Holiday Magic by Valley Community Newspapers

November 2018

A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers

Enjoy the beauty and excitement of the season with the Folsom Lake Symphony! Spend the most wonderful time of the year with us at our ‘Holiday Spirit’ concerts on Dec. 1 and 2.

2018 Sacred Heart Holiday Home Tour Friday, November 30th: 12pm to 8pm Saturday, December 1st: 10am to 7pm Sunday, December 2nd: 11am to 5pm Tickets on sale November 1st One of Northern California's most popular holiday home tours returns with five elegantly decorated homes in East Sacramento's historic Fabulous Forties neighborhood. The self-guided walking tour begins on 46th Street between J Street and M Street with participating home addresses and a neighborhood map printed on the back of each ticket. Don't miss the Holiday Boutique and Cafe located at Sacred Heart Parish School. No ticket is required to visit the Holiday Boutique and Cafe.

www.sacredhearthometour.com Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Children over the age of one must have a ticket. the tour or online at SacredHeartHomeTour.com All ticket purchases are non-refundable. Tour occurs rain or shine

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Meet tenor Doug LaBrecque up close and personal at our Meet the Artist Reception & Dinner on Nov. 29 Join us for our ‘Holiday Spirit” concerts with tenor Doug LaBrecque at the Harris Center for the Arts on Sat., Dec. 1, 7:30pm and on Sun., Dec. 2, 2pm. Come and share the wonder and majesty of the season, as we settle in for one of the Folsom Lake Symphony’s most anticipated concert events. With popular and nostalgic favorites, as well as classical pieces and contemporary Broadway tunes, concert-goers of all ages will find the joy and sweet celebration of this most wonderful time of the year. Join us for the beautiful and spirited orchestrations of Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and other traditional favorites including ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year/Christmas Waltz, the Carol of the Bells and O Chanukah, plus more. The music continues with March of the Toys from Babes in Toyland, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and a few Broadway treats. In the symphony’s tradition, Maestro Peter Jaffe will invite the audience to participate in sing-along carols, a favorite holiday experience for all! Tenor Doug LaBrecque joins the Folsom Lake Symphony, having thrilled theatre audiences on Broadway as The Phantom and Raoul in the Harold Prince production of The Phantom of the Opera, and Ravenal in Show Boat and touring nationally with Les Misérables. Mr. LaBrecque has performed with The National Symphony, The Chicago Symphony, The San Francisco Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Hong Kong Philharmonic, The Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary Sym-

phonies in Canada and the Israel Philharmonic, among others. You can buy tickets on our website, www. folsomlakesymhony.com, by phone at 916608-6888, or at the Harris Center ticket office on the Folsom Lake College campus at 10 College Parkway, Folsom.

Meet the Artist Reception & Dinner

You also have the opportunity to meet Mr. LaBrecque, Maestro Jaffe and other symphony supporters at our intimate ‘Meet the Artist’ Reception and Dinner on Thurs., Nov. 29. The event includes an exclusive recital, gourmet food and fine wine. Seating is limited. See sidebar for more information and tickets. Our ‘Meet the Artist’ series is sponsored by Mary Louise & Rod Klein and Marie Mitchell. Our December concerts are sponsored by US Bank. For additional symphony information visit www.folsomlakesymphony.com or call 916357-6718. For the full season lineup, download our 2018-2019 brochure here.

