Upgraded Living February 2020

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FROM THE EDITOR 24 issues, marking two years I have been engaged in this role. In my first letter, I introduced the phrase “nuance of sophistication” as an addition to the readability of the magazine. It remains a constant. I discovered magazines do not print themselves through the patient guidance of my partner-in-arms Nerissa. There are only four of us on staff, and without Aveed, Jason, and Nerissa, I would be nothing more than a pig farmer looking for his pigs. I learned to adjust to the job and love producing a worthy product every month. It’s a remarkable privilege to meet all the people, visit all these places, and gain awareness of our community. I know more stuff than anyone needs to know. The addition of the back page and featured teachers provides me with delight and satisfaction. There’s a black and white square in my office reading —What If? It provides the drive to push some boundaries of this shiny publication. It is imperative not to rest on laurels.

Our February theme is ‘share the love.’ Our past two years have included power couples from across the matrix of the community.

This issue shines the spotlight on Scott & Kelly Schulman, a power couple indeed. However, courtesy of Mark Francis, we are excited to introduce three additional couples with a twist on the feature. He sent us hunting for power couples under forty and we believe you’ll be as delighted as we are with the result. I find it amusing I can write this last sentence when each of our young couples posed the same question—“Why us?” Not only did it get answered, I trust we'll be on the hunt next year for another “Four Under Forty” duos. Speaking of sharing the love, our featured teacher has been doing so for a long time at Oakdale Secondary.

I believe Nancy Hian is the best kept secret in Chico Unified. I had the joy of witnessing her for four years as we shared a portable. She spreads the love each day in unique ways to a unique set of students.

The Backpage introduced a new series last month without a proper title. It now premiers as “20/20—looking through a cracked rear view mirror.” Playing off the symbol for normal vision opens up myriad ways to go in telling stories of the past. This month is another lesson I introduced to my senior English students. I humbly offer my version of the lesson’s thrust of summing up a person’s life through a playlist, annotated for clarity. Enjoy and keep an open mind.

On to March and the surrealistic chant—Death, taxes, calories.

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief

NERISSA QUINN

SHELLY BRANDON

Production Director

Writer

JASON CORONA

FRANK REBELO

Sales Director

Photographer

DARREN MICHELS

MICHELLE CAMY

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer

BRIAN LUONG Writer & Photographer

CONTRIBUTORS HRiQ

NERISSA QUINN

Human Resources

Feature

JASON CORONA

KEVIN DOLAN

Cocktails

Backpage

JESSICA DOLAN CLARENDON

ROXANA T.

Feature

Beauty

KATIE O’DONNELL

SWEENEY & MICHEL

Design

Finance

LANCE FERRIS

DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.

Health

Skin Care

MICAH HANKINS Health NANCY HIAN What Are You Comprised Of?

For editorial or general magazine inquiries, please contact: Kevin Dolan, 530.894.8091 kevin@upgradedliving.com

Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief

For sales inquiries, please contact: Jason Coronoa, 530.591.2634 Sales@UpgradedLiving.com

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020 COMMUNITY

FOOD

10 Meet Cool Kid Macy Spearman and see

44 You will marvel at the size and multiple

how she reduced a difficult decision into common sense.

14 We feature a delightful nonprofit, the Gateway Science Museum, and its ever present quest to improve and expand.

63 Our Editor-in-Chief reveals the need to look through a cracked rear view mirror.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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18 A comprehensive and informative look at the benefits of walking.

20 You will marvel over the pragmatic revealing of natural remedies for anxiety.

22 There are true surprises in discovering

uses of the venerable jackfruit.

47 Shelley’s Creative Catering offers a tantalizing recipe featuring bacon wrapped shrimp just in time for the Super Bowl.

48 Corona’s Cocktail Corner urges you to ‘say it with chocolate’ and provides fascinating ways to do so.

ARTS & MUSIC 58 What are the five best love songs of the 21st century. We offer up ours!

60 Meet Nicollette Gamanche, a jewelry designer who is about everything vintage —except her purpose.

the 2020 trends in nails.

HOME

FEATURE

28 Fun and useful ways to give your pantry

34 Discover the technology designed to keep

some much needed love.

couples together without swiping right.

42 You will be amazed by the household items you should get rid of now.

35 Our power couples take a turn full circle into the young at heart.

55 Creative and intriguing alternatives to the typical Valentine’s Day Date Night.

44 ON THE COVER: LEVI RUSSELL & ELLIOTT DUTRO DESIGN BY: NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY: MICHELLE CAMY

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WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTO PROVIDED BY KELLY CESA

The Road Not Taken Chico High senior Macy Spearman was born in Chico, but insists, “She grew up in Orland.” This is where mom’s parents live and Macy relays, “I spent most of my life in Orland though I lived in Chico. Always found a way to my grandparent’s house.” This determined way of making things happen proved a preview of how Macy would choose to live her life.

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worthwhile. Her Freshman year, she played JV and moved up to the varsity for playoffs.

She has stayed at the varsity level, starting in centerfield for the past two years. Her junior season ended with Macy recognized as All League, All Section, and All State.

At 8, she informed her mom and dad she wanted to try little league. She remains adamant it was her decision, not theirs.

Macy found it fun, returning the next season to discover she had caught someone’s eye and played on a 10 and under travel team at the age of 9. From that moment, there was no looking back. An admittedly shy person, Macy credits softball for making her “who I am, breaking the shyness.” Of course, she had the biggest supporters ever in her grandparents, who attend every game. Her grandfather, to “keep getting her better,” has always been on the lookout for the next new thing to help “train her skills.”

She is now facing her final season as a Panther. She is “nervous and excited at the same time.” Macy admits, “I’m never the person who wanted to grow up; weird, knowing it is the last year.” She speaks softly about wanting the most stolen bases and highest batting average, all to help the team rise to their expectations. One thing not clouding the season is where she is playing next year.

Her “determined way” pointed her to that ‘road not taken.’ Despite opportunities in Division II & III, her goal has been Division I. Therefore, Macy signed with Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas. The new coaching staff shares Macy’s goal and is intent on making it happen. With the pressure and frustration of recruiting behind her, Macy can now concentrate on the season and school.

Chico A’s, her traveling team, honed her skills from 4th to 9th grade. She loved it and the girls she grew up with, but it was time for a change. High school started and so was the time for exposure. She moved, really moved, to a team out of Lincoln. The commute for practice from Chico was not always that fun, but the rest proved worthwhile. Three summers of “real competition,” from Vegas to Oregon, was just what Macy needed. In addition, playing at Chico High has been memorable and

Macy has a rigorous schedule and is a fantastic student. From AP English, Government, and Psychology, her time is precious. She wants to major in business administration with an emphasis on fashion design and merchandising leading to one day opening her own boutique. We celebrate Macy and wish her luck. The article’s title comes from a Robert Frost poem. We believe Macy will live the last line —“I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

I am comprised of appreciation for wacky junior high students who make teaching hilarious, unpredictable, FAV O R I T E T H I N G A B O U T T E AC H I N G

and challenging. I am comprised of Pippi Longstocking’s credo, to accomplish what I thought of. I am comprised MY MOTTO

of my grandmother’s courage and the resilience of my brother. I am comprised of delight in A P E R S O N O R P E R S O N S W H O TA U G H T M E A G R E AT D E A L

wordplay and an irksome inability to keep a straight face when my teenage sons get angry.

S TA N D A R D W I N D D O W N A N D M Y G L A R I N G B A D H A B I T

What are you comprised of?

NANCY HIAN Oakdale Secondary Junior High Teacher 11

Located on Chico State’s campus, the Gateway Science Museum is an interactive museum designed to inspire kids of all ages when it comes to Science, Technology, and Mathematics, also known as STEM. The museum is staffed by Chico State students, faculty, and volunteers that help with a variety of things, ranging from guided tours to visitor services to graphic design. This month, the Gateway Science Museum will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary.

"We're excited. 2020 is our 10th anniversary year, so we're going to have some kind of event every month kicking off with our birthday party in February. We'll 12

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of Natural Sciences, these exhibits often feature topics that are relevant to the world today while also diving into historical topics as well. "There are exhibits that come from all over the country. They're developed by other museums or other exhibit developers and they travel between museums.”

have different lecture series, we'll have different family days, we'll have a couple of fundraising type parties just throughout the year to look back at our 10 years and kind of how we got here and looking forward to 2020,” said Adrienne McGraw, Executive Director of the Gateway Science Museum.

Of course, there also has to be taken into account other things such as space, time, and affordability. The Gateway Science Museum is partially funded by Chico State, but also relies on their Community Advisory Board of volunteers to help with fundraising.

Along with fundraising, money made from private donations and admission fees are used in order to create new exhibitions for the overall improvement of the museum.

The museum has been through a lot of changes since it first opened up a decade ago. Departing from the idea of a museum being a static place with still dioramas, the Gateway Science Museum chose to go a different route by focusing on exhibitions that are interactive and engaging to the community. As part of Chico State’s College

This month’s feature is Mission Aerospace, an interactive exhibit that dives into the history of flight and NASA. This exhibition will feature a wind tunnel where people will be able to create their own airplanes and rockets to test out. In the upcoming months, the Gateway Science Museum also plans on creating an in-house exhibit

WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY BRIAN LUONG

Inspire DESIGNED TO INSPIRE

on paleontology which will look at Chico’s geologic timeline. Although it may not seem like it, back in the day, this area of California used to be a coastal region, featuring one of the world’s most diverse shark populations.

Working together with the Geological and Environmental Sciences department, the exhibit will feature fossils of the different animals that lived in the area throughout the years.

The Gateway Science Museum also features an outdoor garden as they called it, “The Foothills,” highlighting the biodiversity of Northern California’s foothills and the habitats within it. The outdoor garden also plays host to a variety of different plants and pollinators, with over 25 species of bees coming in every year. “We have a lot of native plants that attract bees and other pollinators. So if you were to come back in the spring there would be maybe up to 25–30 species of bees here.”

Not only are there bees, but one of the most popular things about the outdoor garden is the pipevine swallowtail, a local butterfly that hatches at the museum every Spring. McGraw states that watching the caterpillars emerge from their cocoons is one of the community’s favorite parts about the museum. The museum is not only a great place for the local plants and wildlife, but for the community as a whole as well.

“Over time, we've become important in the community in terms of a place for field trips and a partner for Chico State faculty, staff, and different programs on campus. We have a long way to go and we are looking forward to new community partners and partners on campus all the time.”

The Gateway Science Museum hopes to continue to inspire kids to pursue careers in the STEM field and challenge themselves in a variety of ways, whether it be through critical thinking, problem solving, or innovation. It is extremely valuable for kids to learn these skills at a young age, and not only will these skills help in school, but in all aspects of life. "We've kind of got into our camps and our tribes and all of our ways of thinking, but in the end, we're all the same, and science can show us that, too."

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE MUSEUM AT 530.898.4121 OR VISIT THEM ONLINE AT GATEWAY@CSUCHICO.EDU. 13

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Chico Eye Center’s culture of collaboration is felt as soon as you walk into the door and are greeted by a team of friendly staff members ready to assist you with whatever you need.

It is the only comprehensive eye care office in Chico, offering everything from eyeglasses and LASIK surgery to the newest procedures available. The center has been providing care and advancing technologies here since 1978.

Five board certified doctors, all with their own individual interests and specialties, work together in a true partnership. This close collaboration allows them to confer with each other on various cases, gaining alternate perspectives on the issues at hand.

They include: • Dr. Pablo Arregui, M.D. has been at the center for 23 years. He teaches advanced cataract surgery techniques at the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s national meetings.

• Dr. Benjamin Gilbert, M.D. has been at Chico Eye Center for 19 years and is not only a private pilot but also an active flight surgeon in the Air National guard.

• Dr. Heidi Houlihan, M.D. began working at the clinic 15 years ago after serving as Chief Ophthalmology Resident at the University of Michigan. She is an active member of the Chico Sunrise Rotary Club,

volunteering her time and fundraising for both projects in our community and internationally.

• Dr. Sean Liston, M.D. has been a part of the CEC team for over 10 years. He is the only corneal specialist in Chico and brings the latest, cutting edge treatments and procedures for the cornea to the area.

• Dr. Marina Rocchi, O.D., whose Dad is an optometrist in Oroville, has deep roots in the community and is president of the Golden Empire Optometric Society.

Before seeing one of these five doctors, you’ll check in at the front desk. The technological advances at Chico Eye Center are not confined to the doctor’s surgical procedures as innovation is implemented throughout the practice. From being able to check in at the comfort of your home, or using the tablets provided to check in at the office, to the marco epic refraction system which helps fine-tune your prescription, state of the art service is everywhere you turn. Chico Eye Center “strives consistently to exceed the expectations each guest receives in service and patient-care.”

Once you’ve checked in, you’ll be guided to a technician who will begin the various tests necessary to ensure you get the best possible evaluation and care. Next, you’ll have your eyes dilated, enabling the doctor to have

the most complete view of your eye health.

