CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - In this world of text messaging and self-checkout lanes, face-to-face interactions still go a long way. Just ask Laura Winston, who works at the Carmichael Post Office. Through the completion of her daily job combined with a friendly attitude, Winston was awarded a commendation from the postal service last year and continues to win over her customers.

Rae Cavana, who has held the same P.O. box for 35 years at the Carmichael Post Office, is well acquainted with many of the employees at that location. Last year, coming off of a major surgery, Cavana stopped into the post office to retrieve a month’s worth of mail she was unable to get due to her health issues. Knowing her physical limitations post-op, she did not bring her P.O box key, as she would be unable to reach the box. Instead, she asked the postal worker behind the counter to retrieve the mail for her.

“The postal worker at the counter did not recognize me,” Cavana said, “nor would she vouch for my identity when I requested she try to do so. I asked for supervisory staff, and a superior responded the same way.”

After being told she would be unable to retrieve her mail without paying a $14.00 key replacement fee, she began to experience significant physical pain and was about to give up on getting her mail through any help from the workers. Then, Laura Winston stepped in from the neighboring counter.

“She said, ‘Rae, I’ve got your mail for you,” Cavana recalls, “She gently instructed me to meet her at my box. I was rejuvenated by this hopeful interaction.”

So rejuvenated, in fact, that Cavana went on to write an email to the United States Postmaster General, the highest postal authority in the country. When she only received a form response from a Postmaster admin, she tried again – this time locally. In August of 2022, Winston received a Certificate of Appreciation from the local division of the Post Office.

With an email acknowledgement from the Postmaster General’s office and a regional award under her belt, Laura Winston continues to work at the Carmichael Post Office a year later, greeting customers with her friendly and helpful demeanor.

When asked about last summer’s interaction with Cavana, Winston recalls it well, “She always comes in with a smile and a story to tell. She lightens up the day. This particular day she was not smiling or talking much, and I could tell she was not feeling well. I just wanted to help make her day a little better and was just being nice like usual. I take pride in taking care of my customers.”

Winston has worked for the postal service for seven years and plans to stick around for many years to come.

“Working with the general public can be difficult but it’s not difficult to just be nice,” Winston said, “You never know anyone’s story and why they’re having a hard day. I’ve heard many customers tell me that I helped make their day just a little better. It feels good for people to come in the post office waiting to see their favorite clerk.”

Next time you are inside of the Carmichael Post Office and you see Laura Winston or one of her co-workers, consider remembering Rae Cavana’s story and greet these hard workers with a smile.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Lil’ Bits Microgreens, a new Citrus Heights small business local food startup farm is delivering four varieties of fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens to their customers’ doorsteps.

Owners Brice and Lorena Baxter started their business in January 2023 by offering four varieties of nutrient-dense microgreens originally by referral through their friends and through social media.

Business has “grown” steadily with delivery to a customer base in Fair Oaks, Orangevale, Citrus Heights, Roseville, Folsom, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Rancho Cordova, and Gold River. The couple is now looking to reach out to attract the commercial market, marketing their microgreens to local restaurants and grocers in the area.

“Microgreens are the earliest stage of a vegetable plant’s development, after the sprouting stage,” Baxter said. “They are “living foods,” and purposefully utilized in their most nutritious and delicious state where their nutrient content is more concentrated.”

Product choices of 60g of broccoli, 100g of sunflower, 100g of peas and 75g of crunchy mix cost $6 each and are delivered in individually sealable containers.

“Our business name, Lil' Bits Microgreens not only represents our products but also embodies our passion for making nutrition accessible and enjoyable for everyone in our community,” Baxter said. “Just like tiny, vibrant puzzle pieces, our microgreens contain an abundance of nutrition that form an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.”

Customers select the type and quantity of microgreen they wish to order and provide their contact information. The couple then promptly responds by email to arrange terms payment and time of delivery.

“In that way, we can get started on growing each customer’s special order, so it’s ready, when you’re ready, she said. Single orders without a weekly subscription can also be placed. All orders over $20 get free delivery.

“As avid proponents of health and wellness, our journey into the world of microgreens began with a unique combination of backgrounds in economics, nursing, and senior care,” Baxter said.

“We witnessed the transformative power of raw vegetables on the health of seniors, and we were inspired to take action and create a business that could positively impact the well-being of our local community.”

Researchers say a diet which includes nutrient-dense microgreens can help boost your immune system, lower inflammation, and improve gut health.

“We specialize in growing four varieties of nutrient-dense microgreens,” he said. All four can be used in salads, sandwiches and wraps, soups, smoothies and juices. “We also encourage our customers to get creative and experiment with microgreens which can add much flavor, texture, and color to any meal.”

“Prior to starting our business, we observed a remarkable trend: that many seniors experienced improved health outcomes and reduced dependency on medications by incorporating raw vegetables into their diets,” he said.

When they also became new parents themselves, the Baxters said they took notice as how their toddler and other children readily took to microgreens when they were given an early introduction to them.

“We believed that by making these nutritious gems more accessible to the public, we could help support parents in providing wholesome and delicious food options for their families,” Baxter said.

The couple’s business goal, is to provide more than just a product; but to “strive to deliver nourishment, health, and vitality in every bite.”

“We envisioned our microgreens as nature’s “Lil’ Bits” of goodness, offering a powerhouse of nutrients in each delightful package,” Lorena Baxter said.

Their tiny greens may appear diminutive, but they pack an important punch when it comes to essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, the couple believes.

“And just like the smallest pieces of a puzzle are vital to completing the picture, so too are our “Lil’ Bits” crucial in building a strong foundation of health,” he said.

“With each harvest, we aim to spread health, happiness, and a sense of unity, one ‘Lil’ Bit’ at a time.”

Lil Bits Microgreens is active on social media including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Orders can be placed by email at: support@lilbitsmicrogreens.com

For more information, or to place a trial order for your own “Lil’ Bit”, call (916) 545-1123, or visit: lilbitsmicrogreens.com

SANTA CLARA, CA (MPG) - The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile from the City of Saratoga. Katherine Schneider was last seen leaving her residence on July 5, 2023 driving a white 2019 Honda Accord (CA License Plate #8KLK251) with tinted windows. Katherine is described as a 17 – year-old white female juvenile, with straight blonde mid-back-length hair, and blue eyes. Katherine is approximately 5’05” in height and weighs approximately 115 pounds. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at (408) 808-4500. Alternatively, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services anonymous tip line at phone number (408) 808-4431, or email: PIO@shf.sccgov.org

Prepared By: Deputy Felicia Segura Date / Time Prepared: 08/02/2023 @ 0820

Approved By: Undersheriff Ken Binder Date / Time Approved: 08/02/2022 @ 0852