“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
n From the Editor
The fever dream that was the holiday season is over and the new year is upon us. This slow time of year is all about setting or renewing intentions and planning for the year ahead. This season, the depths of winter, is when the natural world hibernates, ruminates, and readies itself to emerge energized for the coming spring. So, lean in. Let yourself slow down, take a winter walk among the trees, observe the stillness of a mist-covered beach, or find a cozy place to journal. Reflect on the past year – all you’ve accomplished – and dream up some adventures or goals for this year. Maybe some of these ruminations are just for you, but maybe you’ll want to share others with an accountability buddy – someone who will help you reach a goal that means a lot to you.
In this issue, we have some helpful articles for intention-setting in the new year. Try a 30-day wellness challenge for body and mind. Or, get some help managing your finances in the new year with advice from Wheels Up Wealth. Gain a new perspective with Hidden Benicia’s look at local ESL classes. Refresh your home with intention with advice from a local feng shui expert. Or, try out some new activities for kids or adults with local workshops and classes. If you feel more like hibernating than intention-setting, you can always curl up with a good book recommendation from Booktails, or enjoy a good movie and food with Dinner & a Movie.
So, let’s welcome in 2025, and make the best of it!
- Genevieve
Post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com | Beniciamagazine.com
And they love benicia
n Kevin Nelson
Their names are Arun, Hameeda, Margaret, Nasheeda, Pathittha, and Shameeda.
Five are women, the lone male is Arun. All in their thirties or older. On this Tuesday morning they are seated around a conference table in a meeting room in Benicia Public Library, and all have one goal in mind: To learn English. To learn to speak it better.
As Shameeda, a native of India, puts it, “I am little, little English speaking.”
But they all want to get better, and helping them do that is their teacher Bette Bogart, who is at the head of the table guiding the instruction for the day. A graduate of Scripps College with a teaching credential from the University of California at Berkeley, she is the adult literacy program supervisor at the library and the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher.
“I often tell them how brave they are,” she says admiringly. “They’re brave to come here, to this country. They’re brave to make all these adjustments to a new country and a new city. They’re brave to speak English.”
Anyone who has ever tried to learn a foreign language as
an adult knows how true that is. Not one of the six was born in America. Not one of them speaks English as their native tongue, although Arun took English classes in school in Mexico.
One of the misconceptions about ESL classes—Bogart has taught them here in Benicia for a dozen years—is that all the foreign speakers are Spanish-speaking and they all hail from Latin America. This is hardly the case. Shameda and her two sisters, Hameeda and Nasheeda—the three are identical triplets—are from India and speak Malaraman.
Margaret is from Poland and speaks Polish, and Thailandborn Pathittha—who owns and operates a Thai therapeutic massage salon on East Military in Benicia, called Chetawan, which has four employees—naturally, speaks Thai.
The makeup of this little group reflects the striking diversity of the program as a whole. In the last two years, close to 50 ESL learners from 29 countries speaking 20 different languages have participated in the free Benicia program. “And all here, in our little town,” says Bogart with a smile.
Marj Hulin is a volunteer tutor who works with Bogart and has been involved in the program for decades. She is sitting in, this morning, to help encourage everyone to speak up, despite their not knowing all the right words or how to pronounce them always.
“I know when I was learning a language, I never wanted to make a mistake,” she says. “You just have to go for it. And keep trying.”
Though she has only been in this country six months and dealing with this crazy English thing only for that same length of time, Nasheeda is going for it. She and her sisters attended the drone light show held at the Benicia waterfront the first week of December, and they had never seen anything like it before.
Struggling to find the right word to convey how she felt watching the fantastical exhibition, she finally gets it. The show, she says shyly, brought her “happiness.”
The triplets arrived in the U.S. only after the unflagging persistence of their brother Masood, an IT employee with the city of Benicia. Masood first applied for their legal admittance in 2005; after nearly twenty years, federal immigration authorities finally said yes. Now they all live in-town, where pomegranates, lemons, and even bananas grow in their backyard.
Arun—born in Spain, raised in Mexico—can relate to that. “I love Benicia because it’s very peaceful,” he explains. “I can be in my garden here and listen only to the birds. It’s not so much like that in Mexico. You always hear your neighbors.”
Arun still lives and works part of the year in Mexico, where he oversees a holistic yoga and meditation retreat center near Mexico City. But he and his family made the decision to uproot themselves and move here in order for his son to go to American schools. His son now attends UC Davis.
There are more than 100 ESL programs in California. The Benicia library has conducted adult literacy and English language classes for nearly 40 years. Early on, the emphasis
was largely on literacy, teaching American-born adults how to read and write. Demand for those types of classes has largely vanished, however.
