April is almost over, but we didn’t want the month to end without giving extra kudos to Rigo, our April Employee of the Month.  Rigo was nominated by fellow employees for his exceptional teamwork, attitude, service, and knowledge.  Here’s what his fellow employees have to say about Rigo:

“Rigo is always smiling and in a good mood.  He always makes an effort to involve people in conversations and make everyone smile.  At the tables, you can hear him laughing with his customers, while making them enjoy being involved in the game.  He rarely makes mistakes in dealing, but when he does, he quickly fixes any problem with his humor and smile — making sure everything is right with the customer.  We look forward to come to work when we know that Rigo is working that day.”

This week is National Public Health Week. Nothing is more important than our health. We can have all the money in the world, but if our health is poor, so is our quality of life.

“Public Health Week raises awareness about the importance of active living, healthy eating, disease prevention, and mental and emotional well being,” said Amy Gonczeruk, Operations Manager at Rolling Hills Clinic, which is sponsored by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, owners of Rolling Hills Casino.

The Tribe’s commitment to community health began long before the establishment of the Rolling Hills Clinic. Over the past ten years, the Tribe has contributed thousands of dollars to local health care facilities to purchase life-saving equipment and an ambulance.

One area of public health concern that Amy believes doesn’t get enough attention is dental care. “Dental care plays a major role in both a person’s physical and mental health; however, it’s generally not given much attention during National Public Health Week. As we celebrate National Public Health Week, we wanted to raise attention to the importance of dental care including orthodontia.”

According to the American Public Health Association of Dentistry, tooth decay is highly preventable, yet it is a common chronic disease in the United States. Evidence shows that decay and other oral diseases may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other medical problems.

Dentists have this advice for keeping teeth healthy:

• Brush teeth at least twice a day.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
• Floss daily.
• Eat a healthy diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Schedule regular dental checkups.
• Orthodontics also has a positive effect on dental care and overall health. Studies show that adolescents who complete orthodontic treatment have fewer oral health-related problems later in life compared to those who have never had orthodontic treatment.

Most patients consider orthodontics for a more attractive smile. However, orthodontics offers other enduring benefits for a patient’s dental and physical health. It can be difficult to brush and floss between teeth that are crowded or overlapping, so orthodontic treatment can help patients do a better job of keeping their mouths clean. Misaligned teeth can wear unevenly, too, because some teeth may be more stressed or pressured during chewing than others. When an orthodontist straightens the teeth, it also corrects this problem, which can have a negative effect on a patient’s nutrition and diet. In addition to straightening the teeth, orthodontics can also correct problems with the jaw’s alignment. This benefit of orthodontic treatment may help to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of TMJ disorders, which can also lead to headaches and neck pain in addition to jaw discomfort, when the patient gets older.

The physical benefits of orthodontic treatment are evident, but the psychological benefits of orthodontics are also important. Those with straighter teeth generally have more self-confidence and feel more at ease in social situations.

The clinic offers a no-cost orthodontic for qualifying youth ages 12 through 17 living in the Red Bluff and Corning areas. “It’s an amazing program with a capacity of 22 youth,” said Amy. The program was made possible by a generous grant from Jim and Veronica Horton.

Those interested in finding out more about the program or needing dental care in general, can call 690-2827 for the Corning Clinic, 740 Solano Street, or 690-2778 for the Red Bluff Clinic, 2540 Sister Mary Columba drive. Rolling Hills Clinic accepts Medicare, Medi-Cal, Denti-Cal, California Healthy Families Program and most private insurance. . To learn more about its services or physicians, please visit www.rhclinic.org.

It’s been raining for days and rain is in the forecast for six of the next ten days. Is the gloomy weather starting to get you down?  Here are eight ideas to brighten up your day.

1. Meet a friend for coffee. 
Aromas Coffee Shop is my favorite place for a caramel macchiato.

2. Take a bubble bath. 
There’s nothing better than a bubble bath in a Jacuzzi in your room at the Lodge.

Here’s a recipe for a wonderful bath with long lasting fluffy bubbles that will help you retain moisture in your skin : Mix ½ cup mild body soap, 1 tablespoon of honey, and one egg white. Pour the mixture under the water as you draw your bath.

3. Play a new game.
There’s a new Yahtzee game at Rolling Hills.

4. Try a new recipe. 
You’ll find a great recipe for our Artichoke Encrusted Halibut on our blog, “Recipes made easy at the Corning, Wine, Food, and Art Festival.”  It’s a favorite at Timber’s Steakhouse.

