The Gold Mine, Friday, June 23, 2026

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SPOTLIGHT

Flooring Outlet

Mike Marjanovich has built his career from the floor up and puts his people above profit. As the owner of Flooring Outlet, Marjanovich has worked in the flooring business for almost 40 years, with his Cameron Park showroom serving the community since 2008.

3077 Alhambra Drive, Cameron Park (530) 677-3841

Through economic ups and downs — including weathering COVID and shifting housing markets — Flooring Outlet has remained steady. Marjanovich estimates he averages about 200 installs a year, which adds up to thousands of satisfied customers over the decades. Inside the showroom, customers will find a wide selection of hardwood, carpet and remnants, along with guidance shaped by decades of experience.

What truly sets Flooring Outlet apart, Marjanovich said, is the relationships he builds with customers. Many clients return again and again, sometimes flooring four homes over a 20-year span. Referrals remain his strongest form of advertising.

“My best advertising is a happy customer,” he explained.

That loyalty was also built with the help of his longtime partner Carla, who many customers came to know and trust before her passing.

Marjanovich said he considers many of his customers friends, a reflection of both his personal approach and his love for El Dorado County. Having raised his family in the area, he’s watched Cameron Park grow and change, and he continues to work closely with local real estate professionals as the market picks back up.

As flooring trends evolve, Flooring Outlet stays current with new styles and materials. Waterproof laminate floors, wide planks and innovative wood-look products designed for multiuse are growing in popularity. Sustainability is also becoming central to the industry, with carpets now made from recycled materials like two-liter bottles and products designed to reduce off-gassing.

After decades in the business, Marjanovich stands by a simple philosophy: “If it’s on my floor, it’s good for the county.”

Photo by Chris Woodard
Mike Marjanovich helps his clients choose quality, affordable flooring options at the Cameron Park showroom.

STARS AT SCHOOL

Marjeanne Torres

Charter Alternative Programs

For Marjeanne “MJ” Torres, the path to the El Dorado County Office of Education was paved with resilience. Born in San Jose, she navigated the challenges of the foster care system until age 15, when a move to Antelope introduced her to her “forever family.” That lived experience now fuels her passion as a registrar for Charter Alternative Programs.

Operating out of her “bat cave” office at the Mountainside Success Academy, MJ manages vital student data, from transcripts to compliance, for high schools, K-8 programs and adult education. However, her role goes far beyond paperwork. She views working with at-risk youth as a gift, often using her own background to help students navigate their own difficulties.

Her impact is deeply felt by leadership.

“MJ is critical to the charter team because she always finds the answer to the questions her colleagues have,” said Michael Gillespie, assistant superintendent of Charter Alternative Programs. “She is always willing to help any staff member or student in need and exemplifies the EDCOE core value of service in a wonderful way.”

Perhaps her most inspiring achievement is her decision to return to school, ensuring she could authentically encourage students to pursue higher education. After earning her AA in psychology, she is set to complete her bachelor’s degree at California State University, Sacramento, this March. Whether digging through archives for a former student or cheering on the Raiders, MJ embodies her personal motto: “Can’t stop, won’t stop.”

El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum presents

“Historical Vignettes of

Sports and Leisure in El Dorado County” on view through Feb. 16. For more information visit edchs.org.

The Atrium Gallery at El Dorado Hills Town Center will host the Abstract Expressions exhibition artist reception, 5-8 p.m. For more information visit edhtowncenter.com.

El Dorado Musical Theatre presents “Bye Bye Birdie” Jan. 24-31 at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 608-6888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Jan.

25

The Chabad Jewish Community Center in Folsom will host Holocaust survivor Eva Schneider for “From Auschwitz to Hope: When Faith Defied the Darkness,” at 3 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma St. For more information call (916) 608-9811 or email info@jewishfolsom.org.

SNOWY (A164046)

A big girl with a big heart is waiting for you to meet her. Great Pyrenees, 3 yr. Cream with accents.

BABS (A169758)

This dilute brown tabby DSH would love to do brunch and ‘help’ you read. Are you in? 6 yr.

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

KITTEN FOSTER

Sign up at the shelter now for fun later. Prepare for purr-fect fun daily.

PARROT (A169837)

Adopt a this Lilac Crowned Amazon for a bit of the exotic every day.

CHIEF (A169891)

This black Pit Bull mix will lead the way, he is ready for an executive role in your life.

TNR-NORMAN (A169962)

This “deeply philosophical” Siamese seal point is ready for yard duty. 1 yr., M.

Your Big Game Menu Mix a little luck into your big game menu

Picture this: Your team is down three points, but the taste of victory is just one field goal away. Sometimes, all you need is a little luck and a whole lot of guac.

After all, an estimated 250 million pounds of avocados are consumed during the Big Game each year, according to Hass Avocado Board Volume Data. That’s enough to fill 30 million football helmets with guac – but filling your belly instead is a win-win for good luck and great flavor.

Dip into good fortune this football season with help from Avocado From Mexico’s Guac Guru, Rob Riggle, whose visionary Good Luck Guac recipe is ready to share just in time for the Big Game.

Whether you’re in it for the football, the commercials or the snacks, this recipe can score major points with your entire crew.

Crafted for fans of every team, this bold, golden twist on a favorite football snack is infused with ingredients associated with good luck – edible gold flakes and pomegranate seeds – to get you through the most nailbiting moments of the game. The star ingredient is fresh, high-quality Avocados From Mexico that offer good taste, good nutrition, and good times.

Beyond delicious dips, chips and lots of fun, hosting a watch party can also be a lot of work. Make sure your hosting duties don’t create interference or put you on the sidelines with these tips:

Get a jumpstart on party prep. The day before the game, tidy up your space and prepare as much of the food as you can. For dishes best served fresh – like guac – take care of the ingredient prep, like chopping veggies.

Create comfortable seating and viewing areas. For a watch party, you’ll want plenty of room for guests to sit comfortably where they can see the screen and have easy access to the guac. If there’s not enough space in the living room to fit everyone, consider bringing a TV to the kitchen so people can snack and watch at the same time.

Know your guests. From non-alcoholic beverage options to additional entertainment like board games and kid-friendly activities, become a next-level party host by providing a setup tailored to your guests’ needs. One thing almost everyone can agree on: Guac made with Avocados From Mexico can be the star of nearly any party’s snacking lineup.

Make it your team’s lucky day with more game day recipes at AvocadosFromMexico.com/recipe.

Good Luck Guac

Recipe courtesy of Rob Riggle on behalf of Avocados From Mexico

4 Avocados From Mexico, halved, pitted and peeled

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 tablespoon onion, minced

Good Luck Guac

Recipe courtesy of Rob Riggle on behalf of Avocados From Mexico

3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pinch edible gold leaf flakes

In large bowl, mash avocados until chunky-smooth.

Fold in lime juice, onion, pomegranate seeds and salt until well combined.

Garnish with edible gold leaf flakes.

3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pinch edible gold leaf flakes

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 wanders without purpose (8)

2 not wild (4)

3 deliver with dispatch (8)

4 in an unending way (11)

5 it’s a step up (9)

6 Italian navigator John (5)

7 Shakespeare’s son (6)

All Things Equine

How to Blanket a Horse

Learning how to blanket a horse is an essential skill. A horse’s winter coat is naturally designed to do a great job of keeping him warm, but some horses need a little extra help in cold or wet weather. Blanketing offers additional protection for thin or older horses, or those that don’t have much of a coat.

Measure to Fit

To find the correctly-sized blanket for your horse, you’ll need to measure him. Run a soft cloth measuring tape from the center of his chest to the edge of his tail, including the widest part of his shoulder and hip. This measurement (in inches) is his blanket size.

Make sure the blanket fits your horse well. A blanket that doesn’t fit right can rub hair off and cause sore spots on your horse’s shoulders and withers. A blanket that’s too big can slip around the animal and cause an unsafe situation if your horse steps on it or gets tangled up in it.

Be sure your horse’s hair coat is completely dry after your ride and before you put his blanket back on. If he’s damp and sweaty under his blanket, he’ll feel chilly. Even if you aren’t riding, you need to check your horse’s blanket daily and make sure that he’s comfortable underneath. It’s important to take the blanket off for regular grooming, as well.

Start your day strong with this strawberry oatmeal smoothie

Family Features

Making a delicious oatmeal smoothie has never been easier. Just six ingredients and a blender is all you need to make the perfect fruit-smoothie at home. Deliciously sweet and creamy this strawberry oatmeal smoothie makes for a healthy and filling breakfast or snack.

Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie

1/2 cup rolled oats

1 banana

14 frozen strawberries

1 cup soy milk

1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: Use blender to grind up oats. Add soy milk, strawberries, banana, vanilla extract and sugar then blend until smooth. Pour and serve.

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 In centive 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 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 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 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.

Jan. 31

Join the American River Conservancy for From Trails To Tales: A Park Ranger’s Stories — Author talk from 10 a.m. to noon. Register online at app.dvforms.net/api/dv/ dwd528. For more information visit arconservancy.org. El Dorado County Historical Society and Fountain and Tallman Museum present Stories from the Narrow Gauge Logging Era from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6139 Pleasant Valley Road, El Dorado. For more information visit edchs.org.

Feb. 1

Music on the Divide presents Mamajowali at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information visit musiconthedivide.org.

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode will host a Bingo Benefit, 5-7 p.m. at the Shingle Springs Community Center. To register or fro more information visit animaloutreach.net.

Feb. 7

The Rescue Community Center will host its Crab feed Fundraiser, 5-9 p.m. For tickets and more information visit rescuecommunitycenter.com.

Feb. 10

World Ballet Company presents “Swan Lake” with a live orchestra, Feb. 10 & 11 at at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom. For tickets and more information call (916) 6086888 or visit harriscenter.net.

Feb. 13

Imagination Theatre at the El Dorado Fairgrounds presents “The Quest for Don Quixote” Feb. 13 through March 8. For tickets and more information visit itplacerville.org

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