t h ig L le d n a C & ls o r a C Monday Dec. 24 - 5:00PM American River Community Church 3300 Walnut Ave., Carmichael

info@arcconline.org

www.arcconline.org

916-483-3465

Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Experience the Holiday Magic as Capitol Ballet Company presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Capitol Ballet Company Stuart Carroll and Sharon Newton, Artistic Directors Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and relive the wonder and enchantment of this Christmas classic. Experience the beauty and artistry of ballet through Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker performed live by Capitol Ballet Company with students from Stockton Ballet School. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and first performed in Russia over a century ago, The Nutcracker has become an enduring holiday classic captivating the imaginations of all ages. Celebrate Christmas Eve with Clara at her family’s grand celebration at the Stahlbaum manor. Herr Drosselmeyer amazes the children with his magical inventions, a life-size doll and bear, which seemingly come to life. Then dream with Clara as her courageous Nutcracker Prince and his toy soldiers boldly battle the villainous Mouse King and his army of mice. Victorious in battle, Clara’s Nutcracker becomes a handsome prince and leads her away on a magical journey. Travel with them as they pass through the beautiful land of snow and on to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they are

welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and delighted by dances performed in their honor, including the Waltz of the Flowers and the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. The Nutcracker will be performed on Saturday, December 15, 2018, 1:30 p.m. at the Sheldon High School Performing Arts Center, 8333 Kingsbridge Drive, Sacramento, California. Tickets may be purchased online at tututix.com/capitolballet. Capitol Ballet Company is a non-profit organization funded in part by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission Cultural Arts Awards with support from the City and County of Sacramento. Visit us at www.capitolballet.com For further press information, photos, or interviews, please contact Mr. Stuart Carroll. Email: directors@capitolballet.com Tel: (916) 484-1188 Capitol Ballet Company ~ 4430 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821 ~ 916.484.1188 www.capitolballet.com

Warm your heart this holiday season with classics including Sleigh Ride, March of the Toys, Carol of the Bells, O Chanukah, White Christmas, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, sing-along carols, selections from The Nutcracker and many other treats. Tenor Doug LaBrecque’s superb voice thrilled audiences as The Phantom and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera and Ravenal in the Broadway revival of Showboat. He has been a soloist with The National Symphony, The Chicago Symphony, The San Francisco Symphony, and the Boston Pops, among many others.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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SAVE THE DATE: 100+ artists, performers to delight visitors at 13th annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market 100+ artists have been juried and selected, and preparations are underway for the 13th annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market, a three-day art bazaar that will take place on Thanksgiving weekend at Sacramentoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scottish Rite Center. Now a community holiday tradition, the festive event is highlighted by the presence of dozens of local and regional artists, who personally welcome more than 5,000 visitors who come to shop for one-of-a-kind, artful gifts and enjoy a world of creative delights at the market each year. The market is offered in partnership between the Crocker and Creative Arts League, Sacramento (CALS).Â In addition to supporting participating artists, proceeds from the market will help to fund the Crockerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibitions and programs, and essential community programs offered by CALS including arts outreach to Mustard Seed School and low-cost art tours throughout the region. For more information, view our press release here: https://www.crockerart. org/press/cham-2018 y Happ ys ia Hold

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%34!4%Ã&#x2C6;0 , !. . ) .'Ã&#x2C6; Ã&#x2C6;0 2/"!4% On Thanksgiving weekend enjoy art, music, and food as Sacramentoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scottish Rite Center is transformed into a festive holiday bazaar. Shop for art gifts for everyone on your list! Meet & Greet with 100+ Local Artist Musical Performers Â· Giveaways Â· Balloon Tying Photo Ops with Santa Â· Pixies & Elves

November 23-25, 2018

Location: Scottish Rite Center 6151 H St, Sacramento, CA 95819 Hours: Friday 12-5 PM, Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Sunday 10 AM-4 PM Admission: Students & Seniors (Over 65) $6. Children (Under 12) Free Crocker & CALS members $5, Adults $7 FREE PARKING Bring a copy of this flyer for $1 off admission

Hosted by the Crocker Art Museum in partnership with the Creative Arts League of Sacramento (CALS)

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Holiday Magic â&#x20AC;¢ November 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers â&#x20AC;¢ To advertise, call 916-429-9901

The history of Black Friday Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Come Black Friday, shoppers strive to get the lowest prices on gifts for their loved ones. Much of the focus of Black Friday is on finding the best deals, but it can be interesting to take a breath and learn how this phenomenon developed and how it has evolved over the years.

