The Gold Mine, Friday, February 20, 2026

SPOTLIGHT

Business

Joan Carr thought she was ready to relax after selling her business in early 2023. She quickly realized she wasn’t done.

“I don’t want to retire. I love doing what I’m doing,” Carr said.

She has been in business for approximately 21 years and opened Grapes & Ivy in July 2024 after falling in love with the historical Diamond Springs building that was once home to Beef ‘N’ Brew

Grapes & Ivy is a thoughtfully detailed store and experience that focuses on home décor, a women’s boutique and garden accessories; it even possesses its own garden that stretches around the building.

For Carr, retail has never been about the money.

“I never got into business thinking that I was going to get rich,” she said. “I did it because it was my passion.”

That passion shows in every corner of Grapes & Ivy. Though Carr describes her style as “French vintage,” she emphasized that all her items are new. She shops widely for unique finds and travels to Texas to purchase iron and special garden pieces,

reflecting her long-standing love of gardening. Outside, the growing garden is central to her vision.

“I love creating things, and I love shopping for really different products and stuff that I think my customers would love,” she said.

Inside, the boutique continues to grow, bringing in well-known clothing brands and expanding home décor offerings.

The store is re-merchandised every four to five weeks, keeping the space fresh and inspiring.

Carr credits her loyal customers — many of whom followed her from previous locations — for Grapes & Ivy’s continued success.

“The customers here have been so good, so nice, very supportive,” she said. “They’ve become like family.”

Interior designer Kandy Brackney, who works at the store, agrees. “Joan has a great eye; she is a great buyer,” Brackney said. “She is so great to work for. This is a store with something for everybody.”

To Do

Top activities in the region

Now

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Quest for Don Quixote” through March 8. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org.

Feb. 21

The Oak Ridge High School Foundation hosts its annual Blue & Gold Gala, Mardi Gras, a night filled with excitement, entertainment and opportunities to support Oak Ridge High School students. The Mardi Gras theme will be featured throughout the event including themed cocktails at the no-host bar, Cajun infused food, raffles as well as silent and live auctions. Dress in your Mardi Gras outfits and invite friends, neighbors and family — 21 and older — to the event scheduled 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St., Folsom. Parking is free. For tickets and more information visit orhsf. ejoinme.org/blueandgoldgala.

n See TO DO, page 5

STARS AT SCHOOL

Gold Oak Elementary School

Global School Play Day

Gold Oak Elementary School joined schools around the world in celebrating Global School Play Day on Wednesday, Feb. 4, an annual event dedicated to the power of unstructured play. For one full day, students step away from screens and structured lessons and instead engage in creative, student-led play that builds collaboration, problemsolving, communication and imagination. It’s a reminder that play is not just fun; it’s an important part of learning and healthy child development.

This year’s celebration was made even more memorable with a very special guest visit. A lucky group of first grade students from Ms. Combellack’s class welcomed Andrew Gray, best known for his role as the Red Ranger (Troy Burroughs) in “Power Rangers Megaforce.” Joined by his friend Alicia Hayes, Andrew led an energetic physical fitness session with students, filled with stretching, movement and encouragement.

Students listened closely as he shared an inspiring message about being an “everyday hero” —someone who shows kindness, makes good choices and helps others. The excitement grew as students learned the “Powerful Red Kick” and even had the chance to choose one of his helmets for photos.

Andrew generously signed autographs for every student and even a few thrilled staff members.

Adding to the fun, it was also Andrew’s birthday. Students surprised him with a handmade banner and sang “Happy Birthday,” while the entire campus wore red in his honor. It was a joyful day of play and inspiration and one that students won’t soon forget.

Feb. 27

Hands4Hope — Youth Making a Difference presents Nashville Songwriters Live, 7 p.m. at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

CELEBRATE WINTER

OF

OR CRISPY. Pork, Chicken, Shrimp, Kimchi, and Vegetable. Or, take out a traditional dish like Sesame Chicken, Mongolian Beef, or Sweet ’n Sour Pork! Family dinners also available.

Feb.

28

The Pins for Paws Bowling Event in support of Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode will take place at the Apex at Red Hawk Casino from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information visit animaloutreach.net.

Snowline Health, in partnership with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, presents the 6th annual Battle of the Badges — 911 Chili Cook-Off, from 4-8 p.m. inside the Forni Building at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. First responders from the region will dish up their best and try to impress the judges. For tickets and more information visit 911chili.org.

March 7

El Dorado High School Foundation’s annual Blue & White Gala taking place March 7 at Cold Springs Country Club. The event will include live music with ShirlJam, dinner, drinks and silent and live auctions. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/bhfhw47t.

The Chimney Smoke RIP offers $599 to $2,000* to replace a non-EPA certified woodstove with a new efficient, cleaner burning, eligible EPA certified wood or gas device.

*$2,000 incentive available to low-income residents or residents of designated low-income communities

The expanded Clean Lawn equipment Incentive Pr ogr am (CLIP) offers $100 to $2,000 to replace a piece of gas powered lawn equipment with a cordless electric version. Now includes push and riding mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers/weedeaters, chainsaws, and more!

The new CHar ge At your Resid ence and Go Electric (CHARGE) incentive program offers plug -in car owners and lessees a $300 incentive to purchase and install a home EV charger.

