CVLUX MAY 2024

WAYS TO CELEBRATE MOM

AERIAL YOGA FOR BEGINNERS

ARMEN BACON SPEAKS ON SISTERHOOD

SPRING SOCIAL HAPPENINGS

LOCAL LADIES MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ADRIANNE HILLMAN A NEW APPROACH TO HOMELESSNESS

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.

Pawsitively in love

They speak the language of loyalty, find joy in the littlest things, all with tail wags that celebrate our every return home. There’s no denying that our dogs have a special place in our heart, so we have a special place for them—our Central Bark dog park. There’s fun just beyond home too. With our prime location off Highway 41, it’s easy to let your pup run free at nearby lakes and other natural playgrounds. Ready for a summer of four-legged adventures? Come find home at Riverstone.

Trails & Parks

Stylish Homes

Central Bark Dog Park

The Lodge

Stone Creek Elementary Riverwalk

@LifeAtRiverstoneCA

From Fresno, go north on Highway 41, turn left at Avenue 12 and follow the signs.

SOCIAL AFFAIR

48

CRŪ WINERY SARMENTO VINEYARD CLONE 777 PINOT NOIR RECEPTION

A celebration of the winery’s highest scoring wine yet, held at the CRŪ Winery Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Room.

50 SUPPORT BLUE RUN 2024

The event where law enforcement and the community come together for the Fresno Police Chaplaincy at Woodward Park.

52

3RD ANNUAL CASA CHEF COOK-OFF

Six chefs competed in a unique culinary experience to raise funds for CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds.

54

HINDS GUILD OF HOPE HIGH NOON TEA 2024

This afternoon of fancy hats and beautifully decorated themed tea tables supported the organization’s underfunded pediatric programs.

56

FIG GARDEN WOMAN’S CLUB ANTIQUE SHOW PREVIEW PARTY

In support the Fig Garden Woman’s Club awards scholarships for Fresno City College Nursing Students and various local charities.

Held

One

DEPARTMENTS

26

YOGA IN THE CLOUDS

If you’re new to aerial yoga, this piece is for you. Austin Naes talks to local certified aerial yoga instructor Yadi Jelen about what the practice is, how to get started with it, and why this form of fitness is so beneficial.

30 PROFILES

These Women in Business from around the Central Valley are making this corner of California better every day.

34

BELONGING

Covergirl Adrianne Hillman, the founder of Salt + Light, is on a mission to ensure our neighbors experiencing homelessness find that they do, indeed, belong to our Central Valley community through a radically different approach to the norm.

45

I DARE YOU TO LIVE YOUR LIFE

Armen Bacon speaks to the ladies as a fellow mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and co-worker in an effort to empower all to live out loud as women of substance, because that’s what women of influence do.

64 COSTARS

Taurus implores us to understand that while the landscape may be shifting, emulating its symbolic bull will help stabilize the energy that’s all around.

For the May Edition, CVLUX features Adrianne Hillman for the Women of Influence Issue.

45

WARDROBE

Welcome to the Issue

Women of Influence

Empowerment

On this Women of Influence cover is Adrianne Hillman, the founder of Salt + Light, who is changing the typical approach to our neighbors experiencing homelessness through radical hospitality, a village unlike anything the Central Valley has ever seen, and an infectious commitment to dignity above all else (page 34). Mother’s Day is this month, and there’s a motherload of events on the community calendar (page 22). Social Affair includes coverage of the CRŪ Winery Sarmento Vineyard Clone 777 Pinot Noir Reception (page 48), Support Blue Run 2024 (page 50), 3rd Annual CASA Chef Cook-Off (page 52), Hinds Guild of Hope High Noon Tea 2024 (page 54), Fig Garden Woman’s Club Antique Show Preview Party (page 56), Founders Club’s Charity Poker Tournament (page 58), Armenian Home Guild Lunch Celebrating 65 Years (page 60), and Santé Health Foundation’s 7th Annual Gala, A Black Tie Affair (page 62). Read why you should try aerial yoga (page 26). What would you do if someone dared you to live your life (page 45)? Women in Business Profiles highlight ladies making a difference locally (page 30). Costars spotlights Taurus and lessons from the bull (page 64).

A Bit Better

Life has its ups and downs, its highs and lows. But one thing is certain: nothing lasts forever, neither the good nor the bad. And so every day becomes an opportunity to be a bit better than the last, whatever life throws our way.

GENERATIONS® BUILDING VALUE FOR

Nearly 80 years ago, a young John Bonadelle, Sr., with the support of his wife Pauline, built their first Fresno neighborhood near Manchester Center for first-time home buyers — many of whom were soldiers returning from World War II. Today, John and Lisa Bonadelle and their family continue the tradition of building quality, affordable, ecologically friendly homes with standard features that other homebuilders would consider upgrades.

The Bonadelle family leads a team of committed employees, including professional women in design, sales, home service, and office staff, who have helped carry on the family tradition of building value for generations.

ART

Design Director PHENG MOUA

Graphic Designer SAMANTHA DEATHERAGE

Contributing Photographers DON DIZON, DANIEL JESSING, BRANDON JOHANSEN

ELLIE KOLEEN, VANESSA MARKARIAN, PATRICIA MESA, MEGUMI REAGAN, GINA TARO

ROBERT VARGAS, ROY VISSERS, ROB WALKER, ALACATR, BUTLER BRANDING

DILLMORE PORTRAITS and K. MARIE BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS

Accounting Director DEE ANN LINKER

Legal Counsel GONTORWON BORH

Please submit all advertising inquires to information@cvlux.com.

Donald P. Dick congratulates Gary McDonald Homes

A Legacy of Homebuilding Since 1970

For Gary McDonald building homes is a passion, but building a legacy is a 50-year tradition that all of us at Donald P Dick have witnessed first-hand. As one of the many local companies chosen by Gary McDonald Homes, we understand the high standards for quality materials and expert workmanship found in every home you build.

From all of us at Donald P. Dick, thanks to Gary McDonald Homes for your commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

DONALD P. DICK AIR CONDITIONING

mrcool4ac.com

Proud provider of Heating, Air Conditioning and Solar to the building industry since 1970

15

NATIONAL COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

There isn’t just one thing that elevates Tesoro Viejo to National Community of the Year standards. It’s a sum of parts, both big and little. It’s living in a community where kids can walk or bike to school. There are all kinds of parks, inviting gathering spaces, and fifteen miles of exhilarating trails to make the most of the great outdoors and encourage you to get out and enjoy it every day.