“Black Friday” The term “black Friday” was originally associated with gold prices and manipulation on the part of speculators Jay Gould and James Fisk. This scandal occurred in September 1869. Commodity prices plummeted 50 percent as a result, and the term “black Friday” was coined to refer to that drop. The phrase “black Friday” also became famous for all the wrong reasons in 1966. Philadelphia police used it to refer to the Friday traffic jams and crowding in downtown stores from tourists and shoppers who flooded into the city in advance of the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year. Bigger crowds and rowdiness contributed to long hours and stressful shifts for local police.

Black Friday reinvented The retail industry started using the term “Black Friday” in the late 1980s. Spin doctors

turned previously negative connotations into positive ones by associating the phrase with stores turning a profit and moving accounting ledgers from “red to black” thanks to big year-end sales. Retailers and consumers rallied around low-cost “doorbusters” and other discounted prices. Interestingly enough, according to the National Retail Federation, Black Friday really hasn’t been the most lucrative day for retailers over the years. In fact, greater profits and larger crowds are often seen on the last Saturday preceeding Christmas.

Shopping weekend evolves While Black Friday may have been the catalyst, in recent years shoppers have made the entire weekend of Black Friday a lucrative one for retailers. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving and extend sales through the entire weekend. Small Business Saturday and Sunday promote patronizing mom-and-pop stores. Cyber Monday emerged when online shopping became a popular way to grab deals, and it marks the close of the opening weekend of the holiday shopping season. In 2017, Black Friday weekend attracted 174 million shoppers who spent an average of $335.47, according to the NRF.

Harry A. Nauman & Son Funeral Home invit� yo� t� our Annual Holiday Remembrance Program A Community Event!

Sunda�, December 9t�, 2018, 4:00 p.�.

Thanks for being our loyal fans! We wish you a Merry Christmas & a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

The Holiday Season is a time for remembering and honoring the ones we love, and for celebrating the impact they’ve had on our lives. Please join us as we reminisce and share music, food and friendship.

Featuring a special Video Tribute Please email or drop off your loved one’s photo and we will include them in the video. Email the picture to Brandi.Rendon2@DignityMemorial.com

5924 S. Land Park Drive 393-7001

Each guest will light a candle in honor of their loved one. Ornaments will be provided to decorate our Tree of Remembrance.

6200 Folsom Boulevard 455-8831 giovannisnypizzeria.com

Refreshments and treats will be served following the service. All family and friends are invited to attend!

4041 Freeport Blvd Sacramento, CA 95822 (916) 452-6157 For more information regarding our services, please visit www.harryanauman.com

Scan the above barcode

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

4 tips to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season Families big and small typically celebrate the holiday season together. For some, celebrating the holidays with family requires traveling, while others stay put and welcome family and friends into their homes. At some point during the holiday season, celebrants who host family and friends will no doubt prepare a homecooked meal for their loved ones. Cooking for a crowd can seem like a daunting task, especially for first-time hosts. However, there are various ways for hosts to simplify cooking for a crowd this holiday season.

1. Prepare a familiar dish. Hosts may agonize over their holiday menus, and some may feel compelled to prepare a family specialty or the same dishes their parents or grandparents prepared for holiday dinners when they were children. But holiday hosts can make things easy on themselves by choosing dishes they’ve made in the past, regardless of their place in family history. Chances are the ingredients for hosts’ own specialties are already in the pantry, saving a potentially time-consuming trip to the grocery store. And thanks to the

familiarity factor, hosts’ own specialties likely won’t require as much time to prepare.

2. Share some cooking duties. Another way to simplify cooking for a crowd is to invite guests to bring along a side dish or dessert. Guests who live nearby can make something in advance of the big meal, while hosts can hand over their kitchens to overnight guests who express a willingness to contribute their own homecooked dish to the party. Sharing the cooking duties gives hosts more time to connect with friends and family and serves as a great way to plan the menu in advance.