In its place has come a surge of new immigrants who want to talk the way Americans do so they can fit in better and do better in this country. Benicia holds three two-hour ESL classes a week—one hour taught by Bogart, followed by an hour of conversation led by the likes of Hulin or another tutor in the program, Sasha Gabor.
With Bogart and Hulin having to leave class, Gabor arrives to take over leading the group conversation. Like the other two, her goal is to foster an atmosphere in which each person feels comfortable about opening up and talking.
Earlier in the group’s conversation, the subject of American citizenship came up. One of the regular members of the class is a woman named Luisa, who was out of town and could not be there that day. A Spanish-speaking former resident of Cuba, she had recently passed all the required tests and in an official ceremony held in Sacramento, had joyfully become a naturalized citizen of the United States.
The question was posed: Would other members of the group like to become American citizens too?
Heads nodded up and down around the table.“My dream,” said Nasheeda, perhaps speaking for all, “is America.”
Award-winning Benicia author Kevin Nelson writes a Substack column, Tilting West. B
490 Chadbourne Rd. Suite 137 Fairfield, CA 94534 SolanoLawGroup.com info@SolanoLawGroup.com 7 07 -748-090 0
around town | Community
n Mary Hand
I'm January
by Annette Wynne
I'm January bringing you
A year of days—all brand, brand new; I step upon the frosty ground. When chimes and sleighbells ring around; You welcome me and children sing, And joy comes into everything. I bring you love and lots of cheer, And work and friends for all the year.
Ah yes, January, the month of the new and renewal. Hopeful for the new year and ready with our resolutions, January is a clean slate for everyone, or so we like to believe. So many of us resolve to be more healthy, more engaged, travel more, see our friends more. So let us make our list of practical resolutions and our list of dreams. It just takes that first step.
Since our energy is high for new endeavors in January, let’s use that energy to try something new in town. Try a new type of workout, learn how to make pottery, create a 30-day workout calendar, join a club, try yoga, or try a workshop.
We have divided our list into indoor and outdoor activities that are available in Benicia. There’s so much to do!
Here are some indoor ideas
Benicia Public Library
The library has many activities lined up for January.
Book Club: Choose from 7 options including mystery and food-themed clubs, meeting monthly—meeting days depend on which club you choose.
Art Gallery Exhibits: Rotating displays by local artists in the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke gallery.
Legal Advice: Free consultations with local attorneys during “Lawyer on the Line” on January 9th (the first Thursday of the month) at 6pm
Resume Writing & Career Counseling: January 10 at 11:30am
Board games: First and second Fridays of the month at 6pm
First Tuesday Poetry Group: January 7th, 6:15-8:30pm. Bring poetry to read, sing, perform, or just come to listen.
Cuddle Club: Dogs from the Humane Society are on hand for a cuddle session at the fireplace January 18th at 1pm
Writers Salon: Open to those who write short pieces and poetry for helpful critiquing. January 17, 2-4pm
Jewelry event: 6th - 8th graders can come make jewelry for themselves or friends. January 29 at 4pm
Unplugged Arcade: For tweens & teens, in the Dona Benicia room on Friday afternoons playing games without a screen (foosball, air hockey, pool, etc). 1-5p
Arts Benicia
Marbling for Everyone: January 26, 1-6pm at Arts Benicia. $140 nonmember price, $125 member price. Learn to create your own sheets of marbled paper to take home. Class is for ages 18+, please bring your own lunch or snacks and drinks since it’s a long class.
Benicia Main Street
Dine Downtown Benicia: Restaurant month in Benicia. With so many restaurants in our downtown, you can enjoy all your favorites and find many new ones. Share pictures of your meals to info@beniciamainstreet.org for a chance to win $100 Downtown Dollars.
Get Moving...
M.O.V.E.S. Dance Academy
Free Trial Class for all first time students Adult Jazz Class: Wednesdays, 7-8pm
Benicia Boxing & Martial Arts
Your first 2 weeks are free Balintawak Arnis: Filipino Martial arts for adults. Tuesdays 7-8:30p or Sunday 10-Noon. Women’s Class Sundays 3-4. $100 monthly, private classes $75 hourly Boxing: Ages 12+ and all levels of experience. Mornings & evenings, weekday or weekend classes. $120 monthly
The Elevate Company
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training: January 11 - March 9, teaching all the foundational topics.
Heritage Presbyterian Church
Winter Tea Stroll: join a cozy winter tea stroll (indoors) on January 11 from 10-noon where you can browse tea stations, explore a variety of herbs, and experience a presentation on tea. Learning where it comes from. Free tickets, but a $10 donation is suggested.