Residents can enjoy relaxation with resort-style amenities at the Ranch House Clubhouse with pools and cabanas. And, inviting one and all, is a vibrant town center— convenient and curated for just what you need.

Please come and visit. Tour the new homes from premier builders. And give yourself time to take it all in.

New Homes from the $ 300 s to $ 800s TesoroViejo.com

Resort-Style Pools and Cabanas

Tour 20 Model Homes

Live Music Series Walk to Hillside School (TK- 8)

Axis Coffee Bar + Eatery

Miles of Trails

Contributors

Women of Influence

Ellie Koleen Photographer

Ellie is a lifestyle, wedding, and brand photographer based in Fresno, California. An artist behind the lens, her trademark airy, light-filled style and masterful camera angles make her work easily recognizable. She uses her love for all things design related as inspiration for her work, and you can find her traveling any opportunity she gets to capture stories for her clients. The Fresno Bee named Ellie Best Photographer for five consecutive years in a row.

Armen Bacon

Features Contributor

Armen writes (and lives) with uncensored passion, heart, and sense of urgency. She is the author of four books: “Griefland - An Intimate Portrait of Love, Loss, and Unlikely Friendship,” “My Name is Armen” (Volumes I & II), and a newly released anthology (co-authored with Nancy Miller) titled “Daring to Breathe - Stories of Living with the Foreverness of Grief.” Armen’s words stir the soul and have been praised as “pulling us all a little closer to each other.”

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 gym located in 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.

MAY

LUX locale Community Calendar Around Town

May 1st to 5th

Disney’s Aladdin

Broadway in Fresno

Saroyan Theatre

events.fresnoconventioncenter.com

Prepare to be transported to a dazzling new world with Disney’s Aladdin. Join the extraordinary theatrical journey where a single lamp and three wishes unlock infinite possibilities in a thrilling new production, brimming with beauty, comedy, magic, and spectacle. This sensational Broadway hit is produced by the mastermind behind The Lion King

May 1st, 8th and 22nd Wednesday Bird Walk

Fresno Audubon Society

www.fresnoaudubon.org

The Fresno Audubon Society will host three Wednesday Bird Walks in May. On the 1st, the excursion will take place at the Laton-Kingston Park from 7:30AM to 1:00PM. On the 8th, participants will meet at Lost Lake from 8:30AM to noon. On the 22nd, the trip will commence at Balsam Meadows Snow-Park and Forebay from 7:45AM to 2:00PM. Registration is required.

May 2nd and 3rd

A Night in the Garden

Willow Gardens Nursery

www.willowgardensclovis.com

Join in the garden festivities that will be happening during extended hours at this Willow Gardens Nursery evening affair. From 4:00PM to 8:00PM, guests of this free event may enjoy local vendors, food trucks, a complimentary wine glass, and exclusive discounts. This night of fun is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss out on.

May 4th

31st Annual Fiesta de los Niños

Exceptional Parents Unlimited

The Grand on The Bluffs

www.epuchildren.org

For over three decades now, Exceptional Parents Unlimited has been hosting their annual Fiesta de los Niños fundraiser. Guests will enjoy a live and silent auction, dancing, entertainment, and delicious foods and drinks. The event will take place at The Grand on The Bluffs at 6:00PM with an auction preview starting at 5:30PM.

May 11th

Mother’s Day Tea Party

Fresno County Historical Society

Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery

www.valleyhistory.org

Come for a traditional tea at the Kearney Mansion Museum, made possible by Fresno Coin Gallery. Choose between seating in the mansion’s dining room or on the veranda overlooking Kearney Park. Two seating times are available at 11:00AM and 3:00PM, and tickets are $75. A tour of the museum and gallery are included, along with a 10% discount on store merchandise.

May 11th

Maa Day Bruch

Old Town Clovis Kawainis Club

Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery

www.rockyoaksgoatcreamery.com

Experience a Maa Day Brunch at the Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery, where there will be crepes with fruit, sausage, eggs, drinks, and lots of baby goats, vendors, and cheese to enjoy! The brunch will take place from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. A mimosa bar is available for a fee. Otherwise, tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults.

May 11th

Harvest Night

Opening Weekend

Big L Ranch

www.biglranch.com

Head out to Big L Ranch for you-pick blueberry Harvest Nights, starting the second weekend of May, from 5:00PM to 8:30PM. The blueberry picking season usually runs through June. Live music, blueberry picking, and local pop-up restaurants make this a family-oriented evening at $5 for kids and $10 for adults. Bring a lawn chair, but leave the ice chests and pets at home.

For more information, contact event organizer as events may be subject to change.

THREE WEDNESDAY BIRD WALKS WILL BE HOSTED BY THE FRESNO AUDUBON SOCIETY IN MAY. PHOTOGRAPHER ALACATR

MAY

Around Town

May 11th and 12th

Old Town Flea Market

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

www.oldtownflea.com

Wear comfortable shoes, come hungry, and bring cash to the Old Town Flea Market! Explore the offerings of the Central Valley’s best artisans here. There will be several gourmet food trucks available throughout the weekend, as well as a convenient holding area for sold items. Note that there are no ATMs on-site, but many vendors will take cards.

May 12th

Mother’s Day Brunch

The Woodlands

www.eventbrite.com

Two seating times will be available for The Woodlands Mother’s Day Brunch in Visalia. Come celebrate mom with amazing food, entertainment, outdoor reserved seating, and a gorgeous photo backdrop. Morning seating is at 10:00AM, while afternoon seating takes place at 1:00PM. Each time will have a separate menu. Tickets are $20 for kids and $49 for adults.

May 16th to July 14th Sugar

Good Company Players

Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater

www.gcplayers.com

This zany musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot captures the heart and hilarity of the hit film and features a thrilling, jazzy score from Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, the composing team behind Funny Girl This show is rated PG and is performed Tuesdays through Sundays. Prices range from $45 to $75. A discounted rate is available for students, seniors, and military.

May 18th

2024 Annual Angel Babies Walk/Run

Hinds Hospice

California Health Sciences University www.hinds.convio.net

This year marks the 20th Annual Angel Babies Walk/Run, which will be taking place at a new location: the California Health Sciences University in Clovis. Angel Babies comforts, supports, and upholds the dignity of families whose babies have a life-limiting condition or whose babies have died. Since its inception in 2001, the program has supported over 4,800 families in their grief journey.