We’ve also posted some recipes on YouTube.  Here’s one on how to cook a salmon filet in minutes.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAjDHvgaVnI.

5. Play a round of golf at Sevillano Links.  
It’s no drearier right now than it is on a summer day in Scotland where the game was invented. Start your game after noon for the best rates and warmest temperatures.

6. Go out for breakfast or lunch at Timber’s or the Rolling Hills Buffet.
If you are 50 or over, enjoy a 50% discount on your Buffet meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

7. Get a new look.
There’s a hair stylist at the Traveler’s Center at Rolling Hills.

8. Have a party. 
Invite your friends and make a day — or night — of it. Rolling Hills has everything you need for a fun time including fun and games, and food and drinks. Plan your party for Saturday night, and treat your guests to free live music and dancing in Carlinos. Best part is you don’t have to clean your house before the party starts.

The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, owners of Rolling Hills Casino, continued a tradition of giving back to the community in 2011 with over $637,000 of grants and donations to programs benefitting public safety, health care, education, and economic development in Tehama County.

“We are very proud to be able to give back to the community that we live and work in,” said John Crosby, Economic Development Director for the tribe. “The contributions we make to non profit organizations, fire departments, education and health care programs, and Tehama County government benefit us all, and make our communities safer, healthier, and more prosperous.

The Tribe made education a priority in its charitable giving program this year. According to Marketing Director Kate Grissom, the Rolling Hills Foundation donated $70,000 to educational programs. Donation recipients included SERRF, Expect More Tehama, Sacramento River Discovery Center, Tehama County Department of Education, Exploring Music, and College Options. Education is vital to the future prosperity of Tehama County,” said Grissom.  “We need a highly educated workforce in order to attract strong, growing companies to our area and provide more employment opportunities.”

The Tribe also earmarked funding for local economic development initiatives and contributed over $26,000 programs such as the Tehama County Branding project. “The Tehama County Branding Project is an ambitious effort to promote tourism and put more cash into the local economy,” explained Grissom. “Increased tourism will provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, and create more jobs.”

The tribe donated over $300,000 to Tehama County for the general fund and district attorney’s office, $40,000 to public safety agencies, and $21,000 for health care programs.

Other organizations and programs that benefitted from major sponsorships and grants include CASA of Northern Valley Catholic Social Services, Girls Inc., Connecting Circles of Care, Inc., and Shasta Cascade Wonderland.

Hundreds of organizations benefitted from smaller donations, including prizes such as dinner for two at Timbers, golf passes, and a night at the Inn. “We donated almost $160,000 in prizes for charity raffles and silent auctions,” reported Grissom. “These donations helped organizations raise even more money for their charities.”

Grissom anticipates the Rolling Hills Foundation will focus most of its grants on community development and education in 2012, with sizable contributions to public safety and health.  “We make an effort to support the programs we believe will make the most long-term impact on our community,” said Grissom.

Christmas was a lot brighter for many families and service organizations thanks to the generosity of Rolling Hills Casino employees who raised over $8,000 for charity through raffles and recycling programs.

An employee raffle raised almost $6,000, while a recycling program organized by Food and Beverage Department employees raised $2,500.  The money raised enabled employees to purchase gifts for needy families and individuals through the NCCS Northern California Catholic Social Services, Glenn County Adopt a Family, and Salvation Army Angel Tree programs.  Employees also donated part of the raffle proceeds to the Corning Christian Assistance, Corning Fire Department, Northern Valley  Catholic Social Services, Alternatives to Violence in Red Bluff, Just for Children in Orland, and the Family Service Agency of Tehama County.

“We have awesome employees, “ said Gretchen Allen, Human Resources Manager for the Casino. According to Allen, community involvement and charitable giving doesn’t’ begin and end with the holiday season. Many casino employees are volunteers for Relay for Life, Expect More Tehama, and other programs dedicated to the health, safety and education of our community.

Just heard that Ronald “Ron” Kuwata of Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino is the recipient of the Northern California PGA President’s Plaque, a coveted award given for exemplary contributions to player development and promotion of the game. Kuwata, a Vietnam Veteran (and whose tenure with the PGA of America extends 26 years), accepted the honor at the Nor Cal PGA Annual Awards Banquet & Membership Meeting held recently at Marin Country Club.

