Colony Magazine #6 • December 2018

9 d.1 n a er l 14 d . n Wo r lin r a e nt le y C er .13 i W ar ing Ch Str SLO

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COLONY Magazine, December 2018

YOUR HEARING HEALTH

Is time running out on your deductible?

Most medical deductibles reset at the beginning of the year.

Now may be the best time to have your hearing tested!

Symptoms of

Hearing Loss The end of the year marks many occasions...

The end of the holiday season, the beginning of a new year and the sense of renewal that it brings, and for most people the best time to use your health insurance benefits.

• •

Deductibles typically renew on January 1st. Whether your health insurance is through a group or individual, the end of the year can be the best time to schedule appointments and save money on healthcare.

•

Have you had your hearing tested in 2018?

•

For most Americans over age 50, hearing testing is recommended as a part of their annual healthcare routine. However, most will wait until difficulty with hearing becomes apparent before scheduling an appointment.

Hearing impairment is very common. In fact, today, 1 out of every 6 baby boomers (ages 53-71) currently has a hearing loss. Luckily, early detection, prevention, and treatment is better than ever with modern technology!

Peter Lucier has served San Luis Obispo County for nearly 20 years. While things have changed quite a bit over the years — especially hearing aid technology — our approach has remained the same, which is that of a small, family-owned business that treats its patients like it would its own family members.

Requiring frequent repetition. conversations involving more than 2 people.

Thinking that other people mumbling.

•

Frustration and exhaustion from conversation while straining to understand speech. environments like crowded rooms, shopping malls, etc.

•

Long term exposure to loud noises or environments

•

Reading lips or relying on reading lips for comprehension

•

Turning up the volume on the television or telephone Learn more about hearing health at

Call us today to schedule your hearing appointment and make the most of your healthcare benefit!

www.slocountyhearingaids.com

HEARING AID SPECIALISTS OF THE CENTRAL COASTS INC. 7070 Morro Road Suite D Atascadero, CA 93422

805-460-7385

www.slocountyhearingaids.com

c ontents DECEMBER 2018, Issue 6

FEATURES

16

19

JUST SKATING BY

WINTER WONDERLAND

KEVIN CAMPION LEADS ATASCADERO’S A-TOWN SKATE PARK WITH PASSION AND A MULTIPLE HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS COMING DEDICATION TO HELPING THE CITY’S YOUNGSTERS TO ATASCADERO THIS MONTH

DEPARTMENTS

14

SOMETHING WORTH READING 06 Publisher’s Letter

28

TENT CITY 22 History: Original Design for the Civic Center 23 Education: Not Your Parents’ Career Tech Ed

by County Superintendent Jim Brescia

ROUND TOWN 08 Colony Buzz: The Russian Connection 10 ärt/ Presents: Both Sides of the Big Pond 12 Pope X 3: Gifts From the Heart

Nonprofit Spotlight: Brunch On The Bluffs at

Piedras Blancas Light Station 25 Spiritual: Awakening Ways 26 Education: Dr. Stearns, Cuesta’s Promise 27 Health: Helping Women & Girls ... Period

COLONY PEOPLE 13 SLO Stringer Honored with US 101 Naming 14 Charlie Carlin Becomes Santa Claus

COLONY TASTE 28 Taste of Americana: The Colony Cookbook 29 Spice of Life: No Boundaries with Ginger

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30

EVENTS North SLO County Holiday Event Guide 31 North SLO County Activity & Event Guide 30

LAST WORD 34

ON THE COVER

Homespun Holiday Cheer Photo by Hayley Mattson

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

CENTRAL COAST MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Dr. Alex Lechtman Central Coast Medical Aesthetics of Paso Robles is owned and managed by a board certified plastic surgeon, and 2 aesthetic nurses. Together they have over 40 Years of aesthetic experience.

In an industry where many med spas offer only one brand of neurotoxin and filler so that they may achieve a top tier to reduce their costs, Central Coast Medical Aesthetics provide client-specific treatment options.

The spa uses 3 different types of neurotoxins, several different fillers such as Radiesse, Belotero, Voluma, Juvederm XC, Volbella and Vollure along with Restylane/Sculptra in the face. The staff is trained on injecting Sculptra in various areas of the body such as the buttocks also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift.

They are the first to offer this in the valley and Central Coast!

Cutting-Edge Treatment In addition to their widespread variety of options in fillers and neurotoxins, CCMA also maintains the latest cutting-edge lasers.

Instead of utilizing a standard laser for it’s few modalities, the spa considers the type of treatment and the biology/desires

of the client then selects the most and body wraps. CCMA has 3 appropriate of a wide collection of amazing estetician’s and sells a lasers. For instance, the Candela wide range of Obagi, skin cueticals Gentlemax- Pro may be selected and Image products which satisfy for hyperpigmentation aka sun each clients needs. The spa also damage, tightening and IPL’s. The offers, infrared services such as the Syneron Co2re will most likely be Fit Wrap — which helps with pain, used for resurfacing the skin to treat healing and the loss of inches — and fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks, acne treatments using the Celluma. and deeper pigmentation issues. The Candela Gentlemax-Pro is also utilized to treat vascular issues and Laser Hair Removal. Microneedling is the go-to treatment for shrinking pore size.

The Co2re Intima is used for women’s health issues such as vaginal re j u v e n a t i o n / u r i n a r y incontinence.

Rachelle Osterbauer and Brianne Simoes Vampire Procedures Interested in learning more about the infamous vampire procedures?

No problem! Central Coast Medical Aesthetics is certified in vampire procedures such as the O-shot, the Vampire face lift and the vampire facial.

In fact, one of the spa’s latest laser purchases is the Syneron Profound.

This is the only FDA device that makes your body produce it’s own elastin and hyaluronic acid. If you want the next best thing to a facelift without surgery the Profound is exactly what you are looking for. It amazingly lifts and tightens the face and neck as well as treats the body for tightening and significant cellulite reduction!

Coolsculpting Coolsculpting is another service offered by the spa. In fact, they were one of the first centers to bring the procedure to the Paso Robles area.

Since healthy, youthful and radiant looking skin is a desire of most women, the facility also provides many other spa services such as massage, eyelash extensions, waxing, microblading Advertisement

With so many options in terms of product and services, it is easy to see why Central Coast Medical Aesthetics is so highly regarded within the industry. The spas owners are inspired and motivated by the knowledge that their work increases the confidence levels of the beautiful people that trust them in their cosmetic journey.

2120 Golden Hill Rd Ste. 201 Paso Robles, CA 93446 805-238-6330 centralcoastmedicalaesthetics.com

Something Worth Reading

BATASCADERO U S I N E S S | D I N I N G |— S HSANTA O P P I N G |MARGARITA A R T S | E V E N T S |— P ECRESTON OPLE | NEWS

“A Dream You Dream Alone Is Only A Dream. A Dream You Dream Together Is Reality.”

— John Lennon/Yoko Ono”

VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 6 “Your Hometown Magazine”

AD CONSULTANT Millie Drum

(805) 391-4566 publisher@colonymagazine.com MAIL: P.O. Box 163 Atascadero, CA 93423

AD CONSULTANT Pam Osborn AD CONSULTANT Jamie Self AD CONSULTANT Karli Twisselman

OFFICE: 1244 Pine St. Suite 204 Paso Robles, CA 93446

AD CONSULTANT Carmen Kessler

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nicholas Mattson

COLONY Magazine ©2018 is owned and published by Nicholas & Hayley Mattson

PUBLISHER, OPERATIONS Hayley Mattson LEAD AD DESIGN Denise McLean

EDITOR, LAYOUT, DESIGN Luke Phillips ART PRODUCTION Sue Dill WRITER Meagan Friberg

WINE EDITOR Mira Honeycutt WRITER Melissa Chavez

*No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form by any means without written consent from COLONY Magazine.

Find and Share ‘Your Hometown Magazine’ Online at COLONYmagazine.com Like and Follow us: Facebook: @theCOLONYmag Instagram: @COLONYmagazine Twitter: @theCOLONYmag

EDITORIAL DEADLINE

WRITER Heather Young

7th of each month preceding publication

WRITER Pat Pemberton

AD ORDER DEADLINE

COLUMNIST Sarah Pope

10 th of each month preceding publication

COLUMNIST Barbie Butz

19,000 Printed | 15,775 Mailed

COLONY Magazine is published monthly and distributed FREE to every residence and business in Atascadero 93422, Santa Margarita 93453, and Creston 93432 zip codes. Postage paid at Paso Robles, CA 93446.

3,200 Dropped at High Traffic Locations

COLONY Magazine is also available for our visitors at wineries, Chamber of Commerce, North County Transportation Center, local motels, hotels, vacation homes, B&Bs, the airport, doctor’s offices, restaurants, and other high-traffic hotspots.

Subscriptions

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

Editorial Policy

Commentary reflects the views of the writers and does not necessarily reflect those of COLONY Magazine. COLONY Magazine is delivered free to 15,775 addresses in North San Luis Obispo County. Our costs are paid entirely by advertising revenue. Our Local Business section spotlights select advertisers, but all other stories are determined solely by our editors. Submit editorial ideas, press releases, letters and photos to editorial@colonymagazine.com.

For advertising inquiries and rates, story ideas and submission of photos, letters, press releases, etc., email publisher@COLONYmagazine.com.

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“If humanity does not opt for integrity we are through completely. It is absolutely touch and go. Each one of us could make the difference.”

S

— R. Buckminster Fuller

eason’s Greetings, one and all! We have so much to be thankful for, and so much we are blessed with.

Our neighbors to the north and south have suffered so much these past few years. When I read that the Camp fire was headed toward Paradise, I called my sister. Formerly, she was a teacher at Paradise Middle School, and now teaches high school math in Chico. By the time I called her, she was already evacuated to Oroville with her husband and five kids.

They spent 10 days in Oroville as her former stomping grounds burned to the ground. Luckily, her neighbor plowed a firebreak which probably saved her home and many others as the fire enveloped the area. It came within 1,000 feet of her home, but last week the mandatory evacuation was lifted and they were welcomed back home. But it will not feel the same for some considerable time.

On Thanksgiving, we received long-awaited rain, and Chico was provided its fair share. That will go a long way toward bringing serenity and life back to the area. At the same time, rain can be its own hazard after devastating fire, providing the ingredients for mudslides.

Passing through Thanksgiving week as these fires were put down, we can be especially thankful for the highly-trained emergency responders and firefighters who do all they can to prevent the spread of destruction from these not-so-natural disasters. THANK YOU!!!

Despite the apocalyptic scenes painted as the end of times, it is of due note that while fire is a natural element, the causes of the two devastating fires are attributed to power lines owned by power companies, north and south, and the Tubbs and Thomas fires were also suspected to be caused by power lines, privately and corporately owned, respectively.