May 18th

35th Annual Visalia

Downtown Car Show

Visalia Breakfast Lions Club

Downtown Visalia

www.visaliabreakfastlions.org

Over 350 cars will line up along Main Street in Downtown Visalia for this annual car show. Food and craft vendors will also line the street from Willis to Santa Fe Streets and all side streets in between. Pre-registration is $40 and day-of registration is $45.

May 19th

Twist on Taylor

Engelmann Cellars

www.engelmanncellars.com

Head out to Engelmann Cellars for a tribute to Taylor Swift. This special afternoon show is for the whole family, but children age 8 and under will get in for free. Food trucks, dancing, and a sing-along will make it a family affair. The gates open at noon, the opening act is from 2:00PM to 3:00PM, and the Twist on Taylor show goes from 3:30PM to 5:00PM. Tickets are $10 to $20.

May 25th

Journey USA

Visalia Fox Theatre

www.foxvisalia.org

Journey USA is the closest thing to ’70s and ’80s Journey music you’ll ever hear. Included is a singer who was hired to do vocal work for Steve Perry during his solo career. This tribute band captures the signature sound Journey with an emphasis on crowd participation and high-energy performances. The doors open at 7:00PM and the show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets range from $30 to $55.

For more information, contact event organizer as events may be subject to change.

THIS YEAR WILL MARK THE 20TH ANNUAL HINDS HOSPICE ANGEL BABIES WALK/RUN. PHOTOGRAPHER ROB WALKER

We have completed extensive training specifically for cosmetic dentistry and utilize state-of-the-art materials and technology to create beautiful smiles. We enjoy collaborating with our patients to develop a treatment plan that will achieve their dental goals and obtain the smile of their dreams. We look forward to meeting you! Take the next step towards having a smile you love by requesting a Smile Virtual consulation today! Invisalign / Veneers / Full Mouth reconstruction / Implant Restorations Get the smile

YOGA in the Clouds

Health & Fitness Contributor

Austin Naes Photographer Roy Vissers

It is Saturday morning, and curious yogis of all levels are arriving to experience a very unique class: Aerial Yoga. As they enter the building, a gentle mist fills the space, with floral strands hanging from wooden beams above and soft piano melodies playing in the background. The yogis take their places next to their silk hammocks, eagerly anticipating the start of the class. A young woman with a soft brown ponytail and a body built like a gymnast steps out and warmly greets each guest individually before taking her place at the center of the room. This is Yadi Jelen. She’s a certified aerial yoga instructor from Clovis, California. “Welcome to Aerial Yoga,” she announces to her students. “Let’s take a journey together in the clouds.”

Yadi was introduced to yoga during her teenage years; it blossomed into a profound practice in her adult life that she now shares with the Central Valley. She delved deeply into understanding the connection between breath, mind, and body, embracing the principles and philosophies of yoga through guidance from various influential teachers. Drawing from her extensive background in gymnastics and acrobatics, Yadi found her way to teaching, practicing, and performing aerial arts. Aerial arts involve a mix of acrobatics and dance performed in the air on a suspended apparatus such as a trapeze, lyra, or silks.

While Yadi initially immersed herself in aerial silks in New York City, her passion broadened when she took her first lyra class as she spun and flipped around a steel hoop. This ignited a newfound love for the diverse world of aerial arts. Despite being an enjoyable experience, lyra can be quite challenging for beginners, often causing discomfort and appearing intimidating. Yadi sought a more inclusive and therapeutic aerial practice that would still offer excitement, leading her to discover aerial yoga. She enrolled in as many classes as possible and completed her aerial yoga teacher training soon after at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla, San Diego.

She has been actively sharing her expertise ever since. The feedback she receives from students keeps her coming back. “When a student inverts for the first time, there is nothing that compares to the smiles on their faces and their feelings of accomplishment. Seeing people face their fears and have fun simultaneously is so fulfilling,” professes Yadi. Currently, Yadi conducts classes at various local spots, such as BODY Fitness & Spa, Yosemite Strength and Training, private residences, private events, and yoga festivals. Here is an overview of aerial yoga, highlighting its physical and mental benefits, as well as the challenges that enthusiasts may find rewarding to overcome.

Aerial Yoga Decoded

Aerial yoga involves a mix of traditional asanas (yoga poses) and elements of aerial arts, with practitioners suspended in silk hammocks from the ceiling or tall structures. These hammocks support and guide students through poses, creating a unique and dynamic experience. Students begin by grounding breaths and continue to a warm-up. A sequence of yoga poses using hammocks follows, typically with the option to learn or practice inversions. To close, classes end in restful poses as the breath slows and stillness enters.

The Big Picture Benefits

Aerial yoga offers a range of benefits, such as enhanced flexibility, increased muscle strength, better balance, prevention of cartilage and joint breakdown, and improved posture. The use of silk hammocks allows for a wide range of motion and supports strengthening postures and exercises. Most poses are performed with partial to full body weight in the silk. Suspension permits more movement without compressing joints.

Mental, Not Just Physical

Additionally, the cocoon-like feeling of the silks during poses like savasana can promote a sense of relaxation and mental surrender. Incorporating inversions in aerial yoga classes can bring additional health advantages, including improved circulation, spinal realignment, and enhanced focus. It can also alleviate muscle pain, which, in turn, reduces stress. Practicing aerial yoga also releases endorphins that can boost your mood!

Challenges Worth Mastering

There are some challenges new students may face when participating in an aerial yoga class. “Some [students],” Yadi acknowledges, “have a difficult time inverting for the first time.” Inverting is when yogis wrap themselves in the silk hammock and flip upside down. Others may fear they lack the strength and flexibility to take part in the class. However, Yadi says that students will learn, progress, and push past obstacles with each class they attend.

As you embark on your journey in the clouds, remember that aerial yoga is not just about mastering poses but about embracing the process and experiencing the transformative power of movement and breath. So, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, we welcome you to this practice that blends the grace of yoga with the thrill of aerial arts. Namaste!

THE VINEYARDS | CALIFORNIA ARMENIAN HOME

LUCY KAZANJIAN-GRAYSON, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANGELA HOPKINS, SKILLED NURSING ADMINISTRATOR

MARY BATTAD, SENIOR EXECUTIVE HR DIRECTOR

REN RAMSHAW, DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

ARPY TANIELIAN, ANI GUILD PRESIDENT

MARY EKMALIAN, HOME GUILD PRESIDENT FRESNO, CALIFORNIA

The Vineyards | California Armenian Home has grown to be Central Valley’s premier non-profit senior living community with the dedication and contribution of these six very talented women. Lucy Kazanjian-Grayson is our change-maker. Angela Hopkins is the heart of compassionate care. Mary Battad ensures we are a “Great Place to Work”. Ren Ramshaw communicates the brand promise and lifestyle experience. Arpy Tanielian and Mary Ekmalian carry on a legacy of generous support and donations. The Ani and Home Guild are celebrating 65 years of supporting the California Armenian Home. Currently, Vision 2030 is underway for the community, our fundraising campaign to raise $30 million for the new Center for Cognitive Excellence, which will bring to the Central Valley world-class cognitive health and wellness programs for the prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

LUCY KAZANJIAN-GRAYSON

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO AT THE VINEYARDS

We pride ourselves on serving all levels of senior living with extraordinary lifestyle experiences, compassionate care, and gracious hospitality. Our CEO and Board of Directors are committed to providing a rewarding, respectful, and energizing community environment for our residents, their families, and our employees.

ANGELA HOPKINS

THE CULTURE WE SEEK TO CULTIVATE

One of inclusion, collaboration, respect, and compassion for both the residents we serve and the associates who work here. We want everyone to feel valued and a part of something bigger. Everyone here is a difference-maker, and we aim to make people feel safe and encouraged to bring ideas to the table.

MARY BATTAD

BEING A GREAT PLACE TO WORK (GPTW)

The Vineyards | California Armenian Home is a GPTW-certified company, which means our people are what make us successful. Here, all are valued, and we celebrate how diversity makes us stronger. Teamwork, trust, and inclusivity are fundamental to how we hire, retain, and inspire the best people.

REN RAMSHAW

OUR COMMUNITY REACH AND IMPACT

Our one-of-a-kind 40-acre lifestyle community for all stages of senior living in the Central Valley provides extraordinary culinary experiences, compassionate care, lifelong learning, and progressive focus on the physical and cognitive health and wellness of our residents.

ARPY TANIELIAN

HOW THE ANI GUILD CARRIES ON A LEGACY

The Ani Guild has been service-driven and hands-on since the beginning. We’re responsible for holiday decorations, celebrations, and festivals for every season and month, as well as hosting regular bingo and craft nights at CAH. Our big annual fundraiser is held in May at our pavilion.

MARY EKMALIAN

WHAT MAKES THE HOME GUILD SPECIAL

What is so special about the Home Guild is that it is made up of a cross-section of Armenian women from the San Joaquin Valley whose purpose is to service the Home through fundraising projects, like making and selling kufta and hosting periodic lunches to the general public to advance good public relations.

Front: Arpy Tanielian and Mary Ekmalian. Back: Ren Ramshaw, Mary Battad, Lucy Kazanjian-Grayson, and Angela Hopkins.

women in business

COMMUNITY HEALTH SYSTEM

CARLA HARDY MILTON, SENIOR VP, CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

FRESNO/CLOVIS, CALIFORNIA

The Valley’s Employer of Choice

As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Community Health System, I advocate for the largest private workforce in the Valley, which is now more than 10,300 strong. Our HR team helps meet the diverse healthcare needs of Valley families by attracting top talent and creating a place where team members are encouraged to stay and evolve in their profession.

WHAT SUMS ME UP

I’m pragmatic, driven, and collaborative. Community is innovative and mission-driven, so it’s a perfect fit.

MY STORY

I didn’t choose this profession. It chose me. I grew up on the East Coast and earned my master’s degree in public policy and management with concentrations in information systems and finance. After doing tech integration at a “Big 5” consulting firm, I realized it was much more impactful for me to enhance how humans navigate change rather than designing complex tech systems. That piqued my interest in organizational development and change management. I came here from the Bay Area 17 years ago, looking for a great school system for my sons and found a fabulous place to grow my career at Community. What drives me is supporting our healthcare system, our team members, and our mission “to better the lives of all we serve.”

BEST PLACE TO GROW A CAREER

As the leading healthcare provider in the central San Joaquin Valley, we offer a wealth of clinical and non-clinical job opportunities. Because Community team members are part of such a comprehensive healthcare system, we can explore a myriad of career paths. And Community will help us achieve our goals. We’re proud of our environment of innovation, collaboration, and belonging, and of how much we give back to our greater community each year.

Learn more about careers at Community Health System.

Jobs.CommunityMedical.org.

Growing our team with career fairs at River Park Farmers Market.

Community’s wide range of services provide career growth opportunities.

Carla Hardy Milton, Senior VP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Homelessness is a subject that is often discussed but rarely acted upon. However, here in the Central Valley, Adrianne Hillman is making a significant and unique impact on our “neighbors experiencing homelessness”. As the founder of Salt + Light, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Tulare County, Adrianne is dedicated to helping those who feel marginalized in our community realize that they do, indeed, belong. “The mission of Salt + Light is to cultivate belonging and community wherever we go, focusing on our neighbors experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness.” The rapid, expansive growth her non-profit has seen since its inception in 2019 speaks volumes to the effectiveness of Adrianne’s groundbreaking approach to a subject that isn’t well addressed in the United States of America.

While she never anticipated working in this realm, her dedication and work ethic are inherent. Adrianne is from a long line of hard-working, community-oriented people. She and her three sisters were born into a dairy family in Tipton, California, with their father’s family having immigrated there from the Azores to establish a new life for themselves over a century before. “I grew up in a family, though, where women weren’t really part of the farming aspect of things. So, I didn’t feel totally connected to the ag piece of it, other than living rurally,” Adrianne admits. “But my mom raised some really strong women who were really independent and so I’m grateful for that piece.”

Instead of joining Future Farmers of America, Adrianne pursued leadership opportunities in high school, such as cheerleading. “It was actually a leadership thing,” she elaborates. “We led spirit at school, and I led my team and I was a really young member of ASB,” Adrianne shares of being one of the youngest members of the Associated Student Body—yet another early example of her take-charge tendencies. “Those early years of leadership, looking back, I think I was a natural leader.” Even in elementary school, she would run for student office. “My two grandmothers were really community-minded—both of them were Women of the Year in Tulare,” Adrianne is proud to say. “I really think those pieces shaped who I am.”

“The women in my life are pretty influential,” she goes on. Adrianne’s maternal great-grandmother moved to California from Oklahoma when her husband passed away during the Dust Bowl, leaving her with 11 children. “Some of them were already grown, but most of them came here and landed in Visalia and were homeless,” she recounts. They ended up in a tent encampment and picked peaches before eventually moving into a home and shanty garage behind the College of the Sequoias. “So, I

mean, these are hard-working people and the salt of the earth.” One of her daughter’s, Adrianne’s maternal grandmother, had a beloved dress shop in Tulare during the late ‘60s and ‘70s. “Even my mother-in-law shopped there!” Adrianne exclaims, referring to her husband, Scot Hillman. “In fact, that’s how my parents met—my grandmothers were friends.”

Adrianne’s paternal grandmother took care of all her grandfather’s farm workers and the children. “She made sure the kids that didn’t have enough didn’t feel like they didn’t,” Adrianne shares. “She was really charitable, really giving. My grandparents were both really benevolent, giving, really generous people,” all traits that came down to Adrianne in spades. “I just saw them being community leaders.” She thought, “this is how you’re supposed to do it, and my grandparents were pretty successful.” A big swath of land that her grandfather had purchased in the early days is now the site of the World Ag Expo. “My grandmother noticed a gap that it was really very farmer- and male-focused, but … there was nothing for the women to do. So she created her own booth, called the Women in Ag,” which is still a major attraction to this day.

Both of Adrianne’s parents were ardent supporters of her childhood pursuits and were heavily involved in fundraising endeavors through school. “My family is just hard-working people. That’s the stock I came from … all the men, all the women … that’s how I was raised. And then I had my own aspirations,” she divulges. “I’m a singer and I love theater and I really thought that was the direction I was going,” leading Adrianne to run for Miss Tulare, which she won in 1996. “That got me a little scholarship and got me going on my college career because I actually paid for my own college.” The following year, she ran for and won the title of Miss Tulare County, which is part of the Miss America program and leads into the Miss California contest.

“It helped me to polish my speaking skills and think about being in the public eye in that way, and that’s kind of the direction I was going.” Adrianne’s major in college was broadcast journalism. “I’m a journalist by nature just because I like to know things and I love to write. I just love to know about people’s lives. I like people.” But even the best-laid plans can change course at the drop of a hat. Adrianne wound up marrying young and had three boys, Carson, Bennett, and Easton. Despite being a stay-at-home mom, “I really could not stop with the volunteering and the doing,” she chuckles. This led her to be actively engaged outside the home, joining Rotary, volunteering at her sons’ school, and serving on the Kaweah Health Foundation board.

Our

mission is around homelessness, but this is my way to help people realize we belong to each other and help people love each other better.

But her divorce in 2012 set Adrianne on a new path to rebuild her life. “When you get divorced, a lot of things split. A lot of things change and you’re no longer allowed in this group or you are allowed in this group, and there’s just a lot of division and a lot of lines, and I will tell you that being extricated from certain groups and certain spaces was the biggest heartbreak of my life,” concedes Adrianne. “I’m not sure I had ever realized what ‘not belonging’ felt like.” In high school, she was popular—a cheerleader and runner-up for homecoming queen. “None of that stuff saves you from disdain from people or judgment. In fact, sometimes that stuff makes it worse. And so to experience the lack of belonging that I felt post-divorce was striking, and I didn’t realize how much it was actually going to play into what I do now.”

On the recommendation of her therapist, Adrianne started training to become a professional life coach. “I had a private practice,” she says. “I started a brand called ‘Do It Afraid’ because I realized that fear was driving a lot of my decisions, a lot of my life, and it had been for a really, really long time. It was an empowerment brand and a curriculum that I built to teach women to use fear as the raw material for courage because that’s what it is: fear is the raw material from which we create courage. You can’t have courage without fear. You’ve got to have some fear first, but you can use the fear. You can do two things with it: you can let it drive you, or you can let it cripple you. You can utilize it to catapult yourself into something great.”

And everything seemed to be going great, until she received an unexpected call. “I was in church one day and I heard this: ‘You’re going to serve the homeless.’ And I’m like, ‘No I’m not, because I don’t know what I’m doing.’ I had never served the homeless in any way, shape, form, or capacity at all. It never crossed my plate.” Homelessness was uninteresting to her, and she had no context for that, or so she thought. Nevertheless, Adrianne told her husband about the divine message on the way home. “And he’s like, ‘Well, maybe you should. There’s probably a need,’ and this was in 2016. I’m like, ‘No, no. I’m a life coach, and I’m speaking, drawing up curriculum, and hosting retreats, and I’m loving it.’ Then, not long after, I was asked to sit on the board of a non-profit that was serving people experiencing homelessness.”

Until this point, Adrianne saw board work as more of a slightly distanced position than hands-on participation. However, while hearing about their work, “I was just thinking, ‘This isn’t working. Whatever is happening here isn’t working.’ It’s not a slam on the non-profit itself; it’s just a matter of the system not feeling like it’s working in the way we’re talking about people experiencing homelessness and the way we’re building systems. And then the people that are helping, I don’t think they really understand the community they’re serving.” The disconnect was clear. While she wasn’t officially working for that agency, this issue frustrated her. “It got a hold of me and I could tell it was really bugging me, and it just wouldn’t let me go.” Shortly thereafter, in 2017, the work of Alan Graham, founder of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and lead visionary behind the first community village in Austin, Texas, came on her radar, and she felt exceedingly aligned with him after reading his book.

Though she had reached out to Graham and had been invited to visit the building site, something just kept preventing Adrianne from booking the trip. But a series of fateful happenings eventually slowed Adrianne down long enough to lead her to finally go to that tiny home village in Austin after months of contemplation, and the rest is history. “It felt like the closest thing to heaven I’d really ever experienced, and I’m like, ‘How can I bring this back to my community?’ And, ‘Someone can do this’ because I’ve never run a non-profit,” as self-doubt beclouded her rationality. She was sure she could convey the idea back home, and then maybe someone else, like the agency on whose board she sat, could pick it up. That is until Mobile Loaves & Fishes called to say that Adrianne had been identified as someone they believed had the potential to pull something like this off in her own community. “They don’t sponsor anything. They just encourage it and try to give you the tools to do it yourself.”

The name “Salt + Light” comes from the Sermon on the Mount, which emphasizes Jesus’ message on how to treat others. Amidst Adrianne’s internal struggle over her pursuit of this service to the homeless, one particular daily devotional finally sealed her destiny. “I opened my Bible and the title of the chapter was Salt and Light.” Daunting as it was, there were just too many signs from God and too great a pull on Adrianne’s heart to deny this project any longer. Yet, she still wanted to be sure she was doing it for the right reasons. “I did a lot of work and what I discovered was that my heartbreak is around belonging,” she reveals. “My divorce, it was a life-changer. I was asked to leave a church community and it was humiliating. It does something to you when people, humans, tell you that you’re not okay in the eyes of God. It does something to your soul.”

In actuality, Adrianne knew she wasn’t truly or entirely alone. “But it dawned on me then that for every one of me, there were lots and lots of people in the world who didn’t feel loved or didn’t feel like they were created equally to somebody else or like they were part of humanity because someone told them they weren’t. I realized once I traced things back, that that’s what’s been bugging me. That’s where my passion lies. Our mission is around homelessness, but this is my way to help people realize we belong to each other and help people love each other better.”

Adrianne clearly understands that being extricated from friends, family, and church groups is not the same as being extricated from society, but the heart of the matter is the same. Salt + Light seeks to bring those on the margins of society back into the community through radical hospitality and humility, which means being an organization that says “There you are” rather than “Here I am.”

It’s a distinctly different and clearly infectious approach to homelessness. To begin with, instead of calling people “homeless”, using the phrase “neighbors experiencing homelessness” removes housing status as an indicator of humanity and self-worth. Much like how you wouldn’t hurry a friend or family member’s recovery time, Salt + Light doesn’t believe treatment should have a timer. Far too often, people facing homelessness are accustomed to simply accepting whatever is given to them rather than having a choice, a right that is so often taken for granted. Salt + Light seeks to empower this ability to choose, and choice leads to belonging to something bigger and cultivating community. Chiefly among Salt + Light’s demonstration of belongingness is the Neighborhood Village that’s currently underway in Tulare County. It is California’s first-ever master-planned permanent supportive community for those experiencing chronic homelessness. They also have a mobile relief outreach for neighbors still living unhoused.

Adrianne’s approach, work, and results have caught the eye of numerous organizations, earning her a slew of recognitions, including the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year by Lions Clubs of Central California, 2022 Ruby Award from Soroptimist International of Visalia, 2023 Remarkable Woman of the Central Valley by Nexstar Television, 2024 Anthem Award for the non-profit leader of the year in the humanitarian and action category, and 2024 Outstanding Woman of the Year by the City Council of Tulare. These distinctions speak volumes as to the effectiveness of her mission and accomplishment. This is especially impressive given that Salt + Light was established just months before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, teaching our world as a whole a lesson on the value of belongingness.

Adrianne is the embodiment of what it means to be the change you wish to see. “I feel really strongly about how we belong to each other. I believe in kinship.” The old model is transactional, checks boxes, and is system-oriented; this model is human-centered and meets people where they are. “Knowing people is the important part and I feel like we’ve been missing that,” states Adrianne. “We also believe that people heal people.” Sharing these beliefs and living by them plants the seeds for change, and the Central Valley gets a front-row seat to witness something groundbreaking. Salt + Light made its debut as a food vendor at the 2024 World Ag Expo, bringing Adrianne’s agricultural roots and communitycentered destiny full circle. There are multiple ways to engage with Salt + Light. From volunteering to donating, every effort is an act of loving our neighbors in a radical way. Check out www.saltandlightworks.org or the VOMO app to see how you can be a part of the solution to end homelessness.

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Sophistication.

The qualities of refinement, good taste, and wisdom.

By contrast, undisciplined, simple, primitive and unrefined are far more common on The Drew Show heard weekday mornings on New Rock 104.1.

Discover the celebrated Vintage Steakhouse, where mouthwatering steaks and seafood await. Elevate your dining experience with our exceptional wine collection, expertly paired to enhance every flavor. With three Wine Spectator Restaurant Award of Excellence honors, we stand among the world's top destinations for wine enthusiasts.

Features Contributor Armen Bacon Photographer Gina Taro

Bolddecisionsmadewithoutregret.Courageousconversations.Trustingourinstincts.Leaningin. Makingfierceeyecontact.Respectingourselves.Understandingthat“no”isacompletesentence. Findingourbliss.Livingoutloudaswomenofsubstancebecausethat’swhatwomen ofinfluencedo—weshowuptohelpchangetheworld.

But women keep going. Many of us are the glue, the center of gravity for everyone around us. Our families, friends, community, and world count on us. Navigating life’s journey often feels like a steep hike up Mt. Everest, but the journey teaches us about the resilience of the human spirit. We are merchants of hope. Even when running on fumes, we perceive our cups as half full. We are miracle workers, survivors who never quit.

Through the years, I have met my share of phenomenal women who have nurtured my soul and fueled my passion. They revive and resuscitate my spirit while breathing new life into both heart and soul. How? They dare me to live my life and remind me, “Yes, I can.” I keep their words of wisdom tattooed against my chest and on my nightstand as a constant source of inspiration:

We don’t see things as they are—we see things as WE are.

Maybe we cannot be whatever we want to be—but we can be a lot more of who we already are.

It’s time to shake hands with our imperfections. Make peace with the not-so-shiny parts, the damaged, broken pieces, and befriend all those secret parts we would like to improve or erase. We are all beautifully flawed.

If we don’t know where we’re going, any road will get us there. Let’s make a pact to build the life we want. Believe in ourselves. What are we waiting for?

Be awake. Alive. Stay in the present tense. The only time that matters is now.

Times are tough. The world wants and needs more from us. Let’s venture out and invent new possibilities—find new ways of doing old things.

Surround ourselves with people who believe in us. We all need back-up singers. Find your tribe and love them hard.

There is power in the word “no,” in creating boundaries for your time with phrases like, “No thank you,” “Not now,” “Not today,” “Maybe never.”

Slow down. Give yourself recess. The dishes and laundry can wait.

Every day, do something new or something that scares you. Fear is what stops us—not lack of talent. Stop being afraid of making a fool of yourself. Try being brave five minutes longer.

Make time to unplug, refresh, recalibrate, and rejuvenate. “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” (Anne Lamott)

Be still, find a safe place to receive courage and remember—we can reinvent ourselves as many times as we wish. There are no restrictions, quotas, or limits.

Never settle. If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re probably in the wrong room. Find your people. Chase your wildest dreams until they catch up with you.

And remember, how you do anything is how you do everything.

Life is full of lessons and teachable moments. Sometimes, sitting still and being quiet while listening to the sound of our own breath is more powerful than hearing the roar of an ocean. “Breathe, baby, breathe” is a perfect mantra. Let’s promise not to wait for the “too-muchness” of life to morph into a catastrophic event and force us down.

I have a better idea. Let’s calendar regular time-outs and find rest stops along the often-times tricky and perilous path to our destination/destiny, even if that means going into hiding—placing ourselves in protective custody. There is power in powering down, logging off. Rebooting.

We are in this together—all of us. We must lean on each other. And learn from each other. Practice radical empathy and self-care. Why is it we have such a hard time asking for help? If we see someone drowning in the undertow of life, say something. Do something.

Women thrive in a perpetual state of becoming. We must embrace life’s mysterious, wondrous, and sometimes unthinkable roadblocks and detours. Make our mess our message. At the end of the day, it boils down to this: if we try too hard to simplify the journey, we won’t have a journey at all—just a little road trip.

May is a month of metamorphosis: a time to peek at our insides, take a closer look at ourselves, and hold a hand mirror to hopes and dreams, especially the outlandish, outrageous ones that keep us awake in the middle of the night. Maybe it’s time to dig deep and explore our inner voices—the ones asking what if, if only, and why not. There’s never been a better time to be a woman of influence.

Ask yourself, “Who am I when nobody is looking?” Then dare to set her free.

And finally, whatever life throws at you, wake up each morning and whisper to yourself, “Today I’m going to give the world the best I have to offer.”

Bring California Home

Michael Nicholas Designs. The essence of California fashion and comfort. A family-owned company building upholstery with value and pride in Southern California. Michael Nicholas Designs specializes in exceptional furniture made by hand and deeply personalized by skilled craftsmen. On display proudly at Fashion Furniture.

SOCIAL affair

CRŪ Winery Sarmento Vineyard Clone

777 Pinot Noir Reception

CRŪ WINERY SARMENTO VINEYARD CLONE 777 PINOT NOIR RECEPTION

Photographer

CRŪ Winery’s Sarmento Vineyard Clone 777 Pinot Noir

Reception took place on Friday, February 16th at the CRŪ Winery Santa Lucia Highlands Tasting Room with 30 guests present. This evening reception celebrated CRŪ Winery’s highest score ever received from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, 95 points on the 2021 Sarmento Vineyard Clone 777 Pinot Noir. In attendance was CRŪ Winemaker Jose Reyes as well as Jason Smith, President of Valley Farm Management, which owns the Sarmento Vineyard. They both mingled with guests throughout the evening and spoke to the larger group about the wine, the Santa Lucia Highlands, and the Sarmento Vineyard. The event was hosted both indoors and outdoors with catering by Vivant Fine Cheese and Taste of the Pinnacles.

For more information about CRŪ Winery, please visit www.cruwinery.com.

Megumi Reagan

SOCIAL affair

Support Blue Run 2024

SUPPORT BLUE RUN 2024

Benefiting Fresno Police Chaplaincy Photographer Daniel Jessing, Brandon Johansen, Vanessa Markarian & Patricia Mesa

The 9th Annual Support Blue Run was held on Saturday, February 24th at Woodward Park. Some 3,250 runners and walkers, in addition to so many volunteers and law enforcement agencies, came out to support the Fresno Police Chaplaincy. This is one place where law enforcement and the community can come together and interact for the morning. Fresno Fire joined with the garrison flag, which is flown on Sundays, holidays, and special occasions. Fresno PD and some of their team members won the Biggest Team Award and got to keep the trophy for the year. Greg from Q97.1 Greg and Dre Morning Show started the 2K race. Fresno PD’s “Skywatch” Air Support Unit landed in the dark that morning—the weather was perfect, but it was cold until the sun really started to shine, making for a beautiful event day.

For more information about the Fresno Police Chaplaincy, please visit www.fresnopdchaplaincy.org.

SOCIAL affair

3rd Annual CASA Chef Cook-Off

3RD ANNUAL CASA CHEF COOK-OFF

Benefiting CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties

Photographer Butler Branding

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Fresno and Madera Counties held their 3rd Annual Chef Cook-Off on Saturday, March 2nd for the first time at the Clovis Rodeo Grounds. CASA is “The Voice that Empowers Foster Youth” by helping vulnerable children and youth in foster care reach their full potential. Approximately 300+ attendees came out to support CASA’s mission. Over $29,000 was raised for children and youth in foster care to have advocates give them hope, answer questions, and have them feel seen and heard. Event founder Chef Robert Ortiz secured six chefs for this unique culinary experience: Chef Chauncey Gardner - Unir Dining, Chef Andrew Karsh - The Lincoln Pub & Grub, Chef Jonathan Gutierrez - UC Merced, Chef Brian Kesanen - The VineyardsCalifornia Armenian Home, Chef Joelle Grijalva - Yummy J’s, Chef Crystal Vasquez - The Spicy Meatball. They were accompanied by nine food vendors from the Clovis Culinary Center under the guidance of Chris Marshall. The winner was Chef Jonathan Gutierrez. Ms. Jammy Harris, a youth formerly in foster care, shared her story about being in foster care and how her CASA changed the trajectory of her life and the lives of her siblings.

For more information about CASA of Fresno and Madera Counties, please visit www.casafresnomadera.org.

SOCIAL affair

Hinds Guild of Hope High Noon Tea 2024

HINDS GUILD OF HOPE

HIGH NOON TEA 2024

Benefiting Hinds Hospice’s underfunded pediatric programs

Photographer Rob Walker

The Hinds Guild of Hope hosted their annual High Noon Tea on Saturday, April 6th at Pardini’s Catering & Banquets. A total of 220 members of the Central Valley community came together and raised over $34,000 through ticket sales, high-end raffle prizes, and raffling off the beautifully decorated and themed tea tables for the benefit of Hinds Hospice’s underfunded pediatric programs. Everywhere you looked, you could see smiling faces and fancy hats, making this fashionable event one to look forward to every year. There was not a dry eye in the room as guest speaker Rebecca Parmer shared her story about her three precious triplets Patrick, Paige, and Peyton. Listening to her family’s story was a devastating reminder of why our community needs pediatric programs such as Angel Babies, Circle of Friends Children’s Grief Support Program, and Hinds Kids Pediatrics. Hinds Hospice Founder Nancy Hinds was in attendance and shared how thankful she is to everyone who has helped support these programs through the years.

For more information about Hinds Hospice, please visit www.hindshospice.org.

SOCIAL affair

Fig Garden Woman’s Club Antique Show Preview Party

FIG GARDEN WOMAN’S CLUB ANTIQUE SHOW PREVIEW PARTY

Benefiting Fig Garden Woman’s Club awards scholarships for Fresno City College Nursing Students and various local charities

Photographer Don Dizon

The Fig Garden Woman’s Club (FGWC) Antique Show Preview Party was held the evening of Thursday, March 14th at the Fig Garden Woman’s Club. There were approximately 100 attendees at the Preview Party, and over 1,000 attendees came to the antique show throughout the weekend. Proceeds benefited the Fig Garden Woman’s Club awards scholarships for Fresno City College Nursing Students in addition to supporting various local charities. Throughout the years, FGWC has awarded over $100,000 to the Fresno City College Nursing Program. The Preview Party kicked off the three-day antique show and sale. At the party, the Club served hors d’oeuvres, desserts, wine, champagne, and refreshments, all donated by members. Throughout the weekend antique show, people come from far and wide for the homemade sandwiches, soup, and pies. The pie sells out every year! The Antique Show and Preview Party feature 15 handpicked, elite antique dealers from all over California and Arizona, who come to set up and sell their wares at the only antique show and sale in the Central Valley.

For more information about the Fig Garden Woman’s Club, please visit www.figgardenwomansclub.org.

SOCIAL affair

Founders Club’s Charity Poker Tournament

FOUNDERS CLUB’S CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT

Benefiting Community Health System’s future Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute Photographer K. Marie Boudoir Photography

Community Health System’s Founders Club hosted its first charity poker tournament on Thursday, April 11th at Audi Porsche Fresno with around 160 attendees present. The event raised more than $48,000 to benefit the future Bob Smittcamp Family Neuroscience Institute. Through philanthropy, Founders Club aims to make a difference in the lives of Community’s patients, their families, and the healthcare heroes who care for them. Event sponsors included Facility Designs, Guardian Accounting, PREEN a boutique salon, Comfort Pro Heating & Cooling, and Swinerton.

For more information about the Founders Club, please visit www.communitymedical.org/donate/founders-club.

SOCIAL affair

Armenian Home Guild Lunch Celebrating 65 Years

ARMENIAN HOME GUILD LUNCH CELEBRATING 65 YEARS

Benefiting California Armenian Home Photographer Robert Vargas

The Armenian Home Guild Lunch Celebrating 65 years took place on Saturday, April 13th at the Armenian American Citizens League (AACL) Grand Ballroom. Roughly 96 to 100 attendees came out to celebrate for the benefit of California Armenian Home. The luncheon itself raised $3,000. There was a display of photos and bios of the nine founders. Out of the nine Charter (1958) Board members, four of them—Lillie Karabian, Beatrice Sobajian, Elizabeth Varteresian, and Rose Kiramidjian—had family attend from as far north as San Jose and as far south as Lemoore. A short history was presented of the California Armenian Home and the Armenian Home Guild, which is the first aid organization to serve the Home. Pianist Nora Agulian, trained at the Armenian Conservatory, performed selections from Armenian composers. Friends and relatives had the opportunity to get reacquainted while enjoying a traditional Armenian buffet lunch. The event closed with purchasing kufta (Armenian meatballs), the main fundraiser for the Armenian Home Guild.

For more information about California Armenian Home, please visit www.lifeatthevineyards.org

SOCIAL affair

Santé Health Foundation’s 7th Annual Gala, A Black Tie Affair

SANTÉ HEALTH FOUNDATION’S 7TH ANNUAL GALA, A BLACK TIE AFFAIR

Benefiting Hinds Hospice

Photographer Dillmore Portraits

The Santé Health Foundation held their 7th Annual Gala, this year with A Black Tie Affair theme, on Saturday, April 13th at Fort Washington Country Club. Benefiting Hinds Hospice, the event hosted some 200 attendees and was an evening where everyone dressed their best. The night was filled with surprises, food, and cocktails, as well as stunning décor and entertainment. The dining room was transformed into an elegant lounge. Mercy and The Heart Beats from the Bay Area had everyone on their feet dancing until the end of the evening, when John and Rachel Burt took home the adorable Australian Labradoodle that was auctioned off.

For more information about Santé Health Foundation, please visit www.santehealthfoundation.org.

COSTARS

Astrologer Shari Schopp @shari_starlight www.eyeonastrology.com

Taurus

April 20th to May 20th

The landscape may feel as if it is shifting beneath your feet. To stabilize this energy, emulate your symbol, the bull, by embodying the qualities of fixed earth through employing ideas centered around sustainability, efficiency, and determination. With your legendary patience, create plans to advance work in incremental stages. Expand routines by balancing work/life scenarios, allowing room for other indulgences such as relaxation and sharing resources with intimate partners. Nurture yourself by spending time walking outside in nature, planting a garden, and enjoying homegrown food.

Gemini

May 21st to June 21st

Strengthen your resolve to move projects forward. Seek assistance from others to troubleshoot what’s creating roadblocks. Communicate a new narrative and courageously lead the way towards completion.

Capricorn

December 22nd to January 19th

Libra

September 23rd to October 23rd

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Cancer

June 22nd to July 22nd

Trust your intuition when socializing and exploring the myriad of invitations.

If you feel pressured or are in uncomfortable situations, explore your options. Don’t commit unless you’re ready to take a gamble.

Leo

July 23rd to August 22nd

Extra energy and charisma are available. Utilize them to materialize your visions. Strategize your daily habits with pleasurable ambition, aesthetic endeavors, and physical release. As a trailblazer, you motivate others.

Virgo

August 23rd to September 22nd

Circumstances arise out of your control. Seek guidance from trusted advisors to make necessary adjustments. Take appropriate actions for revisions, fostering breakthroughs while minimizing obstacles.

Take a step back to assess emotional conflicts. Maintain objectivity by considering others’ perspectives. This approach can de-escalate situations and open up new possibilities. Incorporate therapeutic practices for additional support.

Scorpio

October 24th to November 21st

Harness your imagination to navigate life’s responsibilities. Apply both tenacity and energy to your commitments, while allowing for some frivolous diversions. A determined approach ensures completion of tasks from start to finish.

Sagittarius

November 22nd to December 21st

Dreaming new dreams opens up a pathway for prospects to continue progressing. Make some space to rediscover the changes needed. This will save you time for amazing new proposals in the future.

Propel leading-edge ideas by strategizing how to improve strong communication skills. It will initiate a creative plan for ramping up problem-solving, repairing projects in the works, and increasing productivity.

Aquarius

January 20th to February 18th

Look at the world realistically and adopt new viewpoints on traditions and allegiances. To be effective at this time, maintain some semblance of discipline. Life’s pleasures come calling, and work is not a priority.

Pisces

February 19th to March 20th

Maintain social interactions with people who appear in your orbit. These spontaneous opportunities are there to assist you. Common interests lay the foundation, and success is created by working out the details.

Aries

March 21st to April 19th

Choose a focal point and aim for the mountain tops. Having a direction engages your energies. As you ascend, you connect with influential and professional individuals, increasing the diversity of partnerships.