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Last Updated: Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM • Subscribe via RSSATOM

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Local Area Tidbits

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Spring has almost sprung...so don’t forget the start of Daylight Saving time and “spring” your clocks forward on March 8...GNC just opened a new store in El Dorado Hills at 4420 Town Center Boulevard, so make sure to visit and take care of your nutritional needs!...The Folsom CAVE After School Program is in need of several items for their middle school sites. Check out the complete list of items at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.folsom.ca.us">folsom.ca.us</a> and donate to a good cause...And speaking of the CAVE program, if you are an energetic person with strong leadership skills, and want to make a difference in a child’s life – apply to be a Summer CAVE Camp Counselor. For more information, call Ryan Erwin at 916-351-3510...On December 29, Dr. Leon Owens, founder of the Teachable Moment Foundation, which successfully helped to change laws in California associated with drunk driving, along with Captain Mike McCarthy of the Sacramento Police Department and Christopher J. Murphy, the director of the California Office of Traffic Safety, unveiled <a target="_blank" href="http://www.every37.com">Every37.com</a>, a Web site aimed at preventing drinking and driving...The El Dorado Hills Library will hold their American Girl Book Club on March 13, and every second Saturday of the month at 3:30 p.m. Participate in discussions, crafts and special projects based on the series...The El Dorado Hills CSD will offer an Intermediate Digital Photography class on March 4 (at the CSD), from 6:30-10 p.m., and again on March 23 at the Folsom Community Center.  For more information, call 916-355-7285 or register at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.webtrac.folsom.ca.us">webtrac.folsom.ca.us</a>...Travel to Tuscany, Italy for eight wonderful days (March 27-April 5) and learn the techniques of “plein aire” landscape painting from the Charles White Artist Workshop. For more information and pricing, call 916-351-1623 or e-mail <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>...Also this month, every Monday night, the Ravine Bar & Restaurant will host the only Stand-up Open Mic Comedy Night in the area. See national headliners and local comedians. Sign-up at 8 p.m. and show starts 8:30 p.m. And, throughout March, the Ravine will display numerous local artists’ work with scenes featuring food, wine and local scenery on the walls of the restaurant – stop by for a bite and a viewing!...Registration is now open for the Prairie City Race Series. The first race is on April 1, so sign up early! Cost is $25 for single, and $35 for tandem for the first race. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.racemtb.com/registration.htm">racemtb.com/registration.htm</a>...Congratulations to Conductor and Music Director of the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Morgan, who led the Cairo Opera Orchestra on January 11, which featured the Egyptian premiers of two iconic American works. The Cairo Opera’s Artistic Director invited maestro Morgan as part of an exchange started by the Sacramento Philharmonic and Sacramento community leaders in 2008...Folsom is now home to the “Green Home of the Year” and the recent recipient of the LEED’S Platinum designation from the U.S. Green Building Council, the highest honor in “green” home building. The house on Mormon Street is a new step towards “zero energy” housing, a state goal for 2020, and features recycled glass countertops and a solar unit...And check back next month for our Get Outside feature issue! •<hr>Send your news to: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.