Following the exam, and if glasses are needed, you will meet with one of their staff opticians to help you in selecting what frames will work best for you.

If you have serious eye concerns beyond getting a new prescription, Chico Eye Center is the comprehensive office to ‘go to.’ The surgeons at Chico Eye Center perform the most advanced, small-incision cataract surgery available using conventional ultrasound or the Femtosecond laser.

Specialty multifocal or toric intraocular lenses are used to give patients the best vision possible without glasses. Dr. Liston’s focus and training in corneal concerns makes him the only corneal specialist from Sacramento to Redding. The Chico center was one of the first 50 sites in the country to offer a corneal procedure known as Cross-linking.

Corneal cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure performed in the office to treat Keratoconus.

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY

A Culture of Collaboration

Yearly eye exams should be a regular part of your health routine whether you’re a grade-schooler or a grandma. Too often, we fail to notice issues with our eye health. The experienced eye care professionals at Chico Eye Center will notice, diagnose, and handle multiple problems before they become unnecessarily severe.

GIVE CHICO EYE CENTER A CALL TODAY AT 530.895.1727 OR CHICOEYE.COM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT! 15

STOPPING TO SMELL THE

ROSES Chico State is full of recognizable monuments. Sculptures, emblems, bridges and of course the beautiful flora. Easily the most notable being the George Peterson Rose Garden. Nestled between Glenn Hall and Trinity Hall, the garden is part of most students daily lives, whether they are passing through between classes, sitting in the bordering grass to study, or relax with one’s significant other. Suffice to say, it is a symbol of the school.

The George Peterson Rose Garden was established in 1957. However, it’s origins can be traced back to the time of John Bidwell.

A gardener by the name of Fred Peterson was the groundskeeper for the Bidwells.

One of his primary duties was to tend to the rose garden at the Bidwell Mansion. His passion for roses was passed down to his son, George Peterson. Later, George would team up with then Chico State supervising groundskeeper, Richard Pessner to plant a new garden right in the heart of the campus.

The original roses consisted of donations from George’s own garden. Changing over time, the garden currently consists of over 270 individual plants and among those plants are between 30 and 40 varieties of roses.

Like any rose garden, The George Peterson Rose Garden can be temperamental and maintenance requires a significant amount of dedication. Chico State’s current groundskeeping team, led by Mike Alonzo, has plenty of training in the art. There is a great deal of time and care put into the rose garden by the team, some of which belong to The Butte County Rose Society, a local club. Going into the job it is required that applicants all have the basic horticultural knowledge to take care of the campus's many trees, shrubs, and plants.

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Of course, with every local legend comes its fair share of rumors and talk. One example of the conspiracy behind the garden revolves around another of Chico State’s memorable landscape art: The Three Sisters sculpture. Many believe that those walking through the garden are watched by the sisters through small video cameras in their eyes. Though the rumor is unproven, it is an excellent deterrent for those with intentions of vandalizing.

The George Peterson Rose Garden has earned its place in the hearts of both tourists of the city and Chico residents alike. It is sure to last long into the future to be enjoyed by all who wish to relax in its presence.

WRITTEN BY JAKE HUTCHISON PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON HALLEY

Over the last half-century, the garden has gone from an iconic campus location to a legacy of Chico. It is a popular photo-op location for visitors and families strolling through on weekend walks.

Aside from general tending and pruning, the groundskeepers are constantly striving to improve the garden in all ways. One of the main caretakers has even created his own organic spray to prevent diseases among the plants. They are also currently playing with the pruning schedule to help ensure bountiful blooming around the time of commencement so that ascending students can have a bright and colorful backdrop for their graduation pictures.

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YOUR HEALTH I S WA L K I N G G O O D F O R YO U ?

Is walking good for you? The answer is an obvious yes, and there need not be scientific research to back this, no book to quote, and no medical professional to endorse this answer. Walking is what we are designed to do. It is the method for which we navigate our bodies about the earth. Walking is easy on the joints, takes no gym equipment or membership, and takes minimal time and effort for a grand benefit.

But if it is so easy to do, so accessible, and affordable then why aren’t more people doing it? The resounding answer, whether you like it or not, is that we are lazy. Every single excuse you want to list, though you’ve validated it in your mind, is still tied to this one simple truth and explanation… we’re just lazy. It is in our nature to be lazy, but that’s ok, there’s hope and I’m here to help. The great equalizer to laziness, is discipline, not motivation, but discipline. I am going to give you some basic, practical, and what I call “tactical” solutions that can change your life. That’s right, this article can actually change your life.

First off, I believe that the words we use are very powerful. Saying things like “I wanna try and walk everyday”, is merely failure, disguised as great intentions, and is designed for the soft landing when you fall.

Making the statement “I’m going to walk everyday”, is simple, powerful, steadfast, and unshakable. Do you see the difference there? Only a few words have changed yet these two sentences are worlds apart. Now, once you make that second statement, that you will in fact walk every single day. Now schedule each.

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Here is why this is all so important, and how this all pertains to walking. Nothing is going to be good for you, especially health wise, if it sporadically happens. When you walk every single day, there is a cumulative effect on how many calories you burn and how your heart health increases. However, more than that, and this is what I really want for everyone, is what this time walking will do for your mental and emotional health.

Scheduling your walk every day is you also scheduling: time to process, time to breathe, time to think, time to decompress. This is a daily act of self-care, self-love,and a daily act of meditation. Like most things through movement, the more you do this, the better you get at it. Give this time, stick with it, and you will be amazed at how this can change your life. Some tips to assist in you success: • Schedule your walk.

• Music, podcasts, and e-books help pass the time.

• Pick either an allotted amount of time to walk or a specific set distance.

• Wear comfortable shoes.

• Be hydrated/bring hydration.

• Remember your physical and emotional health are a priority, you are important, and this time is important.

• Breathe, relax, decompress, walk.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

MICAH HANKINS

Micah Hankins is the owner of MH Fitness. For more information, visit MH Fitness at 2426 Park Avenue in Chico or contact him directly at micah@mhfitnesschico.com.

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YOUR HEALTH MANAGE ANXIETY NATURALLY

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 40 million American Adults struggle with anxiety. If accurate, then 18 percent of the population deals with stress and anxiety issues. On the surface, people appear successful, calm, and outgoing. This level of high anxiety becomes internalized, but not without a cost. When needed, professional help is available. Natural/alternative strategies exist to implement the intention of decreasing the symptoms while improving well-being.

First Step, Awareness. Notice you are having anxious thoughts or tightening in your stomach? Acknowledge being in tune with your mind and body. Cognitive restructuring and implementing mindfulness requires awareness.

Schedule Worry Time. Although it seems counterintuitive, scheduling time for ‘deliberate worry' is a practice allowing us to externalize our thoughts. Therapist Nick Wingall encourages scheduling a specific time daily to write a list, review it, and contemplate our concerns. Re-training our brains by choosing a specific time and place creates a plan for our thought process to calm. Brain training requires a schedule.

Create Routines. Structure and consistency is paramount in re-training our brains to let go. Routines create predictability, fostering a sense of well-being and relief. Routines become second nature, giving us the ability to focus on the things that matter.

Mindfulness Practice. This is a simple, but not always easy, practice. Becoming present 20

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is noticing what’s around us. Look, listen, feel, simply means tuning into the sights, sounds, and sensations around us. We can do this without force or judgement by being present.

Spend Time With Pets. Spending time with pets helps to soothe our nervous systems, reducing anxiety and stress related to trauma. Holding, walking, and loving on our pets is calming—even without anxiety.

Notice The Small Gains. Step back from the big picture and notice the minor gains discovering your sense of self.

Brainspotting. Brainspotting is working deep within the midbrain and brainstem.

People come to therapy needing to resolve something. According to the technique's founder, David Grand, Brainspotting is a technique that helps harness "the mind and body’s natural self-scanning, self-healing ability to dismantle the trauma, distress, and beliefs at the core of our subconscious".

Takeaway. If feeling anxious, exploring these ideas helps us feel calm. The strategies ease anxiety, but do not replace professional help. Increased anxiety may require therapy and/or prescription medication in concert with natural therapies.

Talk to a professional and remember anxiety is normal, you are not alone.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

LANCE FERRIS

Lance Ferris, a licensed adolescent and adult psychotherapist, believes that change happens when people are given the guidance they need to draw on their own strengths and realize their innate potential. For more information, contact Lance at 530.592.7847 or lanceferrislcsw@gmail.com.

Give Your Skin Some

Become your own Valentine this year with the gift of great skin. Winter cold and hours spent indoors, along with post-holiday stress and temperature changes, can all contribute to dull, dry, or broken-out skin.

Technology has come a long way in the skin care field, and there are now so many ways to refresh, rejuvenate, and improve the skin's appearance.

Laser treatments builds collagen, resurfaces rough texture, repairs sun damage, and reduces unwanted hair. Radio-frequency treatments contour and tighten the skin by releasing excess fluids stored in the fat cells. Microdermabrasion improves skin's tone and texture by removing dead skin cells, and chemical peels get deep into the skin's layers to reveal softer, younger looking skin underneath.

In addition, our skin care products are designed to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and protect the skin. Vitamin C is used for its antioxidant properties, while Retinol expedites the cell turnover and leaves the skin feeling smoother by reducing fine lines.

All the products we carry are medical-grade, ensuring the highest concentration of active ingredients. Maintaining your at-home skin regimen remains the key to prolonging the results of your procedure.

Lastly, do not ignore the rest of your body.

A relaxing massage with scented lotions can de-stress, release toxins, and improve circulation while boosting overall wellbeing. Afterall, glowing skin doesn't stop at the neck.

Book a free consultation to decide on the best plan to give some loving to your skin.

DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672

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BEAUTY Q&A NAIL TRENDS 2020

Our nails are a means of personal expression, just like makeup, hairstyle and the clothes we wear. In 2020, our manicures will be defined by creative curiosity by exploring the classics and experimenting with innovative products and techniques. More than ever before, by virtue of technology, we can in seconds access unlimited resources of #nailinspo.

However, there are a few trends that seem to emerge from the overflow of nail art genres exhibited at trade shows or seen on social media platforms.

The dated “pink and (stark) whites” is gone.

At least for now. It has been replaced in the last few years by pink and white ombré— a trend currently vanishing presto. The New French mani is black. The new French mani is also colorful: reds, blues, or metallics.

Nude pinkish nail beds with a limitless array of options for the tips of our fingernails.

Somewhat in the same category of nail design, where the nail is only partially painted, is the art found at the other end of the canvas: at the cuticle. It could be a half-moon, a cuff, a triangle or a dot. The sky's the limit. The partial lack of color is part of the design itself, just like the French and the common thread is a nude sheer base. This propensity for simplicity seems to have evolved from the minimalist wave of the 2019 fashion. The elements of embellishment and gaudiness, à la Cardi B, are not entirely absent in 2020. We will still see plenty of XL stiletto, coffin, etc...

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enhancements blinged out to the heavens for those who just cannot leave the nostalgia of early 2000s behind.

Another emerging trend in 2020 is having two different designs on each hand, or what I like to call the “2-4-1.” The same nail art session produces designs that could be very different on each hand. Perhaps the same theme, but different color scheme maybe even identical but with different finishes, matte, and glossy. This style is for the non-conformist, or the indecisive, or the client who just wants the most of her nail real estate.

Dimension is probably the most significant development in manicuring and nail art in 2020. The effect is crafted by using mixed media: chromes, hand painting, marbling, iridescent flakes, dried flowers, shells layered to create interest through careful design of abstract miniature partial paintings or surfaces that imitate natural textures and qualities. This is by far the overarching theme for this year and it is heavily influenced by Japanese nail art.

Gracefully layered products to turn out translucent opals and multifaceted minerals or perfected unidimensional designs with the minimalist impeccable patterns that seem to have movement on their own.

Ultimately, 2020 kicks off the decade of nails-as-fine-art!

BEAUTY ADVICE

VIA

R O X A N A T.

For more nail inspiration, follow Roxana on IG @theartistryofnails

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While their purpose is simple, the story that brought this team together is anything but. Just how did the Dutro and Russell Group emerge from the sons of a farmer from California and a pilot from Alaska? Whether they knew it or not, Elliott and Levi have lived their lives in preparation for the partnership.

Simple MAKING THE COMPLEX

With so much division in the country today, there is one unhappy truth never failing to bring us all together. The uncertainty about money. More so, it is undeniably making us sick. The worry over finances remains one of life’s greatest stressors. The research shows the negative impact on our health. Not surprisingly, the results manifest into unwanted conditions such as ulcers, migraines, and loss of sleep. Research clearly 24

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links this dilemma directly back to financial anxiety. As our financial world continues to grow in complexity, the uncertainty will surely lead to uneasiness. The simple answer to avoid money management from being a burden calls for an increasing amount of knowledge. As a result, insight and guidance most assuredly becomes the key. Where does this knowledge, insight, and guidance come from?