Benicia Rec
So many things to do! Check out their calendar at: https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/recguide
Let’s go outside!
Bundle up for a winter walk or ride...
Walk Benicia State Recreation Area
Benicia State Park covers marsh, grassy hillsides and rocky beaches along the Carquinez Strait. You can bike, run, walk or roller skate, the park’s 2 1/2 miles of road and bike paths. Picnicking, bird watching and fishing are also attractions.
Great trails all over Benicia Benicia Bike trails: https://sta.ca.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2019/05/10-GreatBike-Rides-Walks-in-Benicia-w-links.pdf
Benicia State Recreation Area
Dillon Point Walk/Ride
Waterfront Walk/Ride
Downtown Historic Walk/Ride
Benicia Marina Walk/Ride
Historic Arsenal Walk/Ride
Community Park to Southampton Park
Community Park to Waters End Park Lake Herman Loop
The Grand Tour
Plant a winter garden
Some experts would argue that it’s too late for a winter garden, but the Benicia climate is mild. You can’t really start from seed or seedlings, but certainly a trip to a local nursery will reveal many small plants ready to go in the ground.
The recommendation is to plant one bed in root crops (carrots, beets, and onions), another in cole crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy), and another in salad greens (lettuces, mesclun, spinach, and chard). Plant winter crops closer together to prevent erosion from hard winter rains. B
n Jean Purnell
Twice a year, pottery enthusiasts show up in force to see the studio spaces of the Berkeley Potters Guild transformed into an extensive, maze-like gallery. Over three weekends in December and May, the potters put away their tools and lay out their exceptional, varied, and creative ceramic works. Each artist is present to greet visitors and talk about their art, while cashiers do a brisk business wrapping the works for customers to carry out in boxes. The artists show their best and latest work at the December event, while the spring sale includes “seconds.”
The Berkeley Potters Guild, founded in 1971, is northern California’s oldest and largest collective of professional ceramic artists. A renovated warehouse on Jones Street in Berkeley accommodates twenty artists in private studios arranged along spaces and hallways throughout the building. The members represent both established
and emerging artists. Most members are production potters who create a wide variety of functional items such as cups, plates, and bowls. Some artists create one-of-a-kind sculptural pieces through signature techniques and forms, hand-carving, Asian motifs, unique glazes, or intricate and colorful hand painted designs. The work reflects the broad spectrum of contemporary ceramics.
When we visited the Guild in December, the entryway featured an array of exquisitely hand-painted ceramic work by Margaret Grisz-Dow. Inside the gallery, she greeted longtime friends in front of a display of her work. An internationally recognized artist, it was her lifetime dream to become a member of the Guild, which she joined in 1997. “You have to be juried in,” she said. “When we interview each new artist, we ask them about their trajectory, where they want to go with their art. It’s more important to us that you want to develop your art and can get along with other people, than that you are already all polished. We mentor our younger artists here. No matter how good you are, we’ve seen everyone’s work grow and blossom after joining the Guild.”
Guild members have their own spaces and equipment. “When the Guild first opened it was a bunch of hippie potters who divided the warehouse into separate studios,” explained Grisz-Dow. “We’ve just kept it that way. We don’t own the building, but we each have separate leases.” Grisz-Dow serves as the Guild’s publicist, while other members help with maintenance, website development, curating, and other tasks. Margaret lives in San Francisco, and commutes to the gallery to glaze and fire her work.
Due to health reasons, she now employs another artist to create clay forms in her desired styles and completes them with her decorating, glazing, and firing. Her signature techniques include vivid color and Asian brushwork in handpainted designs, Sgraffito, and Mishimi (techniques that involve scratching into leather-hard clay).
We met Theresa Stephenson sitting on a stool at one end of a long table covered with ceramic holiday ornaments. She has been showing her work at the Guild since 1991, following her husband John, who joined in 1986. John makes hand-crafted porcelain bowls and vases. The Guild takes advantage of John’s expertise as a working tax accountant, while Theresa is retired from the Bank of America.
Artwork by John Stephenson
John reminds her, “You’ve been saying that for the last twenty years.”
Wandering through the building, we tried to see the work of every artist: the stoneware and porcelain functional pieces of Pamela Zimmerman; simple and abstract depictions of birds, insects, and natural forms in the works of Chandra Beck; the exquisite and translucently thin porcelain, hand-carved works of Itsuko Zenitani; the vividly colored and painted pots and playful figures of Carol Valk. We came away with purchases, but far less than we wished we could make.
