Granite Bay View - December 2008

THE LIFE MAGAZINE OF GRANITE B AY DECEMBER 2008

The Best of the

Holidays 19 Years

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Haleigh Pimental, left, and Katherine Schue share a joyful moment at a holiday cookie exchange.

GRANITE BAY & ROCKLIN VIEW COVER SIGN-OFF SHEET MIKE GIANGRECO SUSAN BELKNAP BILL KRAWCZYK BILL WALLACE

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

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THE MAGIC

OF

ven though I don’t have young children at home anymore for the holiday season, I’m still like a youngster when it comes to Christmas. For me, this time of year is still magical. I particularly enjoy believing in the spirit of a POINT jolly old man who comes around to everyone’s home to deliver gifts OF VIEW and good will. I definitely believe BY in the spirit of St. Nicholas. SUSAN Although I prefer not to see BELKNAP Santa Claus in the mall until at least after Thanksgiving, I love all the sights, smells and songs of the season no matter when it officially begins. And when it comes to songs, look out. I can still remember a number of the carols I learned in elementary school chorus! When my daughters come home they know they have to endure my countless renditions of “Hark! hear the bells” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” Besides the songs, I also especially enjoy the holiday baking. Just like the songs I’ve been singing since grammar school days, there are

E

LOVE

STORIES

Love is in the air – or it soon will be. The View is looking for your true love story for the February 2009 issue. Impress us with your romantic nature and we may choose you and your sweetie for a special feature story.

Send nominations by Jan.2 to Susan Belknap at 188 Cirby Way, Roseville, CA 95678 or e-mail [email protected].

CHRISTMAS

Christmas cookies my mom made when I was young that I have continued to bake since I’ve been an adult. There’s cookies made with the red and green sprinkles in the shape of bells and stars that always look too good to eat and a special recipe that features peanut butter, chow mein noodles and a chocolate peanut butter cup in the center. Delicious! In this issue of the Granite Bay View you’ll discover several other families that also does lots of baking for the holidays. Our cover story tells how one particular group participates in a yearly cookie exchange. Imagine baking one kind of cookie and coming home with 12 different kinds. But it doesn’t matter whether you bake your own holiday treats or buy them at the local supermarket; it’s being together with family and friends that makes the season special. Here’s wishing you and your family the best this holiday season.

A VIEW INSIDE

IN

THIS ISSUE:

EXCHANGE

PARTIES BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAY SEASON Page 5

It’s a great way to gather with family and friends

Children’s choir gets in the spirit Page 8

Young singers from throughout Northern California ready to perform

HEROES Got a neighbor who volunteers time helping the elderly? Or maybe a teacher who goes above and beyond the call of duty? Help us choose this year’s hometown heroes to be featured in the January 2009 issue of the

Granite Bay View. Send your nominations (along with contact information and your reason for nominating them) to Susan Belknap, 188 Cirby Way, Roseville, CA 95678 or e-mail [email protected].

Teaching to make a difference Page 16

Granite Bay teen trains guide dog for the blind

ALSO

INSIDE:

THE MAGIC OF PUERTO VALLARTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . AN EAST-WEST TAKE ON FLU PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . TAKE CARE TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PET’S HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . WINES TO PLEASE THE HOLIDAY BUDGET . . . . . . . . . . . CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12 14 15 20 25

GRANITE BAY VIEW 188 Cirby Way, Roseville, CA 95678, (916) 774-7937 www.granitebayview.com

December 2008 Volume 19, Number 12 Bill Wallace, publisher Phone: 774-7925; e-mail: [email protected]

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

Deb Collender, advertising executive Phone: 774-7954; e-mail: [email protected]

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

Sue Morin, production supervisor Cover photo by Ashley Baer, 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 | December 2008

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EXCHANGE STORY BY

TRADITIONAL

GATHERINGS BEGAN AS JUST SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS

Eileen Wilson

is the season for wrapping, holiday trappings and bright, shiny bows. But beneath the gold-foil glamour of presents beneath the tree, resides holiday traditions that highlight one of the most important aspects of the season – spending time with family and friends. And several Granite women COVER Bay have tradiSTORY tions they look forward to all year – holiday exchange parties. Holiday exchanges come in many forms. Kerry Abbott, a resident of Silverwood North in Granite Bay, started attending a neighborhood cookie exchange when she first moved to the neighborhood about six years ago. The cookie-exchange party began when the neighborhood was brand new. “It was kind of a get-toknow-your-neighbor party, and it kind of grew from there,” Abbott said. Residents have gotten together for different neighborhood events – block parties and Bunco, but the annual cookie exchange, which is for women only, has endured. “It’s a social activity the women really look forward to,” Abbott said. While some attendees take a casual approach to cookie baking, others take the art of the perfect cookie quite seriously. Abbott recalled an especially beautiful cookie – a sugar cookie, ornately decorated in white, with an icing decorator tip. And the most stunning cookie is worth more than mere bragging rights. The woman who wins the title of best-overall cookie (judges from outside the neighborhood taste each cookie before voting on the best,) wins a perpetual crown and the coveted honor of hosting the exchange in her home the following year. Award certificates are given to cookies in other categories,

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PARTIES BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS

T

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as well, like “best chocolate” and “most festive.” While the judges nibble away in the kitchen, discussing each delicious, sugary concoction, the women enjoy appetizers, cider and sometimes, a glass of wine. Abbott, who won best overall cookie one year with her toffee bars, is definitely looking forward to the December event. “It’s a chance to see my neighbors, a lot of whom I don’t get a chance to interact with on a regular basis. It’s really festive, and gets us in the holiday mood,” she said. “And the family looks forward to getting the cookies afterward. Women of the Wexford neighborhood in Granite Bay enjoy an annual get together as well, and have done so for more than a decade. The party includes both an ornament exchange and a cookie exchange. Beth Stenbock, who has been a resident for 18 years, and has hosted the annual

ASHLEY BAER/GRANITE BAY VIEW

Mary Lou Cameron, top left, Paula Hendricks, Mia Hendricks, Rita O’Bear and Karen Nations take part in a festive ornament exchange, where enjoying hot tea and chocolate, above, is all part of the enjoyment.

party a few times, looks forward to the event each year. “Just getting to meet all your neighbors – because there’s always someone new,” she said. “It’s nice because you can catch up on what everyone’s doing.” The casual social affair includes an hour to visit, then it’s on to the ornament exchange, the exciting part of the evening where ladies open wrapped ornaments based on what number they drew. Women who draw a high number are able to “steal” ornaments from women with a lower number. The woman who is left without an ornament unwraps a new gift. Ladies also bring a couple dozen cookies, and are encouraged to bring their recipe. Each woman is able to take a plate full of assorted cookies home. “We have snacks and cookies, and encourage people to bring recipes if they’re so inclined,” Stenbock said. Sometimes there’s a cookie EXCHANGE/page 6 Granite Bay View | December 2008

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ASHLEY BAER/GRANITE BAY VIEW

Mary Lou Cameron, above, is happy with her ornament. Haleigh Pimental, left, and Katherine Schue prepare cookie bags.

