Paso Robles Magazine #200 • December 2017 by 13 Stars Media

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PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

PASO Magazine, December 2017

CONTENTS

DECEMBER

A Monthly Look at Life in Our Remarkable Communities

2017

PASO ROBLES LIGHT PARADE

VINE STREET VICTORIAN SHOWCASE

COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

Rotary Donates, and Donates, and Donates Heart to Heart: More than $500,000 in Giving

DEPARTMENTS 12

SOMETHING WORTH READING

MAIN STREET

PASO PEOPLE

ROUND TOWN

Events Coming Downtown in December

Salvation Army Rings in the Season Joyce Herman Retires from the Adobe By Meagan Friberg Kate McKinley: New 911 Operator By Chuck Desmond In Review: JED Nicholson Named Champion of Youth Jonathan Stornetta: Paso’s New Fire Chief By Chuck Desmond

32 33

A Column by Nicholas Mattson … and Bob Chute!

Neighbors In Need: Hope for the Holidays By Meagan Friberg North County Holiday Offerings By Melissa Chavez Holiday Crafts: Opportunities and Ideas By Meagan Friberg Kindermusik: Activities for the Toddlers By Tonya Strickland Growing in Earnest: Paso Food Co-op By Melissa Chavez Templeton Happenings: A Column by Heather Young County Perspective: A Column by Bruce Curtis

PASO Magazine, December 2017

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2017

DEPARTMENTS

PASO MAGAZINE IS ONLINE

CONTINUED

HOOFBEAT

Hoofbeat Calendar and Trail Tales By Dorothy Rogers

42 BUSINESS

SLO County Economic Forecast By Bruce Curtis Gatherings Opens the ‘Emporium’ on Park Business Spotlight: Dr. Bonnie Lyon, A Beautiful Face, and Wellness by Mother Nature By Millie Drum & Meagan Friberg LivHOME Helps Seniors Remain Independent and Safe The Natural Alternative Nutrition Center: Holiday Survival Tips Odyssey Café Celebrates 20 Years of Food and Friends By Meagan Friberg Kennedy Club Fitness Celebrates 10 Years of Health and Happiness Local Goods Report: The Holidays are Here From General Store Paso Robles

60 BEARCAT COUNTRY

Paso Robles Sports Football Runs the Table in PAC 5 Cross Country Earns Trip to State Meet

PASO Magazine Elegant Evening Photo Gallery Time & Place: The Monthly Event Calendar

EVENTS

66 LAST WORD

Larry Eastwood Hangs Up The Ladles

Artwork By Travis Ruppe

PASO Magazine is also available for our visitors at the Chamber of Commerce, North County Transportation Center, local motels, hotels, vacation homes, B&Bs, airports, and high-traffic hotspots.

Annual subscriptions to PASO Magazine , mailed to areas beyond the described distribution areas, are available for $26.99 per year (no international mailing). Subscribe online at PASOmagazine.com.

The Nutcracker Ballet Begins: Alexandre Algueró as Cavalier By Heather Young Paderewski Festival Resonates By Melissa Chavez Applause Children’s Theater Opens ‘Peter Pan, Jr.’ Auditions By Melissa Chavez Sustainable Santa Wishes you a Healthy Christmas By Per-Olof Nielsen Sustainable Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial By Heather Young City of Paso Robles Library and Recreation Things to do in December

Happy Holidays Paso Robles!

(805) 239-1533 • PASOmagazine.com Email: publisher@pasomagazine.com

PASO Magazine is published monthly and distributed FREE to every residence and business in Paso Robles 93446, Templeton 93465, Shandon 93461, Bradley 93426, and San Miguel 93451 zip codes. Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446.

AND CULTURE

:: ON THE COVER ::

WE VALUE YOUR INPUT!

No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from PASO magazine.

50 EDUCATION

All of our monthly stories are posted online at PASOmagazine.com. Take PASO Magazine on the go, or share stories on social media. Like and Follow us: Facebook/PASOmagazine Instagram/PASOmagazine Twitter/ThePASOmagazine

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and submission of photos, letters, press releases, etc., email publisher@PASOmagazine.com. In-town drop point: Dutch Maytag, address above. Advertising Graphics by Denise McLean, Mode Communications Editorial Composition by Travis Ruppe Art Production by Sue Dill

EDITORIAL DEADLINE 7th of

each month preceding publication

ADVERTISING DEADLINE 10 th of each month preceding publication

60 VOLUME 17 _______ NUMBER 8

Publisher/Owner: Nicholas & Hayley Mattson Founding Co-Publisher: Bob Chute Founding Co-Publisher: Karen Chute 1949-2004 Advertising Consultants: Millie Drum, Pam Osborn, Jamie Self, Karli Twisselman, Bob Chute, and Nicholas Mattson

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

SOMETHING WORTH READING By

Nic Mattson

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. When the weather turns into fall and toward winter, there is a yearning inside me to dig deep for faith in something greater than myself, and to rely on that as the cold sets in. Fighting against the instincts of self-preservation, and taking ac-

tion in giving to others is the essence of this holiday season for me. It humbles me. When I think of all those who gave to me when I needed it the most, it is what got me through the dark nights of winters past, and into a place where I can take a break with my wife, lay on the floor of my boys’ room and let them crawl all over me with a playfulness I cherish. It has been a long, hard road at times, and I still have that pic-

ture of the evergreen tree sprouting through the snow with the caption, “Never Give Up.” It is somewhere around here. I don’t know if there is any better advice that has ever been given to me than that — never give up. It is a truly wonderful life, and I’ve been blessed by the angels in mine. I’m humbled by the words of my mentor and predecessor, because I don’t know if I’ve ever done anything more than never give up.

I’ve spent most of my life “just getting started,” and today I feel the same way. Whatever road I’m on, whatever direction I’m headed, it might always feel as though I’m “just getting started.” As my wife and I walk this road now, with our children beside us, all I know for sure is that if our little ones learn anything from me, it is to never give up — there is a miracle five minutes away — if you can just hang on.

of PASO Magazine, checking out the efforts of my protégé, Nic Mattson, when I came upon the two page spread with the unbelievable headline of “Thank You Bob” and proceeded to read the words of so many saying so many incredible things…about ME! Wow. Shock. Dismay. Thank you Nicholas and Hayley Mattson for making this happen. Words cannot begin to describe how you have blessed me.

I feel I’ve just been doing my job for the past 16 years…reporting on the community I love. But, I recently began to realize it was time to hand it over to someone with a younger, fresher perspective…one with more energy.

places I can’t begin to grasp or fathom. Enter Nic Mattson. If this isn’t a God-thing I don’t know what is. I thought I was high energy back in the day but this guy is something else. Plus he understands all this new stuff…that I just can’t grasp. And he has encouraged me to stay involved…how cool is that? Once again, thanks so very much and a very Merry Christmas to all!

T HANKS AND MERRY C HRISTMAS F ELLOW R OBLANS SUPPORTED BY! By Bob Chute

Wow. Thank you Paso Robles! How does one begin to express the appreciation I feel toward so many community members expressing their love for me and the effort I’ve put forth over the first 16 years of PASO Magazine. Humbled. Mind blown. Awesome beyond definition… and so very proud. I was reading the October issue

As I’ve said before, the best way to describe it is to recognize I am a typewriter in this new high-tech world. I prayed that the Lord would send me an enthusiastic individual with a love for print who would appreciate what I have accomplished and be able to take Buckle your seat belts fellow Rothe PASO Magazine to new places… blans…this is going to be a fun ride.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

Season’s Greetings! Paso Robles is abuzz with the sights and sounds of the most wonderful time of the year! It’s a time when we gather with friends and family to share the warmth together through the cold and dark of the winter frost, and Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association is ringing in the season with three great events. Together, the three events count for more than 100 years of winter celebration for Paso Roblans — 56th annual Christmas Light Parade, 31st annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase, and 27th annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea. Main Street executive director Norma Moye wants to remind you to get prepared to join in the holiday spirit! “Come get your Song Book and Black-Out Bingo card from our Main Street office, or any participating stores,” Norma said.

Main Street is located at 835 12th St. #D. Norma also reminded that the Blackout Bingo drawing will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10 at the Holiday House at the City Park, where kids of all ages can visit Santa.

Santa Claus is coming to Paso

Saturday, Dec. 2 Mrs. Claus paid us a visit on Nov. 24 and flipped the giant switch to light our town for Santa’s arrival, and will join the big guy on Saturday as he flies into town for the 56th annual Christmas Light Parade. The theme of this year’s festive cruise is “There’s no place like home for Christmas” and it all begins at 7 p.m. The parade filled with floats, marching bands, and the grand finale of Santa and Mrs. Clause will wind its way around the downtown streets carrying

the sounds and sights of the season of good cheer. Cash awards go to category winners. Parade applications are available at the Main Street office. The event is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and H&R Block.

And you don’t have to wait! Santa is already here! Visit the jolly old elf at the Holiday House at Paso Robles Downtown Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, and Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 21-24.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

Vine Street Showcase

Victorian entertainers, community open

Saturday, December 9 In three decades, Paso Robles has welcomed and entertained hundreds of thousands of people for a holiday walk down the Vine Street Victorian Showcase, and the 31st installment awaits the wonderstruck eyes and bright smiles of those visiting for the first time. “Vine Street” is the product of a partnership between the City of El Paso de Robles, El Paso de Robles Historical Society, and Paso Robles Main Street Association, and of course the amazing businesses and residents of Vine Street between 8th and 21st streets. Together, they bring to life the winter season like nowhere else, with Ebenezer Scrooge harassing onlooking visitors from his balcony, the Snow Queen bringing her soft touch to the harshness of winter, and Mr. and Mrs. Clause ho-ho-ho-ing with the community carolers. Vine Street will be filled with

houses, live music, and lots of tasty treats.

Teddy Bear Tea

Saturday, December 16 If you just can’t get enough of Santa Claus, the Teddy Bear Tea is another chance to visit the jolly old elf, along with special guests — the Snow Queen & King, Santa’s Elves, and Victorian Friends. Enjoy music, singing, and entertainment, Teddy Bear tea cups to take home, gingerbread cookies, candy canes, pictures to color and door prizes. Seating is limited and will sell out! Tickets are available at the Main Street office. Norma and the Main Street volunteers wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Contact Norma at info@pasoroblesdowntown.org, 238-4103, or visit pasoroblesdowntown.org for more info.

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December 2017, PASO Magazine

PASO PEOPLE

RED KETTLES AND BELLS HELP PASO PEOPLE

Salvation Army bell ringers drive local goodwill The Salvation Army’s red kettles and bells have popped up around Paso Robles as the 150-year-old organization rings for the message of giving locally to meet the needs of those without. The Salvation Army prides itself on delivering 82 cents of every dollar to program services, and ask anyone who has received help in a time of need, you will find a great deal of gratitude. Whether it is a check written to cover a portion of a month’s rent, or a few meals, or assistance to keep the power on through a cold December, the bells of The Salvation Army ring true. In Paso Robles, Beth Quaintance serves as SLO County Ser-

vice Extension Rep/EDS Coordinator for Salvation Army and has rung the bell loudly over several weeks to announce the need for bell ringers for the local locations of the red kettles. The very first kettle was set out by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in 1891. During the holiday season, he resolved to provide dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He placed a pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street. Beside the pot, he placed a sign that read, “Keep the Pot Boiling.” He soon had the money to see that the needy people were properly fed at Christmas. Six years after, the kettle idea

spread from the west coast to the Boston area. That year, the combined effort nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy, and today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-ahalf million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods. You might never know your neighbor called Salvation Army for help, but you can be sure that more lights are on, and more bellies are full because of the good that goes into those red kettles during the winter season. Whether you rang the bell, or dropped a bill into the kettle, you were a part of making someone’s life a little brighter.

Rios-Caledonia Adobe admin resigns her post By Meagan Friberg After nearly 50 years, Joyce Herman, a long-time member and administrator for the Friends of the Adobes, has decided to take a bit of a break. Energetic and knowledgeable, she is virtually a walking history book when it comes to the Rios-Caledonia Adobe, the adobe churches in the area, and the town and

people of San Miguel. When she officially resigns from her position as the administrator of Friends of the Adobes and lead docent and tour guide, there will be a void in the all-volunteer organization that will be felt for years to come. Joyce first joined the group at its inception, back in 1968, when Virginia Peterson, Virginia Culbert, and Marga-

“…every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” - It’s a Wonderful Life

There are variety of Paso Robles locations for bell ringers this December, and three of the most common are: American Mattress 2255 Theatre Drive Albertson’s 189 Niblick Road Walmart 180 Niblick Road ret Work headed the efforts to rebuild the crumbling historic adobe. “Joyce has contributed so much over the years,” said Linda Elmerick, Friends of the Adobe member and volunteer. “There’s really no one who knows as much about the history of the historic adobe, the families who have lived here, and the many uses it has had over the years than Joyce. She has taught all of us volunteers so much and, truly, every time I listen to her giving a tour I learn

continued on next page

PASO Magazine, December 2017

something new.” The Rios-Caledonia Adobe is California Historical Landmark No. 936, a San Luis Obispo County Park, and was initially part of the properties of Mission San Miguel de Archangel. It is located on the old mission trail, eight miles north of Paso Robles and adjacent to the San Miguel Mission. Preserved buildings, beautifully-landscaped grounds, picnic sites, a gift shop, and research library grace the site. The adobe has become a visitor’s center for San Miguel, with the help of Joyce and the all-volunteer staff. Their yearly cactus jelly making sessions and sales bring interest and visitors from near and far. Several yearly events such as the Memorial Service at the Estrella Adobe Church in May and the Tour of the Haunted Adobe in October. A classic car show and Caledonia Days, held in June and September have brought hundreds to the grounds of the adobe over the past several years; there are talks of combining the two events together for one larger event in the spring of 2018. Calling her decision to resign, “bittersweet,” Joyce said she will likely fill in from time to time as a volunteer and will continue to be a member of the non-profit organization. She also hopes others will consider volunteering at the historical site. “I will miss my time out at the Adobe, but I do plan to stop by and help out occasionally,” Joyce said. “I think what I will miss the most is leading tours for local school children and talking with visitors, both locally and those from all over the world, about what the adobe means to the people of this area.” For more information on the Rios-Caledonia Adobe and Friends of the Adobes, see rios-caledoniaadobe.org. Stop by the adobe Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call Linda Elmerick at 680-6086 to volunteer.

Gathering for worship Sundays 10 am @ Live Oak Church (Corner of Oak & 15th Streets in Paso) Sunday School & Nursery for kids—Youth Group Sundays 6-7:30pm Love-Acceptance-Forgiveness

935 Riverside Ave., Suite 20 Paso Robles, CA

December 2017, PASO Magazine

“I REALLY LOVE M Y CAREER” Kate McKinley — Paso’s Newest 9-1-1 Dispatcher By Chuck Desmond “It’s better to know me and not need me than to need me and not know me.” This holds true for that time when you need to call 9-1-1 and have that gut-wrenching and sinking feeling of wondering if someone will actually answer and really be able to help in time. It’s been awhile since we’ve looked at the Dispatch Department in the Emergency Services building and this is a perfect time to get refreshed, with the arrival of KATE McKINLEY. Firstly, remember, NEVER BE AFRAID you are “bothering someone” by calling 9-1-1. They are here for our safety! Let’s start with a couple of the good-news facts. The Dispatch Department is in really good shape. There are eight highly-trained and

many more calls each day that are more routine — fender benders to be reported, parking questions, whom should I call for this or that, is the road closed, my cat’s up a tree, etc. El Paso de Robles is lucky to have Kate on board. She is calm, deliberate, well-trained and thorough. You might ask, “Hey Chuck, how did she get to our little pueblo?” Good question. Let’s find out. Kate’s family lived in five or six different states as her dad took increasingly important positions in his line of work. Mostly though, she’d say that Walla Walla, WA, where she spent her high school years, became the solid foundation she stood on. Kate played H.S. softball, was in the band as a percussionist and played an active role in the school government. By then she’d also been playing piano and after thir-

dedicated employees in the department that is on the 2nd floor of 900 Park Street — just 30 feet away from Police Chief Robert Burton’s and Mary Sponhaltz’s offices. The dispatchers report to Mary (whom we all secretly know runs the department) even though the title on her desk translates to “Uber Assistant!” Dispatchers are in position every hour of every day. When you need them, they are there. They are not even allowed to hold a second job without special permission and approval to insure they are available for us Roblans as needed. The dispatchers receive about 120 service-calls each day. Service-calls are those related to the need for fire, police, ambulance and the like, for emergencies. The dispatchers answer all 9-1-1 calls for both police and fire. There are

Paso Police Department Dispatcher, Kate McKinley.

ty years, she plays classical music to this day. When a BS degree in Criminal Justice led to the “I want more” syndrome, she ended up with a Masters degree in Public Administration. Kate began in finance and marketing, with a position in Belfast, Northern Ireland. After which she returned to Bellingham, WA Please see DISPATCHER page 21

PASO Magazine, December 2017

IN REVIEW: B&G CLUB NAMES

JED NICHOLSON

2017 CHAMPION OF YOUTH “Boys & Girls Club is important to me because of the critical role it plays in assisting children in doing well in school and avoiding bad influences. Any mentoring, especially for underprivileged children, is key to their positive development.”