The fires, the mudslides, and the death and destruction associated with them are not natural disasters, but our own making. We should not be surprised, that as we increase the population the planet and enjoy the benefits of that growth, disasters like these will become more tragic.

We cherish our families, our friends, and our loved ones who make life worth living and sharing. Without them, we would all have less of the best things in life. This season, treasure them all the more, and please be careful, and watchful, in regards to all of our safety and security as we celebrate the merry and bright together during the most wonderful time of the year.

Please enjoy this issue of COLONY Magazine.

Nicholas Mattson 805-391-4566 nic@colonymagazine.com If thou wouldest win Immortality of Name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

Greg Malik

Visit us!! 7450 Morro Road, Atascadero

Seniors Real Estate Specialist DRE# 01460686

Proudly Helping people buy and sell their North County homes since 1980 Greg Malik was Voted Best of North County Real Estate Agents 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018

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Karen d’Autremont, Atascadero November 2018

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 7

Symphony of the Vines Presents

nternationally-traveled, virtuoso trumpet player, Paul Merkelo will be featured during “The Russian Connection” symphony concert on Sunday, January 6, in Atascadero.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Greg Magie, Conductor of the Symphony of the Vines Orchestra.

Magie and Merkelo were college chums at the prestigious Eastman School of Music in New York.

“I met Paul when I was searching for a trumpet player for a brass quintet I managed,” Magie said. “Paul had just transferred from the University of Illinois and I invited him to join.” Over the next three years, the two horn players (Magie plays French horn) spent countless hours in rehearsal, performance, and competitions.

“He always impressed me with his tone, technique, and musicianship,” Magie remembers. “We all took our studies and craft serious-

ly, but we could also relax and have fun as a group. Paul quickly excelled to the top ranks of the trumpet studio, and it was clear that he had a great future ahead of him in music.”

Paul Merkelo has been the Solo Trumpet of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra since 1995.

He has played with orchestras throughout the United States, and extensively toured North and South America, Europe, Russia and Asia. He made his New York debut at Lincoln Center with the New World Symphony and Michael Tilson in 1998.

Paul Merkelo believes that his skills are earned not gifted. “When I was young, there were many things I was no good at, but I felt there was a bit of hope for playing the trumpet,” he explained.

“I was never the most naturally gifted trumpet player, but I knew that was what I wanted to do as a career.”

Magie and Merkelo reconnected during the summer a couple of years back in Santa Barbara and began planning a concert with North Coun-

2018 Business of the Year

ty’s orchestra, Symphony of the Vines. “When we talked about repertoire, he suggested the Shostakovich Trumpet Concerto because he is going to Moscow later in January 2019 to record it with the Moscow Philharmonic,” Magie said. “Once we decided on a work by the Russian composer, Dmitri Shostakovich, I built a program around it.” The concert’s music focuses on the artists Shostakovich knew and studied with at the St. Petersburg Conservatory; his teacher, Alexander Glazounov, and colleague, Sergei Prokofiev. That is why the concert is called “The Russian Connection.”

You can experience world-renowned trumpet player, Paul Merkelo, and the Symphony of the Vines Orchestra on Sunday, January 6, 3 pm, at the Atascadero Methodist Church, 11605 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Tickets are $15 $30, and children K-12 are free with a paid adult thanks to a sponsorship from Jim and Carolyn Brescia. Tickets are available at the door or online at symphonyofthevines.org.

Reliable Power.

Performance you can trust!

805-466-2218 5025 El Camino Real www.glennsrepair.com 8 | colonymagazine.com

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

Handmade & Home-made Items Friday, Nov. 30 9am to 5pm Saturday, Dec. 1 9am to 2pm

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 5318 Palma Avenue, Atascadero

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 9

ROUND TOWN

ärt/

Both Sides of the Pond

By Marie Ramey

Since the beginning, Mother Earth has offered her beauty and bounty for all. We are not always good stewards of Earth.

This is an issue shared across our globe. Climate change, pollution, careless industry practices, and more pose a serious threat to Earth’s water supplies, ecosystems, and oceans. ärt/ in Atascadero is proud to present Both Sides of the Big Pond: Sharing Common Ground, an exhibit joining together the vision of two photographers who live an ocean apart. Marty Cullen from Dugannon, Northern Ireland, in County Tyrone and Michael V. Messina from Atascadero. Each photographer has responded to his own vision to express Earth’s irreplaceable beauty with the knowledge that as nature’s balance is destroyed, nothing will ever be the same.

DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER, BY MARTY CULLEN

FLIGHT OF THE PELICAN, BY MICHAEL MESSINA

Marty Cullen is a fine art photographer, artist, and sculptor who is a graduate of law and political philosophy from Ruskin College, Oxford and the University of Warwick.

The Sperrin Mountains, Ireland’s largest mountain range encompasses a quarter of the landmass of Northern Ireland. “The People in this rural area of the Sperrins have a long history of struggle and a determination not often found in the towns and cities.” With his love of the Sperrins and his perMARTY CULLEN sonal involvement with people native to the land who have formed a grassroots opposition against proposals currently underway to intensively mine for gold in this sacred place, Marty brings to us their struggle to maintain their way of life which will disappear as hundreds of tons of ore waste, along with the chemicals such as cadmium, mercury, arsenic, zinc, and sodium cyanide are generated in the process of gold mining destroying this mystical place.

Marty’s photography for Both Sides of the Pond depicts his visual concept constructed around isolation and loss. His imagery is produced in monotones and slight hints of duotone and influenced by eastern and northern European photo realists. The mountains are laid bare for the viewer to see that the story of the Sperrins is also a shared story of America…loss of our natural heritage through the destructive footprint of humanity. Marty will join us through photographs and a video presentation.

Michael V. Messina is an educator and fine art portrait, wedding, and travel photographer. He studied photography at the San Francisco Academy of Art where he developed a painterly style that captures a range of creative themes inspired by the Renaissance, Baroque, and Pre-Raphaelite masters.

Traveling by kayak, Michael found himself not only drawn to the beauty of the Morro Bay Estuary, but ongoing concern for the vitality of this MICHAEL V. MESSINA critical wildlife transition from land to sea. This nursery of the sea protects thousands of species that include migratory birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife that spend some period of their developmental lifecycle in the estuary. Human threats to the native estuary include fertilizers, pet waste, untreated human sewage from failing septic tanks, industrial discharges, storm water runoff, and sediment from construction sites.

Michael’s vision began to take place when exploring the estuary by kayak photographing vegetation, mammals, and migratory birds. In early morning treks, he began to sense the spirit of the Chumash people who are an integral part of the estuary and its history as a sacred place.

The estuary and the Chumash Spirit are one. He has woven organic and textured images captured from an eye-level perspective as seen from his kayak.

Exhibit to be held at ärt/ — 5806 Traffic Way, Atascadero, CA — runs through January 26, 2019 Because of organizations such as the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, the estuary maintains its vitality. Natural habitats are repaired and the health of the estuary is continually monitored. Visitors and residents are educated about the critical balance of nature’s nursery. Marty and Michael would like us to know that the balance of Nature as we know it is within our grasp if we feel the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

10 | colonymagazine.com

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

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December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 11

ROUND TOWN

The PERFECT GIFT starts with

Love & Thought

By Sarah Pope

“I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year!” There’s nothing like chilly night parades with hot cocoa in hand, picking out the perfect Christmas tree as a family and anticipating your first visit from that silly elf !

The minute that Target Holiday Catalog hits the mailbox (before Halloween) the boys start clipping and pasting their Christmas wishes for Santa and are eager to get the Christmas lights hung. I just love these traditions we have created as a family and look forward to them each year.

One tradition we have continued is making the majority of our gifts at home. Coming up with something unique and meaningful each year is so much fun. Teaching the kids that giving is just as fun as getting is important. And seeing the looks of excitement as their grandma opens something that they had worked so hard on is priceless.

One year we poured paint colors into the inside of clear Christmas tree bulbs and personalized each and every one with sticker monograms. They came out amazing! Or the cool mosaic stepping stones we made with chipped dishes and outdoor pots that were a hit! My

• 6 drops peppermint essential oil • Air-tight jars (Amazon.com) DIRECTIONS 1. Mix sugar and one drop of red food coloring to make pink sugar (set aside).

2. Combine white sugar and coconut oil. Beat together until it becomes light and fluffy.

3. Mix in pink sugar.

4. Scoop into jars.

PEPPERMINT LIP BALM 1 ½ tbsp natural beeswax 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp shea butter 2 tbsp sweet almond oil (or olive oil) 20 drops peppermint essential oil Tins with lids (Amazon.com)

oldest son’s preschool teacher still proudly has hers displayed right outside her classroom door. But I’m pretty sure the snow globes we made out of salt and pepper shakers were number one!

Gifts made with love and thought mean more than any pair of slippers or collared shirt… guaranteed! This year is all about pampering and self care, because everyone loves to feel their best. To

add a holiday feel to our gifts we decided to go with a peppermint scent for our Lip Balm and Sugar Scrub. So far, my (11, 9 and 3 year old) helpers haven’t lost interest!

WHIPPED PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB • ½ cup coconut oil • ¼ cup sugar • ¼ cup pink sugar (sugar + 1 drop of red food coloring)

DIRECTIONS 1. Boil water 2. In a separate glass measuring cup mix beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil.

3. Place glass inside pot of boiling water and melt ingredients while stirring.

4. Remove from heat and add 20 drops of peppermint essential oil and stir.

5. Pour into tins right away.

Super easy, right? Now add your own personal touch with a label or some colored twine and a candy cane! Ta-Da! Christmas shopping DONE! Be sure to make a little extra to pamper yourself during the chilly holiday season. Have the happiest of holidays.

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COLONY Magazine, December 2018

Remembering SLO Stringer

By Melissa Chavez

Highway memorial sign honors photojournalist Matthew Frank

hen Matthew Frank died in a car accident on his way to a twoalarm fire during the wee hours of March 21, 2017, it seemed as if all of San Luis Obispo County reeled at the news. As more information became known about the anonymous local photojournalist known as SLOStringer, the loss became even more inconceivable. He had just turned 30. How could someone so young, vibrant, and integral to the daily lives of so many people be gone so soon?

SLOStringer was esteemed by citizens and first responders alike for accurate, time-sensitive reporting of traffic accidents, fires and other incidents. Hundreds attended his funeral. To this day, people who have never met Matthew still mention on social media the loss of his presence.

On November 2, a ceremony was held to dedicate a stretch of Highway 101 between Avila Beach Drive and Spyglass Drive as Matthew “SLOStringer” Frank Memorial Highway. The proposal, introduced by 35th District Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham, was made official last August. Flanked by fire trucks and rescue units, a large crowd witnessed the ribbon-cutting at Madonna Meadow, approximately ten miles from where Matthew died.

area’s most sophisticated media outlets, and for providing real-time information about the record-breaking inferno that destroyed 70 homes and structures.

