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January 2022
Contents Features 10 Arts Benicia Moves to the Historic Commanding Officer’s Quarters
18
B alance – self care goals
Evan Guillot and family
27
16
14
18
12
6 • Benicia Magazine
Departments Columns 8 From the editor 28 Dinner and a Movie Lim Ros Thai and Soul
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30 Picket Fences — A Benicia Mystery
Around Town
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ART SCENE 22 W agner at the Empress COMMUNITY 12 N uts and Bolts
Peppino D’Agostino
14 T he Green Herons of Benicia 16 T here’s no place like home — Houghton House
20 R eset Without Regret: It's Not Too Late, and You Aren't Too Old
23 Playlist
Old and new for 2022
26 J ohn Passalacqua — Balance and
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Column Editor's letter
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As we round the corner into a third “unprecedented” year of the coronavirus pandemic, it can be hard to guess what’s to come in the months ahead. We have learned that there is a great deal of unpredictability in our lives and our future. But with that realization we have learned to adapt, to be flexible and to pivot when needed. These are the very traits that allow us to move with surety into this year. Our small city has dealt with the pandemic and has lost very little. Most of the businesses that closed didn’t do so specifically because of the pandemic, but because the owners decided it was time to retire or move on. Most of the seemingly empty storefronts have been leased or purchased with fabulous new businesses on the way. We look forward to telling you about them! Benicia Magazine has weathered the last two years fairly well, albeit with belts pulled fairly tight. We have survived with teamwork. Our art director, Margaret Bowles, managing editor, Genevieve Hand, and myself, along with a flexible group of contributors and a wonderful group of advertisers all helped keep this ship afloat so we could stride into 2022. Upcoming, we will have some exciting new features and expanded distribution that will extend Benicia Magazine to other cities and communities. Look for updates in the February issue. Part of our plan to move forward includes a slight change in management. I will be acting as publisher and my daughter Genevieve Hand will be taking on the role of editor-in-chief. With Genevieve taking over the responsibilities of editor, I will be freed up to be more involved in the community and will be able to be on top of timely stories and events. I’m still accessible via email at any time at publisher@beniciamagazine.com. Genevieve has been managing editor for the last year and has also been our web specialist. She graduated from UCSB with a BFA in dance and BA in anthropology. She has just completed her MBA from Colorado State University. After being injured early in her dance career, she moved to performing arts administration and management. Genevieve is analytic and creative which doesn’t often coexist in the same mind. She pays great attention to detail which is important in the industry. She brings new ideas and new energy to Benicia Magazine. Which brings us to balance, one of our features in this issue and an important concept for our unpredictable world. That elusive work/life balance can be achieved by simply slowing down a bit. Take stock of where you are and what’s going on around you. Take time to breathe and enjoy our lovely town and beautiful views. My grandmother said to me many times, “Mary Catherine, you do too much and you go too fast. You must slow down and take time to smell the roses!” Good advice.
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Feature
Arts Benicia Moves to the Historic Commanding Officer’s Quarters n Jean Purnell
After nearly 28 years at 991 Tyler Street, Arts Benicia has moved to the long-vacant Commanding Officer’s Quarters in the Historic Benicia Arsenal district. “This really felt like a great way for Arts Benicia to find newer, larger space and for the City to have a tenant with the right community/cultural fit,” said Janet Davis, Chairperson of Arts Benicia’s Board of Directors. “Terry Scott, Arts and Culture Commission Chair, and Mario Giuliani, Deputy City Manager, could not have been more enthusiastic about a move to the COQ. We were very fortunate to have the legal support of Terry Mollica, who graciously represented Arts Benicia in the lease review process. Rick Knight, Municipal Projects Manager, the key member of the leadership team in the City’s renovation of the COQ, gave us guidance around how the space could be adapted for gallery and classroom use. We are so grateful to Mario Giuliani and to the City Council as well. Their task, as always, is to first find the best solution for the City and help a community business succeed. It took some work, but we are thrilled with the results.” The location on Tyler Street is surrounded by artist studios and features a 2400-square foot gallery space that was constructed in the early 1990s
10 • Benicia Magazine
by local artists who helped create the art center space out of former industrial army warehouse space. In contrast, the new space measures over 5900 square feet on the first and second floors, greatly expanding the space available for galleries, classrooms, offices, project space, and storage. Gallery space is planned on each floor, in adjoining rooms with tall ceilings, fine wood detailing, and floor to ceiling windows. “While the gallery space will be different than the open warehouse experience of the former location, the beauty and historic nature of the Commanding Officer's Quarters will showcase artists’ artwork in a dynamic new way,” said Celeste Smeland, Executive Director of Arts Benicia. “The different gallery rooms on two floors will allow for presenting one or more exhibitions at the same time, including more ongoing shows that feature work by Arts Benicia members. Plans also include a special projects room that will offer an opportunity for artists to explore and experiment with new ideas, collaborate with other artists, and interact with the public. And there are other improvements, like better and more plentiful parking, ADA ramp access, an
“While the gallery space will be different than the open warehouse experience of the former location, the beauty and historic nature of the Commanding Officer's Quarters will showcase artists’ artwork in a dynamic new way,” elevator, and restroom facilities. It makes a huge difference for us that all of our guests will be able to enjoy the exhibitions and classes with greater ease of access.” The Commanding Officer’s Quarters, a two-story brick, stucco-clad building, was built in 1860. The mansion’s first resident was Julian McAllister, the commander of the installation between 1860 and 1885. The building served as a residence for successive officers and was the location for numerous festive community events during its first century. In 1964, the Benicia Arsenal was closed by the U.S. Army, and ownership was conveyed to the City of Benicia. In November of 1976, the Benicia Arsenal was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a district. In 2009, a major renovation was completed, restoring the building. “The move requires some adjustments to the building,” noted Davis. “A Gallery System art rail is being installed in those rooms and areas which have been designated as gallery use in order to preserve the integrity of the space. Similarly, in the rooms designated for art instruction, we have begun the process of adding protection to the beautiful hardwood floors so that artists can create with their characteristic exuberance, but don’t damage the floors.” Arts Benicia will raise funds for these and other necessary capital improvements and moving costs, currently estimated to be approximately $50,000. “We will be able to expand our offerings of community classes, free Family Art Days, youth and teen art programs as well as other free and low-cost programs to serve our community,” said Smeland. “Our new house will be a place that the community and the City can be proud of.”