The

Boys & Girls Club of North SLO County were delighted to honor JED Nicholson as the 2017 Champion of Youth. JED served on the B&G Board for more than ten years in dedication to keeping the Club true to its mission of providing all youth with the opportunity for a great future. In addition, he played a major role in protecting the Club’s interests and guiding decision-making with outstanding legal counsel. John E.D. ( JED) Nicholson received his B.S. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from University of San Diego. From 1990 until 1994 he was a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy stationed in San Diego. Following law school, he worked in L.A. for two years before joining SLO firm Sinsheimer, Schiebelhut & Baggett

John, JED, Karen, Cynthia, and Katherine Nicholson

as an associate. In 2001, he left to help found Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green LLP, becoming a partner in 2004. In 2013, Mr. Nicholson started his own law office in Paso Robles, handling both trial and appellate litigation. JED is also on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO and a past Chairman of the agency. He is currently Vice President of Legacy United Soccer Club and serves as Secretary of the Shelby Sudbrink Memorial Scholarship Foundation. He has impacted the lives of countless youth through his years of coaching youth sports in Templeton.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

JONATHAN STORNETTA PASO’S NEW FIRE CHIEF

By Chuck Desmond

On a warm October day, City Manager Tom Frutchy swore in Jonathan Stornetta as the new Interim Fire Chief in Paso. 55 people in attendance listened closely to Mr. Frutchy’s comments about Jonathan as he spoke about his duty, honor, service-above-self, values and community. Clearly, there was great respect for Mr. Stornetta —“Fire Chief ” may be the title but the position is so much more than that. The sign outside the building says Department of Emergency Services. Let’s take a look..

Jonathan’s age puts him right in the prime-time of when a career becomes defined by the person instead of vice-versa. He wasn’t born in A-town but the family moved there when he was just learning to walk. Jonathan was a born ‘n’ bred Greyhound. Years back, sensibility set in and now he and his family are here in Paso. Good move! Fresh out of high school, Jonathan took a full time position at the local fire house as he wanted to be a mechanic. The chief squished him out of that and encouraged him to become a fireman. He did. Jonathan became a reserve firefighter which led to an opportunity of going to paramedic school at UC Davis. Someplace

along this path, Jonathan realized that helping others was really his calling. Once a person has received and understands that calling, the rest of the story just becomes a “How.” With 21 years as a paramedic, Mr. Stornetta was also a full time firefighter in Morro Bay until Kevin Taylor recruited him to come to El Paso de Robles in 2001. That was a great opportunity for Jonathan and our growing community. In 2003, Jonathan was promoted to Captain, to Interim Battalion Chief in 2006, and to Battalion Chief after 10 years. Following a thorough vetting process with a long list of applicants, Jonathan was chosen to be the new Inter-

im Fire Chief, filling Paul Garcia’s shoes after his sixmonth stint. This title will last only eight months or less and it gives the City manager and Council time to watch Jonathan and for him to watch them! It’s much more than fires; it’s truly Public Safety and it’s all about saving lives and property and raising awareness throughout our pueblo. The challenges are pretty daunting. So far this year there have been over 2,900 calls made to the dispatch office! That number was not anticipated to be reached for many years into the future. When a fire truck goes, so does the ambulance — if it’s available. The fire truck always has a paramedic on board.

Dinner Specials Through Month of December Mondays

Contemporary Comfort Food

We’ll be open Christmas Eve Day until 3pm. Closed Christmas Day to allow our staff to enjoy the day with their families.

Shrimp Tacos

With Tarter Sauce, Jalapeno Avocado Salsa & Chips

$16

Tuesdays

Pound of Steamed Clams We’ll be open New Year’s Eve Day all day and for dinner serving our regular menu, PLUS select specials to bring in The New Year and open all day New Year’s Day!

HOMEMADE DESSERTS!

Cocktail Hour

Daily Specials • 3 - 6pm Cocktails • Craft Beer Wine • Appetizers

With Salad & Garlic Bread

Wednesdays

Boneless Pork Chop

With Sweet Potato Mash, Vegetable and Sourdough bread

$16

Thursdays

Baby Back Ribs

*Excludes Soup

We are OPEN ALL DAY...7 days a week from 11am 1114 Pine Street • Downtown Paso Robles • 238-3929

$16

Cole Slaw, Garlic Bread & Frites

$16 PASO Magazine, December 2017

The ambulance is under county contract and covers about 1,000 square miles. Thus it may not be sitting idly and waiting to go. 65% of calls are medical emergencies; thankfully, only 7% are fires and 12% are incidents such as a fall in the home. Paso has four fire engines, a ladder truck, a heavy-rescue vehicle and an aircraft rescue vehicle stationed at the airport. There are 26 total employees in

the department of which fifteen are both firefighters and paramedics and six more are Fire Captains. Over the next few months, Jonathan has to recommend three who will become battalion chiefs while maintaining a goal of 90% response within six minutes. He’s also been charted with a 2-year goal of staffing a squad to handle the increase in calls from a growing community with loads of visi-

tors, stick to a tight fiscal budget, and maintain the needs of the community’s protection. If there is a moment left in his day, working on the five-year plan of an additionally-staffed new firehouse out on 46 East someplace, is also on the list. Only one word fits: YIKES! Jonathan is a ‘’look-ya-inthe-eye” kinda guy with a very full plate. It takes only a millisecond to realize his passion for the job he swore to uphold and

the protection of our fellow residents. He’s exactly the way Mr. Frutchy described him at the swearing-in ceremony. At home, he and his wife have two children and they are deep into horse events as family activity. Somewhere down the list, “sleep” gets mentioned. Chief Jonathan, thank you for doing for us what we ourselves can not. Best of luck and safety to you and your entire organization!

DISPATCHER from page 18

Kate thought, “Why not? I like to be near family.” Off she went, and spent over three years being a dispatcher in that city of over 130,000 residents. Meanwhile, Kate had two children but still hadn’t found her “Forever town.” That is until she got a call to “Come on over!” The ‘over to where?’ was Paso and it didn’t take any time at all for her to say, “Yup, this is gonna be it.” That was in February of this year and from my interview session, I’d say Kate’s here for the long haul! Here are a few of the reasons I

came to that conclusion. Kate said, “Once I started this career, I’ve never looked back on my finance and marketing aspirations and wondered ‘what-if.’ I love this work! Paso has character; it’s such a unique place; this is my forever-town with a great size and while the work can be emotionally draining, there is so much to do here. The people I’ve met are just beyond super and supportive. This career helps me compartmentalize my life and when I’m at work, I can really stay focused. The balance is splendid.

Evolving technology for dispatchers and the ability to get rapid help to the residents where it’s needed are always exciting. It’s tremendous to get a call about, say, graffiti and know we have the team of volunteer graffiti cleaners who make it go away, right away. More importantly, knowing that I played a part in ending a serious situation is always an upper. I’m still learning my way around town and I’d love to teach piano lessons but all that will unfold as it’s meant to be.” Good luck, Kate. Welcome home and we’re glad you’re here.

where her family was at that time. Her dad heard there was an opening as a dispatcher in town and suggested she look into it. Kate was hired, and became a dispatcher in Bellingham for nine years! Her experience spread as she did special work for the local S.W.A.T., became a training officer for new dispatchers, and saw extraordinary challenges during the Winter Olympics. Ms. McKinley is a family-oriented woman and when her father took a position in Surprise, AZ,

December 2017, PASO Magazine

The Sight and Sounds of the

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

SPECTACULAR:

One of the many words that can be used to describe the Vine Street Victorian Showcase! Others are glorious, splendid, magnificent, dazzling, unforgettable, festive, cozy, bright, joyful, and splendiferous. You could say that Norma Moye and the rest of the Vine Street residents and businesses â&#x20AC;Ś put on the ritz, get gussied up, and showcase with brilliant pizazz.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a must-see event.

Lights, carolers, cocoa, sledding, Santa Claus and the Mrs., and of course, the infamous Ebeneezer Scrooge.

See you there! Saturday, December 9 6 to 9 p.m. Vine Street, Paso Robles

PASO Magazine, December 2017

PASO ROBLES ROTARY CLUB works to build goodwill and better relationships he annual Paso Robles Rotary “Tee It Up For OUR Kids” golf tournament has been raising money for the community for around 20 years. With three years of growth under event chairperson Rick Goree, the Paso Robles Rotary Club annual golf tournament has become a proud source of charitable donations into the community, and in 2017 it raised $40,000 for distribution to local causes. Alongside Goree, fellow Rotarian Lars Jorgenson was instrumental to quadruple the tournament fundraising and Rotarians Jennifer Idler and Jennifer Wescom led the silent auction. All together, Paso Robles Rotary Club raised and donated money for Boy Scouts Troop 60, Boys and Girls Club, the Children’s Museum, Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation, Youth Works, Morning Star Youth Ranch, CASA, Skills USA, and Rancho El Chorro.

the Arts Fundraiser Gala,” the organization wrote in a message. “All funds raised directly support PRYAF students’ artistic journeys through classes, materials, costumes and supplies.” Since the founding of PRYAF, 17 years ago, the program has grown to serve over 400 students each quarter, offering a changing array of exciting visual and performing arts classes. When the California Arts Budget was cut by 90%, PRYAF stepped up to the plate. “At PRYAF, we believe the arts are vital to the cognitive growth and development of our children.” PASO ROBLES By the numbers, the donation from Rotary YOUTH ARTS FOUNDATION pays the full cost of delivering PRYAF services “Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation is hon- to 200 local children for an entire year. ored to receive a $5,000 donation from Paso “Paso Robles Rotary Club’s contribuRobles Rotary Club for the 2017 Dining with tion is so important and allows us to continue

December 2017, PASO Magazine

our mission to enrich the lives of area youth with free after school classes in the visual and performing arts, in a safe and nurturing environment,” Emily Jagger, PRYAF Director of Development reported. “Through this contribution, Rotary and community members are helping to share the wondrous possibilities that an arts education brings to the well-being of our youth.” Call 238-5825 for information, or visit pryaf. org. Please see ROTARY page 26

HEART TO HEART REAL ESTATE Invoking Real Change Through Local Giving By Millie Drum Heart to Heart Real Estate is changing our community. Since its establishment in August 2013, this full service real estate brokerage led by owners/ brokers Mark McConnell and Liz Lee with realtor associates Christie Giaquinto and Jennifer Young, represent their clients, buying or selling property, with an offer that is unique in the real estate industry. Heart to Heart gives half of every commission they earn to the nonprofit or charity of their client’s choosing. This disbursement is a generous way for those who want to help the community with charitable giving…but may not have the means to do so. Over 200 nonprofits in San Luis Obispo County are always striving to meet their needs; primarily to help the most unFrom ROTARY page 25

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The Rotary Club of Paso Robles continues more than 70 years of history supporting the young men of the Boy Scouts of America. Rotary president Patrick Sayne presented this year’s financial backing to Kermit Komm, Chairman of BSA Troop 60 Parents Committee. The Scouts earn additional funds to support their activities like backpacking, summer camps, weekend campouts and Troop’s operational expenses such as the new 3,000-square-foot Esteemed Eagle Lodge built earlier this year to replace the aging facilities located at 23rd and Oak Street in Paso Robles. There is one more 75-year-old WWII surplus building still on the property which will be the next project. “Without the Paso Robles Rotary Club’s financial support of Scouting and the many other youth organizations in our town,” John Hamon, president of the Paso Robles Scout House Foundation said, “Paso Robles would have far less kids involved in organizations that teach our youth the important personal lifelong skills of citizenship and moral character that the next generation truly needs to have. Thank You Rotarians!” Call 239-3494, or visit scouting.org.

der-served members of our community. Mark and Liz understand the issues facing nonprofits about raising money, securing donations and competing for sponsorship funds. Annual events and ongoing fundraising campaigns require a tremendous amount of planning, expense and volunteers! Utilizing the funds generated through a real estate transaction is the principle behind Heart to Heart’s theme of “We Make Giving Easy.” During the 3rd Annual “We Make Giving Easy” event on November 29, Heart to Heart presented $19,738 to these organizations: Camp Fire Central Coast $8,013, Women’s Shelter of SLO $2,931, Hospice of SLO $2,931, Alzheimer’s Association of SLO $2,931 and Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center $2,931.

PASO ROBLES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM The Paso Robles Children’s Museum opened its doors in November of 2007 inside the restored and repurposed volunteer firehouse. Now, 10 years later, the museum has welcomed over 195,000 visitors, including 15,500 elementary school students who participated in educational programs provided by the Museum and its generous sponsors. As a part of the golf tournament distribution, Paso Robles Rotary Club presented the Paso Robles Children’s Museum with an oversized check in the amount of $5,000. “The Rotary Club of Paso Robles has had a huge impact on the success of the Museum with $38,000 in donations over the past 10 years,” said Jennifer Smith, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum. “This $5,000 donation provides essential funds for the Museum and allows us to continue providing a safe and educational place for children and families to gather on the Central Coast.” The museum’s mission is to engage children in a joyful learn-through-play environment and inspire educational curiosity while honoring the heritage of our volunteer firefighters. “We appreciate the Rotary Club’s support of our mission and thank all Rotarians for their ongoing efforts to support our youth in Paso Ro-

“Our goal is to create a greater network of giving and to show how real change in a community is possible,” says Mark and Liz. “We are proud of our business model which allows us to have a successful business while supporting our heartfelt commitment to improve lives, spread awareness and invoke change through community partnerships.” In all, Heart to Heart has donated to more than 50 nonprofits and charities since 2013. If you believe in the power of giving back and are planning a real estate transaction, call 226-LOVE (5683), email hello@ hearttoheartrealestate.com and visit hearttoheartrealestate.com for the listings, testimonials and videos that tell the Heart to Heart story of giving.

bles,” said Smith. Call 238-7432 for information, or visit pasokids.org. BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTH SLO COUNTY Rotary continues to provide needed support for the B&G Club as it grows to serve those in need in Paso Robles. Paso Robles Rotary Club gave the B&G Club of North SLO County a check for $5,000. B&G Clubs provide high quality after-school and summer programs that are accessible to families of all income levels. The Club is a safe and positive environment that gives all youth the chance for a bright future, nurturing them to achieve academic success, healthy lifestyles and strong character. “Our community has a severe shortage of affordable programs and we are dedicated to expanding our program to better meet the needs of working families. The Club is working with the School District and the City to identify additional facilities, and is raising funds to support additional operating costs, which are primarily for Youth Development Staff,” B&G Club of North SLO County executive director Kate Morgans explained. Call 239-3659 for more information, or visit bgcslocounty.org.

“The proceeds benefit organizations that support our youth right here in Paso Robles,” Goree said. “Derby Wine has been the title sponsor and Marion Todd and Great Western Alarm has sponsored the shirts for many years now, and we couldn’t do it without them. Our whole club got behind this event and donated items for the auction, bought items, donated their time. Without this support no way could we have raised $40,000.” Visit pasoroblesrotary.org for more information

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

ROUND TOWN

By Meagan Friberg

Bring hope to other during the 2017 holiday season s we turn the final page of the 2017 calendar and welcome the month of December, we take time to reflect on the holiday season. For some, holidays mean spending time with family and friends both near and far. Many of us look forward to traditional holiday celebrations – whatever those traditions may be – and will perhaps start a new tradition or two. Why not make a new tradition this year by helping those in need? Get the entire family involved – young children love to help! There are countless ways to make this holiday season a bit brighter for others in our community! Below is a sampling of ideas: DONATE TO RISE, JOIN GIVING TREE The mission of RISE is one of hope – "to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing, and empowerment." You can help: • Ask co-workers and friends to participate in the Giving Tree program, then pool funds and purchase gift cards from various merchants including grocery, shoe, and department stores and gas stations. “We are doing things a bit differently this year in regard to the Giving Tree,” said RISE Development and Marketing Manager Mariko Kriege. “Gift cards allow our families to purchase the items they need and takes the guess work out of holiday shopping for our Giving Tree volunteers.” • Make a financial donation to help provide crisis intervention and treatment services. Make checks to RISE and mail to: P.O. Box 630, Paso Robles, CA 93447.

