Tuesday, May 31, 2011
About the Meadow Vista Merchants Association
The View is published for the people living in Meadow Vista and the surrounding area. It is published bi-monthly by the Meadow Vista Merchants Association, an affiliate of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce.
If you have a suggestion, comment, article, or picture you want to submit, please contact the Merchants Association at meadowvistaview@hotmail.com
Or mail to: MVMA - PO Box 933, Meadow Vista, CA 95722
The Meadow Vista Merchants Association meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm @ Mountain Mikes Pizza. Everyone is Welcome!
Join the Merchants!
Advertise in the View!
Shop Local!
We are proudly serving you:
President: Randall Hensley 878-1311
Vice President: Christine Schlittenhart 878-5100
Secretary: Jeff Eichenhofer 401-3344
Treasurer: J.C. Harrison 878-9595
View Magazine Chair: Toni Ryan 878-7616
View Editor: Ashlei Jackson 878-8778
Website Contact: Greg Luther 878-1236
For membership info, call: Randall Hensley 878-1311
If you have a suggestion, comment, article, or picture you want to submit, please contact the Merchants Association at meadowvistaview@hotmail.com
Or mail to: MVMA - PO Box 933, Meadow Vista, CA 95722
The Meadow Vista Merchants Association meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30pm @ Mountain Mikes Pizza. Everyone is Welcome!
Join the Merchants!
Advertise in the View!
Shop Local!
We are proudly serving you:
President: Randall Hensley 878-1311
Vice President: Christine Schlittenhart 878-5100
Secretary: Jeff Eichenhofer 401-3344
Treasurer: J.C. Harrison 878-9595
View Magazine Chair: Toni Ryan 878-7616
View Editor: Ashlei Jackson 878-8778
Website Contact: Greg Luther 878-1236
For membership info, call: Randall Hensley 878-1311
5 Keys to Business Growth TODAY!
By Ashlei Jackson, This Is My Town USA
Many may think these are five radical ideas but they are five changes you can make - professionally and personally. The ideas fit whether you are in business or just promoting yourself in life. While you may not be comfortable trying them all - why not test one of them out. Start enjoying a more productive and profitable year.
1. Stop Branding Your Product: There are several world-class brands that everyone recognizes: McDonald’s, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, etc. Unless you have access to a warehouse full of cash, you won’t be able to brand your product as effectively.
There is something you can do to build a great reputation in your market without breaking your budget—brand yourself! People buy from people, and buyers want to know who you are before they buy. It’s your values, personality, and dedication that will help you sell your product. You can successfully brand yourself with blogs, social media, community involvement, events, and more to share your message.
2. Give Away Your Secrets: You have “secret” ways of running your business. You are an expert in your field. Most business owners horde these trade secrets but doing the opposite can have an incredible impact on your bottom line. Offer a free “How TO” report. Most people would gladly provide their email address for that kind of information, giving you an appreciative prospect who now respects you, trusts you, and will come to you when they need your product or service. You become the trusted expert.
3. Forget the Big Picture: Every motivational speech you’ve ever heard has probably emphasized the importance of having a vision of where you are headed. There’s nothing wrong with that – but if you don’t start thinking smaller, you’ll never live large.
While you shouldn’t lose sight of your ultimate goals, you should focus on what is directly in front of you. What do you need to do today to accomplish your goals? Give yourself manageable (and trackable) goals. Break it down so you know what you have to do in the next 10 minutes to be successful.
4. Don’t Lower your prices: When times get tough, business owners tend to lower prices in an attempt to attract and keep customers. But if a lack of money is keeping your customer from buying, it’s because they’ve decided they can do without your product or service. Lowering your price does not put more money in their pocket. It just gives your other customers – the ones that still want your service or product – a nice break. As John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing says, “There’s always someone that’s willing to go out of business before you.” So avoid the poor economy panic and stick to your guns.
Focus your energy instead on creating products and/or services that have unquestionable value. If the value is there, your most loyal and even new customers will be willing to pay for it.
5. Realize the customer isn’t always right: We’ve all got them…customers who will never be happy no matter how much you do for them. They complain. They demand refunds. And they eat up all your time. If you’ve got customers like that, it’s time you fired them.
If you’re spending a large chunk of time on a single customer, cut your losses. All of your customers deserve your attention. By firing your bad customers, you can concentrate your efforts on the ones who will make the biggest difference to your bottom line. Your best customers know your value, they pay you for it, and they send their friends your way. Spend more of your time finding those who love what you do and become your advocate.
Many may think these are five radical ideas but they are five changes you can make - professionally and personally. The ideas fit whether you are in business or just promoting yourself in life. While you may not be comfortable trying them all - why not test one of them out. Start enjoying a more productive and profitable year.
1. Stop Branding Your Product: There are several world-class brands that everyone recognizes: McDonald’s, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, etc. Unless you have access to a warehouse full of cash, you won’t be able to brand your product as effectively.