Visitors return year after year to find the same artist and add to their collections or replace a broken item. “I feel gratified to see the same faces year after year,”
In addition to the weekend-sales in December and May, the Guild Gallery—the front room of the building—is open every Saturday from February to November, from 11am to 5pm, and features works by every Guild artist. Members take turns as cashier on those Saturdays. While all of the artists are likely to be present in December and May, the Guild is worth visiting at any time. Visitors return year after year to find the same artist and add to their collections or replace a broken item. “I feel gratified to see the same faces year after year,” remarked Margaret.
For bios and photos of each of the twenty artists’ works, as well as information on upcoming events, please visit the Guild’s website:
https://berkeleypotters.com/
The Guild website includes links to the individual artists’ websites, some of whom also sell online. B
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Artwork by Carol Valk
T
HIRTY-DAY
BALANCED REJUVENATED
n Genevieve Hand
Photography by Michael Van Auken
With the start of a new year comes a great opportunity to reset intentions and jump-start healthy habits. Why not try kicking off the new year with a 30-day wellness challenge? (yes, we’re giving you a grace period on January 1st)
There are plenty of benefits to focusing on improved mental and physical wellness, many of which work together to create an overall sense of total wellness:
IMPROVE PHYSICAL HEALTH
BETTER BRAIN FUNCTION
ENHANCE EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE
ENHANCE QUALITY OF SLEEP
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY AND INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS
HELP MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT FLEXIBILITY AND BALANCE
STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM
INCREASE SELF-AWARENESS AND GROWTH
LONGEVITY
SOCIAL BENEFITS
ENCOURAGE HEALTHY HABITS
The tips below come from local experts who know a thing or two about getting started with mental and physical fitness. Read on to see how you can tailor this month, day-by-day, toward attaining your goals.
FROM ESTHER HASSARD, TRAINER AT GRIFFIN FITNESS
The new year is here, bringing a fresh start to a new chapter in your life. If adding a healthy lifestyle to 2025 is part of your plan, here's a challenge to help you get moving—no equipment or gym required.
TIPS TO GETTING STARTED
Set a clear goal for yourself: Define what you would like to achieve with the challenge and keep it realistic. Schedule a time that works for you: Treat your workouts like an appointment you can’t miss. Find a workout buddy: Having someone to help hold you accountable can help make it more enjoyable.
DAY 13 25 min brisk walk 4-5 min stretching DAY 14 40 sec wall sit 20 squats 20 push-ups 40 sec plank
DAY 15 40 sec wall sit 15 lunges 15 burpees 40 sec plank
DAY 16 25 min brisk walk 4-5 min stretching
Stay Positive: Make sure to focus on the wins no matter how small.
Nutrition: Incorporate a nutritious diet and stay hydrated.
Rest: Taking rest days and getting enough sleep to allow your body to recover is crucial.
Be Flexible: Remember life happens, you may miss a day or not be able to complete the move. Don’t get discouraged, get back on track and stay committed. Movement is key!
Remember, exercising in small amounts can have a big impact. Creating time and space for the activities you enjoy will help you stay committed as they will easily become part of your routine. Your body and your mind will thank you!
DAY 17
20 squats
20 push-ups
40 sec plank
DAY 18
45 sec wall sit 25 lunges 15 burpees 40 sec plank
DAY 19 rest day
DAY 20
30 min brisk walk 4-5 min stretching
DAY 21
45 sec wall sit 25 squats 25 push-ups
50 sec plank
DAY 22
45 sec wall sit 20 lunges 20 burpees
50 sec plank
DAY 23
30 min brisk walk 4-5 min stretching
DAY 24
25 squats
25 push-ups
50 sec plank
DAY 25
50 sec wall sit
30 lunges
20 burpees
50 sec plank
DAY 26 rest day
DAY 27
35 min brisk walk 4-5 min stretching
DAY 28
50 sec wall sit
30 squats
30 push-ups 1 min plank
DAY 29
40 min brisk walk
4-5 min stretching
DAY 30
1 min wall sit
35 squats
35 push-ups
25 lunges
1 min plank
* Push ups can be done on knees.
** Lunges always on both sides
*** Rest Days = meditation or stroll
FROM RACHELLE JACKSON, LCSW, CEAP, CCM, PPSC
A 30-day challenge to kickstart mental and physical well-being could include: daily activities focused on exercise, nutrition, mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and social connection, progressively increasing intensity or duration over the month, with a focus on establishing sustainable habits like regular movement, healthy eating, and stress management techniques.
WEEK 1
Focus on building a foundation
DAY 1: Start a gratitude journal, write down 3 things you're grateful for each day.
DAY 2: Go for a 15-minute walk outside.
DAY 3: Drink 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
DAY 4: Incorporate 10 minutes of stretching into your routine.