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Check-up Time

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Culturally we are acutely aware of certain types of cancer, yet we remain blissfully unaware of one of the most deadly forms: colorectal cancer. Cancer of the colon, rectum or appendix, though not discussed much, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, right behind lung cancer.Most colorectal cancer begins as polyps, or pre-cancerous growths, which are largely benign on their own, but can become cancerous if left untreated. If polyps are detected and removed early, colorectal cancer can be prevented. A Preventable DiseaseAccording to Maria Robinson of the Great Valley Region office of the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer education is one of their primary focuses. “It is so preventable if people would just get their check-ups. Depending on the specific demographic to which an individual belongs, we recommend that regular examinations start about age 50.” Follow your doctor’s advice regarding colonic examinations.According to ACS literature, the chances of successful treatment are the greatest when colorectal cancer is detected early, using a combination of these procedures beginning at age 50:Fecal occult blood test Flexible sigmoidoscopy Colonoscopy Double contrast barium enema Experts Weigh InWe visited with three health professionals to gain some perspective on colorectal cancer and how to avoid it. Sheila Leard, a registered dietician and certified personal trainer, is aware of the concerns of patients facing colorectal cancer.Leard advises that good nutrition is important for preventing, dealing with, and surviving cancer. The cause of most cancers is still unclear, but a healthy lifestyle can improve your odds and help maintain your health during treatment. In particular, certain foods can assist in protecting you from colon cancer.Leard suggests adding these foods to your meal plan for better health:Whole-grain breads, pasta, cereal and brown riceDried beansFresh fruits and vegetables, especially applesHigh-fiber foodsVarious types of berries, including cherries, raspberries and strawberries Dr. Alan G. McNabb of Roseville Surgical Alliance sees patients with colorectal cancer after they have been diagnosed and polyps need to be removed. He removes sections of the intestine as needed, to eliminate the cancerous cells, and rebuilds sections that need it. “I am not saying that there is no reason for concern...it is really easy to spot colorectal cancer early with regular examinations,” Dr. McNabb points out optimistically. Candice Cantin of the Ever Green Herb Garden has a balanced holistic view of health in general, and this, of course, encompasses colorectal health. “We need to consider what we put into our systems,” Cantin says. “It should go without saying, but we need to remember, whatever we put in one end, has to come out the other. Think of your stomach as a big Crock Pot – you don’t want to fill it with a lot of stuff that doesn’t go together. You end up digesting some things, half digesting other things, and not digesting yet other items at all. Put in a mix of foods and fluids that work well together to keep your system in the best working order.”Cantin further points out, “In Eastern health disciplines, the rule of thumb is that you want one-third of your stomach filled with solids, one-third with fluids and leave it one-third empty, so it can work!” We should not eat to maximum capacity – this prevents your digestive tract from doing its work.Although colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death among cancers, it does not have to be. With careful preventive care and proper nutrition, this is a highly preventable disease.

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Placerville Hardware

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

It is wholly appropriate that Placerville Hardware is known as the oldest hardware store this side of the Mississippi. Upon entering the store, you begin to notice certain things. The floor is scored with scratches, nicks and dents; it is well worn with the accumulated foot traffic of more than 150 years. Glancing to the immediate right while still in the doorway, a framed black and white picture hangs on the wall. It is a snapshot of the store in its early days, back when the wooden counters were relatively fresh and unmarked. In comparison, the store remains somewhat unchanged, save for the weathering of age, a difference in items sold, and an increase in store size. David Fausel, the current owner of Placerville Hardware, states that the store started out as a tinshop in the early 1850s; that is, it sold cookpans and fryware. Over the passing years the ownership of the store changed hands a few times, and the name of the store changed as well. Past owner Joe McKee changed the store name to Placerville Hardware in the early 1900s, and it hasn’t changed since. McKee sold the store to Albert Kyburz in the late 1940s, and in 1952 Kyburz sold the store to Frank Fausel and his two brothers. The Fausel family has been running the store now for roughly three generations. David Fausel took the helm in 1983 when his father, Frank, stepped down. David’s son Albert will manage the store after David steps down.Perhaps the most amazing thing about the store is how well it has survived, even thrived, over the last 150-plus years. Still true to its tinshop origins, the store offers cookware and other kitchen accessories. Yet that is only a part of the store inventory, as it has considerably expanded its stock over the years to keep up with changing times and necessities. Another interesting fact about Placerville Hardware is that it is a lasting piece of old “Main Street America” that hasn’t been turned into a souvenir or antiques shop, like many other historical buildings. Instead, it remains a very relevant part of Placerville. Not just in history but also in business. David Fausel credits the store’s success over the years with its ability to sell “a little bit of everything,” while providing excellent customer service. The only trouble with running the store, according to Fausel, is having enough room. In providing a little bit of everything, it turns out that maintaining enough room for all the various items offered in the store is hard work. From featuring items that range from hardware to cookware to electronics and things in between, it seems that there will always be a need for Placerville Hardware in Placerville, no matter what changes come along in the future. It is appropriate that the floorboards, shelves, and even the store itself, have survived into the current day. They represent a piece of California history thriving in the present. •

