Nov/Dec 2014 Central California Life

Central California Life Magazine

Saint Agnes’ Sister Mary

November-December 2014

Holiday Issue Political dynamo Minnie Santillan

Volume 1, Issue 3

Central California Life Magazine

Music teacher Bruce Weinberger NOV/DEC 2014

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Reflections

O

ne of my favorite authors, Alice Walker, has said, “‘Thank you’ is the best prayer that anyone could say … ‘Thank you’ expresses extreme gratitude, humility and understanding.”

As we approach one of my favorite times of year, I am moved to express my gratitude to everyone who is part of this special edition of Central California Life. This includes not only the writers, photographers and graphic artists who bring these stories to you, but also the remarkable individuals who have given us these stories to share.

As you read about their respective life journeys, it will be clear why Minnie Santillan, Sister Mary and Bruce Weinberger are the featured subjects in our “Stories from the Heartland” section.

What they all have in common is their commitment to serving others. Minnie has built a career advocating on behalf of those without a voice, especially children and immigrants. Sister Mary has spent several decades improving the lives of the poor and disenfranchised locally and abroad. And teacher Bruce Weinberger has instilled in young people a love for music – one that has transformed their lives.

In addition to these stories, this issue shines a well-deserved spotlight on important organizations, Elder Paws, Exceptional Parents Unlimited and my favorite hockey team, the Fresno Monsters. We hope to see you out at a game this season!

A new section, “Wish List” will feature items found at local retailers. As you are considering your gift purchases this holiday season, please think of your local retailers. We found so many wonderful items they would not all fit in the confines of this publication, so look for more gift ideas on our website.

Traditionally I share some more detail about what’s inside this issue, this time I would encourage you to unwrap these pages, our gift to you. Our trusted and beloved columnists have much to share.

Thank you for your ongoing support of this publication, and if you enjoy what you read please support us with a gift of a subscription and a “Like” on Facebook.

One of my most beloved holiday songs is “Ven a Mi Casa Esta Navidad”, written by Luis Aguile. He speaks to inviting those who are far away from home and away from loved ones to his home for Christmas. In this spirit I reach out to you, pull up a cozy chair and enjoy the heartwarming stories in this issue!

I wish you all a blessed and happy holiday!

Karen Maroot, Publisher Karen@CenCaliLife.com

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Central California Life

Our Mission “The mission of Central California Life magazine is to spotlight what makes this region a unique and integral part of the Golden State.

We do this by telling the stories of the people who live, work and play here—artists and entrepreneurs, farmers and elected officials, educators and athletes, and so many others who call California’s heartland “home.” From short profiles of ordinary individuals who are making extraordinary differences to in-depth stories

For subscription information or advertising opportunities visit CenCaliLife.com or call 559.352.7439

about our history and more contemporary matters, our team of experienced writers produces content that is informative, relevant and interesting. Their work is complemented by talented photographers and graphic artists.

We also provide comprehensive event listings, restaurant reviews and art and entertainment news.

We are the only magazine that covers the central San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast, and count among our targeted readers those who live both within and outside the region.”

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Central California Life

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22 Minnie Santillan A voice for others

26 Sister Mary A life of service

34 Bruce Weinberger Changing lives through music

What’s Inside Reflections

2 Publisher’s Letter

Contributors

8 Getting to Know Us

A Few Cool Things

Keeping the Faith

14 The silver lining when the worst hand is dealt Faith Sidlow

Our Kids

10 What to Do in Central California

18 Holidays x2 Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams

CBO to Know

Our Furry Friends

12 Exceptional Parents Unlimited Don R. Simmons

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Central California Life

20 Elder Paws: Giving senior dogs a second chance Mike Scott

Stories from the Heartland

22 Minnie Santillan: A voice for others Anna Perez 26 Sister Mary: A life of service Judy House Menezes 30 Bruce Weinberger: Changing lives through the magic of music Jeffery Williams 36 Fresno veterans project seeks to capture memories, meaning Jason Smithberg

Central Coast

38 Brown Butter Cookies: Sweet, salty and delicious Judy House Menezes

40 Holiday Gift Ideas

58 Fresno Monsters

The Wish List

40 Holiday Gift Ideas

Health and Wellness

50 The origins and benefits of giving thanks Dr. Bradley Wajda 54 Staying healthy and happy for the holidays Rhonda Murphy & Rachel Taylor

Sports

58 Fresno Monsters shoot for coveted hockey title Christopher Livingston

Arts and Entertainment 62

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Book Review: “The Barber’s Wife” Jeffery Williams The names on the picture books: Valley children’s authors Andrew Veihmeyer

Sip and Savor

68 Culinary Artist Liz Sanchez Amy Guerra 70 The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar Amy Guerra 72 Sip: The Lime Lite Edgar E. Dunn III

Spotlight

74 Milestones and Events in Central California Rachel Taylor

Calendar of Events

84 November, December and January Happenings

The Backstory

96 Editor’s Reflections Kelley Campos McCoy

Central California Life

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Contributors PUBLISHER Karen Maroot karen@cencalilife.com PUBLISHER/SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Alyssa Boyles alyssa@cencalilife.com EDITORIAL BOARD Alyssa Boyles, Karen Maroot, Kelley Campos McCoy, Richard Melella, Faith Sidlow EDITOR Kelley Campos McCoy kelley@cencalilife.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Rachel Taylor rachel@cencalilife.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams, Edgar E. Dunn III, Amy Guerra, Christopher Livingston, Judy House Menezes, Rhonda Murphy, Anna Perez, Mike Scott, Faith Sidlow, Don R. Simmons, Jason Smithberg, Rachel Taylor, Dr. Bradley Wajda, Jeffery Williams, Andrew Veihmeyer CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Amy Guerra, Leslie Just, Fedieson Landicho, Kelley Campos McCoy, Judy House Menezes, Dan Minkler, Roberta Minkler, Faith Sidlow CREATIVE CONSULTANT Edgar E. Dunn III DESIGNERS Beth Greene, Gary Hoffman INTERN Abigail Martin Copyright © 2014 by Central California Life magazine. All rights reserved.

Central California Life magazine accepts or assumes no liability for the material contained herein. This magazine is for entertainment only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any product or service. All statements and expressions are the sole opinions of the writers.

Central California Life magazine reserves the right to edit any editorial, photos or ad submissions for the purposes of clarity and space.

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Central California Life

Jeffery Williams Writer

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is ... hosting Thanksgiving with my wife at our house the past two years, overindulging in delectable foods and playing games with family.

The best gift I ever received during the holidays was ... As a teacher, I love the gift of two weeks off around the holidays – time with family and friends, time for shopping and decorating, time for resting and relaxing.

Overall, I would describe 2014 as ... fulfilling at Clovis West, thrilling at home and being ever willing to try new things on this journey!

In 2015, I most look forward to ... more frolicking and rollicking adventures with my new life and wife. I’m appreciating the thought that you never know what you can get until what you had is gone.

People would probably be surprised to know that ... Patricia and I have two Saint Bernards, a dachshund and three cats, which makes life at home quite interesting and unpredictable.

Anna Perez Writer

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is … playing flag football with my family before dinner.

The best gift I ever received during the holidays … is and always has been socks, especially with rare designs or bright colors, although my favorites are argyle.

Overall, I would describe 2014 as … the year in which I made it a point to get out of my comfort zone.

In 2015, I most look forward to … attending as many P!nk performances as possible while maintaining my grade point average.

People would probably be surprised to know that … I kept an empty Doritos bag my mom gave me when I left for my first military duty station and have had it for 10 years.

Gary Hoffman Graphic Artist

My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is ... deep-frying a turkey while everyone watches “the drop” to see if I end up in flames on YouTube.

The best gift I ever received during the holidays was ... I have a fascination with snow globes. Every year I get another interesting addition or two to the collection, which comprises many years of best gifts.

Overall, I would describe 2014 as ... disappearing way too quickly. It’s a cruel irony that time seems to go faster as you get older.

In 2015, I most look forward to ... a vacation with my wife, Rhonda, next fall to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and to count our blessings for the life we’ve had.

People would probably be surprised to know that ... I am the fifth generation of my family involved in publishing. From bookbinders in the 1800s, through printers during much of the 20th century, to my current design career, we have all had a seemingly unconnected but similar passion. •

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A Few Cool Things

The Nation’s Christmas Tree Did you know that Central California is home to the Nation’s Christmas Tree?

The title belongs to the General Grant Tree, a giant sequoia in Kings Canyon National Park that is often recognized as the world’s second-largest tree by volume.

According to the national park website, former President Calvin Coolidge bestowed the title on the tree in 1926 after receiving a letter from a Sanger resident suggesting that an annual Christmas ceremony be held at its base.

This year marks the 89th year the City of Sanger has hosted the “Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree Ceremony.” Participants take charter buses from Sanger to General Grant, where they celebrate the Christmas season and pay tribute to the nearly 270-foot-tall tree.

This year’s trek will take place Dec. 14. Bus reservations can be made starting Nov. 1.

For more information, call the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce at (559) 875-4575.

Downtown Fresno Ice Rink

Want to have a fun winter experience at an outdoor ice rink, but can’t afford a trip to New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center?

No problem.

Fresno has its own outdoor ice rink, too: the Downtown Fresno Ice Rink.

Although there may not be any snow in Fresno, the Downtown Ice Rink is a fun, family-friendly way to spend a cool winter day in the Central Valley.

The Downtown Ice Rink will open Nov. 13 and is located on the Fulton Mall at Mariposa Plaza in front of the Pacific Southwest Building.

Photo courtesy of Downtown Fresno Partnership

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Central California Life

For more information, visit downtownfresno.org.

Central California Auto Show Vroom, vroom! Get your engines ready for the 2015-Model Central California Auto Show at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center Nov.14-16.

The show, presented by Motor Trend, will feature hundreds of new cars, trucks, SUVs and alternative fuel vehicles.

There will also be displays of vehicles not yet available at dealerships.

Aside from getting a close-up view of the cars, visitors will have the chance to test drive a number of vehicles at the venue.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. All attendees will receive a free 12-month subscription to Motor Trend magazine.

For more information, visit motortrendautoshows.com/fresno.

Christmas at Hearst Castle Hearst Castle, a National and California Historical Landmark located on California State Route 1 near San Simeon, has been a popular tourist destination for decades.

With its lush gardens, beautiful art, ornate pools and extravagant rooms, the castle is a sight to behold. Each year beginning Thanksgiving weekend through the end of December, the castle is decked out even more.

From Nov. 12 through Dec. 1, staff garnish the castle with decorations that were common in the 1920s and 1930s: handmade garlands, red poinsettias and two 18-foot Christmas trees decorated with lights and traditional ornaments.

The public can enjoy the decorations starting Dec. 1 by taking a guided tour of the castle. With the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day, tours are offered daily.

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited availability. • For more information, visit hearstcastle.org.

Photo courtesy of Hearst Castle®/California State Parks

Central California Life

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CBO to Know

One exceptional support system: Exceptional Parents Unlimited Story by Don R. Simmons Photos by Dan Minkler

Founder Marion Karian began EPU in 1976 as a support group for the parents of children with Down syndrome.

F

amilies with children with special needs often feel a host of emotions. Alone. Isolated.

Afraid. Disappointed. They may feel there is nowhere to turn.

For the past several years, families like these have turned to Exceptional Parents Unlimited.

Established in 1976 to support parents of children with Down syndrome, EPU has grown from a support group with eight families to a nationally recognized program providing a range of services to thousands of families facing medical, developmental and parenting challenges. It is funded by a combination of grants, donations and contracts.

Services are provided to families at no cost.

EPU encourages parents to be involved in the learning environment.

Jane Feist and her daughter, Teagan, 17, are ing the ‘work’ that she had to do at EPU, Teagan would among those who have looked to EPU for help frequently ask, ‘When are we going back to EPU?’” and benefited greatly from its services and programs.

Feist credits EPU for the remarkable strides Teagan “Having a child with special needs can be frighthas made, both in terms of her confidence levels and her ening, and EPU provided wonderful support for us and education. helped us adjust to our new normal,” Feist said. “Teagan “It is incredibly hard in the beginning. There is grief loved EPU and thrived with their help. Instead of dread12 |

Central California Life

Kelly G., a single mom with a special needs child who is almost 5 years old, has been similarly impressed by what EPU can help families accomplish. She said her daughter, whose birth mother abused drugs and alcohol, was developmentally delayed and didn’t speak for several years.

“Now, she’s talking, laughing, getting into mischief like any 4-year-old,” Together, Jane Feist and her daughter, Teagan, are just one of the Kelly G. said. “This many families served by EPU. According to the EPU website, about wouldn’t happen 800-900 children and family members are seen each week. without EPU, especially the home that this is not the child you expected, visitors who provide therapy at our house not the life you had planned out for you when we cannot get to the center.” or your child,” Feist said. “But EPU walks Children with special needs are with you every step of the journey. They often the victims of abuse and neglect are there with the support you need. I at the hands of desperate and distressed am in awe of the work that they do for parents. A special call line set up by EPU families.” has emerged as a critical lifeline for these families.

“Many times, parents are at their wit’s end and feel such frustration with their child and with themselves, we will receive desperate phone calls,” Price said.

“EPU’s One Call for Kids can help provide initial counseling, referral and assessment that can sometimes save the life of a child and help the entire family to begin to cope with the stress.”

EPU was founded by Marion M. Karian, a nurse specializing in genetics.

Karian “was very aware of the fear and sadness that these parents were facing,” said Price of the eight families that moved Karian to establish EPU. “She saw the need firsthand and knew that she had to EPU director of development Kathleen Price

do something, so she started the support group.”

Price said Karian chose the name “Exceptional Parents Unlimited” because she wanted to support parents of children with all kinds of special needs.

While EPU serves families facing unique challenges, the organization’s work affects the entire community, Price said.

“These are our children, our families,” she said. “The work of EPU touches every part of our community.”

And as the population that EPU serves continues to expand, community support – especially financial – is needed now more than ever.

“We now face issues like pesticide poisoning that impacts the health of pregnant women and infants, toxic shock, domestic violence, lack of adequate prenatal care in rural areas, deeply concentrated poverty, poor nutrition – all of these factors make the work of EPU the work of all of us,” Price said.

As you think about ways to give during the holidays, consider EPU. There are many ways you can show support: • Make a financial contribution.

• Donate your vehicle.

• Contribute to the purchase of a van or fuel for EPU’s network of home visitors.

• Become a “professional partner” by donating services such as photography, graphic design, childcare, financial planning or family support.

• Donate children’s books, puzzles or toys for families participating in EPU programs and services.

To make a contribution or donation or for more information about EPU, visit epuchildren.org or call Kathleen Price at (559) 229-2000 Ext. 136. • Don R. Simmons, Ph.D., is a Distinguished Lecturer of Humanics at Fresno State.

Central California Life

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Keeping the Faith

by Faith Sidlow

I

was enjoying a late morning cup of coffee with a friend a few weeks ago. We

were deep in conversation when I glanced up briefly to watch an older man shuffle through the front door of the restaurant, pushing a walker in front of him. Two women held open the door as he struggled to walk into the café. The scene drew my attention away from my friend for a moment.

I didn’t recognize the man, and I returned to our conversation.

Faith Sidlow teaches broadcast journalism at Fresno State. She spent the last 28 years as a news reporter and morning anchor at KSEE-TV, where she produced a series called Extreme Faith.

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A few minutes later one of the women walked over to our table. I recognized her.

“Chanel!” I greeted her. “It’s been forever!”

I chatted with Chanel Wapner for a few minutes and then she whispered, “Jim’s over there.”

“Jim?” I asked.

“Yes, Jim Wasson.”

Wasson is a criminal lawyer in Fresno who specializes in DUI cases. I’ve known him for more than 25 years. In fact, we’d just run into each other at a bike shop a few months earlier, and at the age of 71, he was the picture of health.

I looked at the frail man with the walker but still didn’t recognize him.

“That’s impossible,” I said. I walked over to the table where Wasson was sitting with his wife and grandson.

Wasson’s hand trembled as he lifted the cup

Central California Life

of tea to his lips. His wife Denise reached over to steady his hand.

And they told me how devastating one tiny mosquito bite could be.

Wasson figures the bite may have happened when he was sitting in the backyard of his Fresno home southeast of Belmont Country Club. About five days later he woke up with a headache. The next day the man who never missed a day of work went home feeling achy and feverish. He stayed in bed for two days. On the third day, he went to urgent care with a fever of 103. The doctor examined him, took X-rays and did blood work. Diagnosis: the flu.

“But this felt different,” Wasson said. “Because of the headache and my lower back ached.”

The next day Wasson woke up with a paralyzed arm. His wife was positive he was having a stroke. His grandson called 911, and paramedics rushed Wasson to Community Regional Medical Center.

Doctors ruled out a stroke. They performed a spinal tap and found spinal meningitis. Wasson was transferred to Kaiser Permanente, where critical care physician Brian Sherman took over.

Although it hadn’t been confirmed yet, Sherman was certain Wasson had West Nile virus. He immediately started treatment with a cocktail of antibiotics. He warned the Wassons that encephalitis was next. And he was right.

Photo courtesy of James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The silver lining when the worst hand is dealt

C. quinquefasciatus is the vector for multiple arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) including West Nile, which commonly causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Photos courtesy of Chanel Wapner

are bitten by West Nile infected mosquitos will be asymptomatic, according to the CDC. About one in four people develop West Nile fever, and less than one percent suffer neuroinvasive diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis, as Wasson did.

The statistics make the disease sound far removed from reality. But the reality is people like you and me are becoming infected.

“It’s here, and it’s in Fresno, and people who we know, who are healthy, are being stricken with it and becoming critically ill,” Denise Wasson said.

At the same time Wasson is battling the effects of the virus, Clovis North High School baseball coach Tim Thiessen is struggling with similar issues from the disease, including men-

Jim Wasson at the beginning of treatment for spiral meningitis and encephalitis caused by West Nile virus.

Wasson spent the next nine days in intensive care, followed by 10 days in the hospital. He was transferred to the San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital, where he had a relapse after three days and went back to Kaiser for another three days. Finally, after a month in the hospital, he was allowed to go home. He still has no use of his right arm and has very little energy.

Wasson’s case is one of 30 in Fresno County and 488 in the state this year, according to the California Department of Public Health. That’s more than twice the number of cases in California in 2013. Sixteen people in California have died from the virus so far this year.

