Upgraded Living September 2018 by Upgraded Living

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FROM THE EDITOR It is difficult to move routinely onto the next month without first looking back. Here, on the valley floor, we have experienced heat, at times

UPGRADED LIVING STAFF

debilitating, poor air quality, and actual smoke filled skies dropping ash. We gazed at the foreboding red sun, took pictures, and shared them.

AVEED KHAKI Publisher/Owner

We did not face what was described as a war zone 70 miles north. Our television stations did an accurate job of covering this apocalyptic fire. The video reports confirmed the heartbreak and depicted the war

KEVIN DOLAN Editor-in-Chief

zone. It became obvious that to combat a war, you need fighters; our fearless and tireless firefighters. Wars have casualties. Too many lives were lost due to the fierceness of swirling, tornado flames. I cannot stop returning to those daring men and women who, without hesitation, returned time and time again to those fire lines. I have difficulty knowing

NERISSA QUINN

STACY PLANCE

Production Director

Writer

JASON CORONA

FRANK REBELO

and left. That kind of distance. The kind of gratitude for something you

Sales Director

Photographer

got without asking. Similarly, I feel this way by the explosion of beauty

KERILYNN ANDERSON

MICHAEL MEJIA

Account Executive

Photographer

DARREN MICHELS

MICHELLE CAMY

thanks to those firefighters who fought so hard in impossible conditions.

Product Integration & Mobility Strategy

Photographer

It becomes equally difficult to try and grasp the devastation of losing

ALYSSA WORLEY

how to thank them. It is easy to be daunted by the truck processions, greeted by signs and applause. I feel the distance. It feels like waiting for your check at dinner and discovering some kind soul paid the tab

in our myriad trees each fall. We witness the sheer attraction but do not know how to appreciate the phenomenon. I know this. As I experience the fiery explosion of colors this particular fall, I am going to whisper

a home. These victims are not returning to a war zone. No, they are returning to an overwhelming range of emotions. I would like to suggest that instead of Redding Strong, perhaps the phrase, Redding Resilience. Resilience means—the power and ability to return to the original form...

Writer

BEIRON ANDERSSON Photographer

EMILY HUSO Writer

after being bent or stretched. The binding companion word to resilience is fortitude. Fortitude is the mental and emotional strength when facing difficulty and adversity. It is often referred to as inner strength coming from the heart. I know that Redding has the fortitude and resilience to make this comeback. I know this, not only because I lived there for 11 years, but because of the many people I know who call Redding home. Their collective fortitude and resilience is certainly matched by hoards of other Redding residents. I know that Redding does not see the glass either half full or half empty. No, they see a glass with the potential to be emptied and filled again and again. That kind of resiliency. I am in awe of the manpower it takes on the fire lines and in support. How can we thank that selfless throng of heroes and helpers? I am certain I do not know. I am also heartbroken over the losses—of life, memories, hope, and years of hard work, vanishing. It seems trite offering prayers and thoughts. However, I do. What I can offer is my unmitigated belief in the power of Redding’s resilience and fortitude. Godspeed.

CONTRIBUTORS BRUCE WHITEGIVER

NERISSA QUINN

Garden

DIY

CINDY TRIFFO

NORTH STATE SYMPHONY

Teacher Q&A

Community

DR. VIMALI PAUL, M.D.

RENEE MICHEL

Skin Care

& JOE SWEENEY

KASENYA THOMPSON-ESTRELLA Beauty

Finance RON’S REPTILES

KEVIN DOLAN Backpage

Community SARAH MORRIS

MARIE PHILLIPS

Interior Design

Health

Kevin Dolan Editor-in-Chief

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

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2018 COMMUNITY

HOME & GARDEN

10 Meet the Peterson sisters, our cool kids

42 Common mistakes that make your space

who take us behind the scene at their popular pumpkin patch.

12 Take a glimpse into the newly remodeled

appear smaller.

52 The case for raised beds versus in-ground gardening.

La Salles.

34 Marc and Shuree Wesley, of M&S Wesley Tree Service, launch an ambitious plan to save trees in Northern California.

54 The Upgraded Living staff kicks off

“Featured Teacher” with Cindy Triffo of Chico High, responding to 20 prompts.

63 Our editor pays tribute to Robert Fulghum’s beloved All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

HEALTH & BEAUTY 20 Measure the pros and cons of using coconut oil.

22 Learn how to deal with gym intimidation. 24 Discover the correct way to contour and highlight your face.

18 ON THE COVER: MARC AND SHUREE WESLEY OF M&S WESLEY TREE SERVICE PHOTO BY: BEIRON ANDERSSON DESIGN BY: NERISSA QUINN

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FOOD 46 Carter House reveals how using heavy cream can make saffron cardamom and vanilla creme brulee that much tastier!

47 Red Tavern offers a Corn and Fromage Blanc Ravioli with Roasted Pork Shoulder and Romano Beans recipe for the ages.

COOL KIDS:

Peterson Sisters If you have driven down Bell Road in North Chico recently, you have undoubtedly spotted the thriving fields of the Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch, run by Mercy High School students Mary Pat and Frances Peterson. A go-to destination for fun-filled autumn afternoons, the pumpkin patch will reopen for its second year on weekends, Friday through Sunday, starting September 29. Mary Pat, a senior in high school, started the pumpkin patch as a project for her school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. “I wanted to take on a project and really get into agriculture because it's been a part of our family since we were young,” she says. “Since before we were born!” Frances, a freshman, adds. The Peterson family has deep roots in Chico going back to its founding, and a long list of ancestors involved in agriculture. With their hereditary green thumbs and the benefit of their family’s knowledge of agriculture, farming came naturally to the 10

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sisters. Two years ago, they planted their first large-scale pumpkin crop on an eighth of an acre that their grandfather purchased to prevent the building of another housing development in the area. Initially, the sisters’ plan was to grow around 80 pumpkins for the harvest festival at Innovative Preschool, where their younger brother is enrolled. However, the crop exceeded their expectations, producing over 400 pumpkins. Encouraged by this success, the sisters decided to grow pumpkins again the next year, this time opening the fields to the public for picking. With the help of family, friends, and their FFA group, Mary Pat and Frances set up a stand, decorated booths, built a hay maze with walls three bales high and organized activities for kids on fields trips with local schools. The pumpkin patch included hay rides, crafts, games, bounce houses and face painting. The sisters also sold local honey from their bee boxes as well as fresh baked goods that Roots Catering prepared from their pumpkins.

WRITTEN BY EMILY HUSO PHOTOS BY MICHELLE CAMY

Growing up in the “ag” community, Mary Pat and Frances are experienced farmers with agricultural knowledge beyond their years. The sisters supplement their soil with nutrients the pumpkins need to grow and be healthy, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. During the off season, they rotate their crops, planting hay which they sell to their uncle’s feed store. This year, they have introduced several new crops, including birdhouse bottle gourds, daisy gourds, radishes, wildflowers, Indian corn and rainbow corn. They planted four different species of pumpkin: impressive Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkins, flashy Cinderella pumpkins, classic carving pumpkins, and sweet white pumpkins perfect for baking. Over the course of their project, the sisters have met with their share of struggles. Aphids

have threatened the crops in the past, and pests like gophers and moles are constantly chewing through irrigation lines, keeping Mary Pat and Frances busy with repairs. However, with hard work and the support of their community and the Butte County Farm Bureau, they have overcome every obstacle that has come their way. Knowing first-hand what a big impact farming has on the whole country, both sisters are enthusiastic advocates for agricultural education. “I think I just want to have kids know more about agriculture and how much your food is worth—how hard people work for it,” Frances says. “People say, I love food, but I say, thank your farmers!” Mary Pat, who plans to pursue agricultural law as a career, says wisely, “It's hard to balance urban life and farm life. If agriculturalists are not

informed about what people in the urban life need, then they're not really going to have much support and vice versa.” In spite of the long hours, hard labor and responsibility of farming their own pumpkin patch, Frances and Mary Pat are proud of what they have accomplished and will take this experience with them into the future. “Farming's a lot of work, especially in the beginning, but it's so worth it in the end to see everyone smiling and all the families coming together and just having a great time,” Frances says. DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE TO VISIT THE PETERSON SISTERS PUMPKIN PATCH ON THE CORNER OF JONES AVENUE AND BELL ROAD THIS FALL BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29 AND OCTOBER 29. 11

LA SALLES 3.0 brick walls as the only remaining part of the original nightclub. The inside is now a restaurant, with a small stage and lounge area, and a replication of the original long and welcoming bar. The kitchen stands where the bathrooms were located. The new bathroom area was designed with aplomb and grace. Modeled after a visit to San Francisco’s Beach Blanket Babylon, this gender neutral restroom is like no other found in this area. Nick laughs as he points out that, thus far the entire area is cleaner than anyone may believe. He also notes that men, who may never wash their hands, are now doing so due to the well designed common area. He gleefully remarked, “We are changing Chico, one set of hands at a time.”

Nick Andrew, Kevin Riley, and Mike Wear, are owners of La Salles, Rileys, Franky's, and 5th Street Steakhouse. They purchased La Salles 18 years ago. Nick quickly points out that an initial cleanup took place when they took over. At the time, it was already a nightclub and admittedly “very college.” It was the music, however, that drew Nick to wanting to own the club and its electric atmosphere. He also firmly notes that the best part has always been the 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. happy hour featuring local musicians. The audience, from the very beginning, was a unique cross section of Chicoans from all sides. Nick insists on honoring this history by having that same happy hour every Thursday evening during the Downtown Market schedule.

However, like a classic mullet, La Salles may very well be all about business in the front, but the back is all about the party! The once massive, multi-level deck, which actually began in the back half of what now belongs to the restaurant, is gone. That leaves a beautiful patio. In order to make this happen, four feet of gravel was brought in just to make that back area level with the curb out front. Now the entire backside is complete, with ample seating, a pair of cornhole areas, and a bocce ball court. This play area is watched over by a stunning full size mural of the Honey Run Covered Bridge. Truly a comfortable and appealing place, with obvious room for an outdoor bar, and, of course, music, will surely be a spring and fall favorite for all locals.

