August is a month that is full-summer, full of fun, but also a reminder that yes, fall is around the corner. School starts on Tuesday August 13th, effectively the end of summer for most families. Still, the weather is great and beckons us to get outdoors, to camp, go to the beach, enjoy barbeque with friends and indulge in any and all summer activities that we can still fit in.
With the idea of enjoying what’s left of summer, you may enjoy the article “A Walk in the Woods,” by Jean Purnell. She writes about artist Kathleen Gadway whose paintings take us into the woods of Amador County, a serene and lovely walk without leaving Benicia. She shares “featured artist” status with mixed media artist Toby Tover at Gallery 621. Their exhibition, Coloring August, runs through September 1.
More interested in the ocean? Are you a fan of Shark Week? Take a look at Cooper Mickelson’s review of the book Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham. This fascinating book is about a young black scientist who fell in love with the whole shark family and her struggle to become a marine biologist in a white male dominated field. To help others like her, she cofounded Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for young women of color pursuing marine studies. She wrote her
hilarious memoir, Sharks Don't Sink, which truly feels like an important part of Shark Week.
August is a lively month on First Street. Music around every corner, great food and new items in the retail shops and galleries. Take a stroll and enjoy, sip, eat, or simply sit and people watch. A perfect place to people watch? Mare Island Brewing Co’s location in Benicia: the First Street Taphouse. MIBC is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will be celebrating at all locations. Remember, every time you spend at one of our local shops or restaurants, you help First Street and you help Benicia. Please take a look at the second article in a series of articles about Boosting Business in Benicia, this time looking at Downtown Benicia Business Alliance.
With the end of summer, it’s time to prepare for the school year. Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D, has written about how to help your student establish a positive mindset for the
school year. She notes that emotional experiences that a student may bring to school can be a barrier to that student’s success. She gives us pointers on how to prepare our students for a great education experience. In alignment with Dr. Moss’s article is Alexa Manning’s article about Supporting our Students. She emphasizes Outdoor Learning, Social Emotional Support and Organization. Alexa, who has been on staff with Benicia Magazine for the last year is leaving us to complete her education at the University of Exeter. We will miss her and we wish her well! Finally, don’t forget: Porchfest Benicia is right around the corner! We hope to see you downtown enjoying this unique, free music festival that we’ve put together for Benicia on September 21st! Buy VIP tickets, volunteer, and find out more at porchfest-benicia.com. B
n Jean Purnell
A WALK IN THE WOODS THE ART OF KATHLEEN GADWAY
“My dad was the person who taught me to slow down and walk in the woods, and look at everything around me. He was quite the outdoorsman and I think my love of nature comes from him,” shared plein air and studio painter Kathleen Gadway, as she talked about the inspiration for her art, on display at Gallery 621 in Benicia. Gadway shares featured artist status during the month of August with mixed media artist Toby Tover. Their exhibition, Coloring August, runs through September 1. Gadway’s work will include landscapes inspired by walks in the woods near the rustic cabin she owns with husband Marcell, near Volcano, in Amador County, and also studio work.
“My father worked long hours but had Sundays off, and he would take me and my siblings for a walk in the woods on Sunday afternoons.” Born in Massachusetts, Kathleen was the second of six children. She started plein air painting around the age of ten. Her mother was a nurse who enjoyed art and made sure that her kids had art lessons. They attended summer art classes once a week, painting for several hours in a local park. Her siblings took the class only one summer, but Kathleen kept at it. “We didn’t have fancy easels or anything. We sat on the ground. I had a box with my oil paints, and my brothers had theirs in a paper bag.”
She graduated from Massachusetts College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, followed by a teaching credential from Brandeis. After teaching a few years, she moved to California in 1981 to get a Master of Fine Arts degree from the California College of Arts and Crafts. “I loved the school. I was in the sculpture department and studied with Dennis Leon and Bella Feldman.”
Healthier than she had been on the East Coast, she stayed in California. She worked in advertising design for several years and started her own company. Eventually she returned to teaching and was an elementary classroom teacher and language specialist in Vallejo and then Berkeley, where she lived for many years.
“After I retired, I started going to Italy for a summer program run by Israel Hershberg, an Israeli American artist, who teaches a master class painting outdoors. People come from all over the world to paint with him and live in Civita Castellana, a little town outside Rome. You paint every day, and then have serious, harsh critiques,” she laughs. “And I learned so much. There were other visiting artists each year that you could also watch and learn from.”
Kathleen considers Dean Fisher an influential teacher, with whom she has studied regionally, online, and in Europe. She also became a member of Da Group, local plein air painters who regularly painted
in different locales each week. “They had a huge influence on me, especially Nikki Basch Davis and Jerrold Turner. The group introduced me to so many local painters and provided an opportunity to go out painting on a regular basis.”
Gadway's first gallery was Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek, where she is still a member. She exhibited at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery for two years before joining Gallery 621. Her painting evolved, and she wanted to show more types of work.
“The most important element of painting for me is color, with composition second. I find I spend more time mixing color than doing anything else. I tend to go with a limited palette, so I spend time deciding which blue, and which yellow are right for this painting. I try not to use a hundred colors and I think the whole painting is more harmonious that way.
