CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Like Jack and Jill, Richard and Sue Joy Bristow walked up the hill on Deodar Street daily. Hand-in-hand, they strode down Landis, Marshall, Stanley and California Avenues on a daily journey. I recently pulled over and offered my friends a ride home. “No thanks,” they laughed. “Hiking around together is something we love.”

Their kids had moved away. Jack and Jill were now an energetic Derby and Joan partnership, enjoying a retirement that was a series of outdoorsy adventures. In their private aircraft, they buzzed away to famous air shows and aviation museums. “Richard and Sue Joy were always taking off somewhere,” observed a neighbor. On a sunny day last month, the Bristows (both 67) took off and never came back. Their aircraft plummeted after takeoff from Petaluma Airport, Sonoma County.

“Dad had piloted that plane thousands of times,” attests his son Bobby (36). “We’d all flown across country with him and we know how careful he was. We can’t imagine the accident was caused by anything other than major mechanical failure.” While still under investigation, the event is an undisputed community tragedy. Nearly 500 relatives, friends and members of Sacramento’s real estate fraternity attended the memorial event at Bayside Adventure Church, Roseville. Afterwards we witnessed a four-plane flyover in “missing man” formation. Glancing from the sky in tears, the couple’s son Bobby stated simply: “Mom and dad would have liked that.”

Richard and Sue Joy Bristow were high-flying adventurers. Richard earned his pilot’s license while at high school and flew for more than 50 years. As hobby, the real estate broker worked on aircraft with the same precision as he constructed huge-scale locomotives and restored antique clocks.  In the Bristow house, miniature trains run room-to-room at ceiling level. Model aircraft are suspended from the beams. Son Bobby inherited dad’s technical genius and together they created an electronic sound-and-light show that annually choked their cul-de-sac with Christmas crowds. This began when Bobby set out to give dad a special Christmas during his recovery from cancer. With food donations from visitors, the show reinforced the family’s ethic of giving back.

Their bigger donations were less razzle-dazzle but more life-changing. Richard and Sue Joy supported the Kiwanis Family House in Sacramento and an organization called Angel Flight, whose volunteers fly patients for medical treatment. The effort avoids the need for exhausting and costly car journeys. Pilots like to absorb all flight expenses and, in many years with the service, Richard Bristow flew hundreds of missions.  “I look for ways to be constructive and help others,” he said. “When people ask what I’m doing next day, it’s great to say I’m flying a cancer patient to treatment. You feel good about flying and good about the day.”

The Bristows also boosted the Experimental Aircraft Association and its Young Eagles program that introduces young people to aviation. With a network of volunteer pilots, the group has given more than two million kids a first free flight. “Dad had loved flight since he was a little boy,” explains daughter Heatherlee (46). “He wanted kids to share the opportunities he had. Through the years, he inspired several to follow their dreams into aviation careers.” After the Bristows’ deaths, the EAA announced plans to initiate a training scholarship in their name.

Sharing spilled into Bristow’s professional life. In a long history with Coldwell Banker, the broker was a friend to clients and colleagues. “So many of us learned from Richard,” says former co-worker Ron Greenwood. “He never let his competitive spirit impede what was best for a client or a fellow agent. He gave me a nugget of wisdom: never count your money before a deal is closed. A successful deal was something a realtor must carefully tend till the very end.”

The realtor’s 40-year companion was artistic, vivacious Sue Joy. She worked in a medical office before marrying Bristow and becoming a full-time mom. “They had the best marriage you could hope for,” said daughter Jennifer (45). “Even after 40 years together, mom was always excited about going on a date with dad.”

Sue Joy Lynn and her family had moved west from Missouri in the 1950s, settling a block from the Bristow’s Arden Park home. Though at elementary, middle and high schools together -- and though their families were friendly -- Richard and Sue Joy barely made eye contact. Each had early marriages and a daughter a piece before rediscovering each other in 1978.  Recalls daughter Heatherlee: “Mom fell in love with a chicken and rice dish dad made.  They had daughters almost the same age and we all started bike-riding and picnicking like a family. It wasn’t long before dad swept mom away to the Golden Gate Bridge and proposed. From sharing a burger to cycling the 237-mile Katy Trail (Missouri), they relished every moment they had together.”