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2008 Tax Law Updates

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

The echo continues – 2009 will be a year of change! But there are several changes occurring in 2008 that will affect you as you prepare your tax returns, and plan for 2009. The following are a few of the most significant changes:Mortgage Debt ForgivenessTaxpayers with loans forgiven or foreclosed between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2013 will be allowed to exclude from taxable income up to $2 million of mortgage debt forgiven on their principal residence. This exclusion does not apply to rental or vacation homes, only in principal residences. It is important to note that the exclusion only applies to the amount of debt related to acquiring or improving your home. If you refinanced and used the proceeds to pay off a car loan, credit card or pulled cash out to use for non-home improvement items, the forgiveness of that portion of the debt will be taxable. The rules are complex and California did not conform to all of the federal rules, so if you are in this situation it is important to seek professional assistance.A Tax Credit with a TwistFirst-time homebuyers will be allowed a refundable tax credit that is the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price of a principal residence or $7,500 ($3,750 for married individuals filing separately). The credit applies to first-time homebuyers who purchase a principal residence after April 8, 2008, but before July 1, 2009. A special rule allows those who purchase a principal residence after December 31, 2008 but before July 1, 2009, to treat the purchase as being made in 2008. (Effectively allowing taxpayers to claim the credit on their 2008 returns rather than on their 2009 returns). The credit is then paid back over 15 years. So, in effect this is not a true credit, but more of an interest free loan from the government. Limitations do apply for taxpayers with income over $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers).Property Tax Deduction for Standard Deduction TaxpayersTaxpayers who claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing deductions will be allowed to claim an additional deduction for state and local property taxes paid. The deduction, which applies only to tax years beginning in 2008, is the lesser of the property taxes actually paid, or $500 ($1,000 for joint return filers).Reduced Home Sale ExclusionAfter 2008, some home sellers who don’t use their properties as their principal residences for the entire time they own them may pay more of a tax bill than they would under current rules. The tax break affected is the home sale exclusion, which generally allows up to $250,000 ($500,000 married filing joint) of home sale profit to be tax-free if a home was owned and used by the seller as the principal residence for at least two of the five years before the sale. For sales after 2008, the gain potentially eligible for the home sale exclusion will be reduced proportionately for the period of time a home wasn’t used as a principal residence, such as a vacation/rental home that is turned into a principal residence by its owners. There are, however, a number of exceptions, so be sure to check with your tax professional.Deduction for Mortgage Insurance PremiumsThe deduction for mortgage insurance premiums has been extended and will continue to be allowed for amounts paid or accrued between 2007 and 2011.Extended Tax BreaksMore than 30 tax breaks that either expired at the end of 2007, or are soon to expire, have been extended. For example, the deduction for state and local general sales tax, the deduction for higher education expenses, and the deduction for educator expenses have all been revived to apply to the 2008 tax year, and are extended to apply in 2009 as well.Raised Depreciation LimitsA qualifying business can expense up to $250,000 (increased from $128,000) of qualifying property purchased by the taxpayer in tax years beginning in 2008.Additional DepreciationA business can now claim additional depreciation equal to 50 percent of qualifying property purchased, beginning in 2008.The previous is just an overview of the most widely applicable law changes for 2008. There are many more that may apply depending on your specific situation, so please consult a qualified tax professional for advice regarding your specific tax situation.<hr>Darla A. Colson, CPA, MST and Terra VanZant, CPA, are with Gilbert Associates, Inc., in Folsom. They can be reached at 916-646-6464.

