Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living — August 2019

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San Joaquin Valley Living

AUGUST 2019

G I V E P AW S www.enjoysouthvalley.com

Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house

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contents AU G U ST 2 01 9 // I S S U E # 57

San Joaquin Valley Living

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ANIMAL ADVOCATES WITH VALLEY OAK SPCA CR A F TING

Photo by Salina Marroquin

IN T ER EST

34 DIY: Multi-Purpose Carry Clutch

21 Fresno State Provides Incentives for Math Teachers

COM M U NIT Y

PETS

18 Join Your Neighbors for National Night Out

GOOD TI M ES 24 Star Gazing with the Sequoia Parks Conservancy’s Dark Sky Festival

Enjoy magazine is not affiliated with JOY magazine or Bauer German Premium GmbH.

6 Spirit Horse Connections in Kingsburg 10 29 Years Of Valley Oak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 13 Changing the Stigma with Fresno Bully Rescue 16 Five Questions to Ask Yourself When Adopting a Pet

W EDDING TR EN DS 27 7 Foolproof Steps to Writing Your Own Wedding Vows IN EV ERY ISSU E 30 Enjoy the View— Joshua Cates 32 What’s Cookin’— Vegan Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos with Corn Salsa and Cilantro Lime Sauce 36 Calendar of Events 39 Giving Back— Paws 4 Healing Pet Therapy

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Specializing in family, couples, maternity and graduate sessions.

“I want to freeze your memories and create art that hopefully will live on your walls and follow you through time.� salmarrophotography@gmail.com | 559-667-8772

editor’s note august 2019

THEY’RE OUR MOST faithful friends, our closest companions, the ones who love us unconditionally even when we’re not very pleasant to be around – they’re our pets, and this month, we “give paws” in their honor.

Is there room in your home and heart for a new furry friend? We’ll help walk you through five critical questions to ask yourself before you make the lifetime commitment of adopting a pet.

Stigma surrounds dogs labeled as “bully breeds,” but Bridgette Boothe has become an educated advocate for dogs like pit bulls and bulldogs. She’s the director of Fresno Bully Rescue, and she and her team house dozens of dogs while also doing outreach on responsible ownership.

Sometimes animals are healers, like those found at Spirit Horse Connections. These horses provide an alternative therapeutic approach for children and adults with challenges like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, anxiety, PTSD and more. More than 100 children have spoken their first word on a horse or pony here.

We all want safer streets, and National Night Out provides an opportunity to meet your neighbors, shake hands with the officers who protect us and learn how you can contribute to a healthier neighborhood.

And if wedding bells are in your future (and the date is drawing ever near), we’ve got some tips on writing your own vows. It’s a heartfelt way to add a deeply personal touch to your ceremony, and it’s not as tough as you might think!

Relish these long summer days, give your favorite critter a pet behind the ears, and enjoy!

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SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY LIVING

YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher MICHELLE ADAMS publisher RONDA BALL-ALVEY editor-in-chief KERRI REGAN copy editor EMILY MIRANDA marketing & sales assistant, social media manager MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designer CATHERINE HUNT event calendar/website MONICA FATICA editorial consultant VALERI BARNES advertising sales representative ED BOLING advertising sales representative DANIELLE COLESBERRY AUSTIN REYNOLDS TREVOR LUDLOW KOBY REYNOLDS deliveries

www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 • (530) 246-4687 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net

on the cover Cover models: Abby Miller Webster Theodore Miller Photos by Salina Marroquin

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Enjoy and Enjoy the Store are trademarks of Enjoy, Inc.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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PETS

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

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PHOTOS: RHONNA TORRES

www.EnjoySouthValley.com AUGUST AUGUST2019 2019

BEAUTIFUL

CONNECTIONS SPIRIT HORSE CO N N ECT I O N S I N KINGSBURG CREATED OUT of a passion for both animals and people, Spirit Horse Connections brings a new concept and energy to the idea of therapy.

The organization officially began in 2012 by Kasey Thiesen and her mom, Kelly Okland, but the seed that started the nonprofit was planted more than a decade earlier.

As a child, Thiesen grew up in a home surrounded by hurting children. Okland and her husband were foster parents and happily cared for children of all ages with various needs. As children who have experienced trauma often do, Thiesen remembers her foster siblings having a difficult time adjusting. “Even if they didn’t want to talk to us, they could make a connection with an animal. Sometimes an animal is easier to relate to.” The family home was filled with various critters and creatures and Thiesen saw the therapeutic benefits of animals first hand.

After studying child development in college, Thiesen returned to Kingsburg where she and Okland began Pawsitive Connections, a nonprofit organization centered around rescuing dogs. As the new nonprofit took off, the mother-daughter duo began to dream on a larger scale, looking for a way to help people and animals at the same time. Shortly thereafter, they became certified through their parent organization in Texas, Spirit Horse International. In 2013, Spirit Horse Connections in Kingsburg opened its doors and began helping people of all ages. 4

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Spirit Horse provides an alternative therapeutic approach for children and adults with various abilities and needs. Serving those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, anxiety, PTSD and multiple sclerosis, Spirit Horse meets the individual right where they are, helping them build strength, confidence and balance.

