Granite Bay View - August 2008

THE LIFE MAGAZINE OF GRANITE B AY • A U G U S T 2 0 0 8

BACK TO

SCHOOL

The Myers family gets 6 kids ready for their first day

School resource officer keeps kids safe at school

8 ways to get your child ready for school

19 Years

Postal Customer Granite Bay, CA 95746 ECRWSS

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #275 Roseville, CA 95678 PRSRT STD

www.granitebayview.com

Granite Bay View | August 2008

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A VIEW INSIDE

IN

THIS ISSUE:

DAYS JUST AROUND THE BEND

t’s back to school time! Some kids can hardly wait. They are counting the days until they find out the name of their new teacher and how many of their friends will be in their classroom. For others, the last remaining days of summer are flying by way too fast. The days of sleeping until noon, lounging by the pool or lake and visiting with friends until all hours of the night will soon be over. Getting the kids ready for that first day requires a bit of organization and planning. There are the school supplies, clothing, shoes, transportation and daycare issues to be worked out. Once everyone is situated into their new school schedules, there’s lunches to make, carpools to organize and of course, homework routines to manage. It’s a lot to handle for any family, but for those families like the Myers and the Nielsens who were interviewed for our cover story in this issue, it’s huge!

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DON’T

FORGET YOUR LUNCH! Page 6

Granite Bay families get ready for the first day of school

TO BED, EARLY TO RISE Page 7

EARLY

8 tips for an easier back to school week

A

VALUABLE RESOURCE OFFICER Page 9

Joe Herrick keeps GBHS campus under control

ALSO

SCHOOL

POINT OF VIEW BY

SUSAN BELKNAP

The Myers are in the process of getting six children prepared to start their first day at numerous schools while making sure the baby of the family gets her share of attention as well. The Nielsens also have their hands full with five school-age children. Besides reading about the Myers and Nielsens we’ve included a feature about a new private Catholic school that has just come on the scene in Granite Bay. Several Dominican nuns are preparing for the first day of Spiritus Sanctus Academy that is being housed at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on Douglas Boulevard.

For those interested in making sure their kids are safe while at school, you’ll find an article about School Resource Officer Joe Herrick in this month’s issue as well. With the kids soon getting back to a regular schedule, a few holes in the schedules might open up for many Granite Bay parents. If that’s the case in your family, be sure to check out page 10 for a story about a getaway close to home. In fact it’s so close, you could practically walk there from many areas of Granite Bay. It’s the Flower Farm Inn and nursery located in Loomis offering a quaint bed and breakfast retreat, event barn and plant/flower nursery. There’s even a cozy coffee house on the grounds serving up a variety of refreshing drinks and delicious snacks. So, get all those back to school chores completed, sit down with a cup of coffee at the Flower Farm Inn and enjoy this month’s issue of the Granite Bay View.

INSIDE:

CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMES TO GRANITE BAY . . . . . . . 8 FLOWER FARM INN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 BUILDING ON A SMALL SCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 INSIDE BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 CHILDREN’S GAUCHER FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 TERRY STAFFORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 PARENT FACTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 DAYTRIPPER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 PREPARING CHILDREN TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL . . . . . .21

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August 2008 Volume 19, Number 8 Bill Wallace, publisher Phone: 774-7925; e-mail: [email protected]

Susan Belknap, editor Phone: 774-7955; e-mail: [email protected]

Sue Choate, account coordinator and inside sales Phone: 774-7937; e-mail: [email protected]

Debbrah Campbell, senior real estate consultant Phone: 774-7951; e-mail: [email protected]

Sue Morin, production supervisor Cover photo by Tim Lloyd, cover design by Bill Krawczyk Copyright 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. The publisher shall not be responsible for any liabilities arising from the publication of copy provided by any advertiser for the Granite Bay View. Further, it shall not be liable for any act of omission on the part of the advertiser pertaining to their published advertisement in the Granite Bay View. A publication of Gold Country Media.

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

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IN

SEARCH OF OPEN HEARTS, HIT-AND-RUN DRIVERS

’m writing this on the 50th anniversary of my parents’ wedding. They have stated that the same-sex couples that they know have not threatened their marriage at all. Both of my parents were raised Catholic. I’ve been married 18 years and the gay couples I consider dear friends have actually added richness to my life and I don’t believe have damaged my marriage one bit. It is with this experience and love for my church that I share deep concern over a recent letter that was sent to the parishes in the Diocese of Sacramento. On June 4, 2008 the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento wrote a letter to “the Faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento” condemning the decision of the California Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage. They ask that our parish priests teach the moral way to vote in November, against same-sex marriage. The Bishops’ letter states that it speaks for “all Catholics.” It does not. I

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YOUR VIEW LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

have a differing opinion, as do many other Catholics. I realize people fear that if same-sex couples are allowed to legally marry, that it will hurt the marriage between men and women. Committed, monogamous, loving relationships strengthen our society, not harm it. Infidelity, abandoning children via divorce, driving drunk, rape, physical and emotional abuse of children and spouses, gossip, envy, gluttony – those things do real harm to society. But two men marrying? I don’t see where that threatens me as a married

person. The Bishops’ letter states that the purposes of marriage are to provide a mutual and loving support between husband and wife and to bring children into the world. Mutual love and the raising of children can successfully happen in a gay marriage. The recent Supreme Court decision is a legal ruling, not a religious one. As an adult Catholic and a believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ, I do not want my spiritual leaders telling me how to vote, but rather to teach me about Jesus Christ and His teachings. My moral decision- making, as an adult, is then left up to me. I pray for the Bishops and my fellow brothers and sisters, that they open their hearts to the love of Jesus. Wisdom is a gift, but we have to have an open heart for it to happen. Teresa Heitmiller, Granite Bay

Please help us find this hit-and-run driver. On July 10th, at approximately 2:50 pm, my 17-year- old daughter, Lauren Villa, was driving her silver Toyota Corolla northbound on Sierra College Boulevard and proceeded to turn right onto Douglas Boulevard when she was hit from behind. This is the corner where Mr. Pickles waves hello to passersby. The other driver acted as though he would follow her into the parking lot but as soon as she turned in, he sped away. He is described as a clean-cut white male, 19-25 years of age, driving a silver Jeep Cherokee with black runners. There is most likely damage to the front end. We’re hoping someone else in our community also witnessed this accident and will be able to give us more information so that we may identi-fy this driver. If you do have information, please contact Karyl Villa at 2083610. Thank you for your help. Karyl Villa, Granite Bay