3. Only make what guests are likely to eat. 4. Start early. Hosts also should not feel pressured to cook more food than is necessary. Holiday meals have a tendency to be lavish, but hosts don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen preparing food that will likely end up as leftovers or trash. Get a final headcount in the days before everyone comes over and adjust your recipes accordingly.

If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together.

Hosts can employ various strategies to simplify the process of cooking for a crowd this holiday season. 4. Start early. If the big is on Christmas Day, that does not mean hosts have to start cooking while everyone unwraps their presents. Hosts who are uncertain about what to cook can look for meals that can be prepared in advance so come the big day all they need to do is turn on the oven and let meals cook while the family spends time together.

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How to be certain youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying safe toys this holiday season Few things compare to seeing the joy on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face upon opening a holiday gift. Many adults remember holiday gifts they received as children, and holiday shoppers often try to look for gifts that will be just as memorable to the special youngsters in their lives. Shoppers might have kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; smiles on their minds when holiday shopping, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as important to focus on safety when buying gifts for children. Prevent BlindnessÂŽ, an organization devoted to ensuring everyone enjoys healthy vision from infancy through adulthood, offers the following tips to toy buyers who want to make sure they give safe gifts to kids this holiday season. â&#x20AC;˘ Read all warnings and instructions on the box. Before taking a toy to the check out line, give the packaging a thorough read-through, paying particular attention to product warnings and instructions. Such warnings are designed to keep kids safe. When buying toys online, only purchase toys that include the warnings within the product description. â&#x20AC;˘ Purchase age-appropriate toys. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; toys come with age recommendations, which are typically listed on the front of the packaging. Stick to these recommendations. Kids might not have the ability to use toys designed for older children, and such toys

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might not be safe for them to use, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always best to stick to the age guidelines. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid certain toys. Toys with sharp or rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges can pose a threat to youngsters. Avoid such toys, opting for toys with rounded and/or dull edges instead. â&#x20AC;˘ Stick to sturdy toys. Kids do not often treat their toys delicately. Toys will be dropped or thrown, so choose sturdy toys that can withstand being dropped or thrown without breaking into tiny pieces. Tiny shards can pose a choking hazard to curious youngsters. â&#x20AC;˘ Purchase toys with the ASTM designation. ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of products, including toys. Prevent Blindness notes that toys with the letters ASTM on the packaging have been tested and met the toy standards set for by ASTM. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid toys with parts that shoot or fly off. These types of toys can damage the eyes and lead to other accidents or injuries. When shopping for toys for children this holiday season, shoppers must consider safety first.

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Holiday Magic â&#x20AC;˘ November 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers â&#x20AC;˘ To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Christmas trees brighten the season Decked out in tinsel, lights, ornaments, and garland, Christmas trees are enduring symbols of the holiday season that boast a rich history. Evergreen trees have been used to celebrate winter festivals for thousands of years, and eventually became associated with Christianity. Plants and trees that remained green all year held special meaning to ancient peoples, and were purported to keep away illness and evil spirits. Germans were credited with tying evergreen trees to Christmas celebrations. In the sixteenth century, devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, is believed to have first added lighted candles to these trees after he was inspired by twinkling stars in the night sky. While early Americans found Christmas trees an oddity, the tradition, brought over by German settlers, eventually caught on. Today, between 25 and 30 million natural Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year, states the National Christmas Tree Association. Trees are grown in all 50 states and Canada. The following is a look at some popular tree varieties. Living Christmas trees Living Christmas tree, which refers to those with their roots still intact, are popular among eco-conscious holiday enthusiasts. That’s because living trees can be promptly planted after they’ve served their purpose indoors. Opt for a moderately sized tree, as root balls on larger trees can be heavy and difficult to move. Living trees can typically be kept indoors for around seven to 10 days before they will need to be returned outside. Move such