The unique approach of Spirit Horse involves the vestibular system, one of the sensory systems that provides the brain with information about balance and spatial understanding. As the riders sit on the horse, the movement of the horse causes the rider to engage their muscles and stimulate the vestibular system, which in turn sparks other parts of the brain, including the language center – and 104 children have spoken their first word on a horse or pony at Spirit Horse.

Additionally, as riders learn the proper care of a horse through grooming and putting on the saddle, the processes of sequencing and the importance of gentleness is reinforced, all while the riders are unaware of any therapy taking place.

a similar calendar to the school year. Clients range in age from 2 to 35 years of age.

Leslie Covert has brought her daughter to Spirit Horse for the last two years. The experience has proven to be amazing. As Covert’s daughter rides the horse, the horse senses her emotions and modifies its behavior in reaction. This communication creates a deep connection between the horse and rider and has helped Covert’s daughter work through anxiety and fear. Covert is forever grateful to Thiesen and Okland. “It is a therapy that works in a way I never expected or could even explain.

It gives her a sense of purpose and belonging.

In some hard and difficult days when her anxiety seems to be winning, walking into those gates at Spirit Horse and connecting with those horses is the one thing that brings her smile back out again.”

Thiesen finds great joy in her everyday work, knowing she’s making a difference in so many lives while also bringing healing to hurting animals. The joy and surprise on a parent’s face as they see their son or daughter sit up for the first time or speak their first

“Even if they didn’t want to talk to us, they could make a connection with an animal.

Sometimes an animal is easier to relate to.”

Within the 10 acres of countryside, 17 rescued horses are ridden regularly for both therapy and private instructional lessons. Spirit Horse has joined with horse rescue organizations to bring healing to horses who have been neglected or hurt. As the horses are nurtured, their spirit of gentleness returns and they rediscover their purpose. More experienced horses begin to shine with their talent and expertise proving to be great horses for therapy, while others work through rehab to be re-homed to other organizations needing horses for more expert riders. In addition to the equine population, the tucked-away refuge houses pigs, ducks, goats and even an alpaca.

Not only do the animals bring a whimsical flare to the farm, they serve as part of a petting zoo, perfect for any youngster to chase and feed. Proceeds from the zoo help offset the cost of therapy. Spirit Horse doesn’t want anyone to miss out on the life-changing effects of therapy due to cost. Private riding lessons help bring down therapy costs, as well.

The motto of Spirit Horse is “The spirit to ride, the courage to try.” Therapy sessions are scheduled once a week for a semester, following 8

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words is what makes this endeavor worthwhile for Thiesen. She and Okland pride themselves in having created “a place where anybody can belong, where everyone is welcome and everyone is included.”

Sometimes miracles happen in the most unlikely places. It is evident that there is healing in equine therapy as older children take their first-ever steps and veterans find purpose and belonging as they overcome PTSD. The synergizing relationship between horse and rider, as one heals another, shows that this oneof-a-kind farm serves a higher purpose.• Spirit Horse Connections (559) 393-1948 12099 E. Stroud Avenue, Kingsburg www.spirithorsekingsburg.org Find them on Facebook and Instagram Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe.

A mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.

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Honey Peanut Butter Doggie Treats 1. Add 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour, 1 egg (beaten, should be ¼ cup), ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp water, ¼ cup powdered milk, 2 T all natural smooth peanut butter, and 1 T honey to the bowl of your stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, set on low, mix for 3-4 minutes until it forms a nice dough.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to about ¹∕8" thick. (If dough seems too dry, wet hands and knead dough a bit.) Use small cookie cutters to create treats. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

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PETS

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BY JOHN DILLON

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PHOTOS: SALINA MARROQUIN

A N I MteAs L advoca

2 9 Y E A R S O F VA L L E Y O A K SOCIETY FOR THE P R E V E N T I O N O F C R U E LT Y TO A N I M A L S SINCE 1991, Valley Oak SPCA has been serving Tulare County’s domestic animal population and now coming up on its 29th year, the organization is expanding.

“We are in the process of designing a new facility that will house our rescue and clinic under one roof,” says Megan Barlogio, the adoption center manager for the SPCA. Along with the facility expansion, Valley Oak SPCA is fundraising for an x-ray machine.

On a daily basis, the SPCA clinic staff works with an on-site veterinarian to perform between 25 and 50 spay and neuter operations. They also offer a walk-in vaccination clinic between 9am and noon every day alongside a Thursday evening clinic between 4 and 6pm.

“Valley Oak SPCA operates a non-profit, no kill rescue and a high quantity veterinary clinic. Our rescue team pulls dogs and cats from the local overcrowded municipal shelters, takes in owner-surrendered pets, and leads rescue missions for injured and abandoned animals,” says Barlogio.

This is the largest no-kill vet center in Tulare County and the only one with a veterinarian on staff.

Euthanization went away for the shelter in 2016 after new management and staff cycled through.