EXCHANGE continued from page 5 that just wows us.” Some women want to keep their recipe a secret, however. Stenbock said some of the most popular ornaments have been the German glass, with different jewellike tones. “Sometimes there are some pretty good scuffles over an ornament, but it’s all in good fun. An ornament can be stolen two times – the third time is its final home.,” she said. With everyone coming and going the ladies agree it’s sometimes hard to make time to catch up with everyone. “We re-unite with old friends,” Stenbock said. “We meet new people – they come from all over, and it’s interesting to meet them. It’s just women being women.” But it’s not just women who enjoy social traditions during the holidays. Several area moms participate in gift-exchange parties with their daughters, as well. Kathleen Gonzalez and her daughter, Marisa, enjoy regular social meetings with a group of moms and daughters and the members always get together for an ornament and book exchange in December. “We are a group of eighth- and 6

Granite Bay View | December 2008

ninth-grade moms and daughters who have been meeting monthly during the school year for almost three years,” Kathleen Gonzalez said. Their social events include laser tag, swim parties, movie night and Bunco. But the event everyone looks forward to the most is the holiday gift-exchange party, and the wrapped books with ornaments adorning them. “There are two (gift) piles – one for daughters, one for moms,” Kathleen Gonzalez said. “The level of excitement is always very high at our holiday meeting, and the girls are eager to rush through the chatting and visiting and appetizers, to get to the gift exchange.” But unwrapping gifts isn’t the best part. The real fun comes when moms and daughters “steal” books from one another, with the rule that a book and ornament can only be stolen a finite number of times. “Stealing gifts makes the whole exchange more fun - Lots of laughter and trying to keep our favorite gifts out of sight,” Kathleen Gonzalez said. If the group is feeling especially festive, they will end the party with a game of holiday charades. Kathleen Gonzalez said she loves the holiday tradition and hopes to continue it throughout high school, and even during the college years,

when daughters return home for winter break. “The group and the tradition are meaningful to keep that motherdaughter connection,” she said. She credits her mother-daughter group with helping girls keep connected with old friends, even as they branch into new social groups, and with fostering relationships between the teens and adult women, who can be excellent role models. Heather Pimental, a Granite Bay resident who also attends an annual holiday cookie exchange party with her daughters, Haleigh and Shella, agrees. “I think it is important to create memories with our children. Each year it is something we look forward to. The fun for us begins with planning what we will bake, then baking together and the party itself is a wonderful time for all of us. We may meet new people, get to see old friends and visit, share cookie recipes, and spread holiday cheer,” she said. Spending time with friends and love ones is what this joyous season is all about. If you have a holiday tradition, relish every special moment. And if you don’t – this is the perfect year to begin a new custom to share.

Chocolate Toffee Bars 1 3/4 cup crushed teddy-bear-shaped chocolate graham snack cookies or crushed chocolate graham crackers 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 1/4 cups toffee pieces 1 cup chocolate-covered toffee pieces 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk Line 9x13x2 inch baking pan with non-stick or regular foil, extending foil over edges; set aside. In medium bowl, combine crushed cookies and melted butter and stir. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake in 325 degree oven for 5 minutes. Sprinkle toffee pieces, chocolate-covered toffee pieces, semisweet chocolate, pecans, and walnuts evenly atop hot crust. Pour condensed milk evenly over top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not overbake. Cool in pan on wire rack. Lift foil to remove. Cut into bars. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Makes approximately 32 bars.

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Happy Holidays from our family to yours! A special thank you to our clients, friends and family for your support and continued referrals.

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

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CHOIR KIDS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHILDREN’S CHORUS GETS STORY BY

IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT Megan Wood

hristmas is still a few weeks away, but for the children of the Northern California Children’s Chorus, it’s right around the corner as they practice for their upcoming holiday concert. At every rehearsal, choir founder and director Judy Britts stands before a captivated audience of about a dozen children ranging in ages from 9 to 13 and provides them with the key of the song they are about to sing. When the children begin to let their vocal chords do their thing, the hard work of the last three months of practice is obvious. “We really work them very hard, but they are such good sports and they enjoy having a good product to show for,” Britts said. “You can see it in their faces.” Britts has been teaching music and conducting choirs for more than 30 years. As executive director of the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, Britts saw a need for a similar program in Placer County. Britts contacted Lincoln Crossing Elementary School music teacher Melissa Garcia who also has experience starting choirs with her parents in Iowa. Together with a group of board members, an informational workshop was held in September and auditions were held shortly thereafter. “When Judy told us that she was going to start a choir in Roseville, there was no question that we’d follow her,” said Debbie Gordon, Northern California Children’s Chorus board treasurer. “She’s fabulous, and Melissa was a perfect choice.” Gordon’s daughter, Jacqueline, 11, has been singing with Britts and the Sacramento Children’s Chorus since she was 8. A Granite Bay resident, Jacqueline remembers having to carpool and the long drive to choir practice.

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8

“It was stressful to get to rehearsal and that sometimes made it less fun,” Jacqueline said. “I really like working with Mrs. Britts and now it’s a lot closer.” Jacqueline also likes that the new choir means a more intimate setting between Britts and the singers. She said she has made more friends with the smaller group of children in the choir and she says her singing has improved more because she gets more one on one time with Britts. The Northern California Children’s Chorus is currently split into two groups that are divided by age. The premier choir, directed by Melissa Garcia, is made up of firstthrough third-graders who are learning the basics of singing from breathing to posture. This is also the level where the children learn the rehearsal process and prepares them for more intense rehearsals. The Concert Choir is the most advanced level and is comprised of fourth- through eighth-graders who learn the intricacies of music and perform repertoire that include numerous styles and languages. Eventually, as the choir continues to grow, Britts hopes that this will be the choir that represents the NCCC in the community and travel throughout California, the United States and abroad as it becomes possible.

Granite Bay View | December 2008

CHOIR/page 9 Jacqueline Gordon, above, works on a solo during a recent rehearsal of the Northern California Children’s Chorus. Left, Melissa Garcia, a music teacher at Lincoln Crossing Elementary School, guides the young singers in the premier choir through a song. ASHLEY BAER/ GRANITE BAY VIEW

www.granitebayview.com

T h e V i l l a g e a t Tr e e l a k e Choir members Julia Bartlett and Stephen McConnell perform during rehearsal of the Northern California Children’s Chorus. ASHLEY BAER/ GRANITE BAY VIEW

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In the next three years Britts and Garcia hope to add a third, intermediate level and divide the children based more on experience and talent rather than age. “Melissa and I see some amazing potential for providing an outstanding choral music program for Placer County,” Britts said. The concert choir currently meets twice a week but as the date of their premier concert draws closer, both choirs will be meeting up to three evenings a week to practice the collection of both traditional and sacred carols that Britts and Garcia have selected. The favorites among many of the older singers is “Candles, Candles” and “A La Media Noche,” which is a traditional Puerto Rican carol that translates to “At the Hour of Midnight” and is about the birth of Christ.