There is something you can do to build a great reputation in your market without breaking your budget—brand yourself! People buy from people, and buyers want to know who you are before they buy. It’s your values, personality, and dedication that will help you sell your product. You can successfully brand yourself with blogs, social media, community involvement, events, and more to share your message.
2. Give Away Your Secrets: You have “secret” ways of running your business. You are an expert in your field. Most business owners horde these trade secrets but doing the opposite can have an incredible impact on your bottom line. Offer a free “How TO” report. Most people would gladly provide their email address for that kind of information, giving you an appreciative prospect who now respects you, trusts you, and will come to you when they need your product or service. You become the trusted expert.
While you shouldn’t lose sight of your ultimate goals, you should focus on what is directly in front of you. What do you need to do today to accomplish your goals? Give yourself manageable (and trackable) goals. Break it down so you know what you have to do in the next 10 minutes to be successful.
4. Don’t Lower your prices: When times get tough, business owners tend to lower prices in an attempt to attract and keep customers. But if a lack of money is keeping your customer from buying, it’s because they’ve decided they can do without your product or service. Lowering your price does not put more money in their pocket. It just gives your other customers – the ones that still want your service or product – a nice break. As John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing says, “There’s always someone that’s willing to go out of business before you.” So avoid the poor economy panic and stick to your guns.
Focus your energy instead on creating products and/or services that have unquestionable value. If the value is there, your most loyal and even new customers will be willing to pay for it.
5. Realize the customer isn’t always right: We’ve all got them…customers who will never be happy no matter how much you do for them. They complain. They demand refunds. And they eat up all your time. If you’ve got customers like that, it’s time you fired them.
If you’re spending a large chunk of time on a single customer, cut your losses. All of your customers deserve your attention. By firing your bad customers, you can concentrate your efforts on the ones who will make the biggest difference to your bottom line. Your best customers know your value, they pay you for it, and they send their friends your way. Spend more of your time finding those who love what you do and become your advocate.
About our June Cover Photo
Michele Nichols owns Michele Ann Photography and has been taking studio and on-location photography for over 30 years.
“I love what the camera can do to capture a moment.”
Send your high-quality pictures for cover consideration to meadowvistaview@hotmail.com
Babies Don’t Come With Cavities
By Dr. Scott Thompson, DDS, Winning With Smiles
We don't inherit “soft teeth” from our parents and babies don’t come with cavities.
Cavities are caused by a bacterial disease called “caries.” We catch this disease from our close family and friends. Like any other contagious disease, how we take care of ourselves determines how our body will handle the disease. How the family takes care of oral health will affect the cavity rate of the infant and toddler. Correct family oral care will limit the contagion of the disease. Correct oral care for the infant and toddler will limit the survival of the bacteria that cause cavities. Diet and beverage patterns for infants and toddlers will either limit or support the cavity causing bacteria. The disease, “caries,” establishes its lifetime pattern while the baby teeth are emerging from age 6 months to 30 months old.
Establishing a dental home with a dental office that offers well baby exams will give you the information you need to create a lifetime of dental health for your baby. Other advantages of establishing an early dental home with your family dentist or pediatric dentist are:
1) Money savings. Children who visit the dentist before their fast birthday have an average 40 % lower dental cost during their first 5 years. These savings will continue through life.
2) Enamel defects, if addressed early, can be remedied with simple techniques to prevent tooth deterioration.
3) Early dental cavities can be healed rather than filled if detected early enough and addressed at home with proper information and prevention. Infants don't come with cavities. Creating a no cavity environment for your baby can lead to a no cavity environment for a lifetime.
The first tooth deserves a dental home.
We don't inherit “soft teeth” from our parents and babies don’t come with cavities.
Cavities are caused by a bacterial disease called “caries.” We catch this disease from our close family and friends. Like any other contagious disease, how we take care of ourselves determines how our body will handle the disease. How the family takes care of oral health will affect the cavity rate of the infant and toddler. Correct family oral care will limit the contagion of the disease. Correct oral care for the infant and toddler will limit the survival of the bacteria that cause cavities. Diet and beverage patterns for infants and toddlers will either limit or support the cavity causing bacteria. The disease, “caries,” establishes its lifetime pattern while the baby teeth are emerging from age 6 months to 30 months old.
Establishing a dental home with a dental office that offers well baby exams will give you the information you need to create a lifetime of dental health for your baby. Other advantages of establishing an early dental home with your family dentist or pediatric dentist are:
1) Money savings. Children who visit the dentist before their fast birthday have an average 40 % lower dental cost during their first 5 years. These savings will continue through life.
2) Enamel defects, if addressed early, can be remedied with simple techniques to prevent tooth deterioration.
3) Early dental cavities can be healed rather than filled if detected early enough and addressed at home with proper information and prevention. Infants don't come with cavities. Creating a no cavity environment for your baby can lead to a no cavity environment for a lifetime.
The first tooth deserves a dental home.
Real Estate: Short Sales
By Fred Eichenhofer, Sierra Pacific Real Estate
Recently I attended a meeting for local real estate agents at our Placer County Association of Realtors, (PCAR) where an attorney gave a presentation regarding “Short Sales” and the impact “Foreclosure “will have on property owners. The attorney also stressed the importance that property owners contact, along with their agents, legal and accounting advice due to the intricacies and impact that the property owners may encounter legally and financially.