DAY 5: Eat a balanced meal with
WEEK 2
Increasing activity and mindfulness
DAY 8: Try a new workout class (yoga, Zumba)
DAY 9: Plan a healthy meal for the week
DAY 10: Meditate for 10 minutes
DAY 11: Take a screen-free hour before bed
DAY 12: Increase walking time to 30 minutes
DAY 13: Connect with a friend or family member
DAY 14: Do a digital detox for one day
WEEK 3
Incorporating more challenging activities
DAY 15: Try a new healthy recipe
DAY 16: Go for a hike or bike ride
DAY 17: Practice mindful eating during a meal
DAY 18: Engage in a creative activity (painting, writing)
DAY 19: Set realistic goals for the next month
DAY 20: Volunteer your time to a
WEEK 4
Maintaining and building on progress
DAY 22: Increase your workout intensity
DAY 23: Reflect on your progress so far
DAY 24: Plan a healthy meal for a social gathering
DAY 25: Practice gratitude journaling daily
DAY 26: Explore a new outdoor activity
DAY 27: Learn a new skill related to wellness
DAY 28: Prioritize self-care activities (massage, bath)
DAY 29: Celebrate your achievements
DAY 30: Set intentions for continued healthy habits
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:
Start slow and gradually increase intensity: Adapt the challenge to your fitness level.
Listen to your body: Take rest days when needed and stay hydrated. Seek support: Share your goals with friends or family for
Feng Shui expert Maria McCullough
n Peter Crooks
Maria McCullough remembers the “a ha” moment that changed her life. The career educator was working as a principal at a Solano County elementary school when a fifth grade teacher asked for permission to paint her classroom green.
Benicia resident publishes book about ancient practice of arranging spaces to create balance and harmony and gave permission for the paint job. She also decided to start exploring feng shui techniques in her own life.
“I really got into it and started practicing it in my own life,” says McCullough. “There’s an old expression: when the student is ready, the teacher appears. That was definitely the case in my life.”
clients to help transform their homes, businesses, and landscapes. During the COVID-19 lockdown, McCullough found she could help a wider range of clients with virtual meetings on the computer. McCullough is thrilled with the relationships she has formed through her career change.
“Once someone hires me as a consultant, they are welcome to exchange texts and emails with me for life,” says McCullough. “I believe everything is a journey, not a oneand-done. My clients seem to really like that I am available for advice and insight once they get to know me.”
“I asked why she wanted to make that change and she explained that she had been reading about feng shui,” McCullough recalls.
McCullough quickly learned about the ancient Chinese practice of arranging spaces to create balance and harmony. The teacher, who had been learning about feng shui practices, explained that certain shades of green can promote peace and tranquility, and the color change might provide a calming effect for the students. McCullough loved the idea
These changes occurred more than twenty years ago, and the results were significant and transformative in McCullough’s approach to life.
A major change occurred when McCullough and her husband traveled to Encinitas, California, so she could take an intensive course with Terah Kathryn Collins, who runs the Western School of Feng Shui. Once she was a certified essential feng shui practitioner, McCullough found the philosophy changed her world view entirely, and she began consulting for
“Empower Your Life Through Feng Shui is like a workbook.. People can write in it and reflect on their spaces and their life,” says McCullough. “It’s not about one quick makeover to clean up your clutter—it’s an ongoing process.”
McCullough has found that her enthusiasm for the practice has inspired her own creative expressions, and she has contributed “Everyday Feng Shui” columns to various Bay Area publications, including the Benicia Herald. She teaches classes at various community centers and adult education campuses in the East Bay. In May 2024, she published Empower Your Life Through Feng Shui: An Easy Eight-Step Guide to Help You Achieve Your Goals, a book that goes beyond homestyle tips and encourages readers to find a happier and more fulfilling life by utilizing feng shui techniques.
“Empower Your Life Through Feng Shui is like a workbook.. People can write in it and reflect on their spaces and their life,” says McCullough. “It’s not about one quick makeover to clean up your clutter—it’s an ongoing process.”
McCullough employs the “Bagua map” to every space she is helping transform. Part of the ancient Chinese Book of Changes, this nine-sector grid helps dictate the flow of a home or workspace. The sectors include sections for health and prosperity, fame and prosperity, love and relationships, family and physical health, spiritual health and well being, children and creativity, knowledge and wisdom, career, and travel and helpful people. Each sector contains recommended colors and earth inspired textures—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—to help create a natural flow through the space.
While the techniques are ancient, McCollough stays current with her homestyle tips. For example, she recommends that distracting technological elements such as televisions and computers are not ideal for the primary bedroom in a home. “The bedroom is a place to relax and for romance,” she says. “A television can affect sleep at night.”
