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Paying for College

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

They got the grades. They got the acceptance letter. You’re getting the bill. Sound familiar? If you’re the parent of a high school student, and college tuition bills are causing anxiety, don’t fret. There are many avenues available for financial aid, regardless of your yearly income, plus savings plans for students and parents.First Things First: The FAFSA“One of the biggest myths about a college education is that students can’t afford one,” says Brett Tujague, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Coordinator at Roseville’s Woodcreek High School. He advises all his college-bound students to apply for financial aid, regardless of their family income.Financial aid is broken down into two main categories: grants/scholarships (money you don’t have to pay back), and loans (money you do have to pay back). The gateway to all financial aid is through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students will not receive any aid, not even student loans, without filling out the FAFSA. Both parents and students need to sign up for a PIN to electronically sign the FAFSA, which is quick and easy to do at pin.ed.gov. Families should only fill out the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov, where the application is free. Many scam sites charge a fee to fill out the application, so don’t be fooled. The FAFSA filing period is between January 1 and March 2 each year. Once a student’s FAFSA is processed, the family will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that states the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number on it. This number is the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to their student’s education. A family’s EFC does not change based on the school’s price tag. In some situations, a private college or university may end up being less expensive than a public one.Scholarships/GrantsJill Lasko, Career Guidance Specialist at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills recommends starting the scholarship process as early as possible. “Obtain letters of recommendation from individuals who know [the student] well,” she says. “Prepare a resume, an educational/career goal statement, and request official transcripts from the high school’s registrar.” Because scholarships that require an essay often get fewer applicants, students should consider taking the time to write these essays to increase their chances of garnering free money for their education. Make it a goal to apply to one scholarship per week. To find scholarships, visit your high school’s counseling office, or sign up for a free online search service. A good one? fastweb.com. Grants are awarded through federal and state programs....For more information on College Funding tips and ideas, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – Folsom, El Dorado Hills edition. Check out the Distribution tab on this Web site 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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Style Magazine
Local Area Tidbits

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

If you are looking for a unique way to show a little love this February, volunteer with the City of Folsom! With opportunities galore, check out a complete listing at folsom.ca.us and click on Volunteer in Folsom...Don’t throw out your old aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles; instead take them to the Folsom Zoo, where all money raised goes toward helping support the zoo. Items can be dropped off during normal zoo hours...Sierra Moms collected hundreds of toys for Gifts from the Heart this holiday season,  delivering toys to nearly 150 children...Have you heard that Folsom has a HazMat Service offering weekly and monthly pickups of hazardous materials? Learn more at folsomhazmat.com...On February 25, meet the newly elected El Dorado County Supervisors at the El Dorado Hills Library.  District 2 supervisor Ray Nutting and District 1 supervisor John Knight will be speaking at the Chamber Community Connections. Please RSVP at 916-933-1335...Congratulations to the Hotel Sierra Rancho Cordova who recently celebrated their grand re-opening after a $4 million makeover, including updates to the suites, fitness center, pool and patio areas – to see visit hotel-sierra.com...Did you know that flushing unused or expired medication down the sink or toilet can pollute the environment? Instead, arrange for a Free Monthly Pick-up of all non-controlled substances from the City of Folsom. To schedule a pick- up, call 916-355-8397. For controlled substances, call the police department at 916-355-7230...Brisbane Chiropractic has moved! Dr. Roger S. Brisbane and his staff can now be found at 510 Plaza Drive, Suite 160, Folsom...If you or someone you know is struggling with SAT anxiety, This month the Folsom Public Library will offer a workshop presented by Kaplan Testing. Students will learn test-taking strategies as well as get a chance to take a practice test. For more information visit kaptest.com/College...The Parkway Community in Folsom was recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for their environmental efforts to protect and save trees, and will receive the 2008 Building With Trees “Award of Excellence” at the National Green Building Conference in May. Congrats!...Folsom Lake College continues to be among the fastest growing community colleges in the United States according to Community College Week, jumping from the 10th spot last year to number seven this year! Visit flc.losrios.edu...And if you have wellness on your resolution list this year, you must visit the new GNC (General Nutrition Center) in El Dorado Hills at Town Center, you can find them in Suite 110, or call 916-939-0120...Don’t forget to watch Hollywood’s best as they don their finest for the 81st Annual Academy Awards on February 22, hosted by Hugh Jackman. And, be sure to check back next month for our annual Food & Drink feature issue!Send your news to: [email protected].