The attorney warned that a Foreclosure will affect those with security clearances, and some government positions such as law enforcement but a Short Sale will not have the negative result.
Also there could be tax implications either with the Short Sale process or a Foreclosure. It is important that sellers are aware of any consequence that may affect keeping their current or acquiring future employment, ability to acquire credit, and tax consequences that may occur either with the Short Sale or a Foreclosure. It is important that the decisions sellers make regarding whether to do a Short Sale or allow the Foreclosure process to take place may have a major impact on their future. I recommend that anyone that is in distress with real estate contact an attorney that knows the ins and outs of distressed real estate, and also contact an accountant that can advise you if there will be any tax consequences regarding either a Short Sale or Foreclosure.
If you feel a distressed property is in the near future for you it is best to start the inquiry process sooner rather than later, contacting a real estate agent, attorney, and accountant since Short Sales take time. If you decide to do a Short Sale of your real estate, it will take time and there are some instances where the bank will foreclose on the property before you can get the short sale completed, leaving you completely without any control over the process and your future.
I would like to share an article on Short Sales which was published May 2011 in “California Real Estate” which is the official magazine of the California Association of Realtors. http://www.onlinedigitalpubs.com/publication/?i=68505 page 6 and 7
If you decide a Short Sale is the direction you will be pursuing it is important that you have the right agent. Some agents and offices have had better results than others. It is best when interviewing agents that you satisfy yourself that they can get the job done for you without adding additional stress to you. This is a stressful event already you will want an experienced agent that knows how to handle Short Sales. Your objective is to complete your transaction as easily and with as little stress on you as possible.
Recently I attended a meeting for local real estate agents at our Placer County Association of Realtors, (PCAR) where an attorney gave a presentation regarding “Short Sales” and the impact “Foreclosure “will have on property owners. The attorney also stressed the importance that property owners contact, along with their agents, legal and accounting advice due to the intricacies and impact that the property owners may encounter legally and financially.
The attorney warned that a Foreclosure will affect those with security clearances, and some government positions such as law enforcement but a Short Sale will not have the negative result.
Also there could be tax implications either with the Short Sale process or a Foreclosure. It is important that sellers are aware of any consequence that may affect keeping their current or acquiring future employment, ability to acquire credit, and tax consequences that may occur either with the Short Sale or a Foreclosure. It is important that the decisions sellers make regarding whether to do a Short Sale or allow the Foreclosure process to take place may have a major impact on their future. I recommend that anyone that is in distress with real estate contact an attorney that knows the ins and outs of distressed real estate, and also contact an accountant that can advise you if there will be any tax consequences regarding either a Short Sale or Foreclosure.
If you feel a distressed property is in the near future for you it is best to start the inquiry process sooner rather than later, contacting a real estate agent, attorney, and accountant since Short Sales take time. If you decide to do a Short Sale of your real estate, it will take time and there are some instances where the bank will foreclose on the property before you can get the short sale completed, leaving you completely without any control over the process and your future.
I would like to share an article on Short Sales which was published May 2011 in “California Real Estate” which is the official magazine of the California Association of Realtors. http://www.onlinedigitalpubs.com/publication/?i=68505 page 6 and 7
If you decide a Short Sale is the direction you will be pursuing it is important that you have the right agent. Some agents and offices have had better results than others. It is best when interviewing agents that you satisfy yourself that they can get the job done for you without adding additional stress to you. This is a stressful event already you will want an experienced agent that knows how to handle Short Sales. Your objective is to complete your transaction as easily and with as little stress on you as possible.
Creating Effective Passwords
If you have a computer then you have most likely created a few passwords. If you are like most, you have created a password that is simple so you can remember it. Or you have written it down somewhere, but it is not secure if others can see it or easily guess it. So, how do you create a password that is easy to remember yet very difficult to crack? Here are some basic rules to follow. First, you want your passwords to be at least eight characters in length, and if possible, more characters are even better. Second, you want a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters, e.g., %, *, @. Using a combination of these characters make it very difficult to crack; however, it also is more difficult to remember because of all the combinations of different characters. Here is an example of how you can turn a password that is easy to remember but not a good password into a password that is easy to remember and a great password. Lets say your password is the name of your pet, and the name is Lassie. Terrible password, but that can be changed into a good password by substituting the characters in the name with other similar characters. Lassie can be converted into l@SSi3. L becomes l, a becomes @, ss becomes SS, and e becomes the mirror image of E which 3. This password is getting better, but it is still too short. So, you could combine the name of two pets. So, if your other pet is named Garfield, you could join the two names with && between the two names, and your new password could become l@SSi3&&g@rfi3lD. Now the password is easy to remember but impossible to crack. So use substitutions that make sense to you and be creative.