That very well may be the only thing left untouched in this ambitious, three year remodel, unless you count the two exposed

Nick, with his gregarious and affable demeanor, lights up over what he calls the whole “concept” of the change. It is

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threefold. First, the weekend brunches with the eclectic array of musical guests. He points out with joy the fact that couples, at two in the afternoon, are leaving their tables, and dancing in the small lounge area. Second, the menu, containing, as he puts it, “our favorites.” Including such staples as chip and dip, and a nightly offering of prime rib, there is something for all. Lastly, the acute awareness of “place.” He defines this pointing out that our downtown is a “big, great thing” He wants every single person who likes La Salles to utilize its features in a manner which allows the entire town to flourish. He explains this saying, “If you are coming here for dinner, maybe stop somewhere else for a cocktail.” He goes on to say that when, going someplace else for dinner, come by La Salles after for a night cap and some fun. It is not difficult to see the sincerity in his eyes when he simply states, “Let’s all do this together.” Once you visit La Salles, you, too, will gain the understanding that Nick and his engaging crew, have already done their part to make this concept of place happen.

WRITTEN BY KEVIN DOLAN PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

The first instant that you approach the newly remodeled La Salles, it hits you immediately. The front sidewalk, once reserved for long lines of college students, is now a fenced patio with round tables and chairs dotted with reserved signs across the intimate landscape. The clear understanding that the La Salles of yesteryear has been deftly replaced. Looking up, things get certain of that fact as you are greeted with a floor to ceiling glass wall housing the restaurant and bar in an inviting fashion. Walking through the glass door, a smiling customer who looks like, at a former time, was a regular, gushes “Great, great—you guys did a great job.” Nick Andrew offers a thank you, and judging from the gratified smile on his face, he means it.

What am I missing? Common questions about money you shouldn’t be afraid to ask.

People generally avoid reaching out to new financial planners for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they have had a bad experience in the past. They may try to avoid “starting over” by getting to know someone new and divulging their personal finances. They may be under the impression that financial planning is only for the uber wealthy. Comprehensive planning is so much more. It covers budgeting, investing, insurance, tax implications, estate intentions, and sources of retirement income. Here are some basic questions you should be asking: • When can I afford to retire? • What documents do I need in place to protect my family if I were to die or become incapacitated? • What kind of retirement income can I expect based on my savings and social security?

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

• Are my investments age and risk appropriate? • Are there any tax savings strategies I should be using that I’m not? • How much can I save for my child’s education while staying on track to retire? • How much should I be saving each month to reach my goals? • Do I need insurance? If so, what kind and how much? • What is the best account type to save for my goals? • How can I improve my cash flow? Responsibilities of a financial planner have grown to include so much more than the stockbrokers of the past. Our job is to help you create and follow a personal game plan. If you’ve got unanswered questions, or are just starting to get your finances organized, give us a call.

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

S I LV I A’ S

Successful S U R G E R I E S

Originally from Zell-Mosel, Germany’s wine country, Silvia Egger grew up in a castle on the edge of the Mosel River. Her grandparents were wine grape farmers, a career that offered her and her sisters no shortage of exhausting work throughout the year. Her mother worked as a waitress at the city’s three largest restaurants and rounded out what little time remained as the area’s tourism manager. When the city’s castle needed a caretaker, Silvia’s parents jumped at the opportunity and moved the family, along with their dog, into the keep. With school on the opposite side of town, and a full local expression of all four seasons, Silvia earned the ability to tell her future grandchildren about the three miles she walked to-and-from school each day in the rain, snow, wind, or extreme heat. It was that same level of commitment to education that later pushed her through nursing school, and it was through nursing that she met her first husband, a U.S. soldier. The two had a son and decided to move to Missouri. Over the next five years, Silvia moved back to Germany and again to the United States, eventually settling in Oroville. Unfortunately, her nursing degree from Germany wouldn’t transfer over, so she began working at Roplast Industries manufacturing plastic bags for companies like Safeway. She continued working there for 13 years, completing six 12-hour shifts each week before suffering an injury on the job in 2003. Unable to continue working in the factory, she went back to school to be a medical assistant. Though the schooling proved interesting, her heart was still in nursing. She pursued her nursing degree and finally earned a nursing degree recognized in the U.S. Just like her mother before her, one job was never enough, so she founded a business with a friend. The job required a considerable amount of time in front of a computer screen each day, so when her eyesight began to fail, it was noticeable. It started as a clouding of her vision and quickly progressed to the point where she had to close one eye to see better. Within a short period of time, she could barely see out of either. She began asking around about local eye doctors and found Drs. Barthelow and Mennucci at North Valley Eye Care. As she admits, their names intrigued her most of all. She called to set up an appointment for an eye exam and was scheduled with Dr. McGraw. Having been in the medical field for years herself, she had learned a good deal about the human body, but little about the eyes. Dr. McGraw found that Silvia’s clouding vision was due to cataracts and scheduled two surgeries to correct her vision. Silvia arrived for her first surgery and was pleasantly surprised to find that the surgery itself was completed in just eight minutes. The entire process from sign-in to sign-out was just shy of one hour, and she was quick to note that even though she was somewhat nervous about the surgery, everyone was super nice and put her at ease.

“They were absolutely awesome” she said, “They couldn’t have been any better!”

She returned home and upon opening her eye found that she could see perfectly again. “I was totally ecstatic and on top of the world. I remember that I started crying but recalled that I had just had surgery and tried to stifle my joy,” Silvia said. One good eye made such a huge difference. She was able to see colors again in their full vibrance, and couldn’t wait to finally have the second surgery. Silvia discussed Dr. McGraw’s bedside manner throughout her second surgery, regarding it as impeccable. She said, “He had such a soothing tone with me and kept me calm through the entire experience. He’s a younger doctor, and I appreciated that. With younger doctors often come more modern techniques, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience I had.” Silvia's insurance did not cover her surgery but North Valley Eye Care helped accommodate her financial needs. With her eyesight perfected once again in both eyes, Silvia has nothing but glowing reviews of North Valley Eye Care from the front desk staff all the way back to the surgical center. Her advice to anyone experiencing cloudy vision is to call NVEC and get it checked out immediately; it’s changed her life and she’s sure it’ll do the same for others. If you’re like Silvia and have experienced changes in your vision, call North Valley Eye Care today at 530.891.1900. Silvia’s joy can be your joy, and you, too, can be as thoroughly delighted with the results as she is!

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY PASSAGES HICAP

Out Of Money?

Upcoming HICAP Workshops:

Recently, Medicare's Board of Trustees issued their 2018 report about the financial health of the Medicare program. They estimated that the Part-A trust fund (Hospital Insurance) will be insolvent in 2026. The good news is this is about nine years later than it would have been without the Affordable Care Act. Unless there is legislation to shore up this trust fund, benefits paid from dedicated revenues will be 91 percent for the remainder of 2026, declining slowly to 78 percent in 2039, then increasing gradually to 85 percent in 2092.

Chico: Lakeside Pavilion 2565 California Park Drive 10 a.m.–noon

Is Medicare Running

The Medical insurance (SMI), which includes Part B & Part D trust fund remains adequately financed according to the US Treasury Department. About three quarters of these costs will be financed from general revenues, and the remaining will be financed from premiums paid by Medicare beneficiaries. Advocacy organizations, such as California Health Advocates, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and others, are working hard to educate legislators on the importance and value of Medicare for current and future generations of beneficiaries. What can you do? Contact your legislators and let them know how important Medicare is for you.

W E LCOME TO ME D ICARE September 13th, & December 13th:

September 18th, & December 18th: Red Bluff: Community Senior Center 1500 S. Jackson Street 1–3 p.m.

W H AT'S N E W TO ME D ICARE 2019 October 11th & November 8th: Chico: Lakeside Pavilion 2565 California Park Drive 10 a.m.–noon October 16th & November 13th:

"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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Red Bluff: Community Senior Center 1500 S. Jackson Street 1–3 p.m. CALL THE OFFICE AT 800.434.0222 OR 530.898.6716 FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS IN YOUR COUNTY.

PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO & STEVE K.

Uncommonly Common Originally from Chico, Byron Hetherton, Garth Archibald, and Jesse Grigg are 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation Chicoans, respectively. Brought together by their love of football and soccer, their families quickly became inseparable, over time creating a brotherhood between the boys. As is usually the case, each went in their separate direction after high school, but kept in touch, meeting whenever they could in Chico, or visiting each other at their new locales. During one such southern California visit in 2012, where Garth was playing professional soccer, Garth and Byron came upon a bar called Barrel Republic. Unlike other establishments they had frequented, this one didn’t have a bartender, rather a set of self-pour taps that ran the length of the building. While reminiscing about memories from their days in Chico, they realized that a bar like this would be perfect in their hometown.

Over the four years that followed, each of the three had sidebar conversations with one another about the self-pour bar concept, keeping the idea alive. Eventually, an email was sent in February 2017 which included everyone, suggesting that they turn the dream into reality. With Byron’s knowledge of business and investment in the beer industry, Jesse’s mastery of construction, and Garth’s experience in management and operations, the three were perfectly suited to begin the new undertaking together. They began looking at potential locations and serendipitously ran into the owner of Chico’s old Flying-A gas station on the corner of Park Avenue and Meyers Street. It was the perfect fit. They signed their lease and fully committed to opening Chico’s first self-pour social emporium. The three began demolishing the interior of the building in November 2017 and received their building permit in late December. A full team effort, the operation was overseen by Jesse and his contracting company, with plenty of old friends having a hand in the construction effort. Over the months that followed, long-time neighbors would stop by to see the progress and share stories of the old building’s owner, Barry, who was the paymaster on the U.S.S. Iowa. It quickly became evident that the location was firmly rooted in Chico history. To further honor this history, Jesse recycled a number of wood slabs from one of Chico’s fallen heritage trees and turned them into the communal tables in the bar’s main space. When it came time to name the new bar, one option organically rose to the surface—The Commons. Prideful of Chico and the long lasting relationships that seemed to naturally foster themselves here, it was their goal to create a bar that was welcoming to all and treated as a common space, rather than a private club for themselves and their friends. Defined as, “land or resources belonging to or affecting the whole community,” commons truly was a name fitting of their mission.