West Nile in mosquitos is at the highest level ever in the state, reports the CDPH. Environmental conditions such as drought and high temperatures contribute to the high infection rate, according to Dr. Roger Nasci from the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector Borne Infectious Diseases. And even though temperatures have started to decrease, the risk could remain through November.

Infected mosquitos have been trapped around the Central Valley as recently as the first week of October. Most people who

Jim and Denise Wasson departing the hospital, 30 days after he began treatment for West Nile virus. His family greeted him with “Fight the Bite” shirts.

Central California Life

| 15

The approximate location of mosquitos and birds that have tested positive for West Nile virus.

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Central California Life

best friend Chanel has been there for both of them. This disease has changed all of their lives.

Wasson was forced to shut down his law practice, and he has referred his clients to Chanel’s husband, attorney Terry Wapner. He continues to go to the rehabilitation hospital for physical therapy on his paralyzed right arm. And each day he gets a little stronger.

Wasson doesn’t consider himself a victim. In a way, he looks at this life-altering event as a gift. It motivated him to examine the quality of his life before the illness. And he didn’t like what he saw. He went through “too many years of not having the kind of relationships I’d like to have.” He missed important family events because he was always working. Now he wants to spend time with his grandkids and “teach them things.” And spend more time with his wife of 18 years.

“I said ‘When you get out of here, you’re living,’” Denise said, recalling a conversation in the hospital. “‘You’ve got a second chance. It’s time to live.’”

“It’s humbled me,” Wasson said.

“Things that used to bother me don’t bother me any more. It’s put a different perspective on my life. I realized a lot of the crap I worried about is irrelevant. Now I realize, hey, without your health you got nothing.” •

Photo by Faith Sidlow

Four days after being released from the hospital.

Map courtesy of Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District

ingitis, encephalitis and paralysis. The Wassons have been in touch with the Theissens, sharing tips and supporting one another. The virus has been devastating for both families.

“The breadwinners can no longer work,” Denise Wasson said. “The law offices are closing; the coach can’t teach. And what happens to people who don’t have good insurance?”

Denise Wasson and Chanel Wapner have committed themselves to fighting West Nile virus. They distribute pamphlets to schools and community meetings, and they’ve joined forces with Fight the Bite to get the word out about symptoms and prevention and how critical it is that patients seek medical attention at the beginning of the 3 to 14-day incubation period. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

“There needs to be a campaign,” Denise Wasson said. “We’re in the Valley. It’s [West Nile virus] here now. And obviously it’s going to get worse every year.”

West Nile virus is preventable. But you must be proactive, Wasson said. Use insect repellent with DEET when you go out in the early morning or evening; wear protective clothing during high-risk times; and eliminate all sources of standing water including old flowerpots or buckets. And if your neighbor’s pool isn’t being maintained, call mosquito abatement. They’ll come out and spray for free.

Throughout the ordeal, Denise Wasson has been by Jim Wasson’s side, and Denise’s

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Our Kids

HOLIDAYS x2

Celebration ideas for parents who share children after divorce Amanda Nicolson Adams, Ph.D., BCBA-D

F Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams has a Ph.D. in psychology and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the CEO and founder of The California Autism Center and Learning Network, a company that serves the needs of children with autism and other learning challenges.

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amily holiday celebrations often center on children. However, making each occasion merry and bright can be a challenge with shared custody. Because families vary so drastically in tradition and custodial arrangement after divorce, any standard recommendation is not likely to be helpful. For instance, some families will have set arrangements as to where and when the children will be with each parent, while other families may navigate dates and times differently each year. Some parents may feel that they have to give up important holiday traditions or feel restricted in making plans because they have to share children with an ex-spouse.

Here are some useful strategies to help foster a cheerful holiday season: Plan ahead. Review divorce documents and align calendars well in advance

Central California Life

of holiday events. This way you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your time and less time hashing out schedules. The kids will also find solace and peace in being able to know what’s coming up. They can look forward to events.

Create a conflict-free zone around the children. You and your former spouse may not agree on how to approach things, or on the schedule, and it’s possible that one or both of you are still hurt. Put this aside as you plan to enjoy a special holiday season with your children and address other issues later.

Expect things to be different – not worse, but different. Be willing to compromise, including traditions on a specific day.

Be flexible when you decorate, bake, have parties, open gifts and engage in other regular holiday activities. Your ease with a flexible schedule may help children feel more comfortable. If you are able to “go with the flow,” they will have an easier time, too.

Simplify. A majority of people surveyed in the

Focus on finding what brings you joy and what you are thankful for within the bounds of what you have now.

United States expressed the desire to have a less complicated holiday season. It’s possible that by focusing on less, events can be more enjoyable and special.

Guard against competing with your former spouse and others. If the kids are spending time at more than one household this holiday season, chances are the adults in the other households will try to make things special for them, as well. Resist feeling resentful of things your children may talk about with the other family. Your graciousness will come through and it will help to diffuse any similar feelings in your children.

Consider helping your children prepare or buy a small gift for the other parent. This may not be right in every situation, and it may be difficult. However, consider the model you demonstrate with such a gesture. Likewise, if your children present a gift to you from the other family, accept it graciously in front of the children. Engaging in the spirit of holiday giving is best demonstrated when it isn’t easy to do. Your children will notice – they always do.

Create new traditions together.

Get ideas online and let the kids help choose. Some ideas: make cookies for neighbors; watch a special movie together; make new ornaments; decorate together while listening to Christmas music, go on a special outing or trip or have a game night under the tree. Possibilities abound.

Be kind to yourself. Focus on finding what brings you joy and what you are

Create a conflict-free zone around your children during the holidays. Address any disagreements you have with your former spouse at a later time and plan to enjoy this special time with your children.

thankful for within the bounds of what you have now. Plan fun things for yourself if you have time without the kids, just as you are planning for fun on the days you have them. Find a gift for yourself!

Be kind to others. Focus on family, friends and community. Model this for your children and see how contagious it is to give to others, whether it is the gift of a toy, handmade cards or cookies for

a neighbor. The value of giving has an unusual power that results in bliss and fulfillment for the giver. That in itself is a wonderful gift for you and your children.

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Our Furry Friends

Elder Paws

Giving senior dogs a second chance

by Mike Scott Photos by Dan Minkler

Cathie Garnier founded Elder Paws, a rescue agency in the Fresno area for older dogs ages 7 and up, two years after the death of her beloved corgi-beagle mix, Pandora, in 2010.

“I lost a dog in 2010. She was 15. What if I hadn’t been there for her?”

Mike Scott was an Emmy award-winning anchor/ reporter for Channel 47 for almost 30 years. World traveler. Animal lover.

Central California Life magazine columnist.

20 |

Two years after the death of her beloved corgi-beagle mix, Pandora, Cathie Garnier made a decision: to start a rescue agency in the Fresno area for older dogs, ages 7 and up.

When she first told friends about her plans, they expressed their doubts.

“They told me it couldn’t be done,” she said.

Through sheer will and determination, she proved them wrong. Elder Paws has been giving senior dogs a well-deserved chance ever since.

The need for such an organization is critical. At many overcrowded animal shelters, senior dogs usually have 48 to 72 hours to find a new home before they’re euthanized. There simply isn’t enough room to keep all the elderly dogs that come in. Their fate is further by complicated by the fact that most people looking for pets at shelters tend to shy away from the older animals.

Central California Life

They usually head straight for the cute little puppies.

“We believe all dogs have value, not just the younger ones,” Garnier said. “Senior dogs have a lot to give and deserve a second chance at life in their golden years.”

There isn’t an Elder Paws animal shelter.

Instead, Garnier has set up a network of foster homes where elderly rescued dogs can stay until a new owner is found. The number of foster families constantly changes. Sometimes, there are as few as eight; other times, as many as 15.

Paula Coulter, Erica Horn and Cheri Glanker have each opened their doors and hearts to dogs rescued by Elder Paws. They could tell you a thing or two about the rewards of fostering an older dog.

“I have a senior foster. He has been with us a year already,” Coulter said. “I am crazy about this little fella, and I can’t imagine life without him! He is amazing, funny, loving and loyal.”

There is a special joy in watching a senior dog that has been abandoned at a shelter go from being depressed to being happy and healthy. “I love giving them the life they deserve.”

– Cheri Glanker Horn said she used to be intimidated by senior dogs and assumed that, because of their advanced age, they would require more work than she was willing to give. She discovered something else entirely.

“After fostering a delightful little senior poodle, I realized my fears were ridiculous,” she said. “These dogs are well worth the time and effort to save.”

For Glanker, there is a special joy in watching a senior dog that has been abandoned at a shelter go from being depressed to being happy and healthy.

“I love giving them the life they deserve,” she said.

Occasionally, foster families decide to adopt the dogs themselves. It’s happened more times than Garnier can remember.

Rachel Nelken is one such “foster fail.”

“I fostered a senior dog, and I ended up adopting,” Nelken said. “There is something very special and endearing about senior pets. I would definitely foster again.”

Garnier works as a case manager for the mentally ill, a job that takes up most of her time. Every spare minute she can find goes into running what she calls her other passion in life.

“Elder Paws is very satisfying,” she said. “I wish I could do it full time.”

The job of finding a new home for abandoned or surrendered older dogs never ends.

“For every one you save, there are dozens behind it,” Garnier said. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s never going to stop.”

Does she ever regret taking on the challenge and responsibility of running a non-profit organization for animals?

“Not for a minute!” Garnier said emphatically.

“This speaks to my soul.”

Garnier and a small group of 15 to 20 dedicated volunteers hold two adoption events every month.

There’s a big difference between Elder Paws adoption events and those held by other rescue organizations: People can’t take dogs home right away. Elder Paws

D.J. Cumming (left) and Vera (right) give some love to their adopted Elder Paws dogs Lola and Gidget. Both say they are happy with their choice to adopt an older dog.

wants to be sure that you and your new four-legged friend are right for each other first.

Elder Paws will make arrangements for a home inspection to guarantee that your house is safe and appropriate for the older dog you’re thinking of adopting. Then, they set up a three-day sleepover, to see if you and the animal are comfortable with each other. If all goes well, the adoption is finalized.

Even then, you’re not on your own. The elderly dog you’ve just adopted comes with 30 days of free pet health insurance. And Elder Paws volunteers will make follow-up phone calls to you every three months for one year to make sure things are going well.

The nonprofit Elder Paws group is always looking for new foster families. They also need money. Caring for some of the older dogs they rescue can be expensive. If you’re able to help, you can leave a message at (559) 261-5746 or e-mail ElderPawsRescue@yahoo.com.

Don’t forget about those twice-monthly adoption events. Adoptable dogs are at the Petco at 4144 N. Blackstone Ave., just south of Ashlan, the second Saturday of each month. They are also at Pet Extreme in Fig Garden Village at Palm at Shaw avenues on the fourth Saturday of each month. • For more information about Elder Paws, visit elderpawsrescue.org or Facebook.com/ elderpawsrescue.

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Stories from the Heartland

Minnie Santillan: A voice for others

by Anna Perez

Photo by Leslie Just

I

Minnie Santillan, chief of staff to Assembly Member Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno), credits her success to the sense of community and structure she had growing up on a ranch in Five Points, a farming town in west Fresno County.

t’s a cloudy day in East Sacramento, 300 miles from the dusty farming town where Herminia “Minnie” Santillan grew up. As she sits on her couch, with her dog Tupac on her lap vying for attention, she thinks back on her childhood and its influence on the woman she became.

“Because of the size of our family, we didn’t live in a traditional home with privacy,” Santillan, 41, says of growing up on a ranch in Five Points with her parents, seven brothers and four sisters. “I was paired with an older sibling who was in charge and I had to share a bed with my other sisters.”

The sense of community and structure she developed in such an environment has been a cornerstone of her professional life, which has been characterized by positions of increasing responsibility: social worker for Fresno County; campaign manager for several Congressional and state Senate and Assembly races; district manager for a Get Out the Vote campaign; and policy adviser to the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

Santillan is currently chief of staff to Assembly Member Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno). She also owns a political consulting and public relations firm in Sacramento.

“Politics is about strategic planning, building coalitions and building a team that can execute,” Perea says when asked about the woman who, standing just 5 feet tall, is playfully referred to as “Mini Minnie” around the Capitol. “Minnie embodies all of these qualities.”

Coming to America Santillan was born in Jalisco, Mexico and entered the United States without 22 |

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papers at the age of 9 months in the 1970s.

The dream of a better life prompted her family to sell all their possessions and move to California, where her parents already worked as field laborers.

Her father had come to the United States with the Bracero program, which brought in millions of contract workers from Mexico to fill the void in the farm labor sector brought on by World War II. He used the money he earned to buy fruit and meat stands in Mexico, and the family made a decent living selling cactus, various fruits and meat from pigs and chickens they raised on their property. When he invested in mining ventures that failed, in turn losing the stands and livelihood that came with them, the family felt they had no choice but to go north.

An aunt and uncle helped bring Santillan and her seven older siblings to the U.S. They entered the country in a van teeming with party supplies. The older kids were hidden under piñatas, balloons and other items in the back. Santillan was in front, seated on her aunt’s lap.

“My arrival started with a party,” Santillan says.

Dolores, the aunt who helped the family enter, recalls a day that was far more stressful.

“It was hot,” she says. “But my reason for me sweating was because I was nervous we were going to get caught.”

The family settled in Five Points, a place where the time of year is reflected in the harvest. Summers for Santillan were marked by early morning dew on tomatoes, and fall brought cold, wet dirt she slipped on while carrying a hoe to rid the cotton of weeds. In spring, the snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada filled the canals,

Photos courtesy of Minnie Santillan

Santillan, in the center with her father, and her parents and siblings.

signaling the planting of a new harvest.

“The cotton was taller than me,” Santillan recalls. “I was put in the back of a truck with white buckets and 15 other workers to get to the field.”

Santillan excelled academically in school. She also played on the tennis team and participated in student government.

None of it protected her from discrimination.

Santillan looks away, furrows her brow and painfully recalls that most of the kids who discriminated against her were first- and second-generation Latino children who were U.S. citizens. They knew members of Santillan’s family were undocumented because of a ritual that took place whenever a new family, usually from Mexico, arrived at the ranch in Five Points: Everyone would donate pots, pans, blankets and clothing to help the newcomers get started.

For undocumented children, the effect was akin to having a bull’s-eye on your back.

“It was always there,” Santillan says of the prejudice. “I remember being on the bus and being called a ‘wetback’ by other kids my age.”

Santillan served as student body president during her junior and senior years at Riverdale High School, graduated with honors and won thousands of dollars in scholarships. She used the scholarship money to go to Fresno State.

Such comments fueled Santillan’s will to leave a place where she believes people were compartmentalized based on their legal status, ethnicity and sex.

The event that had the greatest influence on the direction of Santillan’s life took place when she was a teenager. She often helped her mother prepare lunch for the family before they headed to the fields. The

smell of tortillas cooking on the griddle, the sound of a spoon stirring beans and the scent of chile con carne (a beefsteak with red chili sauce) – all heralded the start of a new day.

One morning, Santillan came across her parents in the kitchen. Her mother was flipping tortillas while singing and Minnie’s father playfully tickled her as she stood at the stove.

It was the last time she would see her mother happy.

Santillan’s beloved older sister, Martha, was murdered by a man who had been stalking her.

“I followed Martha everywhere.”

Santillan says. “She played sports, so I did, too. I even went with her when she chose her classes at Fresno State.”

Santillan uses a napkin to wipe away tears as she explains that her way of dealing with the tragedy was to engage in more school activities and try to get accepted to a college far away from the heartbreaking memories of Five Points.

Santillan ran for and won the office of student body president at Riverdale High School in 1990 and 1991, her junior and senior years. She graduated with honors and received thousands of dollars in scholarships. She used the money to pursue an education at Fresno State, where she decided to go after her father became terminally ill.

At Fresno State, Santillan majored in criminology and joined a sorority. Despite the change in location, she still encountered prejudice. Once, while sitting with a few of her sorority sisters, the topic of Proposition 187 was raised. The controversial ballot initiative, if passed, would bar undocumented immigrants from using health care, public education and other social services in California.

A young woman from San Diego, unaware of Santillan’s background, talked about how she saw “wetbacks” running across the border “all the time.” She insisted they were running here for the benefits, Central California Life

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Building a career centered on service After graduating from Fresno State, Santillan worked as a marketing specialist in Vision Care Center’s business department at the main office. She became familiar with the importance of demographics – something that would serve her well when, at 23, she left the position to head up the Fresno office of the California Voter Registration Project. She and her 30 employees registered 4,000 voters in Fresno County each month for four months, the most of any district office.

From there, Santillan’s involvement in public service only deepened. She helped 24 |

Central California Life

Santillan with actor Andy Garcia at the Latino Spirit Awards in 2003. The awards, established in 2002 at the State Capitol in Sacramento, honors Latino pioneers in sports, public service, human rights and other fields who have overcome obstacles and become role models and community leaders.

Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, in his re-election bid in 1998 for the California State Senate and was consequently hired to be a district representative in his Fresno office. She has since worked on more than a dozen political campaigns.

Santillan took a brief pause from politics and got a job as a social worker for Fresno County. It didn’t last long. Working with children in long-term foster care and arranging in-home supportive services for the elderly, blind and other disabled individuals rekindled her affinity for people who struggled.

It also convinced her that the political arena was where she could make the biggest difference.

“I wanted to advocate for a social class that didn’t have a voice,” Santillan says.

“I prefer to be in politics because this is where we cut the red tape.”

Concerned that some people still perceived Latinos negatively, Santillan started advocating for them through the politicians she worked for and with on campaigns. As policy adviser to the California Latino Legislative Caucus, she fought for free public health care for undocumented people living in rural areas of the state. A major victory was thwarting the passage of a trailer bill introduced in the state Senate in 2009 that would eliminate health services to children who are citizens but have parents who are undocumented.

The trailer bill’s defeat was deeply

personal for Santillan, who was determined to ensure that no child experience the physical and mental pain she went through because of a lack of medical care. She has memories of being rocked in her mother’s arms as they both cried because she had a rotting tooth they couldn’t fix. The family wasn’t offered dental insurance as field workers.

Santillan was in her early 20s when she went to the dentist for the first time.

“I know what a broken, decayed tooth tastes like,” she says. “I grew up most of my life feeling it.”

Santillan has lived in Sacramento since 2004. She moved here to work for California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, but not before being named one of Fresno’s Top 10 Professional Business Women of the Year in recognition of her work with the Downtown Association of Fresno, her volunteer work with children in her neighborhood and her role in the establishment of the Central California Latina Network. She was only 30 years old.