trees to a sheltered outdoor area for one to two weeks so they can reacclimate to the climate. So long as the ground is not frozen, trees can then be planted when the reacclimation period ends. Better Homes and Gardens suggests selecting a mild day to plant the tree. Fraser fir Fraser fir trees are typically uniformly pyramidshaped trees that have strong branches that turn slightly upward. These trees have good needle retention and a dark, blue-green hue. Many people feel these trees have a pleasant scent. Because they are such a quintessential Christmas tree, Fraser fir, as well as their close cousin, Balsam fir, tend to be more expensive than others. Scotch pine One of the advantages of Scotch pine trees is their needle retention. Experts say Scotch pine needles will not drop off even if the tree is dry. Scotch pine is an introduced species brought to North America by European settlers, and it’s known for dark green foliage and sturdy, stiff branches. The Scotch pine is one of the most popular Christmas trees today. White spruce As a Christmas tree, the white spruce is known for excellent foliage color, short stiff needles and good needle retention. The bluegreen color is pleasant, but when needles are crushed, the tree doesn’t produce a favorable evergreen aroma. White spruce trees keeps their needles longer than other spruces. With proper care, any variety of Christmas tree can look beautiful throughout the holiday season.

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To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

8 best things to buy in December and January Oh the weather outside is frightful. Rather than succumb to cabin fever, people can use the winter months as the perfect time to visit area stores and score a few deals. Savvy shoppers understand that key items go on sale at specific points throughout the year. Learning how to shop the sales can lead to considerable savings.

December

1. Toys: Toys are perhaps the best items to purchase in December. Apart from Christmas gifts, it is a good time of year to stock up on toys children have coveted, which can be put away for birthday presents or other occasions. Retailers tend to lower toy prices as Christmas approaches. 2. Holiday decor: Decorative holiday items also tend to be heavily discounted in December. Stores slash prices on ornaments, gift wrap, artificial trees, holidaythemed baking items, and much, much more. If it has a passing connection to the holidays, chances are stores will cut prices by 50 percent or more once Christmas is over. 3. Televisions: It’s possible to find discounted TVs even after the Black Friday sales have come and gone. Keep eyes trained on the circulars and jump when sales are advertised, as inventory may be limited. 4: Bubbly: Competition in the market will help drive down the cost of champagne and other sparkling wines. According to

the wine resource GuildSomm, 22 percent of all champagne sales are run during the month of December.

January

5. Winter apparel: As the winter progresses, the amount of clothing stock in stores starts to dwindle to free up room for a new season’s worth of attire. Starting in late December and continuing into the latter half of January, retailers are eager to liquidate their stock of scarves, sweaters, boots, and winter coats. This is a prime time to replenish wardrobes. 6. Linens: “White sales” are traditionally in January, with home goods retailers running discounts all month long. These sales generally encompass towels, bed sheets, curtains, and other linens. 7. Fitness items: January is the ideal time to purchase a new gym membership or fitness equipment since these purchases tie into New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Gyms may waive extra fees or offer discounted rates. 8. Travel and entertainment: Most people return home after the holidays, and that can generate a slow travel season afterward. The travel industry attracts new customers with discounted hotel rates and other deals. Tickets to Broadway shows and other theaters also may be discounted to encourage people to leave the house. December and January are great times to grab steep deals on an array of products.