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Around Town Nuts & Bolts
BENICIA NEWS AND VIEWS
On a far side of the planet, a road chosen results in two remarkable discoveries at home…
n Gene Pedrotti
Back in 1999 when the world was deep in Y2K worry, a dear friend and I decided to escape the anxiety with a summer trip to Italy. Things were settled in the hardware store. Three years prior we had been awarded the Ace Hardware President’s Cup as Best Ace in the U.S. and all seemed in order that I could sneak out for a few Peppino D’Agostino weeks; a rare occurrence. My friend, best will be performing at mate, and best man, the Empress Theatre Daniel, is a talented and dedicated schoolteacher, in Vallejo on Sunday well versed in European culture and history and February 13th would be a great tour at 7pm guide. He spoke fluent Italian and, with a teacher’s patience, offered gentle correction as I butchered the language. Our trip took us, one warm summer afternoon, to the gates of San Gimignano (pronounced gem-in-yano). Located one hour southwest of Florence in the hillsides of Tuscany, this medieval town is known for its distinct stone towers and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, the architecture is basic and homogeneous – square towers, little ornamentation, 12 • Benicia Magazine
but the effect creates a magnificent skyline. And, as we were about to witness, its flat stone walls provided perfect acoustics for a concert. Setting out through the main gate, we peeked into the numerous, crowded shops lining the stone streets. It was close to noon and, hungry, we purchased sandwiches as naked as the city walls: French bread with only prosciutto. The bread was fresh, soft and slightly spongy and paired perfectly with the thinlysliced, strongly scented meat. It was heaven in your hands. Sated, we continued our stroll. But passing a narrow corridor, I stopped suddenly when enchanting music caught my ear. It was powerful, melodic, and perfect for jazz-centric tastes. These were string instruments, but the echoing made it impossible to discern the number of musicians. Curious, we headed down a covered portico to an open courtyard where we discovered two talented musicians, a fast-picking guitarist and caressing harpist. Their sweet melodies ricocheted off ancient walls and I was mesmerized. The music had gently taken my hand and walked me into nirvana. Captivated, I wasn’t keen on leaving and remained for not one, but two performances. This irritated Daniel, who left to wander the streets alone. But I was not alone. I was ensconced by history, culture, and music, all in the performance of two magnificent men and their instruments.
Nine months after returning home, Daniel called. “You remember that concert in San Gimignano, the one with the guitarist and harpist? Well, the guitarist is performing at the Musician’s Coffeehouse in Walnut Creek. Wanna go?” I was stunned. I would forever remember the concert in Italy but I never caught the name of the performers. But Daniel had! And recalling their names nearly a year later, we would get a repeat concert! We went to that show and it was as enchanting as in Italy. His name?! Well…I did make a note right then and there, but what came next was astounding… Five years later, the guitarist appeared on the marquee of Benicia’s Majestic Theatre. His name? You guessed it! … Peppino D’Agostino.
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What a discovery and, yes, I saw that show too! Following his Majestic concert, I introduced myself using unsteady Italian and shared my memories of his San Gimignano concert. “That was with harpist Andrea Piazza, we performed two summers there,” Peppino said. When I expressed incredulity at the coincidence, he responded, “Well, get this… I live in Benicia. We just bought a house here!” Another discovery! If you are a Benicia resident, then you have likely heard of Peppino D’Agostino, or better yet, you have seen him perform. He’s incredible! Since moving to Benicia, he has established himself as a very talented and respected guitarist and teacher, who Guitar Player Magazine listed as one of fifty transcendent guitar players of our times. Peppino has performed for many local venues, including churches, theatres and living rooms, often with Benicia resident/ musician Stef Burns. In fact, the pair collaborated with Italian rock star Vasco Rossi on a piece, “Stammi Vicino,” which hit #1 in Italy in 2011! The following year, accompanied by his inspiring vocalist daughter, Aleza, he performed at the 90th Anniversary of Pedrotti Hardware! His latest album, Connexion is available at peppinodagostino.com/connexion. Peppino will be performing at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo on Sunday, February 13th at 7pm. It is a pleasure to share that we are friends; Peppino is also kind in correcting my Italian. But recalling that first meeting, I am still stunned. Crossing paths with a stranger in a foreign land only to later cross paths again… and then discover that you are both of the same small community; well… that’s not coincidence. Along with Peppino’s enchanting music, something much deeper and more significant is at play.
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Around Town Community
The Green Herons of Benicia
n Story and photos by Corinne Bailey One of the most wonderful aspects of living in Benicia is the magnificent waterfront and diverse marine wildlife. Because Benicia is on the Pacific Flyway, shorebirds stop over on their migrations and nest here, including Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Black-Crowned Night Herons, American Black Oystercatchers, Great Blue Herons, cormorants, osprey, gulls, and Green Herons.