Meadow Vista Community Calendar
5 Pioneer Day
9 Merchants Meeting 6:30pm Back Room Mountain Mikes Pizza
11 Meadow Vista Pool Grand Re-Opening
19 Father’s Day
24 Family Movie Night - Three Amigos
July
4 Independence Day
14 Merchants Meeting 6:30pm Back Room Mountain Mikes Pizza
22 Family Movie Night - The Little Rascals
August
11 Merchants Meeting 6:30pm Back Room
Mountain Mikes Pizza
26 Family Movie Night - Swiss Family Robinson
Have an Event?
Submit to
meadowvistaview@hotmail.com
or our Facebook Fan Page
Travel Stories: Home From China
By Linnie O’Flanagan, L.Ac., One River Medicine
My recent trip to China was exciting, educational and a little disappointing. In Beijing, skyscrapers are erupting at every turn, along with freeways to accommodate the 22 million and rapidly growing population. The consumption of steel and concrete is mind-boggling. It's a life-risking adventure to ride in a vehicle, but even more so to cross a street on foot (cars have the right of way). We took the subway a number of times, which was clean and efficient. Despite having no personal space, it was refreshing to be in such a crowded place where everyone behaved civilly.
The best part was the herb tour. We now have more confidence than ever about the herbs we are buying. China realizes that their herbal medicine is unmatched in the world, and to meet the concerns of the world market, they have developed strict standards for the growing and processing of medicinal herbs. There are people trained in university programs and hired by the government to ensure that farmers are growing the herbs properly. Then, at the processing and packaging facility that we toured, the herbs undergo several tests for correct species, and contamination by pesticides, sulfur, heavy metals, and microbes, before they are brought into the facility. They are then sliced, chopped, and processed according to reference standards before vacuumed packaged. This is all done in carefully controlled clean environments which meet the GMP standards for pharmaceuticals (more stringent than the standards for supplements). We were very impressed!
The disappointing part was actually seeing the modern version of Chinese medicine as it is practiced for the masses in Beijing. The doctors in the hospital are low paid government employees working as fast as they can, trying to keep up with the demand. People wait for hours, even all day, to see the doctor, as there are no appointments. During the herbal consults and acupuncture treatments there is no privacy at all. The good part? The cost to the patient is about $2 USD, and it's still effective (albeit not as good as it could be). Certainly not how I would want to treat or be treated!
Prior to the 1950's, Chinese medicine was taught and practiced entirely differently. It was passed down thru family lines and mentorships. Different theories and styles developed over thousands of years and throughout various regions of this vast country. It was a truly holistic medicine, encompassing five branches: acupuncture, herbs, diet, manual therapies, and qi exercises. After a tumultuous time under Mao's influence, Chinese medicine survived the Cultural Revolution, and is now taught alongside Western medicine in universities, and has become integrated with Western medicine in both in- and out-patient hospitals. Hopefully as China embraces modernization, they will use their wealth to train more doctors and return to a more holistic and humanitarian approach, giving us a better model to work towards. Or maybe we have to create it on our own.
The best part was the herb tour. We now have more confidence than ever about the herbs we are buying. China realizes that their herbal medicine is unmatched in the world, and to meet the concerns of the world market, they have developed strict standards for the growing and processing of medicinal herbs. There are people trained in university programs and hired by the government to ensure that farmers are growing the herbs properly. Then, at the processing and packaging facility that we toured, the herbs undergo several tests for correct species, and contamination by pesticides, sulfur, heavy metals, and microbes, before they are brought into the facility. They are then sliced, chopped, and processed according to reference standards before vacuumed packaged. This is all done in carefully controlled clean environments which meet the GMP standards for pharmaceuticals (more stringent than the standards for supplements). We were very impressed!
The disappointing part was actually seeing the modern version of Chinese medicine as it is practiced for the masses in Beijing. The doctors in the hospital are low paid government employees working as fast as they can, trying to keep up with the demand. People wait for hours, even all day, to see the doctor, as there are no appointments. During the herbal consults and acupuncture treatments there is no privacy at all. The good part? The cost to the patient is about $2 USD, and it's still effective (albeit not as good as it could be). Certainly not how I would want to treat or be treated!
Prior to the 1950's, Chinese medicine was taught and practiced entirely differently. It was passed down thru family lines and mentorships. Different theories and styles developed over thousands of years and throughout various regions of this vast country. It was a truly holistic medicine, encompassing five branches: acupuncture, herbs, diet, manual therapies, and qi exercises. After a tumultuous time under Mao's influence, Chinese medicine survived the Cultural Revolution, and is now taught alongside Western medicine in universities, and has become integrated with Western medicine in both in- and out-patient hospitals. Hopefully as China embraces modernization, they will use their wealth to train more doctors and return to a more holistic and humanitarian approach, giving us a better model to work towards. Or maybe we have to create it on our own.
Home Mortgage: Make an Educated Decision
Over 28% of American homeowners are “underwater” on their homes meaning they owe more than the home is worth. Should you sell for less than it's worth? Is foreclosure an option? But you love your home and want to stay how can you take advantage of the low interest rates and get some relief to wait out the economy?