“I have a painting I’m calling The Two Sisters; two spray bottles sitting on a table in my studio window. It’s a mundane subject, but it becomes an excuse to paint color and light, as it hits the bottles in the window.” The window series started two winters ago when it rained so much that she couldn't go out. “Once I started doing it, I really loved it. I love a grid. I like strong lines. Looking through a window became fascinating to me, a view that I’d looked at for years, but never paid any attention to.”
In addition to hiking, Kathleen likes to garden. “My best crop is always Swiss chard. It grows like crazy, which is lucky, because it's really good for you.” She currently lives in El Cerrito and does not mind commuting to Benicia. “There aren’t many towns like it with this emphasis on art. Benicia is a very special place.”
shopping guide
shop first street first
next up - more gifts plus art galleries and dÉcor
n Alexa Manning
g ift shops
Le Sparkly Chateau
Happy Life Pottery
Bookshop Benicia (also: cards!)
The Little Art Shop
Succulents and more
Fabulous Finds
Angel Heart 4 You
The Filling Station
Roberto’s Fine Jewelry
Cartel Crystals
Zeppelin Comics
Two Days Jewelry
Golden Horseshoe Antiques
art galleries
Well known as an art destination, Benicia hosts a plethora of galleries on First Street and the Historic Arsenal.
First Street Galleries:
Benicia Plein Air Gallery
Celestial Art Gallery
Denton Design Studios
Estey Gallery
Gallery 621
Happy Life Pottery
HQ Gallery
NY2CA Gallery
The Little Art Shop
Arsenal Galleries:
Arts Benicia
Benicia Arsenal Artists' Galleries
dÉcor and furniture
downtown benicia business alliance
n Mary Hand
The Downtown Benicia Business Alliance is a partnership of businesses that promotes common interests and improves advocacy for our downtown.
The downtown area for any city or town is the hub of the community. For Benicia, that area is First Street. Not only a street with shops, galleries and restaurants, but a street steeped in charm and history. The Downtown Benicia Business Alliance has been instrumental in the promotion and beautification of our downtown.
Prior to 2017, First Street at night was a dark and somewhat uninviting street for an evening stroll. Shops and galleries closed early and restaurants and bars were the only destination, and there were not a lot of them.
After researching ways to make downtown areas more inviting, The Downtown Benicia Business Alliance hit on the idea of lighting First Street with tiny white lights in the trees that line First Street. To fund the cost of the lights, the Alliance renewed the Benicia Business Improvement District (BBID) which allowed the Alliance to access funds to Illuminate First Street. The program was successful and the lights went up in late 2017. What a difference! The lights made every business more charming and every restaurant or bar more inviting. The street changed from dark and dreary to welcoming with this one improvement.
The Alliance is committed to advocating Downtown Benicia and promoting downtown business. Included in their advocacy are:
From house-warming gifts to personal touches in your own home, you can find it all downtown. Succulents & More, Daughter of Luna, and Aquarian Plants each offer unique collections of flowers, plants, and their associated accessories. Great decor can be found at Le Sparkly Chateau and Fabulous Finds while larger furniture is available at The Teak Man and Vintage Owl. Although not on First Street, don’t miss Ironhorse Home furnishing in the arsenal for an extensive array of fine furnishing at a reasonable price. You can even find something for your pets if you stop by Pups N Purrz! B
1. Installation and maintenance for tree lighting.
2. Lobbying for First Street improvements, i.e. green zone enforcement, parking, traffic concerns and public safety.
3. Enhancing ambiance and vibrancy to create a dining and shopping experience designed to increase commercial activity in Downtown. B
around town | Community
n Dr. Gethesemane Moss, Ed.D
As we approach the end of summer, it's time to prepare for the start of a new school year. For many students, this can mean adjusting to a new schedule, new teachers, and possibly a new community and school district. While some students have smoothly navigated the school system, it may have been challenging for others. Parents often devote considerable time to ensuring their children have a positive academic experience, setting them up for success in attending four-year colleges, whether through scholarships, savings funds, or other means. Be mindful that some families face financial difficulties, making it a struggle to provide basic needs like backpacks and supplies, food, and shelter. As a result, some students may find themselves without a stable place to live, technically classified as homeless to school reporting systems. Educators are constantly able to adjust accordingly based on the needs of students and families and address learning loss that often happens during summer recess. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can usually be an impactful barrier to learning as well; however, with all of the research now available, successful partnerships are in place to assist in student success and well-being, and one of the most significant partnerships is parents and teachers.
Research indicates that students can experience learning loss during the summer break if they aren't engaged in some learning activity. Although some students attend summer school due to academic requirements, it still presents an opportunity to maintain and reinforce all students’ learning. Programs such as summer camps that incorporate educational components can have a positive impact on students. Research suggests students should engage in at least three hours of academic instruction per day for at least five weeks during the summer. This may compound the setbacks that students experienced during the pandemic's impact. Unfortunately, students from low-income backgrounds and students of color, Black and Latino students, saw a significant decline in test scores during this time.