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The guys completed construction on June 15th and opened The Commons the following afternoon to immediate fanfare. “Visitors loved the convenience,” Garth said. “Everyone gets a wristband that controls the system. You tap the wristband on the scanner of the drink you want, pour the amount you want, and get charged for each ounce you pour. There’s no bartender; it couldn’t be easier.” With four walls full of beer, wine, cider, and kombucha, there’s also no shortage of variety. “Byron is responsible for sourcing the varietals on the walls,” Garth continued, “he’s kept us on track and made sure that there’s always something new for patrons to try.” The two work to find the perfect mix of options for visitors—sourcing kegs together while Garth handles the wine selection. Customers are able to pour up to 32 ounces of beer or 10 ounces of wine at a time before the wristband needs to be reactivated; the restriction allows visitors to better monitor how much they’ve been drinking. “It isn’t all about drinking though,” Garth is quick to mention, “it may not be the best business decision, but we honestly just want people to come in and enjoy the space. If you want to come in and drink water, we’d love to have you. If you want to bring your own food in, we’re happy you’re eating it here. We just want everyone to know how comfortable and convenient the experience is.” It’s that sort of freedom and customer-centric mindset that have helped garner The Commons a loyal group of regulars and unavoidable buzz around town in the two months they’ve been open. In that short period of time, their self-pour taps have dispensed over 350,000 ounces of beer, wine, cider, and kombucha—an impressive feat by any measure. Brand new and already making waves, the guys couldn’t be more excited about their new business, and we couldn’t be more excited for them. Over the coming months, they plan to install a large communal fire pit in front of the building and more seating in the back to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. With a couple finishing touches and some space optimizations remaining, Garth, Jesse, and Byron are confident that phase one will be complete, and The Commons will finally be ready for it’s official grand opening. With 28 rotating taps, a different food truck onsite each day of the week, and one of the friendliest staffs we’ve encountered in Chico, it’s no surprise that The Commons is quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Stop in and see for yourself, Tuesday through Sunday at 2412 Park Avenue. We have no doubt you’ll love it as much as we do.

WRITTEN BY EMILY HUSO

YOUR HEALTH COCONUT OIL: HARMFUL OR HELPFUL

For the past few years, coconut oil has trended as the next great “superfood,” rocketing to the equivalent of celebrity status in the health food world. Touted as a healthy fat right up there with Holy Grail health foods like avocado and chia seeds, coconut oil is extracted from copra, or desiccated coconut kernel, yielding a creamy fat, solid at room temperature, and straight out of tropical paradise. But if this indulgent, “healthy” oil sounds too good to be true, you may be right! It turns out, a good deal of controversy surrounds the supposed health benefits of coconut oil. On one hand, coconut oil does appear to have several positive health effects. Studies have found that it can help raise HDL (“good” cholesterol), control blood sugar, and reduce stress. It also seems to work as a healthy boost for glowing skin and shiny hair. (To apply, simply melt coconut oil over a hot water bath, massage into skin and hair, rest for 30 minutes, and rinse.) Finally, it works well as a cooking oil, adding a hint of buttery flavor to steamed veggies while increasing satiety following meals. On the other hand, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, which raises LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and increases your risk of clogged arteries. Although coconut oil 20

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does increase “good” cholesterol, it simultaneously raises “bad” cholesterol, an effect that somewhat negates its healthy benefits. While all coconut oil contains saturated fat, some coconut oil products are more harmful than others. As with all oils, you should avoid partially hydrogenated coconut oil products. These contain trans fats, which are harmful manufactured fats that are consistently linked with coronary heart disease and have been ruled unsafe to eat by the Food and Drug Administration. “Refined” coconut oil should also be avoided, as it is made from coconuts that have been treated with bleach and other chemicals. Instead, look for virgin coconut oil that has been extracted from untreated coconuts with minimal processing. Overall, coconut oil will not hurt you in small doses, but when it comes to healthy cooking, you are better off opting for vegetable oils like soy, olive, and canola, which lower “bad” cholesterol while raising the “good.” But if you have already purchased a bulk container of coconut oil, do not despair! While coconut oil may not be all it is cracked up to be as a health food, that does not mean you can never indulge in the velvety oil or enjoy some of its non-nutritional benefits. As with all things, moderation is key!

Experience the Magic

of Live Performance A community of talented musicians is getting ready to bring classical—and not-so-classical—music to north state stages this season. They're the North State Symphony.

On any given concert night, you'll see 40 string instruments of various sizes, an intricate lineup of brass and woodwind instruments, and a set of four giant kettle drums (called timpani)—all played by musicians from every corner of Northern California. Coming from our own backyards of Chico and Redding—and from as far as Stockton to the south, and Eureka to the north—these musicians return year after year to bring beautiful music to our neighborhood concert halls. What keeps them coming back? Robert Zadra, a retired psychologist in Chico, has played cello with the NSS since it was formed 18 seasons ago (in 2001) from the merger of the Chico and Redding Symphonies. Robert says performing with an orchestra is "both frightening and awe inspiring. It is the most incredible bit of team work that you can imagine, bringing a composer's music to life." Conductor Scott Seaton will be showcasing great works by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mozart—and a few surprises—with the NSS this season. Ticket packages for classical Masterworks concerts are available (psst: there's a discount!), or you can get single tickets to any of the NSS Masterworks, pops and chamber music concerts and build your own custom concert season. See you at the symphony! NORTH STATE SYMPHONY 400 W. First Street Chico, CA 95929-0805 northstatesymphony.org | 530.898.5984

Painless Photomodulation

for Healthier Skin LED light therapy has been used for skin rejuvenation for more than 20 years. The absorption of LED (light-emitting-diode) prevents collagen breakdown, increases blood flow to the tissues, and promotes the skin's natural ability to repair itself. What that means is a softening of fine lines and wrinkles, smoother texture, and improved elasticity. The cells in our skin contain photon receptors that absorb light, allowing collagen production, increased metabolism, and detoxification of the cells. It can also reduce inflammation and redness, leaving the skin more even-toned, and helps calm and soothe with post-laser inflammatory response. The narrow band of light diodes pulsate across the skin for 45 seconds at a time, producing firmer, plumper, more elastic skin, and refining pore size. Unlike laser treatments, photomodulation does not create a thermal injury or hurt the tissues, ensuring no pain, discomfort, or downtime. This treatment is great after microdermabrasion, chemical peel, or injections, to speed up the healing process and take down any inflammation. The procedure consists of removing any makeup or debris from the skin, lie down or recline, and put on protective eye shields because the light is bright! The panel is held over the face while the light pulses and is absorbed into the living skin cells. Treatments are done twice a week, with results starting in 4–6 weeks. And the best part: it takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Call the Derm Bar Med-Spa at 530.342.2672 to make your appointment. DERM BAR MED-SPA 85 Declaration Dr. Suite 100 Chico, CA 95973 530.342.2672

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YOUR HEALTH G Y M I N T I M I DAT I O N At some point in our lives, most of us have been intimidated by something or someone. For example, I am extremely fearful of just about anything and everything that causes me to be in the water. Yet I went diving, at night, in Hawaii with the Manta rays. How did I overcome my fear? My husband and I signed up for a group session with an extremely confident guide. I was certain that I would be the only one of the group unable to do the dive, that I would make a fool of myself, and that everyone would be judging me. When I hesitated, our guide, Martina, said with a very strong German accent, “Marie, you will do this.” Martina explained the process and literally held my hand as we went into the water, waves crashing against us. Diving with the Manta rays is one of my proudest moments. With an expert to guide me, I was able to overcome intimidation. At the end of the dive, I was the last one out of the water! You can overcome your fear of the gym in much the same way. Knowledge builds confidence! Knowledge will allow you to confidently enter the gym and begin realizing your fitness goals. Moreover, you will enjoy your experience and the time you have dedicated to yourself. Most

gyms have personal trainers who offer a discount for the first appointment. Find out what your gym offers and what the appointment includes. At In Motion Fitness, the first appointment is known as a “Fit Start.” The “Fit Start” is an introduction to cardio and resistance training equipment and is tailored to the individual client’s needs. Questions about group exercise and personal training classes are addressed as well. Other options to ease gym intimidation may include getting involved in group exercise, a personal training class, or finding a buddy to work out with. Working out with a trainer, a friend, or in a class adds camaraderie, accountability, and it’s just more fun! Out of my comfort zone, I’m still intimidated by the “unknown.” The fear of making a fool of oneself doesn’t go away with age. However, at age 60, I registered, successfully trained, and became a CrossFit Level One Coach. Of the 100 attendees at the training, I was by far the oldest. My advice, just do it.

HEALTH ADVICE

VIA

MARIE PHILLIPS

Marie is the General Manager at In Motion Fitness located at 1293 E 1st Ave in Chico. For more information, call 530.343.5678.

BEAUTY Q&A H OW -TO C O N TO U R A N D H I G H L I G H T

Imagine your favorite painting and how the contrast of highlight and shadow make certain aspects of the painting stand out. Immediately, the highlights catch your eye while the shaded areas create depth. The same goes for makeup; the skin is just a modified version of a painter’s canvas. Now, imagine you are the artist and your face is the canvas, then ask yourself “what do I want to stand out?” Defined, youthful cheeks? Slender, elongated face? There are a few tricks of contouring that I live by. However, the most important is less is always more. It’s a common misconception that the more makeup you pack on while contouring, the better. In actuality, the ultimate goal is to mimic the skin while darkening natural shadows and lightening natural highlights. It is also very important to identify your own face shape. Being in the wedding makeup industry for a few years now, I’ve learned very quickly that what might work well for someone can completely alter the look of someone else. There are various types of products that can be used for contouring and highlighting such as cream, powder, or liquid. Each method has its own pros and cons, but there are a few different things to think about when deciding which formula is best for you. First, determine your skin type and then think about how much time you’d like to spend on your makeup routine. Both cream and liquid products work best with normal to dry skin types, but require a little more time to blend thoroughly. Powder, on the other hand, is extremely universal and also works well on oily skin. Powder contouring and 24

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highlighting is something I always use in the makeup lessons that I give at Powder Room Beauty Bar since it is the most forgiving of the three, while being the quickest for the client to blend. For application, start from the outer perimeters of the face, then blend inwards because the center of the face is where we tend to have more pores and various textures. The more product you add on top of them, the more they will be accentuated. I always begin contouring from the top of the ear, following your natural hallow just below your cheekbone, and diffusing the product toward the corner of the mouth while blending in an upward motion. Be careful not to blend the product below your cheekbone as this is when product can look “muddy” and won’t mimic the natural curvatures of the face. For highlight, simply dust a little powder over the high points of the face where the light naturally hits, such as the top of the cheekbones and the Cupid's bow of the lips. The beauty of makeup is that everyone has their own unique characteristics, bone structures, and different eye shapes. Contour and highlight can accentuate these features beautifully when done correctly, but remember less is more and don’t forget to blend!

B E A U T Y A D V I C E VIA K A S E N Y A THOMPSON-ESTRELLA Kasenya is the lead makeup artist supervisor at Powder Room Beauty Bar. Follow her on instagram @kasenyaalinna

Caregiver U P G R A D E D “Passages LIVING M AG A Z I NResource E S E P T ECenter M B E Ris2funded 0 1 8 by the California Department of Healthcare Services, the AreaAgency on Aging (PSA2, PSA3), and the California Department of Aging.”

JOHN EADS

M AR G E CAM E R O N

VOLUNTEERING WITH A PURPOSE Originally from Washington DC, John Ead’s family took a train west and settled in Sacramento. He attended U.C. Berkeley for 3 years and worked for a major commercial bank over the 24 years that followed. The job kept him running all over Northern California, overseeing personnel and operations for the bank. Though the job treated him well, there came a time to take a break from the rat race. He decided to head back to school and supplement his math and physics majors from Berkeley with a master’s degree in biological sciences from Chico State. This accomplishment allowed him to teach human anatomy at a number of community colleges, primarily in Rocklin, before retiring officially in 2005. He volunteered with Junior Achievement and was involved with a number of boards of directors, but eventually decided that he wanted to spend his time directly helping individuals rather than raising money for organizations. He looked for a volunteer organization and found Passages HICAP program to be the perfect fit. UL: How would you describe what you do? JE: We help people better understand Medicare and Medicare supplements. We’re an informational service which helps individuals who qualify for Medicare stretch their dollar as far as it can go. UL: What is especially unique about the HICAP service? JE: Each year we analyze drug plans and look at the list of medications our clients need. We compare all available plans and find the best lowcost plan for them. It’s a huge benefit! People often have assumptions about what they’re going to do in life and how they’re going to do it, but seldom take the time to research each move thoroughly. It’s our job to know how to best navigate the system and point out alternatives to help individuals accomplish their goals. UL: What have you learned while volunteering with HICAP that has helped you elsewhere in life? JE: I’ve been truly inspired through my interaction with people in HICAP, both clients and staff. You get to meet so many people and work with them in a truly impactful and meaningful way. You’re doing something positive that benefits everyone, and you get to do it alongside some of the most committed people out there—what’s not to love? With so much craziness in the public scene, this volunteer work has been the perfect cure—it just makes each day even more worthwhile! Giving seminars to help educate others on Medicare has allowed me to continue teaching, and the information always seems of interest in a variety of social situations. Between grandkids, traveling, and volunteering, I don’t have time for much else, and that’s just how I like it.

After graduating, Marge Cameron enrolled in a nursing program in Portland. She moved to California and met her husband Ron while working as an RN in acute and long term care. They remained in the Bay Area pursuing their careers while raising five children. They moved to Paradise, and at the urging of a friend, Marge volunteered in the foster grandparents school program through Passages before returning to the nursing field in long term care. After retirement, Marge decided to volunteer as an ombudsman with The Passages Long-Term Care Program in Paradise. She’s been with the group ever since. We caught up with her to ask a couple of questions about why she does what she does. UL:How would you describe what you do? MC: Passages is a big umbrella encompassing programs that assist the elderly. Whether it’s food, medication, long-term care, or education, they make sure that the elderly in our community are taken care of and know what’s available to make their lives better. As an ombudsman, we visit the residents in our local facilities either as a “friendly visitor” or in response to a complaint or inquiry regarding the care of a resident, either from the resident or a concerned family or friend. During the visit, I gather the information and set about trying to rectify the problem. UL: What inspires you to volunteer? MC: When I retired I felt I wasn’t quite finished with the business at hand, and there was something missing in retirement. One day I read a very interesting article about the ombudsman program through Passages. After some thought, I made a phone call that brought me to my present mission. My other calling was education, and I absolutely love to talk—and listen. I was raised by very caring and compassionate parents who really instilled that trait in me, so this was the perfect fit. I get to ask questions and hear incredible stories from those with real life experiences that sometimes span an entire century. UL: What have you learned while volunteering that has helped you elsewhere in life? MC: Volunteering teaches you patience in relationships. I’ve learned the value of interacting with fellow ombudsmen, sharing experiences during team meetings, and garnering useful information to enhance our knowledge regarding elder care. I wouldn’t give up those interactions for anything. I truly feel fulfilled as a result of what I do. I hope that if I someday am in a bed looking at the ceiling for a long period of time with no one to talk to that someone will come and ask me, “How are you today and is everything o.k?”

WHAT YOU NEED AS A CAREGIVER: • Information • Education • Support • Trainings • How to care for yourself Call Passages Caregiver Resource Center 530-898-5925

Passages Caregiver Resource Center is funded by the California Department of Healthcare Services, the Area Agency on Aging (PSA2, PSA3) and the California Department on Aging. 30

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WRITTEN BY EMILY HUSO PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LAROCCA VINEYARDS

LAROCCA VINEYARDS AND THEIR WINNING ORGANIC WINES Thirty-four years ago, Philip LaRocca set out to make an organic wine, which to him meant “nothing synthetic in the vineyard, nothing synthetic in the bottle.” Today, two generations of LaRoccas later, Philip’s certified organic, sulfite-free wine has gained considerable renown, earning major awards. These include a silver medal at the Los Angeles County Fair, and a gold medal from the American Masters of Taste. “Expert winemaker Robert Mondavi 32

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said, ‘the best wines are made the simplest way and the purest way,’” Philip recalls. “That was my goal.” In 1984, with savings from the proceeds of his cookbook as well as from his work as a television and radio host, Philip purchased his first vineyard, a 110-acre plot of unkempt vines overgrown with poison oak. Restoring the vineyard was a family affair. With his

wife, Judy, working to support them and his son, Dharma, godson, Nathan, and daughters Phaedra and Maria, helping to de-weed the land, Philip focused his efforts on replanting and nurturing the old vines back to health. “The Italians have always believed that the older the vine, the better the wine,” Philip, whose parents are from Sicily, explains. Through a process called layering, he was able to save many of the old plants, leading to better grapes come harvest time.

Over time, as Philip acquired more land from neighboring vineyards who sold out, LaRocca Vineyards grew, spanning 300 acres at its peak. With so much land to tend, the family had to work hard. From a young age, the LaRocca kids learned to help prune, spray, and pick, progressing to bigger tasks as they got older, such as driving tractors, running crews, and generally helping with early harvest. The eldest LaRocca daughter, Phaedra, a recent college graduate at the time, spearheaded a major transition in the vineyard’s production. Noting that they profited more from their wine sales than from their grape sales, Phaedra suggested they begin making more wine and selling fewer grapes. Over time, they increased their wine production from 30 to 75 percent. “At the peak of our production we hit about 30,000 cases, and we were in about 39 states,” Philip says proudly. Currently, the LaRocca family farms six varieties of grapes: chardonnay, barbera, zinfandel, merlot, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon. Philip describes his early days of organic farming as a process of trial and error. “We made every mistake in the book, but we fixed every mistake,” he says. With the assistance of Kevin Bell, a close family friend, Philip implemented a rigorous sterilization program, an essential component in organic wine making. One of only two organic wineries in the area at the time, LaRocca Vineyards faced negative publicity early on, as winemaking without sulfite was mostly unheard of within the industry. “You have to remember, when I was doing this in the very early 80s, there weren't a lot of people doing it, and organic wasn't quite as popular as it is today,” Philip says. However, the criticism only encouraged Philip to work harder at creating a consistent organic wine. Today, he is a leader in organic agriculture and was recently named the Organic Farmer of the Year by the Organic Trade Association, a national organization. He chairs and sits on numerous organic boards, has been involved with national organic legislation, and is considered a true pioneer in organic winemaking.

THE LAROCCA FAMILY INVITES YOU TO VISIT THEIR WINE TASTING ROOM AT 222 W. 2ND STREET IN DOWNTOWN CHICO. SINCE OPENING FIVE YEARS AGO, THE LAROCCA VINEYARDS WINE TASTING ROOM HAS PROVIDED A SOOTHING ATMOSPHERE WHERE GUESTS CAN ENJOY TASTING LAROCCA’S WIDE VARIETY OF WHOLESOME ORGANIC WINES. VISIT THE TASTING ROOM TODAY! 33

The Trees W O R K I N G TO P R E S E R V E

As the rash of wildfires laid waste to California over the past month, a stark contrast in landscape emerged. Homes were reduced to ash, once beautiful vistas turned foreboding, and the air itself became thick and painful to breathe. The charred landscape and harrowing stories of lives endangered and lost reminded us of just how dangerous these fires can be, while the weeks that followed began to portray the magnitude of work needed to recover from them. The catch-22 of these fires is that one of the primary resources necessary in recovering an area affected by wildfires is also the first thing to disappear during one. Trees are, arguably, one of the most important features of our planet—they produce the oxygen we require to breathe, clean the air of particulates and odors, absorb excess carbon dioxide that is harmful to our atmosphere, provide a habitat for wildlife, and cool our cities. Their job is round-the-clock and certainly not an easy one, considering all they do to support our planet. When healthy, these giants give life; when sick, they pose 34

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a substantial threat to those they once supported. We saw the enormity of that potential threat play out over these past two summers, as hundreds of millions of dead trees turned forests into literal tinderboxes. Once lit, these dense clusters of brittle trees acted as kindling, fueling fires to a point where they were nearly uncontainable. The 2011–2017 drought played a large role in bringing trees to where they are today. Without water, hundreds of millions of trees suffered from compromised immune systems, leading many to die from starvation alone. For those that survived, a more menacing danger—the bark beetle— loomed on the horizon, ready to finish the job. Credited with the death of nearly 100 million California trees over the past three years, the bark beetle has quickly become a major source of fear for Californians who have bared witness to the wasteland it leaves behind or the amplifying of fires due to its actions. Over the past 11 years, Board Certified Master Arborist, Marc Wesley, along his wife and business

partner, Shuree, have made it their mission to safeguard the health of our community’s trees against native pests like the bark beetle, guaranteeing that their presence continues to be a positive one for this generation and generations to come. “Imagine if you went without water for four days,” Marc says as we sit discussing trees over coffee. “When you finally have a drink, you won’t immediately be cured of the damage done during that period. Recovery takes time.” There is no fault in the argument, and the analogy is easily understood. “Now imagine you go without water for four days,” he continues, “then you finally have a glass and immediately follow it by another four days without water. Repeat that five times and your health would closely mirror where our trees are today.” The realization of the truth behind his argument is a bleak one. Over the past seven years, California has seen the lowest set of consecutive rainfall numbers since the early 1500s. As a result, our state’s trees’ immune systems are stressed, and though 2017–2018 provided a much needed respite from the drought of the prior six years, recovery takes time. Unfortunately, with a destructive force like that of the bark beetle, time is something we simply don’t have.

The Bark Beetle The term bark beetle refers to a specific category of beetles that reproduce after burrowing into the inner bark of trees. Most of these beetles specifically target trees that are weakened or dying as their immune systems cannot put up the necessary fight to ward off the infestation. Healthy trees will usually produce sap, latex, or resin which can contain insecticidal or fungicidal properties used to kill insects and fight off infestations. Once a tree loses its ability to do so, it is unfortunately at the mercy of the beetle; often times, the sheer number of beetles attacking a relatively healthy tree is so great that it cannot mount the necessary defenses to ward them off. As a result, the invading bark beetle will chew into the tree, feed on the cambium cell layer—the living and growing part of the tree—reproduce, and move on. If nothing else, they are simply voracious, attacking each tree by the thousands and cutting through over 100,000 trees throughout California daily at their peak. A force of this magnitude, much like the wildfires of the past few years, seems abjectly unstoppable, but California’s trees have been doing just that for millions of years. What’s different now, is that most of our trees are younger in age and without the years of healthy growth to build proper defenses. Though environmental pressures have intensified over the past one hundred years, luckily technology has progressed in a similar fashion.

Treatment Marc pulls a card out of his wallet; it’s like a baseball card for tree pests, showcasing an image for each of the worst offenders along with a number of useful statistics. “These are the guys,” he says. “Next to starvation there is nothing more deadly to trees.” He then pulls a brochure from his bag, “And this is how we stop them.” The brochure is for a product that is unsurprisingly reminiscent of the vaccines we’ve come to depend on to eradicate a number of human diseases. Marc describes the procedure as a set of injections that treat the underlying causes of sickness in trees and help restore their immune system to proper working order. “Rather than simply cut down a dying tree or cover it with chemicals to kill infestations, we provide it with the medicine it needs to mount its own defense. By doing so, the tree will not only survive, but be better 35

PHOTO BY BEIRON ANDERSONN

equipped to handle such attacks in the future,” says Marc. “The injection provides a broad spectrum antibiotic that innoculates the tree systemically and also kills any pathogens that may have been left behind by other infestations. It’s a far better decision for the tree and environment than spot-spraying it with chemicals.” The injection is priced at $10 per inch of trunk diameter and the vaccination is good for two years on average. Much like with human health, this preventative procedure provides a massive savings over the reactive cost of having the tree removed if it were left to deteriorate. The vaccine against bark beetles is only one of a number of treatments offered by M&S Wesley Tree Service, as each tree is prone to different pests and diseases. With the prevalence of oak trees in Chico, Sudden Oak Death is unsurprisingly one of our area’s most widespread tree diseases. Caused by a fungus-like pathogen that was first discovered in the mid–1990s, the disease has devastated coastal forests throughout California. Quarantined in over 60 countries, the pathogen was accidentally introduced to forests in California through nursery stock; as an invasive species, it has run rampant, unfortunately making its way north into the Chico area. Though this disease has shown dire effects within tree populations throughout California, it can be treated against in the same way as the bark beetle— with a simple vaccination. Rather than bank their business on tree removal, as is common for their industry, Marc and Shuree have chosen to grow their business by working to preserve the trees in 36

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our community. As the only board certified master arborist north of Sacramento to the Oregon border, Marc has dedicated his time to obtaining the education necessary to provide the highest level of service possible. With tens of thousands of hours spent in education and in the field, there truly are few who can claim the level knowledge and experience guiding M&S Wesley Tree Service. Over the month of September, Marc and Shuree will be rolling out their new subscription tree service for Chico and its surrounding communities. Aimed at providing an affordable alternative for preventative treatment and maintenance of trees throughout the area, the service

will ensure that trees covered by the subscription remain healthy and are properly equipped to fight attacks from organisms like the bark beetle and the pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death. The offering is one more in a long line of customer-centric products and services that have earned M&S Wesley Tree Service a stellar reputation throughout the North Valley, and having been customers of theirs ourselves, we can understand why they have the reputation they do.

IF YOU HAVE A TREE ISSUE, WANT TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON THEIR PREVENTATIVE SUBSCRIPTION TREE SERVICE, OR JUST NEED GENERAL ADVICE REGARDING YOUR TREES, VISIT MSWTREE.COM OR CALL 530.343.6809.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED: • • • • • • • •

End Table Chalkboard Paint (color of your choice) Paint Brush Drill Dremel Tool Drawer Knob Sand Paper Felt Furniture Pads (optional)

LET'S MAKE IT!

First, lightly sand the end table so that the surface is even and smooth. Once sanded, lay down your newspaper to protect the ground and begin painting. I painted two coats of paint on my end table to completely hide the original paint job. (Note: Make sure that your first layer is completely dry before adding another coat. Painting before dry will cause uneven painting marks.)

Once dry, use the drill to create a hole large enough for your new drawer knob. Insert the new knob and tighten. Use the dremel tool to cut the inside stem of the knob to your desired length. Place the drawer back into the end table and enjoy! FOR MORE DIY INSPIRED PROJECTS, VISIT EIGHTH & MAIN IN DOWNTOWN, CHICO.

Do it yourself: End Table Up-Do

DIY BY NERISSA QUINN PHOTO BY MICHAEL MEJIA

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

Bridging New & Old

could find. When the fires came through Paradise

tone veining. They finished the look with door

in 2017, they decided to test the roof sprinkler

hardware by Elements and even installed the

system that came with the house, only to find

kitchen’s plumbing and appliances. Finally, Jeff

two broken pipes directly above the kitchen. The

took it upon himself to tie the kitchen together

flood that occurred, and ensuing damage to the

by installing a Provincetown/Racepoint blend

kitchen, gave them all the reason they needed to

tile backsplash from Bedrosian purchased at

accelerate their timetable for the remodel.

New Again. The New Again team completed their

Tarali visited a number of cabinetry companies in

and the resulting kitchen is bright, beautiful,

Originally from Southern California, Tarali Crawford and her husband, Jeff, moved to

portion of the project in just under one week,

Northern California after he accepted a job offer

Chico, passing by New Again Kitchen Remodeling

and timeless—exactly as Tarali and her husband

from Enloe Hospital. Jeff was to be the new

multiple times on her drive down Park Avenue,

envisioned it would be.

manager of Enloe’s radiology department, and

and noting their granite yard each time she

Tarali took the opportunity to mostly retire from

passed. Eventually, she and a friend decided

Asked about her experience with New Again,

her career as a hairdresser, committing to a new

to stop in to see if the business would be the

Tarali stated, “Ric and Amber are so nice; they’re

schedule of nails and hair extensions one day per

right fit for her remodeling needs. She met with

so sociable! They make you feel at ease right off

week at Bella Day Spa Salon & Boutique in Chico.

Ric, laid out the plans that she and her son had

the bat, and treated me like family! It was fun to

drawn up for their kitchen, and explained how

go in and talk with them, even to just share ideas.

The couple moved into an apartment and

she wanted modernity but didn’t want to lose

The construction team made me comfortable with

began searching for their new home, eventually

the home’s charm. She was pleasantly surprised

their being in my home. I ran errands and had

finding the perfect property a short distance

to find that New Again was a one stop shop, and

no problem with their being there by themselves.

away, in Butte Valley. Built by a bridge architect

that they had everything needed for the remodel

They stuck to what they said and did what they

in 1978, the main house connected to a smaller

right there in the showroom. She was even more

needed to do in the timeframe they promised.

guest house via a stunning bridge room that

excited when she learned that the total cost of

They came in and got the job done in just 7

floated above a year-round creek. Surrounded

the countertops, finished cabinets, and labor

days! For the couple of small things that needed

by beautifully landscaped grounds, the property

at New Again matched the quote of unfinished

touch up or modification, they came out and

was more than either of them could have asked

cabinets alone at the other shops she visited.

took care of them immediately. I would definitely

for. The home itself, on the other hand, was

She and Ric reviewed her needs, decided on a

recommend them to friends and family; in

dated and in need of considerable modernizing.

plan of attack, and signed the agreement to get

fact, I already have!”