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

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STORY BY

CONTROLLED

CHAOS PLAN HELPS WITH BACK TO SCHOOL

Eileen Wilson

t’s summertime and temperatures are sizzling in Granite Bay. Ask anyone over the age of 40 and they will tell you a proper school year shouldn’t begin until after Labor Day. Yet, thousands of Granite Bay students are on a countdown until Aug. 21 when school begins for many area school districts. And getting ready for a new school year has never been so expensive. Pens, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, binder paper and notebooks. That’s just for grade school. Add yearbooks, planners, P.E. clothes and required English novels for older students and the costs soar. Multiply shopping time and expense for additional children, and the task seems downright daunting. But some families take backto-school shopping in stride. Meet Bonnie and Mike Myers. A lovely stucco home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Granite Bay houses Bonnie, Mike and their seven raven-haired children, six of whom who need to be outfitted for that first day of school. With so many children to prepare for the big day, Bonnie is an organizational expert and is quite relaxed about her upcoming task. “We do it as we find things,” she said of school-clothes shopping. “Sometimes I take all seven of them shopping, but it does get hard. I usually split it up, taking two at a time. Plus the baby, of course, who outgrows clothes every two months. Bonnie always knew she wanted a large family. As a child growing up in nearby Carmichael, she had three siblings, as did her husband, Mike, who was raised in the Bay Area. Dark eyes shining, kids fill the kitchen dining nook, excited to share their experience of belonging in this great-big, fun family, which includes Colleen, a senior at Granite Bay High, Alexa, a sophomore, Morgan, Paige and Kevin, eighth-graders at Olympus Junior High, Brenna, a sixth-grade student at Excelsior and baby Faith, 19 months. Bonnie said school-supply shopping has actually gotten easier over the years. “Everybody used to need crayons, now it’s just pens and notebooks,” she said. Her advice to handle buying school supplies is to buy in bulk. “Glue sticks, note cards, note-

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TIM LLOYD/GRANITE BAY VIEW

The Myers family includes Paige, top row, left, Colleen and Morgan, middle row, Kevin, left, Brenna and Alexa, front row, Bonnie, left, Faith and Mike.

Granite Bay View | August 2008

books, folders – I have one big cupboard for it all, and they’re not allowed to help themselves,” she said. The system works, and allows her to keep track of her inventory. Clothes shopping can be quite an expense, but the Myers family manages to stay within a reasonable budget. “I just know it’s coming up (back-to-school clothes shopping). If it’s something they don’t need, we don’t get it. I’m really good at watching what I spend,” she said. The girls in the family wear similar sizes, allowing them to extend their wardrobes. “We all share clothes and shoes,” said Colleen, the eldest, with the caveat, “you have to ask before you borrow.” Lucky for Kevin, the only boy in the family, he doesn’t ever have to share when it comes to clothing. “Kevin gets everything new,” Bonnie said. She admits they may take less-elaborate vacations than some families because air travel is impractical, but they probably have twice as much fun. Annual vacations typically include other families with multiple children, and everyone loves spending time together. “You always have someone to talk to,” Morgan said. Her sister, Alexa, agrees.

“You never get bored.” Bonnie said her family causes quite a spectacle when they attend a movie or go out to dinner at a restaurant. “When we go on vacation, we walk in and there’s a tribe of us. They (restaurant patrons) ask us if it’s a birthday party.” Summertime has the family involved in swimming, cheer, soccer, barbecues, and enjoying Folsom Lake. But come Aug. 21 it will be back to a daily routine with Bonnie at the helm. “I get up every morning at 6 a.m. and start lining up lunch foods – 12 slices of bread – I make assembly-line lunches. For breakfast, everyone has the same thing. If it’s a cereal morning, everyone has cereal, if it’s a waffle morning, everyone has waffles,” she explains. Homework time is a struggle in some households, but not for the Myers. Each child has a bedroom work area, and Bonnie proudly explains that her children are self-sufficient and motivated. Colleen said she is occasionally called upon to assist younger siblings with homework, but for the most part, everyone does fine on their own. One of the biggest challenges facing parents of multiple children is back-to-school night. “We used to split the duties – try to get to every child’s class or event, but we changed that

because Mike and I would never be together,” Bonnie said. These days they take turns attending one child’s event, together as a couple. The kids are satisfied with the arrangement, knowing each will get his or her turn another day. A costly challenge facing families with school-age children, is college tuition. The Myers family got a jump start on college funds in 2004 when they competed in NBC’s reality television show, “Meet Mr. Mom,” where they beat a Sacramento family and won a savings bond that will be applied to college tuition. Bonnie is looking ahead a year, when her oldest will leave for college. “It just doesn’t feel right when Colleen’s gone. It will be hard when she leaves for college,” Bonnie said. “Once they’re all grown, Faith’s just going to be starting. While the Myers family keeps a stockpile of school supplies, other families handle backto-school preparations differently. Granite Bay residents Tricia and David Nielsen are parents of five. The family includes Brittany, a senior at Granite Bay High, Gary and Kevin, sophomores, Steven, a fifth-grader at Eureka, and Kylee, who is in a multi-age classroom at Greenhills.

Tricia prefers to take the waitand-see approach, and seeks out supply lists on school Web sites, or waits until the first week of school, when she said kids usually receive a handout detailing what they need. She oftentimes waits until back-to-school night so she can purchase wish-list items for teachers and the classroom as well. Her kids are involved in multiple sports, as well as scouting and other activities. Keeping everyone organized involves file folders and a blackboard. “I have files for each kid and their school, and a designated inbox for things parents need to see. I live by my calendar – if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen,” she said. The blackboard contains everyone’s daily agenda, so family members can tell at a glance where everyone is. “That’s my strategy,” she said, lovingly calling it “controlled chaos.” For back-to-school-night, Tricia and David employ a divide-and-conquer strategy, each one trying to get to half the kids’ classrooms. It helps that older siblings may have had a teacher before, so parents are already familiar with the curriculum. At least one parent makes sure to stop in and say hi to every child’s teacher. A typical school day begins at 6 a.m., and the older kids are usually out the door by 6:30 a.m. The younger kids rise and shine at 7:30 a.m. Getting kids off to school is the easy part, said Tricia. Mornings in the Nielsen house usually run smoothly. But after school can be a different story, with each child involved in after school activities. Brittany helps with driving duties, and also with homework as needed. “It makes me happy to make lunches,” Tricia said, but admits one of her biggest challenges is keeping the house stocked with food. “The boys who are 15 eat us out of the house.” Both families enjoy the busyness and camaraderie that comes with a big family. “It’s OK to learn how to share and work in a group,” Tricia said, citing the benefits of living in a large family. The kids learn compassion and patience. Not bad qualities in this age of instant gratification. What’s the down side of having a large family? Kevin Myers has his own opinion. “All the hair in the bathtub,” he complains. www.granitebayview.com

BACK STORY BY

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TO

SCHOOL

BY THE

NUMBERS

TIPS TO GET KIDS GEARED UP FOR SCHOOL ■ 5 AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Lauren Weber

Arrange for after school care. Whether it’s a babysitter or daycare, young children shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves. Make sure they know what the plan is: if they need to meet somewhere, if they need to walk to the school’s daycare facilities after school or if they are going home. Make sure the kids and parents know the plan. If it’s a babysitter, be sure the child has been introduced to the babysitter beforehand so they know who to look for.

he first day of school is approaching fast. Summer has flown by and now it’s time to get ready. Get ready for new teachers, new friends, new classes and new supplies. With a little guidance, it can be a smooth transition from summer months by the pool, on vacation and sleeping in to days at school, learning about multiplication and early morning alarms.

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■ 1 SHOP FOR CLOTHES, SUPPLIES Perhaps the most obvious and the most crucial back-to-school task is shopping for school supplies and clothes. Take advantage of the back to school sales and equip your kid with the tools to succeed. See if their teacher has a list of supplies they will need and search through supplies you already have to figure out the new supplies that need to be purchased. A back to school outfit is very important for kids. Make sure that they find clothing they’re comfortable in and excited about wearing.