As Perea’s chief of staff, Santillan advises the assemblyman on a variety of issues and has a hand in crafting the language in policy bills. They met in 2000 in Fresno, while she was working on Democrat Cal Dooley’s reelection campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives and Perea was working as a staff member for the campaign.

She started her political consulting and public relations firm in 2010.

It’s an often demanding but ultimately fulfilling life, with roots buried deep in the Valley where she was raised.

“I love what I do,” Santillan says. “I still get to protect my community – those people that are young and vulnerable, just like I was.” • Anna Perez wrote an early draft of this story for a beginning news writing class at Fresno City College last spring. She is currently a student at Sacramento State, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations.

Photo courtesy of Minnie Santillan

disregarding the fact that adults entering the country typically took jobs others did not want, for lower wages and sometimes with poor working conditions, and that they were the backbone of many sectors of U.S. agriculture.

“Wetback” was not the only contemptuous term the young woman used when referring to these individuals and families.

“I was in shock,” Santillan, who had become a legal resident in 1987, says. “I couldn’t believe she had used those words to describe a human being.”

Santillan asked the young woman if she knew where Santillan was born or what her parents did for a living. The young woman, perturbed, asked Santillan why she had to make such a big deal of the proposition.

“They are farm workers,” Santillan said of her parents. “And I was born in Mexico.”

Instead of apologizing, her sorority sister got angry and stormed out of the room.

Santillan became a U.S. citizen a few years after the incident, at the age of 24.

Her experience with the young woman in her sorority was hardly forgotten. It steeled her resolve to find her passion and stand up for what she believed in, especially on behalf of others.

Â

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Stories from the Heartland

Sister Mary:

“At heart, I’m still a nurse”

by Judy House Menezes

“Hi

Sister Mary Clennon, C.S.C., hugs one of the regulars at the Holy Cross Center for Women in downtown Fresno.

She asks about an expensive textbook the woman needs and cannot afford. There is no solution yet, but the woman is clearly appreciative of Sister Mary’s interest.

“OK, Sister Mary,” she responds. “Take care. Thank you, Sister.”

For 17 years, Sister Mary Sister Mary Clennon, director of the Holy Cross Center for Women and the Holy Cross Clinic at the Poverello House, walks through an area where clothing is stored with manager Irene Lopez. About 134 has been the director of the women and 20 children visit the center each day. drop-in center as well as the Holy Cross Clinic located across black garbage bags. A big yellow sign on the tall iron gates marks the street in Poverello House. Both programs are under the umthe entrance to the Holy Cross Center. It says “Safe Place.” brella of Saint Agnes Medical Center.

And it is.

She is a Roman Catholic sister – although the terms are “We just encourage women to take advantage of anything often used interchangeably, a nun is technically cloistered while a we have,” Sister Mary said. religious sister is not – with a calm, strong presence mixed with The buildings of the center surround a grassy courtyard.

Midwestern affability. She is caring and encouraging but can also Inside there are coffee and rolls and places to sit and watch TV. display a dry sense of humor to her staff.

Women can sign up for showers and laundry, rest, get help filling “She throws little jokes out there. You say, ‘Is she serious?’” out job applications and other forms, and attend GED and Ensaid Holy Cross operations manager Arcelia Pereschica, who glish as a Second Language classes. serves as Sister Mary’s assistant.

In the middle of it all is Sister Mary.

The women who use the drop-in center, open six days a At 78, having survived acute leukemia nine years ago (she week, are low income and mostly from Fresno’s west side. Others had a stem cell transplant at UCSF), she is the guiding force at are homeless, mentally ill and/or addicted, or abused. Some are the Holy Cross Center and the clinic across the street. Every college educated but refuse help. weekday after 7 a.m. Mass at the St. Paul Newman Center, Sister “It tears your heart out,” Sister Mary said of the women.

Mary makes the drive downtown.

“Some you would not know are homeless. Some are appreciative.”

“It’s a privilege to be in a community like this,” she said.

Outside, on the closed-off road between Holy Cross and Though she is busy with administrative duties – budgetPoverello House, people gather, some with their possessions in ing, purchasing, and writing grant proposals – she enjoys talking 26 |

Central California Life

Photo by Judy House Menezes

going?”

, how are you today?

How is school

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Photo by Judy House Menezes

with the women at Holy Cross.

“I’ll see her through the window and she’ll stop and have a conversation with the women when they are out having their coffee,” her assistant Pereschica said.

Later, in a meeting, Sister Mary will bring up an idea suggested by one of the homeless women she stopped to chat with.

The Holy Cross Center for Women, across from the Poverello House, is open six days a week. About a third of the women who visit the center are homeless.

“She is probably the person with the most integrity ers,” she said of being a religious sister. “I’ve been very fortunate I have ever known, an upstanding human being,” Pereschica said. with the ministries I’ve been asked to serve in. I’ve made a lot of “Very honest, absolutely committed to her spiritual life and the friends along the way. I’ve had a wonderful life.” organization she runs.

“I never see Sister Mary waver.”

From life on the farm to a life of service Irene Lopez came to the Holy Cross Center 24 years ago Mary Clennon was born in Illinois and raised on a farm and credits Sister Mary with leading her to a better life. She starts southwest of Chicago. She gradually discovered her vocation in to cry when she talks about it. high school; an older sister entered a convent first. In 1954, Mary “When I came to this place, my life changed,” she said. left home to attend St. Mary’s College, the sister school to the Lopez emigrated from Mexico and was pregnant and University of Notre Dame and the motherhouse of the Sisters of living in a garage when she first started going to the center. Her the Holy Cross. She took her vows in 1957 and graduated with first son, Reuben, was born legally blind. She worked in the fields a nursing degree. She worked in Indiana as a nurse and hospital and took her children along. assistant administrator before moving to work at a hospital in “When they [labor contractors] say ‘no more kids in the Southern California. field,’ I said ‘thank you, God,’” she said.

Sister Mary joined Saint Agnes in 1972 as a clinical nurse Holy Cross helped Lopez obtain her middle school degree, specialist and later became the hospital’s director of home health learn English and become a citizen. She volunteered at the center care. Then, in 1979, her religious order asked her to go to Thaiand was hired as a full-time employee 15 years ago. Now she land. manages the clothing room and housekeeping.

She was reluctant.

“She talked to me,” Lopez said of Sister Mary, adding that “In the U.S., really, if you wanted to go to Africa or Banbeing treated kindly by the religious sister and others at the cengladesh, people sort of requested it. I never did. I guess I wasn’t ter made her “feel well.” that daring,” she said. But Catholic Relief Services needed nurses, “Years before I feel like this,” she said, pinching her fingers so she made a three-month commitment, realized that was not together to indicate a sense of smallness, of being insignificant. long enough to make much of a difference, and ended up staying “They made me feel strong.” a year.

Sister Mary has helped people throughout her career. SerSister Mary helped refugees who had fled the Khmer vice is what first attracted her to life as part of a religious order.

Rouge in Cambodia, where an estimated 2 million people died “Our whole life is in search of God, in ministering to othfrom disease or starvation or were brutally murdered. Resources

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Central California Life

Photo by Judy House Menezes

were minimal and creativity was reappreciation for different cultures and quired to “get people nourished enough soon realized “everything we have in the so they could walk,” she said. She also U.S. is not perfect. worked at the densely populated Khao“Other cultures, their values and I-Dang camp where 60,000 people were their families are very different, their crowded into one square mile and the community relationships,” she said. final scene from the movie “The Killing “People here sometimes don’t even Fields” was filmed. know their neighbors.”

Sometimes she faced danger. She Sister Mary also worked for nine recalled accompanying U.N. workers in years in the New York office of Catholic reuniting two children with their respecRelief Services, leaving to travel to the tive parents, a boy with his father who Philippines and Ethiopia – the only was thought to be dead, and a mother communist country she has visited – and daughter after the little girl had been during the famine in 1984. She went separated from her grandparents after to Delhi, Portugal, Italy and Spain for the fall of Phnom Penh. Both involved meetings. risky journeys.

As an administrator in New York, The significance and emotion of she missed nursing, so Sister Mary did both events is evident years later. home health care in the older urban “As we drove into the camp near areas of Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Sister Mary stands in front of a tapestry she the medical center, she [the mother] saw purchased for $6 near Fátima, Portugal. It has “Some of the nurses didn’t want to her daughter. It was very touching,” said been with her every time she has moved from one go down there. There might be a block Sister Mary, choking back tears. where people only spoke Romanian,” location to another.

After the Israeli invasion in she said.

1982, Sister Mary was sent to Lebanon where, with the airport Her last job before returning to Saint Agnes was at a longbombed, the only way in and out of the country was by boat. She term facility for the elderly near New Orleans. lived in the biblical towns of Tyre and Sidon, where she helped All these experiences more than prepared Sister Mary for distribute food and medicine to Palestinian refugees. where she is today: in the nexus of one of the poorest areas in “Those people lived in miserable conditions,” she recalled.

Fresno, if not California.

When President-elect Bachir Gemayel was assassinated, “There are all kinds of needs [here],” she said. the relief agency, fearful that the sisters would be cut off, asked Back to Fresno and the city’s west side them to move to Beirut.

In 1997, Sister Mary was asked to lead the Holy Cross Next was El Salvador for three months. Then she got a Medical Clinic for men and women at the Poverello House. A telex to go back to Lebanon. year later, she took over the Holy Cross Center for Women when “That’s what we did: emergency situations,” she said of the failing health required the director to step down. spur-of-the-moment assignments.

The center, built in 1984 with a physical expansion in 2005, “As a Catholic agency, we served everybody. It didn’t make has grown under her leadership. When she took over in 1998, any difference who they were.” the center saw about 40 women a day. This past year, an average Soon, her passport filled. “It opened up the world to me,” Sister Mary said of her travels. “I think that’s probably the biggest of 134 women and 20 children visited each day. About a third of those who seek help there are homeless. thing: to give and live, not as a tourist, but to go and live among “We are seeing more people that want to learn, that want the people.” to take advantage,” Sister Mary said.

“It was a wonderful life,” she continued. At the same time, She is particularly proud of the six- and seven-week sumshe acknowledged, “The living isn’t easy. You have to be able to mer programs for children and adolescents that focus on literacy carry what you need.” and self-esteem, employment, cyber-bullying, distracted driving, While living and working abroad, Sister Mary gained an

Sister Mary with a cook for Catholic Relief Services in Thailand, where she went in 1979 to work as a nurse. Among those she helped were refugees who had fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, where an estimated 2 million people died from disease or starvation or were brutally murdered.

Photos courtesy of Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN.

Sister Mary shopping in Bangkok at the largest outdoor market in Southeast Asia.

domestic violence, tattoos and body piercing and gangs.

“To me, it’s worth every dime if we can save one child from that kind of life,” Sister Mary said.

This past summer, the youths took trips to San Juan Bautista, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Meux Home in Fresno. They learned about Japan, ballet, opera and Iran, and there was a speaker from the Congo.

For the women, the center offers a computer room, a classroom and a spacious, well-organized sewing and fabric room maintained by the Fiber Art Guild. “The Gathering Place” is a day care center where “kids are taken care of while Mom takes care of her needs,” Sister Mary said.

A “You Are Worthy” self-esteem program is held twice a year. Mass is celebrated at the center on Mother’s Day and Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, and there is a prayer service every two weeks. In a reflection room, where paintings of a black Madonna and a Latina Madonna hang on the walls, women sit quietly on chairs and on a donated like-new leather couch.

Despite the religious symbolism, the Holy Cross Center is not about converting people. It offers women what they need,

said Sister Mary.

“Her attitude is, ‘Let’s meet them where they’re at,’” explained Pereschica, the operations manager. “Our motto is ‘come as you are.”

Clearly, Sister Mary’s staff admires her.

“She is the kind of person … when she walks into a room, she commands respect,” Pereschica said. “[She has] an undying passion that does not diminish. I never see any burnout with her.”

Back in Sister Mary’s office, a beautiful, colorful hand-woven tapestry hangs on the wall behind her office desk. It’s expensive-looking. She has taken it with her every place she has lived.

“I love that story,” she said.

She was visiting the Portuguese town of Fátima and purchased it in an area known for inexpensive souvenirs. When she returned to her community, the sisters were curious where and how she found such a fine tapestry. She enjoyed telling them the price: $6.

She no longer does nursing, although she cannot help but ask if her help is needed when she visits the clinic.

“I usually get out of the way,” she said, then adding, “At heart, I’m still a nurse.”

She’s also someone who engenders both trust and respect in those who cross paths with her. One day, as she was sitting in her office, a client walked in unannounced. The woman quietly picked up a reflection book and left. A few days later, she came back and, without saying a word, returned the book.

“It was very interesting, kind of unusual. Obviously she trusted me,” Sister Mary said. “She didn’t expect me to intervene.”

Sister Mary’s hope for the Holy Cross Center is “that we continue to develop programs, that we don’t become stagnant,” she said. “We’ve been really blessed.”

She still has a passport, though she no longer travels abroad.

She has no plans to retire. In fact, she looks surprised when asked about it.

“When?” she said, without missing a beat. • Judy House Menezes is a professor of journalism and adviser to the student newspaper at College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

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Stories from the Heartland

Bruce Weinberger: Changing lives through the magic of music

by Jeffery Wiliams Photos by Dan Minkler

Bruce Weinberger has been the music teacher at Sierra High School, which is nestled in the foothill community of Tollhouse, for 30 years.

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M

usic hath charms to direct the restless teenage heart.

And with a little help from Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney, music teacher Bruce Weinberger has ignited the melodic magic within teens for 30 years at Sierra High School, nestled in the foothill community of Tollhouse.

The band’s music has been heard resoundingly as far as New York City by the likes of former Yankee pitching star Mariano Rivera.

Earlier this year, Weinberger learned that the Mariano Rivera Foundation has taken notice of his music

program and decided to give it support by purchasing new uniforms and instruments.

“Our uniforms are 40 years old and some of the instruments go back to the 1950s,” Weinberger said. “This is surreal. It will infuse our program with greater pride and excitement!”

The compelling question is why a Yankee from New York City would be interested in making a significant investment into the Chieftains of Sierra High School. The simple answer is that one of Weinberger’s former students, Dylan Baize, is the nephew of the president of

Rivera’s foundation, Naomi Gandia.

But there’s more to it than that.

“Dylan had just moved into the area and had been struggling in all his

classes until he discovered our band program,” Weinberger said.

Baize, a 17-year-old high school senior, said, “Band was like a family.

The Sierra High School band has been heard resoundingly as far as New York City by the likes of former Yankee pitching star Mariano Rivera. The Mariano Rivera Foundation recently purchased new uniforms and instruments for the band.

Everyone welcomed me and Mr. Weinberger helped me feel at home. I don’t take well to a lot of teachers, but he was different. He even helped me in other classes.”

After listening to her nephew’s description of Weinberger as a teacher and how the students routinely had to hem up the worn uniforms before marching onto the field, Gandia was inspired and took the story to the foundation.

Rivera and Gandia will present the new uniforms and instruments to the school in November.

“Sierra High is in the same situation as almost all public schools in California; there is not enough money to fully support the arts,” Weinberger said. “Music programs are enormously expensive to run. This gift from the Mariano Rivera Foundation is a terrific blessing.”

For the past 20 years, the Sierra High Christmas Concert has been one of the most significant community events in the Prather, Tollhouse, Auberry, Shaver Lake, Pine Ridge and Big Creek areas. The 450 tickets for both shows always sell out.

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Dylan Baize’s story is more the norm than an exception.

Ara Keledjian worked with Weinberger for many years and has always been impressed with the way “he creates a culture of love and acceptance, where all are valued for their own merit.”

“How he is able to make happy, well-adjusted cool kids relate so well with those who aren’t makes no sense,” said Keledjian, principal of Sandy Bluffs Continuation School in Tollhouse. “He is a brilliant man who has saved countless students from being miserable for the rest of their lives.”

Christmas Concert

Another indicator of Weinberger’s infectious enthusiasm and vision is the community’s strong support for the annual Christmas Concert.

For the past 20 years, the Sierra High Christmas Concert has been one of the most significant community events in the Prather, Tollhouse, Auberry, Shaver Lake, Pine Ridge and Big Creek area. The 450 tickets allotted for both shows always sell out.

“It’s not really a concert. It’s more like a Disneyland ‘Dark Ride,’” Weinberger said. “We totally transform the gym with two stages, professional lighting, a snow machine and decorations on every wall.”

And Weinberger makes sure every single one of his junior high and high school students – from advanced to special needs – has a role to play in an original angle of the Christmas story scripted by students and teacher to create an “unforgettable experience for all.”

There are several annual traditions observed during the concert, Weinberger said. The center aisle is left open for everyone to get up and dance, and the school’s homecoming event is celebrated. Parents donate tons of free refreshments and there is a raffle, as well.

“It’s one of the best things that happens here every year,” said Debbie 32 |

Central California Life

worked one year at Disneyland dumping trash and “loved every minute of it” because he had undergone an intensive training program where he learned about the culture and heritage of Disney.

He researched the Disney program thoroughly and decided to design his music program after it.

That has made the difference.

“Now the program runs itself,” he said.

On the first day of school, students enter to the music of Phantasmic! from the Disneyland show and are directed to read the mission statement, which is painted on the wall just above the pointed finger of a Mickey Mouse sculpture: “Making the audience laugh and cry one Instead of focusing on winning competitions and person at a time.”

Weinberger focuses students bringing home trophies, Weinberger encourages his students to have fun. He makes sure that every on how they can succeed as a family single one of his students – from advanced to of band and choir members and as special needs – has a special role. performers. Following the principles of the Disney philosophy, Baize, Dylan’s mother and a Tollhouse he reinforces the acronym CCARE – resident. “It adds so much to the Christcommunicate, compromise, apologize, mas season.” recognize and empathize.

“Every morning I remind myself Searching for the magic of these principles and practice and It wasn’t always this way, accordmodel them daily with all my students,” ing to Weinberger. Raised in Los AlamiWeinberger said. tos and educated at Long Beach State, he Peek in the music building at Sierstarted teaching in Southern California ra High and you will be struck by all the but always longed to live in the hills.

Disney wall murals students have paintAfter he and his wife D’Arcy had their ed during the past 10 years. You will also first child, he asked if they could start see many stuffed versions of Mickey and looking for jobs where the landscape Minnie – gifts from his students. was “pretty.”

During the past 20 years, WeinThey landed in the oak-filled footberger has received plenty of feedback hills at the base of the Sierras. For the that what he’s doing is the right stuff. next 10 years, Weinberger taught classes He has hundreds of letters from former for band, jazz band, orchestra, concert students expressing their gratitude for choir and chamber choir, but he always the music program at Sierra High as well had a nagging feeling that he was “just as their appreciation and admiration for floating along, not really knowing what I Weinberger himself. One former drum was doing.” major, Patrick Rooney, wrote a novel Weinberger determined that he titled “Trust Fall” about the program. needed “a method to his madness.”

(The book was published in 2012 He found it in Disney. He had

through iUniverse and is available at said we didn’t belong in the competiextremely blessed,” Weinberger said.

Amazon.com.) tion,” Weinberger recalled. “One lone Weinberger and his wife D’Arcy Sally Rojas, a 20-year-old nursing judge thought it was fabulous.” are like a musical tag team that touches student at UCLA, the lives of hunsaid, “Mr. Weindreds of students berger was my every year. favorite teacher.

D’Arcy teaches He made music music at Foothill fun. We worked Elementary. The and learned Weinbergers inand enjoyed troduce all genres every minute. of music to their He created a safe students, starting environment that with the classical was creative, fun masters all the and so different way to pop. from the rest of “He’s such school.” a good teacher These triband the kids are utes only serve to During last year’s Sierra High Christmas Concert, parents were showered with artificial snow. so fond of him. uplift, inspire and I’ve known severenergize an already enthusiastic teacher That was enough encouragement al families whose kids have attended his who thinks outside the boundaries of for Weinberger, so his bands continued classes. They look forward to band every musical charts and scales. to prepare and present their “Funny year,” Debbie Baize said. “One of my Field Show” at the Visalia Band Tournieces can now play three instruments nament every year, which became very very well.”

Saying NO to competition popular with not only his students and During the summers, Weinberger A staple of high school music parents but also the parents and students enjoys working on his five-acre propprograms is attending competitions with of the other schools. Now the Sierra erty and traveling to various locales. the goal of bringing home trophies to High Marching Band performs their His wife plays clarinet in the Baltimore proudly display in cases. show at the end of the competition “just Symphony, so trips to the East Coast are Weinberger will not hear of it. to entertain.” common in the summer. The WeinbergTwenty-seven years ago, while attend“We received a made-up trophy ers have two grown children, Ben and ing a competition, his students asked from another school for being the Fun Arielle, and three grandchildren. why they had to keep trying to compete Lovingest,” said Weinberger with a wry Summer is a time to recharge his against the “big school bands” with grin, adding that the administration is batteries because when the school year limited success. onboard with his vision. starts, he faces the challenge of teaching “That day, experience started us To fulfill their mission of making eight classes of choir and band at both on a new direction,” Weinberger said. people laugh and cry, the Sierra High the high school and junior high.

At a competition the next year, bands and choirs perform at convaBut when summer is over, Weinthey performed what the band called lescent hospitals and senior citizens berger is ready every day to meet his “The Funny Field Show” filled with centers. They do caroling during the students, living by the maxim: “Kids unconventional music, dancing, skits, Christmas season. And the color guard don’t care how much you know until singing and the breaking of an instruis made up entirely of students’ parents. they know how much you care.” • ment.

“The school and community “All the judges blasted us. They continually support the music. I feel Jeffery Williams has been a high school English teacher for 27 years.

This year’s Sierra High Christmas concerts are Friday, Dec. 12, and Saturday, He is also a freelance writer and the Dec. 13, at 7:30 both evenings. Tickets are $8 for patrons ages 13 and older award-winning author of the novel and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

“Pirate Spirit.”

To buy tickets, contact Bruce Weinberger at (559) 855-8311 ext. 229.

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Central California Life

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| 35

Stories from the Heartland

Fresno Veterans Day Parade: Project seeks to capture memories, meaning

E

The Fresno Veterans Day Parade has honored veterans across the San Joaquin Valley for the last nine decades.

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very Nov.11 for more than 90 years, the streets of downtown Fresno have been lined with thousands of people honoring and paying their respects to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The celebration is one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the country and the only one to be televised worldwide on the Pentagon Channel.

This year, thanks to a $10,000 grant, the Fresno County Library will be partnering with local veterans and media organizations to capture a few of these individuals’ stories in a special oral history project.

According to Cal Humanities, which awarded the grant through the National Endowment for the Humanities, “Memories & Meaning: Fresno’s Veterans Day Parade” will tell the stories of 20 ethnically diverse Fresno veterans who served during different eras.

“We have such a huge population

Photos courtesy of Catherine Reece/Fresno Veterans Day Parade

by Jason Smithberg

The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is widely regarded as the largest event of its kind on the West Coast.

of veterans that the Veterans Day Parade has become an important fixture in the community,” said parade coordinator Lisa Tripp. (More than 45,000 veterans call Fresno County home.) “Anything that gives attention to the veterans and honors them, I think it’s a huge bonus.”

Nance Espinosa, project director and head of the Fresno County Public Library’s special collections department, shares Tripp’s view.

“They need all of the respect they deserve, and more,” she said of the veterans and the project’s significance. “It’s about appreciation and respect.”

The interviews are being conducted by student volunteers with The kNOw Youth Media, an organization that teaches local young people media skills and gives them a platform to tell stories about them-

selves and their communities. Interviews are about 10 minutes in length. Afterward, they are trimmed down to 2-3 minute segments.

Tim Haydock, youth media coordinator, is in charge of organizing the student volunteers who conduct the interviews.

“There’s a sense from the veterans that if they can reach the younger generation with these stories, then it’s a really positive thing,” he said.

David Rodriguez is one veteran who believes that sharing these stories has

wide-ranging benefits. He didn’t always think so. In fact, the prospect of sharing his thoughts and experiences was initially a little frightening. But after participating in an interview, Rodriguez, 58, realized he was in a position to help others understand the importance of the parade and the stories it tells about our local veterans.

“Each story is unique and different; those are the ones you want to hear from,” he said.

The Marine Corps veteran is humbled to know that people want to hear his story and the stories of other veterans.

The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is Tuesday, Nov. 11. It will start at 11:11 a.m. at Tulare and P streets and end at Chukchansi Park, located at 1800 Tulare Street. For more information about the parade, go to fresnovdp.org or email fresnovdp@gmail.com. The official Facebook page for the event that can be found at FresnoVeteransDay.

“It makes me feel better that somebody wants to hear [these stories],” Rodriguez said.

The interviews will be used as part of a ceremony honoring the veterans at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Auditorium on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2-5 p.m. and they will also be featured at Art Hop on Nov. 7. All the video interviews will eventually be hosted on YouTube and maintained by the Fresno County Public Library’s special collections department. • Jason Smithberg has covered the Fresno State football team for FSBulldogs. com and is currently an on-air personality for Valley Public Radio, FM-89.3.

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Central Coast

Brown Butter Cookies: sweet, salty and delicious

Story and photos by Judy House Menezes

T

ake three, Honey.

That’s the slogan of Brown Butter Cookie Company in Cayucos.

Be forewarned, though: If you taste the cookies, you may not be able to stop at three. Round, cute as a big button, hand rolled and sweet and salty, the original brown butter sea salt cookie is a little slice of heaven on the Central Coast. In Cayucos, it’s famous.

Two sisters, Christa and Traci Hozie, started Brown Butter Cookie Company in January 2009. Christa handles marketing and customer service while Traci is the baker, technical person and chief financial officer. In just under six years, their business has become a regular stop for Valley visitors and other Central Coast travelers.

Their cookies have been featured on the Today and Rachel Ray shows, in the New York Times, and in magazines including Gourmet, Good Housekeeping, Parenting and Sunset.

“Our cookies – people crave the flavor,” Traci said.

Christa said the company’s trademark combination of sweet and salty was “kind of unexpected.” The sisters had a deli down the street from their present location and offered the cookies as samples. The sandwiches were popular – past customers still rave about them – but the cookies were the hit. Customers would walk out the door and come right back in to buy them. In fact, they would sell out every day.

A year and a half later, the sisters started Brown Butter Cookie Company.

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Central California Life

Two sisters, Christa and Traci Hozie, opened the Brown Butter Cookie Company in Cayucos in 2009. The store ships its goods throughout the U.S. and is famous for its brown butter sea salt cookie.

“It was just like a light bulb,” Christa said. “The cookie was trying to get out there. The little cookie led the way.”

In the beginning, both sisters rolled cookies. They hired staff in 2009 and in May of that year opened a small storefront dedicated just to the cookies.

Almost from the beginning, the sisters knew they needed a bigger building for equipment and customers. They moved into their current, larger quarters in 2012.

The friendly atmosphere of the two-story red building with white trim on Ocean Avenue is no accident. The sisters wanted an open kitchen design so customers could walk into a place that is warm and happy and “a great family experience.” Customers can see cookies being rolled and packaged behind the counter and smell the butter browning and the cookies baking in the back. Free samples are offered. Granola, T-shirts and tote bags with the Brown Butter logo are also sold.

Round, cute as a big button, hand rolled and sweet and salty, the original brown butter sea salt cookie is a little slice of heaven on the Central Coast.

Fifty to 70 batches of fresh dough are made every morning. The recipe changes slightly every day because of moisture levels.

“It would be hard to mass produce this cookie,” Traci said. “It’s a delicate cookie.”

The recipe may vary slightly but workers take a consistently methodical approach to the creation of each batch. They start making the dough at 6 a.m. Usually five people at a time are browning butter, two pounds at a time, with about 100 pounds of butter browned each day.

Traci said browned butter – which gives the cookies their rich, nutty flavor – turns a deep reddish-brown color when made properly. Browning butter takes lots of stirring and no small amount of patience, she explained.

The process is delicate – the butter can easily burn – and the optimum time is reached by sight and smell. Not everyone has the patience for it.

Sea salt is sprinkled on top the cookies after they are baked. Production is finished for the day around four in the afternoon.

The company makes seven flavors of cookies: original, cocoa, coconut lime, cocoa mint, citrus, espresso and almond. Additional flavors, such as spice and pumpkin pie, are available seasonally from October through December. A honey cookie is sold in the store and not available for shipping.

The cookies have a four-week shelf life.

“Nothing sticks around our stores more than a day,” Christa said, because all the cookies are either sold or shipped.

The company’s two busiest times of the year are summer, when about 5,000 cookies a day are made, and the Christmas season, when the shop may make up to 10,000 cookies a day.

“It’s a pretty intense time for us,” Christa said of the holidays.

The cookies are shipped all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. Corporate clients in New York order the cookies as gifts each year. (“That’s such an honor for us,” Christa said.) The company does not ship overseas, but the sisters know the cookies have been sent in care packages to soldiers and others abroad. One customer called from Germany to pay for a gift card so friends could stop by on their visit to the Central Coast.

Most of the business, 80 percent, is done in Cayucos, a town of 3,000 people with visitors from all over.

The sisters value all their customers but give special credit to those from Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield.

“Those customers have seen us since the beginning,” Christa said.

“They have seen us as two sisters growing together, a very magical exchange.”

Christa added that, because many of the families visit the store regularly, she and Traci get to watch their kids grow up, too.

Maureen Griswold is a Cayucos

Brown Butter Cookie Company’s main store is located at 98 N. Ocean Ave. in Cayucos. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Paso Robles outlet, located at 801 12th St., is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both stores are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. To order by phone, call (805) 995-2076 or email christa@brownbuttercookies.com. More information about the company can be found at brownbuttercookies.com.

Traci Hozie rolls out brown butter sea salt cookies with Michelle Bacon. One hundred pounds of butter is browned every day for 50-70 batches of cookies.

resident and Brown Butter Company regular.

“I think they are delicious,” Griswold said of the cookies. “I have a lot of people come visit me and I bring people here and they give [the cookies] as gifts.”

Griswold’s sister, Irene George from Pasadena, thought the store was “fun” and the cookie “wonderful. It’s better than you can make at home. It has the potential to be addictive,” she said.

And, yes, the two sisters still eat their own cookies.

“Always a little bit,” said Traci, whose favorite flavor is cocoa, which she has with a glass of red wine. “We put a lot of love and attention into each cookie. I feel really lucky. It’s an honor to have someone care so much for your product.” • Judy House Menezes is a professor of journalism and adviser to the student newspaper at College of the Sequoias in Visalia.

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The Wish List

Holiday Gifts

Ara Karkazian Watch & Jewelry Co.

1776 W Bullard Ave, Fresno | (559) 431-0900

Baume & Mercier Clifton Men’s Watch $3,850 With its urban design inspired by a historic Baume & Mercier timepiece dating from the 1950s, the Clifton Chronograph model imposes its very own specific style.

Tacori Lilac Blossoms Necklace & Pendant $490 Ever so sweet, this lilac blossom pendant features three glamorous stones: amethyst, rose amethyst and white chalcedony.

Tacori Petite Crescent Engagement Ring $6,810 – $8,440 (not including center diamond)

Delicate and dainty, this Tacori engagement ring is perfect for those looking for elegant and sophisticated style.

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Central California Life

Bella Vino Cellar

Photos by Dan Minkler

5148 N Palm Ave, Fresno | (559) 226-8466

Gift box: 2012 Rombauer Chardonnay, Luigi Bormioli glasses and traditional decanter $140 (as pictured) Choose any two bottles to customize this box set.

Prices may vary.

Cigars Limited

5160 N Palm Ave, Fresno | (559) 221-0161

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava $23

Wine gift box: 2010 Silver Oak $220 (as pictured) Mix and match any three bottles.

Prices may vary.

Sparkling wine to bring in the holidays with a bang

630 Clovis Ave, Clovis | (559) 297-0312

Photos by Dan Minkler

Davidoff Cigars $106 – $140 Each Davidoff cigar is carefully handmade. You may not want to share…

Cigar Holder $19.95

(pictured with a Padrón 1964 Maduro, $36.50) This clever gift clamps onto golf carts, work tables, barbecues and just about anything you need to provide a steady resting place for your favorite cigar.

Art of Shaving Safety Razor and Brush Stand (center) $134.95 For your smooth operator.

A timeless treasure he’ll proudly display.

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Holiday Gifts Décor a Lemoore

242 Heinlen St, Lemoore | (559) 924-2367

Chalk Paint 101 Workshop $50 Interested in turning old items into new treasures and cultivating your creative side in the process? Take the Chalk Paint 1010 Workshop. Great for adult birthdays, bridal showers, team-building or a girls’ night out.

Photo by Judy House Menezes

4590 N First, Fresno | (559) 224-6441

Photos by Dan Minkler

Fresno Ag Hardware

White Mountain Electric Ice Cream Maker $199 – $269

(ice cream maker only) Making homemade ice cream is fun for the whole family – and delicious, too!

Holiday Boutique

Good Directions Rooftop Collections Weather vane $299

Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener $99

Add a unique touch to your home with a specialized weather vane.

Made from copper and brass, these weather vanes come in an assortment of themes from classic to quirky.

Knives getting dull? Tools don’t work like they used to? This sharpener will do the trick.

1772 W Bullard Ave, Fresno | (866) 435-1660

Cohn-Stone Studios Handblown Glass Pumpkins, $160 – $1,200

Looking to set the

mood for an upcoming Thanksgiving celebration? Add a touch of warmth to your home with a variety of fall-themed items from Holiday Boutique.

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Central California Life

Photos by Dan Minkler

Cohn-Stone Studios, located in Richmond, California, is the originator of handblown glass pumpkins. In Fresno, the pumpkins are exclusive to Holiday Boutique. All pieces are signed by the artist.

Ask Yourself…

I often feel fat even though friends keep telling me I’m thin.

Often I eat to make myself feel better emotionally, but then I feel guilty about it.

The first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is food.

If I got on the scale tomorrow and found that I’d gained two pounds, I’d be very upset.

I haven’t had a menstrual period for at least the past three months.

If I can’t exercise to compensate for food I’ve eaten, I panic.

I often eat when I’m not hungry.

I often eat until I’m uncomfortably full.

My greatest fear is that I will gain weight and become fat.

I prefer to eat little in public, and then I binge secretly in private.

I can’t go through a day without worrying about what I can or cannot eat.

I don’t believe I will find happiness until I am thin.

I have had an out-of-control eating binge at least once during the past year.

I sometimes feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have difficulty concentrating.

I sometimes push food around my plate to make it look like I’ve eaten.

Family and friends are always asking about how much I ate and that makes me angry.

I

f you answered yes to five or more questions, you are probably struggling with an eating disorder.

If you are concerned that you, or someone you care for, may be suffering from an eating disorder, call us today.

Our professional staff will answer your questions and help you determine what your next step should be..

(559) 224-8408

WWW.EDCFRESNO.COM

Accreditation by The Joint Commission (TJC)

Holiday Gifts L.T. Sue Co. Tea Room & Emporium

402 E 7th St, Hanford | (559) 583-8379

L.T. Sue Tea Soaps $5.50

L.T. Sue’s San Joaquin Valley Teas, which garnered “Top Ten” honors at the Fresno Food Expo New Product Awards in May, feature a tantalizing blend of premium tea with flowers, fruits and nuts found only in California’s Central Valley.

Pacific Treasures & Gourmet 219 West Main St, Visalia (559) 733-0213

Photos by Fedieson Landicho

L.T. Sue San Joaquin Valley Teas $12 – $24

L.T. Sue Co. tea soaps are handmade by a local artisan and are 100 percent all-natural.

Premium tea and tea leaves are combined with pure oils and shea butter. Choose from a variety of tea soaps including Blue Mango, Lavender, Hanford Blend, Earl Grey and Apricot.

L.T. Sue China Alley Finishing Salts $8 – $16 China Alley Finishing Salts are artfully fashioned to form an exciting finish to your favorite dish. Try sprinkling a little on meat, fish, vegetables, poultry or just about anything to unlock that little bit of extra flavor.

She She

9463 N Fort Washington Rd, Fresno | (559) 434-4114

Lucky Star Earrings $70 – $110 (pictured with

Lucky Star Canary Cuff, $84) Lucky Star Jewels, a fashion jewelry brand based in Arizona, blends semi-precious stones with brand-exclusive, artisancrafted beads.

Photo by Judy House Menezes

Maple Leaf At Home Customizable Cutting Boards $57 – $210 Hard rock maple cutting boards by Maple Leaf at Home are among the store’s bestsellers. Lazy Susans, serving boards and trays are also available.

Sparkle Me Hats $30 - $45

Add a little bling to your outfit with a handmade Sparkle Me hat.

Wildfox Paris Crest Sweat Outfit $245 (set) This soft and comfy sweat outfit by Wildfox is sure to keep you cozy this winter.

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Central California Life

Photos by Dan Minkler

Holiday Gifts Sierra Nut House

Photos by Dan Minkler

7901 North Blackstone Ave, Fresno | (559) 432-4023 3034 E Sierra Ave, Fresno | (559) 299-3052

Fruit Tray $34.95 A specialized tray for the fruit lover in your life

Build your own specialized holiday basket!

Prices vary

The Fresno $68 A classic assortment of dried fruit and nuts

Simonian Farms

2629 S Clovis Ave, Fresno | (559) 237-2294

Simonian Farms’ Fruit Wines $14.99 with Assorted Nut Basket $19.99

Simonian Farms’ Michael’s Special Pack $29.99 You can’t go wrong with this assortment of dried fruit and nuts.

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Central California Life

Photos by Dan Minkler

(pictured: California Pomegranate Wine) Additional fruit wine flavors include Blackberry, Apricot and Plum.

Simonian Farms’ 3 Farmer’s Daughters Pink Moscato $10.99 Fifty percent of net profits from the sales of 3 Farmer’s Daughters Pink Moscato will be donated to the Guardians of the Ribbon–Fresno County Chapter.

Tassels

The Boutique

401 Clovis Ave #103, Clovis | (559) 298-7900

Photos by Dan Minkler

Photos by Dan Minkler

768 W Shaw Ave, Fresno | (559) 226-8900

Traditional Nutcracker $210

Byers Choice Caroling Doll $78

Handcrafted in Germany

Made in the U.S.

CC Knit Beanies $17

Add a little sparkle to any outfit with a gorgeous crystal necklace.

Bundle up this winter with a warm, colorful beanie.

7088 N West Ave, Fresno | (559) 432-3306

Photos by Dan Minkler

The Market

Crystal Necklaces $17 – $25

Fresno State Extra Virgin Olive Oils $15.99

DePalo & Sons Pasta Sauce $8.99

Harvest 2013 Millers Blend and Harvest 2013 Arbosana

Add some flavor to any pasta with Grace’s Marinara, Grace’s Puttanesca or Grace’s Gravy.

Fresh Baked Goods $0.79 – $1.49 each Items pictured: Chocolate-Dipped Florentine Cookies, French Macaroons and Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons

Hottie Biscottie $3.99 – $6.99 Hottie Biscottie uses local California almonds to create a one-of-a-kind snacking experience.

Flavors include Getaway Girl (Pineapple Coconut), Fresh & Flirty (Blueberry & Lemon), Winter’s Gift (Peppermint & Chocolate), Natural Beauty (Original Almond) and Savvy Sweet (Salted Caramel).

Central California Life

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Health and Wellness

The origins and benefits of giving thanks

by Bradley T. Wajda, D.O.

O

During his 25 years of practicing in the Central Valley, Dr. Bradley T. Wajda (aka “Dr. Brad”) has amassed extensive experience in adult and child psychiatry, as well as comprehensive substance abuse treatment. Catch “Dr. Brad” at RadioPsyched.com.

You can also read more from “Dr. Brad” at EsanoHealth.com.

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f our many holidays, Thanksgiving is the one we can all celebrate – at least in spirit.

A great deal of reliable evidence suggests that practicing gratitude enhances the quality of your life. Gratitude can be defined as a feeling toward a person or circumstance that contributes (or attempts to contribute) to your well-being.

Feelings of gratitude can occur intentionally or unintentionally.

Gratitude has been the subject of extensive study, from its origin to its purpose. Michael McCullough, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Miami. He has devoted much of his career to investigating where gratitude comes from and how it affects us. McCullough notes that the field of psychology tends to view gratitude as a social phenomenon rather than a psychological one.

In other words, psychologists have believed that people thank one another because they have been told to and not out of any inherent compulsion.

McCullough disagrees. He believes gratitude is as primal and instinctual as love, fear and anger.

Central California Life

McCullough suggests one of three possible origins for gratitude. The first possibility is that gratitude functions as a “moral barometer” within relationships. With this possibility, the recognition and acknowledgement of gratitude between two people may provide the basis for supporting what biologists have called “reciprocal altruism” – i.e., laying a foundation for the exchange of future kindnesses. The second possibility is what we have come to call “pay it forward,” the act of random kindness that prompts the recipient to propagate the kindness on to untold others (also resulting in reciprocal altruism).

The third possibility is considered by McCullough to be the most compelling of the three.

The purpose of gratitude may have helped our ancestors to convert relationships with strangers or distant acquaintances into friendships – a powerful survival instinct resulting in alliances. This third possibility appears to be corroborated by the fact that we tend to feel more gratitude toward strangers than we do toward relatives. Gratitude motivates us

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An abundance of research shows that grateful people tend to be less depressed, envious and greedy.

According to a 2010 study conducted at University of North Carolina, small gestures of gratitude show respect for others and improve relationships.

to deepen relationships with people whom we currently don’t know all that well.

Niklas Luhmann, Ph.D., was a German sociologist who wrote about a concept called “emotional inertia.” Inertia is the tendency to resist change. When applied to emotions, it means that once we form an emotion or attitude, we tend to biasedly interpret our life experiences to reinforce our original emotion. An example would be that people who are trusting tend to see that their trust as justified, while people who distrust tend to see their distrust as justified. This emotional inertia indicates a sense of primacy – being a primal instinct – as suggested by McCullough. To apply this to gratitude, just look at the “pay it forward” scenario in which the inertia of the gratitude carries forward — people want to find ways of experiencing and expressing gratitude.

It is important to remember that gratitude is not a simple-minded optimism that denies bad things happen.

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Instead, gratitude acknowledges that good still occurs despite the bad. This is a sophisticated level of psychological development demonstrating an acceptance that both good and bad traits co-exist in people or situations. To see this in everyday life, we need only look at the responses of those who have undergone dramatic problems – car accidents, fires – who summarize their experiences by saying, among other things, ‘We were so lucky.”

Of course, if they were entirely lucky, the bad thing would not have happened.

Their response indicates a psychological acceptance that both good and bad traits co-exist in people or situations – in other words, gratitude includes the acceptance of both the good and the bad while focusing on the good.

Dr. Robert A. Emmons reviews the role gratitude plays in human development and existence in his book “Thanks!” He describes the results of a 10-week study from 2003 in which he had

participants keep journals. He divided the participants into three groups. One group wrote down five things to be grateful for each week. Another group wrote down five problems they faced each week. The remaining group wrote down five things for each week, with no instructions to focus on either positive or negative events. The results revealed that the group keeping track of things to be grateful for presented as more optimistic and felt more satisfied with their life. They also reported exercising more and had fewer physical complaints as compared to the other two groups.

Another study conducted by Emmons in 2003 recruited participants with painful non-life-threatening neuromuscular disorders causing serious debilitation. For 21 days, one group of participants listed what they were grateful for, while the other group simply wrote about their experiences without being instructed to focus on a specific type of event. Again, there were large differences between groups, with the group focusing on gratitude being much more optimistic.

More intriguingly, they also had improved quality and quantity of sleep.

An abundance of research shows that grateful people tend to be less depressed, envious and greedy. Grateful people also earn more money, sleep better and get fewer infections than those who are less grateful. A 2010 study from the University of North Carolina documents the obvious: Small gestures of gratitude show respect for others and improve relationships.

You can incorporate gratitude into your life and practice thanksgiving all 365 days of the year. Begin by being mindful of reasons to be thankful, either by keeping a journal or by maintaining a mental list. Prayer and meditation are other ways to focus on an attitude of gratitude.

I will set an example by thanking you for reading this article. •

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Health and Wellness

Staying healthy and happy for the holidays

by Rhonda Murphy as told to Rachel Taylor

D

As a certified member of AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), Rhonda Murphy is part of the world’s largest fitness education association.

With over 25 years of experience, Rhonda has become one of the most sought after fitness consultants in Central California. She is the owner of Rhonda’s Fitness Center and hosts “Workout Wednesdays” on ABC 30. As a personal trainer, she motivates and gives inspiration to anyone who wants to gain a higher level of health and fitness.

For more information, visit rhofit.com or call (559) 431-3600.

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Central California Life

uring the holiday season, we all tend to have more anxiety.

Whether you’re worried about choosing the perfect gift for a loved one or organizing a large family gathering, it’s important to acknowledge that your health comes first.

Because higher amounts of stress may induce overindulgent tendencies, many people tend to gain weight during the holidays and become unhappy with their body.

Let’s break that cycle.

I want you to have a holiday season that’s full of good health and happiness. To do this, you simply need to plan ahead. It only takes a little preparation to see big results.

For example, if you have a holiday party to attend, make a conscious decision beforehand to eat a wholesome meal instead of filling up on appetizers, especially ones that are fried or in creamy sauces.

This doesn’t mean you have to avoid appetizers altogether. Healthy options exist. In this column, I will share with you the recipe for one: gluten-free caprese sticks.

To keep yourself from overindulging, another useful strategy is to eat a high-protein snack before you attend an event. It’s best to keep your snacks simple and fresh.

Despite being convenient, many

Delicious as it is, try to avoid eggnog this holiday season. The drink is especially high in calories, and some brands contain heavy whipping cream, an ingredient known for its fattening properties.

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Stop being concerned about aging. You can’t change the fact that you have a birthday every year.

5. Have as much fun as possible.

6. Drink green juice – 16 ounces can contain as much as half your daily vitamins and nutrients.

7. You have to put time for yourself on your calendar.

8. Even if you don’t adopt a raw foods diet, include more of them in your diet.

9. Don’t eat processed foods.

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Central California Life

Across the Valley, there are many holiday-themed events centered on exercise, such as the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving or walking along Fresno’s iconic Christmas Tree Lane. protein bars contain high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. Unless you plan on being physically active, protein bars can be counterproductive – so avoid them unless necessary.

Instead, reach for a modest-sized piece of chicken or slice of ham. Both of those meats will provide your body with lean protein and minimal calories.

Additionally, try to avoid holiday drinks.

Delicious as they are, they’re also filled with empty calories and sugar. Eggnog is especially high in calories, and some brands contain heavy whipping cream, an ingredient known for its fattening properties. Choose juices such as apple cider or cranberry instead – but be sure to check the nutrition label. Some fruit juices are packed with sugar, too. Choose brands that offer a low-sugar alternative.

Another way to combat holiday stress and overindulgence is to continue exercising.

Across the Valley, there are many holiday-themed events centered on exercise that you and your family can participate in, such as the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving or walking along Fresno’s iconic Christmas Tree Lane.

Even if your family isn’t fitness-oriented, it never hurts to try something new. Walking is a great introductory exercise for those who don’t work out regularly. And make it fun! Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Dress up, grab some hot apple cider and sing festive songs while you walk. You never know what may become your family’s newest holiday tradition.

At the end of the day, we all have a tendency to beat ourselves up for overeating.

Don’t let that happen this holiday season. By following these suggestions, I guarantee you will enjoy yourself instead of feeling unhappy.

Best of luck, and happy holidays! •

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Sports

Fresno Monsters shoot for coveted hockey title

by Christopher Livingston

Photos by Dan Minkler

T

he temperature outside was in the mid-90s. It was the middle of September, and the city of Fresno was going through another heat wave.

But inside the Gateway Ice Center, everyone was wearing a jacket. The hockey puck danced on the ice sheet as Fresno Monsters head coach Bryce Dale swatted it at the glass. He was less than impressed with his team’s last drill. If the Monsters were going to finish in first place again, the moves had to be seamless and perfect.

It’s all poetry in motion.

The Monsters are an amateur hockey team that has competed in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) since 2009. In each of its five seasons, which are 46 games long ranging from October to March, the team has finished in the top three of the West Division – four of those years in first place.

But the Thorne Cup, the coveted trophy of the WSHL, has yet to make its way to Fresno. And Dale wants to correct that.

A Central Valley tradition Hockey in Fresno is not something new. The first professional team was formed in 1946 as part of the Pacific Coast Hockey League. The Fresno Falcons, as they came to be known, remained active until 2008, when economic struggles forced the team to fold.

Multiple businesses in the city wanted to bring hockey

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back to Fresno. The owners came together, created a pool and purchased a team: the Fresno Monsters. Initially, the response was greater than expected, so the team decided to play its games downtown at Selland Arena.

Results continued to impress. The Monsters averaged 3,200 fans per game; their largest crowd was 6,266.

Fresno had its hockey program again.

In addition to providing family entertainment, the team does 5,000 hours of community service every season. Services range from visiting the elderly in convalescent homes to visiting children at elementary schools and teaching them about hockey.

“At the end of the day, these guys are role models,” Dale said. “They can impact some kids’ lives and make them want to play ice hockey and achieve their dreams. These kids have a chance of playing for this team and moving forward.”

Unlike basketball, baseball or football, ice hockey does not follow a standard high school-to-college pattern with young athletes. Amateur hockey, which the WSHL is, serves as preparation for intercollegiate hockey; it is a bridge between high school and college. More than 95 percent of Division-I and Division-III college freshmen are 21 years old because they play junior hockey from high-school age until 20. The Monsters players range in age from 18 to 20.

“The kids don’t want to leave,” Dale said. “They want

“At the end of the day, these guys are role models.

They can impact some kids’ lives and make them want to play ice hockey and achieve their dreams.” –Bryce Dale to stay and develop and become more mature so they can handle the necessary skills, such as time management, that come with college.

“You basically have the opportunity of watching the stars of tomorrow play here at a younger age.”

International flavor Dale, also the general manager of the Monsters, takes his team seriously, and that has shown in his recruiting. Out of 27 team members in the 2013-14 season, about half (14) came from California. Six of the players were international: four from Canada, one from Finland and one from the Czech Republic.

“It’s challenging,” Dale said, “not to find players, but to put a team on the ice that you want to win a championship for the city. This is a city that has supported hockey for so long. You want this city to be a winner.”

Players from outside the Central Valley stay with local families. Sometimes, a player can elect to stay with the same family during his time here. Other times, a player can elect to stay in a different home to meet new people. They receive a stipend of $300 per month.

Austin Piquette, a goalkeeper from Kamloops, British Columbia, was recruited by Dale last year to join the squad. Although he has found many differences between Canada and Fresno, he has had positive experiences.

“I couldn’t complain,” he said. “The sun and the mild winter – it’s definitely enjoyable, for sure.”

Looking toward the future The Gateway Ice Center was going through difficult times in spring 2013. Finances were not in order and the owner threatened to close down the rink. With the Monsters unable to reach

the same attendance numbers at Selland as when they started, a new idea came up. A group of investors, including the Monsters, Poverello House and Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County, put money together and formed the Lace ‘Em Up Foundation to purchase the Gateway Ice Center. There are plans to build a new, state-of-the-art facility behind the existing building.

“There are so many people on board with this project,” Dale said of the new arena project. “We’re all pumped up.”

The new 44,000-square-foot facility will serve as a community center in addition to being the primary home of the Monsters. It will be about 4,000 square feet larger than the Gateway Ice Center and is slated to seat 1,800 fans.

The addition of solar panels is expected to cut energy costs by 94 percent.

“It will give us the opportunity to play in an atmosphere where we can

Fresno Monsters head coach Bryce Dale

This year, the Fresno Monsters are hoping to win the coveted trophy of the Western States Hockey League: the Thorne Cup. Central California Life

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The main goal of the new facility is to provide a place for the community to host events. create a crowd,” Dale said. “With Selland Arena, it didn’t pencil out financially.”

The main goal of the new facility is to provide a place for the community to host events. Rather than having to pay a large sum to use an indoor center, Dale said, the facility will focus on helping members of the community raise funds for their programs and enhance their missions by providing a free place to hold their meetings.

The project is still in its planning stage. The group wants to wrap everything up and break ground by the end of the calendar year. Once finished, the old facility will remain in use as the Monsters’ practice facility and as an extra ice sheet for tournaments, games and an expansion of the Central Valley’s youth hockey program.

“We have people who are contributing to make this one of the elite places in the entire Central Valley for kids to exercise and participate in programs,” Dale said. “We can really build a program that gives kids a fun place to play recreationally as well as a competitive environment for kids who want to play and aspire to be a Fresno Monster.”

But for now, the Gateway Ice Center has served as a worthy home for the Monsters. The team brought in 20,000 fans last season – an average of 750 per game.

It’s not the 6,300 seat-capacity Selland Arena. It’s Dale’s little “soup can.”

“We took our same production level that we had at Selland Arena and brought it here,” Dale said. “Although we are playing in a smaller arena, we didn’t want to dumb our product down. We 60 |

Central California Life

Fresno Monsters team members huddle after a drill at Gateway Ice Center.

actually want to build on it and make it better every single day.”

It’s an intimidating atmosphere for other teams in the league. The proximity of the players and the crowd provides an adrenaline boost for the Monsters.

Or, as Dale puts it, a “seventh man.”

“The energy is great from the fans,” said second-year right-winger Austin Haynes. “We put a couple of goals in, get a fight going. It’s a good atmosphere to play in. It’s great energy to feed off of, and you really play off the crowd.”

A ‘thank you’ to Fresno The whistle sounds and the team gathers together at the east-facing wall for a huddle. There, Dale offers words of encouragement and chimes in on the Monsters’ performance at practice. The assistant coaches, brothers Jason and Brian Rivera, and Zach Alvarez, gather together the stray hockey pucks.

Another practice is finished. With that, the Monsters are closer to having another shot at the championship.

“At the end of the day, we move six guys on to college hockey,” Dale said, referring to his former Fresno Monsters.

“When you’re a coach, you don’t want to replace them with someone just as good.

No disrespect to those players, but you want to improve.

“It’s been grueling, it’s been hard, but it’s been rewarding. It’s a marathon; eight months [from practice until the end of playoffs] is not a sprint by any means.”

For those eight months, the Gateway Ice Center’s doors will remain open to Fresno fans willing to come and support their hockey team. The concessions will still be out and the beer garden will buzz with patrons. For these unwavering Monsters fans, Dale and his team want to provide the ultimate thank you gift: the WSHL championship trophy, hoisted high and proud over their heads. • Christopher Livingston is a student majoring in mass communication and journalism at Fresno State, where he is sports editor of the campus newspaper.

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Arts & Entertainment

The Barber’s Wife

Book Review

by Jeffery Williams

P

ick up a novel where one of the characters is the infamous Pretty Boy Floyd and you might anticipate a story with bank robberies and shootouts. But Fresno State lecturer Tanya Nichols’ debut novel “The Barber’s Wife” skirts the violent scenes to explore a nurse’s internal battle with the dilemma of treating wounded criminals even though she might face incarceration.

Against the backdrop of Depression-era, gangster-ridden Oklahoma, Nichols creates the character of Mayme, a devoted nurse who, in between regular shifts at the small hospital in Tahlequah, pilfers supplies and medicines to secretly care for folks who cannot afford medical care.

Her compulsion to help the less fortunate extends to pushing the ethical envelope to assist those sought after by the law. By day she might care for a cop wounded in a shootout and by night treat a wounded gangster hiding out in the backwoods.

Mayme also grapples with her growing attraction to Joe Stern, a doctor who assists her in treating mobsters on the run. Her longing for a more intimate relationship than she has with her husband O.C., the town barber, threatens to ruin her reputation and respectability. Ironically, it 62 |

Central California Life

Photo by Mary Kate Monahan

will be Pretty Boy Floyd who will confront Mayme concerning her indiscretions and try to force her to walk the straight and narrow. As the plot nears its riveting conclusion, Nichols constructs an engaging mystery and intriguing twist.

Nichols is a wordsmith who illustrates characters in vibrant ways and captures the setting of a small town Oklahoma with lyrical descriptions. She said she grew up hearing stories of gangsters from her grandfather, a barber who cut Pretty Boy Floyd’s hair. She carefully researched the time and setting of her grandparents who, despite being a barber and a nurse, “share nothing in common with the characters of the story,” she said.

Nichols read her grandmother’s medical books in order to accurately portray the medical care of the time.

“I enjoyed the process of research. When I visited Tahlequah, I was amazed at how generous people were and how willing they were to help me with finding papers and journals from that era,” she said.

Nichols has been an instructor for the past 10 years at Fresno State, where she teaches writing and children’s literature for students in the liberal arts major. In addition to working on her memoir and novels

Photo courtesy of Alternative Book Press

nearly every day, Nichols regularly plays mandolin in a local band. She is also director of the Young Writer’s Conference for high school students at Fresno State and editor-in-chief of the San Joaquin Review, a literary journal.

“The Barber’s Wife” is available at Fresno State’s Kennel Bookstore, at A Book Barn in Clovis and on Amazon. com. • Jeffery Williams has been a high school English teacher for 27 years. He is also a freelance writer and the award-winning author of the novel “Pirate Spirit.”

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Central California Life

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Arts & Entertainment

The names on the picture books: Children’s authors in the Valley

by Andrew Veihmeyer

M

ost of us fondly remember our favorite picture books: the rich, colorful illustrations, the exuberant characters and the stories that live in our imaginations. But what about the authors? When we were young, we probably never considered that several published children’s writers make their home in the San Joaquin Valley.

Kathy Goosev Howell

Photo by Roberta Minkler

Photo courtesy of Giggling Goose Publishing

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Central California Life

“I twirl left. I twirl right. I jump high. I kick low. I want to wear these sneakers everywhere I go!”

That’s Juliette talking in Kathy Goosev Howell’s “The Perfectly Purple Sneakers” (Giggling Goose Publishing). In this colorful story, Juliette learns to look on the positive side of life during a sad day at school when her favorite sneakers get dirty. Paint drips on them during art class, then jelly from a sandwich at lunch, among other things. But those are just marks of experience say her friends, family and teachers. Paint makes those purple sneakers artistic, and jelly makes them extra sweet.

Howell was born to Russian immigrants who came to California when her father had the chance to work in agriculture in the Central Valley. The family saved their money until they could purchase a farm in Kerman.

“We sewed our own clothes, grew and canned our own food, everything,” Howell said.

As a child, she enjoyed playing with languages, combining English and Russian to make her own words.

She thrived on reading quirky and creepy stories, but, along with those simple pleasures, hard work was always part of her life. That ethic has

followed her throughout her career.

“Dream big, work hard. That’s my motto,” she said.

Howell, who has over 25 years of teaching experience, is currently a substitute teacher in Clovis as well as a curriculum writer. She also visits classrooms to teach children about the creative writing process and its challenges.

The inspiration for the book’s character of Juliette came quite naturally.

“Of course! It’s me with red hair,” Howell said.

And just why did Juliette love her sneakers so much? Probably because Howell loves them, too.

“I enjoy wearing sneakers and looking at all the colors and styles that are available for people to wear, especially the unusual ones,” she said.

“That’s how the book got started.”

The “Perfectly Purple Sneakers” was released earlier this year. The author is pleased with early responses.

“If somebody opens your book and someone laughs or someone cries, you know you’ve done a good job,” Howell said.

She is already working on a sequel.

“All her favorite Filipino foods danced in her head. Lines of lumpia pranced in rows. Adobo chicken legs be-bopped in time. She saw a large bowl of pancit. The thick noodles and vegetables curled and swirled in a dance party. Mmmmm.”

Cora has a passion for the kitchen and finally has an opportunity to try her hand at some grown-up tasks with her Mama. As the assistant chef, Cora learns the joy of cooking as they make pancit, a Filipino noodle dish that happens to be her favorite. In the process, she learns some valuable things about her family history.

Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore wrote “Cora Cooks Pancit” (Shen’s Books) out of her interest in crafting stories that emphasize a multi-ethnic heritage featuring people living in and outside of the United States.

“I am passionate about telling these stories so children from all cultures can learn and find themselves in the pages of books,” Gilmore said.

This focus is sometimes met with criticism, she said. “Publishers often see these stories as too niche for the mainstream.”

Bethany Morton-Gannaway

Photo courtesy of Shen’s Books

Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore

Gilmore was raised in Chicago, Illinois, the second of three children.

Her parents were both teachers. She has fond memories of her mother reading poetry and children’s novels to her before bed. Her desire to be an author developed in fifth grade. After pursuing a writing career in journalism, working for newspapers like the Chicago Tribune and The Fresno Bee, she returned to her elementary school dream. In 2003, she took a “Writing Children’s Books” class as part of the CSU Summer Arts program at Fresno State. She received an MFA in children’s literature from Hollins University.

The character of Cora is partly

Photo by Roberta Minkler

modeled on Gilmore’s real-life Grandma Cora, who made sure to pass on her Filipino recipes and life stories. The character is also a reference to Gilmore’s daughter, Meilani Cora. Meilani and her two sisters are always gaining more knowledge in the kitchen, Gilmore said.

“It’s usually the place where the best stories unfold.”

Gilmore has released three books for children and one book of poetry.

“Cora Cooks Pancit” won the 2010 Asian American Librarian’s Association’s Picture Book of the Year and was recently named the One Book, One San Diego pick for 2014.

“What’s this? A bag of tricks? A Santa sack. How about that!”

What would you be thinking if you found a bag under the Christmas tree with the name “Give” stamped on it in big, red letters?

Well, in “A Bag Named GIVE,” by Bethany Morton-Gannaway, a young boy decides to use the bag to gather some of his favorite toys and put it under the Christmas tree. He then waits for Santa to take it to other children who will enjoy them just as much as he has.

Gannaway was born and raised in Kerman, where her father Photo by Craig Kohlruss worked as a crop duster. She always loved reading and recalls exactly the types of books that spoke to her.

“I became a stronger reader when I read Dr. Seuss,” she said, recalling how she admired the clever rhymes and bright colors waiting for her on each page.

Gannaway received her bachelor’s degree in English at Fresno State. That is also where she discovered her passion for writing.

One afternoon, with a cup of coffee in hand, she talked with her mother about all the creative aspirations they shared.

“God, what do you want us to do?” they both prayed.

Photo by Roberta Minkler Central California Life

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With their strong faith to guide them, they established Magical Mailbox in 2010, a publishing house in Fresno.

“Seeing this now come to fruition, with product to ship, it’s a huge blessing,” Gannaway said.

In 2013, they formed Play.Create.Grow., a division of Magical Mailbox that links Gannaway’s books with interactive activities.

“A Bag Named GIVE” is meant to inspire children to be active in their communities and donate to other children in need, Gannaway said. The book is bundled with large

canvas bags, reproducing what the boy receives in the story.

Children and parents are given suggestions about how they can engage with the book they’ve just read and the bags they now own.

Gannaway said the company has shipped books and bags nationwide. They have also partnered with local schools and charitable organizations, such as Toys for Tots.

“You’re not marketing just to kids, but also to parents,” she said. “And that’s important.”

time, and it was quickly becoming part of their family culture, she said. With no book to reflect those experiences, Dixon decided to write her own.

Photo courtesy of Sky Pony Press Dixon Amy Dixon Photo by Roberta Minkler was born in Southern California, raised in Sacramento and is one of “Mice,” Papa argued, “were not seven children. Her father works in made to run. We scamper, we scurry, the telecommunications industry and and sometimes we even scuttle. But we her mother worked as a stay-at-home certainly do not run.” mom. They are an avid sports family, Preston is a mouse. He lives always going to sporting events. with his family under the Queensboro “Volleyball was the sport I Bridge in New York. And every year, loved,” Dixon said. “I used to always his family dreads the New York City wish I was 6 feet tall.”

Marathon. Huge crowds throw their Now, as a mom herself, she clothing and bottles everywhere and remains immersed in athletics as she cause a major ruckus. But Preston raises four children with her husband. loves to run and decides that he will Along with being a children’s author, join the race with the rest of the she works as a classroom aide in humans. Keeping in mind his favorite Clovis. comic book superhero, Charlie ChedDixon conducted thorough darworth, he gains the inspiration he research on the NYC Marathon and needs to train for the race and prove its route on the Queensboro Bridge to to his family that mice really can run – make the events of her story accurate. and finish with style.

Her family watched the event on the “I was looking for some kind of television as 40,000 people filled the picture book on running,” said Amy screen in front of them.

Dixon, author of “Marathon Mouse” “I was struck by that image,” she (Sky Pony Press). said.

But after searching high and low, That’s what got the mouse runDixon came up empty. Her husband ning. started training for marathons at the 66 |

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Dixon’s new book, a whimsical tale with a bit of magic, releases next year. Unlike “Marathon Mouse,” which was aimed at sports families and marathon enthusiasts, this new tale will have wider appeal – something she said is both exciting and terrifying from a marketing standpoint.

Dixon said that several elements need to come together at just the right time to be a successful children’s author. In many ways, “the road to publication is a marathon,” she said. • Andrew Veihmeyer was news editor of the campus newspaper while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication at Fresno State. Most recently, he has worked as a marketing intern for several companies and nonprofits in the Central Valley.

OTHER BOOKS by the authors:

Skoob Revisited (Giggling Goose Publishing) by Kathy Goosev Howell Children of the San Joaquin Valley (Poppy Lane Publishing Co.) by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore Soaring, Adventures of An Aerial Applicator (Magical Mailbox) by Bethany Morton Gannaway Sophie’s Animal Parade by Amy Dixon (to be released by Sky Pony Press in May 2015) Howell’s, Lazo Gilmore’s and Dixon’s books are available through Amazon. com. To purchase Gannaway’s books, go to playcreategrow.com.

Savor

L

iz Sanchez built her business on memories.

Memories of her uncle’s small carniceria, where regular customers were more like family; memories of her grandmother preparing tamales; and memories of the holidays, where food, family and friends intersect. In fact, it was her family and her familiarity with the hospitality industry that sparked her desire to open her own place.

“Everything we do at Casa de Tamales comes from the heart,” said Sanchez, who opened the restaurant on Shaw Avenue between Marks and Brawley avenues in March 2010. “I drew my inspiration from my grandmother and her Old World traditions for making masa and tamales and applied New World perspectives to all my recipes, resulting in bolder flavors and healthier options.”

Sanchez offers an impressive variety of savory and sweet tamales, all made in-house from locally-grown non-GMO corn and stone ground by the restaurant’s own corn mill. Traditional chicken with mole and shredded beef are featured alongside creamy chicken poblano and portobello and asparagus tamales. Standard sweet corn tamales are complemented by offerings of blueberry cream cheese, triple chocolate cake and carrot cake tamales.

The quality and innovation of Casa de Tamales’ products have garnered the praise of customers and food industry professionals alike; not only does the business receive consistently high marks on social media sites like Yelp and Urbanspoon, it garnered a prestigious Buyers Choice Award at the Fresno Food Expo in July.

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Culinary Artist Liz Sanchez

by Amy Guerra

Liz Sanchez says her culinary inspiration comes from her grandmother, who owned and operated a tortilla business in Mexico for more than 10 years.

Photo courtesy of Liz Sanchez

several food truck events around the Central Valley and is preparing to open its second restaurant on Fulton Mall. It is also set to launch its first retail offerings over the next year, a move that will make Liz’s tamales readily available outside the region.

Sanchez has big aspirations for a business she’s successfully grown from what she calls her own “humble beginnings.”

“I’d like to see Casa de Tamales restaurants in big cities like San Francisco and New York City, exactly the way we built Peel 8 ears of fresh corn on the our first store: with a window to the kitchen, cob. Clean off corn silk thoroughly. so customers could see us making our masa Depending on the size of the corn, completely from scratch,” Sanchez said. “I this will yield about 4 cups. Begin want to see my tamales in delis and store grilling! Rotate the corn on the cob shelves throughout the country. I think we’re until roasted on all sides. Cool almost there. We’re ready.” completely.

Sanchez was happy to share with Chuck corn off the cob, add to a Central California Life readers one of her mixing bowl with the following most versatile and popular recipes: Roasted ingredients: Corn Salsa.

1 cup of diced red onion “While I love corn salsa with all my 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro dishes, if I had to choose a favorite pairing, 1 teaspoon of salt it would be corn salsa with a green tomatillo 2 tablespoons of chipotle pureed chicken tamale,” she said, adding that the 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice

Roasted Corn Salsa

Photos by Kelley Campos McCoy

Green Tomatillo Chicken

New Mexico Chile Pork

combination has been “a terrific hit” since the restaurant opened and has remained a favorite of many customers.

As for a dessert tamale, Sanchez said she can’t pick just one.

“With the holidays just around the corner, I do know that my pumpkin pie tamales are going to get a lot of attention,” she said. “We bring it back each October and offer it during the holidays. And, every year, it sells out, which is why I like to freeze a few extras.”

Sounds like a good time to head over to Casa de Tamales. • CASA de TAMALES is located at 3747 W Shaw Ave. in Fresno and can be reached by phone at (559) 275-9300. For more information about the restaurant’s menu and mobile outdoor venues, go to casadetamales.com.

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Savor

The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar Story and photos by Amy Guerra

T

he Vineyard Restaurant & Bar is an authentic Valley legend.

Located just west of Highway 99 in Madera, the restaurant has been named one of the Central Valley’s best restaurants by Wine Spectator magazine and AAA’s VIA Magazine and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Restaurant Association.

During the 37 years that The Vineyard has been open, the Mariscotti family has mastered a sense of casual elegance.

The large windows of the restaurant are framed by decorative grapes hanging from a trellis and dotted with large, bright lights that emphasize a rustic interior with lots of wood, rich carpet and velvet drapes. The bar resembles an estate library with its large tables and high wingback chairs.

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audience at dinner. When we arrive for dinner, the banquet area in the back is teeming with people ordering local wine and celebrating birthdays and special events. The scent of hot, fresh bread hits us at the door and follows us to the table where we’re served The Vineyard ‘s signature creamy olive tapenade. Owner Chris Mariscotti greets us and every other customer that night. He brings us a decadent combination: a plate of tender, ripe figs wrapped in crispy thick bacon sweet reduction.

My 11-year-old son is with me, and it doesn’t take him but a second to spot the sriracha-maple glazed fried chicken with garlic mashed potatoes and local vegetables. Like everything on The Vineyard’s menu, it’s carefully chosen and subtly sophisticated, with all the genuineness of classically prepared comfort food. When it arrives it doesn’t disap-

point: perfectly crisp skin and a complex sweet and spicy glaze. It’s literally a triad of foodie perfection – salty, sweet and spicy.

At Mariscotti’s urging, I try the Zinfandel-braised lamb shank. The slow-cooked lamb shank is covered in a savory, thick and delicious Zinfandel-based tomato sauce. Other options on the menu are similarly intriguing: bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin stuffed with figs and paired with a raspberry port reduction, accompanied by blue cheese mashed potatoes and fried leeks; a fresh grilled Alaskan halibut with watermelon tomato chutney; and a roasted pork chop with Asian pear and tomato soy glaze.

Mariscotti invited us to see the kitchen, an immaculate restaurant “war room” where we saw Chef Jason Milam and his team at their best – baking fresh

During the 37 years that The Vineyard has been open, the Mariscotti family has mastered a sense of casual elegance. bread, preparing the popular bacon-wrapped figs and creating magnificent entrée after entrée.

When we got back to the table, Mariscotti insisted that we try one of the oldest items on the menu: the Baked Apple.

It is a buttery baked apple wrapped in pastry crust, filled with caramelized raisins and served with sweet whipped cream, ice cream and caramel.

As I watched my son devour the last few bites of a memorable dinner, I had no doubt we’d be back. Maybe for a birthday, or on the way to the coast, or for no reason at all. Once you find a restaurant like this, you can’t stay away.

The Mariscotti family changes the menu seasonally, usually around four times a year to highlight locally available food.

While it offers a variety of wine, roughly half of what’s available is local, including a collection of local dessert wines. •

The Vineyard Restaurant & Bar is located at 605 S. I St. in Madera.

The restaurant hosts special events and can be reached by phone at (559) 674-0923 or online at vineyardrestaurant.com.

Amy Guerra is a criminal defense attorney practicing in Fresno. She has written for several publications throughout California and enjoys writing about the law, food, travel and all things Fresno.

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Sip

The Lime Lite Nick’s Picks: Santa’s favorite holiday hangout and libations

by Edgar E. Dunn III

Photos by Dan Minkler

H

ave you ever wondered where and how old Saint Nick relaxes when he finishes his day? At The Lime Lite in Fresno, there’s a popular rumor among patrons and employees that he’s been seen there occupying his favorite stool at the cozy bar every holiday season.

Apparently, the jolly man in red enjoys his “preferred cocktails made just to his specifications,” said Corey Woods, head bartender and personal “Nicksologist” for the last decade.

“I also think Nick feels right at home in the

Lime Lite Candy Cane

The Nog 72 |

Central California Life

dark wood and rich green interior of this place,” Woods speculated. That The Lime Lite is just reindeer steps from historical Christmas Tree Lane may be yet another reason why Santa seems to like to let his silver hair down here.