The kitchen was particularly bad, with musty

started on the project.

dark wood cabinetry, red brick countertops that matched the red brick flooring, and a layout that

With another remodeled kitchen on the Days before the New Again crew was ready

books, New Again continues to set the standard

did more to impede traffic than accommodate it.

to put the new one together, Tarali and her

for kitchen and bathroom renovation in Chico.

Luckily, Tarali and her husband both had the eye

husband released their disdain for the kitchen

If you’re looking to start a home improvement

by demolishing it themselves. When the crew

project, and want a one-stop shop with

and drive for such a project.

arrived, they installed subway white Shaker

impeccable service like Tarali and Jeff did, call

They began renovating the home over the first

cabinets with self closing hinges above and

New Again Kitchen Remodeling at 530.899.2888.

year, making progress during any free time they

below Calacatta quartz countertops with earth

CONNECT

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

Maximize How to

your space

Fall is right around the corner; the students are back and moving in to their new homes. Whether it be a dorm room, an apartment, or house, the same issues arise when trying to maximize space and function. There are a few key strategies that, if adhered to, will help create a harmonious space, no matter the size. Knowing how each space needs to function is the first step in laying out a home. Sleeping, dining, studying, entertaining all need to be thought out. Once you know what your needs are, you can begin the layout by grouping functions together to best utilize the space you have. Using two small cubed tables instead of a large coffee table gives you the flexibility to move them around when entertaining or pushing them together to create a larger work/study space. Having a small space doesn’t mean you need to fill it with small furniture pieces. By combining different scales of mismatched furniture pieces and finishes you give your space an eclectic, curated feel. When purchasing upholstery, consider going with an “armless” sofa or chair. Arms are bulky and cut into your space. Bolsters and pillows can be used to create an “arm” 42

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while still giving you seating flexibility. Keep scale in mind when selecting furniture and patterns. Traditionally, the rule of thumb is to avoid large patterns in a small space but I disagree. A large, bold print can define a room, whether it is an area rug, wallpaper, or fabric. Stay away from busy, small patterns that can feel chaotic. A large floral in a soft color palette or an oversized large stripe in two tone will give you a beautiful graphic and focal point. Layering pattern, textures and finishes will elevate your space and make it more inviting. Color is a huge component when dealing with small spaces. Too dark and it looks like a cave, too light and it looks sterile and uninviting. When selecting paint color the finish is equally as important. By using a semi gloss with a saturated color (wall texture is important here) you can create a sleek, reflective room that is both modern, dramatic and inviting. The single most important aspect to making a small space feel larger is to remove clutter and to not over accessorize. Having well marked storage containers for items you use regularly, that can be tucked away, are a great investment. They will keep your space organized and clutter free.

DESIGN ADVICE

VIA

SARAH MORRIS

Sarah has been an interior designer since 1993. She receieved her BFA from CSU Chico in 1995. Sarah is the owner of Savannah James an Interior Design Studio & Boutique.

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INGREDIENTS: • 2 2/3 Cups Heavy Cream • 1/2 Cup Superfine White Sugar • 4 Ounces Egg Yolks • 1 Tahitian Vanilla Bean • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt • 1/2 Teaspoon Saffron Threads • 3 Green Cardamom Pods Gently Crushed • 3 Black Peppercorns • 1/2 Teaspoon Orange Zest • Additional Sugar To Finish

RECIPE COURTESY OF CARTER HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT LOCATED AT 301 L STREET IN EUREKA.

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DIRECTIONS: A few notes on this recipe: If at all possible, use heavy cream which has a fat content of 36–40% rather than whipping cream which is around 30% fat. If you have access to duck eggs, they make a superior custard. Scrape vanilla beans; add scrapings and pods to cream along with saffron, peppercorns, and orange zest. Bring cream to a simmer, remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Whisk sugar, salt, and egg yolks together, temper hot cream into eggs. Portion custard into 6 oz brûlée dishes or fluted ramekins, bake in a hot water bath at 275˚F until just set.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARTER HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Saffron Cardamom & Vanilla Crème Brûlée

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Corn and Fromage Blanc Ravioli with Roasted Pork Shoulder & Romano Beans INGREDIENTS: RAVIOLI • 1 Sheet Egg Pasta 12’’ x 18’’ • 1 Cup Yellow Corn • 1 Cup Bellwether Farms Fromage Blanc • 2 Tablespoons Sliced Scallion • 2 Tablespoons Chopped Italian Parsley • ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper + 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt + 1 Lemon, Zested • 2 Eggs Beaten

PORK SHOULDER • 2lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder • Salt & Pepper

OTHER • ½ Cup Romano Beans, Blanched and Sliced • 1.5 Cups Chicken Stock + 1 Lime Juiced • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Chives, Picked Tarragon, & Picked Chervil • 1 Tablespoon Chopped Italian Parsley • Parmesan Cheese For Grating

DIRECTIONS: Place pork shoulder in oven at 300F and roast for three hours or until meat can be twisted with a fork. Remove from oven, let rest. Combine corn, fromage blanc, herbs, salt, pepper and lemon zest in a bowl. Set aside. On a floured surface lay out pasta sheet and cut out 4” diameter circles, 7–8 circles per person. Using a pastry brush, paint half of the circles with the beaten egg. Place 1 teaspoon of fromage blanc mixture in middle of pasta circle and fold pasta over to create a half circle. Pinch edge to make sure pasta sticks together. Place on floured sheet tray, set aside until pasta is filled. Once pork cools chop in bite-sized pieces. In medium pot boil chicken stock. Add 1 cup chopped pork. Fill large pot with water add ¼ of kosher salt, boil. Drop all of the pasta at once, cook for 30 Seconds. Take out raviolis and put into warm chicken stock. Add rest of the herbs, romano beans, lime juice, season to taste. Divide ravioli, pork and broth evenly between bowls. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

RECIPE COURTESY OF RED TAVERN BISTRO BAR PATIO LOCATED AT 1250 ESPLANADE IN CHICO.

BRUCE THOMAS | ROSE KREPELKA | SHAWN BLOFSKY | TOM HUGHES

INTERWEST INSURANCE SERVICES

Removing Doubt from Benefits It goes without saying that employers have their fair share of items to focus on. Scheduling, payroll, business insurance, rent, utilities, advertising—the list often seems endless, and that’s without even 48

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touching on the actual work that goes into making the business successful! At some point in the life of any growing business, an employer will likely look at providing benefits to attract, retain, and

The Benefits Department at InterWest assists companies and employers throughout California in developing benefit programs that will build a healthier business, while managing the overall compliance and administration associated with those programs. Most employerswill see the direct cost of providing a benefits program, but will often overlook the indirect cost of time and money spent administering it. InterWest’s Benefits Department takes the burden off of their shoulders by providing them tools, education, resources, and consulting to help minimize those costs and improve efficiency. Regionally, their vast knowledge base is unmatched within their industry, and the added value of their consultation services is a true benefit to employers both locally and statewide. Perhaps their most attractive program, alternative funding has recently stepped into the spotlight as a way for companies to increase transparency relative to their health insurance programs. The end program is the same for employees, but employers are given the option of owning, rather than renting, their health plans by participating financially in the claims process. By taking on some of the risk, they are able to see financial benefits long-term and provide better plans to their employees each year—a win-win everyone can appreciate. InterWest’s Benefits Department sales team in Chico includes Bruce Thomas, Rose Krepelka, Shawn Blofsky, and Tom Hughes.

Bruce Thomas Bruce Thomas graduated from Chico State with a psychology degree in 2002 and joined InterWest after four years in the mortgage industry. He has been a member of their Benefits Department since 2006 and has taken pride in knowing that his work not only helped countless employers and companies throughout California, but made the lives of their employees better as well. His primary focus has been consulting with clients on various areas of compliance, including health care reform, labor law, and ERISA. Just as the other members of his group, he believes that having a team of client-centric employee benefits specialists has made all the difference in providing clients with service that goes above and beyond standard insurance practices. Twelve years after starting at InterWest, Bruce is now married to his wife, Lisa, and raising four children. He is an active member within his community, having served on the finance committee for Chico Country Day School and volunteered with the Chico Noon Exchange Club. Currently, Bruce is on the board for Valley Oak Children’s Services, a local non-profit serving kids and families in need of childcare support. When he isn’t working or volunteering, he’s coaching his kids in AAU basketball, playing golf, or taking them to see the San Francisco Giants chase another World Series.

Rose Krepelka RHU®, REBC® A fifth generation Chicoan, Rose Krepelka attended Chico State and opened her own insurance brokerage in 1989. Focused on employee benefits—medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances—she ran it successfully for 13 years before making the jump to InterWest.

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

motivate employees. These benefits may include bonuses, insurance, paid vacation, personal days, sick leave, or retirement plans. Benefits, though beneficial for the company, add considerable work to an already busy schedule, simply to ensure they are provided correctly. Luckily for local employers, InterWest Insurance Services has a team tasked with making that process as easy as possible.

Rose is proud to admit that most of her business has come from referrals, and working with employers throughout the Northstate has been one of the most fulfilling experiences she has had. As she mentioned, “You just get one opportunity to make a positive lasting impression.” Her word-of-mouth client procurement is proof that she does an excellent job at exactly that. Since 1989, Rose has worked with over 500 different businesses in Northern California and maintained a specialized level of service for each, ensuring that her clients’ employees are welltaken care of. She strives to keep employers in compliance so they are well prepared and covered in the event of a claim.

Shawn Blofsky With a last name that has become somewhat ubiquitous in our town, Shawn was born awnd raised right here in Chico. He graduated from Chico State in 2008 with a degree in business administration and a focus in financial services, before beginning his career in retirement plan administration. His good friend, Tom Hughes, eventually convinced him to join the team at InterWest in 2011, and he’s been with their Benefits Department ever since. Shawn enjoys the out-of-office setting that his position provides and the calling to work with all sizes of businesses, from those that are just getting started to established companies with over 200 employees. Working within a variety of industries makes each day an exciting challenge, and he loves every minute of it. When he isn’t at work, he’s either enjoying time with his wife, Monica, and raising his two boys, or working with the Northern California Fertility Foundation, which supports people in the community in reaching their dreams of becoming parents.