A Season to Celebrate is the theme for the upcoming concert on Dec. 14 and couldn’t be more fitting. Ruth Bartlett whose 9-year-old daughter Julia sings in the concert choir, admits that her daughter is more cheerful and talkative after choir practice. Stephen McConnell, a fifthgrader at Vencil Brown Elementary School in Roseville said that he loves coming to choir practice to see all of the new friends he’s made who share a love of singing. “I feel like I’m really uplifting these kids to a unique experience that they wouldn’t otherwise have.” Garcia said. “A program like this really inspires kids and piques their interest to where music can take them.” The Northern California Children’s Choir will be performing at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville. For more information visit their Web site at www.norcalchildrenschorus.com

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CHOIR continued from page 8

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Chorus founder Judy Britts leads the concert choir through a recent rehearsal. www.granitebayview.com

For more information contact: 916.638.3890 Granite Bay View | December 2008

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A hillside view of Puerto Vallarta. Inset, Phil and Sheri have lunch at Pipi’s. SHERI HITCHINGS/ SPECIAL TO THE GRANITE BAY VIEW

STORY BY

THE MAGIC Sheri Hitchings

uerto Vallarta, called Vallarta by locals, is a hidden tropical paradise, evolving naturally in the foothills of the Jalisco Mountains. It is also known as Jalisco’s coastal city of magic. We discovered its magic, as our family has been DAYTRIPPER enjoying the holidays at Playa Del Sol Costa Sur since 1994. Why is it magical? Thoughtfully, maybe it’s the natural beauty or lounging on the beach, watching the white, foamy waves of the deep blue Pacific or investigating creative sandcastles nestled on the shoreline. Discovering Playa de los Muertos or Mismoloya Beach, the most popular beaches, and having your hair braided are magical moments. It could be the dreamy nights. For sure, Puerto Vallarta is a symbol of

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

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legendary beauty with its grand sunsets and kind, friendly Mexican people. Our annual sojourn includes meandering along the cobblestone streets breathing in incredible aromas from the bakeries and restaurants. As we listen to the hypnotic music and observe the rhythmic dancing, we get a peek into the souls of these gracious people. We savor shopping in their stores for pottery and food items, especially handpicking large fresh prawns from Constitucion No.13, across from our favorite grocery store near the hanging bridge. For lunch, you will love the gustatory experience of Pipi’s, where you have the opportunity to taste their guacamole, made at your tableside. Authentic mariachi music and their memorable fresh cuisine

PUERTO VALLARTA

makes you feel like you are always celebrating. If you prefer lunch or dinner by the water, savor the food of Daiquiri Dicks on the beach or The River Café along the Cuale River.

Our most magical restaurants for dinner in recent years are Vista Grill, El Panorama, Le Kliff, and La Palapa. The incredible Rhythms of the Night experience includes a boat trip, a walk by torchlight to a candle lit table, buffet and an after dinner show.

Discover the Bay Bahia de Banderas (Bay of Flags), the second largest bay in North America, exceeded only in size by Canada’s Hudson’s Bay. Not only is it one of the deepest in the world, its shape looks like a horseshoe. The humpback whales inhabit its waters in the beginning of winter season. After giving birth in the spring, they return to the seas in the north. There are also four different species of turtles, arriving only to lay their eggs, depositing about 100 eggs in each nest before they disappear in the sea. Special areas are provided for viewing during this magical time. Enjoying warm evening walks along the malecon, a charming boardwalk, allows time to appreciate the sunsets and sculptures on Pasco Diaz Ordaz. Vendors, who sell col-

orful handicrafts and local foods, are seemingly never in a hurry. As one large happy family, their lives include beauty, love and simplicity. Marina Vallarta, a window to the modern Puerto Vallarta, is fantastic for dining and watching the boats arrive. Also, culturally, the historical downtown and square with a traditional gazebo, is a haven for playful children and hungry pigeons. At the bank, nearby, you can exchange your money and visit the visitor’s center. For more magical adventures, take the opportunity to see how the natives live; ask a taxi cab driver to take you for a ride. If you are looking for the gringo influence, ask to see Gringo Gulch or take a bus on the publicized weekly local house tour. Don’t miss capturing the Jungle Safari adventure. Besides food and swimming, you can witness the helicopter our governor used in the adventuresome movie, “The Terminator.” Hasta luego! www.granitebayview.com

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

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STORY BY

AN EAST-WEST TAKE

ON

FLU PREVENTION Lin Pan holds various items/ingredients that help ward off the flu, and/or treat the flu. The bottle is a bottle of vinegar, used frequently in Chinese households to make the air/environment inhospitable to flu virus.

Susan Taubman

ecember not only signals the holiday season, but also heralds the approach of the “flu season.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates flu shots, particularly around National Influenza Vaccination Week from Dec. 8 -14. Both Western and Chinese medicine prescribe nutritional and lifestyle approaches to treat the flu. While the two medical systems acknowledge a similar root cause, they also advise different treatments, as can be seen by comparing information provided by local health practitioners. Susan Ocheltree, certified nutrition consultant, who works with Linda Clark, MA, certified nutrition consultant and owner of Universal Wellness Associates in Fair Oaks, provides a western perspective for flu treatment from the standpoint of natural remedies. Ocheltree advocates that a person with the flu get plenty of sleep. She said sleep repairs the body and strengthens the immune system. According to Ocheltree, what may also be helpful, in addition to increasing liquid intake, are “vitamin C, zinc and herbal antimicrobials such as garlic, oil of oregano and olive leaf.” She also suggests eating plenty of protein to repair the body. Recently, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been reintroduced to the U.S. One example of its growing acceptance was evidenced by the large numbers of western Olympic athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, accompanied by their attendant acupuncturists. One local licensed acupuncturist and Oriental medical doctor, Lin Pan, began her practice, Pan Acupuncture and Herb, in Granite Bay, about three years ago. Pan has practiced acupuncture in both China and the U.S. for more than 19 years. In Granite Bay Pan treats patients for everything from chronic pain to insomnia, using both acupuncture and herbs.