■ 6 A LITTLE HOMEWORK TIME It’s a tough transition from playing every evening to daily homework. But with a little guidance, kids can get into the swing of things quickly. Plan a homework schedule. Make rules about when and where homework needs to be done. If they’re having trouble, help them out or find someone who can.

■ 3 A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP It’s hard to go from three months of sleeping in to waking up to the sound of the alarm in the early morning. To make sure kids get a good night’s sleep for the first day, start them on a routine of going to bed and waking up earlier a couple weeks before the first day back. It will help them feel more refreshed instead of exhausted when the back to school alarm sounds. The night before the first day, make sure the alarm is set and a back-up plan is placed by making certain the kids are up and getting ready with enough time to get to school on time.

■ 8 HAVE A HEALTHY BREAKFAST Start the day off with a healthy breakfast. Experts say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It fights off hunger in the early morning and keeps kids alert during the day. Make sure the breakfast is quick and healthy. Let kids help with the grocery shopping or ask what they’d like to eat for their morning meal.

■ 7 BE READY TO ROLL The night before that first day of school is a crucial one – get as many things ready before the day begins. By getting all the school supplies and the backpack packed the night before, it eliminates stress and anxiety. Make a list of what the kids need and double check that they have everything. Pack their lunch, or help them make their own. Make sure it provides fuel for the day and is healthy – include fruits and vegetables, healthy snacks and limited soda.

■ 4 GETTING THERE

■ 2 GET FAMILIAR Even if your child isn’t starting at a new school, it’s a good idea to familiarize them with where they need to go on the first day back. Visit the campus a few days before classes start and walk with your child to their classroom location. It will ease any stress about being late on the first day or getting lost.

www.granitebayview.com

Before school begins, figure out how the kids will get to school. Will they take the bus? If so, check the schedule and the location of the stop. Will they ride their bikes? Make sure their bike is ready and equipped with a lock. Leave enough time to ride to school. Are the kids going to walk to school? Make sure they leave with ample time to avoid tardiness. Will you drive them? Anticipate a busy parking lot and drop-off zone the first day. Or try to set up a carpool with the neighbors.

Granite Bay View | August 2008

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SCHOOL MERGES RELIGION AND LEARNING STORY BY

NEW

Joanna Jullien

n the fall of 2007, three young and dynamic Dominican nuns, Sister Maximilian Marie, Sister Mary Michael and Sister Ave Maria, arrived in the Granite Bay area to establish their ministry of educating children in the Catholic faith. Nine months later, on Saturday, May 24, 2008, families from throughout the Sacramento and Placer region attended a ceremony consecrating the founding of a new Catholic School in Granite Bay called Spiritus Sanctus Academy. In addition to Granite Bay and Roseville residents, parents traveled from Natomas, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, Loomis and Auburn to attend. The academy is currently housed at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection located at 6365 Douglas Blvd. in Granite Bay. When asked about the potential conflict of interest with two religious faiths working at the same

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COURTESY

Sisters Ave Maria, left, Mary Michael and Maximilian Marie recently opened a new Catholic school in Granite Bay called Spiritus Sanctus Academy.

facility, the Dominican Sisters and spokesperson for the Lutheran Church, Diane McCauley, expressed a deep commitment for collaboration to meet a growing need in the Granite Bay community. “The Sisters offer a religious education to encourage the virtues that lead to a blessed and learned life,” McCauley said. “We know that many families in our community are seeking this for their children, so it is a good thing and we are happy to help.” According to the Sisters, Spiritus Sanctus Academy is first geared toward inspiring children to build their faith in God. The fundamental principles of the Catholic doctrine are presented as a nurturing relationship with God as “The Good Shepherd.” Sister Maximilian Marie said that their education philosophy instills in the children a distinction between virtue and vice. “Virtue is demonstrated when we choose ‘good.’ Vices are habits of choosing what is less good or evil,” she said. According to Sister Maximilian Marie when virtuous behavior is instilled (i.e., kindness, compassion, and honesty), then academic learning can occur with greater success. Roseville resident Stacey Phillips has enrolled her 4year-old daughter, Shayla, for the fall kindergarten class. “We were attracted to the nuns,” Phillips said. “Their Catholic orthodoxy is what we want for our children. The sisters have completely devoted their lives to a ministry of educating children, and I

believe their charisma translates to a better academic learning experience built upon faith, love and nurturing.” Rebecca Cutts of Loomis will be sending her daughter Chiara in the fall to the Academy. When asked what attracted her to the school, Cutts replied, “The nuns are so nurturing and grounded in spiritual and character development important for learning. We want that for our children.” Geraldine Anders of Granite Bay said she was looking for a small private Catholic school for her 5year-old son Hayden. She wanted a school for him where he would receive strong academics and foundation of the Catholic faith. “The sisters explained to us their wonderful approach of encouraging generosity, compassion and goodwill among the students by praising the children’s sincere and honest acts of kindness. We are excited about being part of the Spiritus Sanctus Academy,” Anders said. Father Arnold Ortiz, pastor of St. Joseph Marello Parish in Granite Bay is also supportive of the new school. “Anyone that will serve our youth, I will support. And the sisters exude a joy and passion of their faith making them more than qualified to lead the children to experience God’s love, and create an ideal environment for learning,” Father Arnold said. – For more information about the education program and enrollment, contact: Sister Maximilian Marie at 899-9187 or [email protected].

Sister Maximilian Marie, left, holds Kayleen Hewitt from El Dorado Hills at the new Granite Bay Catholic school. The school held a ceremony consecrating the founding of Spiritus Sanctus Academy.

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

www.granitebayview.com

THE PURSUIT

OF

TRUTH

AND

SAFE SCHOOLS

STORY BY

GBHS CAMPUS DEPUTY JOE HERRICK A VALUABLE RESOURCE Joanna Jullien

ith education budget cuts at the top of so many headlines lately many parents with schoolaged children might wonder if any of the cuts will affect the safety of their offspring. For those at Granite Bay High School, in spite budget cuts, campus officers remain an integral part of the school. According to Granite Bay’s Principal Mike McGuire, in all discussions about budget cuts Deputy Joe Herrick’s presence on campus has never been a topic. Deputy Herrick has been walking the “campus beat” for two years now, and says he loves it. “I hope to be here for many years to come,” he said. “This is one of the most rewarding jobs because I go home each night knowing that I am helping people.” The campus officer is the lynch pin that allows good information exchange between students, administration and law enforcement vital to maintaining proactive intervention before situations get out of hand. And proactive intervention requires honesty and candor among the student population. “Campus officers are people the kids can trust … because they care. (And so) students are willing to come forward with information before there is escalation,” said Steve Williams, director of personnel services of Roseville Joint Union High School District. Sergeant John Weaver oversees the officers assigned to the high school campuses. “In all the dramatic instances of violence we see in the news, always you learn that someone had knowledge prior to the act, but didn’t say anything about it. Campus officers are trying to gain that type of knowledge early so that appropriate intervention can occur before there

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is a crime,” Weaver said. The main role of the campus officer is to become a part of the fabric of the school so that potentially dangerous or criminal situations can be addressed before they escalate. In this regard, Herrick says he feels fortunate to be at Granite Bay High because for the most part the student body is comprised of students whose families support education. In the crime-mitigation arena, he does an investigation without involving detectives. A recipient of the Medal of Valor Award, he is very selfcontained and acts as a liaison for other law enforcement inquires about students on campus with minimal disruption to instruction. Herrick’s involvement in school matters does not always involve filing a crime report. Other aspects of his job include helping with truancy issues, some classroom instruction about law and guidance counseling. And when he has to pick up truant students to attend school, he will explain there are options – such as independent study. The main objective is to help the student and parent understand what is at stake with truancy and why they need to take action. McGuire, did not hesitate when asked about the impact Herrick has on campus. “Deputy Herrick has been one of the most successful officers I have ever worked with,” McGuire said. “He quietly works behind the scenes and suddenly we have resolution. And he doesn’t chip away at the relationship to get to the heart of the matter.” According to McGuire, Herrick has a real knack for establishing respect and rapport with the students and administration. “Deputy Herrick goes after the act, not the person and eventually the student(s) involved in an incident or problem will tell the truth. And then there is a sense of relief,” McGuire said.