• Donate items to the Safe House such as: diapers, towels, first-aid supplies, laundry detergent, new pillows, twin sheet sets and comforters, pajamas, socks, underwear and more for women and children. Call 226-5400, see riseslo.org, or stop by the RISE office at 1030 Vine St. in Paso Robles.

PASO’S LIGHTS OF HOPE Paso's Lights of Hope benefits the Cancer Support Community - California Central Coast by raising funds and awareness for local cancer patients, survivors, and their families while shining the light on the organization’s mission: “so that no one faces cancer alone.” More than 35,000 lights adorning 17 trees in the Paso Robles downtown park were turned on at the annual Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 24 and will continue to shine nightly through Valentine’s Weekend 2018. Paso’s Lights of Hope is co-sponsored by the City of Paso Robles and the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association. To sponsor a bulb, a branch, or tree, click on the Lights of Hope link at cscslo.org or stop by the CSC office at 1051 Las Tablas Road in Templeton; call 238-4411 for more info. DAY OF GIVING The 23rd Annual Day of Giving on Dec. 16 at the Paso Robles Event Center will provide toys, coats, and a holiday meal to local families with children from Paso Robles, San Miguel, Bradley, Shandon, and Heritage Ranch. The Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, Coats for Kids, the Salvation Army, and community members make this possible. • Much has been donated, but more is needed. Place new toys, art supplies, games and sports balls in Toy Bank collection boxes around town; send monetary

donations to: Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles, P.O. Box 2801, Paso Robles, CA 93447. • Take gently-used coats, sweatshirts, and sweaters to: Plaza Cleaners in the Albertson’s Shopping Center or Paso Robles Cleaners on 13th Street. Take new and clean coats to: KPRL, Idler’s, Farm Supply, Strawberry Blonde Salon, El Paso Mini Storage, The Blenders, or North County Copy & Parcel.

• Send a check payable to the Toy Bank, with memo “Coats for Kids” to the Toy Bank address listed above. • Help the Salvation Army with monetary donations to purchase gift and food cards by sending a check with memo “Day of Giving” to P.O. Box 2654, Paso Robles, CA 93447. HELP OUT THE SALVATION ARMY The Salvation Army’s holiday kettle campaign generates funds to carry the organization through the entire fiscal year.

• Volunteer to ring the bells and collect funds through Dec. 23; call 975-5632 to schedule a time slot. • Place monetary donations in the paper kettles at checkout lines in Food 4 Less. Send monetary donations to P.O. Box 2654, Paso Robles, 93447. • For families NOT participating in the Day of Giving, the Salvation Army offers three additional toy-giving opportunities: Angel Tree, Toy Shop, and Emergency Toy Giveaway. • Those wishing to help with donations of toys, interested in being an “angel,” or in need of assistance are encouraged to call 238-9591 or stop by the Salvation Army Center at 711 Paso Robles St. Tuesday or Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

MORE WAYS TO HELP • Season of Hope: Bring non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys to any local fire station or various participating businesses through Dec. 15. Local television station KSBY partners with several organizations to distribute items collected during the drive; all donations remain on the Central Coast. Make a financial donation, or find a full list of items needed and drop off locations by clicking the Season of Hope tab at ksby.com. • Donate to ECHO: El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) provides food, shelter and other critical services to individuals and families with children. Donate at echoshelter.net or send checks payable to ECHO, P.O. Box 2077, Atascadero, CA 93423; call 462-3663 for more info. Donate clothing

December 2017, PASO Magazine

and household items to Gatherings Thrift and North County Christian School Thrift Shop; both are located in Atascadero and many proceeds directly benefit ECHO. • Hope for the Holidays: Add non-perishable food items to collection boxes situated at various locations throughout the county through Dec. 15. Volunteers are needed to hand out most-needed-items lists to customers entering participating grocery stores. Businesses may host a money box or match donations from employees and donate the funds. Click on the Hope for the Holidays tab at slofoodbank.org for more info. • Can your library fines: Through Dec. 30, $1 in fines is forgiven for every canned or other nonperishable food item donated ($16 max per library

card account). Bring cans of soup, chili, fruit and vegetables, packages of rice or pasta and more to the Paso Robles library main desk to “Can Your Fines.” Details available at the library or 237-3870. • Donate to Loaves and Fishes: Send monetary donations to P.O. Box 1720, Paso Robles, CA 93447 or click on the PayPal link at loavesandfishespaso .org. Bring commercially produced and sealed food donations or fresh produce from your garden to the back-alley entrance of 2650 Spring St. (entrance through 26th St.) on: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 9 to 11 a.m. or 2 to 4 p.m. or on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; phone 238-4742.

From all of us at Paso Robles Magazine, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

TO MAKE YOUR SEASON BRIGHT By Melissa Chavez

WINTER CONCERT: ‘ALLELUIA’ by Cuesta College North County Chorus at the Pavilion on the Lake, 9315 Pismo Ave, Atascadero, begins at 3 p.m. on Dec. 3. Enjoy J.S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio, Parts 3 & 4” and other lovely pieces by a chorus of voices and solo artists with orchestra accompaniment. Veterans invited FREE! Tickets: $15/General and $10/students, seniors 65+. 56 TH HOLIDAY LIGHT PARADE in Pre-purchases are encouraged, as seating Paso Robles on Saturday evening, Dec. goes fast for this annual event. Search “North 2, beginning at 7 p.m. Celebrate “There’s County Chorus” on Facebook. No Place Like Home for Christmas” with Santa and a glittering array of floats, ‘HOLIDAY MAGIC’ at Allegretto Vineequestrian, vehicle and marching entries. yard Resort, 2700 Buena Vista Drive, Paso Bundle up and choose your spot along the Robles, presents the Symphony Brass ChamDowntown parade route, from 10th and ber Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. Come earSpring streets (heading north past City ly at 2 p.m. to stroll through the Tuscan VilPark), turning east one block to 14th Street, la-inspired grounds and enjoy a Christmas turning south on Park Street (between 14th- Market with enticing gift items for purchase 12th), turning east from 12th and Park to from local vendors, wine tasting, hot chocoPine Street, then turning south on Pine late for the kids, carol singing at 4 p.m. and a Street around City Park. Route ends on 11th Christmas tree lighting at 4:50 p.m. Prix fixe Street. Call 238-4103 or visit pasorobles- dinners are available for purchase with reserdowntown.org. vations, as seating is limited. Concert tickets: $35/adults, $10/children. Call 369-2500 or MORRO BAY LIGHTED BOAT visit allegrettovineyardresort.com. PARADE at the Embarcadero on Dec. 2 begins at 6:30 p.m. Bring the family and SOY CANDLE MAKING at Centennial come early to secure a good spot along the Park in Paso Robles. Handcraft and decorate waterfront to view a dazzling procession your very own 10-ounce soy candle in a reof delightfully festooned Christmas skiffs, laxed and friendly environment to enhance yachts, kayaks, cutters, sailboats and fishing your creativity. Two classes available: Tuesday, boats. If you arrive even earlier at 3:30 pm, Dec. 5 and 19, from 6 to 8 pm. Cost: $25 + Pre-Parade Festivities include holiday music $12 supply. Centennial Kitchen/Becky Haland free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at lett. Call 237-3988 or visit the “Activities & Tidelands Park. Visit MorroBay.org. Classes” page at prcity.com. There is plenty to choose from during the holidays — from community gatherings to crafts to concerts featuring beautiful music of the season. North SLO County is the place to be! Events are chronologically listed. Readers are encouraged to visit event websites or call and confirm scheduled events.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’ by North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation with Class Act Dance on Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 10 at Templeton Performing Arts Center. Schedule as follows. Dec. 7: Open Dress Rehearsal on at 7 pm. Dec. 8: Evening performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 9: Two matinees at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 10: Matinee at 1 p.m. and performance at 5:30 p.m. For more details, email: info@ncdpaf.org, call 3161833, visit the North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation page on Facebook, visit websites ncdpaf.org or brownpapertickets.com. ATASCADERO WINTER WONDERLAND from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Sunken Gardens and downtown Atascadero offers a huge snow slide, snowy play areas, a rock climbing wall, a bounce house, Joe’s Little Train, Santa and Mrs. Claus and over 50 food and craft vendors. Visit Atascadero Chamber.org. ‘OLIVE THE HOLIDAYS’ at Olivas de Oro Olive Company, 4625 La Panza Road in Creston. On Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon to 5 p.m., join in the annual holiday party to sample olive, balsamic and ranch products, including their newly-released olio nuevo, and nibble on holiday cookies and treats. Take part in olive branch wreath-making, too. Your $10 donation will go straight to the Food Bank. Need to shop? Check out their gift baskets and stocking stuffers, too. Visit their Facebook page or call 227-4223.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

VINE STREET VICTORIAN SHOWCASE from 6 to 9 p.m., on Dec. 9, takes place between 8th and 21st streets in Paso Robles. There’s something for everyone, including bands, dancers, free refreshments, The Grinch, the Snow King and Queen, choirs, caroling and one cantankerous Ebenezer Scrooge! Paso Robles High School Marching Band opens the festivities. Bundle up and enjoy this free, well-attended, annual event. No dogs/cars allowed. NOTE: No traffic permitted on this route between 6 to 9 p.m. Call 238-4103. Visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

VICTORIAN TEDDY BEAR TEA at Paso Robles Park Ballroom, 1232 Park Street, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 16 Visit with Snow King and Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, and Victorian friends. Enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, pictures to color and candy canes. Bring your teddy bear for cookies and juice. Music, storytelling and a door prize. Seating limited. Pre-purchase tickets (adults/$15, kids/$8) at the Main Street Office, 835 12th Street, Suite D. Call 238-4103. Visit pasoroblesdowntown.org.

ROUND TOWN ‘2018 NEW YEAR’S EVE’ delivers “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” at La Bellasera Hotel & Suites in Paso Robles. Take part in an unforgettable culinary experience and ballroom bash with a three-course dinner, music and dancing, champagne toast, midnight snack and dessert bar. Cost: $39 to $99. Inquire about New Year’s Eve room packages, holiday parties and gift cards. For tickets and full details, call 238-2834. Visit labellasera.com/nye.

win people’s choice and judges’ awards. A caroling concert and goodies help to keep the event There’s no better time than the December holi- festive and fun; stop by from 1 to 4 p.m. For a day season to bring out the crafting supplies and full list of activities, and to register for events, spend time creating special gifts, decorations, and check out morrobaywinterfest.com. memories with family and friends. Below, find PAINT PARTY information on a variety of fun ideas and events Join Skye Pratt, artist and owner of Paint Party, to keep crafters of all ages in the holiday spirit. and the folks at Mitchella Vineyard and Winery on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ART OF SOY CANDLE MAKING Join instructor Becky Hallett as she guides you tap into your creative side. Skye will take particithrough the process of handcrafting and decorat- pants step-by-step through the process of creating a natural vegetable soy candle. Learn about ing a delightful winter themed painting, “Holiday melting the wax, creating colors, choosing fra- Glow” – no experience needed! grances, and selecting the right wick for your can- Tickets include a glass of wine, two hours of dle and container. The class is designed to show instruction, and all painting materials. Call 239participants how fun and easy it is to handcraft 8555 for reservations and more info. Mitchella highly fragrant natural soy candles at home. Vineyard and Winery is located just off of CA The two-class will be offered on Tuesdays, 46 East at 2525 Mitchell Ranch Way in Paso Dec. 5 and Dec. 19; both classes start at 6 Robles. Learn more about Skye and Paint Party p.m. and will be held in the Centennial Park at letspartyslo.com. classroom building, 600 Nickerson Dr. $25 WEEKLY ARTS & CRAFTS registration fee, plus $12 supply fee payable to Artisan children’s educator Anna Meythe instructor. For more info, call 237-3991; rick offers a series of dynamic art classes for pre-registration is highly recommended. young artists each week at Studios on the Park CRAFT A BOAT OR GINGERBREAD HOUSE in downtown Paso Robles. In December, she is The annual Morro Bay Winterfest, billed as offering holiday-themed projects and, as always, 12 Days of Fun, has something for everyone in- is committed to encouraging and supporting cluding a lighted boat parade and crafts for the students as they learn, experiment, and creentire family. On Dec. 3, in conjunction with ate! Pre-registration is required; contact Anna at the Paddle Parade, organizers are hosting a pa- annameyrickmosaics@gmail.com or (971) 221per boat building craft event and other fami- 3438. Scholarships are available by request. ly-friendly activities at Tidelands Park at 1 p.m. Classes are held on Thursdays from 4 to 5:30 On Dec. 9 and 10, families and professionals p.m. • Dec. 7: Polar Bear: create an adorable are invited to display handmade gingerbread polar bear floating in the icy sea using a limhouses at the Inn at Morro Bay for a chance to ited watercolor palette and ink; $20. • Dec. 14: By Meagan Friberg

Felt Donut Ornaments: work on sewing skills and create a delicious donut ornament for the holidays; $20. • Dec. 21: Whimsical Red-Nosed Reindeer: use watercolor and pen to create a whimsical red-nosed reindeer; $20.

SATURDAY CRAFT TIME

Each Saturday, the friendly people at the Paso Robles location of Michael’s offer crafting ideas, instructions, and encouragement through their Kids Club and Make Break events. In December, the focus is on holiday fun! Kids Club takes place from 10 a.m. to noon. Dec. 2: Create Slime; Dec. 9: North Pole photo props, and Dec. 16: Candy Cane decorations. Make Break happens from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2: Gingerbread Houses. Dec. 9: Holiday t-shirts, and Dec. 16: Personalized gifts. For a full list of classes happening at the Paso Robles store in December, see www.michaels.com, call 2260737 or stop by 2055 Theatre Drive in the Target Shopping Center.

HANDCRAFTED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Be sure to stop by Studios on the Park, located at 1130 Pine St. in Paso Robles, through Dec. 31 as California’s premier craftspeople are featured in the invitational exhibition and retail sale – Handcrafted for the Holidays – devoted to bringing wide public attention to the field of fine craft. A portion of every sale supports Studios on the Park’s efforts to make the creative process available to the public through its unique nonprofit open studio facility and educational programming. For more information, see studiosonthepark.org.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

By Tonya Strickland Is it just me, or does anyone else have this weird obsession with researching kids’ recreation classes? Mine aren’t in school yet, so you’ll often find me scrolling through the Paso Robles Activity Guide to see what cool family-friendly thing we want to try next. Not that I have tons of patience for kids’ classes. They’re fine when you have one child. But when you have two, there’s not much you can register them for together.

ments - definitely a highlight. Because, other than our piano and maybe one rogue Fisher Price toy, we don’t have any kid musical instruments in our house. I just can’t even with the banging and ringing sounds. The kids got a kazoo recently (thanks, grandparents) and that thing was retired within a day. Because, no. So when we got to use rhythm sticks and egg shakers to make music, and asked our children to try to copy our (simple) sequences, it was really fun and differ-

Instructor Nancy Knox leads circle time songs for children and their adults at the Kindermusik Wiggle & Grow class in October. Photo by Heather Stephenson, City of Paso Robles.

In fact, let’s take this moment to reflect on the experience of bringing a younger sibling to the older sibling’s class. Child distraction attempts include, but are not limited to: • Watching that weird guy play with toy dinosaurs on YouTube and hoping your kid doesn’t break your phone. • Giving your kid your car keys, only to hear your car beeping lock/unlock from the parking lot outside for the next 10 minutes. • Scooping them up and walking around as they desperately try to wiggle out of your grasp. So much fun, right? But the age range for Kindermusik’s “Wiggle and Grow” series is newborn to four. Boom. Disaster averted. Kindermusik pairs musical instruments, movement and singing with the interesting little life lessons of listening, turn-taking and cause and effect. Mom has to participate, though, which is kind of a bummer if you wanted to, say, get in any amount of glorious peace to zone out on your phone. #sorrynotsorry. But we genuinely enjoyed this class. The morning opens with a cute little circle time song where all the kids get to hear their name in the lyrics. Then we practiced with different instru-

ent. Then we all did a line dancing number with a partner. It was really sweet and cute and it got the kids up and moving around, which was awesome pre-naptime. All in all, we highly recommend this class. Tonya Strickland lives in Paso Robles with her husband, their two small children and one crazy but lovable dog. A longtime journalist and government reporter, Tonya stepped back from her writing career in 2016 to stay at home with the little ones. In February, she launched the family adventure blog Two in Tow & On the Go. It features pictures, tips and stories about things to do with kids on the Central Coast, all with a hearty (but hopefully humorous) dose of real life. You can share in the adventure at @ two.n.tow on Instagram + Facebook or visit the blog at twontow.com.