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

SUSAN TAUBMAN/ SPECIAL TO THE GRANITE BAY VIEW

Pan, a summa cum laude graduate of Nanjing University in China, trained in both TCM and Western medicinal techniques. In China, she used TCM treatments in combination with Western medicine. According to Pan, TCM distinguishes three types of flu: wind cold, wind heat and wind damp, each with its own symptoms and treatments. While two types of flu may have a fever in common, it is possible that one type of flu has sweating, for example, while the other doesn’t. Pan also notes that patients

who come to her office sometimes exhibit flu-like symptoms that may or may not actually be the flu. For example, some patients may have fibromyalgia, characterized by an aching body. Acupuncture literally “pinpoints” the areas of fibromyalgia pain, and is able to significantly reduce them. “Over-the-counter flu medication in the U.S. is aimed at treating the flu in only one way. TCM distinguishes between types of flu,” Pan said. Thus, if wind cold flu is diagnosed, Pan advises warm

Ginger soup recipe Ingredients: 4-5 bunches of green onions 3 pieces of ginger brown sugar water

foods to aid healing. For example, ginger soup is used when the patient has a wind cold flu—the flu with no sore throat. Herbs are also prescribed. Referring to centuries-old practices, Pan adds that a pervasive absence of colds and flu in vinegar factories became evident, leading to preventive measures to ward off viral infections. Chinese households intentionally infuse the air with an acidic smell of boiled vinegar. The idea of changing the environment, said Pan, is to make it impossible for the flu virus to sur-

vive. The use of astringent air-freshening vinegar has consequently persevered in China, particularly when one person in a household is already suffering from the flu. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development corroborates that the influenza virus depends on cold, dry air to survive. “That is why the Chinese household opens doors and windows around flu season. It helps ward off potential cases of flu. It’s all part of the overall, holistic approach to keeping the body in balance,” she said.

Procedure: Cut off white ends, including bulbs and discard green stems of onions. Add white part of onions and 3 ginger pieces to boiling water. Boil for 3-5 minutes. Add a dash of brown sugar. Take liquid out and drink after it boils.

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TAKE

CARE TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PET’S HEALTH n today’s financially uncertain times, it’s more important than ever to prevent unexpected expenses. This is as true when it comes to carPAW ing for your pets as it is in PRINTS every other BY aspect of your K AREN life. If you’ve JOHNSON found yourself putting off routine vaccinations or examinations, you may be opening up a window for disaster. Not only is your pet’s health at risk, but also the cost of treating a preventable disease may be overwhelming. Prevention, as always, is the key to good health. Here’s a look at some ways to maintain a good standard of health for your dog or cat. Don’t skip the yearly well pet exam. Often times a subtle change in health may be noticed by your veterinarian. When detected at early stages most disease processes cost less to overcome. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinations. Don’t skip them, but sometimes a pet is no longer exposed to every disease that he has been vaccinated for in the past. Keep up on recommended yearly tests and preventive medicines for heartworm disease and parasites. Preventing these becomes far less expensive than treating an animal once it has been exposed to the disease. Keep your cat indoors. This will prevent exposure to catfight wounds, lacerations, car accidents, dog attacks, etc.

I

Feed your pet a premium diet that is recommended by your veterinarian. Good nutrition yields good health. Even though dogs love parks, exposure to disease and injury is high. Consider the risk before you go. Dogs should be vaccinated for all of the core diseases and for kennel cough before entering a dog park. Watch carefully for aggression between dogs and leave the park if your dog is at risk of attack. And finally, check into pet insurance. There are several companies now offering good coverage for animals. Your veterinarian can lead you to the company that they work with or you can use your Internet search engine to research companies on line. – Dr. Karen Johnson is a veterinarian and partner at Johnson Ranch veterinary clinic. She can be reached at [email protected].

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TEACHING

TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

PRESTON BELKNAP/GRANITE BAY VIEW

Frequent visits to the grocery store with his trainer Amanda Befort, are classes for Franz, a 6-month-old black Labrador retriever. Franz is being trained as a guide dog.

STORY BY

GRANITE BAY Eileen Wilson

offee-brown eyes, alight with sincerity and affection, would melt any girls’ heart. But Franz, a 6-month-old black Labrador retriever, only has eyes for his trainer, Amanda Befort. Befort, who is a sophomore at Granite Bay High School, has been training Franz for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a San Rafaelbased organization. For the last few months, Franz’s floppy velvet-like ears, and huge puppy feet, have been keeping Befort busy with his playful antics. But when play time is over and the working vest goes on, it’s all business. In addition to daily training, Befort and her mother, Jill Reeves, take Franz to various locations for training every Monday night.

C

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

TEEN HELPS OTHERS BY TRAINING GUIDE DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Group outings, which typically include eight or nine members of the Western Sierra Guide Dogs group, allow trainers and their pups to visit grocery stores, malls, fire stations, restaurants and other locations where dogs can become acclimatized to noises, people and a variety of new experiences. We try to get them exposed,” Reeves said about the dogs. “Our job is to socialize them and make sure they understand the main commands like come, sit, stand and wait.” Raising a guide dog is something Befort has wanted to do since she was in grade school. “I remember in sixth grade they did this thing in school where a dog that worked for the blind visited. I thought that would be really cool to do that,” Befort said. When Befort found a class about raising guide dogs, through her long-time association with 4H, she was hooked. Guide Dogs for the Blind is a

nonprofit, charitable organization, founded in the 1940s, to provide enhanced mobility to blind individuals, at no cost to the recipient. While almost anyone can raise a guide dog, it takes a special person who is willing to enter the program. Potential trainers have to attend several meetings to learn about the course and understand the full commitment, before ever seeing a dog. The next step is to puppy sit several times, have your home approved and complete the application. Once the preliminary work is done, the trainer receives a puppy. Befort remembers bringing Franz home. “He started whimpering on the ride home,” she said. “It was so sad.” The family will keep and train the pup until he’s 13 to 18 months old, before passing him back to the Guide Dogs organization, for additional training,

and ultimate placement with a blind individual. Of course, there’s one question people ask guide-dog trainers the most – won’t it be really hard to give him back when his training’s done? Befort knows relinquishing her beloved dog will be difficult, but she said she is prepared to do it – a courageous act that will make all the difference to a blind individual. “It will be hard – We’ll drive him down to the campus, and we can spend as much time as we want with him when we’re down there. In the end, you’re doing it for a good cause,” she said. When Franz’s proud graduation day comes, Befort will go up and tell a story, an anecdote about the dog. It’s an emotional day for everyone. “On graduation day you get to meet the family to hand the dog off,” she said. “Usually trainers are in contact with, and get together with the family – they are able to maintain a rela-

tionship with the dog.” In the meantime, Franz’s training is in full swing. “He still gets very excited – he jumps when he thinks it’s play time,” she said, with firm plans to work on the pup’s excitable behavior. “He also still eats things off the ground, or takes things out of the trash,” Reeves agreed, noting the dog gets especially excited when he sees Befort’s grandfather. Befort thinks the training is going well so far. “I taught him how to sit on the first night,” she said. She enjoys taking Franz along everywhere she goes, which is quite a commitment. “It’s almost like taking care of a kid – she’s learned a lot of responsibility from having Franz,” Reeves said. Both mother and daughter agree Franz is a good dog. He’s good at sitting, good handling loud noises and they said he’s especially good at sleeping. www.granitebayview.com

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HOLIDAY MEMORIES

ith a holiday vacation upon us in a few weeks, undoubtedly you would like to find ways to savor many of these moments. A good way is to write down the special memories of the holiday. Memories help create understanding. Memories help to create an identity for children and their families. They are important for children’s development and sense of who they are and where they fit in the family. Children usuTAKING TIME ally remember autobiographical TO memory, an ability to share past experiences as a story and REMEMBER events with emotional impact BY are more likely to be rememSHERI bered than neutral ones. HITCHINGS

W

Stories

We often make memories into stories so they are interesting to tell. Memory research states stories are usually easier for girls to remember because mothers are more likely to tell their thoughts in organized units to their daughters who tend to focus more on relationships and emotions while boys place more emphasis on self achievement and activities.