Granite Bay High School Campus Resource Officer Joe Herrick takes a break atop the school’s mascot. His presence on campus the past two years has gained him a rapport with students and administration. As a liaison for local law enforcement, he can address potentially dangerous situations before they escalate. TIM LLOYD/SPECIAL TO THE GRANITE BAY VIEW

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

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STORY BY

PRODUCE,

FLOWERS AND COFFEE FOUND AT INN

Kristin Withrow

he Flower Farm Inn is a locally owned nursery, coffee house, bed and breakfast and event center that is a wonderful surprise for all who discover it. Tucked away at the corner of Auburn Folsom and Horseshoe Bar roads, it is less than 10 minutes north of Granite Bay. This once small farm has grown into a modern, yet cozy, place for a quick morning visit, or an overnight stay. The land was purchased by Granite Bay residents John and Annie Bowler from Mark Leonard, who discovered and registered the first “Sweet Dreams” coreopsis on the property. The Bowlers expanded upon Leonard’s horticultural acuity when they purchased the property, which is still zoned to be used for farming purposes. The nursery has become far more than a working farm, featuring a charming water wheel pump house and walking paths with a wide array of plant specimens arranged to allow wandering visitors to learn about plant groupings, growing conditions and mature specimen sizes. Free classes are offered on weekends to help the public learn gardening techniques such as composting and organic gardening. In addition, the nursery proprietor Sheri Fischer is a master gardener and landscape architect who is happy to share her knowledge and advice for visitors deciding on landscape plantings. During the height of summer, local gardeners supply the Flower Farm with fresh vegetables, such as a variety of heirloom tomatoes and squash, as well as fresh fruit for purchase at the nursery. The nursery is adjacent to the Coffee House, a charming café, which boasts a full espresso bar, freshly made pastries, sandwiches prepared to order and fresh salads. The Coffee House stresses the use of local, seasonal ingredients for its food offerings. The menu changes with the availability of local ingredients, and it is common to find surprising treats such as freshly prepared peach pie, pasta salads with locally grown vegetables, meat loaf sandwiches or homemade cookies. “We just look at what we have and find a use for it in the

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

Coffee House offerings,” said Fischer, adding “sometimes we get requests for dishes as well.” The Coffee House’s lovely ambience, with stamped concrete floors, sunny wall color and offerings from paintings to jewelry all created by local artists allows visitors to relax. Guests are invited to linger inside or out, sit and play a game of chess or checkers, or catch up on work with free WiFi service. “It’s got a home away from home atmosphere,” said local resident Marie Smith, who frequently meets up with friends at the Coffee House to enjoy the fresh coffee while they catch up on the week’s events. Others stop by to play guitar on the outside patio, or refresh themselves during a weekend bike ride. Just past the nursery and Coffee House, through a young citrus orchard, rests the Event Barn and the Inn. This charming country inn offers three cottages, each with antique furnishing, fine linens, immaculate baths (some with sumptuous soaking tubs), and coffee service. In addition, guests may stay in one of three upstairs rooms of the original farmhouse, circa 1904. The farmhouse has been lovingly restored in a cozy cottage style in keeping with its origins. Downstairs, guests may

The Coffee House at the Flower Farm Inn, above, offers fresh menu selections from locally grown produce to a full espresso bar. Left, local residents Russ, left, and Dana Miller select fresh produce from the vegetable cart. PHOTOS BY KRISTIN WITHROW/ GRANITE BAY VIEW

lounge in the living room, dine with other visitors, host a private luncheon in the dining room, or relax on the cheerful sun porch. Beautiful, mature gardens surround the farmhouse and offer several venues for outdoor events. The innkeeper Sheila Chilton noted several private areas that comfortably accommodate large garden parties, family reunions or even small weddings. “People will rent the whole farmhouse for special events,” Chilton said. The Event Barn offers a large scale hosting facility that com-

fortably accommodates up to 240 guests inside and includes a full commercial kitchen for catered functions. Guests may make use of a list of recommended caterers offered by the Flower Farm or bring their own licensed caterer. The Event Barn is complete with a bridal turret dressing area for a bride and bridesmaids to gather for final preparations before a ceremony. High exposed wood beamed ceilings, large iron scroll chandeliers and antique leaded glass windows create an elegant backdrop for any occasion.

The Flower Farm Inn, with its nursery, Coffee House, Event Barn and private gardens is a lovely place to visit. Whether you seek a peaceful morning stroll with a freshly prepared scone and a latte, a full weekend retreat or a large scale catered event, the Flower Farm is a must-see location. – The Flower Farm Inn is located at 4150 Auburn Folsom Road in Loomis. To preview the Inn and learn more, visit their Web site at www.flowerfarminn.com. www.granitebayview.com

AN

INHERITED PASSION

STORY BY

FATHER AND SON DUO HAVE 150,000-PIECE LEGO COLLECTION Lauren Weber

he Sears Tower, World Trade Center and the Chrysler Building have been relocated. These magnificent architectural masterpieces can now be found in Granite Bay, the Lego version that is. Welcome to the Russell residence. Where not only is it home to a 150,000 Lego piece collection, but it’s also where an entire room of the house is devoted to the colorful building blocks, in what is called the Lego Room. As a child, John Russell played with Legos and eventually passed his passion and collection on to his son, Alex. At age 2 , Alex’s Lego love began. Some of this first pieces were from his father’s collection years back. It started with playing and turned into building plans and scaled skyscrapers by the age of 5. Now, at 11 years old, Alex and John have a collection worth about $15,000, about 60 Lego creations and a lot of bragging rights. Alex said many of his friends collect and play with Legos too, but none have as large of a collection as he does, and not to mention a room devoted to the toy – most only have a couple bins full of the building blocks. The Lego Room, with aircrafts dangling from the ceiling and stored Lego pieces in bins by color and size, is full of famous buildings sorted by city, a replica of their former house in Gold River and buildings that Alex and John designed themselves. “It was originally a studio, but not anymore,” Alex said with a smile. Although the room is filled with some designs from Lego kits, Alex estimates about 60 percent of the creations are from their own designs. From photos of John’s trips, Alex and John have designed duplicates – one brick equals 11 ½ feet – by using the building’s specifications online. From there, the building design is implemented into a computer program and next comes an Excel spreadsheet that breaks it down by floor and tells them how

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many pieces are needed. John said he orders Lego pieces by the thousands mostly from www.bricklink.com, where “a bunch of Lego nuts” buy kits, tear them down and sell the pieces. John’s electrical engineering background comes into play with each Lego creation, and so does Alex’s drive to become an engineer or architect when he grows up. That, coupled with the appeal of Legos, has kept Alex’s interest in the toy for almost 10 years. “Most of the other toys, he gets bored with them quick,” John said. “That’s something I don’t see with Legos.” And Alex agrees. Creations can be built, destroyed and rebuilt. “You can build pretty much anything you want,” Alex said. “You’re not limited to a toy design someone else designed. My goal each year is to build something huge without instruction.” The Twin Towers Alex built as a tribute to Sept. 11 totals 10,000 pieces. The Sears Tower took the longest – about a month from start to finish – an 11-foot long red bridge is the largest and the Chrysler Building was the hardest because of the terraced crown. The most recent creation is the General Electric building in Rockefeller Center and on top of the to-do list is the Conde’ Nast building in New York City.