A couple of years ago, my husband and I noticed a stout Green Heron (Butorides virescens) at the Benicia Marina. We became quite interested in him and nicknamed him “Greenie.” He doesn’t seem to migrate. The Benicia Marina is his home. The marina ecosystem provides all his needs — food, shelter of trees, water, and a relatively safe environment from predators. 2020 was apparently not a successful breeding season — we’d heard that one Green Heron chick had been born, but it’s rumored to have fallen out of the tree. This year was an entirely different story. In February, Greenie was making his presence known more often, perching in the willow trees, calling out for a mate. Happily, Greenie found his mate and began building a nest. Typically, during mating season, the male Green Heron starts building the nest and the female adds the finishing touches. In March, Greenie built the first nest in a large tree and gave his mate a tour. The nest was near the car turnaround at the end of the marina, which wasn’t an ideal location. The mating pair were pretty secretive and protective during breeding season. We found evidence of a chick that did not survive beneath the first nest: a pile of fluffy feathers. But soon after, we saw three Green Herons flying together, so we believe there was one successful chick from this first brood. By the time we saw the offspring, it pretty much looked like an adult. 14 • Benicia Magazine
2
The female mate was quite tireless in her efforts to build more nests. We joked that she decided the first nest was a dump (or at least unsuitable), as she proceeded to simultaneously build three more nests in the trees along the marina walkway. The juvenile Green Heron from the first brood assisted with the nests for a few weeks, then seemed to move on.
In early April, we spotted a new Green Heron chick in one of the nests, and we believe this chick survived. We noticed that the mating pair were not happy about our presence. Greenie would hiss if we even walked beneath one of the nests; the female would dart about and call out a warning sound. We decided to respect their boundaries and not visit daily. We kept our visits brief and at a safe distance.
Both parents had their work cut out for them to protect the eggs. One tended the nest while the other fed. On one visit, in early June, we came across a squirrel attempting to steal the eggs from one of the nests. On another occasion, we saw a Black-Crowned Night Heron attempting to divebomb one of the nests. For a few weeks, it was quiet as the clutches of eggs were being tended to and chicks were being hatched. We saw broken blue eggshells along the walkway and, sadly, two deceased chicks on the sidewalk beneath the nests. As June ended, there were chicks in more than one nest! By mid-July, there had been a total of up to four broods. We counted seven successful offspring in total.
At the end of July, we witnessed feeding time. The female parent would land some distance away from the fledglings. They had to scramble and hop over the rocks to reach her. We were able to watch this on two occasions. The second time, the chicks were able to jump and fly to mama for feeding. It was quite amazing to see the female teaching her babies how to move across the rocks and, later, how to fly! We’ve since seen Greenie, his mate, and several offspring. Although the offspring and female may leave until next nesting season, Greenie isn’t likely to leave his home. So, this spring, if you’re walking the marina, look up into the trees, look for bird guano below, and observe the rocks along the waterline. You just might see some chicks and Green Heron parents! BeniciaMagazine.com • 15
Around Town Community
Houghton House
n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D The array and style of homes here in Benicia is as varied as the coffee drinks at Starbucks. One especially noteworthy residence is Houghton House at 121 East J St.; built in the 1880s by CB Houghton, a paper mill owner and one of the fathers of Benicia. The home was originally built for his new wife and first baby, who arrived shortly after the home was completed. Since then, the Houghton house has always been a family home. The latest family to grace the dwelling is Paul Gigliotti and Aaron Foster and their children, the first of whom was adopted and brought home only five days after the couple moved in. Perhaps there is something auspicious about this home.
16 • Benicia Magazine
“There’s no place like home!” — English Proverb 1781
Despite being built 140 years ago, the house has been well maintained over the years. Still, an old home needs regular maintenance and the occasional facelift. The present owners started with some cosmetic improvements and then launched into restoring some original details, updated elderly appliances, and expanded the upstairs area. They were also able to restore the lounge to a proper passing room. All the while, Paul and Aaron tried to keep with the original style of the home. “We let the house tell us what it wanted us to do,” said Paul of their renovation inspiration. Through the process, some original siding and beadboard turned up and was put to good use. Much of the woodwork was done with repurposed original wood from the attic. Their aim was to improve what was inherent in the house, with painstaking attention to detail. The result is quite stunning. Houghton House is transitional between the Queen Anne and the Four Square/Revival Style of the early 20th century. The porch and front bay are Victorian, but the proportion of the house reflects the more robust four square/revival style, while the roof pitch indicates a farmhouse style. The main house is 3400 sqft with 4
bedrooms, 2 full baths, plus 2 half baths. The rear cottage is 800 sqft with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, plus an attached but separate 400 sqft office/studio with its own half bath. But like all old houses, Houghton House is much more than its architectural footprint. Many stories of familial love fill the walls of this home; sometimes literally, as Paul and Aaron discovered a telegram from 1905 in the attic which communicated condolences for a lost loved one from a family friend. Paul and Aaron describe the feeling they get from the home as a warm embrace – something that drew them to the house in the first place. However, the stewardship of Houghton House is coming to a close for the Gigliotti/Foster family. Soon, the Houghton House will once again be available, and a lucky new family will once again inhabit the charming Victorian that has been home to all who have lived there.