Transitioning into a new school year can be exciting yet anxious for students, particularly those moving from elementary to middle or middle to high school. Therefore, students' well-being must remain a top priority. Keeping lines of communication open, though seemingly cliché, can yield positive outcomes for everyone involved in student success. Parents can stay engaged with their children's teachers by initiating contact on the first day of school and maintaining consistent communication throughout the academic year. By keeping the lines of communication open, there shouldn't be
any surprises when progress reports or report cards are issued. Never hesitate to contact your students' teachers. Develop a plan and communication system that works for you and your schedule. While it is incredibly challenging for working and single parents, developing a form of engagement is vital. Being the example shows your student that their learning journey is essential. It also shows students how to advocate for themselves and to embrace their personal and educational journeys. Ask about homework policies and how students can make up any missed work. Make a list of the things necessary to you as a parent and provide insights and critical background information to assist your child in the learning process. Be mindful that students come to school carrying emotional experiences that may not be visible and can become a barrier to their success if not addressed appropriately.
Teachers are often assigned to specific grade levels, while students come in with differing academic abilities. Some are at grade level, while others may be above or below it. Nonetheless, the expectation is that students will progress throughout the year and be ready to advance to the next level by the year’s end. Parents have an opportunity to discover available resources to support their children's academic goals, such as utilizing free educational platforms like Khan Academy and local libraries.
Middle school years serve as an opportunity for students to explore their interests. In Solano County, many vocational and technical trades are available for students. For students aspiring to attend college or learn a trade, this is a prime time to explore the expectations and requirements for potential colleges and trades, including understanding the necessary grades, test scores, and prerequisites for admission.
Finally, establishing positive partnerships between parents and schools should be a primary focus, as students need support and the assurance of feeling supported, similar to any other meaningful relationship. B
n Alexa Manning
I remember the excitement I felt as an early-elementary school student when it came time to go back to school. I started out at an alternative charter school nestled deep in the Redwood Forest. Recess among the trees, intimate classroom settings, and sensory activities made school feel exciting as I stumbled upon one discovery after another. Everything changed when I transitioned to public school. As I waded deeper into traditional learning, Back to School became something I dreaded.
I have been a tutor in the Benicia community for over a year now and have seen first-hand how Benicia’s students
"At home, doing homework outdoors in the backyard—or another favorite spot—may help your student focus and retain the information that they’re learning. "
OUTDOOR LEARNING
Spending time in nature has been proven to have incredible health benefits. In addition to improving mental health and boosting creativity, a study in Sage Journal found that learning outdoors—in nature—can improve students’ short term memory retention. This is because the interruptions by a breeze or bird flying past evoke a “modest” reaction from students rather than the more dramatic interruptions found in an urban setting.
This means that studying outdoors provides a non-intrusive backdrop that allows the learning materials to sink in. But, this could provide a challenge for traditional classroom teachers. At home, doing homework outdoors in the backyard—or another favorite spot—may help your student focus and retain the information that they’re learning.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the development of social behaviors and skills. There are 5 pillars: selfawareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Students are better able to cope with challenges, make informed decisions, and work collaboratively; this means that SEL is an incredible tool for academic success.
But how do you support this at home? Start slow by helping your student—of any age—name their emotions. Being able to explain what you are feeling and why is an incredible skill that translates into every aspect of life. Ask them deeper questions to show them that you’re interested in their lives, but also to model compassion for your student to replicate. For example, instead of just asking what your student learned that day, or if they have finished their homework, you could ask them how they feel about what they learned. Was it interesting? Did it remind you of anything in your life, or something else you know about?
To learn more about SEL, you can visit CASEL. org and read about the research and more ways to implement it at home.
ORGANIZATION
Often, students in elementary school are provided with organization tools. When they graduate to middle and high school, a varied schedule with six different teachers can be extremely overwhelming. It doesn’t help that the same tools for organization are no longer provided. A great way to help your student be successful in the new school year is to find an organizational system that works for them. You can start by asking which tools have been the most helpful in the past.
As the coursework becomes more demanding, using a planner is a tried and true method for keeping track of deadlines. As a tutor, I often help my students fill in their planners for their parents to check throughout the week. This way, the student knows that they will be held accountable, which curbs excessive procrastination.
But, of course, physical organization is usually the biggest challenge. Whether it’s binders and/ or folders, or helping your student go through their backpack every Sunday evening, keeping papers and resources organized will be the key to a successful academic year. B
BENICIA PEDDLERS FAIR
n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D
Save the Date! On Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Benicia Peddlers Fair returns to downtown Benicia offering 330 antique and collectible dealers who have gathered to offer their unique wares, encompassing 11 blocks of First Street. This annual event, a Mecca for treasure hunters, is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
The Peddlers Fair has a long and colorful history. The fair was first held in 1963 with a handful of vendors offering a modest display of heirloom items, art, and antiques outside St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. This inauspicious beginning has evolved to a full-day antiques and collectibles fair that attracts thousands of shoppers and collectors to Benicia every August. The items offered include jewelry, clocks, vintage textiles, depression glass, period furniture, bric-a-brac, vintage clothing and hats, paintings, prints, antiques, statuary, and so much more. The simple beginning of the Peddlers Fair has morphed into a daylong treasure seeker’s nirvana.
