Upgraded Living July 2020

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FROM THE EDITOR Last July, on the Backpage, I wrote a letter to our flag. As we now move into the rising heat in yet another July, masks firmly in place,

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

I would be negligent if I did not recognize the seriousness and relevance of the current state of our country. It too appears on my

AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner

Backpage. I did so by using an actual historic event, vocabulary garnered from the glossary of these times, and a venerable piece

KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief

of literature to answer my burning question. What happens when a pandemic collides with a crisis? I utilized all three to provide an answer, through my eyes, by looking back through a chilling occurrence when I was a junior in high school, my love affair with words and the worth of examining them, and my unmitigated joy of literature that can both challenge and chill us to our very core. My sole purpose is to offer food for thought rather than mere rhetoric for no other reason than the sake of being heard. Read it with eyes wide open and appreciation in your heart.

I once learned from an old friend a rather important lesson—Don’t postpone joy. Well, we certainly heeded that three word piece of advice at a time where we could all benefit from some shot of joy. In

NERISSA QUINN

SHELLY BRANDON

Production Director

Writer

JASON CORONA

FRANK REBELO

Sales Director

Photographer

DARREN MICHELS

MICHELLE CAMY

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer

this month’s issue, we are feeling the joy about our salute to the best drink recipes we could find. Now mind you, they did not come from an internet search. No, they were submitted from our friends and readers, and oh what a collection! The four page spread is stunning in its design and intriguing in the differing examples of myriad drinks with the proper twist to assist in beating the heat. We followed this up with discovering and debating the very best drinking songs ever. We did so by going right back to the same folks who offered their drink recipes. We whittled down the submitted list of 25 to our top ten and what a delightful read it turned out to be. Enjoy and be forced into movement. Finally, I wrote a piece about the joy, need, and quirks of our newfound hobby, Virtual Happy Hours. The sum total of these three pieces, all saluting the motto of not postponing joy, will put a smile on your face, drinks that you’re going to want to try, and songs you will add to your playlist while following a new recipe or two.

Cheers to you and good things around the next bend.

CONTRIBUTORS CALIBER HOME LOANS

JJ MITCHEL

Home

What Are You Comprised Of?

CHRISTAN ALLISON

KEVIN DOLAN

Beauty

Backpage

HRiQ

SWEENEY & MICHEL

Human Resources

Finance

DR. JAKE LENINGTON

DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.

Health

Skin Care

Speaking of good things, our cover story celebrates the amazing 100 year anniversary of the iconic Square Deal Mattress Factory. The story takes you through the entire century and is a wonderful glimpse inside the factory, an introduction to a wonderful family, and their esteemed place in Chico history. We congratulate them and are delighted to share with you their remarkable staying ability.

On to August with its promise of answers to some burning questions...

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 JULY 2020 COMMUNITY

HOME & GARDEN

10 Meet Cool Kid Jordan Bennett, a recent

20 Discover the array of ideas to consider

graduate from PV with an uplifting story.

13 We are excited to introduce you to JJ Mitchell, who serves not only as our Local Spotlight but also is July’s Featured Teacher.

26 Our cover story looks back on the 100 years of Chico’s iconic Square Deal Mattress Factory and celebrates this milestone.

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47 Our Editor-in-Chief takes a serious look at tension and its unfortunate downside.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 14 Everything you never thought about when it comes down allergens in your home.

16 Tips to help out on summer’s unspoken dilemma—constipation.

18 You will be delighted by these secrets to glowing skin year round.

as you go about creating that bold feature wall.

32 The most common raised bed gardening mistakes.

ART & MUSIC 44 Of course we would be remiss if we did not offer up the 10 best drinking songs ever.

So we did.

46 Learn how Cheyenne Ng dresses her walls in moveable colors and textures through the art of macramé.

FEATURE 36 We celebrate July by featuring the recipes from numerous locals referred to affectionately by us as “Quarantinis.” Read and get mixing!

40 We also take a look at the popular way friends and family are getting together— the Virtual Happy Hour.

36 ON THE COVER: SQUARE DEAL MATTRESS FACTORY DESIGN BY: NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY: FRANK REBELO

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Family

Jordan Bennett, PV class of 2020, likes helping people. Afterall, she’s witnessed models of help in every way. She raves about her supportive family, and points to her parents who, “Have sacrificed a lot.”

Her grandparents fortuitously live a mile away and shine brightly on being helpful.

When asked the best thing about PV, she said, “Its sense of community, including teachers, staff, and students.” She went on to point out teacher Amy Besnard, for being so helpful, especially during ‘Covid.’

She marvels at the overall staff and shared that even the yard supervisors “are super upbeat and kind.” She’s also grateful for the student cheering section at all home volleyball matches. Jordan’s passion for helping is well founded.

Jordan’s heart and soul remain in her dogged pursuit as a student athlete.

Balancing both proves challenging.

Considering her schedule this Spring, balancing both seems hardly possible— three AP classes, anatomy, and Spanish IV. Jordan’s single break came from her Art Studio class, serving as a needed “new outlet.” Her classes were challenged by her athletic commitment to volleyball. Her parents and grandparents followed Jordan to surrounding high schools, and to LA and Texas. Volleyball is where she found another role model, her coach JJ Mitchell. When asked where she would be without him.

“Not where I am today. He’s like a family member.” She describes his ability to go 10

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above and beyond as remarkable. In three years on the Viking varsity, Jordan was a part of three league championships and two section titles.

If it is possible for a passion to increase twofold, then Jordan found it to be true when she stepped on the outdoor sand court. Coach Mitchell put it this way, “Jordan is all about work ethic and character. Jordan took up beach volleyball her sophomore winter, and was a part of our first championship in Sacramento.” He pointed out that in a preseason tournament this year, Jordan and her partner won the Santa Monica tournament against two southern league champions from 2019. The pandemic has affected so many, including Jordan’s opportunity to win a state title.

Not surprisingly, Jordan took all this in stride, without complaint or a woe-is-me attitude. Instead, she points to her future.

She will attend Santa Clara University and ‘walk on’ their volleyball program. Typical of Jordan, she applied and received the ROTC scholarship. She said she “was surprised they picked me.” Certainly, those who know Jordan, aren’t one bit surprised.

She considers this a win/win, “two team environments” fulfilling her dogged pursuits.

Jordan emphasized how much she wants people to know “how grateful I am for the people in my life.” She leaves little doubt.

We celebrate Jordan and look forward to her bright future.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTO COURTESY OF JADE BENNETT

T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F

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I am comprised of a sense of nature during exercises in my garden. I am comprised of a connection to a MORNING ROUTINE

village developing tomorrow’s society. I am comprised of watching our captain compete in her final match FAV O R I T E T H I N G A B O U T T E AC H I N G

one night after the Camp Fire destroyed her home. I am comprised of character my mom instilled in me A P E R S O N W H O TA U G H T M E A G R E AT D E A L

S T U D E N T S R E A C T I O N S T H AT S T I C K T O M E

and a passion to go bell to bell. I am comprised of the presence to live in the now, and a love of food.

UNIQUE SKILL

B E ST A DV I C E A B O U T T E AC H I N G & G L A R I N G B A D H A B I T

What are you comprised of?

JJ MITCHELL Pleasant Valley High School Physical Education Instructor & Volleyball Coach

Local Boy. LO CA L S P OT L I G H T O N

Here, at the magazine, we are always on the lookout for community members who qualify to be deemed a local spotlight or local legend. We’re fortunate to live in a place where these candidates abound and have enjoyed shining our bright spotlight on them. This month’s issue is quite unique.

Just like us, if you look at the opposite page, you, too, will discover the subject of this issue’s choice. There he was, in plain sight. Of course he richly deserves to be our featured teacher, but it did not take long to figure out there is more to his story. We are so delighted to bring his story to life.

JJ (John) Mitchell’s path to teaching and coaching was paved through his local roots from Bidwell, Pleasant Valley, and Chico State. Each level showed encouragement, important lessons of perseverance, and bestowed the dual desire to work hard, and take care of the fundamentals. JJ just completed his 27th year as a PE instructor and volleyball coach. After his student teaching, JJ went to Sonoma for his first five fledgling years. He was delighted to return home and spent a decade at Chico High. JJ has finished his 11th year at PV, and in those years, he has emerged a master in many fashions, including his large garden in his backyard.