BeniciaMagazine.com • 17
Feature
The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. 18 • Benicia Magazine
n Genevieve Hand It’s the start of a new year and a good time to pause, reflect, and set new goals for ourselves. Years ago, our New Year’s resolutions would focus on getting fit, trying a new diet, or earning more money. But lately, we’ve seen a shift in priorities to those less superficial. Even before the pandemic upended our lives and changed the way we work, eat, exercise, and socialize, the idea of wellness began occupying our minds. Since the pandemic, many holdouts have finally begun actively seeking it in their lives. Wellness is a slippery term to define, but here is an attempt that seems to hit the sentiment most squarely: The Global Wellness Institute defines wellness as the active pursuit of activities, choices,
and lifestyles that lead to a state of holistic health. So, how can we strive for wellness in our own lives? Prioritizing work-life balance is a great place to start. There are very few people who could say that they are happy working 50+ hours per week at a stressful job, never seeing their family or friends, and hardly having time to exercise. We must have work-life balance to help us down the wellness path. A great tool in fostering work-life balance is practicing self-care. The idea of self-care has been growing in popularity over the past few years; according to Google Trends, search queries for the term have more than doubled since 2015, with a notable uptick around the start of the COVID-19 lockdowns. It has since held steady,
seeming to have captivated social consciousness. But what exactly is self-care? Contrary to what social media memes would have you believe, it is not about indulging in treats and spoiling yourself with gifts. At its core, it is about simply prioritizing your own wellness. That can mean ensuring you have regular checkups with your doctor (and keeping the appointments), creating boundaries in your working and personal relationships, and making time each day to do something that brings you joy. It can mean making time to see friends each week and balancing that socialization with some alone time. It can mean choosing to leave a career or work environment that no longer serves you, as so many have done in the last two years.
There are typically 6-8 dimensions of wellness which various methods of self-care can address. Eight are listed below: Physical — recognizing the need for physical activity, nutrition, and sleep/recovery Social — developing a support system and a sense of belonging Spiritual — developing a sense of purpose Emotional — d eveloping an awareness, understanding, and acceptance of your emotions and the ability to successfully manage challenges and change Environmental — u nderstanding how your environment affects your well-being, emotionally, physically, and otherwise Financial — feeling satisfaction about your current financial situation Intellectual — recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand your knowledge or skills Career — creating personal satisfaction from your work As you can imagine, a number of these dimensions feed into each other, such as Physical, Emotional, and Environmental, or Spiritual, Intellectual, and Career. The dimensions of wellness stem from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the theory which dictates that we need to achieve fulfillment of certain needs before achieving fulfillment in others. You cannot expect to reach self-actualization (spiritual or intellectual wellness) without first having your physiological (physical wellness) and safety (environmental wellness) needs met. Still, we are all different, and one dimension may be more important to your sense of well-being than others. So, self-care is going to look a little different for each person. Maybe you’re the type
who needs more socialization in your life to feel balanced. Others may need more solo time to recharge. Maybe you need regularly scheduled time in the great outdoors. Maybe you just need to cuddle your pets at the end of a long day. Similarly, you may not be in the position to achieve total wellness in every dimension. For instance, perhaps your career is, shall we say, soul-sucking. If leaving your career is not an option, finding balance may look like volunteering outside of work with a nonprofit organization whose mission feeds your soul. Perhaps you are recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or recently gave birth. Your physical self-care will likely require more of your attention than other wellness dimensions and will look a
lot different from someone else’s. Likewise, if you are experiencing a period of stress or anxiety, you may need to prioritize your emotional self-care tactics over others. As the idiom goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. To give the best of ourselves to our work, relationships, and various other obligations, we must first make sure we are fostering our best selves. In this way, selfcare is not so much about self-indulgence as it is about showing up for ourselves so that we can show up for others. Wellness is not a destination, but a journey. Balancing our obligations and needs is a constant negotiation, and while the start of a new year is a great time to pause and evaluate, it pays to hold more frequent check-ins with ourselves. It’s your life, after all. Why not live it well? BeniciaMagazine.com • 19
Around Town Community
RESET WITHOUT REGRET
It's Not Too Late, and You Aren't Too Old. n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. January inspires ideas about change and a fresh start, with promises and resolutions to make the year better and brighter than the previous. What promises have you made to yourself that you have yet to accomplish? How hopeful do you feel about resetting your life? Depending on who you ask, the answer may differ based on their life journey. For some, a fresh start may be all about health or financial security, and for others, it may be about a career change. In most cases, we can take control and decide on the changes we incorporate, but sometimes we find ourselves with no other option but to adapt. On Friday, November 5, 2021, two Benicia High School graduates attended the Travis Scott Astroworld concert in Houston, Texas. While the two best friends looked forward to an exciting, fun-filled trip, including meeting members of the band Earth, Wind, and Fire, some tragic events took place that Friday night, resulting in injuries and, unfortunately, loss of life. The two best friends found themselves on the ground during the concert, fighting to breathe. The good news is that the two made it out and safely home. During that moment of chaos, the two were committed to surviving and recall it being one of the scariest times of their lives. Fight or flight kicked in, and they were determined to survive. Travis Scott Sometimes it takes a life-changing moment to realize and remember the hopes and dreams we have in our lives, and sometimes rattling experiences help us recognize the importance of setting goals and resetting when we must. When faced with monumental life changes, we can go with it, resetting and walking a different path, or we can give up. Making no decision is still a decision.