Saturday, August 10
The stately and historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in the heart of Benicia, was established in 1855, and built by Scandinavian shipwrights from the Pacific Mail and Steamship Company. The church has a unique ceiling that resembles an inverted ship’s hull, and is similar to Norwegian Staves Churches. This reflects the nautical heritage of the builders as well as acknowledging the strong connection between the city of Benicia and its critical role as a port on the Carquinez Strait. St. Paul’s has had a long relationship with the city of Benicia, and has played an active role of service as the fortunes of the city waxed, waned and waxed again.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church established the annual Peddlers Fair in 1963 as a fundraiser to help maintain the unique and historic 165 year old wooden structure. The church has had many additions, upgrades and physical improvements done over the years, and the funds generated by the Peddlers Fair help keep the building and grounds in good repair. St. Paul’s also uses the funds in other ways besides building maintenance. A full 10% of the proceeds from the Peddlers Fair goes to local Benicia charities, a sort of tithe that the church pays to the community. Interestingly enough, the Peddlers Fair was canceled only once, in 2020 because of the pandemic. Fortunately, attendance at the event has rebounded and residents and visitors alike are happy to enjoy shopping as they stroll among the stalls.
Logistics for the Peddlers Fair is simple. Starting time is 8am on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Street parking is available on side streets. Restaurants and stands that offer coffee and breakfast will be open. After the day heats up and you need to rest, many dining establishments will be offering lunch, cold drinks, and stronger libations. The day wraps up at 5pm. Make plans to attend because, after all, you never know what you might find at Benicia’s Peddlers Fair. B
Bookshop Benicia began when Christine Mayall opened its doors in 1993. As the daughter of a bookstore owner, her taste and experience made her the perfect woman for the job. But the “job” is so much more than just selling books—it is forging personal connections, building community, and engaging in activism. Perhaps, most importantly, owning a bookstore means supporting the literacy of Benicia’s youth.
Long-time residents may remember back when Bookshop Benicia was housed in Southampton Shopping Center. It was a big store with a large staff and complete with a children’s play area. Since 2012, however, Bookshop Benicia has been a fixture of First Street. Welcoming windows of books, baby onesies, greeting cards, and twinkle lights invite you in for a look at the shelves.
Mayall’s connections with other business owners means that closed shops still live on. Old favorites, like Frasier Fir from Romancing the Home, are still available at Bookshop Benicia.
Bookshop Benicia supports Benicia’s youngest readers in collaboration with Another Chapter. This non-profit promotes literacy in Solano County with the gift of reading. Free books are given out to readers, and families, in need. Bookshop Benicia is one of the bookstores that helps Another Chapter research and source books. In addition, Bookshop Benicia supports Benicia’s Kiwanis and other organizations with similar book donations. When donation orders come in, it’s all hands on deck for Bookshop Benicia’s small-but-mighty team. Stacks of boxes as tall as the booksellers themselves stand as a reminder of the good work being done in small, independent bookstores. Bookshop Benicia also does what it
EST. 1993
can to support Benicia’s local authors, from stocking the shelves with books published by Benicia Literary Arts and anthologies by the First Tuesday Poets, to hosting author signings. Whether it is a local author’s first book or the newest of many, each is treated with warm welcome for their events. As the store is lit with the evening sun, guests file in to eat, listen, and connect over their love for books.
The bookstore is also ready to support local authors at events hosted elsewhere. Benicia Public Library serves as a venue for many author events. Just this Spring, BPL was able to host a list of children’s authors and illustrators for the “We Are All Related” series, promoting diversity in storytelling. At each event, Bookshop Benicia was there on standby so attendees could purchase books to be personally signed. Limited stock of signed editions from this series are still available!
Perhaps the most fun and fulfilling type of events held at Bookshop Benicia are the book groups. Readers gather between the shelves to discuss books, but it is so much more than that. Connecting book lovers means forging lifelong friendships, providing escape from a scary world, and fostering a love of reading in the community. Other Worlds is a sci-fi and fantasy group held by Ken, a former bookseller at Bookshop Benicia. High Crimes is a mystery group led by David Hagerty, local mystery writer. In addition, Bookshop Benicia has added two new book groups this year, Fiction led by Tania, local book lover, and History led by Bookshop Benicia employee and high school teacher, Dianna.
The love that Bookshop Benicia pours into its
community can be easily felt. As you stand in the store, the tall shelves stacked with stories seem to embrace you. With an impeccable selection, Bookshop Benicia’s booksellers can make a recommendation for any type of reader. Even if your perfect read isn’t available on the shelf, a bookseller will say, “let’s see if we can order it for you!”
Any and everyone is welcome at Bookshop Benicia. Here, every reader finds a happy place to return to over and over. If you walk in as someone who doesn't read often, you may just leave with the magic of stories burrowed into your heart.
Bookshop Benicia’s next event is Sunday, August 4th at 10 am. Gina Pham, local author and Benicia mom, will be speaking about her romance novel, A Friend for When, and her upcoming book coming out next year! You can read more about Pham here. B
RIVER OTTERS IN LAKE HERMAN? YES!
n Kevin Nelson
The most beautiful areas of Benicia are the waters of the Carquinez and the accompanying shoreline and hills. But another gorgeous area of the city is Lake Herman, which many residents, particularly those who live downtown, do not know as well. Some may have never even been there.
That’s too bad; it’s a nice spot for fishing, walking, and bird-spotting. Across the road from Lake Herman, in a stand of eucalyptus, is a bald eagle nest. I watched in amazement one day as America’s national bird took off from a bare tree limb on a hill overlooking the lake and glided across the sky before disappearing into the blue. Swans can be seen scooting across the calm waters in spring. Cormorants, ducks of various kinds, and egrets white as fresh-fallen snow are also frequent sights. I once saw a gray heron with its spindly stilt-like legs snap a little wriggling fish into its mouth on the shoreline.
But the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my walks around the lake is
something I could not believe I was seeing: a river otter. What? A river otter in an inland lake? How is that even possible? How did it get there?
One of my sightings occurred at the same time as a Benicia couple, Bob and Mary (sorry, I never got their last names), was walking by. They shot pictures as an otter came up out of the water like Daniel Craig emerging from the ocean onto the beach in Casino Royale. Another question: What is a river otter doing on land?
To solve these and other mysteries, I called Megan Isadore, the executive director of the River Otter Ecology Project, the leading river otter research and conservation organization in the Bay Area. She is an expert on river otters and although the organization is based in Forest Knolls in Marin County, she knew plenty about otters in Lake Herman. “How did they get there?” I asked.
“My guess is they trotted up there from the strait,” she said with a laugh.
River otters can trot? Yes, apparently so. “They’re very agile on land,” she explained. “They spend more time out
of water than in it.” They walk, run, and climb trees and cliffs. It’s not unheard of for otters to run 25 miles between watersheds. “People see them walking on the street,” she added.
"River otters can trot? Yes, apparently so. 'They’re very agile on land... They spend more time out of water than in it.”
Not only that, these “very strong, very fierce” carnivorous beings will take on and eat leopard sharks and other small sharks, as well as pelicans. We do not have sharks, as far as I know, in Lake Herman, but people do walk there with their dogs.
The birthing season for otters is late winter, which means that there are potentially little otters toddling
around at this time of year. They’re being taught how to hunt, fish, and dive. As everyone knows with bears and other animal species, you never want to get between a mother and her young. That goes for dogs too.
Sulphur Springs Creek is a slender stream that feeds into Lake Herman during the rainy months. It merges with the lake in the marshy area to the west of the park on Lake Herman Road. When trying to figure out how otters got to the lake, my guess was that they traveled down the Sulphur Springs waterway.
Nope, that isn’t the case. From her office in Marin, Isadore clicked on a map on the River Otter
Ecology Project website and could see very clearly that the lake is about two miles from the Carquinez Strait. Between those two bodies of water is a small marsh. River otters love almost any sort of water in any sort of place— “puddles, ditches, salt, brackish, fresh”—and they probably use this little watering hole as a waystation in their travels between the Carquinez and the lake.
There have been “lots and lots” of sightings in and around Lake Herman, said Isadore, and this is a very good thing. River otters are what she calls “an indicator species.” Meaning that when they’re doing well, it is a sign that other aspects of our natural environment are doing well, too. I have spoken to people worried about the mercury levels in the fish in the lake. While this may or may not be a concern for human consumption, it does not seem to bother the river otters, who feast on the fish there.
The Ecology Project offers a program it calls “Otter Spotters;” Benicians may find it a fun and interesting thing to do. If you happen to see an otter, at Lake Herman or anywhere else, go on the project’s website, record the sighting,
"The Ecology Project offers a program it calls 'Otter Spotters;' Benicians may find it a fun and interesting thing to do ”
and if you take a picture of the event you can post that too. Otter Spotters are doing this all around the Bay Area and California, and it’s now expanding across the U.S.
All this crowd-sourced information coming in from all over—providing glimpses of otter activities, habitat, diet, travel patterns, interaction with other animals—is really making a difference in terms of science, research, and preservation efforts. At one time, river otters were regarded as a “non-occurring species” that had essentially disappeared from the Bay Area. That is no longer the case. They’re coming back slowly. We can feel good as a community that river otters call Benicia home too.
Award-winning Benicia author and journalist Kevin Nelson writes a weekly Substack column, Tilting West. B
Photo by Debbie Fier
Photo by Carlos Porrata
Back to School activity planning
n Contributed by Benicia Mom's Group
c raft of the Month
Back to School ti M e cap Sule
SupplieS:
Mason jar (or clear container)
Ribbon Confetti
Colored Construction Paper
String
Pencil Scissors
Ideas- Photo of child, momentos, piece of their art or handwriting, first day of school questionnaire, etc.
i n Struction S F or thi S ti M e c ap Sule c raft
1. Trace your child’s hand on a piece of colored construction paper and cut it out. Write your child’s name and grade on the handprint or have them write their own.
2. Have your child stand up against a wall and use the string to measure your child’s height. Cut off the string the same length as your child. Bundle it together neatly and secure it with a piece of ribbon.
3. With your child, gather mementos or any other small items or treasures
4. Place the hand print and bundled string inside the mason jar.
5. Pour confetti inside the mason jar and tie a bow around the top lid of the jar with ribbon.
6. Place it up on a shelf or in a special place until the last day of school, then open together.
Museum of History, Benicia Open House Downtown Gallery, Benicia 5-8pm
Benicia local SportS leagueS & claSSeS
Dance
Benicia Ballet
Registration: July and ongoing
Season: August - June
Ages 3+
www.beniciaballet.com
Farnsworth Dance Academy
Glen Cove
Registration: July and ongoing
Season: August - December, January - June
Ages 2+
www.farnsorthdanceacademy.com
Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio
Benicia
Registration: May
Season: September - June
Ages 2.5+
www.tiptaptoedancestudio.com
gy M na Stic S
East Bay Gymnastics
Concord
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 18mos+
www.eastbaygymnastics.com
Liberty Gymnastics
Concord
Registration: anytime within session dates
Season: N/A
Ages 2+
www.libertygymtrainingcenter.com
North Bay Athletic Association
Vallejo
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 18mos+
www.northbayathleticassociation.com
Ultimate Sports Connection
Concord
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 0+
www.ultimatesportsconnection.com
karate/M artial artS/ taekwon Do
Benicia Boxing and Martial Arts
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 5+ for martial arts
www.beniciabma.com
Benicia Shotokan Karate Academy
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 5+
www.shotokankarate.net
William Kim's Taekwondo Center
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 4+
www.williamkimstkd.com
S portS l eagueS
Benicia Arsenal F.C. Recreational Soccer
Registration: early February
Season: August - October
Ages 5+ (4 year olds can play if their parent coaches)
www.beniciasoccer.org
Benicia Girls Fastpitch
Registration: November 1st, 2024
Season: February - May
Ages 3-18
www.beniciafastpitch.com
Benicia Little League
Registration: Mid October
Season: mid March - mid June
Ages 5-18
www.benicialittleleague.com
Swi M
Benicia Stingrays – Recreational summer swim league
Registration: early February
Season: early April - July
Ages 4-18
www.bsrswim.org
Southampton Swim Club, Benicia –Recreational summer swim league
Registration: February
Season: mid April - mid May
mid June - early August
late August - early October
Ages: Ability to swim independently www.southamptonswimclub.org
yoga
The Elevate Company
Benicia
Registration: anytime
Season: N/A
Ages 3+
www.theelevatecompany.com B
n Cooper Mickelson
Are you still riding that elasmobranch-loving high from Shark Week? Good, because I have just the book to keep the good times rolling. From marine biologist and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, this inspiring memoir of a Black scientist’s upstream swim toward a rewarding, meaningful, and aligned career outside the traditional confines of academia will satisfy that craving for shark facts left by everyone's favorite annual Discovery Channel series.
Sharks Don't Sink
by Jasmin Graham
Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham is a short yet insightful memoir that sparks enthusiasm and respect for one of nature's m ost misunderstood creatures, while cultivating a deeper understanding of the need for diversity in all aspects of life.
Jasmin Graham will never forget her first shark, a three-foot long, rough-skinned, strongly muscled, and strikingly beautiful bonnethead. One look at this little hammerhead shark, and Graham fell in love with the whole species. So began her long journey to becoming a shark scientist.
At first, Graham tried to follow the traditional path to becoming a marine biologist, but she soon realized that in a male-dominated field, the microaggressions and constant obstacles thrown at young women of color made traditional academic study no longer worth the struggle. So, Graham shifted her focus away from the traditional path
another way. Joining with three other Black women whom she found through the hashtag #BlackInNature, Graham co-founded Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for young women of color pursuing marine studies. This launched Graham’s career as a rogue shark scientist and re-sparked her passion for keeping those precious sharks healthy and swimming free.
Graham has such a contagious enthusiasm for what she does, and that enthusiasm jumps out of the pages in her educational, exhilarating, and funny-as-hell memoir. Sharks Don’t Sink truly feels like a part of Shark Week as it’s saturated in spirited advocacy and serious topics while staying unpretentious and accessible to people who maybe didn’t spend the majority of their life studying elasmobranchii. Graham seamlessly challenges the resistance to change that plagues many labs, conferences, and other organizations while stressing some important lessons about standing up for yourself and pursuing your dreams in a way that works for you rather than against you.
Order a copy of Sharks Don’t Sink from Bookshop Benicia and dive into
the world of sharks and the people who work tirelessly to protect them. Then, if you’re left wanting more non-fiction, nature-focused reading, I recommend you pick Better Living Through Birding by Christain Cooper, a beautifully written memoir by everyone’s favorite New York birder, and/or Natural Magic by Renee Bergland, an eye-opening look into the history of natural science through the lives of Emily Dickinson and Charles Darwin.
Booktails' Mocktail of the Month
Shark Bite
(I mean...how could I not?)