Rekindling the past Memories of childhood holidays or vacations will be remembered when there is a reason to remember. When memories are repressed or forgotten, they sometimes need only a spark to rekindle. Think of how much is remembered when you go back and see a house you lived in years ago.

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Questions to ignite the memory What family traditions do you have? How could you include your children’s ideas to make traditions even more special? What stories do you read or tell? How do you teach the true meaning of your holidays? What gifts were really the most valuable? Why?

Preserving memories

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Try making scrapbooks, videos of celebrations/special events, and include the recipes used to remember why the holiday was special. Capture these impressionable times with happiness and joy, as they serve as reminders of what happened.

Baking Baking brings warm holiday memories. Like photos in a scrapbook, homemade goodies and personalized ornaments capture family memories.

Outings Holiday outing traditions, like shopping, seeing the decorations and enjoying a holiday play in the city are enjoyable. Nearby quaint towns often celebrate with costumed singers serenading under lighted lampposts.

Happiest memories We are most likely to recall simple pleasures such as flying a kite or climbing trees, conversations, a walk, horseback riding, picking fruits and vegetables, and teaching and playing games. According to the Mind Lab, expensive gadgets really don’t create the happiest memories.

Recapture traditions

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Family art projects are high on the list of memorable activities. Children can be an instrumental part of making placemats and posters, paper angels and helping to plan the holiday fun.

Research Experiential holidays pave the way for more memorable and stimulating holidays. Discover a new culture, share food tastes, try unusual foods and meet different people. – Sheri Hitchings is a Granite Bay resident and former educator, principal, educational consultant and student teacher supervisor committed to pursuing excellence in education. She can be reached at [email protected]. www.granitebayview.com

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WINES

TO PLEASE THE HOLIDAY BUDGET

he holiday season is a time for friends and families to get together and enjoy some wonderful food and excellent wine. Sometimes these events can take a large toll on your cellar and while we all wish we had an endless wine supply, money and Rombauer do not grow on trees. It is also a misnomer that you have to pay a lot of money to buy an extremely good VIEW FROM wine. I have visited many THE CELLAR stores and local winerBY ies to find those diaL EN monds in the rough that M ONTALBANO please both the palate and the pocket book. I would like to introduce you to a few of my favorite wines under $15 that you will be proud to place on your holiday table. Sierra Sunset – $10.95, Windwalker Vineyard; I was introduced to this wine at a summer party and was amazed at the flavor. The blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet and Petite Syrah gives an initial fruit forward taste and has a velvety smooth finish. It will pair very well with your herb encrusted holiday roast with garlic mashed potatoes. Latcham Gold Rush Red – $12.50 Latcham/Granite Springs Vineyard; This wine is a blend of barrel aged Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, Petite Syrah, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Black Muscat grapes. Although it may sound as if they used whatever red grape left in the vat, it does make for a rich and deeply flavorful wine. I would suggest either decanting or pouring through an aerator just prior to serving to bring out the berry essence. Dynamic Red Table Wine – $8.99 Ceago Vinegarden; An organic & Biodynamic wine, it is an excellent blend of Cab Franc, Cabernet and Merlot grapes grown in their Mendocino vineyard. This wine can be served with your favorite meat or cheese hors d’oeuvres to bring out the smooth, elegant flavor. Trader Joes is the exclusive seller of this wine. Lynelle – $10.50, Sierra Vista Winery; This wine is a Cabernet based blend with an accompaniment of Syrah and Grenache. The aromas are bountiful and the cherry and plum flavors will bring a smile to your guests. Serenity – $9, Brassfield Estate Winery; Serenity has become one of my favorite white wines as it is very well balanced and flavorful. An estate blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer and Semillon, it brings a refreshingly soft, fruit flavor without the acidity. Serve slightly chilled to keep the clean, crisp flavor intact. You may purchase either online or at the winery. A holiday event is not complete without dessert and the centerpiece of our table is a traditional Yule Log and a box of truffles. To compliment these treats and our sweet tooth we serve my wife Elaine’s favorite dessert wine. Rosie Rabbit Late Harvest Zin – $18, Rosenblum Vineyard; You all know the feeling of biting into a chocolate truffle. The rich smooth flavor melting in your mouth. What could be better? Add to that feeling the sweetness of the Rosie Rabbit Late Harvest Zin and your taste buds melt into decadence oblivion. I know the price is $3 above the budget, but it is the best $3 you will ever spend. My hope is you will try these wonderful selections or better yet venture out to our many excellent local wineries to find your favorite blends for $15 and under. The reward is well worth the journey. I wish you all a very merry holiday season and a safe New Year.

T

– Len Montalbano is a Granite Bay resident and owner of Mio Vino, a wine club development and marketing consulting company.

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

www.granitebayview.com

LENDING

A

HELPING HAND

TO THE

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

CLUBS INVOLVE MANY WILLING VOLUNTEERS

STORY BY

“I think the joint meeting provided an opportunity for people to meet others and learn about other clubs,” she n the world of communisaid. ty service, the more peoThe gathering, held at the ple involved in a project, VFW Post 9869 on Douglas the more work that can be Boulevard featured speakers accomplished. from each of the organizaCristie Akers, president of tions including Jim Lane the Granite Bay Rotary Club who spoke about the was the brains behind that Christmas basket program, idea that came to fruition which has been a joint effort recently at between the VFW Rotary, headquarters I think the joint meetKiwanis and in Granite the Eureka ing provided an opporBay. It Union tunity for people to involved School meet others and learn about 74 District for members of the past sevabout other clubs local Rotary, eral years. - Cristie Akers Kiwanis, “We colGranite Bay Rotary Club VFW, lect canned Knights of food and also Columbus include a and Soroptimist clubs. turkey and some gifts for “I had been in a few other families identified by the Rotary clubs before and school districts who are in since we already have need,” Lane said. “We usualworked on projects with the ly deliver about 100 baskets Granite Bay Kiwanis, we all each year.” just started talking about getAkers said the baskets ting it all together,” Akers will be assembled Friday, said. Dec. 19 and all community Akers said since the members are invited to parRotary Club of Granite Bay ticipate and/or donate. has approximately 46 memKathleen Ross of the bers and Kiwanis has less Kiwanis Club told the audithan that, the idea of forming ence that her club is a global a partnership to work on organization of volunteers larger projects throughout dedicated to helping the lives the year is especially appeal- of children. On a local level ing. the Granite Bay Kiwanis run