20 • Benicia Magazine
The proverb “time waits for no one" reminds us of the importance of time. While it may feel like there is a lot of time to accomplish the hopes, goals, and dreams for life, everything can potentially change in the blink of an eye. You may be someone who had plans fresh out of high school, such as going to college or learning a trade, joining the military, starting a business, or working for someone, supporting their dreams. Thirty years have passed before you know it, and the goals you may have had appear obsolete. Sometimes our dreams take a back seat as we take on new life responsibilities. Then we ask ourselves, what happened to my life? Did I fail to plan? So, when January rolls around, as it does every year, we set new goals and remember making ourselves a priority once again. The good news is that it's not too late for a fresh start. Examples of people who found success later in life include Harland Sanders, also known as Colonel Sanders, who founded Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 65. Ray Kroc, at 52, was instrumental in creating the McDonalds franchise. And Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first book of the Little House on the Prairie series at age 65. Researchers who study the mind and human behavior will say that a shift in our thinking and determination makes the difference. We must believe that all things are possible for our lives and listen to our hope and goal-setting narratives. We are the only ones who can decide what is best for our lives. We can encourage each other to believe in something more significant for our lives. The two best friends from Benicia High School had each other when tragedy struck, enabling them to help one another find the courage and strength they needed to survive, bringing them closer together for another fresh start of friendship and life. Allow yourself grace, belief, and opportunity for 2022.
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Around Town Art Scene
Wagner at the Empress Featuring Soprano Othalie Graham
n Genevieve Hand The Empress Theatre has reopened after going dark two years ago due to the pandemic. On Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 7:30 p.m., the venue will feature an electrifying evening of music by the great German composer, Richard Wagner. The concert will include excerpts from Tannhaeuser, Tristan und Isolde, Die Walkuere, Lohengrin, The Empress Theatre Flying Dutchman Die 330 Virginia Street and M e i s t e r s i n g er Vallejo, CA 94590 von Nuremberg. Reserved seating only: Soprano Othalie will $52-$98 Graham be featured in www.EmpressTheatre.org the well-known Tel: 707.552.2400 L i e b e s t o d from Tristan Tix: https://www.ticketfairy. und Isolde and com/event/the-greatestin dramatic wagner-concert-everarias from Die 15jan2022 Walkuere and Tannhaeuser. The Vallejo Center for the Arts is billing this concert as The Greatest Wagner Concert Ever, presenting selections from masterworks 22 • Benicia Magazine
by the composer that have captivated audiences through grand dramatic spectacle and evocative vocal and instrumental arrangements for centuries. Canadian American soprano Othalie Graham consistently receives international critical acclaim and is widely known for her commitment to Wagnerian repertoire. The Boston Globe noted that Graham’s “timbre and power were thrilling – with a steely ring from top to bottom.” Graham came to the world of opera through recognition of her sheer talent and an inspiring performance by Leontyne Price. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants who emigrated to Canada for a better life, Graham felt compelled to choose a “practical” career path in biology to help support her mother after her father passed away due to cancer. However, early on, Graham’s talents as a singer were recognized by a grade school teacher who prompted her to consider opera or solo work. Graham notes that later seeing a woman of color perform as Price did motivated her to seriously consider a career path in opera. At around the time of her father’s passing, she was accepted into the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia, and a mentor convinced her that she could do more for her mother as an opera singer than as a biologist. This solidified her choice to attend AVA. Graham states that one of the most rewarding aspects of her
career is when parents bring their children to see her perform. “I'm honored that future generations might become inspired by my singing, just as I was when I viewed Ms. Leontyne Price's performance.” Conductor Thomas Conlin has led symphonic and operatic performances on five continents. His recording of American composer George Crumb’s orchestral masterpiece, Star-Child, with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Chorus and soloists won a Grammy, and his recordings of the piano concertos of Brazilian composer Camargo Guarnieri have been highly praised in American and international publications. Conlin is the music director of The Vallejo Festival Orchestra, which debuted in 2020 at the Vallejo Center for the Arts’ presentation at the Empress Theatre of Three Tenors! – the Next Generation. He has called Vallejo’s historic art-deco Empress Theatre “perhaps the best venue in northern California for classical music.” Wagner’s intent was to create a new kind of dramatic work, in which music, poetry, drama, acting, scenery and spectacle could be combined in a meaningful and expressive whole, and which was to be called not “opera” but “music-drama.” The music and story should not only be conceived together, Wagner felt, but should be so intimately connected and harmoniously blended as to be almost indispensable to each other. But Wagner's theatrical innovations were matched — perhaps even surpassed — by his skill as an orchestrator. His grand conception demanded a symphonic approach rather than a traditional operatic one, and with it a greatly enlarged orchestra. Wagner's orchestral style is brilliant and colorful, original and virtuosic. His demands for the singers are no less innovative. He makes the most extraordinary demands on the voice, which he appears to regard simply as an instrument, capable of overcoming any difficulty whatsoever. “Wagner, perhaps more than any other composer, can be counted on to deliver the ‘goosebump’ factor,” according to Maestro Conlin. “This will be an evening you won’t soon forget.”
Around Town Playlist
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n Aly Mickelson New Year, new musical artists!… and maybe some old. The New Year usually makes you think, “fresh start,” “out with the old in with the new,” “good riddance, 2021,” but, as hard as it may be to believe, not all from the past is awful. This January we are starting with some new fresh voices, but also mixing it up with a blast from the past. So, whether you are starting your gym membership and need something to keep you motivated on the treadmill, or you’re looking more inward and trying to find something cool and calm to meditate to, this playlist has you covered. Let’s bring on 2022!.
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Around Town Food and Drink
Tiffany Blue to carnival orange with an iridescent finish. They make for great glasses for any of my cocktail recipes and, if you’re feeling fancy and free after a bottle of champagne, to pour up a miller high life. Who’s to know? Pinky up! On this shopping trip of mine, I came across the resolution to all my party problems. I found a punch bowl! Next to the Pyrex casserole dishes on the bottom shelf were a few glistening crystal bowls; some in emerald green, others in garnet red. So many to choose from. I picked up a clear crystal bowl with glass cups to match. Each punch cup had little grapes etched into the sides. I quickly purchased these beauties for $10 and ran home to soak and prep! It’s a new year! And we’re working smarter, not harder.