Similarly, she insists that the bedroom is not a place to set up a home office. That work area can go in the career space on the other side of the house. Of course, the design of all living spaces will vary based on the home’s layout and square footage.
McCullough says she sees the world differently due to her experience and practice. A native of Milan, Italy, McCullough refers to “intuitive feng shui” when visiting ancient buildings and homes in the Old World. “When I walk into a building or a home, I look at the space with that intuition. It's amazing to be in an old building that feels right because it was designed using those principles.”
"Effective feng shui principles in a home allow the resident to enjoy their creativity and be open to changes and new opportunities in life.On the other hand, a cluttered or chaotic home can vacuum inspiration and idealism from a person’s perspective "
Even in the modern East Bay, McCullough says she can feel feng shui in unexpected places. “Whole Foods stores hire a consultant to go through to employ feng shui throughout the building,” she says. “In some other stores, you’ll notice a more chaotic layout and find yourself getting frustrated unexpectedly.”
McCullough says that the home is the most important space to employ feng shui, as a sense of balance and flow provides sanctuary. This is the ideal energy for the home, which should be a place to relax and recharge. Effective feng shui principles in a home allow the resident to enjoy their creativity and be open to changes and new opportunities in life. On the other hand, a cluttered or chaotic home can vacuum inspiration and idealism from a person’s perspective.
“Houses can either nourish you or drain you,” McCullough explains. “I go into many houses, and sometimes walk in and feel instantly frustrated.”
While her consulting work takes her all over the Bay Area and virtual spaces, many examples of feng shui success are close to McCullough’s life in Benicia. She and her husband moved to Benicia from Clayton in 1997. McCullough’s parents had lived in town and the couple always liked Benicia’s small-town feel. While visiting Benicia to attend a sports game, they happened to walk into an open house, and were instantly smitten.
“It was like the home was calling to us, and we were living here one month later,” she says. The home had water views, was walking distance from downtown, and had other ideal factors, but still required feng shui tuneups to several rooms. “My grandson would come to visit when he was about 8. He lives in Long Beach with two siblings and a dog, and the kind of natural chaos that goes with all of that. But he would visit us in Benicia and say, “Grandma, your house feels so good!”
Empower Your Life Through Feng Shui is available at Bookshop Benicia, at fengshuibymaria.com, and at many other book retailers. B
around town | Business
Savvy Money Tips for 2025
n Bridget Harkins, CFP®
A new year is a perfect time to revisit financial goals, evaluate spending habits, and set a foundation for success. As a Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®), I specialize in helping women navigate their financial journeys. Here are some actionable tips to take charge of your finances this year:
1. Revisit Your Financial Goals
Reflect on what you want to achieve this year. Are you building an emergency fund, saving for a dream vacation, or preparing for retirement? Write down your goals and categorize them as short-, medium-, or long-term. Make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. Build or Strengthen Your Emergency Fund
If you don’t already have an emergency fund, start now. Aim for three to six months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. This safety net is crucial during unexpected events like job loss or medical emergencies.
3. Take Control of Your Cash Flow
Track your expenses to understand where your money goes. Use budgeting apps to plan monthly spending that aligns with your priorities and values. Does your checkbook match those values? Allocate funds for essentials while leaving room for things that bring you joy.
4. Prioritize Debt Management
Debt can hinder financial freedom. Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, like credit cards. Use strategies like the snowball or avalanche method to tackle balances systematically.
5. Invest in Your Future
Investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth over time. And it doesn’t have to be complicated or overly tactical. A low-cost, diversified approach is easily achievable through index mutual funds and ETFs, which offer broad market exposure with minimal effort. Start by contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA— especially if your employer offers a match. If you’re already contributing, consider increasing your contributions by 1–2% this year. Focus on long-term growth—investing is about time in the market, not timing it.
6. Review Insurance Coverage
Insurance is a key part of financial security. Review your health, life, and disability coverage to ensure they meet your needs. If you have dependents, verify that your life insurance policy provides adequate support.
7. Maximize Tax-Advantaged Accounts
Leverage accounts like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or 529 college savings plans to reduce taxable income and save for specific goals.
8. Strengthen Your Financial Knowledge
Expand your knowledge through books, podcasts, or courses. Understanding the basics of personal finance can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
9. Schedule Financial Check-Ins
Set a monthly date with yourself to review your progress. Use this time to adjust your budget, track your goals, and celebrate milestones.
10. Seek Professional Guidance
Navigating finances can feel overwhelming. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) can provide personalized advice and create a plan tailored to your unique situation.
The Bottom Line
Financial empowerment comes from consistency and intentionality. Celebrate small wins and stay committed to your goals. This year, take steps to build a financial future that supports your dreams.