The stately interior of The Lime Lite has a settled-in “San Francisco steak house” sort of feel that implies it has been at its present West Shaw Avenue location for a lot longer than 15 years. The original Lime Lite – aptly named after the “… greenish glow given off from early theatrical production candle lights,” according to previous owners George and Cathy Milutinovich – was originally opened a half-century ago at Clinton Avenue and Highway 99 by Cathy’s relatives, Bob and Dolly Niklanovich. The Milutinovichs eventually bought the restaurant and bar in 1976. They operated it for the next 35 years at both the original and present locations before selling it to the present owner, Brandon Smittcamp.

Mrs. Claus’ Warm Apple Pie Martini

The popular establishment seems ready-made for Christmas with only touches of red needed to complement the rich, green-leathered booths and barstools, which Smittcamp left intact.

Add some fragrant evergreen garlands and holiday lights and it becomes Santa’s own man cave.

“My staff and I really get into the Christmas spirit and, along with decorating, enjoy creating holiday-themed cocktails for our valued customers – especially Santa, of course. He likes to spend a little jingle here before he heads north for a well-deserved rest,” said Smittcamp, with a grin that hints there’s a believing child still somewhere inside.

Given Santa’s “capacity” and his The Lime Lite is located at 1054 W. Shaw. For more information about hours and menus, call (559) 224-1054 or visit thelimelite.com.

propensity for exercising mainly his taste buds, he was understandably challenged to choose just a few of his favorite celebratory libations.

With Woods’ and Smittcamp’s coaxing and some joyful sampling to refresh the portly elf ’s memory, Nick finally arrived at his four favorite “Christmas Cheers.”

Mrs. Claus’ Warm Apple Pie Martini: Coming in from the chill of his rigorous route, Santa is always reminded of what he’s been missing from home: the familiar taste and smell of just-baked apple pie. Not surprisingly, then, he always starts with the concoction of hot apple cider, vanilla liqueur and vodka, with a touch of ground cinnamon and squeezed lime, topped with a freshly cut apple slice. It’s liquid dessert in an elegant martini glass that warms him from the inside out with fond memories of his Mrs. Missus many miles away.

The Nog: What are the holidays without a nod to the “Nog?” Nick’s version blends a sweet combination of rum, The Lime Lite’s always-yummy homemade vanilla ice cream, and bourbon in a tall glass, sprinkled with ground cinnamon and nutmeg and stirred with a cinnamon stick. It’s like an aromatic, adult milkshake with a big reindeer kick.

Lime Lite Candy Cane: There’s no surprise here with this choice that features candy canes aplenty to sprinkle, stir and sample. Of course, let’s not forget mixing in Peppermint Schnapps, raspberry-flavored “Stoli” vodka, White

Santa’s Sleigh Warmer Toddy

Crème de Cacao, fresh half-and-half, a touch of Grenadine and just a splash of soda water. Now stir it with a Lime Lite green candy cane and you’re definitely in the holiday mood. This is a palate pleaser to be sure. And you thought devouring candy canes as a kid was a thrill.

Santa’s Sleigh Warmer Toddy: When it’s time to head out into the cold winter’s eve for the long ride home, Saint Nick always opts for his classic hot toddy.

Nick’s mix is a hardy warmer-upper that he often likes to make when he’s home at “the Pole.” Just mix lemon, honey, brandy and hot water. Stir and top with a fresh lemon slice. Then prepare to clear your senses. This popular nightcap can also be served without brandy by replacing it with hot coffee or tea, especially if you’re the designated driver. As Santa said, “There’s only one red nose leading this sleigh tonight and it’s definitely not mine!”

When you need a break from this hectic holiday season of frantic shopping or perhaps after just “walking the Lane,” step into The Lime Lite to enjoy one of Santa’s favorite refreshments. If you time it just right, you might even end up sitting next to someone very familiar this time of the year. • Edgar E. Dunn III is a marketing consultant, writer and co-host on the talk show, Radio Psyched. He’s also known to volunteer as “Santa’s helper” on occasion.

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Spotlight

by Rachel Taylor

Fresno Native places 11th in Berlin Marathon

F

resno native Fernando Cabada, 32, recently placed 11th in this year’s Berlin Marathon, setting a personal record of 2:11:36 and becoming the top U.S. finisher in his first European marathon.

“Berlin was a good experience,” Cabada said. “It’s a worldclass marathon. Just getting an invitation there was a pretty big honor.”

Cabada faced 40,004 runners from 130 nations during the citywide road race, which has an official marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers (26 miles 385 yards).

Cabada broke his previous marathon record of 2:11:53 that he set during the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Houston.

“Going in, I wasn’t necessarily the most confident person,” he said.

“On the day of the race, I’m pretty good at rising to the occasion when there’s a lot on the line.

“I wanted to go and make some noise, and I did. I ran the fastest I’ve ever run in my life.”

Cabada’s next goal is scoring in the top three at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Feb. 13 in Los Angeles. He knows it will take a lot of work, but that’s never stopped him before.

“It’s kind of crazy to even say ‘Oh yeah, I want to make the Olympics,’” Cabada said. “But the thing is, I actually have a legitimate shot.

I don’t really have to hope and pray.

All I have to do is what I’m capable

of doing.”

Cabada was raised by a single mother in a poor area of Fresno. His father was often in and out of prison for drug and gang-related offenses.

At the age of 9, Cabada and his mother moved to Clovis with the help of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8.

Cabada began his running career at Buchanan High School doing cross country as a 5-foot3, 95-pound freshman.

By the time he graduated in 2000, Cabada was a 6-foot-tall, six-time Valley champion with a scholarship to the University of Arkansas.

In addition to his success in Berlin, Cabada is a former 25K American record holder, an eighttime Team USA member, a three-time U.S. champion and a seven-time NAIA national champion. He is currently the fifth-ranked marathon runner in the U.S. and a member of Newton Running Elite, a Colorado-based running group supported by Newton Running.

But for Cabada, running isn’t about sponsorships, money or rankings.

“At this point, I just want to be remembered for something positive,” he said.

Photos courtesy of Fernando Cabada

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Central California Life

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Spotlight

Fresno State alumna, Bee columnist publishes second book

L

ocal writer Armen Bacon’s second book, “My Name is Armen – A Life in Column Inches,” is being published by The Press at Fresno State in early November.

“I’m especially honored to have been invited to publish this book under Fresno State’s imprint: The Press at California State University, Fresno,” Bacon said.

The book is based on a collection of Bacon’s personal essays, many of which were originally written as columns for The Fresno Bee. It touches on an array of topics (culture and heritage, family, friends, love and loss, life travels and advice) and is divided into five sections, each of which is anchored by a quote from one of Bacon’s favorite authors, William Saroyan.

“In almost all instances, each story circles back to this place called ‘home,’ a place where my ancestors found refuge and a new life, planted roots, worked the land and raised families,” she said.

In the book’s foreword, Bacon describes her relationship with writing: “I write to survive, to remember, to make sense from chaos and to discover the voice residing deep within.”

Bacon began writing after the loss of her son, Alex, in 2004. Since then, she’s chronicled her life story with words.

“Words as oxygen – this most accurately answers the ‘why’ question about my storytelling,” she said. “I also write because I believe it is crucial to pass down our stories to our children and grandchildren.”

Bacon holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fresno State and studied memoir, poetic prose, narrative non-fiction and flash fiction as part of the CSU Summer Arts Program.

“I credit Fresno State’s College of Arts and Humanities (where the Summer Arts program

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Photo by Gina Taro/Cover design by Derian Design

was housed for 13 years) for igniting and nurturing my writing passion,” she said.

Bacon’s first book, “Griefland: An Intimate Portrait of Love, Loss, and Unlikely Friendship” (Globe Pequot Press) debuted in 2012.

To purchase “My Name is Armen,” visit thepressatcsufresno.org.

Book Signings: • Thursday, November 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Petunia’s Place (6027 N. Palm Ave. in Fresno) • Saturday, November 22, at Barnes & Noble (7849 N Blackstone Ave. in Fresno) For more information about the Barnes & Noble book signing, call (559) 437-0484.

Red Ruby Salon Full Service Salon 1778 W Bullard Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 Monday - Saturday Call for an appointment 559-449-0909 Manicurist/Esthetician Irene Riley Hair Stylist Victoria Foreman

Central California Life

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Spotlight

Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association holds golf tournament to benefit Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation Photos by Dan Minkler

T

he Fresno Deputy Sheriff ’s Association (FDSA) raised about $40,000 during its 8th Annual Memorial Fund Golf Tournament in late October.

All funds raised by the tournament, which had more than 150 participants, will benefit the families of fallen deputy sheriffs and peace officers in Fresno County and throughout California.

Participants golfed an 18hole course at the Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club and were treated to breakfast, lunch and drinks. Lithia Ford Lincoln of Fresno promised a brand new Lincoln MKZ to any lucky golfer who could hit a hole-in-one on a select par-three hole. One golfer almost drove away with the car, but his ball stopped short by about a foot.

Several other local businesses – Ara Karkazian Watch & Jewelry Co., Fresno Coin Gallery, The Elbow Room, 5.11 Tactical, The Range Pistol Club, Verizon Wireless and more – donated prizes for the event’s raffle.

The FDSA began raising funds for the Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation in 2009.

The FDSA is set to surpass its original donation goal of $100,000 by 2016.

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Law enforcement explorers Alyssa Sosa and Kyle Schmidt with tournament organizer Joni Sarafian of Complete Marketing Solutions and Eric Schmidt, president of the Fresno Deputy Sheriff’s Association

Greg Little and Melynee Paniagua

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Spotlight

Break the Barriers hosts 30th anniversary celebration Photos by Dan Minkler

B

reak the Barriers founders Steve and Deby Hergenrader received special honors during the organization’s 30th anniversary event, a blacktie gala held at Audi Fresno and the Porsche of Fresno showroom.

“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of vision and leadership for two people who have left an incredible mark on our community and around the world,” said Rob Bausman, Break the Barriers board president, and Linda Hergenrader, event chair.

The gala featured silent and live auctions, dinner and speeches by Break the Barriers staff, family and friends.

After a cocktail reception, dinner was accompanied by live music from guitarist Jon Stephen and pianist Gina Perkins, a Break the Barriers board member.

Guests later had the opportunity to bid on various auction items donated by Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims, the City of Fresno’s police and fire departments, Pepsi, The Brownie Baker, Northstar Home Security Systems, Pete Hefen, The Palms restaurant and the Perkins family.

A group of military veterans also unveiled to guests the new Break the Barriers International flag, which celebrates the organization’s presence in six continents.

For more information about Break the Barriers, visit breakthebarriers.com.

Break the Barriers founders Deby and Steve Hergenrader

Break the Barriers event chair Linda Hergenrader and board president Rob Bausman

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David Yacoub, Rheanna Yacoub, Mary Ann Roth, Billy Roth, Stephen Love and Juliann Yacoub

John Martinez, Oscar S. Hernandez, Tyler Hergenrader, Norman Jansen, Art Cowan, Fernando Velez and Mike Hernandez

Larry and Dot Powell Central California Life

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Spotlight

Nonprofit connects Central Valley to students in the Congo Photos by Dan Minkler

K

ulungu For Congo, a startup nonprofit that seeks to better the lives of Congolese youth through education, recently held its inaugural fundraising banquet alongside supporters Lisa Sondergaard Smittcamp, Fresno County’s district attorney-elect, and Mike Seashols, first vice president of marketing for Oracle.

The aim of the event was to encourage community support for the organization through involvement and donations. For every $1,000 raised, the nonprofit promises that one student’s education will be funded for a year.

Organization founder Doug Kulungu shared with banquet attendees the details of his journey to the U.S. from the Congo in pursuit of a higher education. He also talked about his goals for the nonprofit.

Kulungu is a native of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He received his B.A. in business administration from Fresno Pacific University in 2010. He began Kulungu for Congo, which ultimately seeks to create future leaders who can make positive changes in the region, in 2014.

The banquet was emceed by Brad Bell, founding pastor of The Well Community Church.

For more information about Kulungu For Congo, visit kulunguforcongo.com. •

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Kulungu For Congo founder Doug Kulungu and Mike Seashols, first vice president of marketing for Oracle

Lisa Sondergaard Smittcamp, Fresno County’s district attorney-elect

Harold and Harriett Hanson with Kulungu For Congo founder Doug Kulungu

Joy, Dante and Gireh

Brad Bell, founding pastor of The Well Community Church, Kulungu For Congo founder Doug Kulungu, Eric Hanson and Rodger Glaspey

Calendar of Events

NOVEMBER

Central Valley VISALIA 75th Anniversary Celebration of Visalia Parks and Recreation: Nov. 1 Come celebrate with food, live entertainment and carnival rides as the City of Visalia Parks and Recreation Department turns 75. The event, which will be held at Plaza Park in Visalia, will also feature a petting zoo, car show and scarecrow contest. Admission is free. For more information, visit visaliachamber.org.

CLOVIS Old Town Flea Market: Nov. 1-2 If you love repurposed goods, you won’t want to miss the Old Town Flea Market.

The two-day event, held at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds, will feature hand-selected vendors selling everything from repurposed furniture and antiques to handmade vintage pieces. For more information, visit oldtownflea.com.

MODESTO The Berenstain Bears Live: Nov. 2 In this live musical production filled with fun songs and dancing, the Berenstain Bears learn important life lessons about honesty, health and safety. Using the iconic stories and imagery of the books, you and your family will see Bear Country come to life on stage at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. For more information, visit galloarts.org.

FRESNO 56th Annual Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame Enshrinement Awards Dinner: Nov. 6 Come celebrate nine individuals and the 1989 Bullard High baseball team as they are inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. The event, which will take place at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center, will feature a cocktail hour and dinner. Proceeds from the ceremony will benefit local youth organizations. For more information, visit fresnoahof.org.

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Fresno SalmonFest

FRESNO 2014 Fresno SalmonFest: Nov. 8 Held at Lost Lake Park, Fresno SalmonFest gives families the chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the San Joaquin River.

The event, which celebrates the reintroduction of salmon into the river, will feature several activities: free canoe and kayak rides, fly casting lessons, arts and crafts, a 5K run, a raffle and the release of adult Chinook salmon into the river. For more information, visit fresnosalmonfest.org.

Photo courtesy of Reedley Downtown Association

REEDLEY Ladies’ Night Out: Nov. 13 Every year, groups of women descend on downtown Reedley for a shopping extravaganza unlike any other. The Reedley Ladies’ Night Out features prizes, raffles and special deals. This year’s theme is “Keep Calm & CowGirl Up.” Ladies are encouraged to dress up. Tickets for the event will be sold throughout downtown Reedley and the night of the event. For more information, visit reedleydowntown.com.

Photo courtesy of Thai Xiong

EXETER 2nd Annual Veteran’s Benefit Run-Walk: Nov. 15 This 5k and 10K run/walk event, held at Exeter City Park, will honor U.S. military veterans and benefit the Assistance Service Dog Educational Center (ASDEC) in Woodlake, an organization that assists local veterans suffering from PTSD with the purchase of a service dog. For more information, visit efamiliesveteransbenefitrunwalk.webs.com.

FRESNO 2014 Fresno AIDS Walk: Nov. 22 Join hundreds of participants at Woodward Park to raise awareness and community support for AIDS during the third annual Fresno AIDS Walk presented by WestCare California. All proceeds will benefit The Living Room, a project of WestCare, Fresno’s only HIV/AIDS social support center. For more information, visit fresnoaidswalk.org.

VISALIA 10th Annual Race Against Hunger: Nov. 27 The Race Against Hunger, a 5K run and 2-mile walk held in Visalia, helps to provide meal assistance and clothing to more than 800 families in need each month. All proceeds benefit the Visalia Emergency Aid Council. For more information, visit visaliaturkeytrot.com.

For more events, visit CenCaliLife.com Giro Della Costa Centrale

Photo courtesy of Giro Della Costa Centrale

FRESNO 15th Annual SCE Turkey Trot: Nov. 27 Work up an appetite on Thanksgiving morning with family and friends during the 15th Annual Turkey Trot held at Woodward Park. Presented

by Sierra Challenge Express running club, the event features a 5K run and a 2-mile walk. For more information, visit runsierra.org.

FRESNO The Nutcracker: Nov. 29-30 Experience this breathtaking ballet, a holiday tradition worldwide, at the William Saroyan Theatre. Watch as more than 100 local dancers perform alongside professionals from the Sacramento Ballet and Fresno Ballet Theatre. For more information, visit fresnoconventioncenter. com.

Central Coast CAYUCOS 24th Annual Cayucos Car Show: Nov. 1 If you’re into awesome cars, good music, beer and barbecue, you won’t want to miss the 24th Annual Cayucos Car Show on Ocean Avenue in downtown Cayucos. For more information, visit cayucoschamber. com.

MORRO BAY Morro Bay Triathlon: Nov. 2 Swim in the bay, ride along historic Highway 1 and run on the beach, boardwalk, dirt and paved roads of Morro Bay. With breathtaking views and a unique multi-sport terrain, the Morro Bay Triathlon has it all.

For more information, visit morrobaytri.com.

Big Sur Food & Wine Festival

BIG SUR Big Sur Food & Wine Festival: Nov. 6-9 With a lineup of more than 40 participating wineries and 20 chefs, the Big Sur Food & Wine Festival means business.

The festival takes place over four days throughout various locations in the area. Since its inception, the festival has raised more than $100,000 for the Big Sur community. For more information, visit bigsurfoodandwine.org.

PASO ROBLES 2014 Paderewski Festival: Nov. 6-9 This four-day music festival celebrates Paso Robles’ rich heritage and one of its most famous residents: Ignacy Jan Paderewski. The event will feature concerts from world-renowned talents as well as exhibits, lectures, master classes and film screenings. There will also be wine tastings and tours of local vineyards. For more information, visit paderewskifest. com.

SLO & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES Giro Della Costa Centrale: Nov. 9 The Giro Della Costa Centrale (Tour of the Central Coast) Classic Italian Cycling Festival has all new routes, beautiful Central Coast scenery, challenging climbs, a new classic bike rally and everything Italian including food, wine and music. The rides benefit the Hearst Cancer Resource Center. For more information, visit girodcc.com.

MONTEREY BAY 16th Annual Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival: Nov. 21-23 Celebrate historic Monterey and its contribution to western heritage during the Monterey Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival held at the Monterey Conference Center. The festival will highlight the traditions and lifestyles of vaqueros and cowboys through food, music, poetry and storytelling.