“We are extremely proud to present PGA Section Member Ron Kuwata with the

Presidents Plaque for his enthusiastic efforts in helping grow the game of golf,” said NCPGA Awards Chairperson Cathy Jo Johnson. “Ron and his staff serve as excellent role models for others, not just within our section but throughout the entire country.”

Kuwata’s dedicated efforts in growing the game are based from Sevillano Links. His outreach efforts include junior golf, assisting veterans and golfers with disabilities, plus hosting the nationally-recognized Golf Fore A Cause Clinic that introduces women to the game in a fun and welcoming environment. According to Kuwata, the event also serves as a fundraiser for Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization that helps educate and empower young women.

“I am humbled to receive this award, an honor I share with our entire staff at Sevillano Links,” said PGA Head Golf Professional Ron Kuwata. “Reaching out to the community is a great part of our mission, and we do so by providing quality golf programs for local golfers as well as for our resort stay-and-play guests.”

Kuwata and his team endorse the PGA of America’s Golf 2.o Initiative plus Play Golf America which serves as the umbrella for player development programs year-round. Sevillano Links offerings include Golf Digest’s Free Lesson Month, Family Golf Month, Women’s Golf, and Patriot Golf Day. They have also participated in the Savings Stroke Program (in conjunction with the American Heart Association) and are advocates for community wellness evidenced by their fundraising efforts benefiting Mercy North Foundation and St. Elizabeth Community Hospital.

Ginny Barrett knew immediately where to donate the money when she learned she had won $500 from Rolling Hills Casino to donate to the charity of her choice. Barrett, who is the president of the Corning Rotary, chose the organization’s Dictionary project as recipient of the grant, which she won by participating in the Casino’s Gingerbread House Theme contest.

Barrett proposed “Towns of Tehama County” as the theme for the Casino’s gingerbread project, which each year features gigantic gingerbread structures as the centerpieces. “It would be a huge project that people from all over the county would come to see,” wrote Barrett. Barrett envisioned gingerbread versions of Cone Kimball tower, Maywood Hotel, railroads, and other historical landmarks representing Red Bluff, Corning, Los Molinos, Vina, and Tehama. “Although we didn’t have time to develop the theme for our project this year, we loved the idea and are hoping to use it for next year,” said James Rosenbalm, Executive Chef at Rolling Hills Casino. The Casino’s team of volunteers recently began constructing this year’s project “Around the Christmas Tree,” which will feature a 10-foot tall Gingerbread tree complete with decorations, lights, and a model train. The team plans to post photos on the Casino’s blog and Facebook pages as the project progresses.

“We are very pleased with Ginny’s choice of charity,” said Kate Grissom, Marketing Director for Rolling Hills Casino. “Education is a top-priority for our charitable giving program, and the dictionary project targets youth at an age when enthusiasm for reading is crucial.”

Rolling Hills Casino champions a variety of educational programs in Tehama County including Expect More Tehama, College OPTIONS, SERF, and the Exploring Music program currently piloted at Los Molinos Elementary School. “Studies show that reading by the end of third grade is important for the lifelong success of a child,” said Grissom. “Failure to read proficiently in primary grades is linked to higher rates of school dropout and lower earning potential. Reading literacy not only affects the future of our youth, it is also is crucial for the future of our County, which can only prosper with a highly educated workforce,” she added.

According to Barrett, the Dictionary Project provides dictionaries for every third grader in Tehama County, which the children get to keep. “For some children, it is the first book they ever owned,” said Barrett. “My daughter can’t wait to get her dictionary; according to her it’s a perk to being in the third grade!, said Tori Priest, confirming the benefit of the program.

The Rotary Club of Corning also provides several scholarships for Corning High seniors, and is a supporter of the Boy and Cub Scouts, International Student Exchange, a basketball program, a pedometer project, and the Tucker Mesker Memorial Scholarship Softball Tournament Fundraiser.

The road in front of Rolling Hills Casino has a new name in honor of someone who dedicated his life to making Tehama County a better place for us all. The Tehama County Board of Supervisors unanimously gave its approval to rename the drive after Everett Freeman, who died in November 2010, at the age of 79. The new sign for Everett Freeman Way should be arriving very soon.