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Friday, December 14, 2018, 7:30 pm Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament 1017 11th Street General $20 | Student $10 www.capella-antiqua.org To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

How to make your favorite foods healthier After the whirlwind of the holiday season, the season of resolutions takes over. Many people to resolve to live healthier, and they may not have to give up their favorite foods to do so. Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests American adults between the ages of 18 and 49 gain an average of one to two pounds every year. Grazing and overeating tends to increase when the weather cools down. A 2005 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that, in the fall, people tend to consume more calories, total fat and saturated fat. In the spring, people seem to prefer more carbohydrates. In addition, less powerful sunshine in winter coupled with people bundling up translates into less vitamin D being absorbed by the body. Some researchers believe there is a link between vitamin D deficiency and weight gain as well. To ensure that certain foods do not sabotage healthy eating plans, people can employ some easy modifications and make healthier versions of the foods they like to eat. • Choose crunchy foods. Those who are prone to snacking can reach for noisy foods. These include crunchy items like apples, carrots and pretzels. Scientists say that when people listen to what they are chewing — called the “crunch effect” — they eat less of that item. • Tone down the cream. Delicious dishes like fettuccine alfredo typically are made with

lots of butter and cream. Replace cream sauces with a healthier base made of low-fat milk thickened with flour. Increase the flavor with favorite spices. • Fry with care. Use healthy oils like olive or coconut sparingly. Many foods that are traditionally fried also can be lightly coated with cooking spray and baked for a crunchy texture. • Choose sodium-free seasonings. The USCA recommends limiting sodium to less than 1 teaspoon of salt per day. Try options like fresh herbs or lemon juice to add some sodium-free flavor. • Increase fiber content. Fiber helps one feel fuller longer and can also be helpful for digestion and heart health. Choose the “brown” varieties of rice, pasta and breads. • Replace meat with leaner forms of protein. Lean chicken, turkey and pork can replace red meats in many recipes. Some traditional meat dishes, such as burgers, also can be modified using vegetables or seafood. Lean meats dry out quickly, so keep foods moist by watching cooking times. • Stock up on yogurt. Greek and other varieties of yogurt can replace sour cream and mayonnaise in many dishes. Resolving to eat healthier can be easy by making some simple swaps when preparing your favorite foods.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink Season Offers New Family-Friendly Activities by Downtown Sacramento Partnership

the rink opens to the public. A great opportunity to enhance your child’s early learning experience and avoid the crowds, storytime is free to attend (nonpeak skate pricing applies). Early literacy is everything children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like the holidays in downtown Sacramento. The City of Sacramento’s only seasonal outdoor ice rink is back, bigger and better than ever! The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at 7th and K streets is now open daily through January 21, 2019. Expect to find a larger rink now that event producers have grown the size by nearly 30 percent, important to ensure little ones have the space they need to learn to skate. Teaching a child to ice skate can be fun for both parent and child! Although most children do not express an interest in ice skating until they are at least three years old, any child who can walk can technically learn to skate. General admission is $13 ($15 during peak holiday dates) and always just $6 for children 6 and under. Skating admission includes skate rental, sizes run as small as 8 youth. To help with balance, ice scooters are a great add on for only $5. With an exciting new lineup of familyfriendly activities, there’s no excuse to miss the opportunity to get into the holly-est, jolliest of moods this holiday season!

Kids Day Presented by Sacramento Kings Kids Club

Pajama Day Presented by Dignity Health 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, December 15

photo credit: Downtown Sacramento Partnership

2 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, December 1

Storytime

Take a spin on the ice with the Sacramento Kings Kids Club before the team takes on the Indian Pacers at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento Kings mascot ,and kid-favorite, Slamson and the Sacramento Kings Dancers will join entertainers to provide a fun day filled with family-friendly entertainment.

Presented by Sacramento Public Library 11 a.m. on the 2nd Wednesdays of the Month: Nov. 14; Dec. 12; Jan. 9

Take advantage of becoming an All-Star member of the Kids Club and receive great Kings gear, a free ticket to a game and skate free all season long at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink! Learn more about the Kids Club at Kings.com/KidsClub.