For more information, visit montereycowboy. org.

Mountain Areas OAKHURST Mountain Community Women’s Taters and Tables Luncheon: Nov. 3 Grab your friends for this fun luncheon at the Oakhurst Community Center. Hosted by Mountain Community Women, the event will feature a table setting contest, raffle and prizes.

Proceeds will benefit the Oakhurst Community Center. For more information, visit mountaincommunitywomen.com.

MARIPOSA Motown Night at Savoury’s: Nov. 8 Hosted by the Mariposa Academic Boosters Club, Motown Night at Savoury’s Restaurant will feature groovy music, dancing and games.

There will also be a prize for best Motown attire, so be sure to dress up in style. Attendees must be 21 years or older. All proceeds will benefit Mariposa County High School.

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I N T R O D U C I N G …

THE CALIFORNIA AUTISM CENTER & Learning Group

Imagine new possibilities for children with a diagnosis on the ASD spectrum!

T

he new California Autism Center originated in the central valley to offer families a home for comprehensive, flexible, and scientificallyproven behavioral treatment for children and youth on the autism spectrum. The heart of our program is a center based ABA program, but our comprehensive mission includes much more. Our CEO and clinical director, Dr. Amanda Nicolson Adams (formerly with Fresno State) has over 20 years of experience training and researching the latest breakthroughs in autism treatment. The California Autism Center’s state-of the-art model combines all the rigor of science without losing sight of what really makes it all work; a tender and caring approach.

• Our Team consists of highly experienced and extensively trained therapists. Our multi-disciplinary dream team of consultants includes a credentialed teacher, a school psychologist, a speech therapist, a marriage/family counselor and our own developmental pediatrician.

• Center-based programs: provide expertly delivered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment with constant supervision and support.

• Parent seminars and sibling programs create a wraparound model of care and fun for the whole family!

• Comprehensive programs blend evidenced-based teaching strategies in careful balance to ignite each child’s potential.

• Potty Training Clinics: Our group seminar followed by individual consultation in home will get your child preschool ready!

• The Enrichment Program is our approach to social skill development. Through activities like sports, art, music, drama, and drum circles we will capture every child’s interests in the context of natural social interaction with peers.

A new kind of center – a new kind of hope!

www.calautismcenter.org Amanda@calautismcenter.org

(559) 385-3954

o n s fre

e c i on there’s

g n i h t no ler coo

The Ultimate Winter Experience Returns

November 13 - January 19 Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Fulton Mall at Mariposa General Admission:

P

Monday through Friday: Adult $10 • Child $8 Saturday and Sunday: Adult $12 • Child $10 Price includes skate rental and parking validation

Season Passes Make Great Gifts Adult $49 ❄ Child $39 ❄ Family $99

NORTH

Family pass includes 2 adults and up to 4 children.

Additional children can be added to the pass for $20 each

Make Your Holiday Party Even Cooler Reserve our private party area to host a memorable event.

Contact us today to book your corporate, birthday or holiday party.

559-351-2376 ❄ iceskate@downtownfresno.org downtownfresno.org

Calendar of Events

DECEMBER

Central Valley FRESNO Christmas Tree Lane: Dec. 2-25 The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a walk or drive down Fresno’s iconic Christmas Tree Lane. There will be two walk nights this year: Dec. 2 and Dec. 10. There is no cost to visit Christmas Tree Lane. For more information, visit christmastreelane.com.

FRESNO Walking with Dinosaurs – The Arena Spectacular: Dec. 3-7 Watch as prehistoric dinosaurs come to life at Selland Arena during the theatrical arena show “Walking with Dinosaurs.” Great for all ages, this arena spectacular is based on an award-winning BBC television series of the same name. For more information, visit fresnoconventioncenter.com.

REEDLEY Electrical Farm Equipment Parade: Dec. 4 Grab the family and get in the holiday spirit as a parade of more than 50 illuminated tractors, buses, combines and antique vehicles make their way through downtown Reedley. The event will also feature food and other fun activities. For more information, visit reedleydowntown.com.

HANFORD 14th Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting: Dec. 5 Enjoy one of life’s most indulgent pairings at the 14th Annual Wine and Chocolate Tasting in downtown Hanford. More than 20 downtown businesses will participate in the event, and participants can sample several wines and delectable chocolates. The evening will be complemented by holiday lights and music. For more information, visit mainstreethanford.com.

CLOVIS Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade: Dec. 6 The Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade, hosted by the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club, features decorated floats, marching bands, decorated cars, equestrian groups and more. The event is great for the whole family. For more information, visit oldtownclovis.org.

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Central California Life

LEMOORE Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 7 Begin your holiday season by having Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast will be served by the Lemoore Lions Club at the Civic Auditorium in Lemoore.

Participants can take photos with Santa, shop and visit the event’s arts and crafts corner. The breakfast is open to guests of all ages. Proceeds will benefit the Lemoore Youth Recreation Fund. For more information, visit lemoorechamberofcommerce.com.

VISALIA 34th Annual Christmas Tree Auction: Dec. 12 Each year, more than 900 people kick off the holiday season by giving back to their community during this annual event. Held at the Visalia Convention Center, the event features dinner, dancing, live entertainment, wine tasting, a live Christmas tree auction and more. The event aims to raise awareness and donations for local nonprofits in the city of Visalia. For more information, visit visaliachamber.org.

FRESNO 85th Annual Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade: Dec. 13 “Candy Canes & Christmas Carols” is the theme for this year’s downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, a family-friendly event held on the Fulton Mall that features epic floats and heaps of holiday cheer. For more information, visit downtownfresno.org.

Photo courtesy of Mark Haymond

FRESNO Fresno Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots: Dec. 13 Get in the holiday spirit as you raise money and support for Toys for Tots during its annual Jingle Bell Run down Christmas Tree Lane in Fresno. The 5K run and 2-mile walk is great for the whole family. This year, there will be snow at the finish line in addition to Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. For more information, visit tallytiming.com.

CORCORAN Christmas in the Park: Dec. 18 Celebrate Christmas early during this popular event that features a festive hayride throughout the town of Corcoran. Free hotdogs, marshmallows and hot cocoa will be served during the event, which starts and ends at Christmas Tree Park in Corcoran. For more information, visit corcoranchamber.com.

FRESNO International Hmong New Year: Dec. 26-Jan. 1 Celebrate the Hmong New Year with delicious food, fun games and other traditional festivities at the Fresno Fairgrounds. People of all ages and

39th Annual Holiday Parade Photo courtesy of SLO Downtown Association

14th Annual Wine & Chocolate Tasting

backgrounds are welcome. Fresno’s Hmong New Year celebration is the largest in the world. For more information, call (559) 650-FAIR.

Central Coast MORRO BAY Tall Ships Arrive in the Harbor: Dec. 3-8 Steer toward Morro Bay Dec. 3-8 for the highly anticipated return of Lady Washington, a majestic tall ship, and Hawaiian Chieftain, a topsail ketch. Both ships will offer walk-on tours and two options for sailing excursions. Lady Washington appeared as the Black Pearl in the 2003 movie “Pirate of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.” For more information, visit morrobay.org.

SAN LUIS OBISPO 39th Annual Holiday Parade: Dec. 5 Enjoy nearly 100 floats, live music, marching bands and carolers as they cruise the streets of downtown San Luis Obispo. For more information, visit downtownslo.com.

PISMO BEACH Holiday Harmony & Light Up Pismo Beach: Dec. 5 This family-friendly event will feature fresh snow, a bounce house, crafts and cookie decorating. Participants can also join Santa and carolers at the Beach Bum Holiday Rental parking lot before he is transported by fire truck to officially “light up” the City of Pismo Beach. For more information, visit pismochamber. com.

PASO ROBLES 53rd Annual Christmas Light Parade: Dec. 6 Take in the sights and sounds of the holiday spirit with an illuminated parade in downtown Paso Robles. The parade marks the arrival of Santa Claus, who will be in residence at the Holiday House in Downtown City Park until Christmas

Eve. For more information, visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.

MORRO BAY Lighted Boat Parade: Dec. 6 Come to the embarcadero in Morro Bay and secure a spot along the waterfront to watch as beautifully illuminated skiffs, yachts, fishing boats, cutters, sailboats and kayaks cruise the harbor. For more information, visit morrobay.org.

ARROYO GRANDE Elegant Christmas in the Village: Dec. 7 Enjoy the holiday atmosphere in downtown Arroyo Grande as various store owners and employees dress up and serve food and drinks to passersby. The event will also feature live music and entertainment. For more information, visit visitarroyogrande.org.

ATASCADERO Holiday Magic at the Zoo: Dec. 20 Do you like gifts? So do animals! Watch as animals at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero tear open homemade packages of every shape and size, delivered by Santa and his elves. During the festivities, children will have the chance to make a homemade crafts and enjoy hot chocolate. For more information, visit charlespaddockzoo.org.

Mountain Areas YOSEMITE Yosemite Holiday Craft Bazaar: Dec. 5 This holiday craft bazaar, held at Curry Village Pavilion in Yosemite National Park, will feature unique gifts made by local artists and crafters. Lunch and baked goods will also be available for purchase, and visitors will have the chance to participate in a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the Yosemite National Park Child Care Center. For more information, visit facebook.com/ YosemiteHolidayCraftBazaar.

OAKHURST Breakfast with Santa: Dec. 6 Get the family together to enjoy Break-

fast with Santa at the Oakhurst Community Center. Breakfast will be prepared by the Oakhurst Kiwanis of the Sierra.

Proceeds benefit the Children’s Museum of the Sierra and local charities. For more information, call (559) 658-5656.

OAKHURST Christmas at Fresno Flats Museum: Dec. 7 Come celebrate the holiday season as if it were the 18th century at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park in Oakhurst.

All of the historic buildings in the village will be decked out in holiday finery and the park will be alive with music from local choral groups and musicians. Father Christmas will attend the event to greet and take photos with children. For more information, visit fresnoflatsmuseum. org.

MARIPOSA Mariposa Kiwanis Hayride: Dec. 20 Enjoy a cozy hayride, get warm by a bonfire and roast marshmallows and hotdogs with family and friends during this fun all-ages event at the Lushmeadows Mountain Estates in Mariposa. For more information, contact Helen at (209) 742-7354.

MARIPOSA Community Christmas Tree Lighting: Dec. 20 Gather around the Mariposa Courthouse with family and friends and watch as the community tree is illuminated. Participants can enjoy a bonfire, hotdogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee and a very special guest: Santa Claus. For more information, visit mariposachamber.org.

CHINA PEAK New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Fireworks Show and Party: Dec. 31 Watch as intermediate skiers and snowboarders ride down the mountain holding flare torches just after dusk.

Celebratory fireworks will follow immediately after. The annual New Year’s Eve party, complete with a DJ, will start at 8 p.m. For more information, visit skichinapeak.com.

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Fresno State’s Kennel Bookstore

One-stop shopping for the

Bulldog in your life.

Located right in the heart of campus, near the Memorial Fountain.

Mon. - Thurs. 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

559.278.4062

•

www.KennelBookstore.com

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

Central Valley

22nd Annual Monterey Swingfest. The event, held at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, will also feature a free beginner’s boot camp every day. For more information, visit centralcoastswingdance.com.

Photo courtesy of Harley Taylor

VISALIA Bank of the Sierra’s 3rd Annual Rockin’ Resolution Run: Jan. 1 Hosted by Bank of the Sierra, the 5K Rockin’ Resolution Run through downtown Visalia aims to promote good health and giving back to the community. There will also be a 1-mile race for children. Proceeds will benefit the Visalia Rescue Mission.

For more information, visit valleyresolutionrun.com.

Photo courtesy of Tower Theatre

FRESNO Judy Collins: Jan. 10 American singer-songwriter Judy Collins, best-known for her social activism and hit singles such as “Both Sides, Now,” “Amazing Grace” and “Someday Soon,” will perform at the Tower Theatre for one night only. For more information, visit towertheatrefresno.com.

MODESTO Dr. Arthur Benjamin – Mathemagician: Jan. 15 What happens when you combine math and magic? You get Dr. Arthur Benjamin! Benjamin, a professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College, will perform a fast-paced show at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, demonstrating how to multiply numbers faster than a calculator and other amazing feats of mind. For more information, visit galloarts.org.

FRESNO Valerie Plame: Jan. 21 Valerie Plame is a former CIA officer who worked to protect America’s national security for more than 20 years. In 2003, Plame’s CIA status was leaked. Plame will share her expertise on international security and more at the Saroyan Theatre. For more information, visit fresnoconventioncenter.com.

Central Coast MONTEREY BAY 22nd Annual Monterey Swingfest: Jan. 15-19 Watch famous swing dancers get down and boogie during the 92 |

MORRO BAY 19th Annual Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival: Jan. 16-19 The Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is a yearly event promoting an understanding and appreciation of birds and other wildlife in addition to an awareness of the environmental and conservation issues of the Central Coast.

The festival features a wide variety of events including pelagic cruises, boat rides and kayaking in the Bay, hikes and workshops. For more information, visit morrobaybirdfestival.org.

Central California Life

CAMBRIA 13th Annual Cambria Art & Wine Festival: Jan. 23-25 The annual Cambria Art & Wine Festival has it all: food, drinks, live entertainment, dancing, raffles, art, silent auctions, shopping and more. For more information about the festival’s various locations and events, visit seecambria.com/artwine.

Mountain Areas MARIPOSA Winter Ball Music Festival: Jan. 17 Enjoy local bands at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Musical guests include Cottonwood Creek, DJ Bryan, The Fog and A.C. Myles. For more information, visit mariposachamber.org.

NATIONAL PARKS Free Entrance for Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 19 Enjoy free entrance to all of California’s national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

559-435-3500

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN 1 LOCATION

559-436-6000

SEE US TODAY AT 5580 N. BLACKSTONE AVE. OR ONLINE AT: LithiaNissanFresno.com LithiaHyundaiFresno.com

Who says a psychiatrist can’t be funny and still be effective? Tune in to Radio Psyched hosted by Dr. Brad, “The shrink with a wink,” every Saturday from 2-3 p.m. Pacific time on AM1680 in Central California.

You can also go to www.my1680.com and tune in online.

To send your questions to Dr. Brad ahead of the show’s broadcast, you can tweet, Facebook or email him at info@radiopsyched.com, or you can call in during the live show to:

RadioPsyched ™ is a mark of Radio Psyched

1-844-PSYCHED (779-2433).

The Backstory

A military veteran discovers she can write

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Central California Life

Photo by Leslie Just

S

Then there were the feelings of loneliness. ometimes, the stories that make the biggest impres“It was a hard transition,” she said of retiring from the sion are the ones that are seldom if ever told. military and returning home to the Central Valley. “I went from I met Anna Perez when I was teaching an introducfriendship that turned into family [in the Marines] to family that tion to news writing class at Fresno City College last spring. She was had moved on without me [in the Valley]. Everyone here had one of my students. Every day she took the same seat near the wall on the left side of the classroom, a striking figure with close-cropped continued to live their lives, and my life just stopped.”

Seeing a counselor helped. So did joining a hair and an easy smile. She was conscientious and support group with other veterans suffering from unfailingly respectful. Much to my chagrin – betraumatic brain injuries. cause it made me feel old – she called me “ma’am” “I discovered I wasn’t alone,” she said. whenever she addressed me.

As the semester progressed, Perez discovShe was also painfully self-conscious and ered something else: She could write, and she had filled with self-doubt. the potential to do it well. Sure, some sentences “I can’t do this,” she’d say, her face turnwere awkward and others were misplaced. Meing blood red, as the class practiced writing chanics can be learned. What is far more difficult leads and structuring stories. “This is terrible.” to teach is how to observe – how to listen, how to I learned that Perez was going to school see, how to capture a moment. on the GI Bill and had started attending classes For her final project in the class – a feature at Fresno City the previous fall. A retired U.S. Anna Perez (foreground) and her story – she decided to write about her aunt, a womMarine Corps sergeant, she found adjusting aunt, Minnie Santillan, at the an who had journeyed in relatively short order from to civilian life difficult after six and a half years California State Capitol where the dusty fields of west Fresno County to the halls on active duty, especially the seven months she Minnie serves as chief of staff to a of power in Sacramento. Perez didn’t know Minnie served in Iraq as part of a convoy responsible Valley assemblyman.

Santillan as well as she would have liked, and the for “route clearance” – a deceptively simple term assignment was the perfect opportunity to change that. that involved long hours looking for and detonating explosives so “I think because she’s had so much success, she hasn’t been that supply and medical convoys could use the roads. able to be vulnerable – to tell that story,” Perez said of Santillan’s Her experience in Iraq affected her in many ways. The revealing interview, which is at heart of the article on page 22. She power the Marines unleashed when detonating explosives was said they have since grown closer, especially now that Perez has fierce enough to rock 5,000-pound Humvees a seemingly safe distransferred to Sacramento State. tance away. It wasn’t until the intense migraines and memory loss Perez, 30, plans to continue working on her reporting and started several months later and she sought medical help that Perez writing skills. Someday, she’d like to write about her mother, to learned she had suffered concussions during these incidents. whom she is very close.

There was also the heightened sense of awareness she could “They don’t make women like that anymore,” she said of never quite seem to shake, as I discovered when we were walking Maria Perez, who, armed with only a sixth-grade education from together out of class one day.

Mexico, started working in the fields of Fresno County at 14, “I am always looking around me,” she said as her eyes swept cleaned hotel rooms in Yosemite as a young woman and taught the broad expanse of concrete teeming with students making their herself English while processing paperwork for Gottschalks’ distriway to class, sitting at tables and standing in line at food carts. It was something she and other members of her convoy developed bution center. “I feel I can write that story now and honor her.” • – this hyperconsciousness that could mean the difference between life and death, between being able to determine whether the small Kelley Campos McCoy, Editor shadow between the rocks up ahead was from the sun or a sniper.

Kelley@CenCaliLife.com

Our healing ministry reaches beyond our hospital walls.

For more than 85 years, Saint Agnes Medical Center has been one of our Valley’s most trusted health care resources. But our promise to heal body, mind and spirit doesn’t begin or end on Herndon Avenue.

Our mission is alive and well in downtown Fresno at Saint Agnes Holy Cross Center for Women.

Together with the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Agnes is providing hope and healing to our community’s most vulnerable women and children.

To learn how you can join in making a difference, call (559) 237-3379.

www.samc.com

1312 W Herndon Ave, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93711