The winter session of Kindermusik Wiggle & Grow is scheduled for Tuesdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Jan. 23 to Feb. 13 at the Centennial Park White Oak Room in Paso Robles. Registration costs include sibling discounts. For more information, visit the city’s recreation page at www.prcity.com/recreation.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

GROWING IN EARNEST PASO ROBLES FOOD COOPERATIVE SEEKS NEW MEMBERS By Melissa Chavez

Imagine a place where you can purchase fresh, food ingredients grown right where you live. Everything sustainably raised and grown without pesticides. The dollars you spend go right back into your community and supports local workforce. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t. It exists, and it’s a trend that is taking root nationwide.

Paso Robles Food Cooperative, now over 130 members strong, seeks additional members to help establish a brick-andmortar market in Paso Robles to provide fresh food and create nutritionally and economically strong communities in a responsibly stewarded environment. PASO FOOD CO-OP BENEFITS Each member is an owner and eligible to reap product discounts. Money spent at the coop helps build the community by supporting local, sustainable food production. Local purchasing and management also enables higher wages than a conventional store. Food choices are available to meet everyone’s needs: organic, grass-fed, GMO-free, biodynamic and raw, vegan, and gluten-free. Education and cooking classes are also an integral part of the practice, which helps people improve their own health and enhance an overall quality of life.

EXISTING CO-OPS Cooperatives come in many familiar forms. Several local examples are: Farm Supply, Miner’s ACE and Blake’s TrueValue hardware stores, and federal credit unions. Other storefronts include Gina’s Natural Elements, Spice of Life, and Olive Diva. NATIONWIDE SUCCESS There are 1.3 million food co-op members across America. The statistics impress: 89% of meat sold is sustainably raised, 82% of the produce sold is organically grown and 74% of food waste is recycled. The average co-op purchases from 51 local farms and 106 local producers. Consumer-owned co-ops work with 157 local farmers/producers, carry three times as much locally-sourced products, donate three times as much annual income to charity than conventional grocers, and pay their employees higher wages and benefits than conventional stores. Thirty-eight percent of co-op revenue is

Photo courtesy of Paso Food Co-op, logo by Lacey Akins Marketing & Design

Board of Directors, left to right, are Gabe Smith, Justin Page, Gregory John Ellis, Lacey Akins and Barrie Valencia

spent locally, versus 24 percent of conventionally-owned stores. For every $1,000 spent at a food co-op, more than $1,600 is generated in the local economy, or 1.5 times than a regular store. WHAT’S NEXT FOR PASO FOOD CO-OP? Throughout December, the co-op is promoting vendors of gifts in its “Buy Local” challenge to support local members. Interested businesses can contact the co-op directly at 727-3745. The first 200 Founding Members who join the Paso Food Co-op will have their names displayed on a plaque inside the store, but every member has an equal voice to help decide how the co-op is organized and managed. A onetime membership is $300, which can also be paid in $25 monthly installments. Run by volunteers, help is always welcome at the co-op. Among their goals is to provide a meeting space in which to hold classes, events and even a little café. To learn more, visit ncg. coop/what-co-op and pasofoodcooperative.com.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

WHAT’S HAPPENING in

ROUND TOWN

Templeton this month By Heather Young

Get into the Christmas spirit with Templeton Presbyterian’s Living Nativity Live animals, including camels and donkeys, along with costumed characters of all ages will present a narrated living nativity scene that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Templeton Presbyterian Church puts on the yearly Christmas event over the third weekend of December. The half-hour presentation is free and open to the public. In addition to living nativity scene, there will be free refreshments, hot cocoa and singing on the church’s front lawn on the corner of Crocker and 6th streets. “Our church does this because we love to tell the story of God becoming human in the person of Jesus,” said the Rev. Charlie Little of Templeton Presbyterian Church. “For all the other wonderful ways to celebrate the Christmas season, the most important one is to celebrate the birth of Christ, the Son of God.” For more information, go to templetonpres.org.

Nominate a Templeton hero

Templeton Chamber of Commerce is taking nominations from the community for the second annual Templeton IMPACT Awards Dinner, which will recognize the heroes and leaders of the community. Awards will be given at the dinner on Feb. 24, 2018, for Citizen of the Year, Public Safety Person of the Year, Student Citizen of the Year

and Business Beautification Award. Nominations are due by Jan. 24, 2018, and may be completed on the Chamber’s website, templetonchamber.com.

Templeton Presbyterian presents a living nativity the third weekend of December. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The $35 cost for the wreath includes fresh greens, 14inch grapevine wreath form, ribbon and wire, gourmet s’more to warm you up from Just Baked Cake Studio & Bakery, plus a cup of Jack Creek Farms fresh cider. Spots are limited and a portion of the proceeds will go to Special Olympics San Luis Obispo County. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to sosc.org/sloc/wreathmakingparty, email kshannon@sosc.org or call 544-6444.

BINGO

Templeton Lions Club holds BINGO night every Monday at the Templeton American Legion Hall on Main St. from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5 and 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees can taste and see how much each season bring with each of the fresh harvested veggies. They will learn how to get creative with what one already has instead of purchasing it. The class will prepare a couple of different recipes and will sample some of the seasonal harvest. To sign up for the class, email naturestouch@sbcglobal .net or call 434-3062.

‘The Nutcracker’ ballet in Templeton

"The Nutcracker" ballet will take place on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 5:30 Wreathing Making Party Free seasonal juicing, p.m. at Templeton Performing Arts at Jack Creek Farms cooking and health classes Center. Tickets are $28 for adults and Wreath Making Party will be held Nature’s Touch, 225 South Main St. $24 for children. For more informaat Jack Creek Farms, 5000 Highway 46 in Templeton, will host free seasonal tion, email info@ncdpaf.org. To purWest in Templeton, on Saturday, Dec. juicing, cooking and health classes on chase tickets, go to ncdpaf.org.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

COUNTY PERSPEC TIVE By

Bruce Curtis

Terminal Velocity: I usually fly

my plane on shorter hops, flying the airlines on longer runs, but I’m rethinking that. After delivering a four-seat prop plane to its new owner in Peoria, Illinois, in less time than the flight home, the airline equation has reached a tipping point for me. If I can fly myself from California to Illinois in eight and a half hours, and the return trip takes 11 hours in three different sardine-packed jets, for a lot more money… why do I need to ride the kerosene queen at all? The cherry on top was the San Luis Obispo arrival; warm, bumpy, Santa Ana breeze, the pilot waiting too long to descend, landing hard, halfway down the runway, rattling passengers with maximum braking — eye opening even to this grizzled pilot. Captain Thrill Ride then proceeded to taxi over to the new terminal — whose promenade and glass-lined jetways were brightly lit but empty — and powered down. Apparently he hadn’t heard that San Luis Obispo’s new $40 million passenger terminal wasn’t open yet. We sat there for five minutes

before the airline’s ground crew succeeded in waking our pilot so he could taxi to the old terminal. For you 99-percenters without a plane, the new 56,000-squarefoot terminal opened officially on November 1. Construction crews managed to beat their deadline by opening the terminal well in time to meet crowds of holiday travelers, queuing to pack themselves in like self-loading baggage. The success of KSBP airport

The new terminal, festooned with wing pieces and a 747 engine cowl, labeled art, is three times bigger than the old terminal, heck, the baggage claim area is larger than the old terminal. Flights now leave more than 85% full; tight for you and me, but spacious for airline bottom lines, with room to expand to bigger planes and more destinations. San Luis Obispo airport is now gateway direct to Seattle, Phoenix and Denver, as well

Flights now leave more than 85% full; tight for you and me, but spacious for airline bottom lines, with room to expand to bigger planes and more destinations. as San Francisco and Los Angeles. And with county officials inking a contract with First Class Concessions, you’ll have access to the same kind of post-security gift shop trinkets and head pillows you’ll find at Phoenix or Los Angeles.

as a regional terminal may not have been noticed by most folks, although behind the scenes, lobbying by airport and county officials paid off: ridership rose 21% over 2016, up a whopping 40% over just two years ago. And airport officials aren’t resting, they hope to add direct service to Dallas and Portland in 2018. San Luis Obispo’s airport renaissance has come at a cost to nearby airports. Santa Barbara has lost flights, although that city is served by airplanes larger than KSBP’s 90-seat Bombardier CRJ’s. That plane mercifully lacks the dreaded middle seat.

Here, Kitty, no, Here Kitty…

We recently brought you the animal shelter tussle, Paso Robles and Atascadero opting out of the county’s $14 million joint animal shelter. Both city councils barked the loudest over the cost, but now San Luis Obispo County supervisors are on a PR stump tour to woo them back into the litter. The board

voted to send Debbie Arnold and John Peschong on the road, promising to only charge the cities for their actual shelter use. Both mayors, however, aren’t likely to overlook the fact that cities are being asked to shoulder 95% of the shelter’s cost. If North SLO County doesn’t participate, cities like Arroyo Grande would have to pick up the slack, measured in millions of dollars. Probably explains why Arroyo Grande sent a letter to both Paso Robles and Atascadero asking them to reconsider… Pot Pout: Blazers and boutiques alike blasted a county proposal to ban pot shops in SLO County. In a non-binding test vote, three of five county supervisors voted in early October to deny licenses to both medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries — the sanitized word advocates use for cannabis stores, which can begin selling legally in 2018. Predictably, pot cultivators and marketing representatives called the decision shocking, accusing the board of ignoring industry safeguards. Board Chair John Peschong, back from a visit to pot-legal Colorado, spoke about a child who ended up in the hospital after eating a pot-laced brownie. He didn’t mention a decline

See SLO County page 37

PASO Magazine, December 2017

SLO County from page 36 in motorist behavior and awareness like I’ve seen on recent trips to pot-legal Oregon and Washington. In the end, he and the board voted to allow marijuana cultivation in Carrizo Plain, ban sales of edible pot products and prohibit retail sales in unincorporated areas. Board member Adam Hill, visibly frustrated, suggested the vote represented an abuse of

the democratic process. Future issue: State officials are still developing rules regulating packaging, sale and strength of marijuana in ways that may favor large producers over smaller local growers. Meet the New Boss: We extend a greeting to the county’s new chief officer, Wade Horton. Most of San Luis Obispo County’s past County Administrative Officers were hired from outside the

December 2017, PASO Magazine

county but Horton’s an insider, vacating San Luis Obispo County’s Public Works department, where he’d been since 2014. If you’re wondering what he does, well, if the board of supervisors is like Congress, then Horton is like the President, without, uhh, the vote part. The CAO oversees budgets, employees and just about everything else a well oiled county machine needs to run. Like his predecessors, Horton

ROUND TOWN serves at the board’s pleasure, a fancy way of saying they can fire him whenever they like, but we hope he will have a long and calm career. Browsing airline pricing… hmm, still cheaper for me to fly myself to Washington for Thanksgiving. Guess I won’t be visiting the new terminal quite yet.

HOOFBEAT authorities and setting up a fund to aid two emaciated horses known as “BonBy Dorothy Rogers nie” and “Clyde.” The senior Paint horses (not from this area) were seized and are being supervised by Sound Equine The tarantulas are on the drive in to the Options. The two horses are on the ranch again this afternoon. They insist that UC Davis’ re-feeding protocol. “Clyde” there will be either rain or fog within 3 days. Yes, I know that this is often thought of as their breeding season, but it never ceases to amaze me when it comes to their predictions. The ants also seem to be out enforce. How often do we pay attention to the signs before us? The Lord gave us many signs as recorded in the Bible, yet we often don’t notice or ignore them. Blessed.

The Horse and Man Foundation

Thanks go to HorseandMan.com and a caring workman for alerting

Patty Knudson

marked a little over a 1 on the Henneke Scale (measures body mass) and “Bonnie” slightly better. I know that there are endless open hands asking for donations at this time of year. The Horse and Man Foundation donations are 100% tax deductible. The horses can’t give back, but I know that they will be grateful to any who help. You’ll know you helped to right a wrong and so will the Lord. Thinking about making a donation? Need more information? Go to: horseandman. com Perhaps make this gesture in memory of a dear riding or work partner.

Horseman’s Christmas Wish List #2

Sharing your experience and expertise can last a lifetime. It can have a positive impact for the rest

PASO Magazine, December 2017

of someone’s life whether young or mature. How about a first-time competitor’s guide with your personal insights? The do’s and don’ts for showing, what to expect, what to take along, what to note, etc. A map and directions to a show could solve a number of issues Interested in riding at night? Be aware, but it can be a memorable evening with the moon shining through the oaks and pines. It gives one a fresh perspective with a chill on your cheeks as you sing and smile. Riding lights for you as well as reflectors on your horse’s tail, etc. will aid in safety. If you plan on caroling horseback, do so as a group and try to stay off of main roads. There are a number of products to help “light your way.”

A Gift That Keeps On Giving

Consider a donation to: SLO HEET (emergency rescue/evacuation), the scholarship programs of the Cattlewomen and other ag groups, Rancho

December 2017, PASO Magazine

de los Animales, Heaven Can Wait Horse Rescue, Cal Poly, Miller’s Equestrian, Animali Farm, Wranglerette’s, Paloma Creek Equestrian Center, high school rodeo, Little Riders, the Railhead Arena, 4-H or other equestrian groups (especially those setting up trails and arenas), youth scholarship programs, educational programs, library book/DVD gifts, trail system development or upkeep, the animal victims of war or natural disasters (keep Puerto Rico and the South in your prayers) or to sponsor a class or perpetual trophy to encourage those who are learning and developing while remembering your passion for horses (or a favorite horse). Many of these programs are tax deductible, but check them out. If you need a little write-off, consider these options. Do your homework and be safe. If you have an older horse just standing, (well trained), how about having it considered as a possible Mighty Oaks animal assistant? These horses

help our veterans with PTSD, etc. to merge into society. It is eye-opening and heart-touching to learn how a particular gesture, statement, encouraging talk or the kindness of sharing your horse and your attention with someone has changed their lives.

Special Blessings

If you are lonely during this time, seek the love of God for you personally and you will never really be alone again. If you ask, He will not turn you down. Consider extending your circle of family and friends to include singles, the mature, or those otherwise left alone. Help make someone else’s holiday wonderful without expecting any real thanks. Attend a celebration of Light and discover a wonderful New Year filled with opportunities for service, love, growth and laughter despite (and possibly because of ) what is going on in our world today. From our outfit to yours, may you and your family (including your critters) have a blessed Christmastide. Dorothy

Dec. 2 Final Open Breed Show, CCCAHA (hosted by an Arabian club, but Open entries) Dec. 2 Paso Christmas Light Parade, “No Place Like Home for Christmas,” 7 p.m.

boots, during the NFR Dec. 9 Ray Berta Clinic, $180 fee includes lunch, audit $25, develop a better relationship with your horse, Carmel Valley Trail, Saddle Club, rayberta @hughes.net Dec. 16 Fiscalini Preserve Work Day, 9-12 p.m., Cambria, take along a hat, scarf,

Dec. 7-16 Cowboy Christmas, 450,000 sq. ft. So. Hall, Convention Center Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, 9-5 p.m., free admission, more shopping with a western flair than you can handle in one pair of shoes or

Thank you for sharing 2017 with me and others from the Horse Community. From our outfit to yours, Merry Christmastide and Happy New Year!

First Aid: Ranger’s station, bring layered clothing, hat, sunscreen Cell Reception: Spotty Caution: Snakes. Multi use. Be courteous to hikers, mountain bikers Maps: Ranger station, www.CCCMB.org or www.SLOPOST.org Participation: see above for trail clearing dates & events Trail Directions: From parking, ride down the left side of rd. heading back out of park. Follow trail to left (by where surfers park at Hazard Canyon). Cross creek. Climb out of creek. Take the first trail right, parallels road. Follow trail until see well-traveled trails to left. These trails head to the back bay. Once near the back bay, find trails leading to the beach or stay along back bay. Makes a big loop bringing you back to Hazard Canyon and Camp Keep parking. For more options cross the rd. at Cable or Bloody Nose Trail.