This punch bowl recipe is a fresh take on the cosmopolitan, without the gender specific flare.
White Winter Cosmopolitan n Maura Sullivan As I was working hard playing bartender at my most recent holiday get together, I thought to myself, “I either need to stop volunteering or I need a tip jar.” Neither one is a fair solution when it’s not your actual job. My favorite thing about attending parties is sharing my passion for tasty beverages. Sure, I could settle for a nice bottle of wine or be really lazy and bring a handle of something that’ll get dusty in the back of someone’s cabinet, but that’s no fun. A few days later, I was preparing for yet another gathering. I was out of ideas and frankly was turning from a volunteer bartender to a bar wench. I thought I’d treat myself to one of my favorite activities on my way home from work. I stopped into my local thrift shop and gandered through the glassware aisle. This is where I purchase all my cocktail vessels. You’re sure to always find at least a two-glass set of some of the most intricate glass for as little as $3. From 24 • Benicia Magazine
Ice is key here! If you can, quickly rinse the outside of the bowl and place it in your freezer while prepping. Creating your own large ice cube will help keep the punch cool without watering it down too much. Using a large plastic cup or even a small round cake pan is a great way to create your large ice. Once your bowl is chilled, add your ingredients. Start with your vodka, Tito’s is a personal favorite, but Kettle One can also be a great option. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups of vodka 1 ½ cups of St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur ½ cup of Cointreau 32 oz of White Cranberry Juice ¼ cup of Fresh Lime Juice Stir slowly and add your large ice. To garnish, add a few mint leaves and a few frozen cranberries to the bowl or cup. (consumer preference)
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Around Town Community
John Passalacqua He considers every person he meets, including clients, as part of his own family and always looks out for their
Balance and Compassion n Mary Crawford
John (Sherm) Passalacqua is a fixture in this town, as was his father before him and his grandfather and great grandfather. After immigrating to the United States from Italy in the 1880s, Nicola Passalacqua, bought a ranch that covered the present site of the Benicia High School campus, and sold produce. Nicola’s son, Frank, was the first of the Passalacquas to enter the funeral business. He did so in the 1930s, when he partnered with Mr. Chrisholm, creating the company Chrisholm and Passalacqua. In 1943, Frank Passalacqua became the sole owner of the funeral home and ran it until retiring in 1962. Frank’s son and John’s father, Donald, took over the business and expanded it in 1973, when he bought Twin Chapels Mortuary, which has been operating in Vallejo since the 1950s. He remained in charge of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel until 1992. John joined the firm on Jan. 3, 1977, becoming its president and director after his father. The business continues to be firmly rooted in tradition, but it is also flexible and accommodating to changes in funeral service, and the ebb and flow of popular trends. From referring clients to bereavement counseling experts to providing “green” options, Passalacqua Funeral Chapel has kept up with the
26 • Benicia Magazine
times. The chapel also has video capabilities so a life can be summarized and celebrated wordlessly. “I think it’s important to celebrate a person’s life and legacy,” John said. “It turns a negative experience into a positive experience,” he said. There is creativity in John’s approach to personalized service, especially when it comes to Benicia old timers, those who used to Cruise Main (First Street) when there wasn’t much else to do in Benicia. Sherm reminisces about those days and offers a final cruise on First in his 1950 Biscayne sedan delivery wagon/hearst with the license plate that has phonetic spelling for the Benicia native pronunciation of Benicia. BANISHA. Can’t really get better than that. John is involved in Benicia in many ways; He has enjoyed membership in the Elks Club and is still very active in the Native Sons of the Golden West. He is on The St. Patrick–St. Vincent Catholic High School Board of Trustees and held a position on the Board of Sutter Solano Hospital. John has also provided scholarships under Mrs. Mildred Passalacqua at Sons of Italy. And, most importantly, he is there for people in their time of need. Those that know John would describe
best interest.
him as kindhearted and considerate to a fault. He sincerely cares about people. He considers every person he meets, including clients, as part of his own family and always looks out for their best interest. It takes a great deal of empathy to know what each person needs in their time of bereavement, to know the right approach to guide them through what is always a very difficult time. John instinctively knows what to say and what to do. Of course there is an extraordinary amount of stress in what John does, but he is a man who understands balance. He balances his work with love of the outdoors and sports. He is passionate about the game of basketball, he loves fishing, biking, long walks, and he's an avid golfer. In fact he has a couple of golf clubs in the hallway outside his office, and when needed, he’ll put those clubs to good use.