One woman, who preferred not to be named, saw Matthew almost daily when she worked nights as a Chimney Fire command post volunteer with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff ’s Search and Rescue Unit.

“He had more information than we had, but we gave him burritos,” the volunteer said. “Our job was to keep the generator going and the radios up. National media outlets were at the fairgrounds with Cal Fire. Where was Matthew? At the fire. It became erratic at one point, but he was the direct line to all of us.

Matthew was there to help, not hinder, and he did so in more ways than people ever could. From the frontline, his information was invaluable. Matthew respected, honored, and helped us do our job as a third responder. He was truly respected and earned the trust of everybody, including kids. At the memorial last month, this little gal named Mercy carried a flag in her hand. Before he died, she’d told her mom that she was going to marry SLOStringer.

“While Matthew’s mother spoke at the podium, CHP helicopter H70 had to respond to a call,” said the volunteer. “As it flew up, the crowd was awestruck as it hovered there for a moment before it took off. I like to think that was to honor Matthew.

He’s such a loss. There’s never going to be another SLOStringer. I’ve never met somebody who had so much compassion for our community. He truly was an amazing angel and we were gifted by him.”

W

A VIBRANT YOUNG MAN

Mila Vujovich-LaBarre, one of Matthew’s teachers at San Luis Obispo High School, remembers him well. Matthew also babysat for her daughters, Danica and Jorja.

“He was enthusiastic, smart, compassionate and had a sense of humor,” Mila said. “Matt dutifully

transported my precious daughters to and from school and helped with other daily chores of running a household. Matt was a champion in that he was always upbeat around the children and had high standards for their behavior. My children would always share Matt’s ‘Lesson of the Day’ at our dinner table about road safety or life in general. I can see the future SLOStringer’s smiling face and hear his charming voice like it was yesterday. His early passing was so very tragic. He served our community well with such a humble demeanor. My prayers and good thoughts are with his family and close friends. May he rest in peace.”

A CONTINUAL OUTPOURING

The day after Matthew died, Coast 104.5 FM radio produced a tribute to him in the form of a compilation of music and statements by the community who shared stories of the direct impact that he had on their lives.

One man described his encounter with Matthew after learning that his father committed suicide.

When he saw inquiries about police and coroner activity posted on the SLOStringer Facebook page, he

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

contacted Matthew with a request to keep details of his father’s death private as he returned to the Central Coast. Matthew honored his request, replied with condolences, and gave him his phone number. When they met over coffee three days later, Matthew presented him flowers for the man’s mother.

“The respect that he had and the integrity that he had was something that had out-matured his age,” the man said.. “I’ll always remember meeting him… he wasn’t doing anything for pride, for ego boost or for money; he was just doing it because it was the right thing to do.

He was doing it out of the kindness of his heart.”

From August 13 to September 6, 2016, Matthew provided roundthe-clock coverage of the 46,344acre Chimney Fire stretching from Lake Nacimiento to Ft. Hunter Liggett in San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties. One woman’s family in Bryson was evacuated for ten days. When she realized that Matthew was reporting near her home, she asked if he could check on the chickens and cats on her property. When Matthew complied and contacted her the following day, she was amazed. Not only did Matthew send photos, he even fed her animals.

Along with the public, firefighters’ family members expressed thanks on Matthew’s Facebook page for his posts, photos and video reports, which often surpassed those of the

colonymagazine.com | 13

COLONY PEOPLE

Becoming Santa Charley Carlin’s Saint Nick is a year-round commitment

By Patrick Pemberton

A

s his wife whips up a latte in the kitchen, Charley Carlin uses the opportunity to hand his guest a business card.

“I carry these with me all the time, year round,” he says.

Instead of the usual name, title and place of business, this 4-by-6 card features a painted image of Santa Claus modeled after Carlin, a longtime Atascadero resident.

“The directions are on the back,” he says.

A flip of the card reveals a simple message: “Be good!”

Not surprisingly, Carlin hands out more of these cards after Thanksgiving – when he dons his red hat for the first time in his official capacity as North County Santa. But with his thick white beard, rounded belly and approachable smile, he is “recognized” year-round. No matter where he travels, he gets the celebrity treatment, even if no one knows his actual name.

Instead, he’s Pape Noel in Chile, Jólasveinn in Iceland or, most often, just Santa.

“I get recognized no matter where I am,” said Carlin, who recently spent 40 days traveling the Baltics – with a Santa-esque pass over the Arctic Circle – with

14 | colonymagazine.com

his wife, Anet.

And, of course, he doesn’t try to avoid the attention.

“I wear a lot of things that are red anyway,” he says, wearing a shirt featuring dozens of red chili peppers.

Carlin will take up his usual Santa duties in Paso Robles this year, appearing at the Vine Street Victorian Christmas Showcase, the Christmas Light Parade and his temporary house in City Park.

In photos from the 70s, Carlin looked like he could pass for a member of a Laurel Canyon rock band. But his hair began to turn white at 40, and -- like Tim Allen in “The Santa Clause” -- he has seemingly morphed into the jolly elf. Given his striking similarity to Saint Nick, about 15 years ago, Anet first offered his services as Santa to the holiday parade in

San Luis Obispo.

The two met decades ago, when Anet, a relocated Texan, taught theatre in San Luis Obispo.

“He was my student at Cuesta College and hit on me,” she remembers. “I said, ‘I am your teacher!’”

Ten years later, she finally relented.

“Please don’t represent me as a cradle robber,” she pleads, to which Charley quickly responds with a smile: “Or me as a grave robber.”

Charley, who went on to earn a degree in computer science and mathematics from Cal Poly, became a computer expert, working for many years as a senior computer support staffer at PG&E. Anet was a player in the local arts scene, becoming instrumental in the formation of the popular PCPA theatre program in Solvang and the

Great American Melodrama and Vaudeville in Oceano. For a few years, the two even hosted regular theatre performances in their backyard. The Brickyard Theatre, with 12 performances a year, raised money for local non-profits, including Hospice of SLO. Of course, it makes sense that they’d be giving – this is Santa Claus, after all. And, for Santa, charity isn’t just local. The Carlins have also raised tens of thousands of dollars to build a Tibetan school for girls in Northern India.

“I’m out to make the world a better place,” says Charley, 68, just like a Santa character in a Hallmark Channel movie.

Luckily, he married someone with a similar sentiment. Anet, who became a Buddhist in 1963, speaks fondly of helping girls in India get an education.

“The idea of doing something to help children that far away is like a dream of mine,” Anet says.

The school is located amid rugged terrain – and often snowed in. Yet, the couple still plans to visit sometime within the year, even if that requires some physical exertion.

“I hiked the Himalayas when I was 50,” Anet says. “And I’m 78 now.”

A look at their home reveals that this is a couple that values travel – and art. And, of course, some of that art includes depictions of Santa. No matter where they go – be it Russia, Sweden, Greenland or Germany – they try to pick up Santa mementos.

It’s sort of like research.

“We’ve been checking to see how Santa is portrayed across the world,” Charley says.

But for now, they’re sticking to North County for the holidays.

And once Charley dons his official Santa digs, he’ll get mobbed by little kids, whether it’s at the popular Vine Street event or the local grocery store.

“In December, it might take an hour to get a loaf of bread,” he said.

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

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December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 15

JUST SKATING BY

By Patrick Pemberton

Kevin Campion is a champion of SLO County’s skater culture n Atascadero, Kevin Campion is known for his contributions to the skateboard and scooter community. But as a kid, he spent much more time in water than on wheels.

“I started swimming competitively when I was 5 years old,” he said.

For 22 years, he competed through college at Humboldt State. But eventually the over-

I

training caught up with him.

“Sometimes we were doing four or five hours a day in the water,” he said.

Today, the surfer spends more time in salt water than chlorinated water. And while he no longer coaches fellow swimmers like he once did, he still provides mentorship to kids through the Atown Park, which he has run, through a contract with the city, for the past decade.

“I think we’re making a contribution,” he said.

In between swimming, Campion found time as a youth to surf and skate in the Bay Area, where he grew up. And in 1984, Campion opened his first surf shop,

Marin Surf Sport. The business was so successful that he eventually sold it and moved on to other ventures. One of those, as part owner of Poor Boy surf brand, brought him to Atascadero. That too was popular enough to sell, eventually leading to two visible local endeavors, both associated with skateboarding: The Atown Park and the 805 Boardshop are both off of Traffic Way, within skating distance of each other.

“For the record, 805 Boardshop has been around longer than 805 beer,” Campion said, referring to the popular Firestone Walker beer brand. “Everybody keeps saying, ‘Can I get a beer here?’ No.” San Luis Obispo County, boasting several skateparks, has some pretty serious skateboard cred. Stacy Peralta, a legendary past skate champion and director of acclaimed skater biopic “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” lives in Cayucos, just a few miles north of the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum.

Campion’s shop is a bit of a museum itself, with boards on display that date back to the 50s.

When he’s not selling skater

shoes, shirts or decks, he can be seen at the nearby Atown Park, an indoor skatepark that recently added an 8-foot tall half-pipe.

While there are other skateparks in the county, this is the only indoor one. And it has a staff that provides supervision, making all visitors feel welcome and safe.

There are strict rules at Atown Park, Campion said, which require patrons to respect one another.

“We’ll get 40-year-old skateboarders riding with 8-year-old scooter riders, and everybody is getting along,” he said.

The park’s positive reputation has drawn support from organizations such as the Rotary Club of Atascadero and Home Depot, which recently donated money and volunteer time for the new half-pipe.

Campion will continue to champion the cause of skaters in Atascadero. But while he still surfs regularly, Campion has scaled back his skateboarding, which began back when wheels were made of clay.

“I’m 62 years old,” he said. “I don’t want to fall anymore.”

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COLONY Magazine, December 2018

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COLONY Magazine, December 2018

Winter

Wonderland

Get into the Christmas spirit with events around Atascadero

By Heather Young

D

owntown Atascadero comes alive with the Christmas spirit at Winter Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event centers around Sunken Gardens and pours into the downtown streets. The event is free and has something for people of all ages.

“Due to living on the Central Coast, it never snows,” Atascadero resident Amy Foster said. “It is always such a joy to watch our boys share in a snowball fight.

My husband and I even join in on the snowy fun too.”

Foster’s children also chimed in with their favorite things at the event.

“My favorite part is going around and checking out all the booths,” said Riley, 6.

His brother, Kyle, said his favorite part of the event is “getting to throw the snowballs.”

Deputy City Manager Terrie Banish said that more than 53 tons of snow is brought

in for the event, making it “the only winter wonderland event of its kind in the county.” The Kiwanis Club of Atascadero creates a massive snow slide on Palma Avenue at Traffic Way. There are also two snow piles: one for children under 12 and one older than 12.