Check weather reports and footing PRIOR to loading up. Please stay off of designated trails after rain in order to preserve them for the future. Most trails require at least two full sunny days to dry enough for suitable trail riding without erosion. View: Ocean & coastal dunes Access: Pecho Valley Rd., park in lot across from Camp Keep Fees: Free, so far Rated: Easy, but deep sand can be tiring for horses, go easy Time Factor: 10-12 mi., 3-4 hrs. at walk Trail: Single track, fire rd. thru dunes, may also ride on beach Feet: Barefoot fine for most horses, but suggest shoes, some rocks Dogs: Not on trails, leash in parking area, in vehicle if cool Camp: horse water, take own water & food, reserved horse corrals, $7.50 non-refundable on credit card for camp plus $75/vehicle, primitive, see: www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=592 Overnight: Horse Camp advanced reservations required Main Ranger Station: Spooner’s Cove, 528-0512 info.

gloves, closed toed shoes, water, meet new friends & help with preservation of one of the nicest trail systems in the region, 927-2856

Brought to you by

Whitehorse Tack 2805 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles whitehorsetack.com

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

BUSINESS

Central Coast Economic Forecast 2016 -2017 Bruce M. Curtis Economically, “things feel pretty darned good,” declared Economist Chris Thornberg, but problems we’re avoiding will come back to bite us, if we don’t talk about how to fix them. Much useful data could be gleaned from leading economists who took a shot at foretelling the economic future of both America and San Luis Obispo County, but their crystal ball became muddied by advocacy that at times took a pointed partisan tone. Economic health was clearly important to more than 500 business leaders and elected officials who willingly ponied up $135 each to attend the November 3rd summit at Madonna Convention Center in San Luis Obispo, the largest turnout the economic summit has ever drawn. Keynote speakers, Beacon Economists Robert Kleinhenz and Chris Thornberg observed that San Luis Obispo had not just reached 4% unemployment — a figure economists consider full employment — the regional economy surpassed our

neighboring counties and blitzed ahead of the state of California’s overall jobless number of 4.8%. Still, job growth remains sluggish, at 1% over 2016, Kleinhenz revealed. A Beacon study shows that most if not all employers on the Central Coast are having trouble finding and keeping employees, with jobs going begging. “Leaders should address housing needs, develop industries to replace Diablo Canyon, and get politicians to focus on long-term economic issues...” Steady economic growth for the past five years is credited for the strong economy, but both Kleinhenz and Thornberg both predict slower growth and they blame a lack of housing. That lack of housing means a lack of employees, ultimately slowing business growth. “California is running out of workers; 240,000 to 300,000 new homes are needed, but only 100,000 are being built,” Thornberg warned that a shrinking

employee pool will slow business growth and development. “Job growth is at the limit,” because of a lack of employees, warned Kleinhenz, and while the current economic outlook for the county remains strong, things could soon stagnate if leaders fail to address the lack of workforce housing. Thornberg pulled no punches when he put the blame squarely on local leaders who choose to pursue affordable housing, instead of building homes the market demands. Affordable housing programs don’t work, because of the affects of “filtering” i.e, where new home buyers vacate older homes, which become available to lower income buyers. At the moment, they told attendees, the percentage of people who can afford homes in San Luis Obispo County is in the low teens. “I want to help you connect the dots:” Kleinhenz explained, “Low labor supply and slow home building are connected; there is no labor market if people can’t

GATHERINGS OPENS ‘EMPORIUM’ ON PARK

ince 2013, Alesen Corella and the Gatherings Thrift team has worked with a mission to be a light in the community by using the thrift shop as a platform to pay-it-forward. The business model gives patrons the opportunity to select from a list of local charities that they would like their purchase to benefit after shopping at the store — and Corella opened a Paso location called Gatherings Emporium on Park Street. Gatherings Emporium opened its doors in time for the Elegant Evening in

November. The large space is laid out with boutique quality clothing on the right with an eclectic mix of unique decor and gift items showcased on the left — where local artisans are given open space to show off a variety of goods with the theme of up-cycle and re-purpose throughout. Corella set the Emporium up with an open concept where the goods are blended throughout to give the store an easy flow. The bottom line for Corella is how much the new Emporium can give back to the community in many other dif-

ferent ways as well. “It is a really unique business model,” Corella said, “and we are targeting the locals. It is exciting that every purchase is a gift back to the community. A woman today was finding treasures she liked, and she bought a lot. I know we will get the tourists, but I want to give back to the community, and make it a place the community enjoys coming in with great stuff at great prices!.” Visit Gatherings Emporium at 1335 Park Street, or call 369-2599.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

find places to live.” He buttressed his view by noting that Paso Robles’ residential rental vacancy rate has dropped from 2.1% a year ago, to just over 1% in 2017. Thornberg laid blame on both political parties but leveled his biggest volley against President Donald Trump, whom he said had, “done nothing”. Thornberg criticized attempts to repeal Obamacare, saying politicians should be trying to reform the cost of medical care: “Americans pay $9,200 apiece for health care, when Japan pays less than half of that, in spite of having an older population,” said Thornberg, repeating the same theme, politicians who should be asking the right questions, instead of beating the same political themes. California is doing its job to attract new workers to meet the growing shortage, according to Caroline Beteta. The head of Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing arm, played marketing videos with actor Rob Lowe and retired basketball star Magic Johnson extolling the virtues of the Golden State. Beteta revealed other travel marketing projects, including a new tourism website with custom versions in 14 other countries, and a web channel with original video programs featuring high-achieving Californians and culinary tours of the state, already seen by more than 25 million viewers. Beteta also says Visit California also wants a bigger share of the ‘bleisure’ market: business conference visitors increasingly choose to spend vacation time after conferences end. The focus brought a Forbes Magazine economic conference to Salinas, and with it, considerable regional revenue. Distilled, the main advice? Leaders should address housing needs, develop industries to replace Diablo Canyon, and get politicians to focus on long term economic issues instead of partisan memes. That last irony wasn’t lost on attendees.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

By Millie Drum There’s no place like home! Bonnie Lyon hasn’t been to the Emerald City, nor did she wear ruby slippers while tromping around New Mexico’s high desert for the past five years, but whether our children are small or grown, when they call, we come. Bonnie’s call to New Mexico was to help care for her three young grandchildren while her middle son Peter and his wife Katrina returned to school and finished their university degrees. Mission accomplished! Bonnie’s time on the desert was not totally consumed with childcare. She ‘put my brain on paper’ by writing a book titled Through the Tunnel; Unlock the Pain of Your Past and Find the Courage to Grow Up, Not Just Old. The release date for this volume of work is March 2018. By

Meagan Friberg

Each month, we send a set of questions to our featured business owners and then share their answers with our readers. For December, we reached out to Linda Davis, owner of A Beautiful Face Skincare, and Stephanie Austin, owner of Wellness by Mother Nature. Linda is a licensed Esthetician who treats her clients to state-of-the-art facials, using top-of-the-line skin care equipment and product lines. Extremely detailoriented, her skincare facials provide not only results, but relaxation as part of her European and clinical protocols. Stephanie is an honors graduate of Holistic Medicine specializing in Homeopathy, Iridology, and Holistic Nutrition. A certified holistic health and nutrition coach through her

By Millie Drum

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Back home, Bonnie reBy attending, you can connects with Paso Robles, begin to understand why hosting The Relationship you are experiencing and Hour, free of charge on interpreting life the way scheduled Wednesday eveyou do. You’ll learn the nings from 6:30 to 7:30 in fundamental principles of her downtown office located living consciously, which Bonnie at 1227 Park Street, Suite B. includes Lyon The Relationship Hour is living with personal integrity fast-paced, fun-filled and knowledge and impeccable honesty, rigorous based! Bonnie will address a specif- personal responsibility, humility, ic relationship topic. Whether with vulnerability, openness, willingness, your partner, kids or siblings, you’ll transparency and boundaries. walk away armed with new insight With full seven-week attenand practical applications to resolve dance, you’ll become aware of livconflicts and deepen your under- ing life from a position of emostanding so you can grow closer. tional honesty, reality, truth and Bonnie offers a seven-week class recognizing life’s distortions; that meets for two hours where seeing that choice is one of life’s the principles of connecting will be greatest gifts. taught. Topics include integrating prin-

PASOMag: What do most enjoy about doing business in North County? LINDA: I’d have to say it’s the people. I have found people in North County and throughout SLO County to be genuinely warm, friendly, and extremely down to earth. My clients always put a smile on my face! PASOMag: Do you have any specials you can share with our readers?

CLASS DATES AND TITLES

Dec. 6: Relax. It’s Christmas! Beat Holiday Stress & New Year Depression Dec. 13: Unplug for the Holidays & Connect! Never in history have we ever been more plugged in… yet Americans are lonelier than ever!

performing this anti-aging service. PASOMag: Would you like to share a sentiment with our readers for the New Year? LINDA: I would like to wish everyone a healthy, happy, and bright New Year. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live!

For more info, call or text Linda at 805-434-2961, stop by 792 South Main St. in Templeton, or check out beautifulface.biz. See her ad on page 35 of this issue of PASO Magazine, and visit her website and Facebook page for special pricing and offers, including new and exciting treatments in 2018! Please see SPOTLIGHT page 48

Helps Seniors Remain Independent and Safe

LivHOME offers immediate, longterm solutions and private duty home care that gives families and individuals peace of mind in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties. Area Director Bonnie Craig recently opened the Paso Robles office to complete local coverage. Care management includes care oversight, family coaching, health advocacy, and access to resources. The

LINDA: Yes! Earlier this year, I brought in an amazing skin rebuilding treatment – DMK Enzyme Therapy – and my clients love it. DMK International is the only company in the world to utilize transfer messenger enzymes to rapidly restore the health, vibrancy, and natural functioning of the skin, leaving it firm, healthy, and nourished in as little as one treatment. It’s a game changer; it rebuilds the factory that is our skin, delaying and potentially eliminating the need for fillers and Botox. Natural, healthy skin is in! While this treatment is huge globally – the Queen of England loves DMK – I’m currently only one of 200 therapists in the United States

business, Wellness by Mother Nature, she empowers people through classes, coaching, workshops, and resources on the healing value of nutrition and the innate selfhealing abilities of a body in balance. Here’s what Linda and Stephanie had to say…

ciples of validation and vulnerability into life and living in truth rather than distortion and how to recognize distractions and controlling behaviors in relationships. And most importantly, how to live a life in peace rather than in pain. Powerful concepts that change lives. Text or call 286-8606 to reserve the class or schedule a complimentary appointment. Email Dr_ bonnie@outlook.com. Visit bonnielyon.com for upcoming Relationship Hour topics.

whole person approach available through LivHOME helps seniors live a full life regardless of the limitations of aging. LivHOME’s Life Care Managers serve as a concierge to advocate on behalf of the families and individuals and coordinate all aspects of care that can include some very difficult emotional issues as well as the business of dealing with the medical industry.

Both family and professionals develop a Plan of Care to honor a loved one’s independence; considering and respecting their passions, hobbies and unique circumstances to optimize their quality of life — wherever they call home. Regardless of any type of physical, psychological or cognitive limitations, Life Care Managers work with the Please see LIVHOME page 49

PASO Magazine, December 2017

THE NATURAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRITION CENTER

Holiday Survival Tips! I absolutely LOVE the Christmas season! As fun and exciting as the holidays are, do you feel like you already have too much to do with not enough time to do it? In addition to the demands of everyday life, the holidays (even though a joyful time) mean shopping, cooking, baking, entertaining, parties…the list is never ending. With a little planning, you can ENJOY this beautiful and meaningful Christmas season.

Stay Healthy & Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

How do we avoid overeating sugar (it’s everywhere!), excess alcohol (all those great parties), and pushing our body to the crashing point? This disastrous combination will not only encourage weight gain but also suppress your immune system. Who needs to be sick this time of year?! Did you know that the average person gains 5-9 lbs. during the holiday season! One of the primary reasons for weight gain is STRESS!! So…first try to pace yourself during the holidays, simplify gift giving, and most importantly, make time to enjoy your family. The following should help keep motivation and energy optimal: 1. Eat high quality protein, healthy fat & veggie with each meal to effectively control those sugar cravings. Try a couple of hard boiled eggs or a nutritious protein shake for a quick meal--stop by for a great selection of protein powders! 2. If you’re tempted by goodies being passed around, choose a small portion of something that is sinfully delicious, and be done! 3. Stay hydrated! 6-8 glasses of water each day would be so beneficial! Coffee, tea and alcohol don’t count! 4. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Your mind & body will thank you! 5. Last, but not least, make time daily for exercise! Exercise not only boosts metabolism but boosts natural endorphins –instant happiness! Support calm energy and focus with Calm Advantage (20% off this month) to get through the craziness! Stop by The Natural Alternative for healthy holiday gifts. Gift Certificates available. Merry Christmas everyone!! Bobbi, CNC, ACN, MH

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your medical practitioner if health challenges exist.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF GREAT FOOD AND REPEAT CUSTOMERS Odyssey World Café is a staple in downtown Paso Robles By Meagan Friberg Since 1997, the team at Odyssey World Café has been serving up great food in a family-friendly, casual, comfortable atmosphere. Although the original vision of Odyssey was more of an open-market concept rather than a restaurant, it has become one of the most popular dining spots in downtown Paso Robles for locals and visitors alike. Now, after 20 years in the same location, the Odyssey team has plenty to celebrate! As owners and business partners, Dawn Gregory and John Hawley said they are thrilled about the success of their restaurant over the years. Thanks to the continued support of locals and out-of-towners, they are happy to “keep a good thing going.” With Dawn overseeing most of the service, ad-

vertising, and front of house, and John tending to food, accounting, and back of the house duties, they maintain a good rhythm at the restaurant with the added help of their spouses, Steve Gregory and Shaun Hawley. “Originally, we did not envision a restaurant, but the customers formed who we are today. At Odyssey, we have become a place where ‘locals’ eat,” said Dawn. “Like the show ‘Cheers’, everyone knows your name. If we don’t know your name, we do know you as the food you eat! Once, a regular dithered on what he was going to order. I told him, ‘when I see you I see a white breast!’ I meant chicken, of course, but I wasn’t sure if my teasing went too far! The following week, he introduced me to his son as ‘a French Dip’!”

When Kennedy Club Fitness Paso Robles general manager Matt McClish joined the KCF family at the Arroyo Grande location more than a decade ago, he was looking for light responsibility and then found himself opening the Paso Robles location. Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, the team at KCF is working on developing a deeper relationship with the community with membership director Keith Swank. Together, McClish and Swank look toward improving an already great community.

“Our ultimate goal as a company, and for Paso, is to help create the healthiest community in the country,” “I was watching the Today Show and they listed the top five, and we were No. 3 — and they listed it as ‘San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles.’ That is cool.” McClish and his wife Karisha Dearing both work at KCF, and a new sense of purpose took ahold of him after his son Eli was born. “Both of us moved around as kids,” McClish said. “We didn’t really know what community was. It was three years ago, and

JOHN HAWLEY, WILBERT SAUCEDO, DAWN GREGORY, AND JILL (COOK) WHITE WELCOME DINERS TO ODYSSEY WORLD CAFE

we were downtown with Eli for Halloween and the streets were closed and there were ‘a billion’ kids around, and it hit me — this is something special. That is when things like Rotary, and Chamber, and now school board [became important].” Building a sense of community was a common theme throughout the conversation. “Paso has opportunities, and we want people to be healthy no matter where they are working out,” McClish said. “Our goal [at Kennedy] is to help everyone get there, and we hope we have a facility that meets as many needs as possible.”

Today, McClish and KCR membership director Keith Swank are working together to build a better fitness club and with it, a better community. Both McClish and Swank agreed that their line of work is highly rewarding. “People walk in like it was hard to get up this morning, and they walk out with that glint in their eye,” McClish said, “and you know that whatever challenges they are going to have that day, they are going to navigate those just a little bit better because their head is in a better place than when they came in.”

PASO Magazine, December 2017

It’s the place locals go to relax, share a meal with friends, hold lunch meetings, or enjoy a romantic dinner for two. The owners mingle with the crowd, the servers are on a first-name basis with most diners and, more often than not, you’ll see someone you know when visiting this popular culinary hub. “We have found a niche that works and we are happy with it,” said John. “What we realize is not everyone has endless money to spend when dining out, so our goal is to serve really good, homemade, authentic food at a great price.” Specializing in, “comfort food with a touch of an international twist”, the chefs and crew consistently serve customers generous portions of favorites and new additions. They create daily soups and specials, delicious burgers and steaks, salmon, stir-fry, pastas, and more to the delight of their guests.