To understand the options available for getting help with your mortgage including the federal Making Home Affordable Refinance Program it is important for you to know who owns your loan. Most home loans are owned by Fannie Mae (FNMA) or Freddie Mac (FHMC). These companies are privately held, government sponsored enterprises who purchase home mortgages from lenders. Approximately 80% of conventional mortgages are owned by these two giants.
If your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, there are programs available to refinance your loan even if you owe up to 125% of the home's value.
Simply go to the secure websites listed below and enter your property address, zip code, etc. and find out. This is the first step to knowing your options. Always double check that you have entered your address and other info correctly.
Http://www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup/ & https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/
A mortgage professional can help you access these programs and give you the options available. With rates so low, you may be able to reduce your monthly payment to allow you to better weather these stressful economic times.
Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Update
By Cathy Williams, Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors
The flowers of Spring are beginning to bloom in Meadow Vista and the Friendly Neighbors are beginning to plan for their many projects that help the community. After all, that's what a “friendly neighbor” does, assist one's neighbor and friend. Monthly luncheon meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the month are held at the Meadow Vista Grange at 12:00 noon where all guests are welcome to participate in the planning of upcoming events including a booth at Pioneer Days.
Ongoing projects include supporting the Meadow Vista Library's Summer Reading program, Colfax High School Grad Night, promoting the Script program at Sierra Hills School and operation MOM. The Friendly Neighbor's Club often provides some financial assistance to these and other community based programs.
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club was founded in 1944 by a few local friends with the goal of assisting their community neighbors in time of need. For further information please contact Virginia Nettleton, President at 530/368-6595 or info@myfriendlyneighbors.com. The mailing address is P.O. Box 764, Meadow Vista, California 95722. We are a non profit organization.
The flowers of Spring are beginning to bloom in Meadow Vista and the Friendly Neighbors are beginning to plan for their many projects that help the community. After all, that's what a “friendly neighbor” does, assist one's neighbor and friend. Monthly luncheon meetings on the 4th Wednesday of the month are held at the Meadow Vista Grange at 12:00 noon where all guests are welcome to participate in the planning of upcoming events including a booth at Pioneer Days.
Ongoing projects include supporting the Meadow Vista Library's Summer Reading program, Colfax High School Grad Night, promoting the Script program at Sierra Hills School and operation MOM. The Friendly Neighbor's Club often provides some financial assistance to these and other community based programs.
The Meadow Vista Friendly Neighbors Club was founded in 1944 by a few local friends with the goal of assisting their community neighbors in time of need. For further information please contact Virginia Nettleton, President at 530/368-6595 or info@myfriendlyneighbors.com. The mailing address is P.O. Box 764, Meadow Vista, California 95722. We are a non profit organization.
Tax Man News
By J.C. Harrison, Simplified Business & Tax
Be sure to fine-tune your estimated tax payments and withholding for 2011 if you owed a lot of tax for 2010 or you expect you'll be short for this year. You need to adjust estimated tax payments now. But you can wait until year-end to boost withholding, because withheld tax is treated as if paid evenly over the year. Additional income tax can be withheld from a Dec. IRA payout, for example. You needn't prepay all the tax you might owe for 2011, just an amount equal to 90% of it, or 100% of your 2010 tax bill (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000 in 2010). Doing so avoids the underpayment penalty, even if you end up owing IRS a lot of tax.
Self-employeds can amend prior year returns to deduct Medicare premiums as part of their income tax deduction for health insurance on Form 1040, IRS says in Pub. 535. Many didn't write off the premiums in pre-2010 years because the instructions for those prior years said the amounts were not deductible. Pub. 535 and the 1040 instructions for 2010 now expressly allow this write-off.
Be sure to fine-tune your estimated tax payments and withholding for 2011 if you owed a lot of tax for 2010 or you expect you'll be short for this year. You need to adjust estimated tax payments now. But you can wait until year-end to boost withholding, because withheld tax is treated as if paid evenly over the year. Additional income tax can be withheld from a Dec. IRA payout, for example. You needn't prepay all the tax you might owe for 2011, just an amount equal to 90% of it, or 100% of your 2010 tax bill (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000 in 2010). Doing so avoids the underpayment penalty, even if you end up owing IRS a lot of tax.
Self-employeds can amend prior year returns to deduct Medicare premiums as part of their income tax deduction for health insurance on Form 1040, IRS says in Pub. 535. Many didn't write off the premiums in pre-2010 years because the instructions for those prior years said the amounts were not deductible. Pub. 535 and the 1040 instructions for 2010 now expressly allow this write-off.
When to Buy a Mattress: A “Royal” Pain
By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic
The fabled “Princess and the Pea” mattress problem can be more fact than fiction when it comes to back pain. You may not be royalty or able to feel a tiny pea enough to disrupt your sleep but if you sleep great when you're away, and consistently wake up in pain at home, your bed may be the culprit. Likewise, if you suffer from morning back pain, neck stiffness, shoulder pain, hip discomfort, etc., you may need to start saving for a new bed, or change sleep position. (Back or side sleeping is much better than stomach sleeping in keeping your spine aligned because lying on your stomach requires you to awkwardly twist your head to breathe.)