“My daughter looks forward to playing in real snow,” Atascadero resident Michele

Coombs said. “Sometimes it is the only time she sees snow all year. It really gets us in the Christmas spirit.”

Around Sunken Gardens and throughout the downtown, more than 50 food, craft and nonprofit groups will have booths. Banish also said there will be obstacle courses, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Atown Park Scooter Demonstrations, Joe’s Little Train by the Elks, Atascadero elementary and high school show choirs, and music by Medina Light Show and Designs.

Atascadero resident Sydney Drexler, 9, said her favorite part of Winter Wonderland is “running around having fun and throwing snowballs.”

This event is presented by the City of Atascadero and its many sponsors. Go to VisitAtascadero.com or call 805-470-3360 for more information.

WINTER WONDERLAND ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP:

5-5:35 p.m.: Motion Academy of Dance 5:40-6 p.m.: Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Dance Group 6-6:40 p.m.: Atascadero elementary choir 6:40-7:15 p.m.: Atascadero High School Concert & Show Choir 7:15-9 p.m.: Live D.J. music

* Times are approximate. Entertainment will take place on the steps of the City Administration Building. The North Pole location for Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on the Atascadero Junior High School side of City Hall.

SEE PAGE 20 FOR MORE LOCAL HOLIDAY EVENTS!

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 19

MORE UPCOMING

HOLIDAY EVENTS

By Heather Young

Holiday Magic at Charles Paddock Zoo

Z

oo Holiday Magic at Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero will take place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The annual event offers a chance to deliver special gifts to animal friends. For more info, go to Atascadero.org or call the zoo at 805-461-5080.

Musical Holiday Walk Around Atascadero Lake

The 20th annual Musical Holiday Walk Around the Lake at Atascadero Lake will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. Hot cider, popcorn

20 | colonymagazine.com

IN ATASCADERO

and other refreshments will be available as attendees walk around the lake. There will be free entry into Charles Paddock Zoo from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

If there is steady rain prior to or during the event, some of the street activities may be cancelled.

Bring a flashlight and a warm coat. For more information, go to AtascaderoLake.net or call 805550-3147.

Atascadero Light Up the Downtown Holiday Celebration

The lighting ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 30.

The Atascadero Art & Wine Tour will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the tour will be for sale the night of the

A crowd gathers for the Light Up Downtown celebration.

Photo By Rick Evans

event at City Hall or at Grape Encounters Wine Empourium for $20 per person. At 6 p.m., everyone will gather in front of City Hall for the lighting of Sunken Gardens and historic City Hall.

Santa will arrive at 6:10 p.m. The Atascadero Fine Arts Academy Honor Choir will perform on the steps of City Hall. Free do-

cent-led tours of City Hall will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. along with free horse-drawn hayrides and Model-A fire truck rides and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For more information, go to VisitAtascadero.com.

Visit AtascaderoChamber.org to purchase Art & Wine Tour tickets or call 805-466-2044.

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

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December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 21

TENT CITY THE BIRTH OF ATASCADERO

The Original Design for the Civic Center

O

nce E.G. Lewis, a major magazine publisher from St. Louis (actually University City, Mo.) purchased the 23,000-acre Atascadero Rancho from Jason Henry in 1913, and almost before starting to plan what he would do with the property, E.G. decided to start advertising the concept of Atascadero in a series of bulletins. Ultimately, there were nine Atascadero Bulletins published. The writers of this column will use and reference those bulletins in some of our columns published here in COLONY Magazine. Unfortunately, the Atascadero Historical Society does not have copies of all of the bulletins but we are currently working on a project to scan those we have and make them available on our website, as they make fascinating reading.

This column will focus on E.G. Lewis’ initial design for the Atascadero Civic Center.

Below is the perspective sketch of the planned Atascadero Civic Center, as well as a caption with a description of it, all appearing in Atascadero Bulletin #3, dated June 1913. (In the drawing’s title, notice the reference to “the Woman’s Republic,� indicating the role of a

By The Atascadero Historical Society

national organization Mr. and Mrs. Lewis had created in the very early 1900s, to promote the role of women in government.) More specifics about this connection will be presented in a later column.

Some of the buildings in this sketch were built, but many were not. However, this sketch does show the early vision E.G. Lewis had for the city. His main collaborator was Walter Bliss, a San Francisco architect who was a member of the governing board of the Colony Holding Corpora-

tion. The Bliss firm, because of its knowledge of the most modern seismic design practices learned from their work in rebuilding San Francisco, after the 1906 earthquake, was a great choice in designing the Civic Center of Atascadero. We think you will be impressed by the details of these buildings from the actual caption and some insights from our discussion which we hope you find informative.

Notice the orientation of the Civic Center and the buildings that were planned. From this

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sketch, only the Administration Building was built as indicated, giving it the distinction of being the only building that was not significantly modified throughout the planning process.

One eventual change from the diagram was to move the Administration Building and the current Sunken Gardens one block east of the State Highway, currently El Camino Real (the caption describes the State Highway between the Administration Building and the current Sunken Gardens.) The caption also identifies “a central plaza and beautiful gardens� as a key feature behind the Administration Building. These were to be what we call Sunken Gardens and was originally intended to be where the current middle school is located.

In keeping with the grand plan, an Opera House, a University and office buildings were all in the core of the planned city. The grand department store called La Plaza or the Mercantile, was the only other building described in the caption, that was built. This building, which had been converted into a hotel, known as the Atascadero Inn, burned to the ground in a fire in 1935.

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COLONY Magazine, December 2018

Not Your Parents’ C AREER and T ECHNICAL E DUCATION context. The current high school graduSLO County Office of ation rate for CTE Education Superintendent concentrators is about 90 percent, which is nearly 15 percentage points higher areer Technical Education (CTE) in each of our than the national average. school districts provides The San Luis Obispo County North County students of all ages Office of Education established with the training, academic skills, SLO Partners in 2014 to address and technical knowledge necessary college and career readiness among to succeed in future careers. Our the county’s student schools not only promote “Future population. SLO Careers, Locally Grown” they sup- Partners’ mission is port lifelong learning. Across the to engage business United States, nearly 12.5 million partners and eduhigh school and college students cators in aligning are enrolled in CTE courses. CTE workforce needs prepares these learners for the with career and colworld of work by providing aca- lege pathways and demic content, introducing work- provide work expeplace competencies, and exposing rience opportunities students to providing a hands-on to ensure that stuBy James J. Brescia Ed.D

C

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

“A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” ~Colin Powell

dents have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace and businesses have the skilled workers required for a sound growing economy. SLO Partners is committed to collaborating with local businesses and education for pathways to opportunity and skilled local talent.

Templeton High School is one such example of a blossoming CTE program in our county that has built up their program pathways. Energy and Power Technology,

taught by Jason Diodati, is one of the school’s most robust CTE programs. This pathway includes engineering, manufacturing and energy. Many CTE courses are dual-enrolled with Cuesta College, allowing high school students to earn college credit through their high school courses. The program fosters local participation with large businesses such as PG&E and smaller businesses such as Dale Evers Arts Studio.

Programs originated through local efforts of the school districts, the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education and legislators.

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” ~Vince Lombardi

colonymagazine.com | 23

TENT CITY

Brunch on the Bluffs Atascadero Greyhound Foundation Serves a Dish of Piedras Blancas

R

ecently, I stopped by the Atascadero Unified School District office and found some original pamphlets of the Atascadero Greyhound Athletic Foundation, which proudly stated a goal “To Build A Better Greyhound Future.”

If you are unfamiliar with the foundation, it is worth review because over nearly a quarter century, it has done just that. With an initial purpose of raising money to build an all-weather track for the Atascadero High School, the foundation began with a big focus on the Greyhound athlete. Since then, it dropped the “Athletic” part of its name to open the focus on all Greyhounds — including past, present and future.

In 2012, the foundation formed the LIGHTHOUSE committee to address devastating drug-related issues affecting our community, specifically designed to help high school students struggling with addiction.

In the past few years, LIGHTHOUSE expanded its scope and continues to grow. In 2017, it raised more than $50,000 to seed a high school mentorship program pairing seniors at AHS with sixth-graders at Atascadero Middle School. Currently, a couple dozen pairs of mentor-mentees are participating for the 2018-19 school year.

LIGHTHOUSE has grown, and is not done building “A Better Greyhound Future.” There is still lots to do for the organization “developed because … major improvements in our [high school] facilities were only going to happen through community involvement.”

A History of Atascadero Pride

You might have heard that the boys water polo team were practicing in wetsuits during the fall season because the AHS swimming

24 | colonymagazine.com

By Nicholas Mattson

Donn Clickard thanks Diana and Wayne Cooper for catering.

Photo by Nicholas Mattson

pool heater had finally given up the ghost. Coincidentally, the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation pamphlet described “a long history of volunteer community pride” in Atascadero that included a 1960s effort of “extensive fundraising and mobilized corps of volunteers to build the pool at little cost to the school district.” With a price tag of multi-millions to build a proper aquatics center for the high school, it is not likely that will come at “little cost to the school district” this time around, but it will still take a community effort.

AHS coach and middle school teacher Jon Conrad, along with former water polo player and local developer Max Zappas, approached the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation in their current campaign to kickstart new pool construction. Conrad and Zappas are currently looking for support in the initial stages of research and development as they work to provide the kids a place to swim.

Conrad coaches high school water polo, as well as age-group water polo which serves kids from 5- to 18-years old. Zappas pointed out that the pool is something the community uses for a variety of purposes from exercise and sports for people of all ages.

While the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation held emotional interest in supporting the cause for a new pool, there remains a large volume of research needed to get the effort going the right direction, and Con-

rad and Zappas could use all the help they can get in the early stages. If you are interested in helping, please contact Conrad at 310-985-3692.

LIGHTHOUSE Benefit Brunch

The AGF is charging forward with a head of steam in fundraising for LIGHTHOUSE, its current flagship cause. Once again taking a place among the stars with a spot in the 2019 Atascadero Dancing With Our Stars program. In 2017, the foundation hit a home run with a new event — a LIGHTHOUSE Benefit Brunch at the scenic Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Simeon. The PBLS is open to the public for tours, but they are scheduled, guided tours so any access to the historic property is a commodity.

On Sunday, January 27, the AGF will be busing 180 lucky folks on three charter buses to and from the event, serving a Stein’s Catering brunch on the bluffs of San Simeon overlooking the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

The event will feature a live auction, with exclusive guided visits to the top of the historic Piedras Blancas Light Station, and a wine walk along the bluffs after brunch — featuring St. Hillaire, Starr Ranch, Seven Angels’ Pear Valley, Paso Port, Guest House Grill and Eberle Winery. Along the path of the wine walk, you can stop and learn about

the history of the historic landmark and if you are lucky enough, you might find a knowledgable docent to provide a guided tour.