Ingredients
¾ oz Spiced Rum
¾ oz Light Rum
(1½ oz NA rum - Ritual)
½ oz Blue Curacao
(NA version of Curacao can be purchased on Amazon)
1½ oz Sour Mix
Grenadine
Ice
Preparation
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour in all ingredients, aside from the grenadine.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Splash a bit of grenadine over the
Book and Cock tail Club
Watermelon Three Ways
n Gourmet Gracie
Spiked Watermelon Slices
1 Small seedless watermelon, quartered, cut into 1" thick wedges
1 c. Simple syrup (1 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water— microwave on high for 2 minutes, stir, keep heating until sugar dissolves.)
½ c. Tequila
¼ c. Triple sec or other orange flavored liquor
Fresh limes
Flaky salt
Thoroughly blend liquids together in a pitcher or large measuring cup. Arrange watermelon slices in two 9”x12” glass baking dishes. Pour liquid mixture over watermelon slices. Cover, refrigerate for several hours. For serving, remove watermelon slices from liquid, squeeze lime juice over melon and add a sprinkling of salt to taste. Delicious as a "cocktail" or dessert.
Watermelon Spritzer
4 c. Watermelon, seedless, cubed
Fresh mint leaves
Club soda or sparkling water
4 tsp. Honey
2 Limes, juiced
Lime slices for garnish.
Fill a blender with cubed watermelon—save extra for garnish. Add mint leaves and honey. Blend until smooth. Add more honey to taste. Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer. Fill serving glasses with ice. Add 1/2 cup watermelon mixture to each glass. Add a chunk or two of unblended watermelon. Fill each glass with sparkling water, stir, top with additional mint leaves and lime quarters for garnish. Approximately 2 servings.
Small seedless watermelon, cut into
Dark chocolate bar for melting, at least 70% cocoa solids
Chopped nuts (optional)
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Place watermelon slices on the baking sheet, cover and freeze overnight. When ready to assemble the next day, melt dark chocolate on stove or in microwave. When melted, stir in a small amount of coconut oil to thin slightly (this makes a "magic shell"). Cool chocolate mixture slightly but don't allow to harden. Dip each slice of watermelon into the chocolate mixture, sprinkle with nuts and flaky sea salt, as desired. Serve immediately, or place on parchment paper, cover and return to freezer for up to 2 days. B
August brings us the last, heavy dregs of summer heat, before the cool promise of fall arrives. Back to school is inevitable and, whether we believe it not, Halloween is right around the corner. Here are some tasty treats from Gracie's recipe vault to enjoy as the days grow shorter and the bounty of summer harvest dwindles.
Three Excellent Episodic TV Series Based on Best Selling Books
In the 1950s, Elizabeth Zott becomes a scientist, societally challenged for her gender. She takes on the doubters, teaching a nation of housewives way more than the science of recipes. Highly entertaining.
Set during the Cold War era, Beth Harmon, a prodigious introvert, struggles with addiction while rising to the top of the chess world at age 16. A timeless and victorious tale. Intense.
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow (2024)
7 episodes, Thriller, AppleTV+
A horrible Chicago murder upends the prosecutor's office. The suspect is one of its own, who now struggles to keep his family and reputation together. Twisty, riveting, suspenseful.
Each series is highly watchable and critically acclaimed. Movie Magic gives all 4.5 out of 5 Moons. (Nobody's perfect!) B
n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic
brewing u p success
Mare Island Brewing Company has reached a decade in business. Join the anniversary bash on August 3rd at the Coal Shed.
n Caitlin Emmett
Before making their mark on the local beer scene, Kent Fortner and Ryan Gibbons both began in the wine industry. They met on a crush pad in Napa before flipping from grape to grain and their new business venture, Mare Island Brewing Company, came about.
“I think Kent was walking on the water with his family and saw a space for lease,” Gibbons says. “I was living in Napa and working the night shift at Lagunitas. Kent called at 10 in the morning, which is when I was usually asleep, so I was running on adrenaline. He said ‘Ryan, I found a spot. We should do a taproom!’
And so they did. This original location at the Vallejo Ferry Terminal had beer that was produced at two different rental facilities. As their business grew, hosting many veterans, commuters, and Cal Maritime and Touro University students, they both knew this practice wasn’t sustainable. The quality was there, sure, but the quantity just wasn’t enough. Enter: The Coal Shed.
But there was a setback.
“We were open for 3 weeks, and
rained. We didn’t own this space and had to move out of it. Then a developer on Mare Island was looking to fix and develop national historic landmarks like the coal shed. So we said ‘hey, if you do the outside of this, we’ll do the inside and build the brewery there.’”
The Coal Shed opened in 2017, primarily for brewing and hosting private events. When COVID-19 shutdowns hit, they revamped and realized what they could offer the community that perhaps other locations couldn’t.
“We brought a food truck and 18 pandemically-spaced tables,” says Fortner. “We just had tons of space out front, which led to us developing a full blown tap room.”
There were initial concerns about the two locations being so close together, but there’s enough difference that they have both been thriving.
“They have two different subsets of customers,” says Gibbons. “The Coal Shed is great for families.”