Susan Belknap

I

“

”

NEW BOOK Staff Report aul Carroll has a new book out, called “Billion-Dollar Lessons: What You Can Learn from the Most Inexcusable Business Failures of the Last 25 Years.” The book has been receiving exceptionally strong reviews. The Wall Street Journal called the book “fascinating,” “insightful” and “crisply written” and said it “couldn’t be more timely” because of the light it sheds on the mistakes that led to the current financial crisis. Carroll, a resident of

P

www.granitebayview.com

BY

CRISTIE AKERS/SPECIAL TO THE GRANITE BAY VIEW

Granite Bay service clubs gather to discuss various projects in which they can join forces.

the snack bar at the junior Grizzly football games each Saturday, they sponsor golf tournaments and pancake breakfasts, sell entertainment books and provide support for children who have to spend time in the hospital. In addition, the Granite Bay Kiwanis is beginning to sponsor a special trailer called, Chet’s Life Safety Road Show that will be filled with items to educate

the public about being safe with bikes, fire and much more. Akers told audience members about the contributions Rotary members have made to the local community including planting trees at Franklin and Ron Feist parks, serving Easter dinner at the Roseville Salvation Army and helping out at the Granite Bay Library, the women’s’ shelter in Granite

Bay as well as several literacy programs throughout the year. In addition to Akers and Ross, representatives from the other clubs presented a summary of projects in which their respective clubs are involved. For more information about the Granite Bay Rotary or other Granite Bay service organizations, contact Akers at 580-7373.

GRANITE BAY AUTHOR GETS GOOD REVIEWS

Granite Bay, began the research for the book three years ago as a reaction to the conventional wisdom that prosperity would last forever and to the fact that almost all business books focus on success stories and say, “Here’s how to be like those guys.” He and his co-author, Chunka Mui, decided it was about time someone looked at failures and said, “Here’s how not to be like those guys.” The co-authors and a research team of 20 pored over 750 major failures to find patterns that would provide warning signs about impending failure. The book identifies seven

strategies that are most commonly associated with failure – including an overreliance on synergies and overoptimism about the benefits to be gained from having an industry Paul Carroll consolidate. The book lays out ways that everyone from senior managers to middle managers can use to increase the level of constructive debate and avoid a serious strategic error.

“Billion-Dollar Lessons” also offers advice to investors on how to avoid companies such as Merrill Lynch and AIG, whose strategic errors doomed them and savaged their shareholders. Prior to writing “BillionDollar Lessons” – which he and Mui joke may have to be renamed “Trillion-Dollar Lessons,” given the carnage on Wall Street – Carroll spent 17 years as a writer and editor at the Wall Street Journal. The paper nominated him twice for Pulitzer Prizes and he was a finalist once. He also founded and edited Context magazine, which helped senior executives

understand the strategic implications of information technology and which pioneered a genre that became known as “new economy” magazines. The magazine was a finalist in 2000 for the National Magazine Award for General Excellence, the industry’s highest honor. Carroll also wrote “Big Blues: The Unmaking of IBM,” a best-seller that was published in 1993 and that was translated into six languages. – Carroll and his wife, Kim, have a daughter at Granite Bay High School and a daughter at Cavitt Junior High. Granite Bay View | December 2008

21

HAPPY DECEMBER ell it’s here – the retailers refer to it as the holiday season, but I often hear it referred to as the weight-gaining season, which is already in full swing and runs straight through New Years Day. ‘Tis the season for all the infomericals and magazine advertisments claiming to have the magical secret for weight loss and instant fitness. I think you know the real secret just as I do. There is no secret. What has always worked, still works. Although some of us still have the same problem, we know what to do, but we choose not to do it. GUEST We know that over eating makes us gain weight but we do COLUMN it anyway and we know that exerBY cising on a consistent basis is the D EBRA only way to maintain our healthy SKELTON weight and stay fit but we still have a problem keeping our workout commitments. The next few weeks will bring ample opportunity for us to indulge, to enjoy and to expand our waistline. Once the whirlwind of holiday activities and obligations begins, we will be too caught up to put a plan into action. So in this moment of clarity, this calm before the storm, let’s outline a plan that will save you from unwanted holiday pounds. 1) Plan your exercise regimen: Exercise is the first thing to go when people get busy, and the holiday season is notorious for deserted gyms. This year obligate yourself to exercise. Commit to working with a fitness expert – the perfect solution for consistent, challenging and effective workouts. You’ll get the attention and assistance that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever – talk about motivating. Join a boot camp – we’ve determined that you simply won’t be as effective on your own during the busy holiday season, so joining a group would lend accountability. Stick with something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated and incorporates strength training. Find a serious exercise buddy. When looking for an exercise buddy, choose carefully and consider the following questions: ■ Do they share your fitness goals? ■ Are they typically encouraging? ■ Do they stick with things? ■ Are you at the same fitness level? Get your spouse involved – what a great way to spend more time together during this busy season. Decide on an exercise activity that you can both enjoy and set a schedule for your workout dates. 2) Cut the fat: I mean this literally. I’m not going to imply that you shouldn’t indulge in any seasonal treats, but think moderation. So often the holidays are used as an excuse to eat until the point of being uncomfortable. Decide on a few fattening treats to cut out. Do you really need to bring sweets for everyone in the office, especially since you know that you will end up with the leftovers? How about a fruit/cheese basket or flower arrangement? At holiday parties load your plate first with greens, vegetables and lean meats before heavier foods. Also drink water with your meal and keep alcoholic beverages to a minimum. Watch what you drink, most beverages are filled to the brim with calories. Hot drinks from Starbucks, cocktails at parties and eggnog are all very enjoyable and all filled with empty calories. At no other time in the year are we faced with so many sweets. To avoid being a Scrooge, try the one treat rule. Each time you’re in a social situation that involves sweets just eat one, and enjoy it slowly. If you truly want to enjoy the coming festivities without dealing with added pounds it is all in your hands. The key is your mindset. Enter 2009 in better shape than you are today, healthier than you’ve been in a long time, and with more energy that you thought possible. Here’s the same old advice, nothing new but it works, make time for exercise and practice portion control, it’s as simple as that!