Martin Paris and Debbie White will serenade the event, and Joebella Roasters signature LIGHTHOUSE Coffee will be available all day long, just in case the off shore winds are blowing cold.

As you explore the multiple walking paths where silent auction items await, you’ll also be treated to the majestic scenery and numerous marine animals. California sea lions and harbor seals hang out on the offshore rocks to rest. Elephant seals utilize nearby beaches. Gray whales, humpback whales, and bottlenose dolphins can often be seen on the open waters, and sea otters forage along Point Piedras Blancas and wrap themselves in kelp to rest.

The afternoon will be capped off with a preview dance from the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation Community Dancer Tom Butler (Atascadero Unified School District Superintendent, and his Choreographer Kara Frenzel.

All proceeds from this amazing event will support the Lighthouse Education Programs. The Greyhound Foundation has committed themselves to raise the funds needed for continued support of the LIGHTHOUSE Coffee Company, Mentoring and Counseling programs, Reality Tour, Wellness Center, After School program and Resource Center now located at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets to the Piedras Blancas brunch are now available. Call AGF Executive Director Donn Clickard at 805-712-6356 or email donn@ atascaderogreyhoundfoundation.org to RSVP and get your spot on the bus.

Tickets will not be available on the day of the event.

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

TENT CITY

Awakening Ways Spiritual Community is Committed to Being of Service in the County

By Patricia Alexander

e may work and live in Atascadero,” said Rev. Dr. Terry zumMallen, “but we believe in the oneness we have with the whole community. That’s why we have always reached out to be a positive influence in the county.”

Rev. Dr. Terry and her husband, Rev. Dr. Frank zumMallen, are the much-beloved spiritual leaders of Awakening Ways Spiritual Community, which has been meeting in Atascadero for ten years. It is a New Thought community in the tradition of Religious Science that attracts people throughout the entire county to its Sunday gathering at Atascadero’s Pavilion on the Lake.

“We appreciate this area so much,” said Dr. Frank. “It is important to us to reach out beyond ourselves. That’s why we are active supporters of RISE here in Paso, which offers crisis intervention and treatment services to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. We also donate to Woods Humane Society and Friends of Atascadero Lake and have a special volunteer crew that works on the Highway Cleanup between Del Rio Road and San Ramon Road. AWSC has been longtime participants in serving meals and raising money for the El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) and are weekly contributors of food to Loaves & Fishes, as well as clothes to NCI Thrift Shops.

We’re committed!”

Rev. Dr. Terry zumMallen

Awakening Ways embraces the belief that there are many roads that lead to the divine...

Awakening Ways embraces the belief that there are many roads that lead to the divine, that there is a Oneness that connects us all, and that

Rev. Dr. Frank zumMallen

all life is interdependent. They offer a meditation time prior to their 10 a.m. gathering each Sunday, a special children’s group, and many classes and social opportunities to inspire personal growth and connection. They are also offering an unusual world peace meditation from 4 to 5 a.m. on the morning on December 31 at AW’s Atascadero offices at 7350 El Camino Real, Suite 101. This is a very special meditation that happens at the same time every year all over the world.

“Over the ten years of our existence, we’ve noticed that about half of the people who attend our gatherings are from Paso Robles,” said Rev. Terry. “We’re pleased that our teachings and welcoming community have attracted so many Paso residents. We look forward to welcoming more Paso people in the upcoming year and continuing our service to the county where we all live.”

To learn more about Awakening Ways Spiritual Community, visit their website at AwakeningWays.org or call 805-460-0762.

Join Us for a

LIGHTHOUSE BENEFIT PIEDRAS BLANCAS SUNDAY BRUNCH ENJOY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE IN THE WORLD WITH US! Featuring Music by: Marty Paris & Debbie White

SUPPORT

CALL FOR RESERVATIONS: Donn Clickard: 805.712.6356 www.AtascaderoGreyhoundFoundation.org Atascadero Greyound Foundation

$

Tom Butler and Kara Frenzel DANCING WITH OUR STARS

125

per person

Sunday, January 27, 2019

is a Non-Profit 501 (c)3 Organization

10:00 AM Departure from Sunken Gardens in Atascadero aboard AMERICAN STAR CHARTER BUS A LIGHTHOUSE SPONSOR

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

Please RSVP by January 15, 2019

LIMITED TICKETS

STEIN’S CATERING SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS WINE WALK colonymagazine.com | 25

TENT CITY

Dr. Jill Stearns: Leading Cuesta’s Promise New Leader Brings New Vision, New Programs, and New Cougar Spirit

F

By Nicholas Mattson

acing the retirement of former president Gil Stork, Cuesta College conducted a nationwide search to find the right person to fill the shoes of the 50-year Cuesta veteran who fulfilled a personal goal with the establishment of a second year of the Promise Scholarship — the last item his bucket list — before retiring in June.

On July 11, Dr. Jill Stearns was sworn in as Cuesta College’s seventh Superintendent/ President, bringing a complementary history of experience and success to the Central Coast’s premiere community college.

Dr. Stearns had served as president of Modesto Junior College since 2012, where she left a legacy of improving accreditation compliance and decreasing disparity.

“When I arrived at MJC, the college had been placed on sanction and probation in terms of its

accreditation,” Stearns said, “there were some very serious issues to be addressed.”

Sterns spent the first couple years focused on aligning the practices with the standards, and for the last four years my focus was moving the needle on the area of student success in terms of student outcomes.

“We were a very diverse campus,” Stearns said, “with around 50 percent hispanics and many other backgrounds and cultures on the campus.

There was considerable disparity between the highest performing groups and others. So we focused on raising the completion rates overall to close that gap.”

Stearns’ success at MJC garnered attention and the college was selected to apply for the Aspen Price, was one of 15 schools accredited to award baccalaureate degrees, and was selected as one of 20 demonstration colleges for Guided Pathways: “a student-centered approach that

can dramatically increase the number of students earning community college credentials, while closing equity gaps.”

“It is a framework for reimagining and redefining student experience on campus,” Stearns said, “and moving away from what had become a ‘cafeteria-style’ approach to providing students incredible opportunity to explore, but without providing clear direction on the quickest path to completion.”

Leveraging her previous experience, Stearns and the faculty and staff at Cuesta College is getting ready for improving student experience.

“We have already started that process,” Stearns said, “and I’ve had and opportunity to review a 60-page report based on 15 focus groups held at Cuesta last spring. We are capturing the voice and experience of the student and using that to frame our work for redesign.”

PASO Magazine welcomes Dr. Stearns warmly, and we will continue to deliver information about the progress at Cuesta College and deliver information throughout 2019 to help new and returning students get the most of our local college. Stay tuned for monthly installments.

CLASSES START JANUARY 22

PROSPECTIVE STUDENT WORKSHOPS Need help getting started?

Workshops are available just for you!

Call 805.546.3952 for dates and time.

26 | colonymagazine.com

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

“The daily lives of homeless women and girls are fraught with enough uncertainties. The question of what to do when the next period comes around shouldn’t be one of them.”

Helping Women and Girls … PERIOD Commission of the Status of Women collect feminine hygiene products for the underserved

A special to COLONY Magazine

T

he Commission on the Status of Women takes an unabashed approach to a social issue that gets far too little attention.

At COLONY Magazine, this issue was a bit uncomfortable for us and we thought it might be uncomfortable for our readers. That factor served to impress us further that these underserved members of our communities are further underserved by a lack of attention and dialogue. So we leave you with this information.

The Commission on the Status of Women is helping homeless women and girls throughout San Luis Obispo County by hosting a “drive by” feminine hygiene product drive for those in need. On December 4 from 4 to 7 p.m., in front of the County Government Building Center located at 1055 Monterey Street in San Luis

Obispo, donators can drive by and drop off sealed boxes of tampons or pads. Locally, donations can be dropped off at ECHO homeless services, located at 6370 Atascade-

tion of what to do when the next period comes around shouldn’t be one of them.

Even for those who earn a little money, tampons and pads are fre-

To add insult to injury, menstruation is a taboo topic; people who are able to help often aren’t even aware that such a vast need exists. ro Avenue in Atascadero.

Feminine hygiene products are some of the most-needed items at shelters, yet they are also some of the least donated. To add insult to injury, menstruation is a taboo topic; people who are able to help often aren’t even aware that such a vast need exists.

The daily lives of homeless women and girls are fraught with enough uncertainties. The ques-

quently classified as non-essential luxury items. They’re not covered by government assistance programs and are taxed in 40 states, including California, putting them out of reach for women with limited funds.

Despite the fact that menstruation is an unavoidable, biological reality for half the population, these products aren’t seen for what they are: a necessity.

The Commission on the Status of Women is sounding the call to action to help women and girls in need of access to feminine hygiene products. Something as small as a tampon can make the difference.

All donations will benefit El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) a homeless services organization. ECHO empowers people throughout San Luis Obispo County to make positive change by providing food, shelter, and support services.

The Commission on the Status of Women has been an official advisory group to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors since 1975. The commission identifies issues of concern to the women of San Luis Obispo County and reports those findings in an annual report. To take the annual survey, go to slowomen.org.

805-391-4566 ads@colonymagazine.com December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 27

COLONY TASTE

Americana TASTE OF

THE COLONY COOKBOOK

By Barbie Butz

Americana Woman

What could be more “Americana” than a holiday recipe using cranberries? I found this one, titled, “Cranberry Upside-Down Cake with Orange Custard Sauce,” in a cookbook compiled

by Assistance League of the Bay Area, Houston, Texas. The book is titled, “Settings on the Dock of the Bay” and was published in 1999.

I have a deep appreciation for cookbooks compiled by Assistance League and Junior League chapters. The books are beautiful to begin with and the recipes are outstanding. The proceeds from the sale of these books always go to philanthropic projects in the communities where the organizations exist. I like that my purchase helps make a difference in someone’s life.

Watch the cookbook shelves in your local thrift stores for books by these two groups that are so much a part of our “American Way.” Newer releases can be found at

large bookstores like Barnes and Noble.

Cranberry Upside-Down Cake with Orange Custard Sauce

Ingredients: 9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1/8 stick) butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries 1 ¼ cups flour 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon grated orange zest ½ cup milk 1/3 cup currant jelly, melted Orange Custard Sauce (below) Directions: Spread three tablespoons of butter on the bottom and side of a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle a half-cup of the sugar evenly in the bottom. Cover with the cranberries. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together. Beat the remaining six tablespoons of butter and remaining half-cup sugar in a

mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Add the egg, vanilla and orange zest and mix well. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beating constantly at low speed until just combined after each addition. Pour over the cranberries and smooth the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes or until brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate. Brush with melted currant jelly. Serve with Orange Custard Sauce.