The (current) final piece of the locations puzzle is our very own First Street Taphouse. During COVID, the owners of
The fact that it’s a sit-down restaurant, the town’s feel, and an experienced head chef lend to a bit of an elevated experience. But the beer will always stay consistent, no matter the location (Gibbons currently favors their War Bond California Common while Fortser reaches for a Saginaw Golden Ale).
Aside from visiting any of the three locations, you can help them ring in 10 years by listening to their limited series podcast, Battleships to Beer with Brewing Network's Justin Crossley, or attending their August 3rd anniversary bash at the Coal Shed, which will go from 3-7pm.
“It’s 10 dollars to get in for our 10th anniversary,” Fortner says. “There will be a killer band, some surprises, great beer, and great food.”
“Today I’m actually brewing our special anniversary beer,” says Gibbons. “I’m only making enough for the party and only a few days after for people to want to come and try.”
They’re not stopping at 10 years, either; these co-owners also have plans for the future.
“There’s a local regional brand push with
August
August
EVENTS
august 3
Mare Island Brewing Co's 10th Anniversary Party
The Coal Shed - 850 Nimitz Avenue Vallejo, CA
3:00pm-7:00pm
Join us at our Coal Shed Brewery as we toast to ten years of craft and community. Our 10 Year Anniversary Party is not just a celebration of us – it's also a celebration of everyone who has supported us along the way! $10 for adults, kids under 13 free, Yardbird members free.
august 10
Benicia Peddlers Fair
First Street, Benicia
8:00am-5:00pm
Step back in time and join us at the Benicia Peddlers Fair, a beloved tradition since 1963! On Saturday, August 10th, from 8 am to 5 pm, the entire 11 blocks of First Street in the historic town of Benicia will transform into a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles.
august 30
5th Fridays @MoHB Museum of History, Benicia -Downtown at the tree lot
Music & Entertainment
August 7
Summer Show: Multicultural Music
Benicia City Gym, 180 E. L. St
Join us at the City Gym for some fun shows for everyone! Show starts at 11:00am, doors open at 10:30am.
$2 per person, cash only.
August 9
Movie Under the Stars
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Benicia City Park Dusk
Enjoy a movie under the stars with your family. Blankets and low-back chairs are welcome.
August 15
Groove Lounge - 3rd Thursdays Museum of History, BeniciaDowntown Gallery
5:00pm-8:00pm
Sip on artisanal cocktails inspired by the Farmer's Market while you relax in our gallery space transformed into a chill oasis. Plus, enjoy special exhibits and explore the rich history of Benicia in a whole new light. 21+ event, $10 cover charge which includes 1 drink.
August 24
Backyard Summer Party Museum of History, BeniciaStone Hall
6:00pm-8:00pm
MoHB presents Ariel Marin at our first ever Backyard Summer Party! August 24th at 6pm.
General Admission $15 Kids under 3-10 $7 under 3 are free.
https://happylifepottery.com/all-classes
https://artsbenicia.org/adult-andyouth-education-programs/ Happy life pottery
once upon a canvas
benicia community center
https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/adult
https://empresstheatre.org/
Lucca's Beer Garden
https://www.luccabar.com/
https://www. onceuponacanvasbenicia.com/ classes.html The Rellik Tavern
https://www.therelliktavern.com/ B
The Rotary Club of Benicia and N.S.G.W. #89 Benicia Invite you to the 19th Annual Golf Tournament
Friday, September 27, 2024
Scramble All Skills Welcome Tee Prizes & Raffle
Steak dinner following golf at 140 West J St, Benicia, CA
Sponsorships Available
PRESIDENTIAL
$4000 (TWO Foursomes, Website, Banner & Shirt Recognition plus TWO annual memberships in the Rotary Club of Benicia)
(based on goods, commodities or services in place of money) contact Steve McClure
Our 2024 golf tournament will help support:
•Student scholarships - Benicia & Liberty High Schools
•Intervention and supplementary programs - Liberty High School
•Benicia High School Soccer & Golf sports programs
• Benicia Teacher-of-the-Month recognitions for BUSD
•Holiday Meals via Community Action Council
• Benicia Wolfpack Baseball
•Benicia Scouts
•Recognition of Benicia First Responders - Police and Firefighters of the year
Registration and payment is on-line this year!
Where: Blue Rock Springs West Course 655 Columbus Parkway Vallejo, CA 94591
When: Friday, September 27, 2024
Times: Check-in starts @ 7:15 AM
•Shotgun tee-off starts @ 8:30 AM
•Appetizers start @ 3:00 PM
•Steak dinner starts @ 4:00 PM
Fee: $150/player
Includes shared golf cart, golf shirt, prizes, and steak dinner
Registration and payment is on-line this year!
Go to www.beniciarotary.org Click Rotary Golf Tourney Information Link
Or contact Steve McClure at (707) 334-3411
Your donation is Tax Deductible to our 501(c)(3) Tax ID #68-0484934
Benicia
Shirt sizes are ordered during registration. An email and cell phone number is required for registration. Payment is made on line. Contact Steve McClure for cash or check payments.
Rotary Club of Benicia PO Box 421 Benicia, CA 94510
For more details, contact: Steve McClure at BeniciaGolf@gmail.com or visit our webpage at www.beniciarotary.org or scan the QR code above
