Safford Street, George and Kate Barber have continually built on their long-time love affair with wine, and show no signs of slowing down. Since its opening in 2013, the winery has become an urban oasis and community hub, offering gorgeous outdoor seating, regular live music, bocce ball courts, and an impressive variety of thoughtfully crafted wines. The winery even hosts a community potluck night, every Wednesday from 6-8:30 pm. After much demand from their customers, the Barbers are pleased to be joining the Farm Trail this year, and are excited for the opportunity to share their fun atmosphere and outstanding products with Butte County and beyond. Be sure to stop by and join them for samplings of their favorite wines, including the “Sparkling Panties,” (a combination of their sparkling wine and Little Red Panties blend), local food pairings, live music, and great company. We’ll see you there! PURPLE LINE URBAN WINERY: 760 SAFFORD STREET IN OROVILLE (WED. 2–9 PM, THURS. 12–7 PM, FRI. 12–8:30 PM, SAT. 12–7 PM, SUN. 12–5 PM) 530.534.1785.

PHOTOS & WRITTINGS BY ERIN HANSEN, KYLEEN BROMLEY, MICHELLE CAMY

purple line urban winery

Nesseré Vineyards A small vineyard hoping to stay small, Nesseré Vineyards is located in Durham, CA and is the perfect spot to talk to owners Vanessa and Jess Pitney about how they intend on leaving the smallest footprint possible and making a big impact on the agri-tourism movement hitting Northern California. Excited to be a part of the Sierra Oro Farm Trail this year, Nesseré Vineyards takes pride in their size, sustainability, and responsible water usage and waste management. Recycling the grape skins and stems to use as animal feed is just one step this vineyard takes in taking care of the precious agriculture this county has to offer. Started in 2011, Nesseré Vineyards has made it their goal to help tasters really experience the grapes in all their seasons, droughts and good times included, giving each wine a unique fingerprint of flavor, making Nesseré wines as pleasurable as the company you share it with. Come visit them on the trail or visit them online to find out about upcoming events. NESSERÉ VINEYARDS: 3471 DURHAM-DAYTON HWY IN CHICO (SAT. & SUN. 12–5 PM) 530.345.9904.

Redefine the Power Lunch.

harvest hill farms

CATERING CARRY OUT BIZBOX

W E E K DAY D E L I V E R Y •

B I Z B OXC H I C O.C O M

Spencer Shirey Wines

sohnrey family foods

Nestled quietly in the serene North Sierra foothills near Bangor, CA is Spencer Shirey Wines. The quaint boutique winery, born from a love of great wine, delicious food, family, and friends, began holding tastings in 2014. Stop by during Spencer Shirey’s debut year on the Sierra Oro Farm Trail for a peaceful, country getaway. Enjoy live music by Alan Rigg and Jonathan Arthur on their new patio and experience amazing food pairings with three of their favorite wines. Fresh air, great wine, great food, and great company— what could be better?

Five generations is a long time to continue the tradition of farming, but for Sohnrey Family Foods, it is a pleasure to share all of their fantastic products with Northern California. The gift shop off of Highway 99 is not only a pleasant surprise, but a visual pleasure that transports you into the vineyards of Napa, the spring orchards of Northern California, all with a sweet touch of local honey. Sohnrey Family Foods produces “ahmends”, rice, prunes, and walnuts. With 10–12 different candied nuts, you hardly find yourself without an option and given 10 different seasoned nuts, you almost find yourself in a pickle. Do you go with the maple bacon flavored nuts, the mint covered almonds, or the chocolate fruit basket? While the choice may not be easy (heck, just get them all!) the fun is in the experience of getting to see all the fantastic options available. Pair some nuts with Frank’s Family Vineyard wine, available in the gift shop. Maybe you would like to try some fresh local honey to go with some Cinn-Amen Toffee Almonds? Whatever your flavor you will find it at Sohnrey Family Foods gift shop.

SPENCER SHIREY WINES: 6857 LA PORTE ROAD IN BANGOR, CA (SAT. & SUN. 12–5 PM) 530.205.3579

If you are looking for the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy a sense of the land, Harvest Hill Farms is the place to stop by on your Sierra Oro Trail tour. Along with wonderful harvest goodies, Harvest Hill Farms includes a vast array of fantastic treats for all your senses. As you sip your Harvest Hill Cider, you get to enjoy the aroma of the cinnamon in your cup, the lavender picked fresh from the garden and the scent of fall in the air. Beautiful crafts, hand-made by the family, are on display and for sale, but be quick! The charming and unique pieces go fast! Each item is one of a kind. Echoing through the air you will find yourself entranced by celtic music that soothes you along your visit, captivating you and relaxing you, bringing a sense of “old world” nostalgia. The decorations the family offers transcends you to a simpler time, peaceful and relaxing when emails and cell phones didn’t exist. A time when the sweet sounds of lambs next door were the only sounds you could hear. Harvest Hill Farms is a trip worth taking this year. HARVEST HILL: 141 MT. IDA ROAD IN OROVILLE 530.990.1170

SOHNREY FAMILY FARMS: 41 SKILLIN LANE IN OROVILLE (MON.–FRI. 7 AM–5 PM & SAT. & SUN. 10 AM–4 PM) 530.871.1976 OR 530871.1975.

WRITTEN BY JAKE HUTCHISON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY

Together in Art,

Divided in Style When two artists meet, there is always a chance of passionate collaboration. When two artists fall in love, passionate art is sure to be formed. When Sienna Orlando met Trevor Lalaguna eight years ago, such a lifelong collaboration was the result. Though both had very different forms in which they created, and found a sense of balance in one another. When Sienna was finishing her bachelor’s at Chico State, Trevor was working on his master’s. He sat behind her in a class and found himself enamored with her. Eventually, a few mutual friends and casual hangouts later, they found each other. For some artists, inspiration comes from within. For others, it is the world around them. Trevor gets much of his from the reaction of his audience. Trevor was once a light post walking through Chico State’s campus, eventually landing next to a lamppost with a burnt out bulb. From this point, people of all backgrounds, such as students, faculty and those passing through, had their questions. Some were startled by seeing that the lamp post was actually a man in a costume, some wanted to talk to him about it and expressed interest. Many of these onlookers wanted to find meaning in this performance. It is these reactions that Trevor hopes for any time he mimics real life objects, a hope that people will leave their comfort zone and do something that makes them consider the world around them. Outside of public performance art, Trevor often draws and works figuratively, a theme that runs throughout their house along the walls in the form of arms grasping at each other and a semi-nude woman fighting off an army of small ninjas. Sienna derives her inspiration from the plant world. Her ceramic pieces possess aspects of the natural world, as well as the affects of cultures,

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past and present. Lately, she has been crafting a series of circular pieces with noticeable attention to detail. The piece she is currently working on is more abstract, featuring crystals surrounding an eye-like shape balanced by a botanical design. Often working in production, Sienna has a ceramic workshop in her house where she does most of her designing and making. Their house is a wonderful reflection of their personalities, be it their complimentary artwork as well as work of other artists lining the walls of their living room and hallways or their backyard, which is divided directly down the center. His side is a lawn with a workshop where he builds his body art pieces, and hers a garden full of vegetables and fruits leading to a chicken coop. For the past three years, the couple has begun a whole new journey with the introduction of their son, Apollo. An artist’s life is a busy one as it is, and this made their days even more full. That being said, they both consider Apollo to be their greatest creation and have enjoyed being parents just as much as being artists. As he has gotten older and more independent, it has been easier to include him in their work. Though becoming parents may have slowed them down in some ways, they are still very much engaged in the art community and will never stop creating.

FOLLOW SIENNA AND TREVOR ONLINE AT: SIENNAORLANDO.COM & TREVORLALAGUNA.COM OR ON INSTAGRAM @SIENNAORLANDO

WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIXE

Viewers Like You Generations of children—past and present—have experienced the delight of long afternoons at home with daytime television. As a child it may have seemed coincidental that these shows were as educational as they were entertaining, but in reality these elements existed as part of a conscious effort from a local television station. Vibrant and informational programs continue to occupy the small screen for hours at a time thanks to the North State’s station KIXE, Channel 9, which broadcasts engaging (and slyly educational) shows that go beyond Jim Henson’s classic puppets to include programs aimed at expanding minds of all ages. Founded in 1964 by local volunteers looking to bring new and immersive academic content to classrooms, KIXE is now entering its 52nd year of broadcasting across its ten-county area. Over the years, the station has expanded from one analog channel to three digital channels, each with a different focus. But while KIXE has grown, it hasn’t strayed from its initial focus: through its educational broadcasting license, the station subscribes to PBS to run the organization’s popular shows such as Curious George, Daniel Tiger (a cartoon spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) and “grown-up” shows like the award-winning science series Nova and dramas like Downton Abbey. In addition to PBS’ diverse offerings, KIXE also strives to shine a spotlight on the local community through in-house programs like The Forum, which showcases people and nonprofits positively impacting the area. In order to provide these many resources, KIXE must rely on the community it supports. The station has a small staff and survives with the help of volunteers, interns, and of course “viewers like you.” This November, viewers from ten counties spanning from Siskiyou to Colusa will have a chance to do their part. KIXE will be hosting its annual televised Holiday Auction starting November 2 to support the cost of programming—perfect timing for those wanting to shop for special holiday purchases without the chaos of Black Friday. The auction is a live event that runs a total of eight days from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and lets viewers bid in real time on hundreds of items ranging from locally handcrafted wares and jewelry to vacations sending you to Death Valley, Disneyland, Astoria Oregon, and diving in a Shark Cage at the Farallons. For anyone who wants an extra head start on gift shopping, KIXE will also let people bid early on big-ticket items through their website. The most exciting part of the Holiday Auction, however, is that it benefits so much more than the station: every winning bidder gains a new item or experience while simultaneously promoting the business that donated it, and his or her donation allows KIXE to purchase programming that will then provide the area with daily educational content. Free programming is often taken for granted because it is so easy to access, but it takes the work of a community to create and support. The Holiday Auction is one of many ways for nonprofit stations like KIXE to continue to grow, and with approximately a half million viewers across the North State it is a worthy cause for this season of giving.

BE SURE TO TUNE IN TO KIXE STARTING NOVEMBER 2 FROM 7 PM TO 11 PM FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT KIXE.ORG 78

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCTOBER 1

OCTOBER 7

OCTOBER 15

3rd Annual Bare on the Ridge Golf Tournament 3199 Golf Course Road, Chico 9:00 a.m. Cost: $75 per player | sponsor packages start at $125 Info: cfoster@golfbidwellpark.com or 530.891.8417 x 4

The Chico Experience Week Starting October 7–16 Info: thechicoexperienceweek.com or 800.852.8570

1966 Golden Grad Brunch Bell Memorial Union 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Info: csuchico.edu/alumni or 530.898.6472

OCTOBER 7–8

7th Annual Chico Out of the Darkness Community Walk for Suicide Prevention Downtown Chico City Plaza 7:00 a.m. Info: afsp.donordrive.com

7th Annual Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (Weekend 1) Sierra Nevada Hop Field, Chico 5:00–10:00 p.m. Info: sierranevada.com/oktoberfest Run To Inspire 5K One Mile Recreation Area of Bidwell Park 8:30 a.m. Info: runtoinspire5k.com Vino and Beer Fest 1359 Huntoon Street, Oroville 4:00–7:00 p.m. Cost: $15 per person (available only at Paws Thrift & Gift or by mail at PO Box 5715, 95966) Info: Must be 21 to attend Yo-Yo Contest 320 Broadway Street 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Info: birdinhand.com or 530.893.0797

OCTOBER 1–2 Johnny Appleseed Days 6626 Skyway, Paradise Saturday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Info: monica@paradisechamber.com or 530.877.9356 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church & Notre Dame School’s Fall Festival 416 Chestnut Street, Chico Saturday Dinner 5:00–9:00 p.m. Dinner Cost: $15 Adult | $7 Child | $40 for a family of 4 Sunday Carnival and Country Store 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Info: Free Admission, visit facebook.com/ ndschicofallfestival or 530.342.2502

OCTOBER 6 Oktoberfest Happy Hour 1007 Buschmann Road, Paradise Info: michelle.morley@atriaseniorliving.com or 530.872.3344

Harvest Sidewalk Sale Downtown Chico 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Info: 530.345.6500 7th Annual Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest (Weekend 2) Sierra Nevada Hop Field, Chico 5:00–10:00 p.m. Info: sierranevada.com/oktoberfest

OCTOBER 8 2016 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Bidwell Park, Sycamore Field 10:00 a.m. Info: act.alz.org Elks Lodge Family Fun Knight featuring Movie Mayhem 1705 Manzanita Avenue, Chico 4:00–10:00 p.m. Family Weekend BBQ Chico State Campus 12:00–2:00 p.m. Info: For Chico State students and family members. csuchico.edu/alumni or 530.898.6472 Thrift Store Dinner Date Night! 2020 Park Ave, Chico 5:30 p.m. Info & Tickets: Tickets are sold in pairs $75 for 2 eventbrite.com

OCTOBER 8–9 Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport Weekend 2580 Feather River Blvd, Oroville Info: sierraoro.org

Chico Parade of Lights Downtown Chico 7:30 p.m. Info: chicoparadeoflights.com Dolores Mitchell Artist Talk “Dreaming about San Francisco” Paintings 252 E. 4th Street 2:00 p.m. Info: Exhibit closes October 31

OCTOBER 21 Art and Wine Class 5905 Clark Road Ste. A, Paradise 6:00 p.m. Cost: $45 Info: 530.872.2200

OCTOBER 26 Tri Tip Dinner for Boy & Girl Club 877 Nunnely Road, Paradise Cost: $9 each or $32 for a family of four Info: cpeterson2750@comcast.net or 530.521.4027

OCTOBER 31 Halloween Trick-or-Treat Feather River Recreation and Park District Activity Center 3:00–5:30 p.m. Treat Street Downtown Chico Info: For children 12 and younger. 530.345.6500

OCTOBER 13 6th Annual Paradise Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering 777 Nunneley, Paradise 7:00 p.m. Info: paradisecowboygathering.com or 530.521.1984 79

Growing Healthy Together Life really is a journey, not just a destination. And we want you to have a long and happy one.

Oroville Hospital 2767 Olive Highway, Oroville, CA 95966 â&#x20AC;˘ www.OrovilleHospital.com