Orange Custard Sauce

Ingredients: 1 cup milk 1 cup half-and-half 1 (1-inch) piece vanilla bean 3 (1/2 x 3½ -inch) pieces orange zest 6 egg yolks ¼ cup sugar 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier Directions: Bring the milk, half-and-half, vanilla bean and orange zest to a simmer in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain into a bowl.

Beat the egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Add the sugar. Beat for three minutes. Add the strained milk mixture and mix well. Pour into a saucepan. Cook for seven to 10 minutes or until thickened over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Stir in Grand Mariner. Let stand until cool. Pour into a sauce boat to serve.

Spiced Cranberry Apple Glogg

This next recipe is for a Glogg, an authentic Swedish spiced wine, perfect for those cold nights ahead here in our North County! And guess what — it uses cran-apple juice cocktail!

Ingredients and Directions: For this body-warming drink, bring 3 cups cran-apple juice cocktail, 7 cups dry red wine, ½ cup sugar, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 whole cloves and orange rind strips to just below a simmer in a large saucepan. Cook for 1 hour.

Strain and ladle into mugs. Can be prepared ahead and served warm.

Happy Winter Holidays Enjoy your turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, Waldorf salad, relish platter, hot rolls (with lots of butter), wine, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, mincemeat pie, and on and on and on. And yes, have a slice of that Cranberry Upside-Down Cake with Orange Custard Sauce, while you’re at it!

E85 Diesel

Propane ® Car Wash

Hwy 41 & 101 Exit 219 28 | colonymagazine.com

Atascadero, CA 93422 COLONY Magazine, December 2018

COLONY TASTE

NO BOUNDARIES with

Ginger

By Lori Foster of Spice of Life

G

inger is a spice that knows no boundaries. It can jump start your meal with an enthusiastic appetizer, add zest to your main course, and finish with a dessert that lingers on the palate. Transforming each dish into something completely different on the tongue, ginger has a magical way of adapting itself and delivering a unique quality all its own.

Hot, spicy, energizing, healing... The story of ginger spans the globe, reaching countless cuisines and identifying classic dishes.

Not only does ginger burst with flavor, it also is a powerhouse of

healing benefits.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is native to tropical forests in southeastern Asia and is now grown widely around the world, from Hawaii to Africa, Australia and many other countries. Ginger grows underground as a horizontal stem, or rhizome, with beautiful green upright shoots reaching to the sun. Close relatives are turmeric and galangal which also grow as rhizomes.

Warm, woody, peppery heat with tender sweetness jumps out at you as ginger mingles with other ingredients. Classic Asian dishes, Indian curries, Middle Eastern

and European cuisines all crave the boldness of ginger. Complimentary flavors that marry well with ginger are garlic, lemongrass, chili, turmeric, citrus, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and saffron to name a few.

What would the holidays be without ginger? Gingerbread cookies, ginger snaps, and of course, pumpkin spice blends with ginger being a key ingredients. Try adding molasses to ginger cookies which gives a softer texture and almost caramel flavor.

Sauteed, tender carrots with fresh shredded ginger and garlic or roast winter squash with a dusting of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to bring about the warming flavors of winter.

Not only does ginger taste delicious, the medicinal benefits are pretty impressive as well.

Ginger is among the healthiest spices in the world with countless

studies and reports throughout history showing effective results.

Ginger’s ability to calm upset stomachs and motion sickness has been a comfort for many. It can also help relieve digestive problems, soothe morning sickness and nausea. During the cold and flu seasons, ginger is the perfect spice to keep on hand to combat sickness. Strong anti-inflammatory properties help with arthritis and other conditions while offering a wide array of important vitamins and minerals. Natural remedies like ginger are a great alternative to reaching for over-the-counter medications for relief. Steeping ginger with peppermint and chamomile in a cup of hot water makes a great tea to help relax, calm and soothe the body.

Visit Lori at Spice of Life at 1306, Pine St., Paso Robles, CA 93446 for more information on seasonal spices and healthy recipes.

Superior Customer Service

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

colonymagazine.com | 29

EVENTS

Holiday Events in the North County Note: Events are chronologically listed.

Readers are encouraged to call phone numbers listed to confirm scheduled events. There are many activities to choose from this holiday season from holiday boutiques to caroling to performances. Take a look to find the perfect fit, or fits, for you and your family.

Find out where to see Santa!

T

Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade The 33rd annual Morro Bay Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Saturday, December 1 at 6 p.m. at the waterfront. The procession of decorated Christmas skiffs, yachts, fishing boats, cutters, sailboats and kayaks will begin at 6:30 p.m. Go to MorroBay.org for more information.

Downtown Christmas Light Parade The 55th annual Downtown Christmas Light Parade will take place in Paso Robles Saturday, De-

30 | colonymagazine.com

‘Nutcracker’ ballet in Templeton “The Nutcracker” ballet will take place Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday December 8 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. at the Templeton Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $29 for adults and $24 for children 12 and younger and seniors 62 and older. An open dress rehearsal and student night will take place Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 and a canned food donation for students and $25 for adults. For more information, email info@ ncdpaf.org or call 805-316-1833. To purchase tickets, go to ncdpaf.org.

Cambria Christmas Market he seventh annual Cambria Christmas Market will take place through Sunday, December 23 on the grounds of Cambria Pines Lodge, 2905 Burton Drive in Cambria, at 5 p.m. every night except Nov. 26 and 27 and Dec. 3, 4 and 10 when the market is closed. The annual market offers a winter wonderland of colorful lights in addition to food, wine, live music, shopping, vendors and Santa’s house.

Nightly shuttles are available at the Brambles in East Village and Coast Union High School. The last shuttle to the market leaves at 8:15 p.m. The cost is $10, $15, $20 or $25 depending on the night and children 10 and younger are free. For more information, go to CambriaChristmas Market.com or call 805-927-6109.

Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

By Heather Young

Los Osos Christmas Parade

cember 1 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with an array of floats, equestrian entries, vehicles and marching entries. This year’s theme is “Cowboy Christmas.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance. For more information, go to PasoRoblesDowntown.org or call 805-238-4103.

Sugar Plum Tea Party The North County Dance and Performing Arts Foundation will present the Sugar Plum Tea Party on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cantinas on the Park, 1242 Park St. in Paso Robles. General admission is $18, get a VIP upgrade with early admission and photos

for an additional $5. Light lunch will be served and it will include crafts and dancing with Clara and the ballerinas. To buy tickets, go to NCDPAF.org.

Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting Cayucos Christmas Tree Lighting will take place Sunday, December 2 at 5 p.m. at the corner of Ocean Avenue and D Street. In addition to the tree lighting, there will also be caroling. For more information, call 805-995-1200 or go to Cayucos Chamber.com.

The 31st annual Los Osos Christmas Parade will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade will follow Los Osos Valley Road from Fairchild Way to the park at Palisades Avenue. There will be a pre-parade pancake breakfast sponsored by the Bay Osos Kiwanis at Bay Auto & Tire. For more information, go to lobpchamber.org.

Vine Street Victorian Showcase The 32nd annual Vine Street Victorian Showcase will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. between 8th and 21st streets in Paso Robles. There will be bands, dancers, refreshments, the Grinch, the Snow King and Queen, choirs, caroling, Santa and Mrs. Claus, illuminated floats, entertainers, community open houses, free refreshments and Ebenezer Scrooge. There are no dogs or cars allowed. The event will happen even in the rain. For more information, go to PasoRoblesDown town.org or call 805-238-4103.

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

EVENTS

Christmas in Cayucos

$20 for adults and $8 for children. Call 805-2384103 for more information or go to PasoRobles Downtown.org.

The 10th annual Christmas in Cayucos will take place Saturday, Dec. 8 at participating merchants along Ocean Avenue. It is a merchant open house with free horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities, tree lighting, strolling carolers and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 805-995-1200 or go to CayucosChamber.com.

Christmas Parade and Craft Faire in San Miguel San Miguel Christmas Parade and Craft Faire will take place Saturday, December 15 at 6 p.m.

The parade will conclude a full day of fun. The children’s carnival and street fair begins at 2 p.m.

There will also be a chili cook-off, silent auction, drawings and other activities. Stop by the fire station after the parade to see Santa and enjoy hot dogs and refreshments. For more information, call Mike Sanders at 805-712-9120 or go to discover sanmiguel.com.

Santa Holiday House in Paso Robles Santa’s Holiday House schedule in downtown Paso Robles at the Downtown City Park is Sunday, Dec. 9 and 16 from noon to 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 18 through Monday, December 24 through Thursday, December 24 from noon to 3 p.m. Call 805-238-4103 or go to PasoRoblesDowntown. org for more information.

Victorian Teddy Bear Tea in Paso Robles The 28th annual Victorian Teddy Bear Tea will take place in the Paso Robles Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St. in Paso Robles, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Visit the Snow King

Fundraisers

Living Nativity in Templeton and Queen, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the elves, and Victorian friends. Attendees should bring their Teddy bears for an afternoon of cookies and juice and entertainment. Seating is limited and tickets may be pre-purchased at the Paso Robles Main Street office at 835 12th St., Ste. D. Tickets are

A Living Nativity will take place on the lawn at Templeton Presbyterian Church, 610 South Main St. in Templeton, Friday, December 14 and Friday, December 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 16 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. The entire event is about 30 minutes long but arrive early as seating is limited and dress warmly. Call the church at 805-4341921 with any questions.

Submit listings to events@nosloco.com, and visit nosloco.com for more information on events.

December 1 — Friends of the Santa Margarita Library Craft Faire, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Community Center in Santa Margarita, 22501 I St., Santa Margarita.

December 31 — Atascadero Firefighters Association invites you to the New Year’s Eve Bash. This event will be hosted at the Pavilion on the Lake from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Plan to ring in the new year while benefitting local charities.

Arts & Culture Art After Dark Paso — first Saturday, wine tasting, 5 to 9 p.m., Downtown Paso, hosted by Studios on the Park.

December 6 — Opening reception for solo art exhibit, “Artistic Journeys with Janice Pluma”, 5 to 6 p.m. at the Atascadero Library, 6555 Capistrano Ave. Atascadero. Exhibit continues through February. Open to the public during library hour.

Business Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce

pasorobleschamber.com • 805-2380506 1225 Park St, Paso Robles, CA 93446 Office Hours with District Supervisor John Peschong — third Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m., Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. Contact Vicki Janssen for appointment, vjanssen@co.clo.ca.us, 805-781-4491 Office Hours with Field Representative for Senator Bill Monning — third Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m., Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Conference Room. Contact Hunter Snider for ap-

pointment, 805-549-3784 Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Restaurant of the Month Appreciation — first Tuesday, time/location TBA, pasorobleschamber.com December 12 — Membership Mixer, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Hosted by Community West Bank, 541 Spring St., Paso Robles.