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

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– Debra Skelton is a certified fitness consultant, a licensed nurse and owner of Motivative Health & Fitness, an in-home fitness training business. She can be reached at [email protected]. www.granitebayview.com

KEEPING

THE

STORY BY

EXERCISE

WORKOUT FUN

TIPS AS THE TEMPERATURE DIPS

Teresa O’Hanlon

elly Menold of Rocklin has an exercise plan for all seasons. The mother of two and owner of Stroller Strides of Rocklin and Roseville, part of the largest national postnatal exercise program, knows how to motivate anyone braving a brisk weather workout. You know that feeling. The air is cool and crisp. Your body craves comfort foods; not abdominal crunches. On a day when you’d rather sip some more coffee and skip the cardio activities, it’s time to give Menold your ear. “Don’t be tempted to curtail your fitness plans because weather conditions are less-thanfavorable,” says Menold. “Beyond physical fitness is psychological fitness, and many people, especially new moms, can be susceptible to winter blues. Getting out of the house to exercise is a great way to increase both endorphins and energy.” And watching a Stroller Strides class of often sleepdeprived mothers of newborns and toddlers exercising at various locations around town can motivate just about anyone. Kimberlie Brooks of Granite Bay admits she doesn’t like to exercise, but working out with other moms makes it fun. “I work full-time in the morning at home, so I’m a working mom and a stay-at-home mom,” says Brooks who brings 2-year-old son Ryan to Stroller Strides classes. “Honestly I’ve never gone to a gym. I can’t motivate myself. But when you see these moms who just had babies exercising, you know if they can do it, you can do it.” Menold recommends making a few attire adjustments to keep a new fitness routine comfortable. “When preparing for a coldweather workout, always remember that you will warm up; baby will not,” says Menold. “Dress in layers, as your core temperature will rise as you exercise. Wear a moisture-wicking fabric closest to your body and warmer layers on top. Don’t forget gloves and mittens for both you and baby.” Menold recommends the BOB stroller to keep little ones safe and snug during wet weath-

K

www.granitebayview.com

er and a poncho for parents who enjoy running in the rain. And there’s always extra motivation to work out longer when you bring a partner along. “We do have dads who regularly attend our Saturday morning classes,” says Menold. “It is very encouraging to see parents being such healthy role models for their children. It’s a great way to show little ones that exercise is fun, and both mom and dad make it a priority.” Menold says keeping a variety of workout locations, both inside and outdoors, makes exercise more exciting. She has Stroller Stride classes anywhere imaginable. There’s an indoor class at William Jessup University and at Fountains at Roseville where moms can exercise and enjoy window shopping at its finest. “Stroller Strides is a total fitness program taught by certified instructors that moms can do with their little ones in 60 minutes. It’s fitness for mom and fun for baby.” Elicia Valle of Rocklin says Menold’s classes have made her stronger. “Kelly always promotes good posture, balance and keeping

Kelly Menold, above, of Stroller Strides uses her son Cooper’s stroller to lead Gina Ferroni and a group of moms in squat abductors at Fountains at Roseville. Left, Elicia Valle of Rocklin feels stronger after working out with Menold. Menold leads a one hour exercise class at Fountains at Roseville. TERESA O’HANLON/GRANITE BAY VIEW

ing, do kegels (pelvic floor lifts) and abdominal bracing (contraction of the abdominal muscles). If you’re holiday shopping, retract your shoulder blades repetitively to improve posture and change the way you hold your shopping bags. Modify your grip so it’s more like a bicep curl. This way your purchases can act as weights instead of weighing you down.” For more cold-weather fitness tips or information about Stroller Strides classes, contact Kelly Menold at (800) 959-1537. your core tight,” says Valle. “I’ve been able to apply that to my everyday life and feel better.” As for the busy holiday season ahead, Menold has a plan.

“Even when you don’t have time for a traditional workout routine, do your best to fit fitness into the corners of your life,” she suggests. “When driv-

– Stroller Strides of Rocklin and Roseville, www.strollerstrides.net/rocklin; (800) 9591537 Granite Bay View | December 2008

23

THE

GIFT OF TRUST AN ENDURING TREASURE

hristmas is a great time of year to reinforce the values that are most important to our families. While much of holiday “gifting” involves material items, some gifts are enduring treasures. The authority of a parent, for example, can be viewed as a gift that involves an enormous trust. I’m referring to trust in the sense of the word that refers to looking out for the best interest of another; as children trust that their parents will provide for their basic needs. Often there is a desire to reciprocate trust in the child which, when conPARENT fused with faith, can leave FACTOR the child more vulnerable. BY Many parents have JOANNA expressed concern that in JULLIEN the discipline of their adolescents, trust is an issue. In order to escape the scrutiny of parent oversight, children may challenge the parent who is inquiring “who, what, when and where?” – claiming that the parent doesn’t trust the child. According to one Granite Bay parent, “If I call to talk to the parents at the party my daughter wants to attend, then she thinks I don’t trust her – and it makes me uncomfortable.” When we believe that we must trust our children to the point where we do not inspect what we expect, we have crossed the line from trust to faith. Below are a few considerations about trust and faith: Trust is founded upon personal experience, based upon the child’s history of being truthful and reliable. Trust is not faith. Faith is something we place in God; a belief in something for which there is no proof. Circumstances are key; a young adult is still very vulnerable to poor decisions involving peers and circumstances. If parents are not aware of the circumstances, and don’t insist on verifying the situation, their child may still be caught up in the consequences of poor choices – no matter how much the parents trust their children. Perils of faith. Children, who expect that their parents should have faith in them, do not understand why faith is not helpful. Science has proven that the frontal lobe of the brain (responsible for good judgment) is not fully developed into the late teens or early twenties. When we act on faith that our children can do no wrong, we are leaving them extremely vulnerable to poor choices with risky consequences. Children need to understand that trust is something earned and involves verification. So the next time your child challenges you, “Why don’t you trust me?” simply point out that trust must be verifiable. And when you stumble upon inconsistencies or troubling circumstances in advance, it is a great object lesson for your child. For example, how will you handle a situation wherein a parent is actually not going to be present for a party? Exploring arrangements for social gatherings in advance can help you guide your child in decision-making before the circumstances present risky choices for your child. In this way, the trust between a parent and child is truly a gift.

C

oliday Glamour Dazzle. Shine. Like never before. Take a risk. Turn a few heads. Amazing what you, Brockway and a little holiday spirit can do. Make an appointment today and find out.

24

6837 Douglas Blvd. Granite Bay

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Granite Bay View | December 2008

– Joanna Jullien is the editor of Banana Moments: Help for Parenting in the 21st Century. She can be reached at www.bananamoments.com. www.granitebayview.com

CALENDAR

OF

EVENTS

Thursday, Dec. 4 The 3rd annual Christmas Nativity exhibit will be held from noon to 9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday at 6460 Cavitt-Stallman Road in Granite Bay. Featuring musical performances by local school choirs. Info: 791-3213.

Building, 7501 Foothills Blvd. in Roseville. Info: 772-3331.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIRE Teri Hilp will be one of the 120 crafters at the 19th Annual Holiday Craft Faire at the Maidu Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features a variety of handcrafted gifts, decorations and home decor. Parking and admission are free.

The Roseville Chamber of Commerce will host the 4th Quarter Mixer, 5:30-7:30 p.m. hosted by Arizona Tile, 10576 Industrial Ave. Info: 783-8136.

Friday, Dec. 5 Join the annual Christmas tree lighting from 5-9 p.m. in Downtown Roseville, with music, fun activities and great food. Location: Vernon Street in Roseville. Admission is free. Info: www.DowntownRoseville.com.

Saturday, Dec. 6 Loomis Basin Education Foundation will host the first Loomis Basin Holiday Home tour featuring seven unique homes located throughout the Loomis Basin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.lbef.net for $25 and can be retrieved from will call at the Loomis Train Depot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the day of the event. Proceeds will benefit the Loomis district elementary schools. Info: 652-4680.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 Cub Scout Pack 31 will assemble packages for overseas military troops for Operation Interdependence from 78 p.m. at Oakhills School multipurpose room in Granite Bay. Info: www.oidelivers.org. Operation Interdependence is a civilian-to-military delivery system that serves as a program for Americans to demonstrate their support for our deployed military. For more information on OI go to www.oidelivers.org/about.shtm.

Thursday, Dec. 11 The Roseville Chamber of Commerce will host a Chamber breakfast from 7-9 a.m. at the Roseville Com-

www.granitebayview.com

COURTESY

mons, 275 Folsom Road in Roseville. Cost: $13 for members, $15 for non-members, $20 for walk-ins, if space is available. Info: 783.8136 or visit www.rosevillechamber.com.

Saturday, Dec. 13 Local author Jack Parker will hold a book signing for his latest book “Patagonian Adventure” 1-3 p.m. at Borders Books, 2030 Douglas Blvd. in Roseville. Info: 783-2985. Don’t miss the Capitolaires concert 1-3 p.m. at the Fountains in Roseville. Enjoy a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 57 p.m. Info: 435-9909.

Sunday, Dec. 14 Don’t miss the Christmas Concert of Lessons and Carols by St. Rose Chorale, 2-4 p.m. at St. Rose Church, 615 Vine Ave. in Roseville. Info: 786-0655.

Throughout the month High school students grades 9-12 are invited to participate in Speech Trek, a speech contest sponsored by the Roseville-South Placer Branch of the American Association of University Women. The theme is “Gender Equity in Education,” and the contest will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Granite Bay Library.

Interested participants can get applications at local high schools or contact AAUW member Eleanor Allen at 7834334 or [email protected]. The Roseville Chamber of Commerce will host an online holiday auction to keep shopping local and assist the regional economy, now through Dec. 22. Visit www.rosevillechamber.com for details. Bah! Humbug! Magic Circle Theatre presents Rodger Hoopman's Scrooge in the Roseville Theatre, located at 241 Vernpn St. Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 20, and 21; and 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 18, 19, 22 and 23. Tickets are $12 - $25. Info: 7821777. Musicians who play oldtime Scandinavian music are invited to gather at 7 p.m. each Tuesday in Roseville. All instruments are accepted. Info: 786-8502. TruFitness will be accepting donations for Toys for Tots this holiday season. Bring any new and unwrapped gifts to TruFitness at 1209 Pleasant Grove Blvd. in Roseville. Info: 782-8111. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program will collect new, unwrapped toys to donate to needy children this holiday season. Donations will be

accepted at California Storage Centers, 5951 West Oaks Blvd. in Rocklin. Info: 6328585. Enjoy live music at Toast Restaurant in Quarry Ponds 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7-10 p.m. Fridays; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturdays. 5540 Douglas Blvd., Granite Bay. Visit www.quarryponds.com for a complete music schedule. Info: 772-3900. Live jazz at Spoons Restaurant and Fine Catering, 6-9 p.m. Saturdays. 8230 Auburn Folsom Road, Granite Bay. Info: 797-2233.

Clubs and Meetings Eureka/Granite Bay 4H meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Granite Bay Library, 6475 Douglas Blvd. Info: 771-6769 or 791-6385. A support group providing awareness, education and support for those living with, affected by or interested in carcinoid cancer is being held 1-4 p.m. the first Saturday of each month at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 3rd Floor, classroom 1, 1600 Eureka Road in Roseville. Info: 789-9199 or [email protected]. The Valley Oaks Garden Club meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at the NEC

The Widowed Persons Association will be holding support group meetings 1011:30 a.m. on the fourth Friday of every month at Maidu Park in Roseville. Roseville Chapter No. 9 will hold the regular general meeting and lunch on the second Friday of each month at John’s Incredible Pizza, 384 N. Sunrise Ave. in Roseville. Info: 791-0843 or 773-7336. Vista De Lago business center in Granite Bay is hosting a mixer, wine and design event from 4-6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. The event is free and located at 7095 Douglas Blvd. National Stuttering Association sponsors a support group from 6:30-8:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month in Roseville. Info: 7973307 or www.granitebayspeech.com. The Placer Food Bank distributes food to needy families from 8-10 a.m. the first Thursday of every month at Methodist Church, 109 Washington Blvd., Roseville. Join their weekly bingo games that help support more than 43 needy organizations in Placer County. Games take place at 10 a.m. each Monday and at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Grand Oaks Bingo Hall, 7919 Auburn Blvd. in Citrus Heights. Info: 416-9727. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Warehouse Christian Ministries, 10020 Foothills Blvd. in Roseville. The program is for individuals recovering from addictive eating, bulimia and under-eating based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Info: (800) 600-6028 or www.foodaddicts.org. Blue Star Mothers Chapter 7 conducts support group meetings for military friends and families 9:3011:30 a.m. the last Saturday of each month at Veterans Memorial Hall in Royer Park, 110 Park Drive in Roseville.

Granite Bay View | December 2008

25

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®

‘Tis the season to help others. Toys for the Troops’ Kids

Angel Tree

Donate toys for children who have a parent serving in harms way this Christmas season.

When mom or dad is in prison, it is the children that suffer. This year you can let them know they are not forgotten. Provide gifts to children on behalf of the incarcerated parent.

Immaculate Former Model Home. Featuring 4 beds, 3 baths with upstairs bonus room. Wonderful open floorplan.

1660 Roadrunner Dr. Roseville

Fill the Trucks Provide new bicycles to disadvantaged children living in the inner city. .

“The Kraft Real Estate Family wishes you the very best this Holiday Season!”

Help those in need by donating nonperishable food, household items, clothing, camping gear and hygiene products.

Gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2800 SF home on huge cul-de-sac lot! •Open floor plan •Spacious kitchen w/stainless appliances, maple cabinets & island

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Impressive home with 4 bedrooms plus a huge bonus room •Located on a hard to find 1/4 acre lot in Ashley Woods

Beautiful 4 bedroom home with breathtaking scenery by the 8th green of Sunset Whitney Country Club.

VERY NICE 4 bed, 3 bath home in Stoneridge West! Many upgrades. Beautifully landscaped backyard Bank owned. Make offer.

410 Villeroy Court Granite Bay

3250 Midas Avenue Rocklin

1736 Grey Owl Circle Roseville

Call Della and Reuben at 337.5233

Call Sara Gertz at 337.8836

Call Della and Reuben at 337.5233