JJ’s foundation for the desire to teach PE goes back to junior high. John D’Anna and the other instructors, demonstrated that PE is not about rolling the balls out and hoping for the best. Fast forward to JJ’s student teaching year at Chico High under

Sam Simmons. He learned two invaluable, lifelong lessons here. The first is the love of teaching Freshmen, a level many teachers resist. He learned that if the teacher “gets after it,” the students will treat it like they are in the Super Bowl. The other’s so simple, but remains so critical—go bell to bell. Be fully present for the entire duration of each class. JJ has indeed taught 9th graders and lives the ‘bell to bell’ approach.

It all emerged naturally as the only way to approach each and every day.

JJ’s influences in coaching are equally impactful. Notably, this also goes right back to junior high where his interest for volleyball was set in motion. The volleyball units were made up more than "playing.”

The break down drills, teaching, and overall organization sparked a fire in young JJ. In high school, he played basketball and ran cross country. His basketball coach, Denny Varley, is to this day, a huge influence on JJ. It’s evident JJ does not exactly have the quintessential shape of most cross country runners. He ran for Sam Simmons and became the number one runner his senior year. That ability to ‘out work’ his teammates and opponents, pay attention to details, learn the fundamentals, and apply all of it to his coaching, is a testament to these mentors.

The PV girls’ volleyball program has benefitted from this in the last six years.

JJ has changed the culture of this program using a “throwback” approach.

It’s uncomplicated motto has become,

“work harder than anyone.” The flip side of this plan was to gain the understanding how important it is “to be a volleyball player.”

He insisted it all comes down to their work ethics. Working hard comes with training hard and correctly in the nuances and skills.

This meant breaking the game down into its intricacies, not merely scrimmaging, hoping to get better. The result is a revolution these last four years with a long home win streak and league and section championships.

Demanding, pushing, and insisting on repetition of the finite skills is but one side of JJ Mitchell. The other is about caring, paying attention, and his willingness to go above and beyond. For instance, to maintain the work ethic, JJ opened up a volunteer Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 a.m. training sessions. These mornings looked like afternoon practices as the attendance was almost 100%. On another note, JJ’s caring and above and beyond side is for real. He introduced sand volleyball to the girls and success followed. A couple of his girls earned a spot in a tournament in Los Angeles. JJ was aware they had never been to the beach, so he made arrangements for them to have a place to stay and drove them down. Once they arrived, he took them to the beach for a workout. He also arranged for them to meet a pair of Division I coaches. There is more to the story. The girls stayed, JJ returned to Chico. The next day JJ watched the live stream of the tournament from home. During the girls’ matches, he sent texts the girls would check each time they had a break in the action.

Above and beyond indeed. The truth is JJ would prefer not to have anyone know anything about this story.

There are so many more ways to shine this spotlight on his impact. We know one thing for sure—each and every day is a great day to be JJ Mitchell.

YOUR HEALTH INDOOR ALLERGENS

Hay fever is used to describe bothersome nose and eye allergy symptoms that often are associated with outdoor allergens, primarily pollen. While many people who suffer from outdoor allergens seek refuge inside, indoor allergens can be just as bad, if not worse.

Often referred to as dust allergy, mites are found in dust but are actually bugs that can only be seen with a microscope. We all have them and are primarily allergic to their feces.

Dust mites congregate in materials made from fabric- furniture, drapes, carpet, and the bed. You might suspect dust mite allergy when you don’t have pets. Yet allergies worsen when you’re at home, at the end of the weekend, or upon awakening. While dust mites can bother us year-round, they are most bothersome in the fall and winter when we are stuck indoors.

HEPA filters, dehumidifiers, and cleaning your home may reduce the dust mite burden. I recommend vacuuming your carpet and washing all bedding in hot water, at least weekly. Additionally, anything on your bed that can’t go in the washing machine, needs to come off the bed. Dust mites will repopulate the bed over the week while we are primarily trying to keep their counts down. Finally, dust mite covers are finely woven covers that go under the sheets, zip over the box spring, mattress, and pillows, and prevent dust mites from getting from the mattress to you! I suggest starting with the cleaning measures and if you experience good results, consider purchasing a genuine dust mite cover.

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Furry friends can carry some of the most bothersome allergens, and it’s not just cats and dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits can cause problems too. Cat dander is so sticky that even after the cat is re-homed, their dander can be detected in the home at allergy-causing levels 20–30 weeks later. This may also be why you are sneezing at work when the guy three cubicles down lives with three cats. While you may not be allergic to dander, animals that are indoor/outdoor pick up pollen on their coats and bring it into the home. Even smaller rodents living in indoor shelters can cause problems as the food they eat or materials they sleep on may trigger your grass pollen allergy.

Mold can be a significant problem but don’t worry about the mildew near the sink, windows, and bathroom tiles. The mold that will cause problems is in larger volume and can often be difficult to find. Obvious spots of large mold burden are where there has been water damage. However, mold may lay behind the wall, particularly in older homes and places of work.

Just be cognizant of taking control of those things you can to control and lessen the effect of these allergens.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

DR. LENINGTON

Dr. Lenington is a Chico alum who works as an allergist and immunologist in Portland, Oregon. He was named one of one of Portland’s top allergist and immunologists in 2020.

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AN UNWELCOME SIGN OF SUMMER

Why We Care Who Cares For You The heart of any successful business is the people that work there. From owners, service providers, and front-desk staff, we want our clients to feel comfortable and cared for. A Med-Spa is a hands-on personal service business, and we want you to feel confident that we are doing our best for each and every client.

As we all know, becoming a doctor, a nurse, or an aesthetic professional requires dedication, education, and long hours of work. Within that education are countless hours of how to keep a work area sterile and /or sanitary, how to clean implements before and after use, and protecting the client from anything communicable. Our staff's common thread is our passion for improving your well-being through aesthetics.

We give detailed attention to the needs of each client that walks through our doors. In light of recent events, we are, of course, more cognizant of keeping our distance and the importance of wearing masks or PPE to protect everyone. Personal service businesses will always be more at risk because of the hands-on nature of what we do. Our nurses and our medical director, Dr. Vimali Paul, have all trained extensively in safe laser application and in safe injection protocols for Botox and fillers. We will listen to and address any concerns you have regarding any of our treatments.

Call us with questions at 530.342.2672 or request a free consultation. Thank you for choosing DermBar for all your skincare needs!

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

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A tantalizing whiff of steaks sizzling on the grill, the sound of popping beer bottle lids, and the hundred degree temperatures all spell summer here in the North State. These signs of summer can also spell disaster for your digestive system.

All that fun in the sun can lead to summertime constipation, a seasonal decrease in bowel movements resulting in hard stools that are difficult to pass. Your colon is responsible for removing the extra water and remaining nutrients from the stool and putting it back into the body for other functions. Dehydration and a poor diet can contribute to the problem. However, by focusing on a few things, you can avoid this summertime pain.

• The BBQ: Highly processed foods like hotdogs, along with the high iron content in red meat, can add to constipation.

• Alcohol: The summer heat leads to increased sweating which can dehydrate us, robbing our systems of much needed water. Add in the beers and other alcoholic beverages often accompanying summer BBQs, and you further contribute to that dehydration.

If your body is low on water, your intestines will pull even more water out of your stools than usual to help replace it.

• Lack Of Exercise: Your metabolism slows when your body is not active.

This, in turn, slows digestion, so head out for a walk in the morning before the heat gets too bad and get your intestines moving.

Already constipated? Here are some natural tips you can try.

• Watermelon: It’s loaded with water, almost 99%, and can aid in lubricating the lower part of your intestines.

• Lemon: Warm water, lemon juice, and honey can help stimulate the digestive system as honey acts as a natural laxative to help move things along.

• Healthy Fats: A spoonful of olive oil or almond butter can smooth out that lower intestine.

• Fiber: Fiber rich foods clean out the intestine by scrubbing waste particles from your digestive tract. Oatmeal, bran cereals, beans, prunes, and vegetables like broccoli and spinach are all great sources of fiber. Be sure to drink adequate water with them to help keep stools soft and make them easier to pass.

• Coffee: The caffeine and other ingredients in coffee help to stimulate the colon and increase movement but also act as a diuretic, removing much needed fluids, so be sure to drink water as well.

Remembering to eat light meals with lots of fruits and veggies, along with plenty of water will help you avoid this unwanted sign of summer so you can fully enjoy everything else the season has to offer.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

YOUR HEALTH

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BEAUTY Q&A HELPING YOUR SKIN GLOW YEAR ROUND

No doubt about it, everybody wants a healthy vibrant glow. Here are some tips to keep your skin glowing all year round.

• Exfoliate Your Skin. The buildup of dead skin cells can make your skin look dry, dull, and can deepen pores and wrinkles. To exfoliate, you can use a physical scrub which uses beads or gritty substances to rub off dead skin cells. However, be careful not to over exfoliate, as you can damage your skin.