Don't run out and buy a new $4,000 dollar bed just yet however. If you think your mattress is too soft, pull off the top mattress and sleep on it flat on the floor for a few nights like a futon. If you sleep better, buy a sheet of half inch plywood and cut it to size and slip it between the box spring and top mattress. If you want to make a hard mattress softer, try using a pad overlay or place a number of blankets under the fitted mattress sheet. These fixes may lesson your pain and delay your purchase date.
If you would rather buy a new mattress, remember, every person's favorite bed is different, determine your budget, do the shopping/testing yourself, lay down (yes, actually lay down) on each mattress, and try lots of beds. A “firm” mattress classification is harder than in the past, “medium firm” is most common, and make sure the store has a home trial and return policy you like.
Some of my patients find the “Tempurepedic” thermo elastic memory foam mattress “sweaty” while others love it warm. The highly advertised “Sleep Number” bed can be great for different size couples but I know of one that repeatedly deflated in the middle of the night. The European sleep design system with its adjustable maple wood slat system is pricey but is made with top quality in mind. Don't overlook the individually wrapped inner spring/coil mattresses for a more traditional support.
Fancy or plain, expensive or “frugal”, royalty or commoner, your mattress must be supportive, comfortable, and affordable in order to decrease its role in causing musculoskeletal pain. Ask your chiropractor or health care provider to help you get the best night's sleep you can have. Good night.
Don't run out and buy a new $4,000 dollar bed just yet however. If you think your mattress is too soft, pull off the top mattress and sleep on it flat on the floor for a few nights like a futon. If you sleep better, buy a sheet of half inch plywood and cut it to size and slip it between the box spring and top mattress. If you want to make a hard mattress softer, try using a pad overlay or place a number of blankets under the fitted mattress sheet. These fixes may lesson your pain and delay your purchase date.
If you would rather buy a new mattress, remember, every person's favorite bed is different, determine your budget, do the shopping/testing yourself, lay down (yes, actually lay down) on each mattress, and try lots of beds. A “firm” mattress classification is harder than in the past, “medium firm” is most common, and make sure the store has a home trial and return policy you like.
Some of my patients find the “Tempurepedic” thermo elastic memory foam mattress “sweaty” while others love it warm. The highly advertised “Sleep Number” bed can be great for different size couples but I know of one that repeatedly deflated in the middle of the night. The European sleep design system with its adjustable maple wood slat system is pricey but is made with top quality in mind. Don't overlook the individually wrapped inner spring/coil mattresses for a more traditional support.
Fancy or plain, expensive or “frugal”, royalty or commoner, your mattress must be supportive, comfortable, and affordable in order to decrease its role in causing musculoskeletal pain. Ask your chiropractor or health care provider to help you get the best night's sleep you can have. Good night.
Meadow Vista Lions Club Update
By Etta Gross, Meadow Vista Lions Club
On Pioneer Day, Sunday June 5, please come to our True Value Hardware store for a pancake breakfast. The cooks with be the Lions club. Cost is only $5 with all the proceeds going to Cub Scout Pack 6. Serving begins at 7:30 and ends at 10:30 a.m.
After watching the Pioneer Day parade, and your stomach starts to growl, come by the Lions booth (located by the young children's playground) for hot dogs, corn on the cob and water. The proceeds from these sales will go back into the community.
Here are some examples of what the Meadow Vista Area Lions have assisted with your support. Donations have been made to assist with this year's Meadow Vista/Applegate Library Summer Reading Program and Sierra Reach Ministries Food Closet. Your support through our annual Crab Feed gave us the funds for our Mother's Day Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt and the annual hot dogs for the schools. Our White Cane Day collection in October gave us the funds to help our residents that are having sight difficulties.
If you are interesting in finding out more about the Meadow Vista Area Lions Club, please visit a meeting that is held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Grange Hall starting at 7 p.m. Or you may contact Dave Johnson at (530) 637-4175.
The Meadow Vista Lions would like to say -THANK YOU MEADOW VISTA'S BOYS AND GIRLS SCOUTS FOR YOUR HELP AT THE EASTER EGG HUNT!
After watching the Pioneer Day parade, and your stomach starts to growl, come by the Lions booth (located by the young children's playground) for hot dogs, corn on the cob and water. The proceeds from these sales will go back into the community.
Here are some examples of what the Meadow Vista Area Lions have assisted with your support. Donations have been made to assist with this year's Meadow Vista/Applegate Library Summer Reading Program and Sierra Reach Ministries Food Closet. Your support through our annual Crab Feed gave us the funds for our Mother's Day Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt and the annual hot dogs for the schools. Our White Cane Day collection in October gave us the funds to help our residents that are having sight difficulties.
If you are interesting in finding out more about the Meadow Vista Area Lions Club, please visit a meeting that is held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Grange Hall starting at 7 p.m. Or you may contact Dave Johnson at (530) 637-4175.
The Meadow Vista Lions would like to say -THANK YOU MEADOW VISTA'S BOYS AND GIRLS SCOUTS FOR YOUR HELP AT THE EASTER EGG HUNT!
2011 Meadow Vista Community Service Award Recipient
Submitted by Meadow Vista MAC
Each year, the Meadow Vista MAC recognizes one of the community's special individuals with a Community Service Award.
Fred Eichenhofer has been selected as the 2011 Meadow Vista Community Services Award Recipient.
Fred's service to the community has been diversified. Since 2005 Fred has sponsored Oktoberfest, a large community event. He pays for everything that isn't donated and puts in his own time and labor to make sure the event is successful. Fred chose the Meadow Vista Community Center to be the recipient of this successful fundraiser.
Fred joined the Community Center board several years ago and has recently filled the position of co-chairman of the board. He devotes many hours to this organization.
Fred is also a member of the Meadow Vista Merchants Association and the Meadow Vista Lions. He attends meetings of both groups and helps out with their projects.
During the summer months, “Movie Night Under the Stars” produces funds that go directly to the MV Pool project. Fred purchased a projector, speakers and concession stand materials to facilitate the events. Funds from a Gingerbread Decorating Event and previous movie nights at The Beda Place went to the MV Pool Project also.
Fred built the stage in the lot next to our post office and lets other community groups use it free of charge. He installed water and electrical to the empty field to help facilitate functions, all at his own cost. Fred also donates all of his notary fees, free of charge asking the client if they would like to make a tax deductible donation to the community center in the amount of their choice.
It is certain the community will continue to benefit from his efforts and generous financial donations for many years to come.
At the Meadow Vista MAC Meeting, June 1, at 6 PM, Placer Hills School, the award will be presented by Placer County Supervisor, Jennifer Montgomery. A tree will be planted in Fred's honor in Meadow Vista Park. Fred and recipients of the award in previous years will be invited to ride in the Pioneer Parade.
Fred Eichenhofer has been selected as the 2011 Meadow Vista Community Services Award Recipient.
Fred's service to the community has been diversified. Since 2005 Fred has sponsored Oktoberfest, a large community event. He pays for everything that isn't donated and puts in his own time and labor to make sure the event is successful. Fred chose the Meadow Vista Community Center to be the recipient of this successful fundraiser.
Fred joined the Community Center board several years ago and has recently filled the position of co-chairman of the board. He devotes many hours to this organization.
Fred is also a member of the Meadow Vista Merchants Association and the Meadow Vista Lions. He attends meetings of both groups and helps out with their projects.
During the summer months, “Movie Night Under the Stars” produces funds that go directly to the MV Pool project. Fred purchased a projector, speakers and concession stand materials to facilitate the events. Funds from a Gingerbread Decorating Event and previous movie nights at The Beda Place went to the MV Pool Project also.
Fred built the stage in the lot next to our post office and lets other community groups use it free of charge. He installed water and electrical to the empty field to help facilitate functions, all at his own cost. Fred also donates all of his notary fees, free of charge asking the client if they would like to make a tax deductible donation to the community center in the amount of their choice.
It is certain the community will continue to benefit from his efforts and generous financial donations for many years to come.
At the Meadow Vista MAC Meeting, June 1, at 6 PM, Placer Hills School, the award will be presented by Placer County Supervisor, Jennifer Montgomery. A tree will be planted in Fred's honor in Meadow Vista Park. Fred and recipients of the award in previous years will be invited to ride in the Pioneer Parade.
Meadow Vista Town History: First Parade & Picnic
Re-publishing original article written by George Lay published on June 6 ,1999
Although the department was started in the summer of 1949, the first annual picnic and parade was July 4, 1959. Bob de Caro, the local gunsmith and fireman started talking about having a parade downtown. The fire chief was Cliff Ramos (grocery storeowner and Meadow Vista's first Postmaster). A committee was formed and all the volunteer firemen along with their wives organized the event.
It was decided to serve German sausage, sauerkraut, wieners, chili beans, coffee and punch. Tickets were $1.00, which included the dinner.
The first fire department queen contest required each girl to sell tickets at 25 cents each with all proceeds going to the fire department for equipment. The local merchants assisted by sponsoring the following girls: Marles Halstead--Meadow Vista Lunch; Sandra DavisPenny's Beauty Shop Clipper Gap; Judy OglesbeeCoy's Service Station or Jean's Beauty Shop; Beverly LumanDick's Meat Market; Geraldine WegmannMeadow Vista Grocery; Pat SmithMeadow Vista Variety and Gun Shop.
The parade started at 10:00 am at Meadow Vista Road and proceeded up Placer Hills Road. The festivities were at the original Recreation Park on the north side of Meadow Lane, beginning at 11:00 with the dinner. The $1.00 ticket also included games such as baseball, horseshoes and swimming. Booths were set up to sell ice cream bars, soft drinks, hot dogs and ice cold watermelon. Also included for the dollar ticket were prizes such as a 21” black and white TV set, coffee maker, merchandise orders, gasoline, horse bridle, hair-dos and more all donated by local merchants from Auburn to Colfax.