“We’ve been really lucky with our staff over the years; without them we would not be so successful. We have promoted Jill Cook White and Wilbert Saucedo to General Managers,” said Dawn. “They plan to bring more variety to the menu to keep up with trends in taste. We rely upon these two powerhouses to guide us through the next generations of dining guests.” “We love our locals; after nearly 20 years here they are our friends,” said John. “We’ve had such a good time and, after 20 years, we have been successful. It’s all because of our loyal customers making Odyssey their place to eat; it’s very rewarding.” Adds Dawn, “We feel we are survivors. Earthquakes, recessions, employee changes, and the Paso Robles dining scene have had their effect on us, but we have prevailed – an Odyssey indeed!”

Odyssey World Café is located at

1214 Pine St. in Paso Robles.

Stop by and say hi to Dawn, John, Jill, Wilbert, and their amazing team, and be sure to congratulate them on 20 years of success! More info at odysseyworldcafe.com and their Facebook page.

The brick and mortar, the pool, the exercise rooms, the basketball and racquetball courts, the free weights, the stationary machines — the stage is set. What Kennedy does over the next 10 years seems to be based on what people do. “We see the big picture, and Matt referred to ‘community,’” Swank said, “and what we are going to improve on is relationships — we are building relationships, not memberships.” Without giving away details, Swank hinted at a change in the way the club will approach memberships.

“We need to be much more elaborate about our process,” Swank said. “We are working on setting the groundwork for 2018.” “We are rebuilding the process,” McClish concurred. Kennedy Club Fitness Paso Robles 10 th Anniversary 500 S. River Road Wednesday, December 13 5:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks, and music by Ricky Montijo Kennedyclubs.com • 239-8488

December 2017, PASO Magazine

10TH ANNIVERSARY Ricky Montijo

LOCAL GOODS REPORT THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!

It feels like we’ve had elves working in se-

cret for months, and now we get to load up the tables at General Store with wonderful goods made by our local producers and a few new friends. One of those new friends would be Bevin Bells. Bevin Bells was started in 1832 by four brothers. No, it’s not a Paso company, but it’s an American company from a small town, and at General Store, we search for treasures like Bevin Bells wherever we go. Established in East Hampton, Connecticut (known as Bell Town), it was one of over 30 companies there to produce bells, and is the only one still in operation. They patented the first foot-operated bell in a car (called a foot gong, later replaced by a car horn), the bells rung by the Salvation Army and the New York Stock Exchange, and home, sheep, ship and, yes, cowbells. The company headquarters was struck by lightning in 2012 and burned to the ground, but they’ve risen from the ashes and are on track to hit their 200th anniversary in 2032. We met Cici Bevin this summer, and were charmed by how classic and simple the bells

classic sleigh bells, jingle bells and a custom PR black cowbell for chiming in at Pioneer Day, or just getting people to come in for dinner. There is also an assortment of cowbells in smaller sizes and cheerful colors, and yes — a version of the same cowbell was rung by Will Ferrell on Saturday Night Live.

“Needs more cowbell.” Saturday Night Live

were — their ring really does sound clear! We asked Cici, who is a sixth generation Bevin and handles marketing and custom projects, if she could create something just for us.

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

It’s A Wonderful Life

We love what we developed together: a holiday bell ornament that says “Paso Robles” on one side and “JOY” on the other. And to give it a little more history, it’s the exact same bell that rings in It’s A Wonderful Life whenever an angel gets their wings. We couldn’t stop there. We also brought in

Another custom project we’re excited about for the holidays: our enamelware camping mug with custom Paso logo. With an assortment of rim colors, it’s a one-of-a-kind gift for camping, for kids to use outside, or for cozy nights sipping cocoa. And the cocoa you should be drinking? Why, the locally made and organic hot cocoa from Yes! Mixers of course! Lauren and Brandon made mulling spices, cider, cocoa and Mexican cocoa (just a touch of cinnamon — yum!) just for General Store. They’re great for teacher gifts, to share with neighbors, or for Christmas morning. Come see us! It may not be as easy as ordering in your pajamas, but we promise it will be a lot more fun. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and on Saturdays, donut holes and Spearhead coffee : )

Allergy Elimination Special for assessment and PASOMag: Do you have any specials treatment.

SPOTLIGHT from page 44

whether it’s the snow or the ocean.

PASOMag: What do most enjoy about doing business in No. Co.?

or discounts to share with our readers?

STEPHANIE: Since starting my STEPHANIE: While I have ofRestoring Wellness Program, I give fices in Paso Robles, I teach counaway one free 6-week program. EnStephanie Austin ty-wide and have international onter to win by Dec. 31 at wellnessbyline clientele in my coaching programs. I love mothernature.com for the chance to win the Dharma Yoga Loft and Serenity Wellness Inn in next 6-week program, starting on Jan. 6. The Paso Robles where I offer services locally. I like program includes a holistic nutrition and healhaving access to a wide variety of food with all of ing curriculum, a guided cleanse, weekly phone the restaurants in Paso Robles, I love the mod- calls, daily emails, and more; find more info on erate climate, and being so close to everything the program at my website. In addition, I have an

from GENERAL STORE PASO ROBLES

PASOMag: Would you like to share some thoughts with our readers for the New Year?

STEPHANIE: Start thinking now about what changes you would like to bring in for the New Year. Instead of calling them resolutions, call them contributions to your new lifestyle. People often fail at resolutions, but if they keep adding things in they will succeed.

For more info contact Stephanie at 805-9960279, or WellnessByMotherNature.com. Like and follow Wellness by Mother Nature on Facebook.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

LIVHOME from page 44

individual and families to provide resources with safety, security, choice and autonomy in mind. LivHOME Connect technology combines handson care with remote care, enabling 24/7 care oversight at significantly reduced cost. Additionally, it’s important to experience meaningful and joyful activities and stay connected with the world. With the holidays approaching, living alone can be very lonely. LivHOME’s caregivers are always available to chat,

December 2017, PASO Magazine

BUSINESS share social gatherings and help loved ones stay connected with family and friends. A Life Care Manager is an indepen- care plan that will be valuable and redent representative with experience in warding for everyone involved. social work, nursing, gerontology, and/ or mental health. An extra layer of high For a consultation and home care quality care is offered for those with assessment, contact Bonnie at dealing with cancer, Alzheimer’s and bcraig@livhome.com, dementia, Parkinson’s, heart disease and stroke, as well as behavioral/men687-8766, 1111 Riverside Dr. tal health care, hospital-to-home care, and visit livhome.com/ respite and end-of-life care. santabarbara It’s helpful to have a professional third-party offer resources and create a

EDUCATION & CULTURE BALLET OPENS DECEMBER 8 Alexandre Algueró will dance as Cavalier

By Heather Young

Though the Central Coast is no a snow-covered wonderland during the Christmas season, other traditions remain strong in the North County, including Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” ballet. “It’s a really good way to get into the holiday spirit,” said Gabriella Trevisan, this year’s Sugar Plum Fairy. Trevisan, who trains at Class Act Dance in Paso Robles, will dance with guest dancer, Alexandre Algueró, who will be in the area from Barcelona and has agreed to be in the ballet. The Christmas story of Clara, her uncle Drosselmeyer, the Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy and the fantasy world is a Christmas tradition that North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation brings to the North County every December. “There are a lot of unsung heroes,” director Cheryle Armstrong said about those who make the ballet possible. Those people include the parents that work behind the scenes and participate as dancers. Trevisan, a Paso Robles resident, is a junior at Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo. This year’s ballet is her eighth year dancing in “The Nutcracker” for North County Dance & Performing Arts Foundation.

“I’ve been almost every role in ‘The Nutcracker,’” Trevisan said. She was 9 years old when she danced in the ballet for the first time. She filled the roles of Bon Bon, Reindeer and Tealight that year. She’s been dancing since she was 4 years old and now dances six days a week for one to 3.5 hours a day. “I’m really excited,” Trevisan said. “I can’t wait to bring the character to life and bring the magic to the audience.” Fifteen-year-old Koby Wescom has also been dancing in the ballet for many year — seven to be exact. This year he will again take the stage as the Nutcracker Prince. “I am looking forward to being the Nutcracker Prince again this year,” Wescom said. “Being a part of this production has been a blessing in so many ways. I have not only grown as a dancer but as a person too. We have had many great experiences and have made some amazing memories.” This year, Wescom will also be dancing the family scene with his sister, Kyra, who will play Fritz, and his mom, Amy, who will play Mrs. Stahlbaum. This ballet will take place the second weekend of December. Student night and open dress rehears-

al will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Following performances will happen on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 and 5:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Templeton High School. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for children. For Student Night, tickets are $10 and a can of food for students and $25 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to ncdpaf.org.

Nutcracker Tea Party

Enjoy an afternoon tea with Sugar Plum, Clara and Mrs. Stahlbaum from “The Nutcracker” ballet with special appearances by dancers from the Land of the Sweets on Sunday, Dec. 3 at noon and 3:30 p.m. at Class Act Dance, 1324 Vendels Circle, Ste. 101 in Paso Robles. There will be photo opportunities with the cast members, autographs, Nutcracker gift souvenirs, raffle items and more. Tickets are $20 each. To purchase tickets, go to teaparty2017.brownpapertickets.com.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

PADEREWSKI FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

RESONATE THROUGHOUT PASO ROBLES By Melissa Chavez For

four

days,

brand of gypsy, swing, tango and folk tunes in the Cass Winery Barrel Room. On Friday evening, Park Ballroom was the site of a piano Master Class and American jazz standards performed by Grammy Award winner Bill Cunliffe, Darek “Oles” Oleszkiewicz and Tina Raymond.

Paderewski Festival events delighted both residents and visitors alike for its annual celebration of the pianist, composer, YOUTH PIANO COMPETITION statesman, winemaker Junior division finalists Noelle Hadsell (8) FINALISTS and philanthropist. In venues throughout Paso and Holly Hadsell (12) placed first Among the highlights of the festival was and second, respectively, in the Robles, Paderewski’s legacy was made manifest the Paderewski Youth Piano Competition on Paderewski Youth Piano Competition. in concerts and activities held at two ballrooms Saturday afternoon, which features three winPhoto by Steve Cass and among vines and barrels at two wineries. ners each from the Senior division for students ages 15-18, a Junior division for students 10ners in first and second place were Max Afifi On the first Thursday in November, Café 14 years old, and a Paderewski Legacy Award (17) of Seaside and Xinyun Liu (16) of Salinas. Musique had everyone swaying or tapping winner. For 2017, the Legacy Award recipient their toes to the group’s instantly likeable was 11-year-old Andy Shen. The Senior winPlease see PADEREWSKI page 53

December 2017, PASO Magazine

Mark your calendars now for December 14 and January 9-11

APPLAUSE CHILDREN’S THEATER to hold auditions for ‘Peter Pan, Jr.’ By Melissa Chavez

Kiddos and teens throughout the community still have an opportunity to take part in one of the most exciting children’s musical productions in Paso Robles. Peter Pan, Jr. will take the stage in springtime, but preparations are beginning now. “Don’t miss your chance to fly the Neverland with us,” said Vikky Mullin, founder and director of Applause Children’s Theater (ACT). “We have had such a wonderful response, but we still have a few spots left.” This adaptation of the Disney animated film based on a play by J.M. Barrie, is a modern version of the boy who refused to grow up. The cast includes the characters that we all know and love, including Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, the Fairies, Wendy Darling, her parents and brothers John and Michael, Nana the nursemaid, the villainous Captain Hook and his hilarious sidekick, Smee, and a slew of pirate henchmen, just to name a few. The ensemble is large, which gives opportunity for every child to receive more than one part to perform. ACT was created with the desire for all children to take part in a live theater production. Every young person who auditions gets cast in the play. The process helps put everyone at ease, builds friendship among

Stacks of scripts await eager kids waiting to take part in the musical production, Peter Pan, Jr. cast members and encourages positive reinforcement for everyone from first-time actors to the most seasoned members. To help children equip themselves to put their best foot forward, Vikky will host an ACT workshop on December 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the ACT studio, located at 1413 Riverside Avenue in Paso Robles. “All kids, age seven through high school who audition, are cast in the show, but you must preregister and attend the workshop,” said Vikky. “Kids will sing through songs, read the script, and get familiar with the characters. While the children are practicing,

parents can finish filling out paperwork and sign up for the day and time they would like their children to audition.” Vikky’s approach to working with youth is very relational and inclusive, helping develop the confidence they need to unleash their talents on stage. In November, Vikky hosted a six-week acting class geared for youths to become familiar with the audition process. It is this training that she developed to help children become aware of the gifts they already possess and to discover and cultivate new ones, too. “Last year’s show, The Wizard of Oz, was a huge success, selling out in three performances with crowds of 350 for each show! Sixty children from the community enjoyed learning the joy of performing live theater,” said Vikky. For its enthusiastic audience response, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization would be hard-pressed to survive without support from its generous sponsors. Monetary support is 100 percent tax-deductible and provides a win-win for Applause Children’s Theater and those wishing to make the most of their last-minute December donations in time for tax season in April. This season, business and other sponsors can even help sponsor the show. For $400, a banner is displayed of the business name or donors at the show along with a business display table in the lobby. However, no donation is too small.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

“ACT simply cannot do this with the help of the amazing community support,” said Vikky. “If you or your business would like to be a sponsor this year, please reach out. It’s a great way to become an important part of something that will deeply enrich our children, touch the hearts of their audience and maintain the quality of life in our fabu-

lous community.” For more information, visit www.applausechildrenstheater.com and call Vikky Mullin at (805) 610-7187 or send email to applausect@gmail.com.

PADEREWSKI from page 51 Pianists from Santa Barbara swept the Junior division. In third place was Vincent Lertchareonyong (14), and in second place was Holly Hadsell (12), who also placed second in the 2016 competition. A pleasant surprise was the Junior first place winner, Noelle Hadsell, who at just eight years old, won first place. In addition to common interests in performing arts, both Noelle and her older sister are mutually supportive of one another in musical competitions. The sisters also enjoy ballet and singing when not playing Bach, Mozart and Chopin. Their interest in competition grew from piano lessons to a growing love of music in its various forms. At school, however, the sisters typically lean toward Beethoven while their peers prefer pop.

winning Zinfandel, VIP ticket holders enjoyed a relaxing brunch on a perfect Sunday morning while viewing a musical presentation of Paderewski Cycle. Sponsored by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw, the national juried competition calls for creative “treatments” for a musical script about Paderewski. Nine finalists from New York City and Los Angeles were featured in videotaped musical vignettes aimed to bring Paderewski’s multifaceted accomplishments to a modern audience. Special guests at the Festival included the Honorable Mariusz Brymora, Consul General of the Republic of Poland, and Dr. Krzysztof Olendzki, director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute. For more information about the Paderewski Festival, visit paderewskifest.com

December 2017, PASO Magazine

MAGDALENA BACZEWSKA WOWS AT GALA CONCERT

The Saturday evening audience was fully engaged as Magdalena performed her program of Paderewski, Chopin and Szymanowski. The New York City concert pianist and professor at Columbia University familiarized the audience with intriguing information before she played each piece. Without question a technically flawless pianist, the rapt audience absorbed every note of Baczewska’s intuitive playing. Baczewska seemed to make her own even the most popular of the Paderewski’s compositions, which drew repeat ovations.

PADEREWSKI CYCLE PRESENTATIONS

At Epoch Estate Wines’ York Mountain location, where Paderewski bottled his award-

EDUCATION & CULTURE

Paso Women Lauded in Santa’s

effort to promote healthy Kids

By Per-Olof Nielsen

It’s no secret that a growing number of American kids have an “eating disorder.” The Standard American Diet (“SAD” diet) of fast junk, which is now called “snack” and processed “foods” stripped of nutritional values and the fiber so important to good digestion and loaded with chemicals, preservatives, herbicides and pesticides and added sugar is leading to a generation of American children whose lifespan will be shorter than their parents — a first in American history, says Helen Nielsen. Nielsen, a food activist and journalist, is now recruiting influential women to help curb this shortened life-span situation. To address this explosion of diet driven illnesses never seen in American children just 30 years ago she has spent the better part of the year recruiting a “Corps of Lady Santas” (CLaS) to join the members of a growing group called The Real Santas United to end Childhood Obesity — a group founded by her husband, who is known as Sustainable Santa ®. The goal of the group is to change both the current message and the future image of the 21th Century Santa away from the overweight guy who promotes eating candy canes, cookies and drinking sugary drinks to one who promotes children’s health by eating Real Food and living a sustainable lifestyle.