The Drive Clean! incentive program offers El Dorado County residents a $599 incentive towards the purchase or lease of an eligible new electric, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen vehicle.

The Driving Clean Assis t ance Pr ogr am (DCAP) offers lowerincome residents up to a $10,000 incentive towards the purchase of an eligible new or used clean air vehicle in addition to a $2,000 incentive to help cover the cost of charging. DCAP also provides financial advice and counseling and their select group of financial partners offer financing at a rate of 8% or less.

SUE (A163040)

Central Asian Shepherds are unique looking courageous guardians. 5 yr, B & W with accents

TNR-FAYE (A170405)

She is ready to flit about your garden looking for rodents. B&W DSH 5mo..

Precious Pawprints

Adopt Today! Second-Chance Animals Make First-Class Pets!

To Ask about these pets at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter (530) 621-7631 • 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs

JACK (A170226)

When is a card not a card? When its a cute B&W shorthaired cat of course. 7yr.

OSCAR (A170391)

There are several young cute Pit Bull mixes currently available. M, 16 wks, black & white .

PAGE SPONSORED BY

BUTTON (A170005)

TNR-FINN (A170406)

Consider adopting this boy along with his TNR cage mate Faye. 8 mo. black DSH

Beat the winter blues with a childhood classic

Feature Impact

If a cold snap has you feeling blue, turn back the clock and warm up the kitchen with a kid-friendly favorite the whole family can enjoy. Mac and cheese is a staple in households across the country, and this version with made-from-scratch sauce will leave your loved ones asking for more.

To make it a full-blown meal, pair Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese with grilled or pan-seared chicken to forget about the weather with time together.

Visit Culinary.net to find more comfort food classics.

Simple Skillet Mac and Cheese

Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe

Total time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

3 1/2 cups water, plus extra if needed

1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk, divided 12 ounces pasta shells

salt, to taste

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks

ground black pepper, to taste

Directions: In nonstick skillet over high heat, bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk and shells to simmer. Season with salt, to taste. Cook, stirring, until pasta is tender and liquid thickens, 9-12 minutes. In small bowl, whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch and dry mustard. Stir into skillet. Continue simmering until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses in batches, adding water to adjust consistency. Stir in butter then season with salt and pepper, to taste.

A convenient homecooked solution without the slow cooker

Feature Impact

Walking in the door to the smell of homemade chili is sure to warm you up from the inside-out, but if you forgot to set up the slow cooker before heading out the door in the morning, don’t fret - a hearty bowl of beans, beef and stewed goodness can still await.

For a quick and easy version of the comfort food classic, consider this Quick Homecooked Chili that’s made in a skillet and ready in half an hour. Just brown ground beef with a chopped onion, stir in beans, tomato sauce, cubed sweet potato and a few simple seasonings and you’re well on your way to a winter warmup.

Find more easy ways to feed your family by visiting Culinary.net.

Quick Homecooked Chili

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans

1 can (14 1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 sweet potato, cubed water (optional)

1teaspoon chili powder

1 pinch garlic powder salt, to taste pepper, to taste sour cream (optional)

sliced avocado (optional)

Directions: In large saucepan over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender, 5-7 minutes.

Stir in tomato sauce, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes with juices, diced tomatoes with green chilies and cubed sweet potato. Add water to reach desired consistency.

Season with chili powder and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Serve with sour cream and sliced avocado, if desired.

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

CLUES SOLUTIONS

1 ceases to exist (10)

2 toque toppers (7)

3 leaves an out (6)

4 possible “Clue” weapon (11)

5 like curling sheet’s surface (6)

6 House of Neil Finn (7)

7 said with a straight face (10)

All Things Equine

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO LEARN WITH A TRAINER:

Guidance. It is important to have guidance when learning about horses and riding to make it a safe and enjoyable experience. An experienced riding instructor can help you build a solid foundation and skill set to begin this new adventure.

Communication between horse and rider. Every horse will pose di erent challenges, and an instructor can be vital to helping a beginner rider work through these situations. A horse will typically have an easier time teaching a beginning rider when an instructor is present.

WHAT

YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR IN A RIDING INSTRUCTOR:

• Find an instructor who is experienced in the discipline that you want to learn (ie: English, Western, etc.).

• Be upfront with your instructor about your past experience and your goals in working with them to make sure that their program is a good t for you and that they have horses that can accommodate your skill level.

• Spending time at their riding facility and watching others take lessons from them could help you decide if you would enjoy their program.

WHAT TO WEAR HORSEBACK RIDING:

• LONG PANTS to protect the rider’s legs from saddle sores, brush, & sun.

• A LEATHER BELT.

• BUTTON DOWN, LONG SLEEVE SHIRT for further protection from the elements.

• A hat with stampede rings to provide protection from the sun and keep your hat in place.

Feature Ipact

While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure - including a collection of rare and genetic conditions. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.

This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28 worldwide, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.

IgA Nephropathy

An autoimmune disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure.

ccording to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms - the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test. She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes - the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.

“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”

APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease

Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene. Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central African descent.

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.

Cystinosis

A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although n See KIDNEY DISEASE, page 14

Kidney disease

some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.

Complement 3 Glomerulopathy

With complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease. Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her

Visit El Dorado County’s Premier Cannabis Dispensaries

youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25.

“I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease,” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.”

Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund.org.

Kitten

O-PURR-TUNITY KNOCKS