Eleven-year-old Alex Russell began his Lego collection at the age of 2. Above, he shares his collection with fellow fifth-graders at Ridgeview Elementary School. His collection includes the Twin Towers, the Sears Tower, the Chrystler Building and many others. Right, Russell stands with his collection in the Lego Room within his Granite Bay home. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN RUSSELL

Before school was dismissed for the summer Alex brought his collection to Ridgeview Elementary School to show his fellow fifth-graders and the neighboring Oakhills School students. “I did a presentation about the height and brick amount in each building to all of the fifth grade

class,” Alex said. Tons of “ohs” and “ahs,” “oh my gosh” and “no way” from students were heard as they witnessed how one Granite Bay boy has turned a four days a week pastime to the envy of many of his friends and classmates.

Granite Bay View | August 2008

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BIG

CITY BRANDS AVAILABLE LOCALLY

NEW

STORY BY

BOUTIQUE CARRIES HARD-TO-FIND LABELS

Lauren Weber

or women longing for fashion found in the celebrity driven Los Angeles, good news has arrived to their nearby neighborhood. Street Savvy Boutique, bordering Granite Bay and Roseville at Sierra College Boulevard, opened its doors in May and caters to the women searching for hardto-find designer brands typically found in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Owner Shelly Whitton opened up shop for just that reason – to give women who find their designer duds online a place to shop locally. With the boutique’s elegant and glamorous design, it seems fitting to only sell the best. Three dressing rooms are draped with a brown textured fabric, open cabinets “I just shopped a lot,” she (designed by Whitton) house said with a laugh, looking jewelry, accessories and jew- back at when she stayed eled cell phone cases while home with her kids. dark fluffy chairs invite hus“Upscale and really, realbands and boyfriends to rest ly customer service orientwhile women try on clothes. ed” is how Whitton Whitton said the two describes her bouthings she’s good at tique. “It’s more and enjoys are contemporary, INSIDE clothes and interior edgy,” she said. design. With the B USINESS A rack of opening Street Twisted Heart Savvy Boutique she swimwear is placed was able to combine both by the store entrance, Ed passions. She designed the Hardy, a brand with tattooentire store interior from like influence, and Betsy colors and accessories to the Johnson dresses are draped white decorative ceiling tiles and the lingerie dresser. She also plans to take her creativity to the next level by What: launching her own handbag Street Savvy Boutique and belt company that will be sold at the store soon, Where: once it’s patented. Granite Bay Pavilions, 9205 Sierra Before opening the shop, College Blvd., Suite 120, Roseville Whitton was a stay-at-home mom who knew she wanted Hours: to eventually open up a bouMonday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tique. “I always wanted to,” she Info: said. “It was a matter of tim781-6999 or www.streetsavvybouing.” tique.com Now that her children are older, she thought the time was right to start planning.

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on hangers by the dressing rooms. With all the brand names the boutique carries, it’s hard for employees to pick just one. Although Whitton admits Betsy Johnson may be her favorite, Angie Weaver, the store manager, said she has a favorite item from each label, but couldn’t commit to one favorite brand. Weaver has been friends with Whitton for about four years and was encouraging the boutique’s start from the get go. “There’s nothing else around. You have to go all the way to Sacramento,” Weaver said. “We carry a lot of designers and lines that nobody else carries.” Because of her attraction to clothing, Weaver said she’s loved working at the boutique. “It’s a great place. Shelly’s got great taste,” she said, adding, “I love clothes and I love shopping.” Whitton said the shop’s location in the new Granite Bay Pavilions development has been successful – many customers also visit the

Street Savvy Boutique owner Shelly Whitton, above left, stands with Angie Weaver, store manager. The shop opened in May and carries hard-to-find designer clothes, accessories and swimwear. PHOTOS BY TIM LLOYD/ GRANITE BAY VIEW

neighboring stores before or after shopping at her boutique. Tucked in between Corrina’s Dessert and Coffee Café and Neveah spa, salon and boutique, people can get a stylish haircut, shop for designer clothing and hydrate with coffee and

dessert. With the shop’s abundance of designer clothing and so much to offer local residents, Whitten hopes many women will log “offline” and visit the boutique instead – just as she’s done herself.

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13

GREGORY’S GRANITE BAY

STORY BY

COUPLE HAS RAISED MILLIONS IN HONOR OF THEIR SON Jamie Trump

fter losing their son to Gaucher disease, Greg and Deborah Macres worked hard to preserve their little boy’s memory and keep his legacy alive. In the process, the Granite Bay couple has raised more than $1.5 million, attracted the attention of doctors and families battling the same disease worldwide and helped fund research that will help at least 26 other lysosomal diseases. This was all accomplished through the Children’s Gaucher Research Fund, a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1999 to honor their son’s life and find a cure for the disease that took him. “I would have preferred to not have lost a child … but the thing is it happened,” said Greg. “The reason we

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LEGACY

(organized and continue running the foundation) is my son’s legacy. He may have had a short life of four years but he can still do something to fight this disease. We want his life and the disease to be a more positive thing and we have the ability and the motivation to do it.” Shortly before their son’s first birthday, little Gregory, was diagnosed with Gaucher disease Type 3. Gaucher (pronounced go-shay) disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder whereby the body cannot rid itself of worn out red and white blood cells, which begin to store in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and sometimes the heart and lungs. In children’s cases, all of the above symptoms exist, but the disease is also characterized by such neurological signs as strabismus, ocular motor apraxia, and problems with breathing, swallowing, motor skills and balance. Speech and cognitive developments can also be delayed. According to statistics, the disease occurs in 1 in 100,000 births. When he was first diagnosed, Greg remembers ask-

ing the doctors what the disease was exactly doing to his son’s brain? “They told us they didn’t know,” Greg said. “We asked them, who is doing research on this disease, and we could tell by their body language that the answer was nobody. So here we are dealing with a rare, orphan disease.” At age 4, their son received a bone marrow transplant. Ten days later he died on April 13, 1997. “At Gregory’s memorial, people were writing out checks for research and we quickly set up the fund for that,” Greg explained. The couple and their oldest child, daughter Ashley Rose, 6 at the time of her brother’s death, moved from the Bay Area to Granite Bay in 1998. The fund was incorporated into a nonprofit the following year. “Our goal is very simple: To raise money for Gaucher research and to find a cure, period,” Greg said. The research funded by the Macres’ foundation has had overlapping benefits on a host of other lysosomal diseases that affect the brain, such as Parkinson’s

COURTESY

Deborah Macres, left, Greg Macres and Bobbie DeFacci at the 2008 Conference. DeFacci lost her 2-year-old son Joey DeFacci to Gaucher disease in 1996.