I recommend 2–3 times a week and not to over do it. A chemical exfoliator will melt away all your skin cells leaving you with reborn skin.

• Protect & Brighten Your Skin. One of the easiest things you can do is wear sunscreen every single day. That even includes the wintertime. You can also use Vitamin C to brighten your skin and help vanish dark spots and over pigmented issues. The best part is all you need to do is add a few drops of Vitamin C before your daily moisturizer and there you glow!

• Use A Retinoid. Retinoids is a fancy word for forms of Vitamin A that helps your skin rebuild new skin cells. In addition, it helps kiss those old ones goodbye. You will also get fewer fine lines and smoother skin.

• Pack On The Moisturizers. Don't layer it on until you look greasy and give your skin the moisture that it needs.

Using a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid will help you get glowing quicker.

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• Drink Water & Eat Well. Hydration and diet also play a role in healthy glowing skin. A generous amount of water a day will keep your skin supple with a luminous look. Fruits and vegetables make your skin happy too. Drink your greens. Green juice can really take your skin to the next level. Drinking your greens will give your body tons of minerals and essential vitamins your skin needs to glow from within.

Cucumbers are also a great snack that will give you a boost of hydration throughout the day.

• Apply A Mask. Using a hydrating mask will give you the glass of water your skin has been asking for! Not only will your skin look refreshed, but it will give you natural glowing skin that will last all day. An aesthetic service will also get you to your glow goal as well.

• Mist Away. Last, I love to keep a hydration mist in my car or in my purse. The ingredients vary from hyaluronic acid to plant derived water.

A quick mist will give your skin a quick refresh, a radiant, dewy finish for a lit-from-within luminous glow. Even when temperatures rise, stay chill and experience instant relief with a fresh mist to give you that glow.

BEAUTY ADVICE

VIA

CHRISTAN ALLISON

Visit Christan at the Hair Company for all your beauty needs. She specializes in Advanced Facial Treatments, Acne Facial Treatments, Brow Design, Full Body Waxing, and Body Treatments. Follow her on IG @ca_esthetician

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How to Create A

BOLD FOCAL WALL What can I say? Everyone needs one or two of these in a home. It is called a focal wall. These statement walls have come a long way from the days of floral burgundy and hunter green wallpaper. Focal walls are a simple way to turn a plain wall into a stunning feature and point of interest.

Today, you can slap a bold colored paint on a wall as the easiest way to create interest.

However, I would like to dive a little deeper into other creative ways to accomplish that unmistakable pop.

• Patterned Wallpaper: These days there are so many patterned wallpapers to choose from. I love picking the largest wall and covering it in a bold print, from florals to herringbone the patterns are endless. Find a print that fits your style and space. I like to shop on society6.com to support Independent artists who create their own unique designs.

• Art: Gallery walls can be a collection of showcased art, photos, and objects.

It is the perfect way to create interest on a wall. Start with one focal piece in the middle, and work your way out with each additional object. If symmetry is your thing, be sure to keep the gallery well balanced. Adversely, an abstract arranged collection of photos, art, or objects can give an organic feel.

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Tip: Nervous about hammering a bunch of nails in your wall? Tape out your gallery wall with blue painters tape to get the feel of what it will look like before committing! No time to plan out a gallery wall? Find an oversize piece which provides contrast against your wall color and draws attention the minute you walk into the room.

• Modern Decals: Decals have come a long way from the days of ‘big head’ action figures. Today you can find large statement designs as pictured.

Urbanwalls.com is a great resource and is always coming up with fresh new decals. I recently used large peonies in my client’s Tween bedroom to add a sense of whimsy to her space and give her room just the punch it needed.

There are numerous ways to upgrade that basic wall to a true focal statement which is certain to enhance the ambiance of a room. Adding distinctive declarations to your house is a sure way to make your space feel more like home. Happy Styling!

DESIGN ADVICE

VIA

SHANNON MCCONNEY

For more stylish tips follow The Design Renegade. Find Shannon on Instagram @thedesignrenegade or at thedesignrenegade.co

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHANNON ROSAN

• Board And Batten: One way to add dimension and warmth to your wall is by using thick wooden pieces of trim.

You can create a pattern or go totally abstract, once the wood is securely attached to the wall, add a bold color of your choice which compliments the color palette of the room you are working with. This is such an inexpensive way to add a great deal of character to a room.

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are you celebrating your 65th?

Happy Birthday Boomer!

You are one of the 10,000 people in the United States turning 65 every day, and you shouldn’t take it lightly.

You have some important decisions to make, including enrolling in Medicare.

If you are retired or were laid off from your job, don’t let COVID stop you from making important decisions.

Passages Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is open for business to help you understand and enroll in Medicare.

Put aside all those insurance marketing solicitations and sign up to attend the on-line ZOOM WELCOME TO MEDICARE workshop on Thursday, July 9, 10 am to noon. Registration is required by going to https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/welcome-to-medicaretickets-105044665422 Some questions that will be answered include: • How will my retiree plan work with Medicare?

• Should I choose COBRA?

• Do I have to sign up for Social Security Retirement to get Medicare?

• Can I delay enrolling into Medicare & not be penalized?

• Do I need a drug plan?

• Are there programs available to lower my Medicare health and prescription costs?

If you still have questions after the event, call HICAP at 800-434-0222 or locally at 898-6716 to set up a telephonic counseling appointment with one of our State registered counselors to discuss your personal situation. Inertia could cost you thousands of dollars.

Ronda Kramer, Program Director for Passages HICAP, warns that signing up with the wrong plan, or not doing anything may cost new Medicare recipients thousands of dollars, and they may not be able to make changes if enrollment deadlines are missed.

HICAP does not sell or endorse any insurance products. PASSAGES, a service of California State University, Chico, supports the lives of adults in the communities it serves. For more information about PASSAGES services go to www.passagescenter.org

"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."

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O N E H U N D R E D Y E A R S , F O U R G E N E R AT I O N S ,

A Lifetime of Good Night’s Sleep Square Deal Mattress Factory is the only one hundred year old family run mattress producer in all of California.

Their machinery has changed from the slate grey and gold Singer sewing machines of the 1920’s to the modern whirring Mauzer Spezial industrial sewing machines. The mattresses are no longer delivered by horse drawn buckboard carriage. One constant though remains the same, the family dedication to quality craftsmanship.

Situated at 1354 Humboldt Avenue, Square Deal Mattress Factory stands exactly where Ennis Rife, known to his family as EV, founded it in 1920. Humboldt Avenue was the major East West supply route in Chico when John Bidwell built it in 1863 and offered EV an excellent location on the main thoroughfare through town. Ennis’s family moved here from Rocky Ford, Colorado when he was roughly eight years old. In those days, the whole family worked to support the household and everyone played a part.

Ennis founded the factory at the age of 16 to help provide for his family. He attended business school during the evenings and ran the factory during the day. Six years later, he married Leotta Bigham. Together they saw their business and family through the difficult times of the Great Depression and WWII, when rationing of metal and gasoline challenged the business’s ability to endure.

Ennis and Leotta met these challenges and continued to pass on the skills of the trade to their children. In the early days, the factory offered both upholstery services and mattress construction. Upholstery and mattress crafting went hand in hand in the early 1900s. The mattresses were more akin to cotton mats, quilted and stuffed with natural materials like palm fiber, cotton, horse hair, or kapok, a soft plant fiber also known as Jamaican silk.

When the mattress was tired and worn, the owners would bring it to the factory and the cotton would be re-milled, fluffed and pushed back into a new upholstered pad which would then be compressed, tufted, and emerge as a refreshed sleeping pad.

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Now, four generations later, Ennis’s great grandchildren continue the use of his philosophy to carry on his trade. Jamie Anderson and her sister Jessica Lash comprise this fourth generation. They work alongside their father, Richard Lash, at the factory on Humboldt Avenue. When Richard took over in the 1980’s, he said, “It had all the ‘lookings’ of a 1950’s mattress factory and needed to be brought into the future.” He started replacing

machinery piece by piece. If he couldn’t afford it, he would buy a used model to rebuild and use until he could upgrade. The last forty years have been spent continuing to build the business while modernizing the machinery.

Richard is proud of their progress and “Today, the machinery is state of the art; with lasers and air assist, and all up to date with today’s technology.” This includes the addition of a brand new quilter on the way from Atlanta.

The quilting is the top layer of the mattress and adds a thick soft layer of comfort on top of the underlying foam.

Another prize piece of equipment on the way is a special air-assisted tufting machine used to inner tuft their mattresses. Tufting occurs when the quilted top layer of the mattress is secured to the layers beneath it. This ensures that the comfy layers you feel while resting remain in place without shifting. The machine uses hydraulic cylinders to compress the mattress, not at all like before when it was Richard, himself, compressing the mattress!

The new technology enables them to continue to use their well-known trade skills passed down from generation to generation while, at the same time, rising to the future of the industry.

In addition to changes in technology, the actual construction of mattresses has gone through many evolutions since the 1920’s.

Moving from simple natural fibers inside an upholstered case to the addition of inner springs, and on to pocket coils. Then came the invention of two-sided mattresses, which has given way to the one-sided mattress, and now even simple foam beds in a box. Today’s Square Deal Mattress Factory specializes in double sided, hand crafted, high quality

mattresses. Richard states “there is no technology that has been developed to make a one sided bed last as long as a two sided one. They just took the same components and built a one sided bed and saved on all the cover and padding materials for the bottom of the mattress and are able to upcharge you because it’s a ‘no flip bed’. It’s a marketing gimmick major manufacturers developed years ago that saved them a lot on component cost.”

Square Deal has “stayed the course” [with two sided mattresses]. This style of mattress features twice the comfort for deep sleep and doubles the life of the mattress providing outstanding value for [their] customers.”

Jessica Lash took us through the construction of one of their standard innerspring mattresses. It starts off with the inner springs, sourced from the well-respected 135-yearold bedding components company known as Legget and Platt. The springs range in firmness and can be selected based on the level of support required. Next, metal netting is laid over the coils to provide more surface area and protection for the layers to follow.

After the netting, two insulator pads are put in place. These pads protect the foam from damage by the underlying wire netting and springs. The foam layer also ranges from firm to soft with various price ranges. Richard

elaborates, “We buy our foam directly from the pour plant in Los Angeles. We specify to the plant what we want and are able to maintain a higher quality in our foam component because it’s made to our specs.” The final fourth layer is the quilted cover which can be padded with various types of foam, wool, or other fire barriers. “We try to stick to a more natural story,” explains Richard, “we are required to put a fire barrier in our beds, but we put a more natural barrier than most, like wool.”

Because they are a small factory, they can also construct a custom mattress without a fire barrier if the customer has a doctor’s note advising against it for health reasons. Once the pad is in place, you can then choose to add from assorted pillow tops to ‘cap’ it all off. Since they are two sided mattresses, you’ll get two pillow tops, one on each side.

All the components are then fastened together, one layer at a time, to the spring unit with mechanical fasteners, as opposed to gluing which a lot of manufacturers will do. Once assembled, it is then wrapped with the border and sewn shut. Square Deal sources a variety of their components from little companies they have discovered throughout their 100 years, such as a company in Minnesota that makes steel reinforced handles, originally designed for the care 25

A mind-boggling variety of mattresses are available to the consumer as the industry continues to change and evolve. “Smart foams, memory foams; the possibilities are endless but we are finding that people are trying to go back to the basics, back to that natural mattress, almost back to the all horsehair-like feel,” explains Jessica. Some aspects of the mattress industry are coming 26

U P G R A D E D L I V I N G M AG A Z I N E J U LY 2 0 2 0

full circle. Unlike in the 1920’s however, a mattress like that today is a true luxury item. Already a common practice in Europe, Square Deal Mattress factory is working on offering a hybrid mattress with a lot of these natural fibers inside. Using loose natural fibers in a mattress requires a lot of skill and many hours of labor, over 600, in building a bed. Richard says it’s “similar to the way my grandfather worked when he first started the company. A lot of the beds he made utilized a lot of the same techniques used in these types of beds today, 100-year-old techniques using hair and wool and cashmere and flax.

Recently we’ve purchased a piece of machinery out of England to bring back, and be able to do, some of the inner tufting on some of these beds.” The ability to offer this choice separates them from the masses. It ties back to the family’s upholstery background and restoration of antique furniture. They still have the ability and the skills to reproduce that kind of work, which is something that is hard to find in today’s automated mattress manufacturing world.

The upholstery trade skills, the dedication to quality, and the pride in community is their motto and mainstay. The entire package has been passed from generation to generation at Square Deal Mattress Factory. “We are building each mattress for a customer and that customer is our neighbor. We are going to want them to be satisfied. The quality of what we build and the service and the belief in our product sets our mattresses way ahead of a lot of the major brands.” Richard, Jamie, and Jessica have mattresses in stock at their factory warehouse. You can have them custom build a mattress specifically for you and have it delivered in less than a week. You can even see your mattress being built!

Square Deal Mattress Factory is happy to offer tours providing a firsthand peek into their family’s historic mattress story. You can call them at 530.342.2510, visit their website at squaredealmattress.com, or stop in and see them at 1354 Humboldt Avenue. We celebrate this remarkable local business. 1920 to 2020, Happy 100th birthday Square Deal!

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

industry. Richards says, “It’s little components like this that major manufacturers wouldn’t take the time to put into their beds because it’s too labor intensive to install when making 4,000 mattresses a day. Whereas, when you’re making less than 25 beds a day, you can take the time to make them special.” This focus on quality doesn’t end at the door. Jamie talks about their Lifetime Comfort Guarantee.

She says, “I think it sets us apart from any other mattress retailer in town. Since we are a factory, we can adjust the comfort of the mattress. If you get it home after a while and see that it's too firm or too soft, you can bring it in and we can do that for you.”

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Next Realtor M E E T YO U R

Summer is the season for putting down roots and the perfect time to buy and sell homes here in Northern California. The rush of the holiday season is over, the winter rains have abated, and everything is fresh and new. As you begin a new chapter in life, the thought of buying or selling a home can be very exciting; it can also be daunting and, at times, overwhelming. Choosing the right realtor with the right tools will enable you to successfully navigate the housing market.

That’s where NextHome North Valley Realty comes in. They are a true amalgamation of business, family, and friends. If you’ve seen any “For Sale” signs around the North State accompanied by a bright orange French bulldog, you can probably already tell that there’s something different about this company and the yard sign is merely the beginning.

Owners Jacob Darr, Kelli Smyth, and Casey Smyth opened the franchise here in Chico in the spring of 2018. They began their collaboration almost ten years ago, but not as business associates, back then they were all students working together in a study

group. Fast forward to 2017; all were working at various real estate offices in Chico: Jacob as a successful single agent and Kelli and Casey working as The Smyth Home Selling Team when they discovered they had similar visions of their future. Casey says, “We wanted to reinvest in our own resources rather than waiting for our companies to incorporate the technology and services we needed to grow.”

NextHome seemed like the perfect fit for the new team. The franchise boasts consumer focused technology and marketing along with the authenticity of skilled personable agents. Jacob emphasizes that their branch is, “a relationship based company that utilizes today’s technology to maximize their client relationship and marketing abilities.”

Kelli points out that it’s this focus on the personal connection that creates a successful partnership between realtor and client. She says their commitment to personally take their clients through the entire process of buying or selling is crucial in ensuring a good experience. “We hold your hand from start to finish”; from prequalifying for loans, to having carpets cleaned, items painted, and stagers brought in. They organize and handle everything. “We understand that

The technological side of NextHome coordinates well with the advances which our world has grown accustomed to. It begins with the availability of whole house walk throughs and professional photography, as opposed to just basic photos of the home. A virtual reality type of showing enables prospective buyers to truly see what it feels like to be in the home.

They’ve also reimagined what a yard sign should look like. Each one has its own unique number that buyers can text for instant information and photos of the home while NextHome keeps track of website ‘clicks’ and texts, thereby tracking consumer interest. The signs feature helpful icons indicating what the house has to offer, like how many bedrooms and baths, right there in the yard as potential customers drive by. The power of technology without losing the personal touch.

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY & PROVIDED BY NEXTHOME

moving is stressful enough so we do our best to alleviate that stress, so you know you’re in good hands for the sale of your home.”

While NextHome may be a newcomer to the real estate market franchise, it has already usurped awards from other older and wellestablished businesses. It is now ranked as the #1 real estate franchise in the U.S., no small feat for a company that’s only six years old. Interested in buying or selling a home?

Stop by and see what all the talk is about and meet your next realtors as NextHome.

NEXTHOME NORTH VALLEY REALTY IS LOCATED AT 641 FLUME STREET IN DOWNTOWN CHICO. JUST LOOK FOR THE FRIENDLY ORANGE FRENCHIE’S IN THE WINDOW. YOU CAN ALSO REACH JACOB, KELLI, OR CASEY THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE NEXTHOMENVR.COM OR GIVE THEM A CALL AT 530.402.4411.

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ARTICLE PROVIDED BY CALIBER HOME LOANS

Untangling The Mortgage Loan Process Buying a new home is an important and exciting decision. However, it can be challenging. Understanding how loans work definitely sets you up for success.

The best preparation is being informed.

We are hoping you find these steps useful.

• Step #1: Application/Prequalification— This is where you get walked through the uniform standard application (1003) and your lender will obtain detailed personal information. Also, lenders obtain copies of: bank/asset statements, pay stubs, two years of W2, and tax returns for the self-employed.

Once these steps are completed, you are considered pre-qualified. In today’s real estate market you will need a prequalification letter to start your house hunting journey.

• Step #2: Initial Disclosures—Once a home is in contract or loan, lenders are required to issue loan disclosures within 72 hours.

• Step #3: Loan Processing/Direct to Underwriting—Once a purchase contract is accepted, the file is deemed ready and packaged accordingly for submission to an underwriter.

• Step #4: Underwriting—This stage is when all the loan guidelines are thoroughly reviewed and evaluated.

This is the “catch net” of the entire process, confirming all the loan parameters are met.

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• Step #5: Closing—After the Loan has been approved, you enter the final stretch and a closing disclosure (CD), which summarizes the final negotiated figures, will be issued. This triggers a three day review and cool off period before the next phase can ensue.

• Step #6: Loan Docs/Signing—Once the CD has been acknowledged, and the three days elapse, you are able to sign the loan documents with an escrow officer or notary.

This finishes the transaction and the signed package is delivered to the lender.

• Step #7: Funding/Recording—If the signatures on the loan are sufficient and you have supplied the funds to close, your lender will wire for loan funds and disburse those funds to applicable parties in transaction and record the deed of trust in the applicable County.

• Step #8: Loan Servicing—Once all the boxes are unpacked and it’s time to make your mortgage payments, you will receive monthly payment information. You will be advised when and where all payments are to be sent. They will also be information for any payoff or balance inquiries and requests for any updates in your home insurance, PMI, or property taxes.

Buying a new home is indeed an important decision. It comes with multiple challenges and myriad steps. Knowledge of the process helps to bring excitement to each and every decision.

Is it time to spruce up more than just your kitchen?

We do it all!

New Again Kitchen Remodeling is here to help you bring your dream space to life.

From ideation to creation we have everything you need. While many projects we display are of kitchen remodels we also remodel bathrooms, outdoor bbq's, and showers!

We are open from Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 to discuss your project.

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

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON

Back To The Earth Whenever my head starts to hurt Before it goes from bad to feeling worse I turn off my phone, I get down low And put my hands in the dirt –Jason Mraz

There’s definitely something therapeutic about putting your hands in the dirt, planting something and watching it grow. Raised garden beds are a great way to ‘get back to the earth’ because they tend to have less weeds, better drainage, and are easier to maintain than in-ground gardening.

However, there are a few common mistakes that have the potential to sabotage your raised garden experience.

Location

While raised garden beds don’t have to be permanent structures, they can be almost impossible to move once you’ve filled them full of dirt and installed drip lines, so placing them in the optimum location before you fill is extremely important. Most vegetable plants require at least six hours of sunlight for them to remain happy and healthy.

Orienting a rectangle bed north to south will ensure a good amount of light for the plants and also allow you to situate taller plants as shade providers for other smaller ones if needed. In addition to light requirements, be sure to consider convenience. Positioning your beds in an easy to access location of your yard means it will be that much easier to tend and harvest as the season moves on.

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Soil

Soil is it’s own little microcosm of tiny creatures living and working together to create the perfect substrate for your garden.

It’s not just dirt, it is it’s own little ecosystem, so don’t skimp here. Plain bagged potting soil is not what you need, instead head over to The Worm Farm in Durham or Kinney Nursery in Vina and get a mix of topsoil, compost and castings to fill your new space with nutrient and biologically rich soil. This will ensure that your plants have the best possible start.

Chemicals

Herbicides and pesticides can remain in the soil for much longer than you might expect.

These lingering chemicals can damage your bed plants and harm those beneficial bugs, like pollinators and pest killers. If you’re looking to block out weeds between beds, line the path with cardboard topped with mulch or ground granite. For spot treatments, pour a 1:1 mixture of hot water and vinegar on the unwanted invaders. Opt for biological pest control options instead of chemical ones by investing in some praying mantis cocoons or packets of ladybugs.

Northern Star Mills in Chico usually has some by the checkout registers just waiting to be released among your plants.

As you look to get back to the earth and embrace the healing possibility of gardening, be mindful of these possible pitfalls when you build, design, plant, and put your hands in the dirt.

Providing Community Services and Resources for Older Adults and Family Caregivers in Northern California • Help with services for older adults • Care management • Volunteering opportunities • Family caregiver support

For more information contact Passages 800.822.0109 | 530.898.5923 25 Main Street Room #202, Chico, CA

• Advocating for people in long-term care facilities • Medicare counseling • Counseling and support 33

There’s There’ssomething somethingabout about

Sherry SherryLandiS LandiS

“Looking for house Sherry was so much sheI felt was “A friend referred me towith Sherry and wefun, spoke, an is instant “Sherry Landis is by far the bestthe realmoment estate agent in Chico.

She “Sherry Landis is by far the bestamd real estate agent in Chico. Shepositive is understanding and knowledgable made our experience connection!

She positive, listened to what was looking for, through. what wasShe important and made professional, and hasI incredible follow helped us professional, positive, and has incredible follow through. She helped us herself quickly available. our way through the saleinofour twopurchase.“ homes and the purchase of andnavigate instilled us with confidence navigate our way through the sale of two homes and the purchase of another—all at the same time! She never -Sam missedamd a beat.

She Adams, made sure we another—all at the same time! She never missed aCarlie beat. She madeChico sure we Sherry made thethe overall purchase easy, and kept in constant contact with after me. all understood process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even understood the process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even after all Given I was an out of town she made andtext appointments onsure my three homes closed, shebuyer, continued to call,referrals email, and just to make three homes closed, she continued to call, email, and text just to make sure behalf and never missed NeverWe didcould I feelnot stressed throughout theher.” process.” everything was going aasbeat! planned. have done it without everything was going as planned. We could not have done it without her.”

Livermore, Chico — Doug -Valerie anD CoLEttE RobERtS

— Doug anD CoLEttE RobERtS

(530) 514-4855 | landis4sale25@gmail.com landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com landis4sale25@gmail.com (530) 514-4855 | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com

Inside this beautiful community findand thisastunning custom open built This one of Chico’s most spectacular homes.

Camelot is conveniently Thisisbeautifully European Flair custom built homeCourt

by Michael Galli is an Estate sitting on 40gated Acres!!!!

Open you floorwill plan grand kitchen located in northwest Chico with only 3 custom homes on the tree-lined home, designed with an open and inviting floor plan! Quality and detail are to family room. The upscaled appliances with granite counters, eating bar are un-paralled in architectural tastes and quality. The master suite is street. The impressive French Chalet exterior has an impressive roof with found in every nook and cranny and pride of ownership shines throughout! It just that!!! Feeling like you’re on a spa-weekend, but yet you are at HOME in this cozy, inviting area that’s got your steam shower, soaking tub, unbelievable landscaping and 70 tons of exterior stone. The home is privately is apparent that this home has been an inviting gathering place for friends and his/her in closet, separate replace, lighting and separate from the rest of the bedrooms/baths. Views from the balcony to watch an offer! gated forwalk security, has solar, and sits fi on almost 2natural acres. Make family over the years...now it’s just waiting for you to start creating your own the spectacular sunsets are fun,4.0 as SqFt: is exploring the grounds and seeing nature!

Bed: 5.0Bed: Bath: 5,853 Price: $1,350,000 Bed:always 4.0 Bath: 6,065 Price: $1,649,999 happy memories!

3.0 5.0 Bath:SqFt: 4.0 SqFt: 3,847 Price: $619,000

This home’s kitchen has updated granite counters and appliances and is open to Beautiful country home on approximately 10 acres, acres the sunken family room with situated large fireplace and built-ins. Look out the 8+/window!!! of chandler walnuts Great tax birds! deductions andoasis. a wonderful You’ll see the big yard and2nd hearleaf. the tweet of the It’s your own There is also a separate living room area and alsoflaoors separate office tuckedarea, away from business!

Newer hardwood oak in downstairs closetheto rest of the home for studying/working.

It’s just that perfect fl oor plan!!!