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

In 2008, the economy played the largest role in influencing several changes in our tax system. Since there’s much more to each of the issues discussed below, we recommend that you consult your tax professional on the specifics. Here’s an overview of some of the changes affecting us in 2009.THE GOODEconomic Stimulus Checks – Get a second chance at those rebate checks, maximum of $1,200 for married couples and $300 per each qualifying child. If you were short changed last year because of various technical requirements from your 2007 tax filings, you can claim the difference based on your 2008 data when your return is filed in 2009. This is especially beneficial if you had a child or adopted a child in 2008. And if you would have received less based on 2008 data, you are not required to give back the difference on the amount you already received.  Homebuyer Credit – First time homebuyers, who are defined as anyone who has not purchased a principal residence in over three years, can receive a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 or 10 percent of purchase price, whichever is less. The home must have been purchased after April 8, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. You can apply qualified 2009 purchases in the 2008 tax return. Unfortunately, you have to start repaying the credit to IRS over a 15-year period beginning in the second year after purchase. So technically, it’s more like an interest-free loan.   Property Tax Deduction – taxpayers who claim standard deduction can claim extra deductions for local real property taxes for 2008; maximum of $1,000 ($500 for single).   THE BADOil – Due to severe changes in gas prices, Congress changed the standard mile deduction for business purposes in the middle of the year; first half at 50.5 cents per mile and second half at 58.5 cents per mile; moving and medical miles were 19 cents for first half and 27 cents for second half of the year. Charitable miles still stands at 14 cents.Stock Market – No relief on the required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2008; only for 2009. The theory to not require RMD is that retirees should not be forced to take a distribution from their retirement accounts when the value of that account has plummeted, especially since the calculation or the RMD for 2008 is based on the account value as of December 31, 2007.  THE UGLYForeclosures and Short Sales – The real estate melt down has been the most prominent “Ugly” and largest contributor to the economic downturn. Luckily, Congress did come through here. Taxpayers can exclude from income up to $2 million of qualified principal residence indebtedness for discharges incurred on or after January 1, 2007, and before January 1, 2013. Generally, debt discharge would be considered income to taxpayers.  Auto Industry Bail Out– Even the tax incentives didn’t help the auto industry. Congress enacted a temporary increase in the allowable depreciation deduction for passenger vehicles under the luxury car rules. Basically, taxpayers could deduct over $11,000 as first-year depreciation on business use vehicles purchased and placed in service in 2008.  Again, these are just a few of the changes and only a brief discussion on each, making this a critical year to ensure you have expert advice.<hr>John Choi, CPA JD is with Professional Solutions Group, LLP in Roseville. He can be reached  at 916-791-3120 or [email protected].

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Young Life

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Growing up is one thing, but maturing into an adult with good judgment and sound leadership skills, who acts in good conscious powered by faith in themselves and a higher power, is why the nonprofit El Dorado County (EDC) Young Life exists. Even though the group is youth-centric, its program, says staff member Colleen Short, “starts with adults who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, to build bridges of authentic friendship.”By fostering this connection, EDC Young Life – which works directly with county high schools and students, while its affiliated organization, Wyldlife, works in partnership with junior high schools in the area – is helping shape an entire generation of young people through its mission: “Introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.” Easier said than done, what with the sheer amount of exposure today’s youth has access to, not to mention a pervasive sense of cynicism that exists for many of these kids, and a lack of a genuine, healthy support system. To help accomplish its mission, however, EDC Young Life provides a faith-based program that emphasizes prayer, adult-adolescent relationship building, winning the right to be heard, and, as Short puts it, “helping young people develop the skills, assets and attitudes to reach their God-given potential.” Armed with this enormous responsibility, EDC Young Life relies on a team of like-minded individuals that includes volunteer leaders, committee members, donors and staff, to provide positive experiences for group members that are fun, adventurous and life-changing. Among these activities are weekly meetings held at the homes of “Club Kids;” a week-long winter and summer camp; a Campaigners group bible study for kids who have been accepted at these camps; various fundraisers, and a variety of special events (Girls Night Out, for example). EDC Young Life also assists with a number of community service projects around the county, and as such, works in partnership with such organizations as Chamber of Commerce affiliates in El Dorado Hills and Shingle Springs, and on behalf of several local events, including El Dorado Hills Art and Wine Affaire as well as that community’s Tree Lighting at Town Center and Community Family Fair, and the Cameron Park Show and Shine. “We want our kids to understand the importance of community service,” Short says. “We also are willing to help out the community in any way that is needed.”Any student of junior high or high school age, who resides in El Dorado County, is welcome to join EDC Young Life. The nonprofit currently works directly with Oak Ridge, Ponderosa, and Golden Sierra High Schools, as well as with Marina Village, Rolling Hills, Pleasant Grove, and Camerado Middle Schools. Students who do not attend a public institution are still accepted into the group, so long as he or she meets the aforementioned age requirement. •For more information about EDC Young Life, visit the group’s Web site online at younglife.org, or call Colleen Short at 916-799-1992.