Their final adventure was a day excursion to share a burger lunch in Petaluma.  The couple was excited about an upcoming trip to the Cayman Islands that would mark their 40^th wedding anniversary. The much-anticipated date fell a day after Richard and Sue Joy’s memorial. “I take solace in the fact that they made their final journey together,” says son Bobby.

“Mom and dad told us diving in the Caymans was heavenly,” ponders daughter Heatherlee.  “I believe heaven the most beautiful place you could ever imagine. I like to think of what happened to them was just an upgrade in their plans.”

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Business folk were toast of the town when the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and Carmichael Times hosted a “Best of Carmichael” awards gala last week. Winners were decided by online vote and received proclamations from Congressman Ami Bera, Senator Jim Nielson, Assemblyman Ken Cooley and Sacramento County Supervisor Susan Peters.

Thirty-one contested categories included professional services, supermarkets, restaurants, fitness centers, non-profits – and dozens more entities that make Carmichael a business and residential hub. Dominating winners, the Carmichael Kiwanis Club took dual awards for best service group and for hosting the popular Taste of Carmichael Event. Rey Azteca Taqueria gained distinction as best restaurant and the River City Brewery took kudos for preferred pub. Ancil Hoffman Park was this year voted tops for recreation and the La Sierra Center (Carmichael Park District) scored as best community facility. The best grocery store award went to Bel Air #511. Best Automotive Service – American Eagle Auto Body – took an additional award as the business that won the most votes overall.

Now in its second year, the competition has gathered steam; 600 more voters than in 2017 participated and 150 guests enjoyed the celebration gala. A fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, the event included a dessert auction with tempting treats bespoke from local bakeries and restaurants. In the Milagro Centre’s ballroom, Carmichael’s business community ate, drank and was exceedingly merry.

Below are 2018 winners:

Best Restaurant – Rey Azteca Taqueria Restaurant.

Best Fast Food – Roxie’s Deli & BBQ.

Best Pizza Restaurant – Mark & Monica’s Pizza.

Best Coffee Shop – Starbuck’s Manzanita.

Best Pub/Bar – River City Brewing Company.

Best Yogurt Shop – Crazy 4 Yogurt.

Best Grocery Store/Market – Bel Air #511 Carmichael.

Best Community Center – La Sierra Community Center.

Best Recreation/Entertainment – Ancil Hoffman Park.

Best School – Options for Youth.

Best Dental Office – Gabrielle Rasi, DDS.

Best Medical Doctor – Camellia Women’s Health.

Best Hospital – Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

Best Pet Services/Store – All Stage Canine Development, Inc.

Best Senior Living – Oakmont of Carmichael.

Best Veterinarian – Blue Cross Pet Hospital.

Best Salon/Beauty – Portfolio Image Skin Care.

Best Bridal Shop – Bride to Be Couture.

Best Automotive Service – American Eagle Auto Body.

Best Health/Fitness Spot – California Family Fitness.

Best Real Estate Office/Realtor – Coldwell Banker – Craig Diez.

Best Bank/Credit Union – Golden 1 Credit Union.

Best Accounting & Tax Service – Biegler CPA, Inc.

Best Photographer – Susan Maxwell Skinner.

Best Lawyer/Legal Service – MacFarlane Legal, Inc.

Best Insurance Service – Farmers Insurance – Katie Pexa Insurance Agency.

Best Funeral Home/Service (tied) -- Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary;

Lind Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

Best Resident/Commercial Contractor – E.S.L. Construction.

Best Service Club/Community Club – Kiwanis Club of Carmichael.

Best Church – Our Lady of Assumption.

Best Event of the Year – Taste of Carmichael.

Event sponsors included Advanced Home Health & Hospice & Affiliates; the Milagro Centre; SMUD; Trillium Real Estate; Arden Hills Resort; Atria Carmichael Oaks, Carmichael Times; Dignity Health Mercy San Juan Medical Center; Western Health Advantage; Armor Mimi Storage; Dr Gabrielle Rasi DDS; Battery Bill; Christ Community Church; Eskaton Village Carmichael; Farmers Insurance Kate Pexa Agency.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Folsom Bass Team took on the Delta waters on a perfect spring day for a fishing tournament. Boats were launched and fish were weighed in at the Delta Loop’s B&W Resort for the team’s May tournament.

Jerry Lawler and Marshal Smith took home first place honors with a big fish of 7.27 pounds and a total weight of 22.03 pounds.