Build early literacy and celebrate the wonder of winter, snow, and ice skating! Downtown children’s librarians, Mr. Nate and Miss Caitlin, are bringing storytime to the ice rink during the second Wednesday of every month (Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 9). Designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and caregivers, enjoy singing fun songs and reading cool stories from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by private skating until 2 p.m. when

Dress in your coziest PJs and onesies to take a spin a the rink! The perfect opportunity to make a day of family fun; pose for photos and glide, twirl and skate the afternoon away at the ice rink before heading to the Old Sacramento Waterfront to catch a free showing of Theatre of Lights. Plan ahead! Open every day, including Christmas, find information about extended holiday hours at www.GoDowntownSac.com/icerink and follow the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for discounts and daily updates. HOURS: Monday through Thursday 2 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and, Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A MASTER SINGERS

CHRISTMAS Start your holiday season with the Sacramento Master Singers at our annual Christmas Concerts, and experience why they have become a family — and Sacramento — tradition.

Harris Center for the Performing Arts December 20, 2018 at 7:00 PM Visit www.harriscenter.net or call 916.608.6888 for tickets. Tickets: $19-$29, $39 Premium $10 discount with student ID

Westminster Presbyterian Church (13th and N Streets) Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 3:00 PM First United Methodist Church (21st and J Streets) Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 7:00 PM Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 3:00 PM Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 7:00 PM Tickets at www.mastersingers.org or call 916.788.SING (7464) Tickets: $25 General, $20 Senior, $10 Student

JINGLE ALL THE WAY!

The Sacramento Master Singers are also presenting a family event perfect for young children. We’ll perform songs kids are sure to know (they’re invited to sing and play along!) as well as music from our adult concert. First United Methodist Church (21st and J Streets) Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 3:00 PM Tickets: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children

Open Daily! N OV 2 – JA N 2 1 7 TH & K S TR E E T S GoDowntownSac.com/icerink @DowntownIceRink

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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License# 550002314 • Accredited by The Joint Commission Privately Owned and Operated

Hospice and Palliative Care... Ensures Quality of Life at the End of Life Many people shy away from the words hospice or “end of life care” and do not broach the topic. This subject is often only considered at the last minute when a decision is much needed, within a day, or at times, within a few hours. We at Absolute Compassion believe there is a better way. Knowledge and education can give us peace of mind in moments when medical decisions have to be made for loved ones, friends and neighbors. Being familiar with what hospice and palliative services are, as well as understanding ones’ rights and options, can be of tremendous comfort to all involved in these stressful moments of decision making. Patients with incurable medical conditions and less than six months of life expectancy can benefit from hospice and palliative care services provided by a compassionate team of health care professionals who support all areas of wellbeing: the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s care. Hospice and palliative care services focus on quality of life during that moment, managing pain and symptom relief rather than curative treatments. We encourage you to attend one of our community trainings/classes and meet with our team of dedicated professionals, so you can have peace of mind while making or helping someone else make quality of life decisions. Please call or email us for questions or concerns regarding hospice and palliative care services.

“We touch lives and make a difference

with Absolute Compassion!”

May you have a plentiful harvest of JOY and LOVE!

Absolute Compassion Hospice & Palliative Care · 916-399-5922 6355 Riverside Blvd. Suite T, Sacramento, CA 95831 Hospice@AbsoluteCompassion.com • www.AbsoluteCompassion.com

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

Great last-minute gift ideas

Tradition is a hallmark of the holiday season. Religious services, family gatherings and trips to see Santa Claus are just a few of the many traditions people adhere to during the holiday season. Many holiday shoppers also adhere to the time-honored tradition of last-minute shopping. The perfect gift can sometimes prove elusive, especially as the sand in the holiday hour glass keeps dwindling. These lastminute gift ideas may be just what shoppers need to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones this holiday season. • Books: Books are often overlooked, especially now that so many readers use e-readers. But books can be an ideal gift and especially convenient for last-minute shoppers, who can even gift e-books. For example, Amazon, which has thousands of e-books in its online library, makes it easy for shoppers to gift e-books to Kindle users, who will simply receive an email on Christmas morning in-