Sacramento River for fishing, sunbathing, and listening to the wide open This This was was the model homehome and and only only one one owner!

ThereThere havehave beenbeen many Michael GalliGalli floorfloor planplan updated andSqFt: remodeled fromfrom head to to Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 2,302 Price: $389,000 the model owner! many A terrific A terrific Michael updated and remodeled head

A darling charmer in the Avenues!!!! The home situated on a corner with big Be the owner of this custom home withThere vaulted ceilings, multiple trees andproud a feeling like you could just stay forever!!! is also a cute dining fireplaces andins open easy Ientertaining. patio,built large nook with built and kitchen a dining for room!!!! love the cedarCovered lined closets! intrees drawers, also oors under newertocarpet, a 2 carthis garage and there’s a corner lotHardwood are moreflof some things love about home. and services!

Bed: 2.0 Bath: 2.0 than SqFt:space 1,503 to Price: Bigcity square footage, and far more features list!$350,000 Call to see

it today!

Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,296 Price: $585,000 spaces sounds!!!! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,894 Price: $799,000 upgrades including travertine tiles,tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized a year ago.ago.

Stainless steelsteel appliances, granite counters, plush upgrades including travertine upgraded carpets, granite, oversized toe about toe about a year Stainless appliances, granite counters, plush lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, decorator lighting, exterior and and interior painting, lushlush parkpark like like yard, lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, carpets, carpets, decorator lighting, exterior interior painting, yard, landscaped beautifully with with slateslate waterwater fall, fall, flowers galore and and redwood in ground gunite pool,pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, landscaped beautifully flowers galore redwood sparkling sparkling in ground gunite newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, trees.trees.

RV Access on both sidessides of the and two suites makemake shows trulytruly like like a model home.

Open floorfloor planplan withwith so many upgrades!

RV Access on both of house the house and master two master suites shows a model home.

Open so many upgrades! this home a must see! see! this home a must Bed: Bed: 4.0 4.0 Bath:Bath: 4.0 4.0 SqFt:SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000 Bed:Bed: 4.0 4.0 Bath: 3.0 3.0 SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000 3,166 Price: $429,000 Bath: SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000

Yikes!

Yikes!

You might hear bird chirping in the seasonal creek that is outside your bedroom Get those saddled up and get readyafor the ride of your life!!! on Thisa private Once in ahorses life-time opportunity to own custom home situated cul-de-sac.

Theofentrance with large chandeliers leads to the living window or the sound the trickling water.

Not only is there an attached 2 car one-of a kind property sprawled out over 44+ acres is an absolute dream for room boasting a wall of windows.

The kitchen is a chef’s delight with granite counters, high end appliances, gas cook top, double ovens, large garage but this property has a great detached shop and RV access. You might the horse enthusiast!!! This property offers a 125 x 125 indoor covered arena, built in GE 10 Monogram refrigerator, more!!!

This hay home offers large rooms sized closets, a hallatbath with exteriorCalifornia. access & shower, thinkwith yourequally at the Redwoods but your home in Paradise Kitchen 16x16 stalls, stalls outside that are 12and x 12, tack room, barns, a studio with tongue/groove pine, 3 big pastures (irrigated), andsystem/instant so much more!! hot and has had anmore! extensive remodel five years ago.Price: $1,375,000 4-car oversized attached garage, Water filtration so much Bed: 5.0approximately Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 6,250 Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,842 Price: $1,200,000 Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,081 Price: $299,900

My homes My homesare areselling sellingfast! fast!Call Callif ifI can I can #3 in Production 2014! by listing your home help by listingfor your hometoday! today! #1help Top Producer, 2019!

Contact me today to tour any of the properties above!

(530) 514-4855

landis4sale25@gmail.com

CA-DRE lic#lic# 01084946 CA-DRE 01084946

QUARANTINI'S FOR ALL! From cocktails to mocktails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We hope you like this drink list as much as we enjoyed trying out the drinks. Cheers!

LOW CARB TECHIE SPECIAL

BY ANDREW DOLAN Lime La Croix Tequila Squeeze Of Lime

STOLI-N-CRAN

Mix together & serve over ice.

BY BRADLEY DAVIS Stolichnaya Vodka Cranberry Juice Fill your favorite pint glass with ice. Fill 1/3 up (a little more is ok) with Stolichnaya vodka. Fill the rest of the way up with cranberry juice. To be enjoyed on a hot summer day. You and your “Stoli-n-Cran” should be sweating about the same.

C L A Y T O N ’ S M A R G A R I TA B Y TA Y L O R L Y D O N 1 Cup Tequila .25 Cup Cointreau .5 Cup Fresh Lime Juice .5 Cup Simple Syrup 1 Teaspoon Egg Whites Tajin Or Kosher Salt For Serving Combine in a blender and let roar!

Pour over a glass filled with ice and top with tajin or kosher salt.

CHICO CHILLER

BY TIM MILHORN Tito’s Vodka Knudsen Hibiscus Cooler Orange Slice Using an Old Fashioned glass, fill to 2/3 mark with ice. Add two shots of Tito’s and fill with Hibiscus Cooler. Add a slice of orange as a garnish.

WATERMELON TO THE RESCUE

BY KEVIN DOLAN Bagged I ce 2 Shots of Hendriks Gin Tonic Water Watermelon Juice Cucumber Slice

BEE’S KNEES

Fill a mason jar full of ice, bag ice works better than ice cubes. Add 1/3 quarters, ok, two shots of gin of your choice (Hendriks for me).

Follow with two shots of tonic. Fill to near the top with watermelon juice. Add a slice of cucumber, stir, and sip away or however you choose to enjoy.

BY KELSEY REILLEY .5 Oz Honey Simple Syrup 1.5 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice 2 Oz Gin (Preferably Botanical) Shake & serve over ice or straight up with a lemon twist.

MONACO ROSE DESIGN BY NERISSA QUINN

BY JASON CORONA 1 Oz Malfy Gin .5 Oz Aperol .5 Lemon Juice .75 Oz St. Germain .75 Oz DryRosé Splash Soda Water Mint Enjoy this blend of Italy and France. Shake all ingredients, minus soda water, over ice. Double strain to remove the mint, and serve in a Martini glass.

BLACKBERRY BASIL MOSCOW MULE

BY MELISSA DAVIS Vodka Ginger Beer Blackberries Basil Leaves 2 Limes Muddle blackberries and basil leaves.

Add vodka and ginger beer then serve over ice.

SUMMER SPRITZER

BY CAMBRIA EBER

EVERYBODY SHOULD BELIEVE IN SOMETHING. I BELIVE I'LL HAVE ANOTHER DRINK. -UNKONWN

FROZEN WATERMELON R E F R E S H E R M O C K TA I L

BY NERISSA QUINN Frozen Seedless Watermelon Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice Mint Agave Or Honey The perfect drink for those who aren't a fan of alcohol or are pregnant, like me, to enjoy during these scorching summer days. Blend your watermelon pieces and a squeeze of lime juice together. If desired, add agave or honey for sweetness.

Pour into your favorite glass and top with mint.

Gin Or Vodka Trader Joe’s Lemon Elderflower Soda Sprig Of Rosemary Slice Of Lemon Mix 2 oz gin (or vodka) and 4 oz Trader Joe’s Lemon Elderflower Soda with a sprig of rosemary and a slice of lemon!

LUNAZUL MULE

BY KELLY CESA Tequila Ginger Limeade Le Croix Lemon Lime Add 1 to 2 shots of tequila (depends on the day)to a glass then fill 3/4 full with ginger limeade. Top with LeCroix and a squeeze of lemon and lime.

TOO MUCH OF ANYTHING IS BAD, BUT TOO MUCH CHAMPAGNE IS JUST RIGHT.

HAND SHAKEN H U C K L E B E R R Y M A R G A R I TA

–F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

BY MIKE PECK Don Julio Tequila Naranja Orange Liquor Lime Apple Vallery Huckleberry Syrup My classic hand shaken margarita is delicious and this version adds a taste of “Oregon” to the game. Since huckleberries grow profusely in parts of Oregon this version reminds me of visiting my aunt and cousin during the summer in Hood River Oregon.

Fill margarita glass full with ice. Add a full shot (1.5 oz) of Don Julio Tequila or your preferred brand. Add a half a shot of Naranja Orange Liquor from Mexico (Cointreau can be substituted). 1 whole fresh lime, cut in half using lime juicer to add to glass. Add a quarter and half shot of “Apple Valley” Huckleberry Syrup from Hood River (or similar). Pour into shaker and shake 15 to 20 times.