Tom Hughes, RHU® Originally from Pacific Grove, Tom moved to Chico in 1985 to attend Chico State, where he majored in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. He began working for InterWest’s Employee Benefits Department in 1989 and has been a vital part of the group since. Over the past 29 years, he has worked through two major industry reforms and the Affordable Care Act. It remains his mission to help employers understand changes to the law and minimize the time needed to maintain compliance. Tom is married with three adult children and spends his free time volunteering with various local organizations including Chico Noon Rotary, Enloe Foundation, Chico Community Scholarship and Young Life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT INTERWEST INSURANCE SERVICES, LLC AT 1357 E LASSEN AVENUE IN CHICO 530.895.1010 OR VISIT IWINS.COM. 49

Real Estate Investment? Over the many years that I have sold real estate, I have been asked countless times by clients, "How do I begin to invest in real estate beyond owning my house?" I have always thought that the simplest first step is to buy a small single-family home that can become a rental. Many clients get involved in multi-unit apartment complexes, investment partnerships and other big first steps. I have always believed that a simple purchase without partners is best. It’s smart to avoid bylaws, incorporations, or complicated investment trusts until one is familiar with investing. Owning rentals brings responsibility. If you do not want to take on that responsibility, then do not own rentals. Let’s help get your feet wet in the simplest way first. I think it is best to begin by taking a baby step. Purchasing a rental property is a BIG baby step. You may begin by purchasing a new primary residence for yourself while keeping your current home as a rental. This makes complete sense because you certainly know your property. Or, you may choose a small singlefamily home as your first investment property. These are a couple of ideas to keep in mind initially. Either way, remember the mantra, "location, location, location," still applies. Questions to consider: Will it rent easily? Is it near a school? Is it a home you would choose if you were renting? Does it have lots of storage, a good neighborhood, or a nice yard? All of these questions will lead to one of the most important things about owning a rental: getting it occupied.

Understand that having a vacant rental and making payments without the monthly income is horrible. Diligence is a true factor to success. You want it clean, in good repair, and “move in ready.” The results will be good tenants willing to pay good rent for something that is well cared for! If you are willing to do that, there is such a plus side for clients to invest. Painting walls, mowing lawns, cleaning, and finding tenants is a lot of work. The rewards for all your efforts include collecting rent checks, and tax deductions. Taking advantage of market appreciation that you hope for in a healthy real estate market as well as loan interest, and depreciation are also a valuable tax break. First and foremost record keeping becomes the most important component. Getting set up correctly from the very beginning is imperative, and both your accountant and your agent can set you on the right course. Your accountant will have to show you how all of that is done. It is important to note that so much goes into the owning and managing of a rental property, though the end reward is worth it. Over many years, I have seen young clients build wealth by buying one rental, and then another, then another, until they have acquired quite a portfolio of properties. If you are starting out with that desire to create passive income in properties that works for you; it can be done today much the same as 20 years ago. I have often had clients tell me

they regret not buying a rental investment that they considered. I have never had anyone say they regret purchasing their rental. In fact, they will admit that they wish they bought another rental house instead of buying that new boat that now sits idle in the barn. The rental demand in nice homes to rent is as strong as ever. A single-family home allows you the freedom of only dealing with one tenant at a time. Apartment complexes can be much more management challenging. If you decide to sell, single-family homes are in a healthy market. You may choose to purchase in a different area. If you find that you do not want to be “hands-on” with your management, there are excellent management companies that are licensed to do that for you. C21 has a trained group of agents that have been educated on the rental investing pros and cons. We will always remain your agents from the time that we sell you your very first home. Our expertise becomes your expertise. We are here to help you explore your next step in real estate investment. So, whether it is student rentals, apartments, retail shops, office buildings, or commercial warehousing, please call Century 21 Select Commercial Group today and let us share our years of knowledge and experience with you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CENTURY 21 SELECT COMMERCIAL GROUP AT 1101 EL MONTE AVE IN CHICO OR 530.899.5931. ©2018 CENTURY 21 SELECT REAL ESTATE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CENTURY 21® AND THE CENTURY 21 LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OWNED BY CENTURY 21 REAL ESTATE LLC. EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED.

1600 ARCADIAN AVENUE, CHICO

1220 BIDWELL AVENUE, CHICO

1149 HOBART STREET, CHICO

6 Bed, 3 Bath, 2025 Sq.Ft.

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1249 Sq.Ft.

7 Bed, 3 Bath, 2850 Sq.Ft.

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ARTICLE PROVIDED BY GEORGIE BELLIN

W H E R E D O E S O N E STA RT I N

18 19 SCOTT SEATON MUSIC DIRECTOR

September 29 & 30

“American Made” Copland, Bernstein, Brahms

with Project Trio

#LIVINGINCHICO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK F O R O U R M O N T H LY P H O T O CONTEST AND PRIZES!

SEPTEMBER WINNER: MADDIE COLEMAN 51

Raised Beds

vs.

In-Ground Gardens

Raised beds or in-ground vegetable gardens? Which is best for you? They each have pluses and minuses.

RAISED BEDS

Raised beds are usually constructed from wood, rock or block, bathtubs, horse water troughs, etc. The following are the potential benefits of raised beds: • Soil Choice: Clay soils are common in our area, which even when heavily amended, can be less than optimum for gardens. With raised beds, there are more options to choose the soil composition that best suits the individual needs of the plants. Additionally, custom soil blends are more weed-free than the soil found in most yards.

Thank you

• Ease of Harvest & Weeding: Raised beds make it easier to work the garden because they are typically built from 12” to 24” tall which keeps bending over to a minimum. Seat caps can be installed which allow you to sit while working the garden.

to all the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, and everyone else who helped, aide in the surrounding fires.

• Aesthetics: Raised beds can be readily blended into any backyard landscape since they can be any size, shape, or material.

We appreciate everything you do. –All of us at Upgraded Living

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• Gopher Protection: Welded wire can be installed under the soil which will keep these pesky critters from stealing your bountiful produce.

IN-GROUND GARDENS

• Amending Soil: While we do have areas of heavy or cobbley soil, our area also has some wonderful loamy soil well suited for gardens. If you want to plant an in-ground garden, it is much easier to incorporate amendments into the soil which are important to the success of any garden. Vegetable plants deplete your soil after a couple seasons and need to be amended regularly by tilling compost into the garden area. • Location: With an in ground garden, you are not limited by the size or shape of your yard. Any open piece of ground is prime for a garden. • Cost: One of the biggest benefits of an in-ground garden is you avoid the cost of materials and labor to put in raised beds. Also, if you decide down the road to move your garden, or eliminate it all together, you are not faced with the cost of removing or relocating the beds.

How ever you choose to grow your vegetables, there are few things more rewarding than fresh picked vegetables to make tonight’s dinner. Happy gardening!

GARDEN ADVICE VIA B R U C E W H I T E G I V E R For more information, visit Bruce at Sutherland Landscape Center located at 2720 Highway 32 in Chico or call 530.893.4531.

Most memorable experience: My trip to Europe with Patty when we were 20/21. Single biggest indulgence: Whatever it takes to spend time with my sons. Ocean or river? Beach or Campsite? Why?: Tough. Camping by water because the mountains feed my soul. Still on my bucket list: Hit all national parks, visit Guatemala + Columbia, raft the Grand Canyon. My “go to” Chico Spot: Anywhere on the Yahi Trail in Upper Park. What gets me out of bed each morning: Curiosity. Always fun to see who and what the day will bring. What my life will look like in five years: Hopefully a grandma with hiking poles, laughing with friends in the mountains.

CIN

Q&A DY

IFF

If I weren’t a teacher I’d be: A national park ranger for sure. Preferably in Colorado or Washington. 54

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Biggest challenge I face each day: Is to stay disciplined in terms of meditation and exercise. Three qualities that got me where I am today: Living with intention, paying attention, being creative. One change educations needs tomorrow: The schedule! School should be from 8–8, you pick your hours. Moment I realized I made it: Seriously? I never feel that way, but I keep trying!

Summer break is for: Barbeques with friends, kayaking, backpacking, swimming in creeks, home projects, travel, reading. Book that left a lasting impression on me: So many. Right now? “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Joe Dispenza. Last thing I binge-watched: “Wild, Wild Country” and “Velvet.” One thing I am exceptionally good at: Nothing. But I think I’m a pretty good mother, friend, and teacher. One thing I am epically bad at: Remembering the specifics of books, movies, and songs. Biggest societal frustration: That fear drives us instead of love and compassion. The tendency of many to act in fear instead of trust. My personal billboard would read: “Have legs, will hike” or “luckiest mom in the world” or “storyteller.com”.

PHOTO BY FRANK REBELO

Beloved teacher, Cindy Triffo, better known by her sobriquet, Doña, will be retiring at the end of this first semester. Cindy has spent the past 26 years at Chico High School teaching Spanish. Her popularity among students has been repeated time and again with her reading the names at graduation by virtue of being voted “favorite teacher.” We thank Cindy for being our inaugural featured teacher, and wish her the best in her well deserved retirement!

Teacher I remember the most from being a student: Abby Fisher. “Be bad Cindy. Come on, just be bad this once.”

YELLOWSTONE KELLY On September 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Paradise Community Park, the town of Paradise will celebrate the completion of the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail with a ribbon cutting dedication and band performance. Formerly known as the Paradise Memorial Trailway, the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail includes a half-mile stretch decorated with historical plaques commemorating 31 pioneers who made a significant contribution to the town of Paradise. Among these pioneers is the trail’s namesake, Luther “Yellowstone” Kelly.

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Though a prominent figure during his lifetime, Kelly had been largely forgotten by history until recently. However, thanks to the city of Billings, Montana, as well as the efforts of historical enthusiasts like veteran and retired police officer, Bill Hartley, Kelly has begun to gain recognition as an important figure in the history of the American West. “I learned about Yellowstone Kelly's existence in Paradise in about 2016,” Hartley says. After further investigation into Kelly’s life, Hartley decided that history should not be forgotten and contacted the Golden Nugget Museum to share his findings. Now a board member at the museum and chair of their Yellowstone Kelly Committee, Hartley hopes the trail and historical plaques will help to preserve the memories of important Paradise pioneers, many of whom may be familiar to Paradise residents as several streets throughout the town bear their names. Each plaque will include a photo

of the pioneer as well as a biological sketch detailing the contribution the pioneer made to the town. The project was paid for with sponsorships from within the community, including a generous donation from the Rotary of Paradise. The town of Paradise funded the resurfacing of the trailway as well as the installation of light standards along its length. The town also put up crossing lights at major intersections to ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful trail now,” says Hartley. “I think it will be the focal point of our little community.” The completion of the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail marks an important milestone in resurrecting the memories of important pioneers, like Kelly himself, whom history has largely passed by. “History shapes our future and tells the story of the future by studying the past,” says Hartley. “I think we need to remember the past so that we can better prepare for the future." TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YELLOWSTONE KELLY, VISIT YELLOWSTONE KELLY FACEBOOK PAGE MAINTAINED BY THE BILLINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND BE SURE TO ATTEND THE CELEBRATION OF THE TRAILWAY’S COMPLETION!

WRITTEN BY EMILY HUSO PHOTOS BY MICHAEL MEJIA

An American soldier, hunter, trapper, scout, adventurer, and friend of the native North Americans, Kelly explored and mapped out the Yellowstone Valley, earning the nickname “Yellowstone Kelly” due to his expertise on the region. Though Yellowstone Kelly explored all throughout the West and even led two expeditions to Alaska, he ultimately chose Paradise as the place to live out the final 12 years of his life. With its bluffs and canyons so much like the Montana landscape he loved, Paradise lived up to its name for Kelly. He started an orchard and sent the fruit he grew back to his friends, including Teddy Roosevelt,

to whom he spoke highly of Paradise’s beauty. After his death in 1928, Kelly was buried back in Montana atop Mt. Kelly overlooking the Yellowstone Valley.

WRITTEN BY STACY PLANCE PHOTOS BY FRANK REBELO

Friday’s in Oroville It’s a warm Friday night as I walk down the streets of Oroville listening to Chuck Berry sing Nadine from a speaker setup outside of a local antique shop. A V-8 engine roars as kids fly down the blow-up bouncy slide and a wave of nostalgia rushes over me. Of course I’m not old enough to know what the 1950’s were like but, in this town, on this first Friday, a glimmer of summer’s past shines through the night. Oroville’s often unrealized charm is on display each first Friday of the month when the local businesses open their doors to celebrate with the community. The streets are lined with classic cars and vendors set up to provide a taste of local flavors. The experience of Oroville’s first Friday nights is 58

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sure to be a family favorite. One of the most notable fixtures of this event is Ms. Lowla, a matte blue 1949 Chevy fastback known for her desire to live in Hollywood and the boutique downtown that dons her name. Tracy Grant is not only the owner of this retro beauty but also one of the organizers of the first Friday’s event. Her passion for classic cars and vintage clothes rivals only her passion for providing Oroville with a space for the community to enjoy one another. Strolling down the street, you will see the local store owners sitting in front of their stores, welcoming everyone that walks by. Local vendors set up tents and bring out

all their best goodies to share with the community. AM mandarins, one of these local vendors, brought an array of homemade jams and jellies. I sampled one of their deliciously unusual concoctions that I can easily see as an addition to my next grilled cheese, a 1920’s recipe for tomato jam. In the tent next door, was a preacher turned wood worker showcasing his various creations including a revolving pistachio serving tray. Along with the vendors, the local downtown stores open their doors and pour their support for the community onto the sidewalk. A desire to fill downtown Oroville with support and community is apparent in the many faces that came out to support the event. Each month has a different theme offering up an array of activities and entertainment. This month will host a pin-up contest, a classic car show and a screening of Grease in union square. The coming months offer a farm to table theme, a Fall Fest and a tree lighting ceremony in December complete with Santa. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING UPCOMING EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN OROVILLE PLEASE VISIT OROVILLEDBA.COM.

SEPTEMBER 1–29

Non-Traditional Pets I am often asked about the choices for a pet. The scope of the question is actually complex. Rural families have a different perspective on pets than similar metropolitan families. Folks in the country will have a “farm animal,” while the city folks are more likely to have a dog or cat. Regardless of the choice, there have to be realistic expectations about the care of the animal. I am most familiar with reptile and amphibian non-traditional pets. The demographics for reptile owners has changed in the last 60 years. In the 50’s/60’s, reptile owners were predominantly males. Not so today, as 40% of reptile owners are female, who make exceptional reptile keepers. Pet dogs often are a single pet, yet when reptile pets come up, it is often associated with a collection. Unlike the family with one pet dog or cat, the reptile family will often have a snake, lizard, tortoise and a turtle. Some collections are primarily snakes, in some cases a specific kind like the Ball Python. Other families may have a tortoise or two and never consider owning a snake. Reptile choices are more like picking out coins, stamps, or art collecting. Not at all like the expression on that doggie in the window. With wild animals entering the reptile trade, it is more important to place emphasis on how they are bred. Wild animals are often stressed by the time they reach the market and this can create problems. Always choose a reliable source for any animal purchases. RON'S REPTILES 44 Rock Creek Road Chico, CA 95973 530.893.2095

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“Member’s Choice” Exhibit Wheeler Gallery, Paradise Art Center Info:Showcasing a variety of artistic styles and media such as watercolor, oil, acrylic, pen & ink, pottery, mixed media and photography. paradise-art-center.com

SEPTEMBER 2 Sundays at Two—Remembering The Great War 2:00 p.m. Zingg Recital Hall, Chico Cost: Free Info: A centenary concert featuring songs, instrumental works, readings, and poetry in remembrance of The Great War.

SEPT. 5–DEC. 8 Archaeology of Chico Neighborhoods Valene L. Smith Museum, CSUC Campus Cost: Free

SEPT. 6TH–OCT. 28 Black and White in Black and White, Silence Out Loud Museum of Northern California, Chico 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Cost: $5 Adults | Children Free Info: Photography that looks at the optimistic era of “The New Negro Movement” of the early 1900’s plus abstract and conceptual works of art. For more info, visit monca.org or 530.487.7272

SEPTEMBER 8 Wheels & Wings Paradise Airport, Paradise Afternoon Family Fun noon–3:00 p.m. Evening Festivities 6:00–10:00 p.m. Cost: Afternoon $10 or free with purchase of evening ticket | Evening ticket $50 Info: The day is divided into two parts with something to interest both young and mature audiences. For more information contact Carol Koenig at carollynnkoenig@ gmail.com or 530.872.1384

SEPTEMBER 14 5th Annual Whisky & Wine Taste For A Cause 6:00–9:00 p.m. Chico Women’s Club, Chico Cost: $30 presale | $35 at the door Info: Evening of tasting fine Scotch Whisky, wonderful local wines, and delicious appetizers. Tickets: wtcinc.org/5th-annualwhisky-wine or 2255 Fair Street, Chico.

SEPTEMBER 20

San Francisco Comedy Competition 8:00 p.m. 230 W 2nd Street, Chico Cost: $15 in advance | $20 door Info: Chico's El Rey Theater will be the third show of the semi-final round of the San Francisco Comedy competition. Must be 16+ to attend. elreychico.com

SEPTEMBER 22 Fall Opera Gala: Candide by Leonard Berstein 7:30 p.m. Harlen Adams Theatre, Chico Cost: $20 Adult | $18 Senior | $6 Youth or Chico State Student

SEPTEMBER 23 Taste of Chico 12:00–4:00 p.m. Downtown Chico Cost: Wine & Dine $35 in advance | Full Course $25 in advance Info: The finest bites, sips, and sounds of Chico. Tickets available on eventbrite.com

SEPTEMBER 29 North State Symphony: "American Made" 7:30 p.m. Laxson Auditorium, Chico Info & Tickets: Explore the sounds of two iconic American composers, Bernstein and Copland, who formed the music of the 20th century, gathering influence from jazz and the old west. northstatesymphony.org

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PHOTO BY MICHAEL MEJIA

BACKPAGE

Stories about the town of Chico from a native Chicoan. Upgraded Living Magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Dolan.

The word ‘credo’ is Latin for I believe. I have always thought that one should not only know what they believe but also where those beliefs came from. The following is a tribute to the venerable Robert Fulghum who found everything he needed to know from kindergarten. This style is known as a structural imitation, and I thank Robert for providing such a wonderful shell. My credo was shaped in the years I spent earning a degree from Chico State. All I Ever Really Needed To Know I Learned Becoming a Wildcat. All I ever really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned becoming a Wildcat. Wisdom was not in the hallowed halls of Princeton, or on the sprawling grounds of Leland Stanford Junior University; but right here where the earned gown was a mere walk away from its marvelous town. These are the things I learned: • Show up. (on time) • Keep up. (or ahead) • Don’t cut corners. • Collect all red solo cups early the next morning. • A sunset from Monkey Face beats a curb on Main at sunrise. • The library also has stools; use them more often. • Say you need help right when you need it. • Since today-decides-tomorrow, do not allow yesterday to get in its own way. • Float. • A rose garden and rambling creek in the center of campus are good for you. • Live a balanced life—read some, and write some, and think some, and yawn, and sip, and dream, and frolic, and get after it every day some. • Power naps, when and wherever you can get them, work. • When you go out, keep your head up and your eyes clear; be aware of time, and travel in familiar packs. • Be aware of the magnitude. Grasp each moment and remember the junket: freshmen become sophomores and then juniors and too soon seniors, and nobody understands just how fast the time elapses, but it does. • The leaves on the trees go from green to gold to red to a withered stage and fall to the ground. In our own way, so will we. • And then remember one of the first words you learn and hear time again; sometimes as a command, sometimes uttered as a plea; the biggest word of all, “Finish.”

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