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Thai Paradise

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Folsom’s Thai Paradise is a bright and inviting restaurant with a marvelous staff. Once you are seated, you instantly feel like an honored guest – your every dining wish is catered to. Paul Sainoi, manager of Thai Paradise gave Style some insight into the philosophy behind the wonderful food that they serve. Sainoi manages Thai Paradise and his sister Jarunee Fleming is the chef. Cooking runs in their family – Fleming has even cooked for Thai royalty. Royalty, perhaps, but when you go to Thai Paradise, you are visiting family – a family that is passionate about food and honoring their guests, which is exactly the feeling you get while dining with Fleming and her staff. The chefs at Thai Paradise have worked at some of the best Thai restaurants in the area, and they bring their skills and knowledge to the tiny gem of paradise.  “Our philosophy? We want to bring you the best and freshest food at affordable prices,” says Sainoi. And that is exactly what they do.Sainoi points out that their menu is small by comparison to many Thai restaurants. This is because every item is special and Fleming will not send out a dish that is not a source of pride for the restaurant.For more about Chef Jarunee Fleming and Paul Sainoi, including their recipe for Thai Yellow Curry Chicken, 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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Young at Art

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

As a “creative” kid, I knew firsthand how stressful and out of place that label could be. I can’t tell you how many beautiful spring Saturdays my father would usher me out to the local park so I could chew my mitt in the outfield and watch baseballs fly over my head. I don’t blame my dad for giving it the old college try – he was only trying to share with me the activities he enjoyed as a child. The problem was...I didn’t share his enthusiasm for sports. I wasn’t particularly lazy or protesting the grass-stained polyester uniforms per se, but I had this feeling my time could be spent in a more productive, enlightening manner. Finally, they did see my artistic “potential” through my love of drawing and quickly invested in a rather handsome art kit and drafting table. The mitt and polyester are now a faded memory.Unfortunately, many artistically inclined children find few resources readily available to them at school or at afternoon programs, with athletics taking front and center in funding and participation. Parents tuned in to their child’s creative needs may need to get “creative” themselves, seeking out the right resources and activities. Here are a few ideas to get your little Michelangelo or Martha Graham on the right track....Get Outdoors Being an artistic child doesn’t mean afternoons holed up inside the house during the summer. Take activities outside and practice art together in the open air. Try sidewalk chalk for the younger geniuses and let your older ones try their hand at landscape sketching. “Dramatic” ones might find pleasure putting on small theatre productions for the family (hint: a garage and a few bed sheets make a great proscenium and curtains for show time). Check out the local Parks and Recreation department for special events or classes for kids....For more local kids' Art Programs be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Check out the Distribution tab on this Web site 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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Clarksburg

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Down Interstate 5, and across the “green bridge” to Highway 160, you’ll find Clarksburg, a tiny, tranquil town with a population of 1,400. The town fronts the languid, murky Sacramento River in true delta-town style. Clarksburg was settled in the mid-1800s as an agricultural community, and today, is known for its grape production. Golden-green grape vines and rows of spectacular vineyards dot the highway to the west, and the docile river, including boats and waterfowl, borders the west.A wine-lover’s dream, Bogle Vineyards might be the most well known winery in the area. Owned by the Bogle family since the 1800s, the 1,000-acre farm originally produced tomatoes and corn. The first grapes were planted in 1968, and picturesque chardonnay grapes are abundant on the property, beckoning visitors to pack a picnic basket and set a spell at outdoor tables with maximum views. The tasting room is a perfect place to sample the especially tasty 2006 Ghosts du Roam, a red and fruity blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Of course, any wine in the tasting room is sure to please. Don’t miss the 11th Annual Petite Sirah Port Weekend,?February 14-15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For multiple grape-filled offerings, stop at the historic Old Sugar Mill. The mill, which processed sugar beets in the 30s, is home to wine-tasting rooms, representing five unique wineries, including Carvalho Family Wines,?Heringer Estates,?Todd Taylor Wines, Solomon Wine Company, and?Revolution Wines. Step inside the cavernous red-brick building and you will quickly find that each tasting room has a unique, charming ambiance. Heringer Estates, lined with skyscraper-like rows of barrels filled to the brim with both robust and delicate wines, is worth a visit. When you’ve worked up an appetite, Husick’s Country Store is the perfect stop. The building, here since the 1800s, now houses the purveyor of fine wines, gifts, and most recently, homemade, mouth-watering cuisine. The Pump House Sandwich – slow roasted turkey and provolone on handcrafted bread with homemade cranberry and orange relish – is popular, as are the many additional lunchtime offerings. Husick’s also makes specialty coffees and other beverages, and hosts wine tastings on third Saturdays, from 1 to 5 p.m.Schumacher Ceramics and Gallery is a must-see. Schumacher, who creates his one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces in a studio beneath his gallery, works and shows his art in a historical building that originally housed Husick’s Hardware. He specializes in handmade sinks and custom tiles, and showcases works of 20 or so potters and artists throughout the area. Schumacher’s work can be seen throughout Sacramento. He created the base for the famed guitar outside Sacramento’s Hard Rock Café, a fountain at the State Capitol’s Rose Garden and other public works. Items like dishware, bowls, sculpture and more line the gallery’s shelves. So, if you're in the mood for a little wine sipping, a little shopping and some great sight-seeing, Clarksburg is a great destination off the beaten path.For more info on Clarksburg be sure to pick up this month's copy of FoothillStyle. Check out the Distribution tab on this Web site 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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Check Inn for Valentine’s Day

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and while some couples already have plans and ideas to celebrate the 14th with that special someone, this In History is for those who still aren’t quite sure what to do on that wonderful day. Rather than go with the ubiquitous card, candy and flowers, why not treat your significant other to a few days at a bed and breakfast with a picturesque atmosphere? For those who enjoy their Valentine’s Day romance with a dash of history, the following local bed and breakfast inns have ample offerings of both.First up is GlenMorey Country House, located in the heart of Placerville. This gem was built in 1859 and is also known as the historic Henry S. Morey house. Originally built as a farmhouse, GlenMorey has lost none of its rustic charm and antique appeal. The inn is nestled in the middle of a 1.6-acre park, filled with beautiful pines and oaks. If you want to get away from it all without having to drive too far, GlenMorey offers excellent pastoral peace and quiet. There are three spacious guest rooms within the inn that are furnished with period Scottish antiques to add to the ambiance of a quiet country home. Truly, this is a prize for anyone, if fortunate enough to snag a reservation.For those who may not have the good fortune of staying at the GlenMorey House in Placerville, Georgetown has a jewel of its own at the Historic American River Inn. Built in 1853 as a miner’s boarding house, the inn has since been restored. It boasts 13 guest rooms and suites, each with its own Old English antiques and Victorian period accoutrements. In the evenings couples can lounge in the inn’s parlor, warmed by the fireplace, while listening to a variety of musical works on a player piano. Outside, the inn offers a Victorian garden; guests can also enjoy a relaxing winter soak in an eight-person hot tub waiting outside the parlor doors. Finally, a walk around the grounds will prove peaceful and pleasant as guests stroll amongst tall redwoods and English holly trees.Last, but not least, the Coloma Country Inn, and this inn is by no means the least, is tucked away in Coloma – within two-and-a-half-acres of serene gardens and a picturesque pond with willow trees. Built in 1852, this is one of the oldest existing structures in Coloma, and like fine wine, it has improved with age. The inn offers six guest rooms, each filled with antiques and amenities for couples (or families) to appreciate. Red brick paths wind through the grounds, and rose gardens scent the air with their perfume. If you wish to embark on an historical adventure, the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park and Sutter’s Mill are only a hop and skip away from the inn. If you’re looking for restful relaxation and a bit of pampering, these three historic bed and breakfast inns prove that on Valentine’s Day, even history can provide romance.

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Local Literary Achievers

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

This month we’ve diverged from our regular then & now recommendations, and instead feature here 10 local authors (all residents of the region) and their recent published works.Life’s Little How to Book by Jaleh DonaldsonSchoolteacher Donaldson addresses some of life’s most important issues with straightforward advice, covering a range of topics from a broken relationship to rekindling the passion in marriage to getting out of debt.Second Bloomby Michelle Gamble-Risley and Anne Marie SmithThese local ladies highlight 10 simple steps to Reinvent, Rejuvenate, and Realize a New Life. This read is a tool designed for women who are experiencing what the authors call the “Big Blank” causing them to go on autopilot. Patagonian Adventureby Jack L. ParkerThis follow-up to Parker’s Tibetan Adventure tells a story of death-defying adventure as a father and son travel to the region of Patagonia, Argentina. A must-read for the entire family.Nature Noir: A Park Ranger’s Patrol in the Sierraby Jordan Fisher Smith Murder, irony and natural history – Nature Noir has all three. Smith poignantly writes about his experiences patrolling the canyons of the American River.Hassle-Free Computer Supportby Jeff Johnson & Thor SeversonA small business’s guide to finding a professional, competent, honest, considerate, on-time, fairly-priced and dependable computer consultant.Due Process Denied: Why The Fourteenth Amendment Never Became Part Of The Constitutionby George Pierce RitterFor the politicos, this read explains why the proposal and ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment were anything but constitutional. Not on Your Life!by Karen AndersonKaren Anderson, founder of Do-Able Steps creates simple solutions for women to conquer their fears and achieve long time goals and everyday challenges.Leadership=RC3by John Ikeda“This book is for the rare individual who continuously strives to lead in a way that makes the world a better place to live – a true leader.”48 Dog Friendly Trailsby Debbi PrestonFor dog lovers, experienced and novice hikers and nature lovers, this new hiking guide is organized month-by-month, and offers a plethora of possibilities including off-leash venues, and even suggestions for restaurants, historical sites, wineries and shopping near the hikes.Classic Afghan Cookbook by Mousa M. AmiriWritten by local restaurant (Bamiyan) owner, this book explores the exotic cuisine of Afghanistan with interesting and enjoyable recipes for the whole family.

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Michelle Hardy

Jan 31, 2009 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

A former firefighter and paramedic, Michelle Hardy has made a life out of helping people in their time of need. After an injury forced her to retire, she started two assisted living facilities, Apple Ridge and Ivy Ridge, where she strives to make a home away from home for the elderly. “At my facilities, people can have an apartment, their own furniture, cable - a more independent lifestyle – so they don’t have to give everything up,” she explains. “Families are happier because they don’t have to feel guilty about leaving Mom and Dad in a home.” In addition, each week Hardy takes her beloved Pit Bull mix, Brownie, to assisted living facilities throughout the Sacramento area, cheering up residents wherever she goes. Hardy adopted Brownie after she had been abused and abandoned by her former owners; Hardy put Brownie through a rigorous one-year course to become a certified therapy dog. Although Pit Bulls have a reputation for being aggressive, Hardy insists that Brownie is far from the stereotype. “She is the sweetest dog you know,” she says. “If you’re sitting there in a wheelchair, she’ll put her head on your lap.”The recent economic crisis has deeply affected both of Hardy’s facilities, but she insists that it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to make people happy. “If you don’t have money, donate time,” she urges. “Make one person smile, knowing that it might be their last.” For more information on volunteering, contact Hardy at [email protected] more on Michelle Hardy be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style-Roseville Granite Bay Rocklin 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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Carol Rhodes-Wittich

Dec 31, 2008 04:00PM ● By Super Admin

If you want to work with someone who cares about your artwork, Carole Rhodes-Wittich is the woman to see. Artists seek Rhodes-Wittich to create new ways do display their artwork. She takes the time to figure out what artists want to accomplish and comes up with ideas to print their work on silk. She runs a digital silk printing business from her location in Fair Oaks.Owner of Cje’s Art & Fiber Printing, Rhodes-Wittich will share what she can do for artists with the Folsom Arts Association at their meeting this month. She specializes in printing on silk, but can print on just about anything, including glass and tile. Artists can use their work on pillows, scarves, T-shirts, canvas and other material. Her work is an art form all in itself. She uses creativity and her expertise to produce quality art piece replicas in which canvas is not the only medium.“In this day and age I spend a lot of time trying to help artists understand how to use their [own] art so they can make it more viable in the marketplace,” Rhodes-Wittich says. “She supports artists and completes projects as quickly as she can,” says Lori Anderson, the vice president of the Folsom Arts Association. Anderson has been taking photos of her paintings to Rhodes-Wittich for three years to have them turned into greeting cards or giccles (pictures of a painting that are printed on canvas). “She enjoys what she’s doing so much,” Anderson says, “she really gets into it and she likes to figure things out and get creative.”Rhodes-Wittich started her business seven years ago without any training, but with plenty of experience from her previous work with glass and textiles. She took classes to improve her skills in those areas at American River College, the Mendocino Art Center and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. “I’ve always been a textiles person,” Rhodes-Wittich says. “I just like the feel of the fabric.” She bought printing machinery and learned everything from a few technicians who knew how to operate it. Several years later, after much practice, she has become comfortable with the printing process, though she calls technicians in when something goes wrong. Silk can become damaged at any point in the printing process. After the paper-backed silk is printed, Rhodes-Wittich takes the paper off. Then she places the silk into a commercial steamer, runs it through the laundry and irons it wet. The process is not easy, but the silk turns out beautiful when done right.“Silk is pretty sturdy,” she says, “and a lot of people think it’s very delicate; it just looks delicate.”Rhodes-Wittich has printed fellow artist Susan Cawthon’s watercolor paintings on silk so that Cawthon can make pillows and other pieces from them. Cawthon started taking her work to Rhodes-Wittich about a year after she began painting and says that Rhodes-Wittich often spends hours helping her figure out what she should do with her artwork. Rhodes-Wittich is so involved in the creative process of the pieces she prints that the final work of art is a result of committed collaboration.

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