Around Town Community n Kevin Nelson Some days in this life are harder to bear than others. For Evan Guillot, January 31, 2015 was as hard as they come. That was the anniversary of Sergeant Stacey’s death. Three years earlier, while leading a patrol of Marines searching for enemy Taliban in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, he stepped on an improvised explosive device that took his life. He was 23. “Sgt. Stacey was the perfect Marine,”
HERO ON THE HILL the story behind a memorial
buffer zone that connects Benicia and Vallejo. The Bay Trail passes by it. There is a bench nearby. Hikers pass by the site daily and paragliders launch into the sky from surrounding ridges. Guillot was looking for solitude, but when he reached this point an older couple was seated on the bench. Nevertheless, he tossed down his pack and began building a rock monument to his fallen brother-inarms. Once, when he was on combat duty with Sergeant Stacey, their patrol encountered unexpectedly heavy fire from the Taliban. Some of the men had never been in a Sergeant Stacey firefight before, and Stacey ordered them to fall back and regroup to says Guillot, who was a pretty good calm their jittery nerves. Marine, himself. Now 30, he and his “What Sgt. Stacey did,” recalls Guillot, wife Kodi have a young child and are “is he said to everybody, ‘All right, smoke living in Vacaville. But at the time of ‘em if you got ‘em.’ It was his way of Stacey’s passing, he was a member of saying, ‘We’re in our element. We’re fine.’ the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, Weapons Nowhere in the book will you see that. Company, and serving under the Stacey had a way.” personable young leader. On that day in 2015, the anniversary His sudden death shocked everyone of Stacey’s death day, Guillot’s feelings in the battalion. “It was pretty hard to of loss included not only Stacey and the swallow,” recalls Guillot, who now works other fallen, but also his as an operator at Chevron’s Richmond band of brothers in the Refinery. “Everybody liked him. Marines with whom he Everybody respected him. That broke had shared drinks and everybody. If you have the ideal Marine laughs and cigarettes and he gets hit, what chance do you got?” and that undefinable Although Stacey and four other men bond known only to a from his battalion did not make it out of chosen few as “Semper America’s longest war, Guillot did, and Fi.” “I felt pretty alone after four years in uniform, he began the that day,” he confesses. hard transition back to civilian life. His last “I didn’t have anybody official day as a Marine was June 9, 2014. to go smoke a cigarette Six months later he was feeling lost and with.” painfully alone with the tortured memories But up at the top of of those who are no longer here. the hill, finally alone, his Guillot was living in Vallejo at the time feelings poured out. “I and he went to see his dad, Erwin, also a brought two Blue Moon Vallejo resident. But this wasn’t purely a beers with me. I poured one beer out on social call; he had a job to do. He loaded the rocks for Sgt. Stacey and drank the some good-sized rocks from Erwin’s other. I cried, man.” backyard into a daypack, heaved it onto Guillot did not return to the site until his back, and started hiking up to the the next Memorial Day. He filled his highest point he could find. daypack again with rocks and when he Many Benicia residents will recognize reached the top of the hill, what he saw where he ended up. It is, indeed, at the took him by surprise. Others had seen top of the highest hill in the open space his memorial and were adding to it. On
his first trip Guillot had left some Marines memorabilia on the site, including the name tape from his uniform. Someone had framed the name tape and a small flag and mounted a brass eagle, symbol of the Marines, on the frame. Although this created the impression that Guillot himself had died, the impact of these gestures struck him deeply. “It felt like someone else was sharing my pain,” he says. When he came back the next year on the anniversary, more people had left evidence that they were sharing his pain. There were crosses on the rocks, small American flags. Someone had even mowed the grass around the memorial. “It blew me away, the respect it was receiving.” Wanting it to be clear who was being honored there, he drove to Michael’s in Vallejo, bought a wooden plaque, and etched on it the words that have faded with the sun over time, but that you can still read today: “Live the good life. Fight the good fight. All good fighters die with their boots on.” These were the words that William Chapman Stacey, a Purple Heart recipient whose home was in Washington state and who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, had tattooed onto his chest. Another of his favorite sayings, “No Mercy,” is also etched on the plaque. The memorial site is a hard place for Guillot to visit, given all the emotions it stirs up. When we spoke, he had not been back since that day. Even so, anonymous wellwishers have continued to pay their respects, adding rocks and flags and saying silent prayers for the hero on the hill. “We had decided, a bunch of us guys who knew him, that the best thing we could do for Sgt. Stacey was to make him a legacy, a legend,” says Guillot. “The number of lives he has touched is more vast than he’ll ever know.”
BeniciaMagazine.com • 27
Column Dinner and a Movie
The eighteenth in a series of at home food and movie pairings.
AND
LIM ROS THAI n
Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie
This family-owned restaurant opened about 14 months ago and they are rockin’ it! Who opens a restaurant during a pandemic? Very gutsy! Many Southampton patrons came initially just to support this new business, but now return regularly for the fresh, flavorful food. Lim Ros Thai is located near Columbus Parkway and Rose Drive, next to Starbucks. At the time of this review, they are providing carry out and delivery service only, but anticipating the opening of their lovely indoor dining space. The extensive menu offers a wide variety of tastiness and inspiration. Takeout is easy by phone or through the website. Everybody’s talking about the Pineapple Fried Rice—a favorite for old and young alike. Pad Thai, Crispy Rolls, Fried Rice Crab Omelet and Pumpkin Curry are also very popular. Check out the menu and choose your favorites! Gracie especially recommends the amazing Dancing Fish—Crispy white fish coated with homemade garlic sauce, crispy shallots and sesame seeds served with turmeric rice. The rice alone is worth a return visit. You can’t go wrong with the steamed fresh vegetables, or the Som Tum salad—shredded green papaya with spices, vegetables, garlic, peanuts and lime dressing. So far, I’ve been unable to leave here without an order of the Tom Kha soup—that coconut milk with lime, lemongrass, more spices and vegetables always makes me happy. Oh, wait, and then there’s the Crab Rangoon….gorgeous. Give your taste buds a treat to celebrate the New Year!
28 • Benicia Magazine
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SOUL – The Movie
Pixar/Disney — animated Rated PG, 102 minutes, 2020 Directed by Peter Docter Academy Award Winner: Best Animation, Best Original Score Voices by Jamie Fox, Tina Fey, Phylicia Rashad, Quest Love, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs and others.