This is not a simple task, says San Francisco SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) chapter President/Ordförande Birgitta Hilleberg-Durrett. She was one of the first recruited to the cause last spring. The eating patterns imbedded in the “SAD” diet are now part of American culture, where in some neighborhoods, particularly in the poorer sections of our communities, access to healthy “Real Food” options are limited, even if they wanted to change their diet. Since 1984 the San Francisco SWEA group has held a major Holiday Fair each December where the healthful happiness in Swedish Christmas culture, including their choices of nutritious foods is on display. “It is no mystery as to why the Scandinavian countries all showed up at the top of the 2017 World Happiness Report published by the United Nations last February,” says Hilleberg-Durrett. Sure we Swedes enjoy our traditional special holiday treats, but they are just that – special treats. Traditional foods cooked in traditional ways. Plus, adds Hilleberg-Durrett, the process of cooking and baking for the Swedish holiday takes time and preparation fostering community and togetherness, two important factors in achieving “happiness.” That is quite different from ordering up a pizza, or picking up some fast food passed to you

Rosemary Hawthorn and Helen Nielsen deliver Bless Your Heart Bakery goodies in a paper sack while you’re in your car. Healthy eating is part of our Swedish culture, and in San Francisco we put that on display each December, notes the San Francisco SWEA President. While the 2017 U.N. “happiness” ranking factored in many factors; Norway’s taking top position in spite of the fall in oil prices, the revenues from which are distributed directly to their citizens, suggests that “money is not the key to happiness,” says Helen Nielsen. Factors such as caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, good governance and key to our cause: good current health, and a healthy life expectancy are the markers we are focusing on. It is doubly significant that the USA has dropped to 19th place, says Nielsen.The likelihood of an unhealthy old age dominating our future with declining social and wellness supports are the key USA markers we want to change. To accomplish this Nielsen has been traveling California much of the year recruiting influential, dedicated women to join in full partnership with the 21st century breed of Real Santas United to achieve this end — starting with the kids.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

EDUCATION & CULTURE

LADY SANTA ROSEMARY HAWTHORN - A BAKING PIONEER –

Plus educator of kids regarding the healthy lifestyle of Early California Pioneers. Rosemary is proprietor: Bless Your Heart Bakery, where she and staff produce super yummy breads, cakes and cookies, etc. using NO Wheat, NO Sugar, NO Butter or other Dairy, NO GMOs, NO Gluten and nothing else bad – just a host of great “natural” ingredients like root, coconut and other nut flour, brown rice, millet and sorghum – all healthy for you. For many years Rosemary has sponsored workshop campouts for kids comparing the lifestyles of early California pioneers and today. Take Sugar for instance, says Rosemary. Sugar in the amounts now consumed by kids, is toxic, with illnesses like non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease becoming one of the fastest growing ailments showing up in Elementary School age kids. Between offering delicious healthy-foryou baked goods and teaching healthfulness lessons, Lady Santa Rosemary gets a gold star from Sustainable Santa® and Lady Santa Helen for her efforts. Find out more at blessyourheartbaking. com, or call 227-4969.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

Helen Nielsen and Birgitta Hilleberg-Durrett show off the international coverage of the SWEA Holiday Fair in San Francisco.

Lady Santa Nancy Walker Founder, Executive Director and Therapeutic Chef of The Wellness Kitchen in Templeton, CA runs a program which should be a model for every community, says Santa Helen. In a nutshell: With an all-volunteer staff they prepare a host of nutrient rich meals and broths in several categories — all super healthful, some with very few spices for those recovering from intestinal surgeries or because of their cancer treatment(s) or other

medical issues cannot tolerate “hearty bold” foods i.e. no garlic or spices. These are packaged and delivered to people all over this part of San Luis Obispo (SLO) Co. Calif. who are recovering from a variety of surgeries and treatments. Plus they have a walk-in sit-down area which serves nutritious lunches. They also have an Education Program aimed at kids 4-7 and it’s EAT THE RAINBOW!!! — a program demonstrating the differing vitamins and minerals provided by the five different veggie color groups. Find out more at thewkrc.org or call 434-1800. Lady Santa Sasha Irving, if the 3rd applauded as exemplary on the Sustainable Santa® List. Irving directs the awardwinning Co-op Art Studios on the Park in Paso Robles.CA. There, among many other things, they bring over 3,000 public elementary students into their studios for hands-on professional art classes completely free of charge. Please see HEALTHY KIDS page 57

By Heather Young

PVC and lead. Because they are made of plastic, the trees will never biodegrade. If you prefer an artificial tree, look for one that is made locally and does not contain plastic or harmful materials. • Buy a real tree as Christmas tree farms actually help mitigate climate change because the soils absorbs much more carbon than the wood, as well as providing a habitat for wildlife. • Help manage forests by cutting down a tree in a national forest, but first check and see if your local national park allows it and get a permit before you attempt to cut down a tree in a national forest. • Buy a tree grown nearby rather than one that is trucked in from other area because the distance a tree travels adds to its carbon footprint. There are a few local tree farms where you go and cut down your own tree — so you know where the trees are grown. Before purchasing a cut tree, find out where it came from. If it’s not local, request that the business stock local trees in the future. • Recycle or replant your live tree in your yard after Christmas. My mom’s family planted their live Christmas tree in their backyard in 1965 in Atascadero and it’s still there to this day. Do take caution when buying a potted tree as many don’t survive the time inside. To plant a tree outside, get a smaller one that is native to the area. • Decorate a tree outside your home instead of cutting a live tree and bringing it inside. Sure, you can’t put the presents under that tree, but you can decorate it with popcorn and cranberry strings and ornaments made from nature, such as pine cones and acorns. • Make a tree out of repurposed materials. It could be a fun project every Christmas to come up with a creative tree using found or items you already possess.

he centerpiece of the Christmas season is the Christmas tree. In my house, the tree is the first thing put up, and the last thing taken down. We make a whole event of putting up the tree and decorating it. Growing up, we often had a fake tree because one of my grandma’s was allergic to pine needles and the scent of it. The years when she didn’t come for Christmas, my mom, brother and I would head out to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect tree. My brother was the one to do the actual cutting. We always had the same argument. Me: Let’s get that super tall tree that will never, ever fit in our house. Mom: NO! Me: Please! It’ll look so good! We always came home with a five-foot tree that fit perfectly in the front window of our living room. As an adult, I was very excited to be able to purchase my own real Christmas tree from the tree lot, though instead of picking the biggest tree, I went for the “Charlie Brown Christmas tree.” After a number of years, I purchased an artificial tree because I thought it was more environmentally friendly. Since then, I’ve heard otherwise. Now, I know, thanks to The Wilderness Society, that real trees are better for the environment than plastic Christmas trees. HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE? • Don’t buy plastic trees as they have a huge carbon footprint because 80 percent of those sold each year are shipping from China and may also be made from harmful products: petroleum, carcinogenic

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PASO Magazine, December 2017

Every Christmas season many of us get ready to entertain loved ones and to show our love for them through meals and presents. The choices made when gift-giving and hosting parties also impact the earth and future generations. What can you do to lessen your negative impact?

GIFT-GIVING As much as I love to find the perfect gift for all those around me, I realize that more things aren’t what most people want. My favorite gifts are those that allow me to spend time or make memories with those I love. • A shared meal • A shared activity • Activities that can be done with my daughter • Consumables, such as food and drink • Purchase wanted items (such as electronics) from eBay or other resale places. It may seem tacky to buy items second-hand, but I’ve found second-hand items that were brand-new. • Instead of purchasing wrapping every year, consider using what you already have, including newspapers and magazines or using items that can be also be part of the gift. I’ve wrapped candles and soups in washcloths or bath scrubs or put into a reusable bag or pouch. I wrap nearly all of my gifts in gift bags that I’ve collected over the years. I haven’t purchased a gift bag or tissue paper in a very long time, I just keep passing them on. • Trade in the paper gift tags, find reusable tags. Years ago, I bought a new of small wood tags from Michaels and then painted them with chalkboard paint and strung twine through the holes. I have been reusing them ever since. HOSTING GET TOGETHERS I love hosting parties, but dislike all the waste it can produce. I’ve listed

December 2017, PASO Magazine

EDUCATION & CULTURE a few easy ways to cut down on waste without a lot of effort. • Use reusable table wear and utensils. If you use disposable, which is sometimes necessary for large gatherings, use paper plates that do not contain any plastic, as paper will eventually biodegrade, but plastic will not. • Replace paper towels/napkins with cloth napkins or towels, then toss in with your regular laundry. • Purchase produce from the farmers’ market to ensure that it is grown locally than trucked a long distance. • Send leftovers home with guests by using the dishes they brought rather than using plastic bags.

HEALTHY KIDS from page 55 Their Kids Art Smart program is at the heart and soul of their effort to show kids the creative process which builds social, emotional and intellectual strength and development in the children of the community. Promoting such creativity is all part of the effort to reinforce the children’s ability to be “Healthy Happy and Fit for Life” – the mantra of the Real Santas United who are now both men and women. Find out more at studiosonthepark.org, or call 238-9800.

AT THE LIBRARY YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO PLAY WITH LEGOS!

Come to the Library’s monthly LEGO Build from 4:00-5:00 pm in the Story Room and see if you’ve got what it takes to be a Master Builder. Each build will have a different theme and challenge to put your building abilities to the test. Those that complete the challenge will see their creations on display in the Library following the build. Moving to the second Monday of the month, LEGO Build is scheduled for Dec. 11, Jan. 8, & Feb. 12.

Burner Cover Snowman

Kick off your holiday season Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10:30 a.m. in the Library Conference Room by making a burner cover snowman to enhance your holiday décor. Using simple materials, create a unique, handcrafted snowman wall hanging that will last for years. Materials and instructions will be supplied. Sign up online. Space is limited. Family groups are welcome, however due to the nature of the tools and materials used, children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

EDUCATION & CULTURE

Grandparents & Books For all ages, every Wednesday, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the Story Hour Room Offers a less structured experience with book time and activities shared informally on a drop-in basis by volunteer grandparents.

FILM DISCUSSION AT THE LIBRARY: UNDER THE SAME MOON IT’S STORY TIME!

Mother Goose on the Loose

Community Conversations About Immigration Continues

The public is invited to a film discussion of Under the Same Moon on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Library Conference Room. Californians: Community Conversations about Immigration, a mother and her son, separated by economic circumstance, rely on weekly phone calls to keep in touch. The moon becomes a symbol for them as they are united under the same Toddler Story Time moon each evening. Following the film, audience members will have an opportunity to For ages 1-3, every Friday, 10:30 a.m. participate in a discussion of issues raised in & 11:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room Stories, movement, music and a simple the film. This film is rated PG-13; children craft. Children begin to learn listening skills under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. in a program geared to the interests and abilities of the littlest listeners. Adults must ac To sign up for classes, visit company their child to the Story Room. prcity.com/government/ Preschool Story Time departments/library/calendar.asp For ages 3-6, every Monday, 10:30 a.m. The Paso Robles City Library is located at & 11:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room 1000 Spring Street and is open Stories, movement, music and a craft. Monday – Friday 10-8, Children can practice listening and soand Saturday 10-5. cialization skills while having lots of fun. For more information on library Space is limited; pick up a free admission programs and events, please call ticket at the children’s desk prior to the 237-3870 or visit prcity.com/library. program. For ages 0-18 months, 2nd & 4th Thursdays @ 10:30 a.m. in the Story Hour Room. An early literacy program that uses nursery rhymes and songs to create positive connections between children and their caregivers. Attendance is limited to the first ten participants (one caregiver/one child) only.

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

BEARCAT COUNTRY

PASO ROBLES FOOTBALL 2017 UNDEFEATED PAC 5 CHAMPS 8/25 Bearcats 7, Lemoore 12 L 9/8 Bearcats 9, McClymonds 20 L 9/15 Bearcats 21, Cajon, 48 L 9/22 Bearcats 27, Clovis North 7 W 9/30 Bearcats 3, Sierra Canyon 41 L 10/6 Bearcats 28, Arroyo Grande 7 W 10/13 Bearcats 46, San Luis Obispo 14 W 10/27 Bearcats 23, Righetti 14 W 11/3 Bearcats 21, Atascadero 14 W 11/10 Bearcats 28, Damien 45 L* *CIF Postseason Round 1 PAC 5 League games denoted in BOLD Photos by Rick Evans

Paso Robles accomplished the improbable after entering the season dropping the first three games and running nine of the 10 games with an interim head coach, J.R. Reynolds. Despite the adversity, and against four determined PAC 5 opponents, the Bearcats ran the table and earned an undefeated 2017 league title. The league title came with the sweet taste of rivalry victory — a 21-14 win over the Atascadero Greyhounds on Friday, Nov. 3. Entering league play, the Bearcats lugged a 1-4 record around their neck and opened against the heavy league favorite Arroyo Grande. Dispatching the Eagles, 28-7, and the Bearcats were then the ones with the target on their back. Another big win, 46-4, over San Luis Obispo and the anticipation rose for the potential high stakes game against Atascadero to finish as champs — but first the ‘Cats had

to get through the Righetti Warriors, a potential upset. Paso fell behind in the first quarter, 0-7, but roared back into the lead with 14 unanswered points in the second and finished with a 23-14 win and secured the league title. The only thing left on the table was to finish off the Greyhounds and keep a perfect record in tact. Our Paso Robles Bearcats did just that, beginning with a 21-0 halftime lead. The Bearcats held off a late-game charge to clinch the undefeated title for Paso Robles, and notch another win over the rival Greyhounds — a rivalry which is nearing the century mark. From all of us at PASO Magazine, congratulations to Bearcat Country — all the players, fans, families, and coaches that made it happen in 2017. Enjoy it, because it will be time to start getting ready for next year soon!

PASO Magazine, December 2017

The Bearcats put some distance between themselves and Arroyo Grande on Saturday, but the Eagles are still nipping at their heels on the way to the State meet. Under the world-class mentorship of “Huff,” Paso Robles High School head coach Ivan Huff, and a trusty team of assistants, the Bearcats boys cross country team continues to traverse elevation gains and run down horizons. On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Bearcats scratched another milestone on their record with a fifth-place finish in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 finals. Paso Robles entered the finals ranked No. 5 in the CIF-SS D2, a ranking just recently earned after spending most of the season outside of the Top-10. The ranking, and the finish at finals, added another definitive win over PAC 8 rivals Arroyo Grande, which finished ninth. Arroyo Grande was no slouch, and posted the first finish of the day for our local teams with an eighthplace finish for senior Luis Jazo at 15-minutes-13.4-seconds. Paso’s fastest runner, junior Pablo Cortes,

finished 26th at 15:33.2. To understand how competitive the Division 2 field is, the math on that: 18 runners finished in the 20 seconds between Jazo and Cortes. Junior Jacob Moran (15:48.8), senior Ian Young (15:50.1), sophomore Damian Gavilan (15:50.5), and sophomore Michael Hernandez (16:04.9) rounded out the scores for Paso, placing 38th, 40th, 41st, and 66th overall, respectively. The finish put the Bearcats on the bus to the CIF State Cross Country Championships on Nov. 25, where they will face even tougher competition and an Arroyo Grande team

December 2017, PASO Magazine

looking for revenge. Results from the Bearcats’ performance at State can be found at PASOMagazine.com. The Road to State was Littered with Victory On November 2, the Bearcats earned their fourth consecutive PAC 8 League title by edging out a motivated Arroyo Grande Eagles team, 35-36. “It was a man-on-man dogfight to the finish,” assistant coach Jon-Paul Ewing wrote about the event, “with each team putting a finisher just in front of the others. They beat our No. 1 and No. 5 runners, while we edged out their No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4. With

a half mile to go, the Eagles had us beat. But a big surge at the end pushed us into the lead.” The Beaten Path Ahead With only a single senior — many seniors graduated — 2017 was supposed to be a building year, according to Ewing. With the success of the current team, expected to return almost every runner, the future is very bright. The girls cross country team also looks to return a large number of runners with more experience as Paso Robles remains a force to be reckoned with on the three-mile courses.