Here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling new year! If you’d like personalized support, let’s work together to make 2025 your best financial year yet.
Bridget Harkins, CFP® is the Senior Wealth Advisor and Co-Founder of Wheels Up Wealth, Bridget draws on her passion for empowering others to navigate life’s big changes with confidence. Combining a personalized approach with a depth of financial expertise, she helps clients chart a course toward their goals and create a financial landscape that supports their dreams.
This material is intended for educational purposes only. You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar with your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Past performance does not guarantee future performance. B
Book and Cock tail Club
n Cooper Mickelson
Debut novels are always a gamble, but Going Home by Tom Lamont is one worth taking. This literary drama brims with unique perspectives and radiates charm, offering a poignant exploration of love, loss, and personal transformation.
Set within a Jewish community in England, Going Home centers on a young boy named Joel, whose mother’s suicide sends the lives of a small but richly drawn cast of characters into a transformative spiral. The novel opens with Joel’s scattered, childlike thoughts—a brief but powerful glimpse into his mind that immediately endears him to the reader. This fleeting perspective ensures our emotional investment in the events that follow, even as the narrative shifts to four adult characters.
Teo Erskine, one of those adults, is a young man returning to his hometown of Enfield to check on his aging father, Vic. During his visit, Teo crosses paths with his old school friend Lia, a single mother. In an effort to impress her, Teo agrees to babysit her son, Joel, the next day. Tragically, it is during this time that Lia chooses to end her life, trusting Teo—whom she sees as the responsible one among their friend group—to care for her son in her absence.
Teo is abruptly thrust into the role of caretaker, juggling responsibilities for both his father and Joel. This marks a stark departure from his lonely, bachelor life in London. He agrees to care for Joel temporarily while social workers search for either his unknown father or a suitable Jewish family to take him in.
Vic, Teo’s father, reacts with unexpected enthusiasm to Joel’s presence. After years of isolation due to a degenerative condition, Vic is invigorated by the newfound attention their household receives. Neighbors rally to help, and the synagogue community embraces him once again. This revival of connection makes Vic feel younger than he has in years, and he clings to the hope that this renewed vibrancy can last.
At the other end of the spectrum is Ben, the immature, wealthy playboy in Teo’s friend group. Ben cannot fathom why Teo burdens himself with responsibility instead of seizing the opportunity for carefree fun. Yet beneath Ben’s flippant
exterior lies a web of secrets and complicated feelings that hint at why he struggles to engage meaningfully with the situation.
Lia’s death also profoundly affects Sibyl, the local rabbi. As Lia’s confidante, Sibyl spent hours counseling her through struggles with depression and self-doubt about her ability to parent Joel. Lia’s suicide shakes Sibyl’s faith in her abilities and in God, forcing her to grapple with deep questions about purpose, failure, and the limits of spiritual guidance. These moments of introspection are among the most compelling in the novel, offering a poignant exploration of grief, faith, and self-reconciliation.
The driving force behind Going Home is the evolving relationships among its characters. Each perspective is distinct, and no one emerges from the story unchanged. The inner monologues are raw, honest, and deeply emotional, a rarity in a narrative with a predominantly male cast. This depth reminded me of the film About a Boy, where layered characters and unexpected connections lead to growth and healing. This novel will resonate with anyone who has experienced the transformative joy—and challenges—of caring for a child, whether as a parent, nanny, teacher, or family member. Going Home is a tender, unforgettable debut that lingers long after the final page. Out January 14th, pick up your copy of Going Home by Tom Lamont from Bookshop Benicia.
Booktails' Cocktail of the Month
The Italian Job
2003 Action/Crime 111 Minutes
PG13
Streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV
n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic
Movie Magic returns time and time again to this delightful caper that enjoys a cult following. It's a thriller, a wry comedy, a bit of a love story with wild car chases thrown in ( multiple Mini Coopers in different colors!) and a stellar ensemble cast. After a big time heist of $35 million in gold bullion, Charlie Croker and his team are betrayed, robbed and left for dead. Revenge ensues, with a vengeance.
Shot in the waterways of Venice and the subways of Los Angeles, this film has gorgeous cinematography and a group of charismatic characters. The clever and cagey
Mark Wahlberg plays the lead, supported by the charming and iconic Donald Sutherland and the expertly villainous Edward Norton. Charlize Theron adds her unfailing beauty and style to the mix. Of course, the crime frenzy wouldn't be complete without Jason Statham as the team's wheelman. This is an action-packed, breezy tale of honor and dishonor among thieves.
Fun to watch with beautiful scenery and wonderful acting! What's not to love? Inspired by the 1969 British film and developed as an homage to the original. Directed by F. Gary Gray.
Movie Magic gives The Italian Job 4 out of 5 moons. Enjoy! B
Ristorante Pasta D'Oro
410 Napa Junction Road #102 American Canyon, CA 94503
707.563.5162 · Ristorantepastad-oro.com
Closed Mondays
n Gourmet Gracie
What a surprise to find this terrific Italian spot hidden away in a strip mall… deliciousness awaits! This cute and cozy familyowned eatery is a delightful gem.
All dishes are made in-house and prepared with love. The salads are cold and crisp and the sesame dressing option brings just the right amount of zing. Gracie's favorite is the mouth-watering gnocchi in a rich Gorgonzola sauce—so tender and tasty. Don't miss the beautiful garlic bread, served with a side of house-made marinara. Other specials include the cheesy Chicken Parmigiana, delightfully battered Fritto Misto, and Arancini with dipping sauce. Yelpers rave about the Rib-Eye Steak that is perfectly prepared to order and drizzled with a red wine reduction sauce that will wake up your taste buds. The Bread Pudding with raspberry sauce is unexpected and memorable. And, of course, who doesn't love a terrific Tiramisu—worth the calories!
You'll be welcomed and cared for by the friendly and attentive staff. Black-and-white checkered tablecloths add to a casual ambiance that is eclectic and fun. People-in-the-know swear that this Italian food is authentically ITALIAN.
Street parking. Wheelchair accessible. Vegetarian options. Lots of Italian wines, Sangria. Delivery & takeout. Buono!!
Gracie's Bruschetta continued
Slice a French or sourdough baguette into quarter inch slices. Toast lightly to dry out bread. Brush with olive oil/butter. Sprinkle lightly with garlic salt. Chop 46 medium sized, ripe tomatoes; a handful of fresh basil leaves and 6 or more chopped garlic cloves. Add 2 - 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a few turns of freshly grated black pepper. Mix all ingredients until blended. With a slotted spoon, cover each baguette slice to the edges with a layer of the tomato mixture. Cover completely with grated mozzarella cheese. Place under broiler for a few minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with more chopped basil or fresh parsley.
Note: Ingredients can be adjusted to taste. Cool slightly and serve. Enjoy with an Italian Barolo, Barbaresco, or a bold Chianti wine. Works well as an appetizer or an accompaniment to soup or salad. Deliziosa! B
EVENTS January January
Month of January
Trivie Night at First Street Taphouse
Mare Island Brewing Co. First Street Taphouse 440 First Street, Benicia Tuesdays from 6:30-9pm
Gather your friends for craft brews and engaging trivia challenges hosted by King Trivia.
January 3 & 10
Story Time with The Craft Fairy Dianna's Bakery & Cafe 639 First Street, Benicia 9am - 10am
A free storytime perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, featuring stories, games, and songs.
January 3 & 10
Board Games for All Ages
Benicia Public Library
150 East L Street, Benicia 6pm - 9 pm
Enjoy a variety of board games suitable for all ages; bring your own or use those provided.
January 10
Luncha Libro
Benicia Public Library
150 E L Street, Benicia 6pm
Family-friendly pro wrestling event featuring top talent; a unique blend of literature and wrestling entertainment.
January 11
Friends of the Library Bag of Books Sale
Benicia Public Library
150 East L Street, Benicia 10am - 4pm
Monthly book sale offering a variety of books; proceeds support library programs.
January 11
Winter Tea Stroll
Heritage Presbyterian Church
1400 E 2nd Street, Benicia 10am - 12pm
Join a cozy winter tea stroll (indoors) where you can browse tea stations, explore a variety of herbs, and experience a presentation on tea. Learning where it comes from. Free tickets, but a $10 donation is suggested.
January 16
Christ Phelps Wine Dinner
The Cafe at The Inn, Benicia 6pm - 9pm
An evening with winemaker Chris Phelps, featuring wines from Ad Vivum and COIL Wineries paired with a special dinner.
January 16
Christ Phelps Wine Dinner
The Cafe at The Inn, Benicia 6pm - 9pm
An evening with winemaker Chris Phelps, featuring wines from Ad Vivum and COIL Wineries paired with a special dinner.
January 18
Cuddle Club
Benicia Public Library
150 E L Street, Benicia 1pm
Dogs from the Humane Society are on hand for a cuddle session at the fireplace.
January 22
State of the District Event: "Celebrating Successes While Navigating the Future"
Benicia Unified School District Office 6pm - 8pm
Event featuring a student showcase, district updates, and a panel discussion; RSVP required by December 20, 2024. Event will also live-streamed on the BUSD YouTube channel.