“Life is full of possibilities. You just need to know where to look.” “I was born to play.” “I’m going to live every moment of it.” These are popular quotes from this lovely movie that has something for everybody. Joe Gardner is a down-onhis-luck, middle school band teacher whose life has not gone as planned. He finally gets a break at a big jazz club, but wonders about his purpose and begins to question his existence. He’s transported from the streets of New York City and finds himself in a magical, fantastical place trying to help a new friend find their passion. Through it all, Joe finds “soul,” and along the way he just might have discovered the answers to some of life’s most important questions. There’s comedy, adventure and terrific music that will lift your spirits and warm your heart. Some say this movie has inspired them to live life more fully, cherish every day, and find pleasure in surprising places. The animation is pristine, the original jazz score is thrilling, and the laughter and tears keep coming from start to finish. It’s fun, it’s joyful, there are shenanigans and, best of all, it encourages us to stop and smell the coffee, or the flowers, or take a moment to look up at the stars. The perfect movie for new beginnings. Cinema Cat gives it 9 out of 10 whiskers!!
Dinner and a Movie Way back at the start of the pandemic, my friend Cinema Cat approached me about partnering on a column for our town of Benicia. We wanted to bring some fun and support our local restaurants and community as well. CC really, really LOVED movies and was somewhat famous for her annual Oscar parties, complete with tiaras and bling. Gracie Gourmet is all about the food, having performed various stints and stunts in catering and cooking. Benicia Magazine accepted our proposal and "Dinner and a Movie" was born. With tremendous sadness, I'm here to let our faithful readers know that Carolyn Plath aka Cinema Cat left this earth on December 17, 2021, after a short, intense illness. Carolyn brought a tender and determined generosity to all who knew her. Her fierce intelligence and humor will live on in our hearts. The memory of her words and wit will always make us smile. Thank you, Carolyn, for making our world a better place to be. Although "Dinner and a Movie" will continue each month, your contribution can never be replaced. May you find peaceful rest, dear friend. 10 out of 10 whiskers for a life well lived.
— Gracie
BeniciaMagazine.com • 29
Column A (Soap Opera) mystery
s e c n e F t e Pick Previously in Picket Fences … The F.A.C.T. fundraiser was beginning and, upon arrival, Angela offered Connie two choices: in a blue folder, a contract declaring the fundraiser their last con together, after which Connie would leave town for good; in a red folder, a piece of blackmail that will put Connie in Martin Kray’s crosshairs. n
Darrell Mcelvane
Guests start to arrive at the event, some eager to show off their clothes and fine jewelry, and others for a more nefarious reason; meanwhile Angela and Connie are wrapping up unfinished business. “You must be proud of yourself. And you should be,” Connie says, grabbing the blue folder and signing the document inside. “However, I may have to take my leave after the party… it would be rude to leave so early in the evening, don’t you think?” “Fine, I’ll extend you that courtesy… but after that, we are done,” Angela proclaims. Xavier pulls up in front of the Foster residence and waits for Saraya. He calls Payton to check in. “Where are you?” Payton asks. “Waiting for Saraya to come out so we can go, what about you?” “I’m getting the art ready for the auction. We have some great pieces, I don’t know how we snagged them,” Payton replies and takes a pause. “I bet you look amazing in your tux. I wish...” “Wish… what?” Payton replies with anticipation. The two sit in silence for what felt like hours, though it was merely seconds. “So, I’m thinking we can leave while the auction is going on. That would give us about an hour to see what Connie’s hiding in that house,” Payton says, trying to kill the awkwardness of the moment. “Are you sure we’ll have time?” Xavier asks, suddenly becoming distracted by headlights in his rear view mirror. The car stops and Saraya gets out. “Hey, I've gotta go, she's here; we’ll talk later.” She approaches the window of Xavier’s truck and knocks on the glass. “I'll be out in 10 minutes. Just 10 minutes. I'm so sorry,” she says, running into the house. Saraya enters to find her mother, Diahann Foster, sitting in her light grey bloom chair that’s trimmed in gold. The sight of her mother in that chair always meant she was in trouble. “Where have you been—or do I even want to know?” Diahann asks, getting up to confront her with a vodka neat in her hand. “I was out… mother,” Saraya hisses back. Diahann 30 • Benicia Magazine
takes a seething sip from the glass then proceeds to let it hang in her perfectly manicured hand at her side, swirling it ever so slightly. “I don’t ask much of you… hell, I don’t even expect much from you, but tonight, of all nights… I needed you to come through. I needed you to hold up your end of the bargain.” She takes another pointed sip from the glass. “I just got off the phone with Olivia and she gave me a tonguelashing that I had to take. Do you know what it took to get that boy to ask you to go to this event? I am trying to build something here and, for the life of me, I don't understand why you keep sabotaging me,” Diahann orates. Shaking her head, Saraya begins to speak. “Ever since Daddy died and we had to leave San Francisco because your society friends knew we ran out of money, you've become so pathetic; so desperate to get a life back that was never really real, so desperate that you would pimp out your own daughter like it’s the 1700s. Tell me, mother. Please tell me. What will I go for these days? I'd like to know… nothing to say? I thought not.” Diahann, after taking a beat, sputters out: “If you're going to give it away, you might as well get something in return. Fair exchange.” Saraya freezes on the steps, then slowly descends with determination towards her. “A ‘fair exchange,’ Mother?” Saraya grabs her mother’s precious vodka and states, “I really don't think that I am Xavier’s type.” With that Saraya gulps down the rest, proclaiming, “Mmm… smooth.” She defiantly heads upstairs once more to get dressed and then proceeds out the door, passing her mother (who has since retreated to her chair) and jumps into the truck with Xavier. With the party getting under way and a steady flow of guests arriving, old and new, this event is shaping up to be one event that no one will forget.
To be continued…
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