Tom Manley and Michael Allen placed in second with a big fish of 5.40 pounds and a total of 19.96. Allen credited Manley for his familiarity with the waters. “He took us to the right spot,” said Allen.

Mike Bugliarello and Gabe Luna finished in third place with a total of 15.99 pounds, but it was Bugliarello’s 9.09 pounder that took top big fish honors.

Overall, the 19 boats and 38 fishermen caught 88 fish combining for 207.25 pounds on the day, averaging 2.36 pounds per fish.

Ryan McGinnis currently ranks atop the team’s Angler of the Year standings, followed by Pat Rounds and Mike Bugliarello. With their second place finish, Michael Allen and Tom Manley have moved into the top 10 overall and now rank eighth and tenth place, respectively.

“The Folsom Bass Team started in 1988 as a group of Folsom prison guards who had a passion for bass fishing. In fact, the club meetings used to be held at the prison itself,” according to the team’s mission statement. “Since its humble beginnings the membership has grown and we now have members of all skill level and age. FBT’s mission is to provide its members opportunities to learn about bass fishing in our local area through monthly meetings and tournaments. We emphasize the camaraderie and fun that comes from the sport of bass fishing.”

Now in its 30^th year, the team has seen a lot of faces come and go throughout the decades, but one thing remains the same – no one reveals any secrets. “We were all tight lipped back then,” said Kris Sisto, an original member and former correctional officer himself. “Now, everybody lies.”

The team’s next tournament is a two day event on June 2 and 3 at Lake Shasta’s Bridge Bay.

For more information visit www.folsombassteam.com.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - On a sunny day in 1981, I watched Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. Their son Prince Harry was also blessed with a sunny wedding day. There the similarities ended. Thirty-seven years have passed, and times sure have changed.

Little boys when I last saw them, bridegroom Harry and brother William now parade balding Windsor pates. Two of William’s children were among bride Meghan Markle’s junior attendants. Kate Middleton’s middle-class family exuded more allure than their royal in-laws and celebrity wedding guests garnered more attention than anyone. Even the nuptial soprano claimed meeting George Clooney was the best part of her day.

With a showbiz bride at the altar, Hollywood did indeed meet Holyrood. But what really defined this event was an unapologetic decree that multi-culturalism rules in a marriage that represents the state of Britain’s Commonwealth. Stunning in Givenchy, a mixed-race bride strode the aisle alone. She was not property to be given away. She took her father-in-law’s arm for a few final steps, allowing the stunning symbolism of a future king’s blessing. The word “obey” was absent from her vows.

You begin as you mean to continue. This wedding indicates a non-negotiable path for a modern duke and duchess and an apparently accepting royal family.

Meghan’s path to a splendid marriage was strewn with carpet tacks rather than rose petals. She hails from a crisis-prone clan. She’s American and divorced. If this was enough to rule out Wallace Simpson as a royal bride in 1936, family baggage is now more common than coronets among Windsor ranks. She might be an actress but the happiness she has brought to the Queen’s once-troubled grandson is no act – Harry’s wedding day tears were real. Moreover, the bride promises to be a stunning weapon for Windsor popularity. The arcane tradition of divine right survives only through adaptability and the new duke and duchess will help make royalty relevant to millions.  As an actress, Meghan will smile and charm her way through a life-sentence of tedium; as humanitarians who bring attention and energy to good causes, she and her besotted husband will be fantastic ambassadors for the Windsor “Firm.”

Thirty-seven years ago, no one could have told me Elizabeth II would hear a pulpit-thumping sermon steal her Archbishop of Canterbury’s thunder; that her grandson would exit his wedding to gospel anthems and ululations from Middle Eastern fans. But she is wise to endure Meg and Harry’s conquest. She accepts that millions will embrace the cosmopolitan couple like rock stars. Their children will endear royalty to future generations of her multicultural Commonwealth. Best yet, the Sussexes are too distant to the throne to threaten succession!

So, Meaghan may borrow Queen Mary’s tiara any time she likes. The Windsors will bend over en arrière to avoid mistakes that alienated a previous people’s princess. In his address, Episcopalian Bishop Michael Curry contended love was a fire – if harnessed – that could change the world. If the Sussex marriage is good, Meghan and Harry’s love might just do that. Wish them well.