December 6 — Women in Business: Holiday Fashion Show, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, 900 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

Register at atascaderochamber.org December 20 — Business Mixer: Pacific Premier Bank, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 7480 El Camino Real, Atascadero.

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce

templetonchamber.com • 805- 4341789 321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, CA 93465 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting

atascaderochamber.org • 805-4662044 6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, Atascadero, CA 93422

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

Templeton Chamber of Commerce

— 4 to 5:30 p.m., every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Pacific Premier Bank Conference Room on Las Tablas Blvd.

December 8 — “A Night in Narnia” Christmas Tree Auction and Dinner, 5:30 to 10 p.m., BarrelHouse Brewing Company, 3055 Limestone Way, Paso Robles. Templeton non-profits invite you to this black tie gala to advance their mission through donations raising awareness for their causes. Registration required for this event through templetonchamber.com.

colonymagazine.com | 31

EVENTS At

the

Library

Atascadero Library 6555 Capistrano, Atascadero • 805- 461-6161 Tuesday & Wednesday — 10:30 a.m., Preschool Story time for 1-5 year olds Friday — 10:30 a.m., Toddler Story time for 1-3 year olds Special Events December 1 — Family Movie, 2 to 4 p.m., Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis December 4 — Gems in the Stacks Book Discussion, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., open to adults December 5 — Craft Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., open to 6 to 12 year olds December 7 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 4:30 p.m., open to teens December 8 — Prince and Princess Tea Party, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., open to 4 to 10 year olds December 12 — Teen Manga Art, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m, open to 10 to 17 year olds December 14 — Folksongs of the Winter Holidays, 4 to 5 p.m., open to all ages December 15 — Lego Club, 2 to 3 p.m., open to ages 5 to12, registration required December 19 — Cardmaking with Suzy McBride, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., open to 10 to 17 year olds December 20 — Mixed Minds Book Club, 2:30

to 3:30 p.m., open to adults December 21 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 4:30 p.m., open to teens December 28 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 4:30 p.m., open to teens January 4 — Teen A-Town Create Space, 2 to 4:30 p.m., open to teens Paso Robles Library 1000 Spring St., Paso Robles • 805- 237-3870 Monday & Friday — 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Preschool Story time for 1-3 year olds Wednesday — 2:30 p.m., Grandparents & Books for kids of all ages Thursday — 10:30 a.m., Mother Goose on the Loose for ages 0-18 months Fridays — eBook Clinic with Patrick McCoy, 2 p.m., 2:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m., open to 16 and over. See Library Events Calendar for more information.

Special Events December 12 — Lego Build, 4 to 5 p.m., open to children Creston Library 6290 Adams, Creston • 805- 237-3010 No events for December

San Miguel Library 254 13th St, San Miguel • 805- 467-3224 December 4 — Crafty Wednesdays – Winter Holidays, 1 to 4 p.m., open to all ages December 12 — Crafty Wednesdays – Winter Holidays, 1 to 4 p.m., open to all ages December 4 — Crafty Wednesdays – Winter Holidays, 1 to 4 p.m., open to all ages Santa Margarita Library 9630 Murphy Ave, Santa Margarita • 805- 4385622 December 1 — Young People’s Reading Round Table, 4 to 5:30 p.m., open to 12 to 16 year olds December 4 — E-help at the Library, 1 to 3 p.m., open to all ages December 12 — Holiday Story Time and Craft, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., open to preschool age children January 5 — Young People’s Reading Round Table, 4 to 5:30 p.m., open to 12 to 16 year olds Shandon Library 195 N 2nd St, Shandon • 805- 237-3009 No events in December

Service Organizations American Legion Post 50 • 240 Scott St., Paso Robles • 805-239-7370 Commander John Irwin, 805-286-6187.

Hamburger Lunch — Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $5 Pancake Breakfast — third Saturday, 8-11 a.m., $6 Post Meeting — fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.

American Legion Post 220 • 805 Main Street, Templeton • 805-610-2708 Post Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 6 p.m.

Kiwanis International Atascadero — 7848 Pismo Ave. • 805-610-7229 Key Club — every Wednesday, 11:55 a.m.

Kiwanis Club — every Thursday, 7 a.m.

Paso Robles — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. (Culinary Arts Academy) Kiwanis Club — every Tuesday, 12 p.m.

Board Members — first Tuesday, 1 p.m.

Night Meeting — third Wednesday, 6 p.m., Su Casa Restaurant (2927 Spring St.)

Elks Lodge Atascadero Lodge 2733 • 1516 El Camino Real • 805-466-3557 Lodge Meeting — second and fourth Thursdays Paso Robles Lodge 2364 • 1420 Park Street • 805-239-1411 Lodge Meeting — first and third Wednesdays

Lions Club Atascadero Club #2385 • 5035 Palma Ave. Meeting — second and fourth Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Paso Robles Club 2407 • 1420 Park St. Meeting — second and fourth Tuesday, 7 p.m.

San Miguel Club 2413 • 256 13th St. Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Santa Margarita Club 2418 • 9610 Murphy St. Meeting — second and fourth Monday, 7:30 p.m.

Shandon Valley Club • 630-571-5466 Templeton Club 2427 • 601 Main St. • 805-434-1071 Meeting — first and third Thursday, 7 p.m.

El Paso de Robles Grange #555 • 627 Creston Rd. • 805-239-4100 Zumba — Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45 a.m.

Do Paso Square Dancers — second Thursday, 7-9 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast — second Sunday, 7:30-11 a.m., December 9 — Grange Meeting, 12 to 1 p.m.

Taking Care

of

Loyal Order of Moose Atascadero #2067 • 8507 El Camino Real • 805466-5121

Meeting — first and third Thursday, 6 p.m.

Bingo — first Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

Queen of Hearts — every Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Pool League — every Wednesday Paso Robles #243 • 2548 Spring St. • 805-239-0503 Visit mooseintl.org for more information Optimist Club Atascadero — dinner meetings second and fourth Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Outlaws Bar & Grill, 9850 E. Front Rd. or call 805-712-5090 Paso Robles — dinner meetings second and fourth Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Paso Robles Elks Lodge, 1420 Park St. Rotary International Atascadero — 9315 Pismo Ave. Meeting — every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Pavillion Paso Robles — Paso Robles Inn Ballroom 1103 Spring St., meeting — Thursdays at noon Paso Robles Sunrise — 1900 Golden Hill Rd. Meeting — Wednesdays, 7 a.m. at Culinary Arts Academy Templeton — 416 Main St. Meeting — first and third Tuesday, 7 a.m. at McPhee’s Grill

Business

North County Toast ‘N Talk Toastmasters — every Monday, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. 1101 Riverside Dr, Paso, 805-464-9229 Early But Worth It Chapter — Business Networking International — every Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Culinary Arts Academy, Paso, Visitors welcome, bniccc.com Business Networking International — every Wednesday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Cricket’s, 9700 El

32 | colonymagazine.com

Camino Real, #104, Atascadero. Visitors welcome, bniccc.com Above the Grade Advanced Toastmasters — first Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m. Kennedy Club Fitness, Paso, 805-238-0524, 930206.toastmastersclubs.org Partners in $uccess — Business Networking International —every Thursday, 7 to 8:30 a.m., Paso Robles Assn. of Realtors, 1101 Riverside Ave. Visitors welcome, bniccc.com

Speak Easy Toastmasters Club — every Friday, 12:10 to 1:15 p.m. Founders Pavilion, Twin Cities Community Hospital. 9797.toastmastersclubs. org. 805-237-9096 Coffee at the Carlton — For entrepreneurs and business leaders. Wednesdays at 9 am Carlton Hotel in Atascadero, for this free, open networking group to meet and learn from other business members and expand your local network.

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

EVENTS Clubs & Meetings Almond Country Quilters Guild Meeting — Holiday General Meeting, December 3, 6:30 p.m., Join us for refreshments, a gift exchange (handmade or store bought, spending limit of $15) and lots of fun for all. Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Rd, Paso Robles. Contact kajquilter@ gmail.com or lisajguerrero@msn.com, acqguild.com.

Coffee with a CHP — second Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest, 225 Main St., Templeton.

Exchange Club — second Tuesday, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at McPhee’s, 416 S. Main St., Templeton.

805-610-8096, exchangeclubofnorthslocounty.org Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 465 — second Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Paso Airport Terminal, 4900 Wing Way. Getting youth involved with aviation, EAA465.org North County Multiflora Garden Club — second Wednesday, 12 to 3 p.m. at PR Community Church, 2706 Spring St., Paso Robles, Public is welcome, no charge, guests welcome. Call 805-712-7820 or visit multifloragardenclub.org Monthly Dinner at Estrella Warbirds Museum — first and third Wednesday, 6 p.m., guest speakers.

805-296-1935 for dinner reservations, ewarbirds. org Paso Robles Democratic Club — third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Park, 600 Nickerson, White Oak Room. All meetings are open to the public.

For further info visit our Facebook page or visit pasoroblesdemocrats.org.

North County Newcomers — Deadline for the January 16 evening event at Studios On The Park, 1130 Pine St. Paso Robles, from 6 to 8 p.m. is January 8. Les Beck will be featured entertainment. Reservations are required and prepayment is encouraged. RSVP and additional info visit northcountynewcomers.org Active Senior Club of Templeton — first Friday, 10:30 a.m. at Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St. North County Women’s Connection Luncheon — December’s meeting will be held at the Templeton Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and themed, ‘Christmas Lights’. Judee Stapp will present on “The Gift That Keeps On Giving”. We will fill a tree with socks for the needy at ECHO. The cost is $12.00. Call JoAnn Pickering at 239-1096

by December 9th for reservations.

Active Senior Club of Templeton — first Friday, 10:30 a.m., Templeton Community Center, 601 S. Main St. Meetings include a presentation on relevant local issues, often followed by a luncheon.

Membership is $5 per year. Contact Templeton Recreation Department with questions. 805-4344909 North County Wines and Steins — first Friday of the month, 6 p.m. at Templeton American Legion Hall, 805 Main St. Meetings include wine and beer tasting, speaker or program and potluck. Visit winesandsteins.org for more information.

Central Coast Violet Society — second Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookdale Activity Room, 1919 Creston Road, Paso. Email Znailady1@aol. com with any questions.

Classic Car Cruise Night — second Saturday (weather permitting), 5 to 7 p.m. at King Oil Tools, 2235 Spring St., Paso. Contact Tony Ororato, 805712-0551 with any questions.

Daughters of the American Revolution — first Sunday. For time and place, email dmcpatriotdaughter@gmail.com.