Photo by Nic Mattson

The PASO Magazine Photo Gallery

PASO Magazine, December 2017

TIME & PLACE DECEMBER A monthly look at local events, fundraisers, meetings, and entertainment. To submit a listing, email nic@pasomagazine.com,mildrum@sbcglobal.net, bring info to drop box at Dutch Maytag, 1501 Riverside Ave., or mail to PO Box 3996, Paso Robles, 93447 by the 5th of each month preceding publication. Questions? 239-1533.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Speak Easy Toastmasters Club, Fridays, 12:10 to 1:15 pm, Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities Community Hospital. http://9797.toastmastersclubs. org. 237-9096. 1 • Wines and Steins, 1st Fridays, social hour 6 pm, guest speakers, potluck. American Legion Hall, Templeton. Winesandsteins.org. 3 • Daughters of the American Revolution meets every 1st Sunday. For time and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@gmail. com. 4, 11, 18 • North County Overeaters Anonymous, Mondays, 5:30, 1916 Creston Road, #400 upstairs, Paso Robles, www.OA.org, Irene 818-415-0353. 4, 11, 18 • North County Toast ‘N Talk Toastmasters, Mondays, 6:15 to 7:30 pm, Keller Williams, 13th & Spring, Paso. Info: 464-9229. 5, 12, 19 • BNI– Early But Worth It Chapter - Business Networking International – Tuesdays 7 to 8:30 am. Paso Robles Golf Club. Visitors welcome, visit bni.org. 5, 12, 19 • Tai Chi Chuan – Intermediate, ages 18+, 10 to 11 am, Tai Chi for Health – Beginner, ages 18+, 11:15 am to 12:15 pm, Centennial Park, Room B with Faye Baker. Register at PRCity.com/recreation or Centennial Park, Mon. - Fri., 12 to 5 pm. 237-3988. 5, 19 • MOPS – Mothers of Pre-schoolers, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 9:30 am, Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso, Ashley Hazell, 459-6049, nocomops@ gmail.com. 5, 19 • Paso Robles Dance Hall – An eve-

ning of swing, ballroom and line dancing, 7 to 9 pm., admission $5, Centennial Park Banquet Room. Visit prcity.com/recreationonline, call Tina Scarsella 835-2076. 6, 13 • The Relationship Hour with Dr. Bonnie Lyon, 6:30 to 7:30, reservations: call, text, email, 286-8606, Dr_bonnie@ outlook.com, 1227 Park St., Unit B, downtown Paso. 6, 13, 20 • Line Dancing – Wednesdays, 9 to 10 am, Centennial Park Banquet Room. $55 for 10-Punch Pass (can be shared by more than one person). Beginning and intermediate classes taught by Tina Scarsella. Visit prcity.com/recreationonline, 835-2076. 6, 13, 20 • Body in Balance for Active Aging, ages 50+, 10 to 11 am, Senior Center with Faye Baker. Register at PRCity.com/seniors or Centennial Park, Paso, Mon. -Fri., 12 - 5 pm. 237-3988. 7 • Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters, 1st Thursdays, 7 to 9 pm, Kennedy Club Fitness, 500 So. River Road, Paso. 238-0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs.org. 7, 14, 21 • BNI – Partners in $uccess - Business Networking International – Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 am, Paso Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 Riverside Ave. Visitors welcome, visit bni.org. 7, 14, 21 • Hamburger Lunch– American Legion Post 50, Thursdays, $5, 11 am to 1 pm. 240 Scott St., Paso. 10 • PR Grange Pancake Breakfast, 2nd Sundays, 7:30 to 11am, 627 Creston Road, Paso. 12 • Exchange Club, 2nd Tuesday, 12:15 – 1:30 pm, McPhee’s in Templeton. 6108096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty.org. 12, 26 • Paso Robles Lions Club, 7 pm, PR Elks Lodge, 1420 Park Street, Paso. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 227-4476. pasorobleslions.org. 13 • Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Membership Mixer, 5:30 to 7 pm, location TBA. pasorobleschamber. com, 238-0506.

December 2017, PASO Magazine

13 • North County Multiflora Garden Club, socialize at noon, meeting 1:00 pm. PR Community Church, 2706 Spring St., 2nd Wednesdays. 712-7820, guests welcome. multifloragardenclub.org. 13 • Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 465 – 7 pm at the Paso Airport Terminal, 2nd Wednesdays. Getting youth involved with aviation. EAA465.org. 15 • North County Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon, 11am to 1 pm, speakers are Anesa Cronin presenting “No Matter Life’s Challenges, there is an Answer” and ECHO Homeless Shelter. Bring new socks for the sock tree. Templeton Community Center, $12, reservations by December 5 to Barbara Bernard, 2262302. 16 • San Miguel Craft Faire and Holiday Lights Parade Downtown San Miguel. Faire is from 2 to 8 p.m. Parade is at 6 p.m. Entries: discoversanmghtl.com or at the San Miguel Mercantile Entry deadline: December 12 Info: Michael Sanders at 805-712-9120 16 • Pancake Breakfast, American Legion Post 50, 8 to 11 am, 3rd Saturdays, $6, 240 Scott St., Paso Robles 16 • Community Quilting (to help children and senior organizations with quilts), 3rd Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm at Bethel Lutheran Church, Old Country Road, Templeton. Contact caroljhungerford@yahoo. com. 18 • Paso Robles Republican Women Federated, 3rd Mondays, 11:30 lunch, speaker at noon. $22 cash, guests welcome, Paso Robles Inn Ballroom. Reservations by the 2nd Wed. of each month to Diane Oehlke, 239-8696, dloehkle@ gmail.com. Prrwf.org. 19 • Chronic Pain Support Group Meeting –CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome), 3rd Tuesdays, 5 to 6 pm, Rabobank, 1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. Suzanne Miller 704-5970, suzanne.miller@

ymail.com. 19 • North County Parkinson’s Support Group, 1 pm, 3rd Tuesdays, Templeton Presbyterian Church, 610 So. Main St. Info: Rosemary Dexter 466-7226. 20 • Paso Robles Democratic Club, 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30 pm, Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson, Paso Robles. 21 • North County Prostate Cancer Support Group, 7 pm, 3rd Thursdays, Twin Cities Community Hospital Pavilion Room. Info: Bill Houston 995-2254 or American Cancer Society 473-1748. 26 • American Legion Post 50 monthly meeting. 4th Tuesdays. 6:30, 270 Scott Street, Paso Robles. Info: Commander John Irwin, 286-6187. Jan. 10 • North County Newcomers Club – 1/10 is reservation deadline for Jan. 17, 6 to 8 pm. Dine, dance and meet the artists at Studios on the Park. Meetings/luncheons/dinners held monthly for residents living here less than 3 years. To RSVP, info for events/activities, visit northcountynewcomers.org.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

General Grief Support, Offered by Hospice SLO County Meetings at 517 13th Street, Paso Robles • Wednesdays 5 to 6:30 pm No cost to attend, no pre-registration required • 544-2266, Hospiceslo.org GriefShare All Saturdays in December. A 13-week on-going faith-based seminar/ support group for people grieving a loss of a loved one. 10 am to noon, $15, on-going, open enrollment. Trinity Lutheran Church, Fireside Room, 940 Creston Rd., Paso. Deaconess Juliet Thompson, 2383702, ext. 205.

EVENTS, FESTIVALS, FUNDRAISERS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse & Cattlemen’s Lounge, 1103 Spring St., 226-4925. Steakhouse: Prime Rib

Wednesdays and Sundays! Cattlemen’s Lounge: Happy Hour, 4-7 pm, includes cocktail and menu specials; Monday Industry Night, 6-9 pm, 20% off for all professionals; Taco and Tequila Tuesdays 5-9pm; Wednesday Locals Appreciation Night Happy Hour 4-CLOSE; Friday & Saturday Live Entertainment, 9:30-11:30pm: 12/1-12/2 Kenny Taylor, 12/8-12/9 Bobby Santa Cruz, 12/15-12/16 Donna Lu and Matt Kim Acoustic, 12/22-12/23 Shameless, 12/2912/30 Nataly Lola, New Year’s Eve 12/31 Soundhouse. Shared Histories 3 – Portraits of the Central Coast through Dec. 31 presented by the El Paso de Robles Historical Society and the Carnegie Library. Downtown City Park, Paso. Tues. & Thurs. thru Sat. 10 am to 4 pm & Sun. 1 to 3 pm. 2 • Art After Dark Paso – 1st Saturdays, 6 to 9 pm, Downtown Paso. Hosted by Studios on the Park. 2 • Christmas Light Parade, 7 pm, downtown Paso Robles. 6 • Monthly dinner at Estrella Warbirds Museum, 1st Wednesdays, 6 pm, guest speakers. Call 296-1935 for dinner reservations. ewarbirds.org. 8 • Poetry in the Garden – Join local poets and share your poetry and prose. Meet in Ellie’s Garden on 2nd Fridays at 6:30 pm. Contact Ellie at 227-0110 or ellencasey777@gmail.com.

THE WELLNESS KITCHEN AND RESOURCE CENTER

9 • A Day of Christmas Fun, 12 to 4 pm, Paso Robles Event Center. Old fashioned Christmas party with wagon rides, Santa Claus, games, music. Space is limited, $20 per child, pre-registration required and available at the Paso Robles Albertsons only. 9 • Vine Street Victorian Showcase, 6 to 9 pm. 9 • Classic Car Cruise Night – 5 to 7 pm, 2nd Saturdays (weather permitting), King Oil Tools, 2235 Spring St., Paso. Info: Tony Ororato, 712-0551. 16 • Victorian Teddy Bear Tea, Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St., 2 to 4 pm, Tickets 238-4103. 21 • Third Thursday Shop, dine and drink in downtown Paso. A portion of the proceeds benefit must! charities. facebook. com/pages/Third-Thursday-PasoRobles.

Visit thewkrc.org, call 434-1800 for information on Healing and Wellness Foods meal programs, volunteer opportunities, and classes (to RSVP, register and pay online.) Wellness Kitchen is closed 12/24 to Jan. 2. Healthy Cooking Class - Holiday Treats, 12/21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Templeton, 12/22, 11am to 1:30pm in SLO Idler’s Home, 189 Cross Street. 3 recipes, free to those going through illness. Friends/caregivers may join for a $20 donation. 12/26 • Auto Immune Support Group with Kelli Lincoln, 6:00 to 7:00 pm, learn to use the Auto-immune Protocol to alleviate symptoms of disease, recipes and nutritional guidance.

CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • Provides support, education and hope CSCslo.org, 238-4411. Cancer Support Helpline, 888-793-9355, 6 am to 6 pm. Office closed 12/25 through 12/28. PASO LIGHTS OF HOPE 2017 – All through the holiday season. Paso Robles City Park SPECIAL GATHERINGS: 12/7, Life Beyond Cancer, 1 pm; 12/13, Young Survivors Peer Gathering, 5:45 pm Templeton. 12/20, Potluck Social, 12 pm, Mindfulness Yoga, 12:15 pm, Young Survivor Peer Group, 6 pm, Sierra Vista Hospital. Weekly – MONDAY: Therapeutic Yoga at Dharma Yoga 11:30 am. TUESDAY: T’ai Chi Chih 9 am, Coffee Chat 10:05 am. WEDNESDAY: Living with Cancer Support Group -Newly Diagnosed/Active Treatment, 10 am. Living with Cancer/Cancer Companions, 11 am. FRIDAY: 1, 15, 29: Grupo Fuerza y Esperanza 6 pm. Special Programs: Cancer Well-Fit® at Paso Robles Sports Club, Mondays and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30, pre-registration is required with Kathy Thomas, kathythomas10@hotmail.com or 610-6486. Look Good Feel Better®, check calendar for Mondays, register at 800-227-2345. Navigate with Shannon, Thursdays by appt.

HOSPICE SLO COUNTY

2017 Light Up a Life 7 • Atascadero, 6 pm, Pavilion at the Lake (indoors) 8 • Paso Robles, 6 pm, City Park Gazebo (outdoors) 11 • San Luis Obispo – Pet Peace of Mind Ceremony, 6 pm, SLO County Hospice office For other locations countywide, call 5442266, hospiceslo.org

BOX BEAMS BOOK SHELVING

PASO Magazine, December 2017

December 2017, PASO Magazine

LAST WORD

By Millie Drum

hen Larry Eastwood bought Vic’s Café in 1973, little did he know the Pioneer Day Bean Feed was part of the deal. Quoting from a story I wrote in 2013 to mark Larry’s 70th birthday, Larry said, “Vic did it before me and I still have the original recipe.” Terry Black owned the local tire shop and was a Lions member. Larry recalled, “He came wandering across the street four days after I opened to tell me about a recipe for the Pioneer Day beans. I found it and gave it to him. He handed it right back to me and said, ‘You’re in charge now!’ If it wasn’t for me and Darryl Drum, my right-hand man, it wouldn’t have happened for all these years. We’ve had a good time out there.”

A Beautiful Face 35 Abby Self Storage 14 Adrienne Hagan 12 Advanced Concrete 64 Amdal In Home Care 63 Applied Telecom Technologies 27 Arlynes Flowers 57 Artworks 42 Associated Traffic Safety 60 Austin, Mary Ann 62 Bella Jule Designs 5 Berry Hill Bistro 20 Biodynamics 32 Black Diamond Vermicompost 40 Blake’s True Value 27 Blenders 49 Body Basics 54 Bridge Sportsmen Center 40 Cal Paso Solar 23

After 44 years for Larry and 32 for Darryl, it’s time for their well-deserved departure from the Pioneer Day tradition. This year was the last time that Larry and Darryl started before

CASA 39 Casa Rustica 61 Casey Printing 38 Chains Required 57 Chalekson, Dr. Charles 35 Cider Creek Bakery 36 City of Paso Robles - Recx 13 Cone & Associates 28 Connect Home Loans 18 Country Florist 36 Covenant Presbyterian 27 Di Raimondo’s Italian Mkt 31 Dutch Maytag 41 El Paso de Robles Historical Society 51 El Paso Self Storage 41 Equine Experience 40 Estrella Warbirds 31 Fidelity National Title 22 First Baptist Church 53

dawn, fired up the burners, and helped the crew hoist almost 2,400 pounds of fixin’s into the 100-gallon bean pots. The next milestone will be in three years when Lion Duane Picanco

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS Friends of Library Frontier Floors Gallagher Video Services General Store Paso Robles Gilliss, Keith - Prime Commercial Golden Collar Golden Reverse Mortgage GRL Computer Consulting Healthy Inspirations Hearing Aid Specialists Hearing Solutions Heart to Heart non profits HFG Coastal Ins. Service Highlands Church Kennedy Club Fitness Klockenteger, Lisa Kuehl Nicolay Lansford Dental Las Tablas Animal Hospital

12 16 63 49

LivHOME 15 Live Oak Church 17 Lube N Go 30 Lyon, Bonnie Dr. 45 Main Street Small Animal Hospital 34 Michael’s Optical 50 Mikulics, Dr. 61 MODE Communications 20 Natural Alternative 45 NCDPAF 33 New with Tags 64 Nose to Tail 50 Odyssey World Café 19 Paradigm Advisors 27 Paso Chevrolet 68 Paso PetCare 38 Patterson Realty, Paso Robles 7 Perfect Air 58 Photo Stop 45

37 30 9 60 54 3 48 11 23 29 47 48 25 67 52

marks 50 years! Next year, Scout Leader David Kudija will coordinate the effort with our local Boy Scout Troop 60. Larry agreed to return one more time…making it 45!

Plateroti Dermatology 19 PR Casino 14 PR District Cemetery 18 PR Door & Trim 28 PR Handyman 51 PR Insurance 29 PR Main Street Association 4,5 PR Safe & Lock 43 PR Waste 59 PW Construction 64 Red Scooter Deli 12 J Scott Reneau Insurance 33 Riel Wine on Tap 31 Riley, Dr. Kaitilin 49 Salus Integtrative Medicine 51 Sauret’s Errand Service 29 Scoles, Law Office of Patricia 56 Secret Garden Salon 42 Senor Sanchos 21 SESLOC Fed Credit Union 15 Solaralos 41

Solarponics 59 Spice of Life 62 St. Rose School 55 Stove & Spa Center 6 Susie’s Dog Grooming 58 Ted Hamm Ins. 39 Teresa Rhyne Law Group 57 The Harley Group 37 The Loft 17 The Wellness Kitchen 47 Touch of Paso 24 Twin Cities Hospital 2 Viborg Cart-Away Conc 59 Vic’s Cafe 32 Vitality Fitness Delivered 37 Wellness by Mother Nature 56 Western Janitor Supply 24 Whitehorse 40 Wighton’s 23 Worship Directory 65 Wyatt Wicks 64

PASO Magazine, December 2017