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

COURTESY

Gregory Macres, on his first day of pre-school. Gregory died at 4-years-old of Gaucher disease, Type 3.

and possibly Alzheimer’s. “All of a sudden, our scope got bigger,” Greg said. “The research we are funding can be used to research the cause of 26 other diseases. It kind of went from this small orphan disease to this bigger and broader scale.” The Macres run the foundation from its “world headquarters,” or their home office, Greg explains with a chuckle. He and his wife don’t get paid for their work and promise that 100 percent of all donations go toward research to find a cure. “We do have expenses, but we pay for them,” Greg said. “If I’m going to ask my friends, my colleagues, everyone I know to donate to this, I want to make sure 100 percent of it is going to research. I don’t think there’s a charity out there that can say that.” Money is raised through fundraisers, like Florin High School’s Awake-A-Thon that’s raised $50,000 in the past five years, and the Gregory Austin Macres Memorial Golf Tournament that was held at a Bay Area golf course. In June Greg was still talking with former Sacramento King Vlade

Divac about hosting a second fund-raising event this summer. But the donations Greg says he’s most proud of are the personal ones. “The most amazing thing is the people who just pitch in and help with things,” Greg said. “People send us $30, $50 and $100. We never thought it would be so successful.” “Gregory’s legacy has been a focus for a cure,” adds Susan Nelson, who does public relations work for the foundation. The Macres currently live in the Hidden Lakes community of Granite Bay with Ashley Rose, now 17, their adopted children, son Matthew, 9, and sisters Victoria, 7, and Nicole, 6, and the family pets, a dog named Chassa and a cat named George. Eleven years after little Gregory’s death, the couple is still as dedicated as ever in finding a cure and honoring their son’s memory. “It’s my nonpaying job,” said Greg, an executive for Coldwell Banker. – For more information or to make a donation, visit www.childrensgaucher.org. www.granitebayview.com

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15

WILLIAM JESSUP

INTRODUCES WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACH

PERFECT STORM

Staff Report erry Stafford has guided girls volleyball teams from three different area high schools to Section championships. But there won’t be a fourth run at a title, at least not at the prep level. The highly successful coach takes on a new challenge this fall at William Jessup University, where he has been named the women’s head coach. Challenges are nothing unusual for Stafford, who built premiere programs at the high school level at Granite Bay, Golden Sierra and Bear River. He has spent more than three decades coaching high school athletes in various sports, with volleyball being his first choice and attention. “Although I’ve really enjoyed coaching high school volleyball, I’m very excited about this change and getting the opportunity to lead a University program,” said Stafford, who lives in Auburn and will remain a faculty member at Granite Bay High. “With my faith and beliefs, a Christian setting like William Jessup will be a comfortable fit for me not only as a coach but as an individual.” He succeeds Jessica Pistole at William Jessup and inherits eight returning players, and since has added five new recruits from both high school and Community College programs around Northern California. Stafford feels the contacts he has developed over the years have already been a major plus in recruiting. “I know all the high school and club volleyball coaches in the area, so that has already been a huge help,” said Stafford, who was named All Metro Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1999, as well as league coach of the year several times. “A lot of coaches are already recommending their players to me. I already have players looking to come to Jessup for 2009 and 2010.” The influx of new talent will help, but Stafford is not discounting the returning

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COURTESY

Congratulations to the Eureka Storm, U-13 Boys Champions at the Pro-Am Sand Soccer Tournament 2008. From left, Coach Nick Perjanik, Conor Ingersoll, Matt Berry, Tyler Johnson, Armin Anderson, Michael Gezi, Kenny Griffin, Jack Dockham, Zach Boyle, Joey Perjanik, Brandon Freitas and Coach Armin Anderson.

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COURTESY

WJU women’s volleyball coach Terry Stafford recently held the same position at Granite Bay High School.

William Jessup players. “Our returning players have a great attitude and are working real hard to improve,” he said. “We have some good players returning and some kids coming in who are strong players with a lot of experience. I think we all look forward to the challenge of building the program together. I’m hoping to do the same thing at William Jessup that I was able to accomplish at the high school level.” At Granite Bay, Stafford inherited another challenge, taking over a youthful program in 2001. He guided the Grizzlies to not only their first league title in 2003, but also its inaugural Section championship in 2004. A second title eluded Granite Bay this year in the Section playoffs when it lost to eventual Section champions St. Francis. Born and raised in Auburn, Stafford graduated from Chico State in 1978 with a degree in physical education/health. Stafford has been married to Lori Stafford for 30 years, whom he met while attending Chico State University. The couple have four children, Timothy, Maryanne, Michael and Colleen. Believing in “family,” Stafford hopes to bring a family atmosphere to his new team, where athletes “care about and take care of each other, on and off the court.” www.granitebayview.com

CUSTODIAL NETWORKING ore than 10 years ago one of the peers of my oldest child showed up at our home with an open can of beer he had been drinking. He had found a small PARENT supply of beer stored in FACTOR his parents’ BY garage. We JOANNA took the beer JULLIEN from him and dumped it down the drain. Then my husband and I told him that we would not call his parents, but we would walk him home so he could tell his parents about what happened – and we advised him that we would not leave his house until he did. Our aim was not to punish him; we wanted to help him start the conversation, and assure his parents that we would appreciate the same courtesy were it our own child caught drinking alcohol in their presence. The parents were very appreciative and there was no lingering anxiety about the incident. The right people said the correct things to one another, our children learned a lesson, and we all moved on. I share this anecdote because this is a type of “custodial networking” among parents that is increasingly important with the social norms our children encounter today – and yet it is not widely practiced. When done correctly, sharing information about what is going on with our children can create a safety net desperately needed because they are by design subject to poor choices (their frontal lobe in the brain responsible for good judgment is not yet fully developed). And yet we often explain poor choices, turn our heads, and/or keep secrets for fear that our own child will feel the retribution at school for having a parent that speaks the truth about what is going on once a risky choice has been revealed. Often we are seriously convinced that our own children

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could never be implicated or involved in any way. Sergeant John Weaver oversees the deputies assigned to juvenile justice services with the Placer County Sheriff and offers some thoughts on the matter. “I often encounter the ‘not my kid’ syndrome wherein parents vehemently refuse to accept that their children have been involved in risky conduct,” said Weaver about one of the challenges of his job. The wise old adage “never say never” is appropriate because so much of what happens with our youth is out of our control especially as they enter into their teen years. The first decade of a child’s life we have a chance to set their “moral compass” – the do’s and don’ts of what is right and what is wrong. Then during adolescence teens need parents to inspect what we expect and hold them accountable for their choices. And it is not enough to simply rely upon the mutual trust between you and your child because the social norms that existed when we were children, that our parents relied upon when they were actively parenting – have disappeared. In other words, there was a time when limits and expectations for discipline were commonly respected. Today our common culture no longer integrates those limits to support good-decision making. So custodial networking is even more imperative to reinforce the good choices our children make. To access a worksheet on custodial networking see www.bananamoments.com. – Joanna Jullien is a freelance contributor and the editor of “Banana Moments: Help For Parenting in the 21st Century.” She can be reached at www.bannanmoments.com.

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17

Financial

How Should I Manage My Retirement Plan?

E

mployer-sponsored retirement plans are more valuable than ever. The money in them grows tax deferred until it is withdrawn at retirement. Distributions from a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan, are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10-percent federal tax penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59 _. And contributions to a 401(k) plan actually reduce your taxable income. But figuring out how to manage the assets in your retirement plan can be confusing, particularly in times BY of financial uncertainty.

Phillip

Conventional wisdom says if you Mottini, have several years until retirement, CEA, RFC you should put the majority of your holdings in stocks. Stocks have historically outperformed other investments over the long term. That has made stocks attractive for staying ahead of inflation. Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results. The stock market has the potential to be extremely volatile. Is it a safe place for your retirement money? Or should you shift more into a money market fund offering a stable but lower return? And will the instability in the markets affect the investments that the sponsoring insurance company uses to fund its guaranteed interest contract? If you’re participating in an employersponsored retirement plan, you probably have the option of shifting the money in your plan from one fund to another. You can reallocate your retirement savings to reflect the changes you see in the marketplace. Here are a few guidelines to help you make this important decision. Consider Keeping a Portion in Stocks :In spite of its volatility, the stock market may still be an appropriate place for your investment dollars — particularly over the long term. And retirement planning is a long-term proposition. Since most retirement plans are funded by automatic payroll deductions, they achieve a concept known as dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging can take some of the sting out of a descending market. Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans involve continuous investments in securities regardless of the fluctuating prices of such securities. You should consider your financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of low price levels. Dollar cost averaging can be an effective way for investors to accumulate shares to help meet long-term goals. Diversify: Diversification is a basic principle of investing. Spreading your holdings among several different investments (stocks, bonds, etc.) may lessen your potential loss in any one investment. Do the same for the assets in your retirement plan. Keep in mind, however, that diversification does not guarantee against loss; it is a method used to manage risk. Find Out About the Guaranteed Interest Contract: A guaranteed interest contract offers a set rate of return for a specific period of time, and it is typically backed by an insurance company. Generally, these contracts are very safe, but they still depend on the security of the company that issues them. If you’re worried, take a look at that company’s rating. The four main insurance company rating agencies are A.M. Best, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings. A.M. Best ratings are based on financial conditions and operating performance; Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s ratings are based on claims-paying ability. You should be able to find copies of these guides at your local library.

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

791-4719 www.granitebayview.com

STORY BY

SAVOR SACRAMENTO’S Sheri Hitchings

ummer is an adventurous time to savor the opportunities of our friendly neighbor, downtown Sacramento. Well known as the “Gateway to the Gold Fields,” luckily for us, it is only a short ride away and convenient to explore. Delve into its history, seek out some tours, visit the hot spots and partake in its sporting opportunities. Sound like something savoring for summer? Let’s get started. History begins at the Capitol where you can watch incredible films, take a DAYTRIPPER fabulous tour and walk the beautiful grounds. Or you may want to discover some interesting revelations with the Hysterical Walks and Rides, www.hystericalwalks.com, or join the Downtown History Tours without the hysterics, www.downtownsac.org. Then off to Old Town Sacramento, where the wooden boardwalks and cobblestone streets bring you back to the golden days. Go ahead, splurge on a horse-drawn carriage ride, www.oldsacramento.com, and watch the friendly policemen on horseback. For memories and laughs, have an old-fashioned family photograph taken. If walking is your passion, don’t miss the beautiful and lively waterfront. From June through August, the Historical Walking Tour is offered. For lunch, grab a bite to eat at the entertaining Joe’s Crab Shack, www.joescrabshack.com, or visit the Riverboat Delta King where you can also later enjoy dinner and theatre. Not to miss is the Living History Days, www.oldscramentolivinghistory.com. Our local area has ample opportunities for kids including a

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trip to Sutter’s Fort, www.parks.ca.gov, Sacramento Zoo, www.saczoo.com, Scandia Family Fun Center for miniature golf, www.scandiafamilyfun.com, and especially the Central Pacific Railroad passenger station and California State Railroad Museum at Old Sacramento State Historic Park. On weekends, from April through September, take the Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion, www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. For a relaxing river cruise and brunch, lunch and sightseeing try Sacramento Yacht Charters, www.sacramentoyachtcharters.com, or travel and dine on the Sacramento River Train, www.sacramentorivertrain.com. For some spectator sports, remember Sacramento is the home of the Kings, River Cats and Monarch basketball teams. Close to Sacramento, airplane enthusiasts can discover McClellan Air Force Museum where relics of the past can be explored or witness Mather Field’s California Capital Air Show, www.californiacapitalairshow.com. Enjoy theatre, www.bstreettheatre.org, at the B Street Theatre Family Series, Delta King Dinner Theatre, www.deltaking.com, and Sacramento Theatre, www.sactheatre.org. Music and films are provided at the historic Crest Theatre, www.thecrest.com, and wide screen spectaculars keep your attention at Esquire IMAX Theatre, www.imax.com/sacramento. For events and award-winning restaurants, check out www.discovergold.org or www.sacramenties.com. Some favorites are The Firehouse Restaurant, Esquire Bar and Grill, www.esquiregrill.com, 85-year-old Espanol Italian Restaurant, Sacramento’s oldest Italian restaurant and lounge and California Fat’s Asia Grill, www.fatsrestaurants.com. Dates to remember are the

SUMMER

The Delta King riverboat in Old Town Sacramento offers locals and visitors dinner and theatre on the river. SHERI HITCHINGS/

California State Fair Aug. 15 to Sept. 1, www.calexpo.com, at Cal. Expo in Sacramento, the lighted boat parade, www.oldsacramento.com, at Old Sacramento (date to be announced) and the Fiesta Italiana, www.italian.net, on Aug. 2. If you thrive on a weekend of varied venues, musical sensations, incredibly talented

musicians and singers, shopping and dining, it’s definitely the place to be. If you can’t wait that long, enjoy Old Ironsides “Old I,” www.theoldirsonsides.com. Now, last but not least, here’s some ideas for a romantic weekend. Voted “most romantic” place for dinig pleasure, discover Slocum House in Fair

Oaks, www.slocum-house.com, or the special Flower Farm Inn in Loomis on Auburn Folsom Road. For an additional dining choice, try Sequoia, voted “the best restaurant” in Placerville, www.sequoiaplacerville.com, or Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, www.ruthschris.com, which is located at the Galleria mall.