Everett, who was chairman of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians when Rolling Hills Casino was planned and built, had a vision for our community that included improved economic development, education, health and safety.  Thanks to this vision, more than 600 people are employed at Rolling Hills Casino, Sevillano Links, and the Rolling Hills Medical and Dental Clinics.  Under Everett’s leadership, the Tribe and Rolling Hills contributed millions of dollars for county improvement projects, hospital equipment, an ambulance, police safety equipment, fire fighting equipment, a ladder truck, and much, much more. Rolling Hills continues to provide community support and is involved in many programs that strive to improve our future.

Before Everett retired, he built roads on Indian reservations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which makes it a very special tribute to have a road named after him.

Continuing Everett’s legacy, Rolling Hills is proud to be a supporter of the Read and Reap Celebration and Library Book Sale at the Tehama County Library as well as the 14^th Annual Orchard Festival at Lassen View School — all on October 15. 

Click here for more information about Expect More Tehama and the Read and Reap celebrationhttp://expectmoretehama.com/?p=181.

To date, the Annual Orchard Festivals have raised $110,500 in scholarships. They’ve been an important resource to sending local youth to college. Help support education by making plans to attend this exciting community event with great food, music, children’s activities, local produce and more! For more information about the festival visit: http://dairyvillefestival.org

After the festival head over to Rolling Hills Casino for a Filet Mignon and shrimp dinner in Timbers Steakhouse for only $18.  If you feel like dancing or listening to some live country music, Buck Ford is playing Saturday night from 9pm to 1am.  Admission is free.

When President John Adams and his family moved to Washington to live in the White House, they got lost in the woods north of the city for several hours. There was no GPS back then or traffic jams. However, it took days to travel relatively short distances. Traveling from Red Bluff to Rolling Hills Casino would have taken hours instead of minutes.

It’s almost inspirational knowing that a President can get lost just like you and I. We all get lost sometimes; it’s the ability to find our way that’s important. Ending up at the right place often takes persistence — and sometimes guts and timing.

Persistence and timing definitely paid off for the first American woman journalist, Anne Royall. She knew President John Quincy Adams regularly swam nude in the Potomac River at 5am. After being refused interviews with Adams many times, she went to the river, gathered his clothes and sat on them until she had her interview. Before this, no female had interviewed a president.

I think it would cause quite an uproar if a President today went skinny dipping in the Potomac. Today’s president would also look silly dressed like George Washington. James Madison was the first president to wear trousers rather than knee breeches. Thanks to Madison, we all look Presidential when we go to the Casino.

James Madison, who is known as the “Father of our Constitution,” proved you don’t need to be big to be mighty. He was the shortest and lightest president at 5 feet, 4 inches and about 100 pounds. You also don’t need to be big to be lucky.

If you are President, a little luck doesn’t hurt. Andrew Jackson was probably the luckiest president when a house painter fired a gun at him. When the gun misfired, the painter drew a second gun and it misfired as well.

You don’t have to be lucky or successful to be Presidential material. President Abraham Lincoln failed as a business man, failed as a farmer, failed in his first attempt to obtain political office, failed when he sought the office of speaker, failed in his first attempt to go to Congress, failed when he sought the appointment to the United States Land Office, failed when he ran for the United States Senate, and he failed when friends sought for him the nomination for the vice-presidency in 1856. The day he was assassinated definitely was not his lucky day.

As unlucky and unsuccessful as President Lincoln was at so many things, he teaches us we don’t have to be successful at everything to achieve greatness. The important thing is to keep trying.

It’s also important to keep learning, and not let what we don’t know now stop us from achieving great things. Andrew Johnson learned to read and write when he was an adult. His wife taught him.

Presidents weren’t always Presidents. President Ford once worked as a fashion model, Ronald Reagan acted in 53 films, and Jimmy Carter studied nuclear physicist. They made career path decisions that changed not only their lives, but also history.

Career isn’t everything. Harry Truman use to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning to practice the piano for two hours, even while he was President. Many of our Presidents are avid golfers, and would love to play at Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills. It’s Ok to have fun.

Did you know that OK is a presidential word? President Van Buren who was raised in Kinderhook, New York. After he went into politics, Van Buren became known as “Old Kinderhook.” Soon people were using the term O.K. referring to Van Buren and the word “okay” was derived.

It’s not an easy job to be President of the United States. They make tough decisions every day to protect our personal and economic freedoms and keep our nation strong. From Washington to Obama, we owe them a day of tribute. Perhaps the biggest tribute is celebrating freedoms by doing things we love to do, such as playing golf, shopping, or visiting Rolling Hills Casino.