The following is a great account of the event as written by Ann Oglesbee who at that time was the pen behind the Meadow Vista Versions column. And yes, it was her daughter who was the Queen and is still in the area:
“The Fourth of July festivities sponsored by the local fire department were quite successful and everyone attending had a gay time. The celebration started with the crowning of the queen on Friday evening and ended on Saturday evening after a day of feasting, games and social time.
Judy Oglesbee won the queen contest with Geraldine Wegmann and Beverly Luman as close runners-up. The latter two girls served as princesses. Judy was crowned by her father, Jim Oglesbee, and presented with a lovely watch by Fire Chief Cliff Ramos. All the girls were given a set of jewelry as a token of appreciation from the fire department. Master of ceremonies for this event was Bob de Caro, general chairman.
Saturday morning the fun started with a parade which formed at Meadow Vista Road and progressed to Placer Hills Road and then to the Fire House. It was led by Donna Maize on her horse who served as flag bearer and after the flag came the big fire truck driven by Sandy Chamberlain. The queen and princesses rode on the truck, as did little Denise Moore who was dressed in a patriotic red, white and blue costume.
After this came a Stanley Steamer puffing along, causing a burst of steam every now and then and adding much to the enjoyment of all. On the back of the truck sat a man petting a skunk. Also adding to the fun were the Paddy Wagon, George Lay as a prospector with his mule, an ancient red vehicle, covered wagon, and several other entries besides many beautiful horses and their riders.
We feel this was a parade to be proud of and we hope that the years to come will bring bigger and better ones. Jim Hills and his P.A. system did much to help the parade and also furnished music throughout the day at the picnic.
The fire department would like to thank all the merchants who donated prizes for the drawings and games, and the people outside the department who so generously helped with time and labor, sheriff deputies George Struble and Robert Murray, the Recreation Department and Placer Hills School for their cooperation.
Winners of the parade entries will be in the column next week. One of the things we noticed
About this whole affair was the fun and good humor of everyone attending, including the men who worked in the hot sun part of the day serving the dinner and seeing that things went smoothly. We think these men and the women who helped them deserve a pat on the back. Many hours have been spent by a small group to plan and carry out this project and we think they did.
It was decided to serve German sausage, sauerkraut, wieners, chili beans, coffee and punch. Tickets were $1.00, which included the dinner.
The first fire department queen contest required each girl to sell tickets at 25 cents each with all proceeds going to the fire department for equipment. The local merchants assisted by sponsoring the following girls: Marles Halstead--Meadow Vista Lunch; Sandra DavisPenny's Beauty Shop Clipper Gap; Judy OglesbeeCoy's Service Station or Jean's Beauty Shop; Beverly LumanDick's Meat Market; Geraldine WegmannMeadow Vista Grocery; Pat SmithMeadow Vista Variety and Gun Shop.
The following is a great account of the event as written by Ann Oglesbee who at that time was the pen behind the Meadow Vista Versions column. And yes, it was her daughter who was the Queen and is still in the area:
“The Fourth of July festivities sponsored by the local fire department were quite successful and everyone attending had a gay time. The celebration started with the crowning of the queen on Friday evening and ended on Saturday evening after a day of feasting, games and social time.
Judy Oglesbee won the queen contest with Geraldine Wegmann and Beverly Luman as close runners-up. The latter two girls served as princesses. Judy was crowned by her father, Jim Oglesbee, and presented with a lovely watch by Fire Chief Cliff Ramos. All the girls were given a set of jewelry as a token of appreciation from the fire department. Master of ceremonies for this event was Bob de Caro, general chairman.
Saturday morning the fun started with a parade which formed at Meadow Vista Road and progressed to Placer Hills Road and then to the Fire House. It was led by Donna Maize on her horse who served as flag bearer and after the flag came the big fire truck driven by Sandy Chamberlain. The queen and princesses rode on the truck, as did little Denise Moore who was dressed in a patriotic red, white and blue costume.
After this came a Stanley Steamer puffing along, causing a burst of steam every now and then and adding much to the enjoyment of all. On the back of the truck sat a man petting a skunk. Also adding to the fun were the Paddy Wagon, George Lay as a prospector with his mule, an ancient red vehicle, covered wagon, and several other entries besides many beautiful horses and their riders.
We feel this was a parade to be proud of and we hope that the years to come will bring bigger and better ones. Jim Hills and his P.A. system did much to help the parade and also furnished music throughout the day at the picnic.
The fire department would like to thank all the merchants who donated prizes for the drawings and games, and the people outside the department who so generously helped with time and labor, sheriff deputies George Struble and Robert Murray, the Recreation Department and Placer Hills School for their cooperation.
Winners of the parade entries will be in the column next week. One of the things we noticed
About this whole affair was the fun and good humor of everyone attending, including the men who worked in the hot sun part of the day serving the dinner and seeing that things went smoothly. We think these men and the women who helped them deserve a pat on the back. Many hours have been spent by a small group to plan and carry out this project and we think they did.
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