Elliott and Levi’s collective story begins in northeastern Washington, where Elliott and Levi grew up as family friends in the same small town. Summers were crisp with the smell of apple orchards, and winters were warmed by a crackling fire. While both boys were still youngsters, Levi’s family moved to the “Last Frontier” of Alaska for a job opportunity in aviation, while Elliott’s moved back to Chico to work the land the Dutros have farmed since 1912. As a result, the boys were nearly 3,000 miles apart, their friendship remained, and the rough-and-tumble upbringing they shared would ultimately equip them with a similar approach to problem solving, hard work, and a shared desire to help others succeed.

For Elliott, who was born in Chico, the 10 years in Washington State was a treasured time working with his dad in construction, growing crops, cutting cords of firewood, and raising cattle and pigs. Throughout this hard work and cold winters, Elliott captured the importance of a simple, and yet a family-centric and fulfilling way of life. After a decade away, it was time to return to their roots in Chico. Meanwhile up north, hiking, skiing, and chasing moose off the back porch was emerging for Levi as nothing more than a normal part of growing up. His Dad, a commercial pilot and FAA Inspector, insisted he earned his wings before being allowed to get a driver’s license. Many evenings were spent flying small planes surrounded by the northern lights.

When Levi enrolled in the University of Alaska, he chose what he’d describe as an

PICTURED: LEVI RUSSELL, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (LEFT) ELLIOTT DUTRO, FINANCIAL ADVISOR (RIGHT)

All of these factors weigh heavily on Elliott Dutro and Levi Russell, Financial Advisors at Morgan Stanley. To these two, financial stress stems not only from a lack of professional planning, but can also stem from a less than fully informed decision, ultimately leading all the way to an unhealthy community. Clients seek Elliott and Levi out precisely as a way to avoid the anxiety and confusion seemingly inherent in the world of money management.

Their clear mission is to simplify all this complexity with tailored financial planning, one moment and one client at a time.

“adventurous” path to graduation, embarking on a series of exchanges that spanned from Montreal to Thailand and Sweden, before wrapping up his business degree at CalPoly in San Luis Obispo. Throughout his college years and despite the distance between them, Levi grew closer to Laura, Elliott’s older sister.

Through hundreds of letters, emails, and long phone calls over the years, their connection was undeniable. When Levi finally moved to Sacramento after graduating college, an engagement ring for Laura soon followed.

Meanwhile Elliott had graduated from PV High and enrolled directly in the Engineering program at Butte College, intending to develop his talent for mechanics. Yet through his ongoing work experience, he discovered greater fulfillment came from applying his skills and talents not to the workings of machines, but rather to helping people sort out complex topics by making good decisions.

The sum total of each experience paved the way for the pair to reunite. As each began their professional careers, the union of the two boys was just around the corner.

In 2005, Elliott and Levi both got their start in the finance industry, interestingly at the same mortgage company in Sacramento.

The work was complex and intense. Over several years, they grew in experience as they educated and guided clients towards beneficial lending options.

When the housing and mortgage crisis took hold, jobs disappeared as employers and industry partners closed their doors. For now, the two parted ways—each forging ahead into new challenges and careers.

Levi undertook a new venture in public relations, finding he had a talent for working with the press and helping guide clients in need of crisis communications. As he grew in his new field, others began to take notice.

When an opportunity opened in Washington, D.C., Levi and his wife Laura jumped at the chance to live and work in the nation’s Capital.

Meanwhile Elliott had returned to Chico and was quickly establishing the next phase of his career in finance. Through this process,

another important chapter of life was unfolding. Elliott met Jenn, a striking brunette who captured his heart. By the time they were married in 2010, Elliott had earned his investment licenses and was growing what would become a thriving wealth management practice at JPMorgan Chase. There his drive for helping people shifted into high gear. While in the mortgage industry, Elliott’s primary frustration was he only had access to a single product, mortgages. Now as a financial advisor, Elliott had the ability to develop custom solutions for challenges of every kind. As his business began to expand, so too did the Dutro family. It wasn’t long before Elliott and Jenn welcomed Scarlet into the world, and her little brother Oliver soon followed.

Yet life rarely goes the way we would choose for long. A crisis in the Russell family would bring their inevitable connection into focus.

Levi’s Dad died of cancer. There is a twofold piece to this part of the story. The loss left Levi’s Mom alone and vulnerable, in need of good advice. With limited resources, she began to work with Elliott to develop a

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financial plan that could sustain her through the rest of her life. Witnessing all of this, Levi was struck by the profound impact a good financial advisor can have, and in particular Elliott’s ability to develop a sound system to provide financial stability.

Some years later, Levi and Laura’s intense pace of life in Washington D.C. again came to a sudden halt when their daughter was born seven weeks early and very fragile. Through many sleepless nights in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit outside of Arlington, the couple reflected on what sort of lifestyle was important and what values would guide the growing family. The clear answer was the connection to family and community. It was time to come home to the Best Coast.

In downtown Chico, the Morgan Stanley office is something of a bewilderment. Sitting resolute alongside Main Street next to the eccentric and historic Senator Theater, one would not expect to see one of Wall Street’s flagship investment firms. Yet with little fanfare, the presence of such robust financial horsepower has quietly settled, benefitting the entire region. The Firm has the capability of helping business owners sell their business, potentially even selling the business to current employees, which comes with the benefit of keeping those dollars right here in the community.

Most compelling then is that the significant capability and resources of a firm of this size are made fully accessible through the locallyanchored Dutro and Russell Group. While the two men bring a substantially shared talent and experience to the table, their value is greatly amplified as they harness the best26

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in-class analysis and insight, coupled with proprietary tools from an industry leading platform. Here, their resources span from wealth management, planning, retirement income, all the way to managing company 401(k) plans and corporate cash strategies.

With such formidable tools at the team’s disposal, perhaps the most meaningful insight into their wealth management approach is the inextricable awareness and necessary link to family, community, and business. Elliott and Levi speak strongly about financial literacy as essential for a healthy community. These two proud partners understand every process begins with empathy and the ability to understand and appreciate others’ values and goals. As they put it, “Frankly, we are teachers.

Education remains the key to diffusing anxiety.” The focus lies in the responsibility to help teach and apply the building blocks which lead directly to individuals making better decisions, and thus, ultimately forming a stronger community. Their focus extends beyond just growing dollars in an account, beyond helping guide parents and grandparents, and to the determination on how to develop strong financial knowledge in future generations.

For Elliott and Levi, investment in community seems to be a natural and fundamental value, which makes sense given Morgan Stanley’s dedication to enhancing the regions in which it operates. Elliott serves on the Governing Board of the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley and Levi is a Community Board Member.

Levi is active in Chico Noon Rotary and a Board Member of Nord Country School while

Elliott is a sponsor and strong supporter of Reading Pals. Levi is a Board Member of the Chico Chamber of Commerce. Elliott served on the county Grand Jury, and also serves on the board of Chico’s entrepreneurial hub, ChicoStart. In addition, for the past two years Elliott has been recognized by Forbes Magazine. In 2018 he was ranked nationally as a Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, and received a similar state-level recognition the following year. For these two men and their young families, investing in the community means ensuring Chico remains a great place for their clients to raise kids, start a business, or enjoy their golden years.

Most assuredly, Elliott and Levi’s confident approach to financial planning and management can help ease the anxiety many of us experience. In the end, that is a cause we can all unite behind. Perhaps, the research will shift away from the financial world as a dark cloud of uncertainty, no longer known as one of life’s greatest stressors. Making the complex simple is one way the Dutro and Russell Group will bring it all to fruition.

LEVI RUSSELL AND ELLIOT DUTRO ARE FINANCIAL ADVISOR’S IN MORGAN STANLEY’S CHICO OFFICE. ALTHOUGH LEVI RUSSELL AND ELLIOT DUTRO HAVE COMPENSATED UPGRADED LIVING MAGAZINE TO HAVE THIS ARTICLE FEATURED IN ITS PUBLICATIONS, THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION NOR INTENDED TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED INVESTMENT ADVICE. THE STRATEGIES AND/OR INVESTMENTS REFERENCED MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. MORGAN STANLEY AND ITS FINANCIAL ADVISORS DO NOT PROVIDE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD SEEK ADVICE BASED ON THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES FROM AN INDEPENDENT TAX ADVISOR. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR AND MAY NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC. MEMBER SIPC.

PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY & PROVIDED BY KATIE DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Elliott had since moved his bustling wealth management practice to Morgan Stanley, impressed by their capabilities, cost structure and client-focused platform. His book of clients had grown to the point where he needed additional capacity to continue providing great service, and would benefit from Levi’s background in business. The result was the clear understanding they would make a great partnership. The paired passion of this duo had finally come full circle. With Elliott’s keen market insight, coupled with Levi’s structured approach to planning, the Dutro and Russell Group at Morgan Stanley has become well positioned to help ease their clients through life’s big transitions and unexpected moments.

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Give Your Pantry Some Love Spring is around the corner and that means it’s time to give your pantry a little love.

Here are the five most common mistakes you did not realize you were making when organizing your pantry.

Focusing On The Horizon Most forget it's okay to go vertical. Adding systems from floor to ceiling allows you to maximize every square inch of your pantry. For those hard to reach areas, place seasonal items or items you don’t need to access on a daily basis.

Product Overload Adding baskets, turntables, and food storage bins will implement organization.

However, adding too many products will over clutter the space. If you have to move a bin to reach another bin chances are you (or little hands) will forget to put the bin back in its place; creating an inefficient system and lead to an unorganized space.

Zoning Out Failing to divide your pantry into zones or stations based on your day-to-day needs.

Creating zones and sort items, such as canned foods, snacks, baking ingredients, etc. into groups will help create an effortless flow guaranteeing you’ll find what you are looking for in a pinch. Take it a step further by labeling each zone—such as 28

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within the canned food zone sort all canned vegetables together and label.

More Is Better Having a stocked pantry of expired food or items you use once a year is not better. Rule of Thumb: Check expiration dates every season and keep what you eat. Chances are when you try that new recipe you will go to the store and buy what you need. There is no need to keep that can of pumpkin purée if you only bake a pumpkin pie once a year.

Out Of Place Why is the DVD player in the pantry? Your answer is probably because there is no where else for it to go. False. Everything has a place as long as you make the space! The only items that should be stored in a pantry are food, kitchen utensils, small appliances, and prep tools.

Give your pantry some love this season and remember to avoid these mistakes.

DESIGN ADVICE

VIA

KATIE O’DONNELL

For more design advice, contact Katie at Katie O’Donnell Designs.

Katie is a Personal Organizer and Home Stylist. She strives to create spaces that are visually appealing, functional, and easy to maintain long term. Katie offers a variety of packages for commercial and residential spaces to help meet each client's needs. Contact by her at info@katieodonnelldesigns.com or 530.518.9953.

Is giving back to your community part of your New Year’s Resolution?

Passages has two programs that need your help.

The Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) program provides free, local reliable & unbiased one-on-one counseling for people with Medicare, and those approaching Medicare eligibility. To become a state-registered volunteer call Tim Sonnenburg at 898-6641.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, preserving the rights and dignity of adults in area nursing homes and residential care facilities. To become a volunteer advocate call Katherine Bruce at 898-5927 Passages serves the counties of Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Plumas, and Tehama.

Bi-Lingual candidates needed.

Extensive training provided and begins March 2020.

Deadline to sign up is February 25, 2020.

"This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-02-01 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy."

Tech’s Role in a Healthy Relationship Although technology in recent years has had a bad reputation on its negative impact on society, it is ultimately up to each user to determine how technology can either hinder or improve their lives. At times, technology and social media can produce feelings of anxiety, jealousy, and fear that can harm relationships. On the other hand, it is also able to be used for intimate connection and relaxation. For those in a relationship, technology can play a significant role in keeping couples together while maintaining a healthy relationship.

One way in which technology can help couples stay together is guided couples meditation. Apps such as Headspace lead couples through meditation exercises, whether it be together in the same room or separately during the same time period, allowing for individuals to focus more on their partners. Meditation itself comes with a variety of mental benefits, including 30

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improving one’s sense of clarity, lowering of stress levels, and improved focus. These benefits are not only helpful to an individual but are all valuable in helping to maintain relationships as well. Not only are there mental benefits but physical benefits as well. Meditation is known to improve one’s rhythm of breathing, allows for individuals to spot out various aches and pains throughout the body, and create a brief period of forced rest in an otherwise busy world.

Another item of technology that will help keep couples together are gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is designed not only for individual play, but there are a variety of games that are duel experiences for friends, family, and couples.

For example, Overcooked is a cooking simulation game that requires players to work together in order to maintain a functioning kitchen. In this game, players have to overcome various obstacles and

Technology is not only used for fun, but can be a great way to maintain communication for couples in long distance relationships.