forming them that their books are ready to be downloaded to their devices. • Experiences: A 2017 survey by the global research firm NPD Group found that roughly 40 percent of holiday shoppers planned to give experiences as gifts last year. Experience gifts open up a host of possibilities for lastminute shoppers stuck on what to give those loved ones who seemingly have it all. • Food/beverage: Television channels such as The Food Network have changed the way many people look at food. When gifting the family foodie, last-minute shoppers may not need to look further than the latest hotspot restaurant or specialty grocery store for the perfect gift. Take them out for a night on the town or give a gift card they can use at their convenience. The craft beer boom has created a host of devoted and knowledgeable beer drinkers, so a gift card or growler from a local craft brewery is sure to please people who love hoisting frosty pints. • Streaming service subscriptions: Many people are cutting the cord with their cable companies in favor of streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Subscriptions to such services can make ideal and affordable holiday gifts. A six-month or yearlong subscription likely won’t break shoppers’ budgets and will provide months of entertainment to loved ones. Last-minute holiday shopping is easier than ever, especially for shoppers willing to think outside the box.

To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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November 30 - December 2 IN STORE EXCLUSIVE

VALUABLE COUPON

$3.00 OFF Cat Litter

DOG AND CAT FOOD SAVINGS

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Valid November 30 - December 2 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers or litter specials named in ad. Limit 3 bags.

2lb. to 10lb. bags

$5 OFF:

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Valid November 30 - December 2, 2018. Cannot be combined with other food specials named in this ad. Limit 3 bags.

Valid November 30 - December 2 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.

Valid November 30 to December 2, 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Limit 3 bags.

Valid November 30 to December 2, 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons. Excludes venison, bison, and high protein.

Valid November 30 to December 2, 2018. Cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.

ONLINE SHOPPING NOW AVAILABLE! Save 20% OFF Your Online purchase with code

SAVE20 Sales mentioned in ad not available online.

incredpets.com AUBURN - 1775 Grass Valley Hwy. (530) 885-7711 • GRASS VALLEY - 649 Sutton Way (530) 272-7701 • ROSEVILLE - 1105 Roseville Square (916) 786-7701 CARMICHAEL - 4005 Manzanita Ave. (916) 481-7741 • GREENHAVEN - 392 Florin Rd. (916) 421-7711 • EAST SACRAMENTO - 5030 Folsom Blvd. (916) 451-1199

Family Owned and Operated since 1995 A-20

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Holiday Magic • November 2018 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901

2018 28th Annual Holiday Sale This fun, free, family-friendly On the first weekend of December, come see how Davis event is guaranteed to get you in Arts Center is transformed for the spirit of the holiday season! the Annual Holiday Sale! Shop for gifts from over 50 art ven- Join the fun! dors, snack on tasty food and sip beer and wine. Holiday Sale Schedule At the Sale, children can do Friday, Nov 30, 2018, 12 pm – 8 pm their own shopping at the Chil- Saturday, Dec 1, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday, Dec 2, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm dren’s Secret Store, where volunteers help them buy and wrap gifts for family and friends – or they can make their own gifts in the pottery-painting studio. Admission is free. The sale features over 50 art vendors selling functional and fine art goods, including ceramics, textiles, soaps, jewelry, clothing, home décor, candies and foods.

DECEMBER 3-7, 2018 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM DAILY Casa Crafters are busy creating unique holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, ornaments and much, much more. Vendors will change through out the week so check us out often. Staying for lunch?

Make your reservations now as space is limited! Casa Garden Restaurant and Event Venue operates solely to benefit the Sacramento Children’s Home 2760 Sutterville Road Sacramento, CA 95820 916-452-2809 To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising section of Valley Community Newspapers • November 2018 • Holiday Magic

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Winter Wonderland Saturdays & Sundays December 8, 9, 15 & 16

Special Park & Event Hours: 1-7 PM Weather Permitting Celebrate the holiday season at Fairytale Town!