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Calling All Cooks!

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Cowboy Salsaby Susie Glover2 avocados, cubed1 tomato, diced1 11-ounce can shoe peg corn, drained1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed2/3 cup chopped cilantro1 bunch green onions, chopped1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup red wine vinegar2 cloves garlic, minced2/3 tsp. cuminSplash of lemon juice3/4 tsp. salt1/8 tsp. black pepperMix all ingredients together and start dipping.English Muffin & Ham Strataby Cathy Carmichael 6 cups diced English muffins2 cups diced ham2 cups shredded Cheddar and Jack cheese1 1/2 cup milk3-4 eggs, beaten1/4 cup Dijon mustardSalt and pepper to tasteCoat 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with half of muffin pieces. Top with one-half of ham. Sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat layers using remaining ham and cheese. In a large bowl whisk milk, eggs and mustard. Pour over the top of the strata. With a large spatula, press down on top to moisten. Wrap or freeze for later, or heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 45-60 minutes, until cheese is melted.Iris’ Red Velvet Cakeby Iris Shipton1 box red velvet cake mix1 small box instant vanilla pudding4 eggs1 cup vegetable oil1 1/2 cup milkIcing1 block cream cheese (8 ounces), softened1 container whipped topping (8 ounces)1/2 cup sugar1 cup confectioner’s sugarPreheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix cake mix, pudding, eggs, milk and oil, and bake cake in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Cool completely. Mix cream cheese and sugar, then add confectioner’s sugar and whipped topping. Spread onto cake to frost. Serve and store in pan.The Basic Paradiseby Basic Urban Kitchen & Bar1 ounce X-Rated Brand Vodka1/2 ounce banana liqueur1/2 ounce peach schnapps2 ounces orange juice Splash of GrenadineCherry for garnish Add vodka, banana liqueur and peach schnapps to an ice-filled glass, fill remainder of glass with orange juice (approximately two ounces). Finish with a splash of Grenadine and a cherry, then enjoy!For more of our featured recipes from this month's cover story be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.

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The Vine

Feb 28, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme 2004 “Les Vinges du Soir”• Called “ The Night Vines,” this wine comes from L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme, in Bordeaux. It is aptly named because the vines are planted furthest from the Abbaye, and receive the last sun of the day. These “Night Vines” produce fruit that is naturally richer and riper. The Abbaye dates back to the 11th Century and was constructed by Benedictine monks, whom tended vines on the land paving the way for a rich history to develop.L’Abbaye de Saint Ferme 2004 is a classic Bordeaux, blended of 70 percent Merlot, 20 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Cabernet Franc, and is 100 percent estate grown and bottled by time-honored traditional methods in a terroir driven fashion. Aged in French Oak for six months, this vintage has a distinct nose of dark fruits with hints of violet, rich mouth–filling fruit of black cherry, and a balanced, medium body that results in a very nice finish. This wine pairs well with red meat, hearty fare, and most all dishes that call for a good Bordeaux.— Rick MindermannRick is a 30-year veteran grocer with Corti Brothers in Sacramento, personal assistant to Darrell Corti,and “The Good Taste Guy” for oodleboxtv.com.For more wine reviews from Local Connoisseurs, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. Click on the "Get Your Copy" link on the bottom of this page for some of our newsstand locations. Or, to order a copy of this issue, please email [email protected], or call 916-988-9888.

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