Tools such as Skype, Whatsapp, and Discord are great ways to stay in touch with your significant other when being together physically isn’t an option. Calling and texting can be expensive if you’re not in the same country as your significant other, and these tools are all great ways of being able to stay in touch with each other when you’re not able to be together, whether it be for work or vacation. All of these services include video calling, messaging, and regular calling. On top of that, these services are all free of charge and only require an internet connection to use.

For couples who prefer a quiet night in, technology items such as LED lighting, heated blankets, and a projector are perfect for creating a makeshift movie theatre in the comfort of one’s own home. Bluetooth speakers can be used to improve the audio for all-around great sound, and can be used in order to play each other’s favorite music to dance to or each other’s favorite podcast to relax to. Another great item in order to make any home more comfortable as well is the addition of an essential oil diffuser. Essential oil diffusers are known to have a number of health benefits, including stress relief and sleep promotion. Using essential oil diffusers right before bed allow for couples to not only have a healthier night of sleep together, but wake up feeling refreshed in a room that smells amazing as well.

Technology is constantly evolving all around us, and it’s important that we change the way that we use technology as well. By focusing on our partner’s needs, technology can be a great way to improve relationships and maintain a healthy lifestyle mentally, physically, and emotionally.

WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG

hazards in the kitchen in order to deliver correct meals in a fashionable amount of time. Another game that allows for co-op play is Luigi’s Mansion 3, where couples can both conquer work together to save Luigi’s friend from a haunted mansion while fighting ghosts and other enemies along the way. For competitive couples, games such as Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros allow for couples to face off against each other to determine who the true winners are.

A Bit of Sparkle Traveling along country roads, passing through almond and mandarin orchards with the river on one side and the snow covered peak of Mount Lassen ahead, it's easy to see how generations of the Pankratz family fell in love with this land. Brad and Melissa Pankratz settled on this picturesque plot 15 years ago. His father gifted the property to Brad and he and his wife thought it was the perfect place to raise their family. Brad is a third generation beekeeper and living here enabled he and his wife to be close to his bees at Can-Am Apiaries as well as to enjoy the peace and quiet of the little town along the Sacramento River.

While they loved their original kitchen and its layout, they were looking to upgrade a few features. When they first built the house CONNECT

in 2005, they put in engineered solid surface counters in the interest of saving money. In the new kitchen, Melissa wanted to replace that existing countertop with granite. She was hoping to add a bit of sparkle in place of those simple gray counters. When asked how they chose New Again for the job, Brad said, “My parents had their kitchen renovated a few years ago by them and liked the quality of the work and liked that everything was finished in a timely manner.”

The Pankratzs went into the New Again showroom to begin the journey of revitalizing their kitchen. They had a vision of what they were looking for, a budget they wanted to spend, and questions ready to be asked. Ric Powers answered their questions, helped them pick out a countertop and sink to match their vision, and then set up all the appointments. The installation of the under mounted Dawn stainless steel sink; tile backsplash; and granite countertop took less than two weeks to complete, much faster than Brad had anticipated. The intricate herringbone tile backsplash in Gray Haze

was expertly installed by New Again’s tile contractor Victor Cabrera and is the perfect backdrop for the new dramatic counter.

The countertop Brad and Melissa had originally wanted was discontinued but Ric came through and found them the perfect replacement. The Crème Delicatus granite is white with grey and black running through it.

The flecks of sparkly silver mica interspersed throughout are exactly what Melissa felt the kitchen needed and the counter is now her favorite thing in the space. The Pankratz family says that Ric was so accommodating to work with that they wouldn’t hesitate to use New Again for future projects.

New Again Kitchen Remodeling continues to set the standard for kitchen and bathroom renovations with this sparkling kitchen in the country. If you’re interested in starting a home improvement project and are looking for affordability and a company that works with you and your schedule, call New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888 or stop by their showroom at 2502 Park Avenue in Chico.

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

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY BRIAN LUONG

N E W AGA I N K I TC H E N REMODELING PRESENTS HOUSE CALL:

power couples with a twist For the third year, we thought it fitting to recognize a handful of our community’s endearing couples. We refer to them as our power couples, not only because of what they have accomplished in business or life, but rather because each couple agrees they derive their individual success from the love and support they give to one another.

We should correctly call this feature “the changing of the guard,” as we present a most beloved couple along with three couples in their thirties. Power is connected to influence, effectiveness, and efficacy. You’ll find our three youthful “pairs with potential” to fulfill each connection. They share an efficacy, to aim at the desired result of having a positive effect on our community.

Upon reading, you will understand we could simply call their section fairy tales come true. We are delighted to present these four ‘just-what-we-ordered’ distinguished duos.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kelly found her way to Chico from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but not without a fair number of stops in between. Her father, a sports writer and editor, moved wherever opportunity presented itself—Miami, Akron, and finally San Jose in 1978. She remained there through highschool, eventually moving to San Luis Obispo to attend Cal Poly with a major in graphic communications.

scott schulman + kelly schulman Even Better As A Team A Jewish boy from the northeast and a Catholic girl from the midwest somehow manage, against all odds, to find a similar path to love in Chico. The story of Scott and Kelly Schulman, heretofore delivered to us in pieces over the years from various sources, has been one of our favorites at Upgraded Living, and we’ve looked forward to interviewing them for some time to hear it in full. The only disappointing part, was not having the space to tell it in its entirety.

Scott grew up in New York City, repressing his innate predilection for a hippie lifestyle. The son of Jewish parents, his laissez-faire take on the world didn’t sit particularly well with them, though the two parties struck a deal upon his entering college, that should he graduate in four years, he would not only be allowed to live out his hippie dreams, but also remain their son. Four years later, he did just that. Scott rewarded himself by buying the quintessential van, and his mother proved her acceptance of the situation by making the curtains.

He traveled south to Florida and began working as a door-to-door portrait salesman, worrying unworried mothers whose memories are fleeting, convincing them childhood was best captured in an 8 x 10 format. The mission took less than a year to complete, but once every south Floridian mother’s home was wallpapered with their children’s photos, it was time to move on.

The next few years of Scott’s pilgrimage saw him through a torrent of different roles—from telephone book delivery man to cooking at the beloved Bobby McGee’s restaurant chain. Eventually he met someone who hailed from San Jose, and the picture painted was of a utopia he dare not miss. Determined to be the world’s next surfing phenom surrounded by beautiful blondes, he drove west, only to find San Jose was none of the things described. Leaving his dreams of surfing behind, he fell back into the restaurant industry, cooking at high end restaurants in Palo Alto and Santa Cruz before having one bad day in the kitchen and giving it all up for grad school. He visited Chico during the summer of ‘76 and decided it was where he would hang his hat. As fate would have it, Kelly was not far behind.

While Kelly was working on her degree, Scott was busy hustling in Chico. After receiving his first job from Jane Dolan, running the kids’ program at CAVE, he ventured out in search of opportunities to make money in his spare time. The search landed him bartending jobs at Sports Page (now Joe’s Bar), Madison Bear Garden, and finally La Salles, where he met Mary Carol Sitton, a burgeoning bagel salesperson. She said she was going into the bagel business and was surprised to learn that Scott’s college roommate owned five bagel shops. The two discussed the lack of bagel options in town and Scott, seeing yet another opportunity, offered to partner with her on the venture. He pooled the remaining money from his student loan, borrowed a couple thousand extra against his car, and the two set out to build their bagel empire.

Scott traveled to New York and stayed with his college roommate, Claudio Facchini, who offered him a weeklong crash course in the art of bagel-making. He returned to Chico, and rented a tiny unit with Mary on the second floor of 216 W. 6th Street next to a home brewer, Ken Grossman, who was busy teaching himself how to brew beer in a closet. The location cost $71/month if you had it, and the two invested Scott’s $3,000 on everything they needed to boil inefficiently one bagel at a time. With a pizza oven, mixer, boiling kettle, and sink they sourced from a local junk yard, the two slowly churned out their bagels, selling them from their only other piece of furniture—a card table—to a line of people growing longer with each passing morning. They appropriately named the company Oy Vey Bagels.

By the time Scott turned 27, the bagel business was booming. Having slept on flour bags in the tiny unit, after working 18–19 hour days for months on end, the two decided it was time for their first employee.

They hired a college student, who missed her first day of work, and every day thereafter. The position’s runner up was Pete Horylev, manager of the Nut Tree Bakery in Vacaville. Scott asked if he wanted a job making bagels, and Peter replied, “Sure. Why not?” The rest, as they say, is history. Little did either know, they’d still be together 40 years later.

As the first year came to a close, Scott decided it was time to expand. He found his way to the head of the bakery division of Lucky Supermarkets and sold him on the idea of being the first supermarket chain to carry fresh bagels. Proud of his pitch, Scott left anxiously, fearing he bit off more than the crew could chew.

Expecting to test their product in a handful of Lucky stores, the company’s bakery manager instead asked for their product to go live in all 276 stores nationwide at the same time.

With the help of his friend, Pat Lawing, Scott secured a loan from Wells Fargo for $50,000, rented a warehouse with Pete, and began building out their new bagel factory. In a few short months, production had ramped up from boiling one bagel at a time to

producing 30 dozen bagels per store per day for every store in the Lucky Supermarkets franchise. The order amounted to nearly 800,000 bagels each month. “They let us f*** up day after day after day after day, and luckily they still continued to work with us.” Scott said, “We were still sleeping on flour bags in the bakery, and I lost 20+ pounds from the stress. We had revolving shifts on the oven, and it was catching fire at all times. It was the Wild West of bagel land. We should have been shut down every day we were open, but we managed to pull it off.”

Within six months of accepting the contract, Oy Vey Bagels had a tractor trailer filled with bagels heading to and from the Bay Area,

five days a week. Their neighbor, Ken Grossman, had since figured out his recipe, and his microbrewery, Sierra Nevada, was also starting to take off. Scott offered to take his kegs to San Francisco and return with the empties. They struck up a deal, and Scott ended up creating a full-fledged trucking company to move product for 14 local accounts along with his and Sierra Nevada.

Oy Vey Bagels drew the attention of local businessman, Bill Knudsen of R.W. Knudsen, who got together with Scott on an idea for bagel chips. They launched the product and within the year they were selling in supermarkets throughout 35 states and 3 countries. Tired of sleeping on flour bags, Scott sold Oy Vey Bagels to Bill, opened

Brooklyn Bridge Bagel Works in Downtown Chico with Pete, and used his newfound financial status to purchase La Salles and a 60% stake in Chico’s fine dining restaurant, Hatchcover.

During Scott’s building of a bagel empire, Kelly was making moves of her own. After leaving Cal Poly, she made one final move to Chico in pursuit of a degree in public relations at Chico State. As the whirlwind story goes, she married her high school sweetheart and quickly had a baby earlier than either were ready. The two split a few years later, and she decided to raise her son, Brandon, in Chico. As any single parent would likely agree, there are few challenges in life that compare to raising a child on your own. Looking to the future, she weighed her options and decided Chico would provide the best quality of life for both of them.

She interviewed at various locations around town, and found herself at home with Videomaker Magazine, a locally produced, nationally distributed publication by Matt York. Relying on her education and upbringing in a media family, she landed the position of advertising director and worked tirelessly for four years, accomplishing many goals she set for herself including purchasing a home just before Brandon entered kindergarten.

Kelly continued building her career and a life for her and Brandon.

Valuing community stewardship, she spent her spare time helping various organizations however she could. When a local group put on a Save the Chico Library Fundraiser, she naturally volunteered; so did Scott. Though it wasn’t on the beach, surrounded by waves in utopian San Jose, Scott managed to find his beautiful blonde surrounded by books at the Chico Library. The two met over their shared interest in philanthropy, began dating, and have been together ever since.

Kelly remained with Videomaker for a total of 11 years, eventually leaving as their associate publisher. Asked about their time working together, Matt reminisced, “Kelly is very hard working, tenacious, and persuasive. Her leadership inspires those who have the chance to work with her. It was a joy to work with her back when Videomaker was the cutting edge tech company in town.”

With no shortage of experience in the media industry, Kelly entered the next stage of her career as publisher at CMP Media/United News Media, a multinational publishing company for 50+ businessto-business magazines, events, multimedia brands focused on B2B trade media, high-tech industries and the architectural and mechanical engineering communities. As publisher, she supervised the day-to-day operations of Cadence Magazine and media group, working in San Francisco Tuesday through Thursday, and from home, in Chico, the rest of the week. The experience provided her invaluable knowledge and positioned herself as an authority in the field.

In 2004, after 16 years of working for others in the media industry, Kelly decided to strike out on her own, creating Flare4Media, an independent agency specializing in creating content licensing programs and placing innovative print, digital, social, and mobile advertising for global brands. She worked with giants like Sony, Toyota, Subaru, Lonely Planet, Microsoft, helping to get their messaging across to those who mattered most. Eventually, her work at Flare4Media and involvement in the community, grabbed the

...Scott and Kelly have supported each other in life, love, and each other’s careers for the past 26 years, and though they clearly were able to excel on their own, it’s obvious that the two are even better as a team. Side-by-side, they’ve ventured around the world, raised a family, and built businesses. attention of Dan Gonzales, founder of Fifth Sun in Chico. The two realized countless crossovers between the work she was doing and a gap Fifth Sun needed to fill. He offered her a position at the company, and she accepted.