Health & Wellness THE WELLNESS KITCHEN AND RESOURCE CENTER

1255 Las Tablas Rd., Templeton. Visit thewkrc.org, 805-434-1800 for information on Healing and Wellness Foods meal programs, volunteer opportunities, and classes.

The Wellness Kitchen suffered a loss when an electrical fire damaged the building they leased in Templeton. They are moving to a temporary location.

Please check their website for info, and support them through this transition with a tax-deductible donation!

theWKRC.org CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton provides support, education and hope. 805-238-4411. Cancer Support Helpline, 888-793-9355, 6 a.m.-6 p.m. PST. Visit cscslo.org for description of support groups, social events, education and kid’s programs.

The office will be closed from Monday, December 24, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS: December 5: Life Beyond Cancer, 11:30 a.m.; Art Time with Katie, 1:30 p.m.; December 12: Young Survivors Peer Gathering, 6 p.m. in Templeton; Kids Art Time, 6 p.m.; December 13: Advanced Cancer Support Group, 11 a.m.; December 14: Education: Winter Well-Being, 12 p.m.; December 20: Breast Cancer Support Group, 12 p.m.

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: MONDAY: Therapeutic Yoga at Dharma Yoga, 11:30 a.m.;

December 2018, COLONY Magazine

TUESDAY: Educational Radio Show, 1:00 p.m.; WEDNESDAY: Living with Cancer Support Group —Newly Diagnosed/Active Treatment, 10 a.m.; FRIDAY: 12/7 & 12/14-Grupo Fuerza y Esperanza, 6 p.m.

Healthy Lifestyle — Navigate with Niki-Thursdays by appointment, call 805-238-4411; Cancer Well-Fit® at Paso Robles Sports Club, Mondays and Thursdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., pre-registration is required with Kathy Thomas at kathythomas10@hotmail.com or 805-6106486.; Beautification Boutique offers products for hair loss and resources for mastectomy patients (knittedknockers.org).

SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT

Take Off Pounds Sensibly — every Monday, 6:30 p.m. at Community Church of Atascadero, 5850 Rosario,, basement room. 805-466-1697 or visit tops.org North County Overeaters Anonymous — every Monday, 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fireside Room, 940 Creston Rd., Paso, OA.org.

MOPS — Mothers of Pre-schoolers — first & third Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 940 Creston Road, Paso, Ashley Hazell, 805-459-6049, nocomops@gmail.com.

Chronic Pain Support Group — CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome), third Tuesdays, 5 to 6 p.m. at Rabobank, 1025 Las Tablas Rd, Templeton. Contact Suzanne Miller 805-704-5970 or email suzanne.miller@ymail.com.

North County Parkinson’s Support Group — third Tuesday, 1 p.m. at Templeton Presbyterian Church, 610 So. Main St. Info: Rosemary Dexter 805-466-7226.

Overeaters Anonymous Atascadero — every Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at California Manor, Past the Lobby and follow the signs, 10165 El Camino Real, Atascadero. Contact Irene 818-415-0353.

North County Prostate Cancer Support Group — third Thursday, 7 p.m. at Twin Cities Community Hospital Pavilion Room. Bill Houston 805-995-2254 or American Cancer Society 805-473-1748.

Lupus/Auto Immune Disorder Support Group — fourth Saturday, 10:30 a.m. at Nature’s Touch, 225 So. Main St., Templeton.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Sponsored by Hospice SLO, 805-544-2266, hospiceslo.org Bereaved Parents Group — every Tuesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Suicide Bereavement Support - fourth Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Meetings at RISE – Visit in person at 1030 Vine St., Paso Robles or call 805-226-5400 General Grief Support — every Wednesday, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Meeting at 517 13th Street, Paso. No cost, no pre-registration.

GriefShare — every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Fireside Room at Trinity Lutheran Church 940 Creston Road, Paso Robles.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Paso Robles City Council — first and third Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso Robles Library Conference Room, 1000 Spring Street Planning Commission — second and fourth Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. at the City of Paso Robles Library Conference Room, 1000 Spring Street Library Board of Trustees — second Thursday, 9 a.m. at City of Paso Robles Library, 1000 Spring Street Templeton (Community Service District Board of Directors — first and third Tuesday, 7 p.m. at 420 Crocker Street Atascadero Planning Commission — first and third Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue City Council — second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue

colonymagazine.com | 33

By Millie Drum

e have a master wood craftsman and a kind, thoughtful man in our midst: David Bouillez. He is a Key Grip/Gaffer in the film business and enjoys creative woodworking during his downtime. What makes David’s talent even more special is his poignant, tangible way of expressing his appreciation and sympathy to the families of men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and fellow citizens — The Memory Box.

The gift of a Memory Box honors a life given in service to others; allowing parents, relatives and friends to treasure the memory of those they’ve lost.

The inspiration for the Memory Box Project followed a somber evening TV news report on the casualties in the war in Afghanistan. David wanted to do something for the grieving families. Initially, he was inspired to use his woodworking and design talent to create keepsake boxes for the families of fallen soldiers.The project has since expanded to include firefighters, peace officers and first responders who have given their lives in service to others. A Memory Box is a special gift meant to be passed down through the generations. To date, 275 Memory Boxes have been shipped nationwide.

David’s childhood friend, Natalie Probert Kurtz says, “David is one of the finest. I’m proud of his talent. I’ve sponsored a few Memory Boxes and I hope others can find the means to donate 76 Gas Station.......................... 28 A Beautiful Face........................ 21 American West Tire Pros........... 11 Anna & Mom............................ 17 Arlyne’s Flowers....................... 09 Atascadero Greyhound Foundation ................................................. 25 Atascadero Pet Hospital........... 21 Awakening Ways...................... 15 Baby’s Babble........................... 09

Bella Jule Designs................... 17 Bijou......................................... 17 Bottom Line Bookkeeping....... 27 Branches of Wellness Acupuncture ................................................. 21 Brittni & Brynn Run.................. 35 CASA......................................... 28 Cassidy, Diane.......................... 05 Central Coast Medical Aesthetics ................................................. 02

34 | colonymagazine.com

to this fine cause. It brings some closure to families as they go through the healing process.”

“When I get a call or a thank you note from a family, it’s such a great feeling to know I’m doing something for someone and that they really appreciate it,” says David.

The demand is exceeding the donations, especially as the holiday season approaches.

To sponsor a Memory Box, donations in any amount are appreciated to cover the cost of materials, shipping and the growing demand.

The cherry wood used is salvaged and reclaimed whenever possible.

Every box is handcrafted with tongue and groove solid joinery and machine engraved with the fallen hero’s name and personal information. The brilliant pewter handles are made

by Notting Hill Decorative Hardware in Wisconsin; replicating the Iris flower; symbolizing the meeting of heaven and Earth.

Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation — EIN: 46-2166640, that relies on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations. As the holiday season is particularly poignant for families, join David in showing your respect and gratitude by donating or fully sponsoring one or more Memory Boxes.

Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Fallen Soldier Memorabilia Boxes, Inc., 179 Niblick Rd., #439, Paso Robles, CA 93446 or online at memoryboxproject.org. Click ‘DONATE’.

To host a fundraising event or help in any way, contact David at 805-221-5087 (Shop) or 415806-9064 (Cell) or Pat at 805-239-1372. Email, contact@memoryboxproject.org.

DIRECTORY TO OUR ADVERTISERS

Cuesta College......................... 26 Farron Elizabeth....................... 17 Five Star Rain Gutters............... 05 Foss Electric.............................. 16 Foss Farms................................ 22 Frontier Floors.......................... 29 Funky Wonderland.................. 17 Glenn’s Repair.......................... 08 Greg Malik RE Group............... 07

Healthy Inspirations................. 21 Hearing Aid Specialists of the Central Coast............................ 03 Heather Desmond Real Estate.09 Hope Chest Emporium............ 17 John Donovan State Farm Insurance and Financial Services..... 20 Las Tablas Animal Hospital....... 29 LivHOME.................................. 15

Honoring a Fallen Soldier

THE MEMORY BOX POEM “How does one choose what it will hold?

For future stories to be told?

A letter, a ribbon, a picture or two?

How do I choose the memory of you?

You were so brave — right to the end.

You weren’t just a soldier.

You were my best friend.

There’s so much to tell of the life you had.

Your courage and strength — so much could be said.

To honor your memory is easy to do.

I place inside here sweet memories of you.

Your legacy lives on for others to see.

A medal, a letter? Inside it will be.

How does one choose what this box will hold — for future stories to be told?”

Written by the proud mother of Fallen Soldier SGT Amanda Older-Downing May 30, 1986 – January 11, 2011

Lube N Go................................ 21 Luke’s Episcopal Church........... 09 Natural Alternative................... 08 Odyssey World Cafe................. 16 Reverse Mortgage Pros ........... 12 Robert Fry, M.D......................... 22 San Luis Obispo County Office of Education................................. 23 Señor Sanchos......................... 05 Sixteen Twenty......................... 17

Solarponics.............................. 07 Spice of Life.............................. 09 Sue Hubbard - Farmers Insurance ................................................. 12 Templeton Door & Trim............ 09 The Carlton Hotel..................... 11 The Laundromat....................... 15 Triple 7 Motorsports................. 11 Triple 7 Tractor.......................... 07 Whit’s Turn Tree Service........... 15

COLONY Magazine, December 2018

INA UG RACURAL E

#1

Brynn & Brittni Frace’s Memorial

2019 Running Chicken 10K & Fun Run JANUARY

6

Fundraiser for Scholarships, Athletic Equipment and Community Connectivity

Run4Bitti&Brynn

Lake Santa Margarita, SLO County Race Starts at 9:00 am Sunday, January 6, 2019

$35

Brynn & Bitti were sisters, best friends and dedicated runners who ran with passion and friends. They were selfless, authentic and full of joy. A Memorial Athletic Scholarship as well as an Athletic Shoe Donation program would be just the thing they would support.

Brynn & Bitti wanted everyone to find their Inner Chicken. What does being a chicken mean? To them it meant living each day with: Courage, Commitment, Loyalty, Dancing, Spontaneity, Acceptance, Fun and Running with Passion.

INFORMATION & REGISTRATION AT: RUN4BITTIANDBRYNN.ORG

Independent Independent locally-owned locally-owned businesses businesses rreecciirrccu ullaattee aa ffaarr g grreeaatteerr percentage percentage of of revenue revenue locally locally On average

48% of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculate locally* compared to around 13% of purchases at non-local businesses.

That is almost 4x as much Buying Power, and the Gift that Keeps on Giving All Year Long!

Advertise in LOCAL publications, supporting LOCAL business and KEEP YOUR MONEY LOCAL.

Keeping it local creates more local wealth and jobs.

Plus, Plus, no no other other publications publications deliver deliver uplifting, uplifting, quality, quality, and and supportive supportive content content to to everyone everyone in in the the community community ... ... period. period.

*Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics