CVLUX JUN 2024

MEN of INFLUENCE

AN INTRO TO GRILLING & SMOKING

FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE

FAVORITE LOCAL GOLF COURSES

SUMMERTIME

SOCIAL CALENDAR FROM DAD BOD TO FATHER FIGURE

JOSE FONTES

HIS JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

Offering a large assortment of pre-owned luxury goods, specializing in handbags, timepieces, certified loose diamonds, estate and bridal jewelry. Every purchase comes with a 100% lifetime authenticity guarantee, and a 14 day no-questions-asked return policy. Come in and experience all the brands we love from Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and so much more!

Buy from us: Financing is available subject to credit approval, and a 10-month layaway program is offered.

Sell to us: Visit us for a no-obligation offer on your luxury goods, with immediate payment.

18

AROUND TOWN

June officially kicks of the summer season, and with it comes a community calendar full of family-friendly activities around town.

22

2025 LUXURY AWARDS

It’s back! We’re gearing up for the 2025 Luxury Awards. Get a first look at the when and where details, how to nominate your Central Valley favorites, as well as a menu preview.

52 UNDER THE STARS

United Health Centers Foundation held their annual spring event “Under the Stars” at Holland Park West for the benefit of pediatric care at United Health Centers.

54

FARM TO FIDDLE DINNER PARTY 2024

For the third year now, the Fresno Philharmonic hosted what has become perhaps their most beloved event, which is a celebration of music and food.

56

SAINT AGNES CASINO NIGHT 2024

The Men’s Club brought the community together to raise money for Saint Agnes Medical Center with their yearly casino-themed fundraiser.

58

THE ANI GUILD ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

The goal of this year’s Spring Luncheon was to garner support and funds for The Vineyards’ new “Ani Daily Scoop” ice-cream shop at California Armenian Home.

60

31ST ANNUAL FIESTA DE LOS NIÑOS

Exceptional Parents Unlimited made Fiesta de los Niños happen in spite of a last-minute weather setback that caused the organization to move the party indoors.

62

FRESNO VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR 2024

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s largest campaign culminated with the recognition of the highest-earning participants at Table Mountain Casino Resort.

DEPARTMENTS

24 SMOKE & FLAMES

If you’re new to barbeque, this feature is for you. This introduction to smoking and grilling meats is a crash course from Cassi Maxey that’ll inspire you to get cooking in your backyard.

28

PAR FOR THE COURSE

Looking to hit more greens? Here’s a round-up of some of the Central Valley’s favorite golf courses that will leave you eager to get out and explore the plethora of places to play.

34

TACKLING THE DAD BOD

Just because you’re a dad doesn’t mean you’ve got to have the stereotypical body of one. Wave “bye-bye” to the “Dad Bod” with health and fitness tips from local trainer Austin Naes.

For the June Edition, CVLUX features Jose Fontes for the Men of Influence Issue.

40

CROSSROADS TO SUCCESS

On this cover, Jose Fontes opens up about his personal success story, how his turbulent upbringing played a vital role in his outlook, and the crossroads he faced to now be living the life he always dreamed of with his family in Fresno.

48

PRESENTS FOR POP

For those still on the hunt for the perfect present for June 16th, this Father’s Day gift guide has local item recommendations for every type of father figure in your life.

64

COSTARS

Horoscopes show how Pluto is encouraging progressive exploration and innovation while Gemini is in the sky.

Welcome to the Issue

Men of Influence

Men of Substance

For this Men of Influence cover, Jose Fontes shares about his journey to success while revealing the crossroads he faced along the way to living the life of his dreams in the Central Valley (page 40). The 2025 Luxury Awards are back, and this is the place to discover the inside scoop (page 22). Social Affair includes coverage of Under the Stars (page 52), Farm to Fiddle Dinner Party 2024 (page 54), Saint Agnes Casino Night 2024 (page 56), The Ani Guild Annual Spring Luncheon (page 58), the 31st Annual Fiesta de los Niños (page 60), and Fresno Visionaries of the Year 2024 (page 62) Summer is officially here, and so is a community calendar full of events for June (page 18). Speaking of favorite summertime activities, there’s a crash course on smoking and grilling for those new to barbeque (page 24). If you’re looking to hit the greens more, this round-up of Central Valley golf courses will get you even more excited to play (page 28). Tackling the infamous “Dad Bod” has never need easier thanks to this these health and fitness tips (page 34). For Dad’s Day gift picks, check out our guide with local recommendations featuring something for every father figure (page 48). Costars spotlights Gemini (page 64).

Live the Dream

What do you want out of your life? How do you see your future? No matter what we desire, life has a way of throwing factors our way that influence our trajectory. Yet, how we deal with life is what truly shapes our destiny, our dreams. Whatever your dream may be, go live it.

DAVID MANNING Publisher, Sole Owner

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director LAUREN BARISIC Health & Fitness Contributor AUSTIN NAES Astrologer SHARI SCHOPP

ART

Design Director PHENG MOUA Graphic Designer SAMANTHA DEATHERAGE

Contributing Photographers CHRISTOPHER BROWN, DON DIZON, NOAH EWERT, KT KIM, ELLIE KOLEEN

MONSERRATH VARGAS, ROY VISSERS, RICARDO VIVEROS, JESUS SEPULVEDA, COPPER RIVER COUNTRY CLUB, EAGLE SPRINGS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, DRAGONFLY GOLF CLUB, FIELDHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY, FRESNO COIN GALLERY, FRESNO GRIZZLIES, JANZEN BRANDS, KENDYL DAY PHOTOGRAPHY, THE KENNY SHOW, MATLYN MAE PHOTOGRAPHY, OXOTIC FRESNO, PATRICK JAMES ROOT CREATIVE MARKETING, SAN JOAQUIN COUNTRY CLUB, SERENITY SPRINGS UNITED HEALTH CENTERS CREATIVE TEAM and WILD SOL PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS

Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH

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CVLUX is published twelve times a year by Modern Living Publishing LLC, 7797 N. First St. #172, Fresno CA, 93720. Copyright 2014 by Modern Living Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Every effort has been made to ensure the information within this publication is complete and accurate at the time of publication. CVLUX does not warrant such accuracy or the claims of its advertisers. All materials, articles, reports, original artwork, and photos published in this magazine are the property of Modern Living Publishing LLC and cannot be used or reproduced without permission in writing. Modern Living Publishing LLC is not responsible for the opinions expressed within the publication. Prices quoted in advertisements are subject to change without notice.

Donald P. Dick congratulates Spencer Enterprises, Inc.

48 Years of Commercial & Residential Construction in the Central Valley

For Spencer Enterprises building commercial and residential buildings is a passionand one that all of us at Donald P. Dick have witnessed first-hand. We appreciate the thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship Spencer Enterprises builds into every project over our 48 years of working together.

From all of us at Donald P. Dick, we thank Spencer Enterprises for building a better Central Valley community!

Contributors

Men of Influence

Don Dizon Photographer

Don is a portrait and still-life photographer based on Fresno, California. He was a nursing major from Fresno City College, and while waiting to get in the nursing program, he continued to take photography classes. There he fell completely in love with photography. Capturing the right moment only takes one shot. But it is much more than that! You need to have the right lighting, angle, and expression to get the perfect photograph. Over the years, Don has mastered the art of capturing the moment.

Austin Naes

Health & Fitness Contributor

Austin is a Navy veteran, personal trainer, and ultra-marathon runner, as well as the owner of BODY Fitness & Spa, a private boutique gymin North Fresno. His career in fitness started in the Navy, where he served as a Command Fitness Leader. Following Austin’s military service, he earned a BS in Business Entrepreneurship from Fresno State. He remains dedicated to his community, participating in charity initiatives, and assisting individuals in achieving their fitness objectives through nutrition and physical exercise.

Samuel Haworth

Groomer & Stylist

Samuel is the owner of Studio Shadows and Dust (S.A.D.) located in Fresno, which he opened in October 2021. He has been a licensed cosmetologist since 2016 and specializes in men’s hair and style. His passion is to take care of his clients, helping them feel and look their best. Samuel’s goal is to create a space focused on embracing one’s creativity and increasing self-confidence, which is exactly what his salon in North Fresno offers everyone who walks through its doors.

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15 Miles of Trails Walk T o Hillside s c H ool (T k - 8)

l ive Music s eries

16 , 000 Trees o nsi T e

LIVING IN THE NATIONAL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR MAKES EVERY DAY BETTER.

There’s miles of trails for hiking and biking, and a dynamic school kids can walk or bike to. You can kick back with neighbors at events with live entertainment, or catch up with a friend over a latte in the town center. Not to mention working out and hanging out at the Ranch House— our award-winning, resort-style clubhouse. Living your best life is a big, worthwhile undertaking. It begins by putting one great day after another. And this is the place to start.

LUX locale

Community Calendar

JUNE

Around Town

June 1st

Lauren Farris & Trent Barry in Concert

Visalia Fox Theatre

www.foxvisalia.org

For one night, the Visalia Fox Theatre will be full of music like you’ve never heard before. The Wurlitzer organ from under the stage is being resurrected and brought back to its full glory. Lauren’s crystal coloratura voice will be accompanied by Trent’s masterful playing in performing pieces from the silver screen, oratorio, opera, and more. Tickets range from $15 to $55.

June 1st and 2nd Boléro Blowout

Fresno Philharmonic Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall

www.fresnophil.org

The Fresno Phil’s final concert of 2023-2024 season wraps with the Daniel R. Martin Masterworks Series and will feature pianist Joyce Yang, who will perform Samuel Barber’s titanic Piano Concerto. Gershwin’s An American in Paris pairs beautifully with Ravel’s Boléro, which draws inspiration from the rhythms of the fandango and the factory. Single tickets are available.

June 6th

69th Annual Awards

Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Visalia Fox Theatre www.visaliachamber.org

For over 60 years, the Visalia Chamber of Commerce has recognized the community for all the good it does. This year’s Annual Awards event includes Small, Medium, Large, and Non-Profit of the Year honors. The Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards distinguish local individuals who have served Visalia in impactful ways over an extended period of time.

June 6th

Brooks & Dunn: REBOOT

2024 Tour

Save Mart Center

www.savemartcenter.com

Country superstars Brooks & Dunn are bringing their REBOOT 2024 Tour, produced by Live Nation, to the Save Mart Center with David Lee Murphy and ERNEST as supporting acts. This is one of 20 show dates across the USA and Canada, where their undeniable energy will be on stage. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or at the Save Mart Center Box Office.

June 8th

Rainbow Family Day

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

www.fresnochaffeezoo.org

Kick off Pride Month at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo by helping to celebrate Rainbow Family Day. Activities will be scattered throughout the Zoo, such as a dance party, story time, hands–on crafts, and more. This event is free with the cost of Zoo general admission and will include family fun crafts, entertainment, local food vendors, and community resource booths.

June 10th to 14th, 17th to 21th, & 24th to 28th

Summer 2024 Art Academy

Fresno Art Museum

www.fresnoartmuseum.org

June holds the first three of FAM’s five Summer 2024 Art Academy visual art workshops for kids and teens. Students will explore the elements of art and how they apply to the principles of design through a variety of media in all of these workshops. Each week has a different morning and afternoon program slated for children ages 8 to 15, who may do either a full or half day.

June 11th to 15th

Miss California 2024

Centennial Celebration

Miss California Organization

Visalia Convention Center

www.misscalifornia.org

Miss California kicks of its centennial celebration with five nights of competition. Each evening hosts a different component, leading up to Miss California Centennial Finals on the final night, when the new Miss California 2024 will be crowned. A Season Ticket is $235 for all five nights, or single night tickets can be purchased for $50 to $75 each.

PIANIST JOYCE YANG WILL BE PERFORMING WITH THE FRESNO PHILHARMONIC IN JUNE. PHOTOGRAPHER KT KIM

“DISCOVER MORE WITH EVERY CLICK”

LUX locale

Community

Calendar

JUNE

Around Town

June 14th

Smokey Robinson

Saroyan Theatre events.fresnoconventioncenter.com

Experience the legendary Smokey Robinson live in concert at the Saroyan Theatre. With a career spanning over four decades, Robinson’s influence in music is unparalleled, and he continues to captivate audiences around the world with his soulful melodies and impeccable talent. VIP “Meet N Greet” packages are available for this unforgettable night of timeless classics.

June 15th

Anthony Jeselnik: Bones and All Saroyan Theatre events.fresnoconventioncenter.com

Prepare for an evening of side-splitting laughter thanks to the uproarious performance of acclaimed stand-up comedian Anthony Jeselnik. Renowned for his Netflix specials, podcast, and Comedy Central roasts, Jeselnik is a comedic force and this is your chance to experience his latest comedy special, Fire in the Maternity Ward, live on stage.

June 21st

2024 Central Valley Heart & Stroke Ball

American Heart Association

Pardini’s www.heart.org

This year’s Central Valley Heart & Stroke Ball will celebrate the organization’s centennial anniversary. Black tie and red dress is recommended. The Heart of Central Valley Heart & Stroke Ball unites supporters with a shared purpose to raise the critical funds needed to ensure their work continues.

June 21st to August 4th

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged Good Company Players 2nd Space Theatre www.2ndspacetheatre.com

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged is a fast-paced romp-through of the Bard’s plays. This live stage show was London’s longest-running comedy. Come join these men in tights as they weave their way through all of Shakespeare’s works in this rated PG-13 performance. Tickets are $22 to $25.

June 22nd

Ice Cream Zoofari Fresno Chaffee Zoo www.fresnochaffeezoo.org

Producers Ice Cream Zoofari, celebrating 31 years of adventure, will let attendees satisfy their sweet cravings with unlimited sample tastings at ice cream stations throughout the Zoo. Included will be sherbets, frozen yogurt, floats, and sundaes. Guests may also cool off in the water paly area and get the latest scoop on their favorite animals. Tickets range from $17 to $25.

June 22nd

Rainbow Run 2024

The Source LGBT+ Center Mooney Grove Park www.thesourcelgbt.org

Lace up your walking shoes for a 5K run and walk to raise awareness and funds in support of The Source LGBT+ Center this Pride Month. Formerly known as Pride Walk, Rainbow Run is a fundraiser for the organization’s programs and HIV services. The registration fee is $45 and includes a T-shirt, race timing, bib, and finishing medal.

June 29th

One Night in Memphis Visalia Fox Theatre www.foxvisalia.org

One Night in Memphis honors a evening in rock and roll history. On December 4th, 1965, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Pressley, and Johnny Cash all happened to be at Sam Phillips Sun Records studio in Memphis, which resulted in an impromptu jam session that later headlined as the “Million Dollar Quartet.” This show pays homage to the occasion. Ticket prices are $45 to $55.

THE HEART OF CENTRAL VALLEY HEART & STROKE BALL KICKS OFF THE AHA’S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. PHOTOGRAPHER JESUS SEPULVEDA

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SMOKE &flames

An Introduction to Smoking and Grilling Meat

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic

Summer is the quintessential season to fire up the grill. Yet this favorite summer dining experience is a relatively new pastime. Modern barbecue has transformed into a culinary art, evolving beyond its origins as a method of food preservation and preparation. Smoking was a means of preserving meat long before the invention of refrigerators. Cooking over an open flame was a necessity before the advent of gas and electric stoves. Today, smoking and grilling are about taste and texture as opposed to prolonging shelf-life. For those seeking to better understand and practice the art of cooking with smoke and flames, Cassi Maxey, one of the owners of The Meat Up in Fresno, shares some insight.

Firstly, what differentiates smoking from grilling?

“In general, grilling means to cook over a fire, usually on high heat, for a shorter period of time,” Cassi begins. “Smoking is done over low heat for a longer period of time. The cooking is actually done from the smoke produced, adding a different flavor to the meat.” However, this is only the beginning. To further break down these methods, it’s important to note that “there are different types of grills, i.e., gas, electric, charcoal; there are different types of smokers, i.e., pellet, electric, real wood.”

Several variables play into which method is used, and time is a chief factor with both smoking and grilling. “Smoking is a ‘low and slow’ method of cooking. In most cases, you are looking at five-plus hours of cooking time. While it is a longer time investment, most of that time is not intensive—you’re just letting the meat slowly cook in the smoke,” explains Cassi. “Grilling is a much faster method. You are going to use high temperatures upwards of 400-500 degrees. However, that means

you have to be really attentive during that short period of time”

The equipment needs for smoking versus grilling are distinctly different. “There are a variety of types of smokers on the market,” Cassi acknowledges. However, “it’s relatively easy to DIY a barrel smoker. You’re just trying to enclose the meat in something to cook the meat in the smoke created from the heat. There are also stovetop or grill top smokers that are smaller and can be used in conjunction with your other cooking apparatuses.”

When deciding on a type of grill, having a firm grasp of the chief characteristics desired is essential. That’s where skill level comes into play. “Charcoal grilling is done over charcoal coals. These coals will add a distinct flavor to the meat, whereas gas grilling provides a more ‘clean’ product that doesn’t alter the flavor of the meat,” explains Cassi. “Charcoal does take some skill to and nuance to adjust the temperature based on how you stack the coals. Gas grills are very simple to operate and are relatively easy to adjust temperature,” making them an ideal introduction for those just beginning their grilling journey.

There are a couple of ways that novices can approach grilling. “It might be easier to start grilling meats that are simple and inexpensive, and take less skill. For example, burgers, hot dogs, sausages, maybe even a tri-tip, are good staple items to start with.”

However, for nice cuts of beef, Cassi recommends a different tactic. “For steak grilling, I would suggest buying a higher quality piece of meat. When you start with a quality cut, your chances of ‘messing it up’ are much lower. They are just going to be more forgiving for less experienced grillers.”

Both smoking and grilling can enhance or treat any cut. “Larger and tougher pieces of meat are more suited to smoking methods. They often contain more fat that needs time to render down and tenderize the meat,” Cassi justifies. “Some pieces of meat that are ideal for smoking include pork shoulder, ribs, chuck roast, briskets. These large, tough pieces of meat will become extremely soft and pull apart. The smoke also gives them a deep, rich, and unique flavor.” In contrast, “leaner meats, such as steaks, do much better on the grill,” says Cassi. “With leaner meats, a really hot grill also forms a crust on the outside of the meat while keeping the inside tender.”

Seasonings and marinades should be adapted according to the method and the palate. “Seasoning is often a matter of taste,” admits Cassi. “For example, I love a steak simply seasoned with salt and pepper so that I can taste the beefy flavor of the steak itself. Marinating meats adds flavor, helps to tenderize the meat, and keeps it from drying out. This is helpful to leaner meats like chicken breast, beef sirloin kebabs, or even pork chops. Adding seasoning to smoking can help to form a crust on the outside of the meat that is often prized in smoking circles. Here you can add your own preference for flavors, including sweetness with brown sugar or heat from something like cayenne.”

Smoking and grilling styles are seemingly endless, though a few are especially recognizable. The use of pellet, electric, or real wood makes a difference. The country’s region is also highly influential, “though this often is just a difference in seasonings used,” clarifies Cassi. “For example, smoking in Texas or St. Louis will differ mostly in the flavors used for seasoning and barbeque sauces.” California has its own style, too. “California BBQ or smoking is often known for the ‘Santa Maria style’ that originated on the Central Coast. This usually involves tri-tip seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, smoked over native oak from that area. Local salsas are usually added to the tri-tip or tri-tip sandwiches, giving them their own unique flavor profile.”

Whatever your taste and process preferences, what goes on the barbeque or in the smoker will undeniably be unique to you. Summer may be BBQ season, but in California, any day is a good day to utilize these outdoor cooking methods. These beg doers to slow down and savor the journey of bringing the purest of ingredients together, thanks to the culinary magic created by smoke and flames. Whether you’re camping, glamping, spending a day lakeside, on a boat, by the shore, or in your backyard, be inspired to experiment and perfect this pastime!

559-432-3200 www.facilitydesigns.com

Par for the Course

What originated from a game of using a bent stick to hit a pebble over sand dunes and around tracks has evolved into the tenth most popular sport in the world. It’s widely accepted that early golf first took form on the eastern coast of Scotland in an area near the royal capital of Edinburgh during the 15th century. From the start, it was an infectious pastime—stories of soldiers neglecting military training in pursuit of golf led the Scottish parliament under King James II to ban the sport in 1457, though this was to no avail. King James IV became the world’s first golfing monarch and his endorsement lead to its rapid spread across 16th-century Europe. King Charles I brought the game to England while Mary Queen of Scots did the same in France during her time there—the term “caddie” is actually derived from “cadets”, the name of her French military aides. Golf expanded along with the might of the British Empire though the 19th century, especially with society’s elite. Yet the Industrial Revolution is largely why golf is so popular today—railroads allowed ordinary people to explore beyond the confines of their hometowns for the first time, and, consequently, golf clubs began popping up around the country and new mass production methods made manufacturing clubs and balls affordable for the average person. Today, it’s the sport that can be played anywhere, by anyone, during any time of the year. Here’s a round-up of some of the Central Valley’s favorite places to play golf.

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic

Eagle Springs

21722 Fairway Oaks Lane, Friant, CA 93626

559.325.8900

Eagle Springs’ award-winning course is a natural masterpiece. Having opened in 1990, it quickly grabbed the attention and respect of Valley golfers with its top ten ranking by California Golf. It has been hailed as one of the most spectacular courses in California, and now sits within view of the stunning new Table Mountain Casino Resort. Members may play any day of the week and can take advantage of a pro-shop and café on-site with beautiful views of the foothills in Friant.

Photo courtesy of Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club

LUX locale

Golf Course Round-Up

Copper River Country Club

2140 East Clubhouse Drive, Fresno, CA 93730

559.434.5200

Copper River Country Club is the crown jewel of this upscale, master-planned community. The golf course was completed in 1995, when it opened to members and their guests for spring play and is arguably Fresno’s most renowned country club experience. Set in the undulating terrain of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the course features water on 9 of the 18 holes and no two fairways are parallel. Restaurant and cantina dining options are available, as is a pro shop.

Photo courtesy of Copper River Country Club

Golf & Country Club

LUX locale

Golf Course Round-Up

San Joaquin Country Club

3484 West Bluff Avenue, Fresno, CA 93711

559.439.3484

San Joaquin Country Club, a private club with a tradition of excellence since 1961, is located in the heart of Central California. Unlike any course in the region, 18 dramatic holes meander along the bluffs of the San Joaquin River. The clubhouse provides spectacular views of the Sierra Nevadas and stunning sunsets. The club also features full amenities including a practice area, driving range, and dining options. The Turn and The Playpen are designed specifically for golfers as quick food stops.

Photo courtesy of San Joaquin Country Club

Dragonfly Golf Club

43369 Avenue 12, Madera, CA 93636

559.432.3020

Dragonfly Golf Club is Madera’s premier place to play golf and is California’s longest course from the back tee. Having opened in 1999 just north of Fresno, it boasts no houses around, no traffic in earshot, and no parallel fairways. Open to all, this public facility also includes a fully-grassed, shaded driving range. Wings Grill offers guests a simple and affordable menu with on-course delivery. Take advantage of teaching professionals as well as club fittings there.

Photo courtesy of Dragonfly Golf Club

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEM

LUCKVINDER “LUCKY” MALHI, VP, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, COMMUNITY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

FRESNO,

CALIFORNIA

The Valley’s Employer of Choice

As the Chief Operating Officer of the only Level I Trauma Center between Sacramento and LA, I stay busy. Emergency medicine isn’t the only thing happening at Community Regional. We deliver 3,700 babies, perform more than 15,000 surgeries, and do 112,000 cardiac procedures each year. I do my best to keep things running smoothly and ensure we’re always ready for whatever comes next.

WHAT SETS MY COMPANY APART

Community Regional Medical Center is just one part of Community Health System, which cares for this region in so many ways. Our commitment to medical education, growing the next generation of healthcare workers, and collaborating with other organizations to better the lives of those we serve are some of the things I’m most proud of.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY PROFESSION

Above all, I appreciate my fellow Community team members, who work day in and day out to serve our Valley. They are some of the hardest working individuals I know, and inspire me with all they do. Their expertise and compassion are unmatched.

THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE MY COMPANY

I’ll give you four words. They’re Community’s values and exemplify what our organization stands for: Humanity (to do right by all people), Duty (it’s our calling to teach and serve), Excellence (we’ll never stop trying to improve) and Ingenuity (we find solutions, even when it means forging new paths).

Lucky Malhi, VP, Chief Operating Officer, Community Regional Medical Center

TACKLING THE DAD BOD

Health

& Fitness Contributor Austin Naes

Photographer Roy Vissers

Attention, dads! If the notorious “Dad Bod” has caught up with you, it’s time to act! Yes, I’m talking to you—you there with the remote in hand. Go ahead and put it aside.

Now that I have your full attention, let’s dive in. Life gets hectic with family commitments and work demands, and one fine day, you catch a glimpse of your midsection resembling Half Dome in the mirror. Hey, it happens, not only to you but to millions of dads around the world. But now, it’s time to tackle it head-on.

First off, let’s think about how we ended up here. Back in college, our metabolism was in high gear, and hitting the gym was almost a daily ritual. But then, with life piling on responsibilities, our metabolism decided to take a break. What was once an hour of sweating it out at the gym has now morphed into passively unwinding before the TV with a beer or glass of wine. But here’s the silver lining: that drive is still there, and your inner powerhouse is waiting to be unleashed. No matter where you are, it’s time to get started!

Before rushing out to sign up for a gym membership, there’s a crucial step for you to take. If this isn’t committed to from the start, everything else could fall apart. Ready? Health and fitness need to be made a priority in our lives—they deserve an equal spot on the list with family and work. Don’t shove them to the back burner—take it from me. I repeat, health and fitness need to be a priority. Now, with this commitment in place, let’s start carving out time from our schedules.

Here’s my golden rule: 5 hours of exercise a week. That’s all it takes. With 168 hours in a week, carving out just 5 for exercise should be a breeze. No excuses! But let’s say your schedule is truly tight—almost impossibly so. My fitness mantra then becomes, join the early morning workout crew. If you normally wake up at 6:00AM to prepare for work, make it 5:00AM at the gym, or even 4:30AM. It might sound tough at first, but once you start an early morning routine, your body will adapt. Plus, working out first thing in the morning brings fantastic benefits, like increased energy, reduced fatigue, better focus, decreased stress, and improved sleep.

Having outlined a workout schedule, it’s crucial to overhaul eating habits. Thankfully, a wealth of meal-planning resources is available online. Steer clear of fad diets like keto, paleo, and Atkins, as they aren’t sustainable for the long haul and may pose health risks. Instead, focus on balancing

the key food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. This ensures that your body receives the vitamins and minerals it needs, particularly for your workouts. You need not delve deep into nutrition science—here are the key takeaways:

• Try to eat every 2-3 hours, depending on when you feel hungry.

• Organize your daily intake into three smaller meals and 1-3 snacks.

• Plan for meals consisting of 40% protein, 40% carbohydrates, and 20% fats. This balance ensures that your body uses the whole meal for energy, rather than hoarding it as fat.

• Reserve the bulk of your carbohydrates for breakfast.

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake after 5:00PM.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

• Embrace greens like kale, spinach, and broccoli.

• Be sure to include protein with every meal, especially right after your workout.

• Limit alcohol to 1-2 glasses a week.

Eating a diverse range of nutritious foods is vital to a successful diet. Try incorporating a variety of recipes and meals so you don’t get bored. Planning and meal prepping are crucial. Look up some simple recipes online and use your day off for grocery shopping. Divide your meals into containers for the next day to stick to your plan and reduce the temptation to stray from your diet. Importantly, don’t indulge “cheat binges” in the fond hope of compensating for them later—you never will. I usually prepare two or three types of meals, so I’m not eating the same monotonous thing all day. Life is short, and we should enjoy our food and drink, but moderation is key. Once we establish a dedicated workout routine and improve our eating habits, you’ll find that the pot belly starts shrinking in no time. I promise!

With a revamped diet and schedule tailored to include regular exercise, it’s time to focus on the type of training you need. The decision between cardiovascular exercises and strength training hinges on our goals. If we aim to shed body fat and build lean muscle, incorporating both is essential. Cardio is fantastic for quickly burning calories, but its effects on metabolism are short-lived, once you step off the treadmill. Strength training, on the other hand, not only burns calories but also boosts your metabolism long after you finish, as your body works to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. So, when we hit the sack after a good strength session, our bodies continue to work, repairing the muscle damage, and thereby enhancing our metabolism.

I suggest a weekly workout routine that includes about 80% strength training and 20% cardiovascular exercise. For strength training, target two major muscle groups in each session. For instance, one day could be dedicated to your back and shoulders, another to your chest and abdominals, and another to your arms and legs. It’s crucial to allow at least 48 hours of rest between workouts for these muscle groups to fully recover. Why is this rest so important? Our bodies grow stronger during recovery, not while we’re actively working out. Think of it like a lizard regrowing a lost tail—it needs time to rest so its tissues can regenerate.

Concerning strength training, I recommend performing three sets of 8 to 10 repetitions each. A set consists of the total number of repetitions, and a repetition is one complete movement of an exercise. It’s crucial to maintain full control of the weight throughout, and the last few reps should be challenging but doable. If you find yourself struggling to complete more than half of your reps, it’s a sign to lighten the weight. A great way to structure your workout is to create a circuit of 3 to 4 different exercises and complete three rounds of this circuit. This can be a bit confusing at first, so the example tables here show how it might look in a typical workout routine that can be performed at most local gyms.

Consistency is key. Results don’t appear overnight—it takes weeks or months of dedicated effort. This isn’t just about exercising; it’s about embracing a lifestyle change. Everything worthwhile in life takes time and effort. Start small by making incremental adjustments to your routine, easing gradually into this new healthful habit. Remember to commit to at least 5 hours of exercise each week, eat from all the major food groups daily, and combine strength training with cardiovascular exercises in your fitness regimen. Once you begin to see and feel the results, your motivation will naturally increase. That’s when the real enjoyment of working out takes hold. And remember dads, your kids are watching and learning from you. This is your chance to set a positive, healthy example and teach them the importance of self-care from a young age. Now that you know how to achieve your fitness goals, the next step—the all-important one—is to act. Let’s hit the gym and work off that Dad Bod. You’ve got this!

EXAMPLE CIRCUIT 1

BACK & SHOULDERS

CIRCUIT A

CIRCUIT B

CIRCUIT C

EXERCISE 1

SHOULDER PRESS LATERAL RAISES FRONTAL RAISES

EXERCISE 2

SEATED LOW ROW LAT PULLDOWN REVERSE FLY

EXERCISE 3

BACK EXTENSION PLANK: 40 SEC

CABLE TORSO ROTATION

EXERCISE 4

RUN: 40 SEC ROW: 200 METERS BURPEES

CIRCUIT D BATTLE ROPES: 5 ROUNDS OF 30 SECONDS WORK/30 SECONDS REST

CHEST & ABDONIMALS

CIRCUIT A

CIRCUIT B

CIRCUIT C

EXERCISE 1

EXAMPLE CIRCUIT 2

DUMBBELL CHEST PRESS

DUMBBELL INCLINE CHEST PRESS

EXERCISE 2

FLUTTERKICKS: 40 SEC

BICYCLE CRUNCHES: 40 SEC

DUMBBELL CHEST FLY

STANDING SIDE BEND W/ WEIGHT

EXERCISE 3

DECLINE SIT-UPS

EXERCISE 4

ASSAULT BIKE: .25 MILES

LEG RAISES: 40 SEC

SLED PUSH: 40 SEC

DUMBBELL SERVE

WEIGHTED BALL SLAMS

CIRCUIT D 3 ROUNDS: 40 SECONDS WORK/20 SECONDS REST: KETTLEBELL SWINGS, SCISSORKICKS, RUSSIAN TWISTS

EXAMPLE CIRCUIT 3

ARMS & LEGS

EXERCISE 1

CIRCUIT A

BACK SQUATS

EXERCISE 2

LEG CURLS

EXERCISE 3

TRICEP EXTENSION

EXERCISE 4

VERSUSCLIMBER:

METERS

CIRCUIT B

SUMO SQUATS W/ DUMBBELL

CABLE HIP ABDUCTION

PREACHER CURL

CARRY:

CIRCUIT C

STANDING LUNGE (ALTERNATE)

HIP THRUST

CABLE REVERSE GRIP CURL

CIRCUIT D SLED: PULL FOR 20 SECONDS, PUSH FOR 20 SECONDS: 3 ROUNDS RUN: .50 MILES

CROSSROAD SUCCESS to

Editorial Director Lauren

Barisic

Photographer Ellie Koleen

Groomer & Stylist Samuel Haworth

Wardrobe provided by Patrick James

SSROAD

Jose Fontes is one of those guys with a picture-perfect life, but perfection doesn’t happen overnight. He is a testament to what hard work, dedication, and discipline can yield. His story is truly the American Dream. And even though he seems to have it all, Jose sees every day as an opportunity to become a bit better than he was the day before. This inspiring outlook is linked to his career path. Jose is in the insurance industry—befitting, especially given his passion for helping others more efficiently protect and prepare the life they are building for the future. Now, as Senior Vice President and P&C Producer at Newfront, Jose’s willingness to adapt and utilize technology allows his Central Valley-based business to reach nationwide operation.

Jose’s road to success was grueling. The story begins in the border town of Juárez, Mexico, where he lived until roughly age 10. Jose’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when he was but a toddler. “She was basically in and out of the hospital,” he says of his childhood. “I mean, I can hardly remember just her,” he admits, noting that she battled the disease over the next five to six years before it finally took her life when he was nine years old. “That, basically, was the first crossroads,” Jose reflects. His mother’s disease somewhat separated the family. “My sister was bouncing from house to house; I was bouncing from house to house,” Jose recalls. That said, “We were blessed that we had a family that loved my mom and my dad. So they all somewhat pitched in.”

Yet, even though surrounded by good friends and family who gladly took him and his older sister in, Jose asks rhetorically, “I guess you’re in survival mode, right?” He continues, “Because your dad’s not there, your mom’s not there. You’re going to school. You’re playing soccer. You’re trying to just do the best you can. I think those years, you just grow up so fast, super, super fast. And obviously, having a modest family that didn’t come from much, didn’t come from a lot of money, my dad really struggled there financially, especially with the cancer and the setback that that put on the family.” Jose had to grow up fast, albeit in a vulnerable and exposed state. “You have to keep your head up and keep going and just know things eventually will turn around. That was my hope.”

Jose adored his father. “He was a great human, very loving. But when my mom passed, my sister and I always thought that he left with her—he was just destroyed, and, unfortunately, he wasn’t there for us. He was MIA, and that gets you to ‘Part Two’ where you’ve got ‘Jose age 11 through 14,’ again moving from house to house because that’s just how it was,” he recounts. “Dad was trying to find himself, and Jose is just trying to find his way.” His father eventually remarried, and the family moved to El Paso, Texas. “In all reality, that was a blessing.” Though it might have seemed like an obstacle at first, Jose quickly realized that “coming into the States opened up that opportunity that I had to explore myself with hard work.”

Experiencing a turbulent childhood opened Jose’s eyes to the world, and he was ready and willing to absorb his new surroundings in the Lone Star State. From age 14 to 18, Jose’s high school years in Texas finally felt hopeful. “That’s when I really was exposed to a lot of different families—very loving, very successful families, and also not successful,” remembers Jose. “I was exposed to a world where there was always—maybe—that light at the end of the tunnel. Where you know everything would be all right with hard work and dedication. So I really put my best foot forward in everything I did.” Even as an adolescent, he was competitive in school and sports, leading him to graduate with a 4.4 GPA.

This tremendous high school success is all the more impressive given that Jose pursued private education and paid for his schooling by working for and saving the funds over the summers to cover what scholarships didn’t. After assessing his options between public and private high schools, Jose was determined to attend Cathedral High School in El Paso. However, his father couldn’t afford the tuition. “So I was given an opportunity by my aunt and uncle to work at the start of my sophomore year.” Thus, Jose lived with them and their two sons for some time. “I worked super long hours on the ranch in the summer with my cousin,” whom Jose affectionally refers to as his brother, his accomplice. “I worked really hard and saved up to pay for my high school all the way through.”

“I was exposed to a world where there was always—maybe—that light at the end of the tunnel. Where you know everything would be all right with hard work and dedication. So I really put my best foot forward in everything I did.”

Cathedral was another crossroads in Jose’s journey. “I knew that that school was going to set me up for my future.” This private, Catholic, all-boys school was known for being a gateway into some of the best colleges. That foundation, coupled with Jose’s academic excellence, earned him an acceptance letter from Pepperdine University in Malibu. “I think that, primarily, was one of my biggest accomplishments. Just to push hard, no matter the struggles. I think that was such a great decision for me to not just say, ‘All right, you can’t pay for it. Just sit back and see what happens.’ I took it upon myself,” he proudly remembers. “What drove me was that was the only way out—to a successful life, to find the woman of your dreams, to start your family. I mean, whatever the fairy tale, the pursuit of happiness that everybody faces in life, is.”

He applied to numerous other schools and toured several college campuses on a trip to California with his aunt and uncle, but Pepperdine was love at first sight. Yet the university, perched above the Pacific Coast Highway, wasn’t the only thing that captured his heart. A love of the ocean, stunning coastline, Californian lifestyle, cool fashion, beautiful people, and gorgeous weather was enough to bring him out west, but, while studying International Business and Finance there, Jose finally met the woman of his dreams: Brittany Lamm, a Central Valley native. His chosen major was rooted in the fact that he was bilingual, and that the global and financial nature of the degree would allow him to potentially travel; plus, around that time, he had also started to take a serious interest in real estate.

Although he was finally getting to live a version of the life he’d always dreamed of, the reality of his college years was that he was there to do a job, and he had to do it in a very short time. “Pepperdine was, obviously, scholarship-driven. Academics was the ticket.” At Pepperdine, Jose was surrounded by success—financially successful and accomplished people. Being exposed to this world further pushed Jose and helped pave new avenues for his success. “On the trips that I took to California, I saw that it was possible to gain some success if you put some hard work in. As soon as I got to Pepperdine, I said, ‘Let’s go!’” Jose pursued the course, despite tight financial straits, and graduated early in just three and a half years.

Since his junior year, Jose aimed to do something in the real estate sphere. Through a job fair at Pepperdine, Jose landed a position with Velocity Financial, Inc., where he worked for about three years and developed great relationships. Around this time, Jose had proposed to Brittany, and during the two years that they were engaged, the conversation about moving back to her hometown, to the Valley, was underway. “I was so passionate about just what I was doing in real estate, and being in LA in a very sexy city with a cool lifestyle—and we’re 25/26—we were loving it. And for me, it was very hard—it wasn’t pulling us apart, but it was a crossroads where I had to make a decision, and I obviously followed my heart and followed my love.”

That’s when a new prospect presented itself at DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance (D&D). “My father-in-law said, ‘This is an opportunity—you can start working at D&D. You’re in sales. I think you’ll be a good fit.’ Both brothers, Matt and Mike DeFendis, really gave me a shot in the dark,” he acknowledges. Jokingly, he goes on, “I mean, ‘Who is this guy, Jose from LA? With no real sphere of influence here in town… Who is he gonna go after? How is he gonna develop the business?’ And I know that was kind of tough, but I think they saw my hard work and the person that I was right at that meeting. I’m forever grateful and thankful to them for taking a chance on this passionate kid with a dream and providing me the first platform to start my career in this business.” Velocity was one of those connections that Jose brought with him, which developed into one of D&D’s biggest accounts. Over his 16 years there, Jose eventually worked his way up to Vice President at the brokerage.

With insurance, Jose explains, “You have to reinvent yourself every single day. You have to create opportunities from nothing, and you have to create opportunities from existing relationships.” Drawing on his bilingual background and new surroundings, Hispanic and agricultural businesses became two major facets of his growth. Then he turned to the challenge of how he could scale not only locally and regionally but also nationally. Velocity was one such account that had moved into asset management coverage and ended up rapidly growing into a nationwide program for private equity real estate, nationwide lenders, financial institutions, and beyond. “That’s what opened up my eyes to the fact that there’s just a lot of opportunity within that space and not a lot of competition because it’s very specific and customized niche, but it also takes knowledge in that industry to be able to provide exactly the coverages that the lenders or financial institutions are needing,” says Jose, referring back to his first job.

Leaving D&D was no easy discussion, but opportunity crossed his path again in early 2023. While looking at some prospects on the East Coast for the asset protection program, Jose came across Newfront, who quickly started recruiting him pretty heavily. “Sometimes, life puts opportunities in your path, and you either grab them or let them go. But I saw the opportunity with the leadership and where Newfront is positioned right now in the brokerage space of insurance—they were doing things very differently, bringing in a new era of brokerage by implementing a lot of technology into the way we service our clients, and that’s given us the competitive advantage with the larger businesses. The technology that they put in front of us as brokers, … I think it’s going to revolutionize the industry.”

Jose was again at a crossroads. Newfront just felt right, and it was a logical transition especially given Jose’s bigger picture. “My long-time vision and goals were perfectly aligned at Newfront, who has the best-in-class technology available and a service team behind it to support the rapid growth forthcoming with the Real Estate Investor Program,” he shares. “The technology we are utilizing at Newfront, to service the asset protection program, has enabled exponential growth by providing program visibility, real-time updates, customized coverage, and white glove service to all their insurance needs. With confidence I can say, we will be able to grow this vertical 5X within a couple of years!”

Jose is passionate about insurance, but he’s even more passionate about his family. He and Brittany are the proud parents of a beautiful middle school-age daughter, Isabella. Jose is now a self-proclaimed “caddy daddy” and enthusiastically accompanies Bella on the course as she plays golf. The family is avid about health and fitness. After morning coffee together, the couple enjoy hot yoga at Blue Moon Yoga at 5:00AM daily, followed by weight-lifting, VO2max training and a 37-degree cold plunge at Innovative Fitness for him. Early workouts have been part of Jose’s routine since his college days and are just another example of his dedication to betterment. In that lies, for Jose, the key to happiness, “Keep pursuing that happiness, whatever happiness may be for you. That kind of correlates with the way I push myself every day.” Jose knows that “Pursuing happiness can come in many forms; pursuing freedom to give you the ability to live, laugh, and love is what matters at the end. Love is the best form of happiness.”

Jose Fontes has faced many crossroads on his journey to success, yet arguably the man’s truest success lies in his lifelong dedication to self-improvement. “Change may cause challenges, pain, struggle, but it will build character and allow for personal development and growth. Without change, nothing changes!” he insists. “Enjoy the journey in everything you do because that journey is the dream.” Jose aims to inspire with authenticity while working at being the best version of myself—passionate, living, and loving intensely. “Anything is possible—dream big, take your shots, make mistakes, never regret taking chances because they will carve your road and help you to continue pursuing what you are chasing.” Wholeheartedly, he professes, “Work on your mind, be calm, take care of your body and soul; the rest will follow.”

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic

PRESENTS FOR POP Father’s Day Gift Guide

Dad, daddy, old man, pa, papa—whatever you call him, it’s the time of year to celebrate the father figures in our lives. This local Father’s Day Gift Guide is taking the guesswork out of finding the perfect present for pop come June 16th. Show him you care by giving a gift that speaks to his interests and hobbies while supporting the Central Valley community. Here you’ll find items for foodies, beer drinkers, fitness enthusiasts, baseball lovers, car buffs, intellectuals, watch collectors, clothes gurus, and even spa goers.

OXOTIC SUPERCAR DRIVING EXPERIENCE

$195.00 to $1,775.00

www.oxoticfresno.com

Customize your own supercar rally tour experience with Oxotic in Fresno. Four tours operate daily, with the longest (165 miles) leaving first at 10:00AM and the shortest (15 miles) leaving at 3:30PM. If you select a 30-mile or longer tour, you can experience driving multiple supercars along the scenic route, which incidentally includes stops at many photography points of interest.

Photo courtesy of Oxotic Fresno

SERENITY SPRINGS SPA SOIREE PACKAGE FOR MEN

$265.00

www.chukchansigold.com

This pampering package, designed exclusively for men at Serenity Springs, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino’s stunning spa, lasts approximately three hours. Unwind with a 50-minute soothing Swedish body massage, an Express facial, and gentlemen’s manicure and pedicure, all of which will leave any man looking charming, relaxed, and irresistible.

Photo courtesy of Serenity Springs

$100.00 to $185.00

www.valleytownhall.com

Ignite your curiosity and captivate your imagination by buying season tickets to the next San Joaquin Valley Town Hall, which now has two lecture series with engaging speakers on riveting topics. The Daytime Speaker Series includes six lectures from October 2024 to April 2025. The Twilight Talks Series features two speakers for September 2024 and January 2025.

courtesy of Janzen Brands

Guarantee a seat to see the Fresno Grizzlies play with a Flex Plan for the baseball lover (or lovers) in your life. With 9-, 12-, and 18-game plans available, this ticket package offers options and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your tickets are locked in for the games he wants to attend most, at a discounted rate. Each package comes with one guaranteed giveaway item.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY TOWN HALL SEASON TICKETS

Photo

Photo courtesy of Fresno Grizzlies

PATRICK JAMES LAMBSKIN JACKET

$548.00

www.patrickjames.com

Patrick James is the premier local purveyor of “West Coast Classic” men’s clothing, known for carrying timeless separates and suits that will be staples in his wardrobe forever. A leather jacket is a piece he will cherish for years to come, and a lightweight option, especially in a transitional colorway with functional detailing, will allow him to wear it in every season.

Photo courtesy of Patrick James

ROLEX PREOWNED “2017” DATEJUST 41MM

$15,995.00

www.fresnocoin.com

Seeking a special watch? The Showroom at Fresno Coin Gallery offers an amazing selection of new, estate, vintage, and designer jewelry pieces, all offered at competitive prices, with new inventory arriving daily. This Rolex features a blue dial with lumen markers, a calendar with cyclops lens, fluted bezel, synthetic sapphire crystal, an oyster bracelet, and is available with box and paperwork.

Photo courtesy of Fresno Coin Gallery

LAKE BOTTOM EATERY, BREWERY & DISTILLERY MUG CLUB

$200.00

www.lake-bottom.com

Make it even easier to sip, savor, and celebrate at either of Lake Bottom’s two locations with a Mug Club membership. This offer lasts for a year from the purchase date. In both Visalia and Corcoran, members receive a specialty mug with one beer, soda, or shot per day along with a 10% discount on food and merchandise. Exclusive Mug Club member giveaways happen monthly.

Photographer Noah Ewert

$150.00 to $2,040.00

www.jbfitnessclovis.com

JB Fitness in Clovis provides an exclusive gym experience to a limited number of members. This makes it the perfect place to improve strength and endurance while supporting local business. After the initial set-up fee, a variety of memberships include discounts on supplements, options for equipment use, and access to a recovery room featuring a cold plunge and infrared sauna.

Photographer Christopher Brown

Starring: Tom Griswold, Chick McGee, Kristi Lee, Josh Arnold and a cavalcade of hilarious characters!

America’s leading media outlet for comedians. Lifestyle talk, and celebrity guests. News, sports, and the occasional live musical performance. 4 hours of upbeat entertainment weekday mornings 6a to 10a.

On Fresno’s locally-owned

SOCIAL affair

Under the Stars

UNDER THE STARS

Benefiting pediatric care at United Health Centers. Photographer Ricardo Viveros, Matlyn Mae Photography, United Health Centers Creative Team & The Kenny Show

United Health Centers’ Foundation hosted a gorgeous evening Under the Stars at Holland Park West for their 9th annual spring charity gala on Friday, April 19th. Presented by Legacy Construction, Under the Stars raised just shy of $100,000 to elevate the pediatric care experience at United Health Centers. Some 400 guests enjoyed a red carpet welcome lined with an exclusive photography exhibit by Samantha Leon of Little Lion Photography featuring United providers and pediatric patients. A gourmet dinner, an enticing auction, and a contemporary performance by V-Force Gymnastics entertained guests while celebrating the health of children. The stage was hosted by Vanessa Vasconcelos of ABC30, with special remarks by Justin Preas, President & CEO of United Health Centers, and Candice Clem, Directory of Philanthropy.

For more information about the United Health Centers Foundation, please visit www.unitedhealthcenters.org.

SOCIAL affair

Farm to Fiddle Dinner Party 2024

FARM TO FIDDLE DINNER PARTY 2024

Benefiting the Fresno Philharmonic. Photographer Kendyl Day Photography

The Fresno Philharmonic hosted the 3rd annual Farm to Fiddle Dinner Party at The Barn at the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust on Saturday, April 25th. Some 170 attendees enjoyed a social hour with a stunning charcuterie spread and local wine from CRŪ Wine Company before a performance led by Rei Hotoda and members of the Fresno Phil. A total of five pieces were played for the audience. Pardini’s Catering served a menu featuring a seasonal menu of Tuscan White Bean Soup, JD Foods Filet Mignon Bordelaise, and Sliced Olive Bread and La Brea Tuscan Bread. The Berrock Shop provided an assortment of individual fruit pies, which was a hit from the past that was brought back. Funds raised from the event benefit the music and educational programs of the Fresno Philharmonic.

For more information about the Fresno Philharmonic, please visit www.fresnophil.org.

SOCIAL affair

Saint Agnes Casino Night 2024

SAINT AGNES CASINO NIGHT 2024

Benefiting Saint Agnes Medical Center. Photographer ROOT Creative Marketing

On Saturday, April 27th, at Stockbridge Estates, Saint Agnes Men’s Club hosted their annual Casino Night fundraiser, presented by Proper Defense Law Corporation. It was a record-breaking evening as the event successfully raised nearly $300,000, with over $150,000 generated from the “Fund-a-Need” portion benefiting expanded emergency services for the Medical Center. The Men’s Club also presented Saint Agnes President and Market Leader Gurvinder Kaur, MD, with a check for $379,000 from 2023 fundraising efforts to benefit key services including cardiac, cancer, women and children, medical equipment and the Heavenly Hounds pet therapy program. “We are grateful for the Men’s Club’s support of our healing mission at Saint Agnes,” said Sara K. Frauenheim, Chief Development Officer. “For more than 40 years, they have raised critical funds through their annual fundraising events. As a result of those efforts, they have allocated more than $4 million, directly benefiting patient care, programs and services at the Medical Center. We are very fortunate to have them as ambassadors in our community and an extension of our healing mission.”

For more information about the Saint Agnes Men’s Club, please visit www.samc.com.

SOCIAL affair

The Ani Guild Annual Spring Luncheon

THE ANI GUILD ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

Benefiting the “Ani Daily Scoop” Ice-Cream Shop. Photographer Monserrath Vargas at Wealth Media

The Ani Guild Annual Spring Luncheon took place on Saturday, May 4th in The Pavilion at The Vineyards California Armenian Home with 125 guests present. The event raised funds for the Ani Guild’s 2024 project: The “Ani Daily Scoop” Ice-Cream Shop, which will be for the residents at the California Armenian Home. “This luncheon is an important part of raising the money needed to get our new ice cream shop completed, and we are more than halfway to our $50,000 goal. With continued support, before you know it, we will be serving happiness one scoop at a time,” said Missy Stater, Immediate Past President. Highlights from the event include fun and fabulous 1950s malt shop-themed decorations, roller skaters from University High School at Fresno State, and James “Sinatra” Hitchcock crooning for the crowd. “It is through fundraising events like this that we are able to continuously improve and enhance the experience for the residents through beautification projects of the grounds and a variety of social events like our planned ‘Ani Daily Scoop’ Ice Cream Shop,” shared Arpy Tanielian, President.

For more information about the Ani Guild, please visit www.lifeatthevineyards.org.

SOCIAL affair

31st Annual Fiesta de los Niños

31ST ANNUAL FIESTA DE LOS NIÑOS

Benefiting Exceptional Parents Unlimited. Photographer FieldHouse Photography

Exceptional Parents Unlimited (EPU) hosted their 31st Annual Fiesta De los Niños on Saturday, May 4th with approximately 450 people in attendance. The event was originally to be held at the Grand on the Bluffs, but after a last-minute change in weather, EPU’s community of supporters gathered for Fiesta de los Niños at the Agriculture Building at the Fresno Fairgrounds. EPU client, Joseph, told his story of working with EPU staff across multiple departments to become a better father to his son. Joseph shared his heartfelt journey of wanting to be the best dad possible and how EPU helped him support his son and his son’s needs. Fiesta de los Niños, boosted an incredible silent auction with over 200 items, and a live auction that included a goldendoodle puppy and trip to Mexico. But sadly, EPU fell short of their $225,000 goal for the evening. EPU is looking to their community of supporters to help fill this gap and ensure that families receive critical services without interruption. The event wads emceed by AJ Fox and the Presenting Sponsor was CalViva.

For more information about Exceptional Parents Unlimited, please visit www.epuchildren.org.

SOCIAL affair

Fresno Visionaries of the Year 2024

FRESNO VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR 2024

Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Photographer Wild Sol Photography

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Fresno Visionaries of the Year award event for 2024 was held on Friday, May 17th at Table Mountain Casino Resort. A total of $796,602 was raised and 600 people attended the cerebration. There was a fun artwork performance where James Bond was painted before the guests’ eyes and auctioned off as LLS’s very first live auction item. The Josh Allen experience went for $31,000 in the live auction. Six candidates raised over $50,000, enabling them to link a research grant in honor and memory of a loved one. Teagan Kroll was the Visionaries of the Year winner, having raised $254,150. Brett Karraker was the runner-up with $145,584 raised.

For more information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, please visit www.lls.org/cencal.

LUX lifestyle

COSTARS

Astrologer Shari Schopp @shari_starlight www.eyeonastrology.com

Gemini

May 21st to June 21st

The month begins with a Jupiter-trine Pluto, which encourages progressive exploration and innovation within the computer and tech realms. This provides a special gift that transforms data, information, and symbols into broader meanings. Employ the twins’ agility for multi-tasking, which adds more energy for later. If your mind goes into overdrive, arrange for a talk therapy session with a professional or confidante. This brings mental agility and imagery into perspective. To attain tranquility, take some deep breaths and use aromatherapy essential oils such as rosemary and eucalyptus.

Cancer

June 22nd to July 22nd

You may feel sluggish in the first half of the month. But by the middle of June, things will pick up. Your optimism and vitality will return, pushing momentum forward for the activities you have been working on.

Leo

July 23rd to August 22nd

Invest in establishing healthy boundaries within your networks. Improving communication skills engages others with a flair of information. Your associates will eagerly support your endeavors, making life easier.

Virgo

August 23rd to September 22nd

Assimilate and stay grounded for the energy that is coming your way. Focus on physical activities to prevent burnout. This keeps things running smoothly and micromanages your well-being for ideal health.

Libra

September 23rd to October 23rd

Mix business with pleasure to give yourself more time and energy to socialize. Strike a balance and make adjustments to reconcile differences. Being in the company of others offers added benefits.

Aquarius

January 20th to February 18th

Scorpio

October 24th to November 21st

Create a safe place for people to feel secure and remain objective. Explore the complexities of positive feedback and connections. This ensures that everyone is heard, keeping plans and projects moving ahead.

Sagittarius

November 22nd to December 21st

Take a wisely measured view before taking things too far through inactivity and overindulgences. Otherwise, you’ll waste resources and scatter energy reserves. Reset your orientation toward the potentiality of creative ideas.

Capricorn

December 22nd to January 19th

Discover setbacks that cause delays and other annoyances. Use your efficient managerial style to effectively push aside the stumbling blocks. This will earn you respect and confidence from your coworkers.

Personal pursuits and pleasures become available when you fire up your brain and take note of ideas as they come. This intellectual download lays the groundwork for the future and brings people together in society.

Pisces

February 19th to March 20th

A sense of loss keeps you scrambling with nervous energy. To diffuse these feelings, establish a holistic approach by grounding yourself in the physical realms through meditation, gratitude prayers, or a spa.

Aries

March 21st to April 19th

Use your phenomenal vitality to engage in a vibrant social life. To bring out the best in everyone, communicate desires and wishes. This assertion inspires people to fulfill your dreams and make them real.

Taurus

April 20th to May 20th

As the month ramps up, exude your competent skillset. The practical abilities that you bring to others promote stability and build something new. Set a goal to enjoy and indulge in sensory pleasures.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Family

OF AWARD-WINNING HOME BUILDING

Since 1945, the Bonadelle family has built over 10,000 homes in the most desirable communities throughout the Central Valley. This legacy of building custom quality, affordable homes has spanned three generations of Bonadelle family members, beginning with John Bonadelle Sr. and continuing with his son, John, and his grandson, John Anthony. Together, the Bonadelle family continues to build throughout the Central Valley, expand their services to make home buying seamless, and build value into every home for families to enjoy for generations to come.

Bonadelle Neighborhoods BUILDING VALUE FOR GENERATIONS.

A. BONADELLE Director of Operations

JOHN

JOHN BONADELLE President