“I’ve always loved apparel, and my work was already heavily involved in licensing and media. Combining the two made perfect sense. I started eight years ago this month as licensing director when Fifth Sun had 75 employees, and I’ve grown with the company as they’ve expanded beyond 300.” Now the VP of licensing at Fifth Sun, Kelly has earned the title and she certainly has a reason to be proud. Responsible for partnerships with Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, Warner Bros., CocaCola, Nintendo, NBC Universal, and many more, she plays a vital role in the success of one of Chico’s largest companies and a major player in the global world of licensing.

Scott and Kelly have supported each other in life, love, and each other’s careers for the past 26 years, and though they clearly were able to excel on their own, it’s obvious that the two are even better as a team. Side-by-side, they’ve ventured around the world, raised a family, and built businesses. Most recently, they sold a resort in Fiji they owned and operated for 11 years and purchased Broadway Heights in Downtown Chico. They’ve revamped the menu, expanded on classics, and added delicious lunch and dinner entrees, providing a more complete dining experience. “Johnny, Dawn, and James are fantastic.” Scott raved, “It was a comfortable business to get into. I just kept reminding myself there was a great team in place and not to screw it up! Dawn’s desserts are incredible, and it feels like a real restaurant now—not just a sandwich destination. We wanted to make it a place where families could come, be loud, and really enjoy themselves.”

Kelly added, “Outside of work, we really try to focus on spending as much time as possible with Brandon and his beautiful wife Madiha, friends, and helping with the Butte Humane Society. Scott has served on the board of directors and I’ve helped with fundraising—it’s really been a huge part of our lives. We both connected over our love for animals on our first date, and it’s remained a focus of ours ever since.

We’re especially excited to be part of the new animal shelter that will break ground next year. So far, the organization has raised $6 million, and we only have $2 million remaining to fund the entire project.”

Between their careers, involvement in the community, and the way they hang on each other’s every word, Scott and Kelly Schulman embody the phrase “power couple” in every possible way. They give us an ideal to strive for, and we couldn’t be more honored to call them one of our power couples.

bryan gibbons + kelly gibbons A side story emerged when Bryan talked about asking Kelly’s Dad for her hand. “It went super easy,” because her dad took every boyfriend out to breakfast, ostensibly “for small talk.” These breakfast meetings became ongoing . Bryan was keenly intent on keeping the moment a surprise. He called Kelly’s work and secured her the day off for a well planned trip to Sacramento. The date included an outdoor ice rink and dinner, “fancier than we’re used to.” On the ice, Bryan got on one knee and proposed. The middle school premonition had turned full circle. The happy couple appears destined for a long, happy marriage.

Inspiration On The Ice Couples are often known as high school sweethearts; Bryan and Kelly, however, can trace their roots to middle school. Kelly’s smile brightened when she spoke of her '6th grade self' thinking the 8th grade Bryan “was super cute!” She has a vivid memory of a friend “chasing me around the campus with a note in his hand.” Bryan admits he “knew of her existence.” However, it took until Kelly’s junior year in high school for the pieces to come together.

Bryan was fresh out of high school when it began at a friend’s birthday. Somehow, Bryan got Kelly’s number and called. He called to ask her to go on a snow night ride to the High Lakes. She turned him down as she already had plans. Yet another friend’s birthday arrived, this one with the friend's intent to get them together. While watching a movie, they held hands and at the end, Bryan said “I'll call you.” He did call, inviting her to a Super Bowl party at his parent’s house. After the game, they hung out together and Bryan whispered, “I want you to be my girlfriend.” On Valentine’s Day, Bryan had Kelly come over and made her moose stroganoff from a moose. This unique dish was followed by apple pie. Kelly, was still not exactly realizing things. In her eyes she, “Just thought he was hot, figured we would make out!” The pair continued dating for the next few months.

Spring turned to summer and Kelly tried to break up with Bryan, but he talked her out of it. “And the rest is history.”

Settling in to adulthood, Kelly surprised herself when, 7 years ago, she joined her father in his Farmer’s Insurance office. She discovered helping people was so rewarding. In the beginning, she assisted lots of friends and family in securing their homes and preparing for their babies. When the Camp Fire hit, Kelly, the Paradise native, was ready.

The office handled over 500 claims of family and friends, some who Kelly had grown up with and took care of every last detail. Despite the horrific ordeal, it just felt good to help. The plan now is for Kelly to take over upon her Dad’s retirement.

On the flip side, Bryan spent seven years in the Redding Fire Department before getting the opportunity to return to Chico. For the past six years, Bryan has been with Chico Fire. Out of high school, he volunteered in Paradise and found it “cool,” and something he wanted to do. When the fire hit the ridge, Bryan was sent not to fight, but rather as a part of a rescue team with the task of body retrieval.

He found this “the saddest thing ever.” As for being a firefighter, Bryan marvels that, “if it doesn't include any firearms then the fire department shows up.” His schedule is super helpful for the overall household needs. In addition, he has time to work by clearing trees and remodeling homes.

The couple remains aware of needs to be fulfilled. As a result, for seven years now, Kelly has been a volunteer as a Reading Pal, frightened by the statistics. The pair is involved in missionary work in Africa building zip lines and high ropes courses through an Ethiopia mission sponsored by the Paradise CMA church. We celebrate this delightful couple and wish them the best as they take care of their growing family while remaining committed to the greater good.

nate carlascio + ashley carlascio On The Basis Of Love And Energy When Ashley began to tell the story about how the two of them met, she realized a random first meeting in the mix. On the morning of graduation, they both were in Bella’s, at the bar, at 6:30 a.m.

Without noticing, Nate dropped his sash. Ashley clearly remembers laughing, “That kid’s parents will be so pissed.” She picked it up, gave it back to him, and obviously took notice. They ‘officially’ met at a gym where Ashley signed up for a 90 day Refresher & Lifestyle class.

Ashley relayed, “A lot of good stuff happened to me, like eating better, best fitness of my life, and some get over ‘me’ issues stemming from knee rehabilitation.” She also mentioned Nate was the instructor.

Conversation began between the two ostensibly about the knee thing. There was constant talk during the lifestyle challenge over goals, sleep, and the difficulty of rehabilitation. At the very end of the challenge, talk turned texts, texts turn to snapchats, and through social media, Ashley found out about Nate’s birthday. She reached out and was invited to the friend get together at Argus.

In the meantime, Nate had been waiting patiently for the challenge to end. The class consisted of Ashley and four others. Nate’s concern for the ‘others’ ended with the class. During the session, the ever professional Nate did not wish to appear inappropriate, so after it was over he asked his boss,”Shall I ask her out?” The quick reply was, “That is why we put her in your class!” Therefore, Ashley’s attendance at his birthday gathering caught him a bit off guard. Nevertheless, the very next day, he took Ashley to Shuberts. It rained the entire time so they sat in the back of his car and talked. He confesses, shortly after the ice cream date, “I knew.” He spoke to his friends, saying, “We’re dating.” Nate apparently does a lot of talking. Early in their relationship, he brought up with Ashley about “us” being together and what our common goals looked like. The two moved in together, and about a year and half later, Nate quizzed Ashley regarding her taste in jewelry, specifically rings.

With ring in possession, Nate tried to figure out “the best place and time.” An upcoming trip to Columbia initially proved ideal. He admittedly was still a bit gun shy because of the opening of the new venture—Basis Health and Performance with Grayson and Sarah Strange. Nate also knew the proposal was not going to be in the gym. The first “planned” day became postponed by a death. One month later, he said, “Let’s go camping with friends.” Mysteriously,

the friends had car trouble, so the pair four-wheeled their way up Humbug Road to the High Lakes. They hiked, walked around, and when Nate stated, “We’re having hot dogs and chips for dinner,” Ashley figured it won’t happen here. With a shrug, she settled into a hammock, Nate set up a camera, got on one knee, proposed, popped the champagne, and the engaged couple dined on Leon’s to-go.

Nate and Ashley have been married now for four months and are settling into life, work, and more conversations courtesy of Nate.

Going into its third year, Basis is blossoming. Born from the notion anyone can walk through the door and succeed, little doubt it will thrive in the coming years. Nate points out succeeding “appears in different ways: don’t hurt anyone, assist in proper weight loss, and administer to the whole person.” To Nate, this success “Happens everyday our clients walk in and contribute to where they want to be.”

Ashley is a gifted photographer, and the fact that she’s booking into 2021 answers to the power of word of mouth. Her uncanny presence on social media, leaves @avhphotography as a frontrunner in the engaged couples, wedding, family, and pregnant couples’ arena of photography sessions. She is quick to point out Nate and her organically help with each business. Nate is often her companion photographer in shoots and helps in any way. Ashley designed Basis’ logo, shoots all photos of the gym, and designed the brochures and t-shirts. We celebrate these two and look forward to tracking their bright future filled with the sweetness of their love and boundless energy.

alex van dewark + lindsay van dewark Alex readily admits he knew Lindsay “was attractive” when they played together. It was, however, during a lunch at Plutos after the party when he “knew she was exceptional.” This seemed like a launching point. After a year of dating, he realized, “We should get married.” He needed it to be “something profoundly exceptional.” He asked her dad, expecting a hard time and, instead, her dad started crying and Alex, too, lost it. Knowing the “hug” was more than a hug, he planned to pose the question on the exact spot. Alex doesn’t exactly do basic things. Setting up a picnic on the spot with a chocolate peanut butter cake made by the same friend is one thing. Utilizing help to build a fireworks stand with 15 mortars is altogether another level. The premise for the picnic was celebrating buying a house with burritos and champagne. Lindsay did not pick up on anything besides the celebration. At the 20th Street softball diamond, just at dark, Alex gave the signal and the show began.

Stumbling to find the ring, Lindsay believed the fireworks were random and looked at Alex like he was crazy. The ring was found, the question posed, and she said yes.

The Unlocking Potential Of A Single Hug Through a mutual friend, Alex and Lindsay joined a coed softball team composed of young professionals. Pre Games at Sierra Nevada and lots of outside of softball barbequing made for a rather close group. Through all of this, Lindsay carefully noted they were “just friends,” completely platonic. Then, one game deep into the second season, the team was losing badly while in the outfield, Lindsay and Alex were laughing it up. The game ended and it happened. Jogging in from the outfield, they stopped, faced each other and hugged.

Suddenly, Lindsay felt a different vibe from Alex. They knew it was significant, one hug in one specific spot.

Not long after, Lindsay was finishing up student teaching and planned a party based on the last novel she taught—The Great Gatsby. Alex jumped on the opportunity to help decorate. At the party, a friend in a flapper dress rode up carrying a chocolate peanut butter cake. Alex was “all about” cakes, and coincidentally, so was Lindsay. During the party, the duo snuck out of the Speakeasy with forks and devoured the cake. Alex turned and told her, “I like you.”

For Lindsay, “That was the moment.” The other solidifying event came when Lindsay, after completing her student teaching, flew to London with her mom for a month. They communicated through daily letters. These personal email “letters” sealed the deal.

Five years later, the firefighter and the teacher have settled into their careers and are adjusting to a growing family. Lindsay loves education and teaching at Pleasant Valley High School; while Alex considers his role with the Vacaville Fire Department as “more than a career.”

However, as a true power couple, they believe they face an efficacy.

“We are optimistic, hopeful people whose powerful dream is to get families off dirt floors.” A plate on the table states, “I’m grateful for…” Every dinner, they express their gratitude as well as what they want to do. They want to advance their business, UP standing for “Unlocking Potential.” It began with quick drying concrete and the idea to build foundations for houses and schools. Six months ago, Alex flew to Guatemala with some fire buddies to test the model. It “went fantastic!"

The couple’s business has now partnered with a company in Texas in order to establish "Bright Light Corporate” which offers team building service programs for corporations. This provides companies with a more powerful international opportunity to fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility needs. The Global Service Learning Programs include building construction, teaching and technology, and environmental sustainability. All of these programs incorporate cultural learning and adventure such as offering local cooking classes or an exploration of the program’s region. Powerful dream indeed. We celebrate this determined couple and support their notion to take a “quantum leap” ensuring a hopeful future.

The SECURE Act Presents Some Big Changes for IRA & 401(k) Owners On December 20th, 2019 Congress passed a spending bill which included some long-overdue improvements to IRA, 401(k) and College 529 features. The policy makes changes to retirement accounts by adding more flexibility on when contributions can be made, the required distribution ages, and what distributions can be taken without penalty.

Below are some of the highlights to be aware of:

Key Changes: • Repeals the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, which is currently 70½.

-Anyone with earned income can contribute to an IRA, even

if they’ve begun taking required minimum distributions.

• Increases the required minimum distribution (RMD) age for retirement accounts to 72 (up from 70½).

-Anyone who hasn’t begun taking RMDs can wait until the

year they turn 72. If you turned 70.5 in 2019, you still must

stay on schedule.

• Allows long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans.

-In the past, most employees were ineligible to contribute to

a 401(k) if they worked under 1,000 hours per year. Now

employees who’ve worked 1,000 hours in one year, or over

500 hours over 3 years should be eligible.

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

• Small business owners can receive a tax credit for starting a retirement plan in 2020.

-The start-up credit is $250 per non-highly compensated

employee, and is spread out over 3 years. This applies to

businesses with up to 100 employees.

• Permits parents to withdraw up to $5,000 (If married, each spouse can withdraw $5,000) from retirement accounts penalty-free within a year of birth or adoption of a child.

• Allows parents to withdraw up to $10,000 from College 529 plans to repay student loans.

• Inherited IRA or 401(k) account must be drawn down within 10 years following the death of the account holder.

-Exceptions include assets left to a surviving spouse,

a minor child, a disabled or chronically ill beneficiary, and

beneficiaries who are less than 10 years younger than the

original account owner.

Of course, this information is general in nature and shouldn’t be considered investment, legal or tax advice. If you’d like to review how the Secure Act impacts your specific situation, please call our office at 530.487.1777.

Renée Michel, MBA and Joe Sweeney, CFP® | 196 Cohasset Road, Suite 100, Chico CA 95926 (530) 487-1777 | renee@sweeneymichel.com | joe@sweeneymichel.com | www.sweeneymichel.com Advisory services also offered through Sweeney & Michel, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Sweeney & Michel, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Sweeney & Michel, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.

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Room By Room The rainy days of February are the perfect backdrop for organizing your home.

Sometimes the weight of all our things can almost suffocate us. We open a cabinet and the chaotic piles of mismatched Tupperware containers overwhelm us. We long for the freedom of opening the door to a simply stocked shelf equipped with just the necessities. But where do we begin?

When viewed as a whole, it can seem like too big a task to complete and it’s so much easier to step away and put it off until later… but often later never comes. Separating it into smaller chunks makes the task seem less forbidding. It is the opposite of not seeing the forest for the trees…in this instance you want to see the trees and not the forest.

So, let’s break it down room-by-room starting with the place you probably spend the most time in and move on down the list.

The Kitchen • Mismatched or broken food storage containers. Look through your drawers and cabinets and match top to bottom of each container. If there are extras or unusable ones, put them in your recycle bin.

• Appliances you don’t use. That waffle maker that takes up so much space in the back of your cabinet or that salad spinner you’ve never used can really be a space hog. Pack them up and donate them to someone who will make good use of them.

• Plastic utensils. If that’s your go to silverware then keep it, otherwise let the kids use them in their school lunches or take them to work as a backup.

• Condiment packets. Pack them up and use them when your camping or backpacking or bring them to the break room to share when someone forgets their own.

The Family Room • Newspapers. Keep one on hand for starting fires or to protect areas if you’re crafting, but recycle the rest.

• Magazines. You do not need the whole magazine for one amazing recipe, simply cut out the recipe and put it in a recipe file.

• Expired coupons. Those piles of mailer coupons that have been hiding on the corner of the table are just waiting to be looked over and recycled.

• Old cell phones. Remove the SIM cards and pack the phones up to donate to an organization like Cell Phones for Soldiers. If you go to the website, cellphonesforsoldiers.com, you can print off a shipping label and help a service member with your old phone.

• Markers and Pens. Assign this job to your little one, if they don’t write then throw them away.

The Closet

• Unused extra suitcases. Keep a few suitcases of different size and structure to use depending on the type of trip you’ll take and then take the extras to a foster family agency so children can use their very own suitcase instead of a paper bag to move into a new home.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Getting Rid Of Clutter

• Old linens. If you have old towels, sheets, or blankets that you’re keeping just in case, why not donate them to the Butte Humane Society. A lonely kitty or puppy would love to snuggle up with it and the volunteers can always use help with keeping the kennels clean.

• Shoes. If you haven’t worn them in a few years, then donate them to Goodwill or set up an account on Poshmark and start selling.

The Bathroom • Old sunblock. If you bought it more than three years ago or it’s past the expiration date, you should throw it out because it won’t protect you as effectively.

• Old makeup. If it’s been over a year since you’ve used them or they’ve changed in odor, color, or thickness you should discard them. Makeup can be the perfect place for germs to take up residence and could result in breakouts or infections.

• Old prescriptions. Check the expiration dates on your medications and contact the pharmacy to see how best to dispose of them.

• Half-filled shampoo and soap bottles.

Line them up and make a point to use up one before you go on to the next, or combine them and create your own personal shampoo mix.

• Mismatched socks. Keep a drawer or basket aside for the loners and if a match isn’t found after a month, then move get rid of them.

Eliminating those things we do not need or want, room by room, cabinet by cabinet, is the first step in freeing ourselves from the weight of our things. “Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.” Christina Scalise

• Clothing you don’t wear. Whether you don’t fit in them anymore or you just never pull it out of the closet, donate it to someone who will appreciate and use it instead.

It is time to face that cabinet chaos, make those decisions, and begin uncluttering your life, one room at a time.

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From the outside, the jackfruit looks like an intimidating fruit to eat, with its large size and spiky texture. However, once cut, the fruit reveals its true treasure, with beautiful pods and a taste that can be compared to other tropical fruits such as bananas or mangos. Jackfruit can be served in a variety of ways including on its own, in curries and rice dishes, and as a meat alternative.

In tropical regions Jackfruit trees, grow extremely tall, with some trees being able to reach up to 70 feet. Not only are the trees big, but so is the jackfruit that it produces.

Although most jackfruit weigh between 10– 60 pounds, the heaviest jackfruit according to Guinness weighed in at around 94 pounds, making it the largest and heaviest tree borne-fruit.

Although no one is sure of the exact origins of the jackfruit, it is believed to have originated from the Western Ghats, a mountain range on the India’s western coast, which also produces other tropical fruits such as pineapple and pomegranates.

One of the most popular ways in which jackfruit is eaten is in idli, a savoury rice cake that is a common breakfast item in southern India. To make idli, jackfruit pods are added to soaked rice grains along with jaggery powder, coconut shavings, and salt. These items are then grinded to make a batter, added to banana leaves, 44

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and steamed for about 20 minutes. When the idli is done cooking, it’s served best along with ghee or chutney. Jackfruit is also commonly used as an ingredient in curries and can be made into a chip as well by deep frying half-ripe jackfruit slices that are coated in tumeric.

One of the more interesting uses of jackfruit is its ability to be used as a meat alternative.

Due to its fibrous texture, jackfruit is commonly used to create plant-based versions of meat such as pulled pork and shredded chicken. Jackfruit, when it’s not ripe, is also great at absorbing different spices and seasonings, making it easy to change the jackfruit’s original flavor. For these meat alternative recipes, its best to use jackfruit that is canned in water or brine.

Jackfruits are not only tasty but have lots of health benefits as well. They are a great source of potassium, a mineral that helps to reduce blood pressure. Jackfruits are also a good source of Vitamin C, which helps to build strong immune systems as well as produce collagen, a protein that maintains healthy skin, bones, and connective tissues.

Although the size and texture of jackfruit will deter some, the jackfruit is a delicious and versatile fruit that should be used in a variety of vegan dishes as well as eaten on its own as a delicious and healthy snack.

WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG

The Deliciously Intimidating Fruit

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INGREDIENTS: • 32 large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 16 slices bacon, cut in half Brown sugar rub: • ½ cup brown sugar • 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp smoked paprika • ½ tsp salt • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lay bacon on foil wrapped baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, turn over

and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until almost cooked through. Take bacon off the pan and place onto paper towels to drain.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar rub ingredients. Line a baking sheet with foil, place a rack on the pan. Wrap each piece of shrimp in one piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick and place on rack.

Spoon rub onto one side of shrimp and coat evenly.

Bake in the oven for about 6 to 10 minutes until shrimp is cooked and bacon is crisp. Serve hot.

FOR MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES, CONTACT SHELLEY'S CREATIVE CATERING AT 530.890.8277 OR VISIT CREATIVECATERING.NET

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Chocolate Say It With

Sometime back in 2000–2001, I worked with Bora, a creative young bartender at the time. We were goofing around with every bartender's enemy, the blender, when he poured a sample of his smooth concoction into a small glass and handed me the “Monkey’s Lunch”. There is not much to disclose besides the ice cream, banana and chocolate from that drink, but what I do remember is, that despite my distaste for bananas, I still enjoyed the overall flavor and certainly the theme behind it. What made the Monkey’s Lunch palatable for me was the chocolate.

Chocolate is strange: it’s universal, like the language of love, yet has so many expressions: sweet, dark, white (not really even a chocolate), etc... While it’s been debated that you can be addicted to chocolate, certainly we all know a chocoholic or two, there is no doubt most folks do, to some degree, love chocolate, obviously making it a wonderful ingredient to share with your heart’s mate.

Let’s explore some variations on this theme.

Some Like It Hot

A warm cup of hot cocoa is an indulgence on its own even to most adults. It’s easy to spike the contents of your cup and saucer, while spicing things up at the same time. Rumchata is a delicious creamy liqueur that warms the soul with a notion of cinnamon toast. For a spicier heat, add a little fresh cinnamon and cayenne pepper to your cocoa and add some Kahlua or even a reposado tequila due to the inherent vanilla and caramel flavors. Or keep it simple, Malibu Rum and hot cocoa for the coconut lovers is a hit. You almost can’t go wrong by adding some vanilla vodka and whipped cream. Finally, if wine is your thing, add a little to your cocoa for a remarkable treat. I think “Freakshow” Petite Petit from Michael David, a petite sirah/petit verdot blend is a fantastic pairing, however you may try your favorite jammy zinfandel instead. Either way, you are ready to cuddle on the couch for some downtime and soft conversation.

Shake It Up!

This is where having a more extensive liquor selection is helpful.

The diversity of flavor is well worth the extra time and effort.

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A little creativity, or simply some cash, a subscription to liquor.com, and a pinterest account will result in a wide variety of chocolate concoctions. Ingredients like Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream, as well as cold brew coffee or chocolate syrup can be added to more common items like vanilla vodka and creme de cacao. Any combination is sure to provide the perk for the evening your tastebuds were asking craving, like you have your own youtube channel. Really want to challenge yourself? Combine ice, Irish Cream, half & half, and light Creme de Cacao in one mixing tin with ice, vodka, Kahlua and dark chocolate liquor in another. Shake both well and attempt to separate the light mixture above the darker in a cocktail glass. In the end, there’s no shortage of recipes you will find online or in your home bartender manual. I strongly encourage you to look up the Colorado Bulldog for a great recipe and the surprise ingredient, cola!

Netflix And Sip

If you have a blender at hand, you will no doubt find some excitement in crafting a smooth and delicious frosted masterpiece.

With stars like vanilla ice cream, half & half, and supporting roles from any variety of Hershey’s syrups, chilled coffee or your favorite cordial, you’ll produce a flavor blockbuster. Much like the shaken cocktails, ingredients that you think will go together usually will. The more daringly decadent you choose to make it, the greater you push your sweet tooth to its edge. Chocolate martinis and coladas are on the simpler side to their non chocolate counterparts, or try creating your favorite candy bars by using crisped rice, malt, peanut butter, caramel or chopped nuts. Also, some pre-made cocktails are for sale in stores, like the TGIF Mudslide, making it all the easier to snuggle while binge watching your saved list.

Order your flowers early, word your card’s message from the heart, and if you’re going to have an evening beverage this Valentine’s Day, say it with chocolate.

COCKTAIL ADVICE

VIA

JASON CORONA

For more cocktail tips, give Jason a call at 530.591.2634.

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Balancing Act

When thinking about pairing your wine with food, imagine them as partners, both assisting each other, and neither working to outshine the other. Bold foods need a bold wine that will not pale in comparison to rich flavors, while delicate foods need a lighter wine so the flavors do not overwhelm each other. When working towards assessing wine to pair, take clues from its color, grape variety, and alcohol level—wines with fewer than 12 percent alcohol tend to be lighterbodied; while those with more than 14 percent lean towards a heavier body.

WRITTEN BY JESSICAN DOLAN CLARENDON

dish and the glass. The same rule applies for the meal: if you can barely hold down mahi mahi, there is no wine pairing in the world that will make it your new favorite dish.

Red Fish Not With Blue Fish

Rescue TA S T E B U D S T O T H E

Wine can be intimidating. There are many wine-producing countries, dizzying amounts of grape varieties, myriad regions, and even more producers. When attempting to learn more, it will still leave you feeling overwhelmed. Contrary to how it may feel, when pairing food and wine, you do not have to learn a sophisticated language for selecting the right generational variety to enhance your meal. It is not organic chemistry. A few simple tricks will help you have fun and enjoy wine-and-food pairings.

In my family, we like to ‘dine’. Not because we are particularly cosmopolitan but rather we believe food, and the beverage that accompanies it, should be enjoyed with a certain amount of intention. Dining can feel like a fun experiment and with experience

you may be able to discover spectacular matches that dramatically improve both the meal and the wine. However, the focus of your efforts should be devoted to enhancing your experience above all else.

Drink And Eat What You Like

You can really stop after this one. No matter how many tastings you attend or all the sommelier’s you’ve listened to, your taste buds have the best insight into what you enjoy. Choose a wine that you would want to drink regardless of the menu. It is best when starting out not to expect a food match will improve a wine you do not like.

Consequently, even if the pairing does not land as designed, you will still enjoy what you are drinking. At worst, you might need a sip of water or a bite of bread between the

Since a meal does not usually consist of one item, start with matching your wine to the most distinguishable element in the dish. This does not always mean the main ingredient. The trick is to identify the most dominant flavor in the meal, which is most often the sauce or seasonings, rather than the main event. Consider two different chicken dishes: Chicken Parmigiana, with a browned surface and a deep tomato sauce and cheese, versus a grilled chicken breast in a light lemon sauce. The full, earthy flavors of the Parmigiana tilt it toward a full, supple red, while the simpler, citrus flavors of the latter might pair better with a fresh white

Trial and Error

The experience of pairing your wine with food should be stimulating and fun. You may have times that feel more successful than others. If you are looking to try, map out a few restaurants around town—starting with light appetizers and delicate whites and work your way up to a bold dinner with rich, bold reds. You may never truly know how the wine or food would taste without the other, but if you stick to rule number one you cannot go wrong.

Yes, wine pairing and the thought of getting it “just right” can be intimidating. Of course, it is not like walking into Sierra Nevada and ordering a Bud Light. We all know more than we think and certainly know what we like.

Sticking with that will never let you down.

Oh, and always remember to have a toast at the ready!

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WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG

FROM YOUR VALENTINE Every February 14th, people all across the world celebrate Valentine’s Day with their special someone. Couples buy each other gifts, go on romantic dinners, and share a full day with those who are the most important to them. Valentine’s Day has been around for a long time, and its origin is a little dark for a day now surrounded by love.

Valentine’s Day dates all the way back to the third century. The day itself is believed to be named after a Roman priest, St. Valentine, who was also a Roman soldier under the command of Emperor Claudius II. At the time, Emperor Claudis II had banned marriage, as he believed it made men reluctant to join the army due to their attachment to their wives and families. St. Valentine disagreed with the law, and continued to officiate marriages for couples in secrecy.

When Emperor Claudius II had figured out what St. Valentine was doing, Claudius sentenced St. Valentine to jail and a gruesome execution, which took place on the day of February 14th. However, before St. Valentine passed, he left a love letter for a loved one, ending the note with the infamous line “From your Valentine.”

Valentine’s Day eventually spread in popularity, with the day being celebrated in countries such as Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Valentine’s Day began to become popular in the United States around the 18th century, where it was common for friends and lovers to share hand-written notes and gifts of appreciation with one another. Although hand-written cards and notes were extremely popular, there was a sad shift from hand-made cards to commercially printed cards due to technological advancements.

The first commercially printed card was created by Esther Howland, who made cards decorated with red lace, ornamental flowers, and romantic verses that were shared among lovers. Although she was not the first person to create Valentine’s cards, she was the first in the United States to popularize it, resulting in her the nickname “The Mother of the American Valentine.”

According to the Greeting Card Association, Valentine’s Day is the most popular card-sending holiday with an estimated 145 million 52

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cards sent out every year. The National Retail Foundation has also done studies on Valentine’s Day spending as well, revealing sums reaching up to $18.2 million in 2016. The National Retail Foundation estimates that about $4.3 million is spent on jewelry, $2 billion on flowers, and about $1 million on cards.

Even though there is lots of spending on Valentine’s Day, the amount of people actually celebrating Valentine’s Day has been declining, especially within the age group 18–34 years of age, according to a survey done by the National Retail Foundation.

From 2009–2019, the percentage of people who claimed they would celebrate Valentine’s Day dropped from 72% to 52%, stating reasons such as over commercialization, having nobody to spend the day with, or simply not being interested.

Although spending may be a big part of Valentine’s Day in the United States, other countries have different traditions when it comes to this day. For example, in the Philippines, it is common for mass weddings to be held on Valentine’s Day. On this special day of love, hundreds of thousands of couples gather at one location to be wed, with all the couples saying “I do” with one another at the same time. Many brides and grooms choose to go this route for their wedding because they are unable to afford the costs of a banquet, flowers, and cake among many other things, all of which is provided free-of-cost during these mass weddings. In Denmark, men give out not only Valentine’s Day cards, but a joking card as well, referred to as a gaekkebrev. On these cards, the men give their lover a funny poem or rhyme on intricately cut paper without revealing their names or identity. If the lover is able to guess the sender correctly, then they will receive a gift later that year.

Although Valentine’s Day’s origins started out quite gruesome, it has evolved into a holiday where lovers and crushes are able to show their emotions of love and affection towards one another.

Each country may celebrate the day a little bit differently, but in the end, it is most assuredly, all about love.

Labor Law Love It’s a new decade, new year, new resolutions, and most importantly for small business owners, new labor laws.

These constant updates can be impossible to keep up with, but the fines for not following them can be costly, so let’s make a resolution this year to be in compliance with California’s statutory developments!

Here’s a few changes to start out with: • The ABC Test for classifying independent contractors has expanded. There are seven sets of criteria an employer must follow.

These tests can be tricky, so always ensure you’re legally correct when applying them to your company needs.

• If your payroll process is not down perfectly, you could end up paying a lot in civil penalties! Employees no longer have to go through the Labor Commissioner to recover their losses, which range from $100–$200 per employee and 25% of the wages that weren’t paid on time.

• Minimum wage AND minimum salary has increased. Not only does this mean your costs are going up, but it also means your salaried employees may no longer be eligible —classification criteria should be re-evaluated annually.

• By January 1, 2021, anyone with 5 or more employees needs to conduct sexual harassment training—one hour for employees and two hours for supervisors. There is a detailed requirement of who and how the training should be conducted. Reach out to us if you’d like to know more.

Those are just a few of the changes among many, so like we always say, "know what you know, know what you don’t know, and know who knows what you don’t know”. Contact HRiQ to make sure you’re protected today.

HRIQ–HUMAN RESOURCES + PAYROLL 236 Broadway Suite #B,Chico, CA 95928 Shelby@upyourhriq.com | Upyourhriq.com 530.680.4747

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If you’d like to explore the area on foot and want to get a little extra exercise, you can head over to North Rim Adventure Sports (northrimadventure.com) and rent a tandem bicycle. Riding tandem is the epitome of teamwork. The front rider or captain is in charge of steering and braking, which means they have to earn and keep the trust of the rear rider. Both riders need to pedal in sync, so compromise is needed in not going too fast or too slow. As a pedaling team you can cycle yourselves through the park, around town, or even out past the orchards.

Reimagined Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day has been celebrated for centuries. In 1477 Margery Brews wrote the oldest surviving Valentine’s letter in the English language. In it she tells her fiancé, her “right well-beloved valentine’ that she is “not in good health of body nor of heart, nor shall {she} be till {she} hears from {him}”. Today, as in centuries past, the holiday is often celebrated with cards holding similar sentiments, flowers, gifts, and special meals. What if you’re bored with the traditional approach of celebrating love and friendship? What if you’re looking for a unique way to spend the day, a fresh perspective on your world as a couple? Why not learn something new together, explore together or just head out and play together?

Take A Class Together

“Learning new things together strengthens bonds because it is at those moments we can show our vulnerability to one another,” says psychiatrist Dr. Hisla Bates, M.D..

You can learn the intricacies of preparing sushi and then perfect those skills at home together for a unique Valentine’s Day meal. The Rawbar (rawbarchico.com) in downtown Chico is offering a Sushi 101 class on February 9 at 12:00 p.m. They’ll have butchery demonstrations, hands on nigiri, sashimi, hand cones, tempura, and sauces.

Maybe you’d rather learn in the comfort of your own home. Top Chef University offers an app that teaches professional cooking techniques and food preparation methods, along with specific recipes. You can purchase individual lessons, entire classes or even access the whole university on demand from the app.

If cooking isn’t your dish, head to one of the local dance studios and see about signing up for a lesson together. Downtown Dance Chico is planning on holding a dance and lesson over Valentine’s weekend.

Check out their website to see which type of dance class they’ll be offering: downtowndancechico.com.

Explore Together

Exploring the world around you as a couple allows you to connect and problem solve as a team, which strengthens your relationship.

Puzzlingadventures.com has a scavenger hunt set up for downtown Chico. You can get a voucher for the game from Groupon and then grab your mobile phone and head out to discover the city. The game is a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and a self-guided tour. You will be guided through town answering questions and solving puzzles in order to get the next set of instructions. Points are earned for

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

answering questions correctly and taking photos of various sights. You lose points for too much time spent between stops and time spent looking for answers. This hunt covers 1.5 miles and should take between 60–120 minutes.

Play Together

A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2000 sites that “couples who participate in novel and arousing (vs. mundane) activities reported improved relationship quality as well as increased passion for one another.” There are so many unique activities to try in Butte county picking just one for a Valentine’s Day excursion may be difficult.

You could take a cue from Cupid and go practice your archery skills together at Down Range in Chico (downrangechico.com). The archery range fee is just $15 an hour and includes rentals.

Yet another novel play idea is an escape room. Chico Escape Rooms (chicoescaperoomscom.resova.us) offers a few different games to try, including Baker Street Mystery and Aunt Edna’s Condo. You’ll enter one of the themed rooms and have a certain amount of time allotted to ‘escape’.

There are hidden clues and riddles to solve as you move closer and closer to freedom.

Check under rugs, rearrange paintings, search for numbers for a padlock and unlock the mystery of the room.

Valentine’s day doesn’t have to mean roses, candy, and a candlelit dinner. It could be learning the tango, discovering Chico’s charms or solving puzzles together. Whatever you choose, however you celebrate the day, doing it together and making it special for your “right well-beloved valentine” is what matters.

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WRITTEN BY NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY BRIAN LUONG

Fishing For The Perfect Valentine?

As a child, the week leading up to Valentine’s Day was always eventful. At my elementary school, Valentine’s Day celebrations consisted of decorating the classroom, creating decorative red cards for our parents, and constructing our own “mailbox” where our Valentines were delivered.

It was mandatory that every child give a Valentine to each of their classmates so that no one was excluded. I loved going to the store with my parents and spending an ungodly amount of time pondering which premade design I wanted to give to my classmates.

This is probably one reason I eventually became a designer. After choosing my Valentine I would spend hours writing little notes on each Valentine in my finest glitter gel pens.

Nowadays, I see my friends and family creating Valentines with their kids instead of buying them. The Valentines they’ve produced are brilliant and beyond creative, making me look forward to crafting them with my kid one day.

While there is no right or wrong way to celebrate the holiday, here are a few out of-the-box ideas for a DIYed Valentine that you can create with your loved one!

Friendship Rocks

Collect, or purchase, flat lava rocks. Using red or pink paint, dip your thumb into the paint and use your thumbprint to create one side of the heart. Repeat for the second side. When dry add a face and limbs to your heart creating a heart figurine. On the other side of the rock use a paint pen to add a note that your Valentine can keep year round.

Fishing You A Happy Valentine’s Day

Create a fish bowl Valentine by assembling items into a clear plastic bag. You’ll need to create a fishbowl either by printing one off the internet or hand drawing one. Add a cute saying to 56

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the fishbowl such as “I’m so glad we are in the same school”, “You’re a great catch”, or “I’m hooked on you”. When you're finished with the structure of the Valentine, sprinkle a handful of goldfish or the Swedish Fish candies into the bag and secure with a tie.

Love Bug Fruit Cups

Purchase see-through fruit cups in a variety of different flavors.

Flip the fruit cup upside down so that the round part of the cup is at the top and the flat part on the bottom. Begin building your love bug by adding a pair of googly eyes, use pipe cleaners to create antennas, and cut a pair of feet from construction paper or felt. Adhere these items with a hot glue gun then finish off your love bug by adding spots and wings with colored sharpies.

You’re The Bomb

Using a pack of rolos, life savers, or any other candy that comes in a tube shape, create a Dynamite Valentine. Wrap the candy in a red piece of paper and add a black or gold pipe cleaner at the top for the wick. Add a tag to your Valentine saying “You’re the bomb”, “You’re dynamite”, or your own twist on a version of those two. If you want to stay clear of candy, a chapstick can also be used.

Your Friendship Blows Me Away

Using a piece of card stock paper create a digital Valentine or draw one yourself using the phrase “Your friendship blows me away.” Near either the right or left side of the Valentine use a hole punch to create two holes about a quarter inch apart.

Purchase a Blow Pop lollipop or a tube of bubbles (or both) and attach it to the paper through the holes using a piece of string or ribbon.

Now get to creating, crafting, and delighting your Valentine!

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T H E 2 1 ST C E N T U R Y I N

Love Songs Singing about love has been around since love itself with musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, and Whitney Houston all touching our hearts from the moment they touched the microphone.

Although the music industry and the style of music itself has changed, love has continued to be a universal topic throughout all genres. With February, the month of love arriving, it allows us time to look back on some of the best love songs to come out in the 21st century.

Godspeed by Frank Ocean (2016)

Godspeed is the second to last song off of Frank Ocean’s Blonde which game out in 2016. The song is one of the album’s most emotional songs and speaks on the topic of always being there for someone even if they may no longer be in your life, and wishing them godspeed on their next journey in life.

On Godspeed, Frank sings, “I will always love you how I do Let go of a prayer for you Just a sweet word The table is prepared for you.”

Under Control by The Strokes (2003)

The Strokes caught fire off of their first album Is This It and followed with an impressive sophomore album Room on Fire that reached #4 on the US Billboard 200. The song dives into the headspace of how it feels to seemingly “Under Control” of things such as timing and fate and how relationships are often out of one’s grasp.

Julian Cassablanca sings on the chorus of the song, “We were young darling, We don’t have no control We’re out of control.”

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Snoh Aalegrah has received tons of praise for her strong vocals and is often compared to the likes of legendary Amy Winehouse for her singing and songwriting. On her single I Want You Around, Snoh confesses her complicated feelings on love over laid-back pianos in one of her most emotional songs ever, creating an intimate view of how it feels truly be head-over-heels for your lover. Snoh opens up the song by singing, “It's not that I don't want you here (yeah, yeah) It's somethin' 'bout the way you stare into my eyes I know that I don't make things clear I fall for you every time I try to resist you.”

Into You by Fabolous Ft. Tamia (2003)

Although this song isn’t the original version that Tamia released in 1998, it still features her on her infamous hook and an all new verse by Fabolous on the song’s 2003 remix.

So Into You is a 2000s R&B classic, featuring dreamy vocals from Tamia as she sings about how her lover makes her feel, stating, “I really like what you've done to me I can't really explain it I'm so into you.”

Adorn by Miguel (2012)

Adorn was a single off of Miguel’s album Kaleidoscope Dream and was inspired by a series of dreams that Miguel had after being away from his wife for an extended period of time. Miguel writes on a series of topics on this song, speaking on how he’s willing to fight for his lover, how he can’t wait to see her smile, and how he wants to adorn his partner with all of his love and affection. The song itself is slow and intimate with smooth vocals from Miguel and an addictive hook.

Miguel sings, “Baby these fists, will always protect ya, lady And this mind, will never neglect you And if they try to break us down, Don’t let that affect us, no baby.”

Although music changes, the universal theme of love will continue to stay strong as time goes on. Share these new songs with someone you love this upcoming Valentine’s Day.

WRITTEN BY BRIAN LUONG

I Want You Around by Snoh Aalegrah (2019)

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WRITTEN & PHOTOS BY BRIAN LUONG

Everything Vintage, Except the Purpose Nicolette Gamache has an eye for everything vintage. Whether it be including brooches, necklaces, and earrings. The upside of making drawing inspiration from European cathedrals, going to art galleries jewelry from old pieces is how sustainable the process is and being with her father, or visiting her mother in Germany, Nicolette uses able to reduce the waste which commonly accompanies design. these inspirations as part of her own jewelry design. “I always liked “Any scrap I have gets reused, absolutely. All the stones I use are design. Both of my parents are artists, so for me, it was almost sustainable because they were made anywhere from 1850 to 1950,” inevitable that I get into some kind of jewelry design,” Nicolette said. Nicolette said.

Although she was interested in design growing up, Nicolette didn’t always envision herself as a jewelry designer. She planned on and became an architect, but when she quit her job at age 19 and decided to focus on jewelry design, there was no looking back for her. The transition was rough as living in San Francisco without a secure income was not easy. However, Nicolette persevered, growing her client base and began to make a successful living off jewelry design alone.

When Nicolette first started making jewelry, she was using materials such as mylar foil and Swarovski crystals. During that particular period, Nicolette described the scene as focusing on big, flashy pieces. Now, her design is more focused, simplistic, and draws inspiration from Victorian Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Some of her favorite pieces to design is her Victorian button jewelry line with unique, antique buttons that can date all the way back to the 1860s. What draws her to these vintage buttons and designs are the fact that these items all have a story and history behind them.

“Almost every single one is a one of a kind—they’re all set in sterling silver and they’re antiques, so they’re kind of priceless that way,” Nicolette said.

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Since moving to Chico over five years ago, Nicolette has had a huge impact on the community. When the Camp Fire hit Paradise in 2018, Nicolette, along with many others in the community were stuck thinking of ways in which they could help. After a day of reflection and work, Nicolette went to Silver Dollar Fairgrounds with over 100 pieces of jewelry, handing them out to community members and listening to their stories. To this day, she’s given out almost 3,000 pieces and still has more to give to anyone who was not only affected by the Camp Fire, but those who have gone through experiences of things such as depression, sexual assault, and self harm.

Although Nicolette isn’t from Chico, she feels as if she’s now a part of this community after connecting with so many people in Butte county, and considers Chico a place to call home.

“I felt really happy here, but now I feel at home,” Nicolette said.

NICOLETTE’S JEWELRY CAN BE FOUND AT CHICO PAPER COMPANY, 345 BROADWAY. HER JEWELRY CAN ALSO BE FOUND ONLINE AT NICOLETTE’S JEWELRY ON FACEBOOK AND ETSY. FOR SURVIVORS INTERESTED IN RECEIVING JEWELRY, NICOLETTE CAN BE REACHED ON FACEBOOK AS WELL AT JEWELRY FOR SURVIVORS.

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F EB RUARY C O MMU N IT Y CA L E N DAR 14 1 ANNUAL S H EEP & ME AT GOAT EDU CATIO N DAY 311 Nicholas C Schouten Lane, Chico 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Our Annual Educational Day is moving up one week! We will be planning a standard set of workshops on all things necessary for showing, but also some science based workshops as well. We will offer the skillathon again during the workshops.

There will be a 4-H, FFA/Independent, and Adult division!

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GU GU DRUM GRO U P FRO M S H ANGHA I Laxson Auditorium, Chico 7:30 p.m.

This award-winning group will be presenting a theatrical drama depicting historical and culturally significant drum compositions showcasing the various percussive instruments used in ancient drum music. Featuring drum vignettes based on timeless Chinese proverbs, fables, and fairy tales, this performance highlights the unity, human evolution, awareness, wisdom, social commitment, and communication that ancient drumming has as its history.

CUPCAKE PAINT AN D SI P The Chico Taproom, Chico 6:00–8:00 p.m.

This cupcake painting is a perfect treat.

Relaxed atmosphere and forty taps for you to choose whatever drink you love. Artist or not, you'll have a fun time painting this canvas. Must be 21+ to attend.

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VA L E N T I N E 'S DAY

W AY N E B RA DY Gold Country Casino, Oroville 8:00 p.m., Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

Wayne Brady is six-time Emmy awardwinning and Grammy nominated actor, singer, dancer, improviser, songwriter and television personality. Wayne Brady continues to bring powerful performances to the screen and stage.

Must be 21+ to attend.

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THE K E L LY T WI N S DUE L I N G P I A N O S Argus Bar + Patio, Chico 8:00–10:00 p.m.

Back in Chico, come join The Kelly Twins on the patio (or inside, depending on weather)! All request, sing along, dance along jubilee.

the major retailers include Sportsman’s Warehouse, Down Range Indoor Training Center, Out West Outdoors, Deadeye Outfitters ,and Outdoor Ally. There will be over 100 vendors and activities for every age such as archery tag and climbing wall. Hunting and fishing films will be playing throughout the three-day event.

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TI E S & T I A RA S Kinetics Academy Of Dance, Chico February 15 & 16 Fathers and daughters (or grandfathers and granddaughters) can experience a very special moment together this Valentine's Day. This event includes crafts, games, dancing and a tea party.

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CH I CO S P O RTS M A N ’ S E X P O 2 0 2 0 Silver Dollar Fair Grounds, Chico February 21 to 23 Everything from outdoor apparel to hunting, fly-fishing, boating, hiking, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, and off-road utility equipment. A few of

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C H I CO AQ UA J E TS C RA B FEED 1705 Manzanita Place, Chico 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join the Chico AquaJets for a night of all you can eat crab, tri-tip, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. There will also be live & silent Auctions, CASA Hall of Fame inductions, and a full bar.

D U R H A M A L M O N D B LO SS O M 5K/10K RUN Durham High School, Durham 9:00 a.m.

This event includes a 5K/10K run with chip timing provided by Under the Sun Events.

Participants may choose from long-sleeved technical shirts or short-sleeved polycotton blend and everyone will receive a finisher's medal.

2 0 2 0 C H I L I CO O K O FF Sierra Steel Harley-Davidson, Chico 12:00–4:00 p.m.

Sign up today for Sierra Steel's 2020 Chili Cook Off. Email your name and phone number to Events@SierrasteelHD.com or stop by and sign up in any department!

2 20 Looking Through A Cracked Rearview Mirror

At the end of Bob Seeger’s “Night Moves,” he changes the undulating reference of the phrase as a noun into its clever use as a verb. “Ain’t it funny how the night moves…” and ends “With autumn closing in.” Mine is closing with frightening rapidity. Brings me back to another ‘lesson’ I presented to senior classes called—The CD is Me. It required a compilation of 12 to 15 songs resulting in the CD being a reflection of each student’s life to date. The replication was complete, with front cover picture and title, back cover with list of songs, and burned CD. In old school fashion, there was a pull-out featuring ‘liner notes’. In this case, the notes were explanations of the how and why of each song. It’s one of the coolest, fragile, and exposing assignments ever. They shared and then wrote CD reviews like the ones in People Magazine, furthering the vulnerability and intimacy. Recently, on walks I’ve been reminded of the lesson by listening to Kenny Chesney sing, “We all have a song that somehow stamped our lives.” Then, Brett Eldredge relays, “Every life has a soundtrack.” Indeed.

I wondered what it would look like now. Probably a playlist, a reflection of life to date. It would be an annotated list, with an explanation and evidence of each song. Like the New Year’s letter, I never attempted this. By way of rectifying, I offer, with trepidation, my annotated “Life Playlist.” The first song serves as the title and should be the last too. The list is intentionally not chronological.

KD’s Life Playlist, a baker’s dozen:

• Isn’t She Lovely Stevie Wonder. Got to shed tears for both births. “I never thought through love we’d be making one as lovely as she.”

• Running on Empty Jackson Browne. My theme song at 35, now more the truth. “Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive.”

• Losing My Religion R.E.M. It’s not that I lost my belief, more separating from the buildings and ambiguity. “Life is bigger, it’s bigger than you and you are not me.”

• In the Living Years Mike & The Mechanics. Fractured family is no fun. “You say you just don’t see it he says it’s perfect sense, you just can’t get agreement in this present tense.”

• When I See that Bar Kenny Chesney. For 30 years I worked at a basketball school in Santa Barbara making friendships and memories. “Pieces of our past slowly slip away but time stands still when I walk in this place.” (Longboards on Stearns Wharf) • I Just Called to say I Love You Stevie Wonder. Cringed at the likes of Valentine’s days, birthdays etc...not needing reasons to express my love for Renee. “In fact here’s just another ordinary day.”

• In My Life The Beatles. The song serves as a summary reference to my true love and life in between. “There are places I’ll remember all my life, some forever, not for better.”

• What About Us Pink. Newest addition to list as I fight frustration over the current state of education. “We are problems that want to be solved, we are children that need to be loved, we were willing, we came when you called, but you fooled us, enough is enough.”

• If I Fell The Beatles. I played this for Renee over a landline on a cheap turntable senior year. “I would be sad if our new love was in vain.”

• Feel It Still Portugal. Besides an uplifting beat making you want to move, it also manages to take me back in different directions. “Maybe over it now, but I feel it still.” (6/1/10)

• Paint it Black Rolling Stones. I lost my dad, brother, other family and friends, and far too many students. “I see a line of cars and they’re all painted black with flowers and my love both never to come back.”

• Thinking Out Loud Ed Sheeran. I am an incurable romantic, he still wrote this song. The quintessential definition of Renee and I. In my life. “People fall in love in mysterious ways, maybe just the touch of a hand, me I fall in love with you every single day.”

• Leader of the Band Dan Fogelberg. I referenced this in my eulogy at my Dad’s funeral. “And he gave to me a gift I know I never can repay.”

I leave you with two things, one a question. I am surprised by my list and no longer wonder why the radio can bring a person to tears at a stoplight. So what’s your life playlist?

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