Granite Bay View | August 2008

19

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NO PART OF ANY CHILD LEFT BEHIND STORY BY

The Rotary Club of Granite Bay

Joanna Jullien

he Eureka Union School District and Roseville Joint Union High School District have recently demonstrated strategic responses to state budget reductions and changes in enrollment patterns, which have enabled them to maintain and strengthen their education programs. For both districts the programs that encourage creativity and critical thinking – such as the performing arts, art and music have not been eliminated. Tim McCarty, the recently appointed EUSD Superintendent is pleased with this accomplishment. “These are the qualities that educators must also address … We must leave no part of the child behind,” McCarty said. In order to save operating costs to make budget figures, over the past year the EUSD has developed and adopted plans to close two schools in 2009, Excelsior and Eureka, and to consolidate Oakhills and Ridgeview schools. According to Jerri Davis, president of the Eureka Union School District Board, the district is facing declining enrollment. “We recognized we cannot sustain our current program. So we decided this was an opportunity to reinvent ourselves,” she said. The EUSD has considered the possibility of opening a charter or magnet school at one of the closed sites. McCarty said as of this writing, the district is considering the possibility of launching the magnet program as a mainstream pilot in the open sites. “This would allow us to accelerate the development of curriculum that fosters critical and global thinking for all students,” McCarty said. Thus far EUSD has been able keep the student to teacher ratios at 20:1 for the

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kindergarten through third grade sites, and 30:1 for the fourth through eighth grade sites. The schools’ closings and consolidation will save the district more than $900,000 annually. Another major change includes incorporating sixth grade into the junior high campuses, making the elementary configurations K-5 sites. The circumstances for the high school district pose a different challenge. The district currently operates five high schools: Oakmont, Roseville, Granite Bay, Woodcreek and Antelope, which is opening in the fall of 2008 with a freshman and sophomore class. More than 9,000 students are enrolled throughout the district – with very dynamic demands for resource management. The high schools have been built to accommodate 1,500-1,600 students and portables have been employed to expand capacity for peak enrollment periods. Tony Monetti, RJUHSD Superintendent said the high school district is still experiencing increased enrollment, with a new community on the horizon and the high schools at this point in time are overcrowded. While Monetti anticipates a dip in enrollment foreshadowed by EUSD schools, the high schools are operating above core facility capacity at this time so a decline in enrollment can be absorbed. While the high school district has implemented 10 percent budget cuts, $2.2 million was utilized from reserves in order to withstand reduced revenues from the state and maintain current service levels. All programs have remained intact including the International Baccalaureate, performing arts, advanced placement and the new engineering lab at Antelope. RJUHSD has maintained the student to teacher ratio at 27:1, and there were no layoffs.

For more information about the EUSD and RJUHSD education programs and facilities visit: ■ www.eurekausd.org- Eureka School District ■ www.rjuhsd.k12.ca.us - Roseville Joint Union High School District. www.granitebayview.com

SCHOOL W

SUCCESS

ith school right around your effort on your___.” As you the corner, here are review school work, recognize some suggestions for the positive first and then stepping off on the right foot for encouragingly provide suggesa successful year. tions for improvement as needed, ■ Set goals and expectatrying not to be overly critical. tions ■ Be a cheerleader for your Think about your child’s abil- child’s school ities and plan appropriate goals, Volunteer. If you work, help incorporating your child’s ideas in other ways to let your child as well. Create lists of your know you think school is imporchild’s strengths and weaknesses; tant. Show you are interested in develop a plan for how to the classroom/school-wide activstrengthen ities and special weaknesses. Jot days. Get BACK TO down questions involved and for your child’s speak positively SCHOOL teacher. about your feelBY ■ Develop ings and experiSHERI good habits ences. HITCHINGS and routines Keep the Good sleep is teacher well a must. When a informed about child is overloaded with outside problems, as working together school responsibilities and too not only helps make things run little sleep, it is difficult to funcsmoothly, it shows your child tion. Set an appropriate bedtime you are a cohesive team. and stick to it. Plan for an after Very importantly, take the school snack and homework time to find out the proper dress routine. As an incentive, reward code, rules, attendance proceyour child’s responsible behavdures, discipline policies and iors. Remember, success is understand what your child is attainable when homework and learning. If you have concerns reading is a family priority. about codes, rules and policies, ■ Getting an “A” starts discuss them with the principal. with attitude ■ Build the body and the Express your enthusiasm for brain the new school year; it is contaDaily exercise and some pargious. Being a prerequisite, if ticipation in sports are important you suspect negativity, talk about as well as wonderful opportuniit. Learning may be hard work, ties for family bonding. Allow but it is also a wonderful experi- your child to be a part of the ence with positive rewards. decision making process. Discuss what pleasures you ■ Teach organization had/have while learning and Keep a daily schedule of even sometimes overcoming responsibilities in a prominent something that was difficult. place and have your child check Search the Web for strategies for off responsibilities when comlearning and studying. If you pleted. Place homework in the find yourself getting frustrated same location everyday so it or unable to help without critidoesn’t get lost. Make decisions cizing or nagging, ask your about what to wear the night child’s teacher for ideas. before school so that last minute ■ Be prepared decisions won’t cause the child Be sure your child has a to start the day off in a bad healthy breakfast as children mood. without breakfast inevitably run ■ Be a slue out of steam before lunch, Look for significant warning affecting attitude and work. signs and listen to your own Investigate nutritious snacks that hunches about any changes in improve brain power. Discuss attitude or behavior in your not sharing lunch food or snacks child. Solutions are most effecor your child may end up with tive when you thoughtfully no energy for learning in the brainstorm after studying all of afternoon. the facts. ■ A little loving goes a long Have a great school year! way Leave a little note in the – Sheri Hitchings is a Granite lunch bag or your child’s pocket. Bay resident and former educaA smile as broad as a sailboat tor, principal, educational conappears when a child pulls out sultant and student teacher your signed note and reads, “I supervisor committed to pursulove you ____. Have a wondering excellence in education. ful day.” Or “I am so proud of www.granitebayview.com

Granite Bay View | August 2008

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Granite Bay View | August 2008

10 Years

12 Years

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R E C EN T G RANI TE B AY H OME S ALES Address 8112 Briar Way 6852 Highland Rd 6625 Calypte Ln 6550 Crown Point Vista 9708 Royston Ct 8194 Shadowood Ct 7600 Shelborne Dr 5601 Calle Paloma Ct 8615 Woodgrove Way 5504 Riviera 4432 Redstone Ct 9937 Wexford Cir

Bed

Bath

Sq Ft

3 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 5-6 4 5 5-6

2 2 3 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 4

1,088 1,724 2,649 2,596 2,436 2,851 3,613 4,172 4,477 3,000 3,800 5,671

Lot Size

Date 7/07/08 6/25/08 6/25/08 7/03/08 7/02/08 6/30/08 6/17/08 7/02/08 6/27/08 6/19/08 6/24/08 6/30/08

0.400ac 0.700ac 0.660ac 0.228ac 0.300ac 0.798ac 1.100ac 0.500ac 0.500ac 1.100ac

Sold Report Presented by

DOM

List Price

Sale Price

1 23 224 58 201 105 51 0 92 15 201 1

$329,950.00 $495,000.00 $639,000.00 $649,000.00 $695,000.00 $699,900.00 $999,777.00 $1,149,000.00 $1,285,000.00 $1,099,000.00 $1,229,000.00 $2,050,000.00

$328,547.00 $495,000.00 $610,000.00 $615,000.00 $646,000.00 $669,000.00 $925,000.00 $975,000.00 $1,040,000.00 $1,049,000.00 $1,150,000.00 $1,995,000.00

Della & Reuben Johnson

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Our Performance Will Move You

Information deemed to be reliable but not verified. Home sales based on information from MetroList, Inc. for the period June 17 through July 10, 2008.

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