Pour back in the margarita glass and enjoy this spin on a classic. Especially great on Chico’s 110 plus degrees days where you just want to get in the car and head north!

TRAVIS MCGEE

BY TIM MILHORN Cracked Ice Dry Sherry Plymouth Gin (Imported) Lemon Peel To make the McGee Drink, fill an old fashioned glass to the 2/3 line with cracked ice. Slosh dry sherry into glass.

Swiftly, with strainer across top of glass, dump the sherry. Fill to the ice level with Plymouth Gin (imported).

Rub lemon peel around inside of rim, pinch some floating beads of citrus oil on the surface of the drink.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN

Simulated Buzz

A TRIBUTE TO A

Recent Changes for the

Agricultural Industry Labor Law Anyone who has grown up around the ag industry knows how important employees are to farm owners and their businesses. The ability to create a flexible work schedule for laborers plays a major role in a farmer’s success, which is why understanding the specific agricultural labor law updates, and how to maneuver them, is the key to a successful operation in today’s society.

2020 brought a lot of changes in regards to agricultural worker employment laws, one of which changes the definition of overtime altogether. Time and a half is now considered 9 hours in a single workday, and 50 hours in a single work week.

California determined that agricultural laborers engage in back breaking work, and need the ability to earn a proper wage in overtime hours. AB1066 intends to lower the requirement for overtime hours more and more over the next four years, and is reinforcing this bill through hefty fines in order to ensure compliance.

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

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Interestingly, in a world where we’re not able to be close to people has made us closer to people. Be it Zoom, FaceTime, Meet, Room, or Houseparty—friends and family are one invite, phone call, or tap away. That Sunday afternoon phone call, filled with stock questions and answers, has been replaced with face to face encounters at five with filled glasses and real conversation. The “Virtual Happy Hour” emerged as a bona fide countermeasure, not only to drinking alone—since there unfortunately is a name for that—but also a necessary means of fighting loneliness and separation. Whether it's your neighbor six houses away, or your college roommate six states away, the screen and speaker erases distance allowing for nuance and facial expressions to abound with joy.

These sessions often start out with belly laughs, shrugging of shoulders, head shaking, and pointless pointing at the screen. When your best friend is sitting in his favorite chair unaware of not only not being able to hear, or how to resolve the dilemma, he becomes nothing short of hysteria. Then your favorite couple’s scratched and stained table top appears on screen while they ask where everyone is, without knowing how to reverse the camera, is a whole other level of uncontrollable joy. The strength, or lack thereof, of each household’s broadband is also on full display as frozen faces make

for awkward exchanges. When all these foibles and blunders conclude, the magic of togetherness takes center stage.

Glasses are raised in non-spoken toasts while ‘hello’s’ and ‘how ya been’ abound.

Then, like a scene from a Friday morning kindergarten class, an adult version of “show & tell” takes place. Like that kindergarten class, the other boxes on the screen are fidgeting and jockeying to be the next to present. It’s all part of the magic, the nuance, the familiarity we missed so terribly sheltered in place, seemingly stuck in isolation. Seeing each smile, hearing each update, allowing the conversation to bounce around like a pinball machine, sounds like ordinary chatter when together.

There remains one additional lighthearted byproduct of these virtual visits. Randomly across the screen, whether it’s a FaceTime with another couple or multiple parties stacked together in box-like fashion, a person will disappear only to return with a full glass of whatever they emptied. Once a single happy hour participant leaves, the dominoes are in place, and one by one the screens empty and fill with refreshed drinks, refreshing the banter. The pandemic will leave change in its wake, including eliminating those dry Sunday afternoon phone calls, replacing them permanently with lively virtual happy hours, dinners, or whatever the occasion calls for. Cheers!

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Rotten Smell Sweet Taste

First and foremost, it would be a big mistake to expect the durian to be like other fruits.

In the West, our fruits are juicy, slightly acidic, and sweet. The durian is a foot long oval, weighing between two and seven pounds, covered in formidable looking spikes. However, this prince of a produce comes with remarkable benefits: • Reduces Cancer Risk. Its antioxidants may neutralize cancer-promoting free radicals. In one study, durian extract prevented breast cancer cells from spreading.

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• Prevents Heart Disease. Several compounds may help reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of hardening of the arteries.

• Fights Infection. The rind contains compounds possessing antibacterial and anti-yeast properties.

• Lowers Blood Sugar. Durian has a lower glycemic index than other tropical fruits, meaning it may spike blood sugar levels less.

These studies show promise, many tested on animals or in test tubes. No solid claims can be made until the health benefits of durian have been confirmed by controlled studies in people. They still remain as health benefits and the fruit itself will be a valuable addition to your diet.

Cooking with durian includes measuring the ripeness by deciding when to prepare it. This, as you will discover, is a matter of taste. Some like to eat slightly unripe durian before the fruit gains its strong odor and the flesh is still crisp. Many enjoy ripe durian when the odor is strong, but like a banana, before the fruit becomes over-ripe. Split ripe durians should be used immediately, or they will begin to ferment. Working with durian

can leave your hands smelling all day.

To help remove the smell, run hot water through the durian skin. This will create a very mild lye solution, which, when combined with soap, helps get rid of the smell.

To cut the fruit, place the durian stem side down on a clean cutting surface. Using a large, sharp knife, make a cut through the thick skin on the top of the durian, about three to four inches long. Take care when handling the fruit, since its spiky skin can poke you. As you cut, pull back the skin with your other hand. Use your hands to pull back the skin—it will come off fairly easily.

Lay the two halves down on the cutting board. Using a spoon or your hands, remove the large "pods" of fruit and place the fruit on a plate. Use your knife to cut along the seam down the center of the inside shell and you'll find more sections of fruit.

Remove these sections with a spoon and add to the plate. Before eating or serving, it's best to remove the large, inedible seeds.

Durian is frequently enjoyed fresh, but is also popular for making candies, sauces, curries, baked goods, drinks, desserts, and more. Recipes abound online for your delight in enjoying the stinkiest king of fruit known to the world.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN

Durian is a unique tropical fruit. It is also known as the world’s smelliest fruit.

In Southeast Asia it is so popular it's nicknamed “the king of fruits.” Durian is high in nutrients, containing more than most fruits. Apparently, these facts outweigh a very strong smell described as a combination of sulfur, sewage, fruit, honey, and roasted and rotting onions. Interestingly enough, opinions are mixed about the odorous produce with some people loving it, while others hate it. Stink aside, the durian fruit’s upside far outweighs its flaw.

High nutrient content aside, durian also reduces cancer risk, prevents heart disease, fights infection, and lowers blood sugar.

Let’s take a closer look at the king of fruits.

Inheritance Opportunities And Pitfalls Receiving an inheritance can be complicated. It may come with feelings of sorrow and bitterness of losing a loved one. It can cause division within families, or the windfall can turn long term desires into reality.

Sometimes, heirs want to place extra sentimental value on the money to preserve it like a family heirloom. Other times, it’s seen as an immediate remedy to financial ailments, and in too many cases, it’s spent frivolously like found money.

We’ve helped plenty of clients through the process of inheriting money and deciding its best uses. Below are some thoughts on the matter: The financial need, not want, most families have Inheritance can be a major opportunity for an individual. According to the polls, the average American family is in poor shape for retirement, carries credit card debt, and has virtually no rainy day fund. An inheritance can go a long way towards shoring these issues up.

Unfortunately, the statistics show most people who inherit money spend it quickly and frivolously. The money never makes it to a third generation. It’s tempting to increase your lifestyle to match your new funds. The old joke about the beneficiary driving a new car to the funeral isn’t too far from reality.

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

Allocating the inheritance (i.e. paying debt, making investments, setting aside funds for others, and spending) Decisions about inherited money should be about increasing a families’ net worth. The big picture focus should be: 1. Decreasing expenses 2. Increasing income Paying down high-interest debt like credit cards, auto loans, or home equity lines works best because the interest expense on debt can compound faster than investments. Once the debt is gone, make sure you’ve got a rainy day fund to protect against unforeseen expenses.

Seek also to maximize investments earning passive income.

For individuals receiving a large inheritance, it’s ok to get in touch with your feelings first Most of the thoughtful individuals we work with take time to understand where the money comes from- They have a level of respect for what it took for their loved one to save and earn it. We’ve had conversations with people who repeatedly say they want to honor the deceased and don’t want to blow the wealth like a lottery winner. With this mindset, they tend to spend it carefully and prioritize investing for the future.

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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Ever.

When you want to find the best drinking songs—Google it? If you want authenticity and authority, you send 15 texts to friends who are family and family who are friends.

All 15 responded, totaling 25 worthy recommendations. One appeared in three texts, four others twice. The distinction between a drinking song and a song about drinking was solved. Fine lines were drawn and perhaps best defined from one entry stating, “Johnny Doesn’t Know—Best to sing out loud with a group of people you don’t know while standing on tables in the basement of a hole-in-the-wall bar and listening to a live cover band in Nice, France.” We’ll just let that sit on its own while we present the ten best drinking songs ever with occasional comments.

1. Brass Monkey by Beastie Boys Dubbed “One of a kind.” and sits at number 1 on the list of 50 best drinking songs online. It carries the facts the title is also the recipe and the enormous popularity a bit of mystery as the song was released before the web.

2. Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks Appearing in three texts, this song benefits from two things —its popularity on wedding playlists where guests spend more time standing and singing then, well, dancing, and its much anticipated last verse—only heard live.

3. Red Solo Cup by Toby Keith.

No one really wants to confess, admit, or talk about it, but a text revealed, “So many bad decisions have been made to that song.”

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4. Paradise by the Dashboard Lights Meatloaf If you know, you know, when featured on those warm summer eves at “So many porch party dance fests.”

5. Thunderstruck by AC/DC Includes drinking game based on a repetitive one word chorus. Complete game rules can be found online.

6. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey If you are a Giant’s fan, or an avid La Salles’ patron during the 2000's, and still have a memory, you know.

7. Toes in the Water by Zac Brown Band Even country music haters love this.

Drinkable, foot tappable. Sit low in the chair and drink. To be sure.

8. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond “We filled it up with only two” shots that is. Wait for it, wait for it—how do you spell “bomp, bomp, bomp?”

9. Tubthumping by Chumbawamba Title means “expressing opinions in loud, dramatic fashion.” Things said drunk are…

10. Pontoon by Little Big Town Ready to go motorboatin'? “Don’t act like you don’t want to.” Certainly don’t pretend like you don’t know what it means.

You may want to visit our featured and colorful pages filled with ‘quarantini’ recipes.

Match the drinks up to the songs and turn the music up! Cheers.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN

Best. Drinking. Songs.

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YO U R AV E R AG E W E AV E R

How do you make that space your own when you have limited parameters to change it? Living in rental apartments with strict rules on painting, Cheyenne Ng had to come up with inventive ways to put color, decoration, and her own stamp on things. She set out to dress her walls in moveable colors and textures through the art of macramé.

When Cheyenne isn’t knotting her Loomchi designs, she’s at her full time job as a marketing director or out hiking with her husband Steven and their Jindo dog “Q” exploring the beauty of the Trinity Alps.

Cheyenne’s skills are self-taught. She researched videos and tutorials teaching the basic forms in macramé and learned the elemental knots of the craft. Staying away from tutorials in style and advanced workings enabled Cheyenne to develop her own unique designs without copying or building on others in the fiber community.

For the most part, macramé was a personal side project for Cheyenne, just a hobby. She created a large five-foot by five-foot hanging backdrop for her wedding and it was then that Loomchi was born. Her company’s name comes from a combination of “Chi,” Cheyenne’s nickname in high school, and the loom she uses to create some of her larger pieces.

Cheyenne doesn’t sketch or plan out her designs, although she admires those who do and admits it might save her time.

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LOOMCHI PRODUCTS CAN BE FOUND IN CHICO AT BIDWELL SUPPLY CO., ON HER WEBSITE LOOMCHI.COM OR ON INSTAGRAM @LOOMCHIDESIGNS

WRITTEN BY SHELLY BRANDON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CHEYENNE NG

KNOT

Instead she prefers to let her ideas populate as she begins with an open mind and just starts knotting her cord and materials. She focuses mainly on color selection using different and unexpected combinations while testing color theory. Her pieces range from mini tassel earrings to wreaths to large macramé wall hangings. When asked about her favorite pieces, Cheyenne says, “I love working on the macroscale. I have a four foot wide loom that uses a lot of material and takes a long time, but the larger canvas allows me to explore more and the piece has more time to take shape.” When working with these ‘macraweaves,’ she will incorporate merino, alpaca, or felted wool with her corded cotton rope. She can also work in velvet, satin, or even specialty hand spun yarn that adds a different depth and texture to the weave. One of these four foot works of art can take her anywhere from one to two weeks to complete. Her macramé pieces are generally lighter and airier with a ‘see through’ quality about them while her ‘macraweaves’ tend to be thicker and heavier but still have the fringe associated with macramé hangings.

2 20 Looking Through A Cracked Rearview Mirror

Tension. Great for suspension bridges like the Golden Gate and Brooklyn. Not so great for the Thanksgiving dinner table when a teenage daughter flees, escaping the brutal remark from her agitated father. The difference between tautness and tenseness needs to be taught. The distinction between anxiety and hostility implores not only recognition but, more importantly, awareness.

Tension swells.

A model of swelling tension took place on the campus of Kent State University, May 4th, 1970. The tension peaked midday on a Monday, three days into student protests against the U.S. military activities in Southeast Asia. The tension between the students and the Ohio National Guard was palpable. The weekend standoff added mounting emotions, resulting in the students abandoning the area known as the Commons and moving to nearby Blanket Hill on the side of the practice football field. This move exposed the Guardsmen, basically up against the fence enclosing the field itself.

These members of the Ohio National guard were no older than the student protestors and were left fearful and anxious from the prior days’ events. In their own minds, they believed their lives were in danger. At 12:24 p.m. with both sides firmly in place, the mounting nervousness crashed into a breaking point. The camera of a Kent State photojournalism student ejected its oversized flashbulb from its oversized metal cone launching it on the concrete below where it exploded. In just over a 13- second period, nearly 70 shots were fired from the M-1 rifles. Some were aimed straight up in the air, others into the ground. The result was the death of four Kent State students while nine others were injured from the rain of bullets. The incident was immortalized on the cover of Time magazine with the Pulitzer Prize winning shot of photographer John Filo laying bare the image of 14-year-old Mary Vecchio crying over a fallen body just after the last shot was fired. She was posed on one knee with her hands up crying for help. Pressure, stress, and the disquiet triggered by the turmoil of the times.

So, we now find ourselves discovering what happens when a pandemic is faced with a crisis? I feel certain the stillness the pandemic demanded spurred the ensuing movement. As a result, I believe it also worked up the need for a necessary vocabulary lesson. Whatever the word “essential” meant before COVID-19 has certainly been put to a remarkably ambiguous test since.

“Unprecedented” carries with it the weight of being “unheard-of” and “unrivaled” which begs the question of just how and why it

is so questioned. Though “protest” and “riot” are listed as direct synonyms, the denotation and connotation of both suggest they are rather antonyms. Protest is “to give manifest expression to objection or disapproval,” while riot is “a noisy, violent public disorder.” Clearly then, when a city’s professional team brings home a championship trophy, too often, the excited and elated crowd breaks into an unnecessary riot. It is also important, when speaking or writing, to take caution with the use of absolutes such as “all” and “never.” Lastly, make no mistake, the word “systemic” means “the actuality of absorbing and circulating from within thus affecting the whole.” “Systematic” is a line from a song in the musical Grease. One eventuality remains obvious, words are one thing, action is altogether another.

I have recently been reminded that William Golding was right, proving how far ahead of the time he was. He wrote the novel, Lord of the Flies, a story about a plane crash on a remote island leaving children as the only survivors. Golding tried to show how difficult it would be for children to survive without adults, suggesting that children can act dangerously without adults accompanying them.

Golding fought in World War II for the British army and the violence and terror demonstrated a huge influence on him about human life.

The notion of no adults on the island is often likened to a country without proper leadership. At one point the kids, desperate to agree on ways to keep order, ask, “Which is better—to have laws and agree, or to hunt and kill?” They adopt a conch, a large, milky-white shell, symbolizing to the boys a civilized society representing power and order. The power represented by the fact that you have to be holding the conch to speak. Ultimately, the boys break into two groups, warring factions separated by fear and hate. In the end, one group indeed hunts the other with intent to kill. Over an accidental death and the complete obliteration of the conch, the boys look at each other and burst into tears.They cry out in anguish, "What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?" Golding, himself, remained adamant that the interpretation of the story was up to the reader and refused to select one from the many explanations. Certainly, in light of his symbolic message, a worthy question may very well be posed today, in our civilized society—“What are we?”

I will leave you with this. In the overall unprecedented times we currently reside, I truly hope one comes to an end and one never does. Martin Luther King, Jr. put it this way—“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

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