Upgraded Living July 2017 by Upgraded Living

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CONTENTS JULY 2017 COMMUNITY 10 Don’t miss Chico Restaurant Week July 7th–16th! 13 Local Spotlight: Mystic Roots 20 Introducing Cool Kid Rylee Rosenquist 23 Willow Oak Villas offers apartment living for the community-minded 26 CARD: a staple of Chico summers 29 Strolling strong with First Five Butte County and Mothers Strong 31 How Kay Hinerman made her comeback with the help of Twin Oaks Rehab

HEALTH & BEAUTY 19 Meet Dr. Kristiane Ransbarger of North Valley Eye Care 21 My Whole Body Fitness Story: Trevor Leavell 32 Sun protection essentials from the experts at Derm Bar 33 Bug off! Insect-safe tips from Enloe Medical Center 34 Why you should consider adding hot yoga to your fitness routine

35 Dr. Dina Rabo offers comprehensive healing 37 Hair today, gone tomorrow with the help of Rejuvené

HOME & GARDEN 40 New Again Kitchen Remodeling Presents House Call: A Groutless Kitchen

42 Keep your garden thriving through the summer heat 47 Design a stunning summer table setting with ease 52 An Independence Day-inspired DIY

FOOD & FARM 54 A visit to Stephens Farmhouse of Yuba City 56 Two refreshing drink recipes to cool down your summer 58 Fire up the grill! Everything you need for your perfect barbecue this season

60 Glam up your camping experience with these local essentials!

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Visit Downtown Chico And Enjoy Chico Restaurant Week July 7th-16th! Downtown Chico’s first ever restaurant week begins July 7th and it’s going to be a sizzling summer success! Designed to provide new and returning guests with the opportunity to experience all that Downtown Chico has to offer, Chico Restaurant Week will showcase specially crafted food and drink items at fantastic prices alongside house favorites and chef specialties at nearly 30 local restaurants.

Friday Night Concerts, a Thursday Night Market, and Downtown Chico’s favorite summertime shopping tradition, Slice of Chico, on July 15th! Now in its 43rd year, Slice of Chico is a fun-filled, family-friendly day where visitors can explore charming shops and quaint eateries in Downtown Chico while enjoying some of the best deals of the year along with free slices of ice cold watermelon courtesy of ProPacific Fresh!

Join us Saturday, July 8th, for Butte Humane Society’s Pup Crawl, a collaboration with the Downtown Chico Business Association to raise money for our furry little friends through specially priced drinks and food at Downtown Chico’s favorite bars and restaurants.

With ample parking, plenty of fun family-friendly events, and so many things to eat, drink, and see, there’s truly no better time to visit Downtown Chico than during the 10 days of Chico Restaurant Week! For a list of participating restaurants and their special menus, visit www.DowntownChico. com! We’ll look forward to seeing you downtown!

Over the 10-day event, visitors will also enjoy two 10

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PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS Aonami Sustainable Sushi B Street Public House Banshee Beach Hut Deli Bella’s Sports Pub Broadway Heights Cafe Petra Celestino’s Christian Michaels Ristorante Crush Grana Kinder’s BBQ Madison Bear Garden Mom’s Restaurant Momona Panama Bar Cafs Parkside Taphouse Smokin Mo’s Raw Bar Tin Roof Bakery Tres Hombres Two Twenty Restaurant Urban Fresh Fuel Woodstocks

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“It was a really fortunate opportunity we had to take the band from a backyard Chico band to professional call times, stage outfits—the real deal stuff,” Wyman said. The band toured North America with Pato Banton and had the chance to meet people who shared their interest in reggae music. But after three years of touring, members started to consider their careers outside of the band. Alec Wheatley, who played the drums, decided to go back to school and practice law and would eventually move to Thailand. Dane Lundy, the original bass player, became a certified public accountant. Zion Thompson, the lead vocalist, moved back to Hawaii to form a group called “The Green” that would go on to become successful, continuing to tour the country today. As members came and went, musicians from all over the west coast filled in on bass, guitar, and drums, but the direction of the band changed when Wyman met Katherine Ramirez on a plane heading from Southern to Northern California. The aspiring singer just finished competing on the seventh season of American Idol and Wyman initially asked her to sell merchandise for the band. With her country, hip-hop and pop singing style she would get up during the sets to do guest vocals. She was soon after asked to become a permanent member of the band. In 2010 the remaining members came back to Chico after they realized they didn’t have to be anywhere in particular to have their music heard. It was already being distributed through the Internet to their ever-growing fan base. Everyone in the band preferred to be in Northern California where it all began. A few years passed when Mystic Roots contemplated taking their sound in a different direction. With only Ramirez, Wyman, and Korey Ross, a guitar player who was in the band for five years, they considered 14

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incorporating electronic dance music into the sound. An Ashland-based reggae musician by the name of Marko Photinos, who met Mystic Roots when they played with Pato Banton, detoured the idea and convinced Wyman that Mystic Roots should remain a reggae band with him on drums and his friend Keith “Rabbit” Townsend on bass guitar who is also from Ashland. “We all stepped in that rehearsal room and it was the best it ever sounded,” Wyman said. The line-up has stayed the same throughout the years with the exception of T.J. Eilers, a bassist from Ashland that filled in for Ross after he left last year. The band’s calendar is full with summer dates including Garberville’s Reggae On The River in August. Wyman continues to be a part of the community around Chico, hosting DJ nights at local bars and hosting radio shows on ZRock and is planning to become the entertainment manager at the new LaSalles when it opens in September. His business, Stay Positive Productions and Sound, came about from the band, and deals with management, tour dates, and merchandise for Mystic Roots and other performers including Katchafire from New Zealand. In the first week of June, following the release of their newest album, they reached No. 1 one on the Billboard charts for the title track “Change.” Much like all the past albums, Mystic Roots' message explores the ‘stay positive’ ethos that has been prevalent over the years. But with “Change” every song on the record is about love, following the message behind reggae music even further and without a doubt, there’s a little bit of Chico found in every song too. on iTunes and Spotify.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MYSTIC ROOTS THIS SUMMER AT CONCERTS IN THE PARK ON AUGUST 25 AND GET THEIR NEW ALBUM "CHANGE" ON ITUNES AND SPOTIFY.

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WRITTEN BY ANNABELLE PEARL

C O O L K I D S : RY L E E R O S E N Q U I S T

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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For three years, I have searched and discovered Cool Kids all around Chico. I have met children who are passionate about helping others, athletes who have broken world records, and teenagers who are making a difference in both their schools and their communities. For three years, I have written my stories and experiences. Now, my dear friend Rylee Rosenquist will make her mark on Chico as Upgraded Living's newest contributor as she begins to write her own stories. Rylee is a talented writer with ambition and self-expression. Her fascination for writing began when she was young, while she would sit at the computer spending hours writing her own stories. She is inspired by musicals such as "Hamilton," literature such as "East of Eden," and her own personal reflection. "Writing brings out so many emotions in me," Rylee says joyfully. She is inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda and the lyrical intricacies created in his musicals. Her theater background helped her gain creativity in writing as well. One of her English assignments at school, "East of Eden," impacted her by the characters and the valuable themes. In addition, Rylee's favorite book is "An Abundance

of Katherines"—she explains how you can identify through John Green's writing the effort, research, and background he puts into his work. One reason Rylee loves to write is because writing is one of those unique things that brings people together. "Writing is important to our culture because it lets people express themselves and it has the power to develop an understanding between groups of people." Correspondingly, Rylee believes a piece of work can change someone's life— which is why writing is so important to her. Rylee is currently penning a one-act play for her theater class at Pleasant Valley High School. In the future, she aspires to keep writing theatrical productions and attend UCLA. Her dream is to write a book or win an Oscar or a Tony. "I hope to encourage acceptance and understanding and change the world." I have never met someone with as much grace and determination to follow their dream as Rylee has. In the words of Lin-Manuel Miranda, "I wanna build something that's gonna outlive me.” I believe Rylee has found that through her writing.

WRITTEN BY EMMA HOPPOUGH

Whole Body Fitness' supportive environment helped Trevor recognize health as an ongoing lifestyle that extends beyond the gym. Like many people, Trevor admits to eating more when bored or out with friends, but with Whole Body’s nutrition program he has recognized the value of eating to fuel his body for energy, rather than unconscious or emotional eating. “[My trainer] Kevin told me that nutrition determines how much you weigh, and working out determines how it looks on you,” he said. While unhealthy foods aren’t out of the question, Trevor has found that success lies in dedication, moderation— and sometimes in friendship. Breaking free of junk food-filled afternoons, Trevor now pushes his friends outdoors so health becomes a shared activity. And with new friends by his side, Trevor looks forward to working out. Though he struggled in his first few weeks, he insists determination pays off: “If you push yourself, you start to see results— and then that pushes you further.” With more energy and confidence than ever before, Trevor finds signs of his accomplishments every day. From being more comfortable when socializing to new physical developments. “I was pretty shy before,” he said, “but this gave me more confidence and social skills.”

M Y W HOL E B ODY FI T N E S S S TORY:

Trevor Leavell

Trevor Leavell proves fitness has no age requirement. The 17-year-old struggled with his weight throughout high school until deciding he needed a change. Last spring, his outlook began to shift: rather than assume he would have time to correct his health in the coming years, he realized his future might suffer from his unhealthy habits. “If I didn’t do it now, I’d be overweight for the rest of my life,” he thought. “There’s so much free time in high school; might as well utilize it.” And he has used his time wisely. Since Trevor turned to Whole Body Fitness for help, he has shed more than 45 pounds. Each day his goals continue to grow with confidence. Before Trevor joined Whole Body Fitness, he was no stranger to weight loss tactics. “I exercised and went on diets before, but I never stuck with it,” he admitted. He had played baseball when he was younger, but by high school, his insecurities kept him from staying active through sports—a vicious

Setting his sights on a summer six-pack, Trevor proves his commitment to his lifestyle change every day, and encourages others to do the same by ignoring the “mental barriers” holding them back. “I learned about my limits and how to push past what I thought I could do,” he said. The knowledge Trevor learned from Whole Body Fitness are lessons he will use for the rest of his life.

cycle many people know well. When the teen decided to challenge himself one more time, he went all in. He began exercising daily, tracking his calorie intake, and eliminating unhealthy foods from his diet. Trevor did practically everything right—but after a few months, he noticed himself slowing down. “I figured I needed a change,” he said. “I didn’t have the willpower to push myself.” That’s when he looked to Whole Body Fitness. The local gym’s personalized approach provided the structure and guidance Trevor needed for lasting success. “Without their support, I honestly don’t think I would have made it this far,” he said. Not only did Whole Body Fitness aid Trevor with customized nutrition goals, but they also motivated him with judgment-free exercise classes that eliminated the self-consciousness that once restrained him. “When you’re at the gym, everyone is there to better themselves,” he realized. “I wish I had known that.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHOLE BODY FITNESS, CALL 530.487.8123 OR VISIT WHOLEBODYFIT.NET 21

The Community Opened in 2016, Willow Oak Villas was the family’s first multi-family community in Chico. Conveniently located at the corner of Bruce Road and East 20th Street, the development is home to 141 luxury villas that introduce a more modern alternative to the apartments most Chico renters are used to. With three floor plans to choose from—1, 2, and 3 bedrooms—finding the space that best suits your needs is an absolute breeze. Every home at Willow Oak Villas has been designed using an open concept floor plan which allows residents to create the furniture layout that best suits them, and each villa is designed to make the most out of every square foot of available space. Best of all, the interior of each home has been designed with modern convenience in mind. Rather than dated honey oak cabinets and difficult to clean tile-andgrout counters in the kitchen, each villa comes standard with granite countertops, ample cabinet storage, a self-cleaning gas stove, and under cabinet lighting — a welcoming change for most who have rented an apartment in Chico. Since Dr. Youmans built his first community in Davis, the Youmans family have maintained a resident-centric focus for their properties and consider each renter a member of their extended family. As such, they believe it’s paramount for their residents to live the way they themselves would want to live. Beyond the modernity of the kitchens in their units, all residents are treated to expansive bedrooms, ceiling fans in every room, and large walk-in closets. Rather than forcing residents to cart clothing and bedding to an on-site laundry facility, a full size washer and dryer is also standard in every unit. Finally, there’s no worry about pets as they’re considered part of the family at all of Hallmark Properties. While the apartment homes at Willow Oak Villas are undeniably wellappointed, the rest of the property is no less impressive. A state of the art fitness facility, that is fully-equipped with club quality equipment, provides the perfect setting for a healthy start to one’s day, while a sparkling pool and adjacent outdoor gazebo areas with gas grills and fireplace provide the perfect location to unwind. For the little ones, an outdoor play gym guarantees they have a fun place to stay active; for the even smaller ones, a mini-dog park provides an escape from being cooped up indoors. Each and every amenity on the property has been designed to bring the community together and, as a result of this thoughtful approach, the term “neighbor” more closely resembles the definition from a time long ago when everyone knew everyone else’s name. The luxuriously appointed community room furthers that mission as a great place to relax and get to know other residents over free coffee, billiards, game tables, and consistent community events.

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The Team The culture of community is core to the mission of each of the Hallmark Properties; as Reed puts it, “Culture is like sourdough bread. You have to have some of yesterday’s culture and transfer it over to keep things consistent.” This concept is echoed through the family’s hiring practices. Rather than simply hiring a new staff for each new property, they transplant part of the staff from a prior successful community and have those transplants infuse the company’s culture into the new development. In the case of Willow Oak Villas, Kerrie Schultz and Pepe Reyes were those transplants. Jose “Pepe” Reyes began working for the Youmans in 1992 as a dishwasher in one of their restaurants. After two years with the family, he moved into Dr. Youmans’ home as his personal assistant and found he was exceptional at maintaining the home and property. He applied to work at the family’s properties in Davis where he could further challenge his skillset and ended up advancing into Hallmark Properties Regional Maintenance Supervisor. Having been with the company for a total of 25 years, Pepe now manages maintenance and landscaping for all of the Youmans properties. Originally from Davis, Kerrie began working with Hallmark Properties in 2007. Interested in what the rental industry was like during the craziest time of the year, she joined up and not only found a job she was great at, but a second family in the as well. She loved her first few years in the industry so much, she suggested her brother apply; he has now been with the company for eight years. When the opportunity arose to transfer the company’s culture to Willow Oak Villas in Chico, Kerrie instantly signed up. She has been steering the ship there since. One of Kerrie’s first hires at Willow Oak Villas was Priscilla Ramirez. Born and raised in Chico, Priscilla had spent the past several years working for one of the largest corporate property management companies in the country, and had grown tired of renters being treated as another line on a balance sheet. When she discovered how residentcentric Hallmark were, she knew working for the company would be the perfect fit for her. As she puts it, “Applying for the job is the best decision I’ve made in my life thus far.” Under the mentorship of Kerrie, Priscilla has instilled the company’s culture within herself and will maintain it at Willow Oak Villas as the new general manager while Kerrie transplants once again into the their newest development, The Crossings, which opens in north Chico this month.

preventative maintenance for Willow Oak Villas. They were hired and haven’t doubted a moment of their time with the company since. As Brian mentioned, “It feels like you’re working with family here rather than another 9 to 5.”

Joining the Family Just as the staff holds the Youmans and their properties in the highest regard, so do the residents, and it’s no surprise in an atmosphere where everyone seems to know your name. The Youmans are looking to expand the opportunity for Chicoans to enjoy that same level of service and care with their new property, The Crossings, which opens 156 new apartment homes in north Chico this month. Located in the up and coming north Chico at 4070 Nord Highway, across from Shasta Elementary School and DeGarmo Park, the new development will provide residents with the same modern comforts, conveniences, and friendly culture Willow Oak Villas brought to Chico. They are currently accepting applications for current and future leases. Set on being stewards of the communities in which they operate, the Youmans have made an annual commitment to the Enloe Foundation to give back from both properties. As active members of the Chico Chamber of Commerce, North Valley Property Owners Association (NVPOA) and Chico’s Young Professionals Organization (YPO), they are excited to further expand their involvement and commitment to the community as they continue to grow their business here. IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO RENT A NEW HOME OR EXPECT TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT WILLOW OAK VILLAS, 530.894.5396 AND THE CROSSINGS 530.809.1383 OR BY VISITING THEIR WEBSITES AT WILLOWOAKVILLAS.COM AND THECROSSINGSCHICO.COM. AS THE STAFF AND RESIDENTS ARE SURE TO TELL YOU, IT’LL LIKELY BE THE BEST RENTAL DECISION YOU’VE EVER MADE.

A number of other current employees have found their way to a career with Hallmark, just as Priscilla did. Adam and Brian worked for one of the general contractors who helped build Willow Oak Villas. Once the property was finished, they applied for a position as proactive and

WRITTEN BY LEILA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS COURTESY OF CARD

Burk is also a father and former CARD participant who spent many summers with his brother running through the trees and taking dips into the pool at One Mile. He passed on his admiration for CARD activities to his son who also frequented summers at Camp Chi-DaCa, an abbreviation for Chico Day Camp, CARD’s longest running camp. Burk’s son is now pushing forward as a counselor-in-training. “Programs during the summer—in a lot of places—are pretty much just day care,” Burk said. “When you go to a CARD thing, it’s going to be involved and fun and you’re going to make tie-dye shirts and you’re going to be learning skits.” Erin Gonzales also grew up championing various sports within the community but was hooked when she joined the CARD basketball team in third grade. Growing up playing CARD sports sparked such a passion, Gonzales has never left the organization and is currently the youth sports and toddler programs supervisor. She feels very indebted to CARD basketball because it led the athlete to her career path. “CARD has always been in my heart,” she said. “I can be very passionate about it because I lived it and I know what it can bring. It defines who I am and I try to pass that on to other youth in the community.”

The Summer of ’69 Restless legs and idle hands have often found a cure during the summer through activities hosted by Chico Area Recreation and Park District. Not only has CARD been a beacon for community summer excursions, like the free summertime Movies in the Park screened at Sycamore Field and a slew of summer sports, camps, classes and crafts, the local organization has a continued history of building lasting relationships for nearly 70 years. CARD also facilitates active parks and recreation aspects within the Chico area with other local programs, along with a wealth of varied modules for those younger than age 1 to 101, said Ann Willmann, general manager at CARD. “It’s not just for kids,” Willmann added, “it’s about enrichment for adults and seniors.” From Lego camps to dance lessons to fitness programs tailored for all ages, CARD has your summer itinerary set. Their mission is to provide these outlets and opportunities for community members while also teaming with other local organizations. It’s a chance to get out, get involved and get active. “CARD is the heart of summer,” said Marilyn Warrens. “It really makes it happy for the kids, and it saves the lives of parents.” Warrens has enjoyed watching her children and grandchild flourish within the offerings of summer CARD classes, and more recently was the driving force behind the facility's Creekside Rose Garden that opened spring of 2016. Warren’s aspirations to create the rose garden began in 2001. It was a gift she had been wanting to give the city and CARD was eager to help see her vision through. The open and serene atmosphere—lush with foliage—has created the perfect backdrop for many weddings. Warrens worked closely with Willmann to see the project take bloom, and every so often, Willmann has the opportunity to deliver freshly picked roses to the 92-year-old. Planting seeds, not only to watch beautiful roses bloom, but also to observe the growth amongst CARD community members is a positive gesture Tom Burk said he enjoys. “The vision Marilynn had—and that you stuck with it—that’s the kind of neat thing our kids are going to enjoy,” said Burk, a contributing designer who helped map out the initial concept of the lavish park. 26

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Watching the children grow up in the youth sports program has touched Gonzales and she has witnessed the impact of those growing up in CARD programs. Passing on her lifelong love of a sport has been a treasure Gonzales gets to witness first hand. The connections and values implemented by those passionately teaching young and older minds through the classes and activities resonates with the staff. Improving the quality of life for the Chico community is a priority for those at CARD. “It’s just enjoyable to come to work,” Willmann said. “We love serving the community.” FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CARD VISIT, WWW.CHICOREC.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

HOW TO OPT-OUT OF YOUR DEFAULT FINANCIAL PLAN We tend to talk with our clients about “creating a financial plan” on a regular basis. But in truth, everyone already has financial plan, full of default choices unless they prepare differently. Deciding to create a personal financial plan is really choosing to opt-out of the defaults. Listed below are some of those defaults, along with pro-active alternatives worth considering: Estate Planning: The default estate plan is known as probate. Anyone who dies without a valid will or trust has assets frozen, and it can take years before an estate is wrapped up. In California, the probate fee starts at 8%. Opt-Out: An estate attorney can help design a living trust where you decide who receives what and when. Your estate plan can also include guardianship of minors, healthcare directives and powers of attorney for incapacitation.

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

Retirement Planning: Social Security offers monthly income for people who have paid into the system through taxes. The average benefit for a 66-year-old is $1,333 monthly1, which is below the California poverty line. Opt-Out: There are multiple ways to save for retirement, but some of the most popular tax-deferred options are 401(k)’s and IRA’s (individual retirement accounts). Saving a little can add up over the long run, so consult with us or your advisors on your options.

Budgeting: Most Americans are living paycheck-topaycheck, and can’t afford a $500 surprise expense (according to a recent bankrate.com survey). Opt-Out: Starting a rainy-day fund isn’t exciting, but it’s recommended that most people have 3–6 months of expenses put aside for emergencies. It’s a basic idea which few people implement. Read more on our blog at sweeneymichelamg.com/blog 1 SSA.gov

College Planning: The average 2016 college grad has over $36,000 in student loan debt (New York Federal Reserve). In total, Americans owe over 1.4 Trillion in student loans. Opt-Out: 529 College savings accounts are simple to set up, and allow family members and friends to save money for future college-related expenses. Unlike savings accounts, a 529 account can be invested and any gains are tax free when used for college.

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.

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“I think that moms can feel ashamed and might not necessarily bring it up to their medical providers or families,” Bauer added. “Moms are supposed to feel so lucky because they have this beautiful baby and I think there is a lot of shame when something is not quite right.” The organization's goal is to foster and encourage more services for mothers and families. Mothers Strong collaborates with a variety of local business, agencies and mothers who navigate a network of sources for mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, depression and anxiety that occurs during and/or after pregnancy. Bauer wants to remind women struggling with these concerns they are not alone and help is out there. “It’s important to be watching out for our pregnant and new mommas,” Bauer said. “Even if they seem like they’re doing great, it’s just really important to keep an eye out for sadness or anxiety or other issues.”

WRITTEN BY LEILA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY MICHELE CAMY

trained and available to moms. The organization has also partnered with Butte 2-1-1, a 24⁄7 helpline which provides inquisitive minds information about local resources for those in need.

Join the conversation and connect with other women at Mothers Café, a private Facebook group where mothers can connect with other women to offer or receive support.

POWER WALK

IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU OR A MOTHER YOU KNOW ARE AT RISK FOR PMADS. SIMPLY DIAL 2-1-1 FOR FURTHER ASSITANCE. THE PATH TO WELLNESS IS JUST A SHORT PHONE CALL AWAY.

Sun beams and a crisp blue sky greeted many who gathered May 20 at Degarmo Park for the Mothers Strong Stroll. As part of May’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness month, mothers and their kin joined in a walk to “Stride Together, Thrive Together,” hosted by Mothers Strong. The local organization is tailored to receive support and bring awareness to an often overlooked aspect to motherhood: perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. The well-attended event was designed to celebrate motherhood and provide education for maternal mental health issues women are often met with after giving birth, expressed Anna Bauer, program manager with First Five and Mothers Strong member. The local organization emphasizes self-care for those struggling with misplaced, difficult emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth. The outdoor event incorporated aspects of physical and mental health for mom and baby. “We wanted to set up a situation where moms could feel nurtured and celebrated,” Bauer said. Mommy and baby yoga along with face painting and other kid-friendly activities followed the stroll. Attendees received a free gift of a stainless steel water bottle and were entered into a raffle to win gifts from local vendors who attended the event. Mothers Strong also encourages support groups where mothers can gather and openly express their day-to-day concerns. In order to keep the conversation going, those involved in Mothers Strong have filled a niche in health care where resources such as local maternal depression support groups, educational programs and community treatment providers. The informational aspect not only extends to community members but also physicians who often do not address this very common struggle. One in seven new mothers experience “baby blues” or postpartum depression and anxiety. The idea of healthy mothers harboring healthy families is the notion Mothers Strong aspires to reiterate. During the past three years, the group has worked toward incorporating more therapists who are 29

Summer Fun Station kmxi.com

YOUR HEALTH SUN PROTECTION; BEFORE, DURING, & AFTER!

The summer sun is harsh, and Northern California’s scenery offers a wide range of activities involving the great outdoors or swimming under the sun. Preventative care in the form of SPF is readily available, but a lot of people choose not to use it. Skin cancer can be fatal! It is so easy to put sunscreen on, and the newer ones on the market are lightweight, non-greasy, and don't smell like perfume. An SPF of 30 to 50 is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and should be worn daily, rain or shine. UV rays are still present even on cloudy or rainy days. Here are a few sun facts that most of us are not aware of: • 90% of UV rays reach the Earth on cloudy days. • Water reflection intensifies UV rays by 10–20%. • Sand reflection intensifies UV rays by 15–25%. • Snow reflection intensifies UV rays by 50–80% (wow!) • + 50% of UVA rays can pass through windows. • + 60% of UVA rays penetrate through car windows! When sunscreens are tested and reviewed before going on the market, they are checked for harmful ingredients and their effects on skin (humans, not animals!) and instructions for use and application are clear. For example, sunscreen sprays are harmful if inhaled. Mineral sunscreens are considered a "broad spectrum" and block both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Most are antibacterial and antifungal. The longer you are exposed to the sun, the 32

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active ingredients in sunscreen can break down, so reapplying every two hours during prolonged exposure is essential. The rate of melanoma diagnosis has tripled in the last 35 years. Being aware and using preventative measures can reduce your risks. Sunscreen, protective clothing, hats, umbrellas, any kind of pro-active protection will certainly help, but there are also ways to correct sun damage. First, get checked by a dermatologist to see if there are any suspicious spots that may be precursors to skin cancer. Then you can follow up with laser or IPL treatments at the Med-Spa to correct any red or brown spots from past sun damage. It is a quick-and-easy procedure with minimal discomfort or downtime. Improvement is seen within one treatment but subsequent visits may be needed to break-up stubborn brown spots. The damage we do when we are young shows up later in life and early prevention is preferred to later correction! After-sun care is important too. Moisturize sunburned skin, but avoid heavy creams, oils or Vaseline-type products can keep the heat in and do further damage. Don't use hot water in the shower, and do not peel an already peeling sunburn, as it can cause hyper or hypo pigmentation, invite infection, and expose the sensitive, fragile skin underneath. Skin is our largest organ, so prevention and protection will help to give us the best outerwear possible!

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

D R .V I M A L I P A U L , M D

For more information, contact Derm Bar Med-Spa at 85 Declaration Drive Suite 100 in Chico or contact them at 530.342.2672.

YOUR HEALTH TAKING THE BITE OUT OF SUMMER

THINK LIKE A MOSQUITO To avoid terrible itching and diseases like West Nile Virus mosquitoes can cause, try outsmarting them! You may already know to wear long pants and long sleeves at dawn and dusk (when mosquitos are most active) and apply bug spray with DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, but did you know different mosquitos have different tastes? Pay attention to where they bite and use extra protection for those areas, but never spray kids’ hands, mouths or eyes. More mosquito ‘intel’: They fly low to the ground, and can handle only one wind direction at a time. On the patio, create a cross current with fans, aimed at the waist and below to skew with their ability to hunt you. Wear light clothing (blend with the sky so they won’t notice you). Clean up standing water and repair holes in your screens. Consuming spicy food or alcohol attracts mosquitos. If you’re using sunscreen, apply bug spray first. Learn symptoms of West Nile Virus so you know when to seek help. TARGET TICKS Ticks are small but make trouble, like Lyme disease and Lyme-related diseases. They are easy enough to see, but nymphs can be the size of a pin, get on you and bite. What to do? Treat your pets against ticks; they commonly bring these parasites in the home. When hiking or camping, dress in lightcolored clothing and tuck pants into your

socks to create a barrier. Avoid brushing against vegetation. Consider using the insecticide permethrin on your clothing (never your skin) or purchasing permethrininfused clothing. After a day out, toss your clothes in the dryer and set it on high for 10 minutes. Shower to wash off any ticks that haven’t attached, check your body and remove any that have. Use a mirror or friend for hard-to-see areas. Research proper tweezer technique. Know the symptoms of Lyme disease and contact your health care provider if you develop them. Antibiotics can heed off the disease if taken early. BEE HAPPY Bees, wasps, and hornets make the world a better place, and they want to mind their own business, but we must take care to avoid getting stung. Don’t dress like a flower, steer clear of nests and hives, and be careful around food outdoors. If you get stung, remove the stinger, wash with soap and water, and apply ice wrapped in a towel. Treat local irritation with a drug like ibuprofen or naproxen. Some people have severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to stings and this requires emergency treatment.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

ANTON DOTSON, MD

Dr. Dotson is an Allergy/Immunology Specialist, at 145 Mission Ranch Blvd. Suite 110. For more information, call 530.896.2200. 33

FITNESS H OT YO G A F O R YO U R H E A LT H

It is no secret maintaining flexibility in your joints and muscles is a crucial part of keeping a strong healthy body and preventing injuries, but few people take the time to properly stretch their bodies. Yoga is a wonderful way to keep your body strong and flexible, and you get more bang for your buck in the hot yoga room. Why you love the heat? Hot Yoga rooms are heated to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity. The heat enables you to go deeper into the postures because your muscles are warm and your circulation is increased. The heat, humidity and healing postures get your body sweating unlike any other exercise. Sweating also detoxifies your body and leads to healthier more supple skin. The added heat is kicking your body’s natural cooling system into high gear, meaning your body is working hard to cool itself off. Not only are you getting the benefits of the postures and increasing your flexibility, you are also getting one heck of a cardio workout and burning extra calories (up to 750 calories in a 60-minute class). If you could imagine combining the benefits stretching for an hour, a 40-minute run, and 30 minutes in the sauna—that is what you get in 60 minutes of hot yoga. Fitness for all levels. Your time on your mat is yours—you can go at your own pace. Hot yoga is amazing for people who are just starting a workout 34

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regimen or for world-class athletes looking for an injury prevention, cross-training workout. No matter where you are now, after a few weeks of hot yoga classes you will feel the benefits. The power of balance. hot yoga offers many one-legged balancing asanas. When you balance, you focus your mind on your body. Balancing takes great concentration and promotes a feeling of calm. These postures strengthen your muscles and improve your coordination. Improving your balance helps prevent falls, especially as you age. Benefits beyond the physical realm. When you leave a Hot Yoga class you may feel extraordinarily relaxed. The combination of the heat, the rhythmic voice of the instructor and an hour spent focusing on your breath, leaves you in a state of mindful relaxation. Too often in life we forget to just breathe. Taking time to reconnect your body with your breath helps decrease stress, anxiety and develops feelings of well being. If increasing flexibility, burning calories, toning muscles, having glowing skin, and getting rid of anxiety is something you are interested in, maybe you have found your new work out.

FITNESS

VIA

MANDY WHIGHAM

For more information, contact Mandy Whigham of Chico Hot Yoga at 1140 Mangrove Ave in Chico or contact them at 530321.0611 or chicohotyoga.com.

PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

so much like home. The open concept space has allowed her to not only accommodate more patients, but to welcome a greater number of integrative healing practices as well. Classes in healing through yoga, corrected posture, essential oils, sound therapy/singing bowls, and acupuncture are commonly held in the space and work in perfect harmony with Dr. Rabo’s chiropractic practice. As a certified health coach with Take Shape for Life, she is also able to counsel patients in nutrition and weight loss, allowing her practice to provide a truly comprehensive healing experience for mind, body, and soul. Dr. Rabo believes being open to all forms of healing is a crucial factor in discovering the best way to treat each individual patient. Among the various technologies in her office, she employs a cold laser therapy to help her do just that. For patients with soft tissue damage like sprains, strains, or arthritis, the cold laser provides a non-invasive treatment that can cut healing time in half and is safe to use on any part of the body even post-surgery when other lasers may not. The treatment is preferred by many of her patients as it can be used over implants and even knee and hip replacements without added concern or discomfort. Though Dr. Rabo’s new office provides many different avenues for healing, her main focus remains in chiropractic care and traditional manual adjustments of the spine to alleviate nerve dysfunction that may cause pain or stiffness. With her mindful approach to health and the myriad of elements involved in leading a truly healthy lifestyle, it is no surprise her patients are as open to singing her praises as they are.

DR. DINA RABO Bringing Integrative Wellness to Chico

WHAT ONCE STARTED AS A SIMPLE CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE WITH A FOCUS ON FAMILY WELLNESS THROUGH CHIROPRACTIC CARE HAS BRANCHED OUT INTO PROVIDING PATIENTS AND THE COMMUNITY WITH SO MUCH MORE. IF YOU’RE IN PAIN OR IN NEED OF A HELPING HAND TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE, CONTACT DR. RABO BY VISITING WWW.RABOCHIROPRACTICCENTER.COM OR CALLING 530.846.6262.

There are few things we enjoy more at Upgraded Living than seeing a business flourish in Butte County. It’s only made better when that business is operated by someone we feel is a shining example of the way a local business should be conducted. Dr. Dina Rabo is one such business owner, and we aren’t the only ones who feel the service she provides makes the community sleep easier at night. Between the emotional testimonials given by the patients at her chiropractic wellness studio and the integrative approach she takes to health and wellness, it’s difficult to do anything but praise the work she’s doing in our community. Born and raised in Durham, Dr. Dina Rabo completed her undergraduate studies at Chico State University. Leading an active lifestyle from an early age, she always had an interest in health and fitness, and after she began seeing a chiropractor in college to better her own health, she knew immediately she too wanted to be a chiropractor. She attended chiropractic college and returned to Chico after graduating to begin her practice at Preference Chiropractic. As her clientele grew she began looking for a space to call her own, eventually buying a longstanding chiropractic office in Gridley in 2010. After commuting from Chico for the past seven years, and outgrowing her small space in Gridley, she decided it was time to make the move and relocate her business to Chico. Located at 670 Rio Lindo Ave., next to Chico Pediatrics and Chico Dermatology, Dr. Rabo’s new office is a perfect fit. While appearing considerably larger than her previous office in Gridley, the space maintains the same cozy atmosphere that made her old office feel 35

A C H I E V I N G & M A I N TA I N I N G

A White Smile Although you take care of your smile, your teeth are still susceptible to staining. This discoloration can be a result of habits and lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking tea, wine, or coffee. While daily brushing and flossing habits can limit the severity of the stains, it does not combat stains that have built up over time. Only with professional teeth whitening treatments can a dull, stained smile be white again. Today, there are many varieties of whitening treatments that patients have to choose from. Some treatments are completed in-office with the aid of your dental team, while others are completed in the comfort of your home. Not to be confused with over the counter bleaching kits, which are less effective, at-home bleaching treatments are dispensed and monitored by your dentist. These kits have the same whitening agent as in-office bleaching systems, but are generally kinder to the teeth resulting in less sensitivity. They are a great way to whiten the smile on your own time, as these custom trays can be worn while relaxing at home. The appropriate strength bleaching gel is dispensed by your dentist to reduce the chance for sensitivity, while giving you the desired results. Although bleaching your teeth is an effective way to combat stain buildup from daily habits, in some cases it may not be effective due to discoloration of the enamel inside the tooth. In these instances, when appropriate, your dentist may recommend a porcelain veneer or crown. Porcelain is tooth-colored material that allows for the restored tooth to blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. It is designed to look like a natural tooth and can cover not just stains but chips and misshaped areas of a tooth. In either case, your dentist can work with you to give you the bright, white, and beautiful smile you deserve! DR. CHRIS LIM Yellowstone Family Dentistry 110 Yellowstone Dr. #100, Chico 95973 530.895.3449

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THE BEST COUNTRY AND TALK RADIO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!

N E W AG A I N K I TC H E N R E M O D E L I N G P R E S E N T S H O U S E C A L L :

A GROUTLESS KITCHEN

THE CLIENT

Deb and Bob Royat met while attending college at Chico State University in 1970. Both recreation majors, they signed up for the same dreaded class required by their major and happened to find a silver lining to it when they ended up sitting next to each other. A San Jose native, Deb pulled Bob back to her original stomping grounds after the two graduated, relocating to Mountain View. They bought a funky fixer upper in what was, at the time at least, a totally underdeveloped city. Bob went to work for the city office as a construction inspector and Deb took up a job working for a non-profit.

decided the timing was right. Bob interviewed for the job, was offered the position, and the two decided to move back to Chico.

The two lived in Mountain View for 15 years before making the trek out to Lassen for a quick camping getaway. On the way back, they passed by the familiar “Chico, 52 miles” highway sign and began to reminisce about their years together in Chico. Filled with memories and a sense of nostalgia, they returned to Mountain View where Bob found an announcement on his desk about a construction inspector job for the City of Chico. They discussed moving back and

THE CALL

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They arrived in Chico the day after the huge San Francisco earthquake of 1989. They began looking for a home as Deb accepted a job offer working for Chico’s Work Training Center, eventually finding the perfect lot adjacent to the lake in California Park off of Bruce Road. They built the home that was perfect for them and settled into Chico life.

26 years went by and as the world around them aged, so too did their home. The kitchen that seemed so timeless in the beginning was showing more age than the rest of the home. The flooring had been worn down to bare wood, the blue tiles, once funky and new, had become dull and dated, and the white grout between them was no longer able to be cleaned with a

quick scrub. Greasy, discolored, and beginning to fall apart, the kitchen was in need of a total makeover. Having followed New Again Kitchen Remodeling’s projects in Upgraded Living over the years, Bob and Deb decided to reach out to them first to discuss their kitchen. Deb called the showroom and spoke to Ric, the showroom manager and resident designer. They talked about the kitchen and its pain points; Ric invited the couple to come in and see how he could alleviate them. They met with Ric at the showroom and he asked them what their ideal kitchen would be like. Having spent a fair amount of time researching her ideal kitchen, Deb told Ric she’d rather not install granite, as she had seen the best and worst case scenarios at friends’ homes. Disinterested in having to seal granite countertops each year to maintain its finish, she wanted to go with quartz and rather than having to deal with cleaning grout again, she wanted the quartz to creep up the walls as the kitchen’s backsplash. Ric went over a set of quartz samples with them and they instantly fell

MSI "Chakra" Quartz Countertops

THE CURE New Again’s installation team arrived right on schedule, and began tearing down the old kitchen. They demo’d the existing tile countertops, being careful to ensure the couple’s cabinets remained untouched as they were having them refinished at a later date. Per Deb’s request, they saved the bullnosed blue tiles on the ends of the counters for Bob and Deb’s goddaughter whose coastal home was in need of replacements. A large light grid that hung from the ceiling was removed to add extra headroom and replaced with six flush mount can lights, providing ample light throughout the once awkward space. With the old tile countertops removed, the crew installed the MSI "Chakra" quartz countertops CONNECT

Deb and Bob had selected over the kitchen’s existing base cabinets. The sheetrocked window sill and walls were also covered with the same quartz as the countertops to create a seamless look that fulfilled Deb’s dream of having a zerogrout kitchen. A large single Dawn stainless steel sink was installed along with new garbage disposal, faucet, plumbing, electrical, and a host of new appliances from Ginno’s Appliance Center including a new cooktop and refrigerator. The best part? The entire process only took 3 ½ days. Completed in an incredibly short amount of time, and ready long before Deb’s brother’s wedding reception slated to take place at their home in mid-September, the kitchen is an absolute dream come true. When asked if they would recommend New Again Kitchen Remodeling to friends and family, they both responded with an immediate, “YES!” Deb continued, “We would absolutely, positively recommend them. Ric was so easy to work with! He didn’t impose his ideas on us in any way. He had samples and suggestions and was there to answer questions

any time I called. The three Js [New Again’s Construction Crew—Jin, Junior, and Jesse] were incredible to work with. We have three cats in the house and they were so conscientious of them the entire time. They kept everything so clean and were very responsive to our needs.” Bob added, “You always have a little bit of anxiety going into a project like this, but they made it so carefree. In some ways it was totally uneventful, which in this case is a great thing. They were so neat and clean—absolutely great people to work with.”

PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

in love with one from a supplier in Los Angeles. They signed off on the project and Ric scheduled their install.

With another beautiful kitchen remodel on the books and another set of happy customers, it’s no surprise New Again Kitchen Remodeling continues to make a name for itself as the definitive kitchen and bathroom remodeling company in Chico. If you’re like Bob and Deb, and have a kitchen or bathroom in need of updating, call New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888. As they would be sure to tell you, it’ll be the easiest home renovation you’ve ever made.

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

There’s something about

SHERRY LANDIS “Sherry Landis is by far the best real estate agent in Chico. She is professional, positive, and has incredible follow through. She helped us navigate our way through the sale of two homes and the purchase of another—all at the same time! She never missed a beat. She made sure we understood the process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even after all three homes closed, she continued to call, email, and text just to make sure everything was going as planned. We could not have done it without her.” — DOUG AND COLETTE ROBERTS

(530) 514-4855 | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com

This was the model home and only one owner! There have been many upgrades including travertine tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, landscaped beautifully with slate water fall, flowers galore and redwood trees. RV Access on both sides of the house and two master suites make this home a must see! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000

A terrific Michael Galli floor plan updated and remodeled from head to toe about a year ago. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, plush carpets, decorator lighting, exterior and interior painting, lush park like yard, sparkling in ground gunite pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, shows truly like a model home. Open floor plan with so many upgrades!

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Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000

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Directions:

FOR MORE PROJECTS, INTERIOR STYLING OR TO SIGN UP FOR A HEIRLOOM FOX DIY CRAFT NIGHT, VISIT HEIRLOOMFOX.COM OR VISIT @HEIRLOOMFOX ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK!

For this tablescape I needed 4 runners so I folded the fabric in 4-equal parts and snipped each fold about an inch down. I love the look of frayed edges (and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cut a straight line to save my life and sewing is out of the question), so I ripped each piece of fabric the whole way through. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to you to decide what patterns to draw! Let your imagination run wild and try NOT to be precise. The irregularity of the pattern makes the design more authentic and if you make any mistakes, just say the kids helped you. Follow directions on your marker or paint pen for drying time, and voila! Tips on pulling it all together: When gathering items for your table, keep in mind simplicity and imperfection are your friends. You want to spend your time enjoying company, not worrying about utensil placement.

Another fun and free option is to use empty brown beer bottles and growlers as vases. The best part about creating your own tablescape: no rules. Anything designed with love and personality always works. 48

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PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN & PROVIDED BY HEIRLOOM FOX

I used white vintage (aka thrift store plates) glasses and flatware with touches of gold to make the runner the star of the show. I accented the dinnerware and added a pop of color with shibori indigo napkins from Honey Brush Designs, candlesticks, trivets, glass chunks, and rocks (because rocks are always a good idea), and topped it off with clear glass water bottles with a single clipping of greenery in each.

C H I C O C U S TO M C A B I N E T R Y:

From Crummy to Custom Originally from Oahu, Hawaii, Bernice Hartwell moved to the mainland at a young age and grew up in Sonoma. She found her way to Paradise and took up a position as a contract postal carrier. It was here that she met Wayne Hartwell, another postal carrier from Southern California who had discovered Magalia in 2002. The two began dating and, after some time, Bernice moved into Wayne’s home. Built in 1978, the home was indicative of its age and hadn’t been remodeled since. The two spent a fair share of their time together in the kitchen and, unsurprisingly, the age of the kitchen and its outdated architectural nuances began to wear on them. They eventually decided to get married and set a date for their honeymoon, but not before they gifted themselves with a brand new kitchen. Completed by Chico Custom Cabinetry the day before they took off for their honeymoon, Bernice and Wayne couldn’t be happier about the decision. We caught up with them to inquire about the experience of undergoing a kitchen remodel that was entirely custom. UL: From the sound of it, you didn’t care much for the original kitchen. What was it like before the remodel and how did you find Chico Custom Cabinetry? WH: We looked into a number of potential remodelers, but found Chico Custom Cabinetry in the phone book. After talking with them it seemed like they’d be the easiest to work with and they understood what our needs were. The kitchen was old, straight out of the 1970s. We wanted to keep the configuration nearly the same, but didn’t like the formica countertops, the old cabinetry, and how confined it felt, so we decided it was time to rebuild the whole thing. UL: What was it like to work with Chico Custom Cabinetry and what did you decide to change? BH: They were very helpful in planning the whole thing with us. We asked them for their help, and between their ideas and our ideas, we were able to piece everything together into the perfect kitchen. We actually ended up changing quite a bit. There was an angled wall that created a weird separation between the kitchen and living room, so we removed it entirely and the newfound space allowed us to build out a center island for entertainment and food prep. We also had a drop ceiling and, by removing it, we were able to open up the entire kitchen—we gained a full foot of extra headroom! We made changes as the planning went on; the more small changes we made, the more things we realized we could do better.

UL: What made this project custom to the two of you? WH: Everything was built to our specifications which made it really special. They even suggested a shallow cabinet with a hideaway folding step stool to make it easier for Bernice to reach the upper cabinets. We decided to go with cherry wood for the cabinets and they encouraged us to pick the colors that would make the kitchen our own. We had glass inserts added to showcase some of the items in the cabinets and they built all of the cabinetry specifically for us with total convenience in mind which has made the kitchen really easy to use. UL: What did you enjoy most about the whole experience? BH: The thing I appreciated most was that they could do exactly what we asked for. If we had an idea, they had a way to make it happen. John from Chico Custom Cabinetry kept coming back to us with ideas on how to better incorporate the cabinetry into the look of the kitchen. His ideas really pulled everything together and his knowledge was amazing; I didn’t know beans when it came to cabinetry before them. We told him what we wanted and he made it happen. He even suggested a side China hutch for our nicer items. Since it was built custom, it was a perfect match to our kitchen and provided plenty of extra storage. UL: It sounds like it all came together perfectly in the end! What’s your favorite part of the kitchen now that it’s complete? BH: It’s hard to say what my favorite part of the kitchen is since everything is technically made for me and my convenience. I love where the cabinets are at, I love how easily accessible everything is, and I love the counter island! It is a great place to have breakfast and dinner, plus it gives us a spot to place commonly used items throughout the day. I couldn’t wait for everything to get finished so we could use it all, and once it was all done it was just what we had both wanted. We’ve had so many compliments on it and we couldn’t possibly say enough good things about it or the experience we had building it. IF YOU’RE LIKE WAYNE AND BERNICE HARTWELL, 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 WWW.CHICOCUSTOMCABINETRY.COM.

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Fresh produce and family traditions are deeply rooted at Stephens Farmhouse. The quaint farm stand located in Yuba City is run by husband and wife Jeff and Cherie Stephens. Jeff is a third generation farmer. It was his grandmother who began selling melons out of her front yard back in the ’60s. Decades later, the Stephens family is tending 600 acres and providing those in Sutter County freshly-made goods. The family has been at their roadside location for the past 15 years where they harvest peaches, prunes, walnuts and melons. Along with their farm, the Stephens also manage a nut processing plant in Nevada called Pioneer Nut Company. Their storefront off Highway 99 offers quality products at a fair price for the Yuba City community. Vignettes of fresh produce mixed in with gift items invite guests to linger amongst a warm and friendly setting. Rows of deliciously canned jams and the scent of freshly baked goods like pies and cookies waft throughout the establishment, but the real magic happens in the kitchen. Strawberry rhubarb, cherry, apricot, rhubarb, Dutch apple, caramel walnut apple and blueberry pies are made from scratch. Their ¼ pound cookies come in mouth-watering flavors that go beyond the traditional chocolate chip or oatmeal. Chocolate crackle, snickerdoodle, molasses ginger and frosted sugar cookie are a few specialties off the menu. The jams and jellies became a new item for sale when fruit was a little too ripe for fresh market sales. Their flavors are a result of the fruit they carry in the produce section during the year, Stephens said. Gift baskets, canned goods and dog treats are also fill the menu at Stephens Farm. Cherie, who expanded the bakery by using home recipes, said their specialty comes from receiving custom orders. Their quality of service is something Cherie takes to heart and is a priority for those at the farmhouse. By providing these homegoods, Cherie said they’re building traditions not only for her family but also for those who buy from them. A lot of community members look to Stephens Farmhouse for more than crisp fruit. Memories established within the Stephens family carry over for others as well. Whether it's sugar cookies people enjoy for Easter or Fourth of July, or bringing home pies for the holidays. Come fall, their kitchen clamour spikes and Cherie mentioned they bake roughly around 3,000 pies at Thanksgiving. Filling hungry tummies with delicious goodies is one of many ways Stephens Farmhouse serves their community. The Stephens also give back by hosting fundraisers. They often team with those in their neighborhood and hold fundraisers to give back. They have found much success in their jelly and jam fundraisers, cookie dough and sugar cookie sales. VISIT STEPHENS FARMHOUSE AT 6129 SAWTELLE AVE. IN YUBA CITY. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT STEPHENSFARMHOUSE.COM. 54

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WRITTEN BY LEILA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY ERIN HANSEN

Family Tradition of Farming

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