“For 25 years, Valley Oak SPCA held contracts with surrounding cities to operate animal control and house stray animals,” says Barlogio. “The facility took in approximately 16,000 animals yearly from Visalia, Dinuba, Tulare, Farmersville and Exeter. Due to the high number of animals held at the previous run down shelter, a high percentage of these animals were euthanized. Sadly, only 12 percent of the animals brought into the shelter left alive.”

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After 2016, the save rate of Valley Oak SPCA skyrocketed to 100 percent. Now, all animals either go to families for adoption or to other shelters. Every month, the SPCA puts about 200 animals in homes.

Like many other pet shelters and rescues, the SPCA runs off donations of money and tangible goods.

“It is constantly a challenge to bring in enough donations to cover our expenses,” says Barlogio. “We lean on our community for support in everything we do. Donations of food, toys and office supplies are all items that help us curb expenses. Monetary donations help us cover medical costs incurred when we take in injured animals and animals with special needs.”

Fostering animals is another way to help. Most shelters operate at maximum capacity, so it’s difficult to take in and help new animals when the organization doesn’t have room, Barlogio says. Valley Oak SPCA provides all services for the foster animals.

Adoption, though, is one of the biggest services the organization offers. It hosts public adoption events and has an open Adoption Center for those looking to take home a rescue animal. One must fill out an application and meet with a counselor before proceeding to ensure the home is a good place for a pet. After clearing the process, the animal is vaccinated and spayed or neutered.

Valley Oak SPCA often reaches out to the community. It participates in Project Homeless Connect, where homeless pet owners can get free vaccinations for their pets. Low-income pet owners have access to free spay and neuter surgeries, as well.

Critter Camp is an initiative sponsored by the SPCA in the summer which teaches children techniques and protocols for responsible pet ownership. Staff often appears on radio and television broadcasts about pets.

On November 1, Valley Oak SPCA is holding its 10th annual Wine and Wags Gala and Auction at 6pm at the Visalia Wyndham. A meal will accompany a silent and live auction and a wine and beer tasting.

Tickets are $85.

Donations can be made online at www.vospca.org, through Facebook (@ValleyOakSPCA) or in person by requesting a donation envelope through info@vospca.org. • Valley Oak SPCA • 9800 Camp Drive, Visalia (559) 651-1111 • vospca.org Find them on Facebook and Instagram

John Dillon is a writer attending college in Visalia. He enjoys art, movies, television and politics. In his spare time, he reads and plays Dungeons & Dragons. You can also see his work in The Valley Voice.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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PETS

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BY MELISSA MENDONCA

to the RESCUE C H A N G I N G T H E S T I G M A W I T H F R E S N O B U L LY R E S C U E WHEN BRIDGETTE BOOTHE and her husband married and decided to get their first dog, they wanted a breed that would keep up with their lifestyle. “We were just simply looking for an active dog. We wanted to go camping. We were looking for a dog that could keep up with us. We weren’t looking for a pit bull,” she says. The breed, it turned out, was just what they needed, though neither was aware at the time of the stigma surrounding bully breeds.

“We were minding our own business, walking down the street and someone decided to blurt out a rude comment

because of the dog we were walking,” she says. “That’s when we started to realize the stigma. We decided to become advocates.”

The desire to become an educated advocate of bully breeds — such as American pit bull terriers, American bulldogs and bull terriers — led Boothe to the Fresno Bully Rescue as a volunteer in the first year of its existence, 2008. By 2009, she was the shelter director. Today, Fresno Bully Rescue houses 40 dogs in its shelter and many more in foster homes. It also does outreach education on responsible ownership of bully breeds and advocacy. 4

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Photos courtesy of Fresno Bully Rescue

Fresno Bully Rescue came to be in light of the financial crisis that saw a huge uptick in home foreclosures that moved people out of their own homes and into apartments, where their dogs typically weren’t welcome. “This breed faces more challenges with living situations than any other dog,” says Boothe, noting that bully breeds are often specifically excluded from housing leases, even in military housing.

Before Fresno Bully Rescue, dogs were being given up at shelters that didn’t want to accommodate them. “Because of the image that they had, the shelters didn’t give them a chance to be adopted. They were going in, but they weren’t coming out,” she adds. Fresno Bully Rescue developed as a no-kill, nonprofit, volunteer-run rescue and shelter to reduce numbers of bully breeds being euthanized.

Finding the right home for rescued dogs is a challenge, but Fresno Bully Rescue has a system for success. “Adopting a dog takes a lot of effort, but it’s for the quality and long-term success of that adoption,” says Boothe. There’s an application process, home visits with fence checks and adoption fees.

When determining whether a bully breed is appropriate for a person or family, Boothe recommends being very clear about your current situation. “Get the dog that fits your lifestyle and be very honest with yourself about how much time you have,” she says. “People get pit bulls as puppies because they are extremely cute.” As they grow, however, they need even more attention and socialization. “Most dogs are surrendered at one year old,” she adds.

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“People’s minds have been changing, opening up and shifting... We advocate for the breed and work against dog fighting and breed discrimination,” she adds.

For active, adventurous, responsible owners, pit bulls can be wonderful pets. “They have the ability to do such a wide range of things,” says Boothe, who has owned and fostered many pit bulls over the years. “They’re also very, very bonded to their families. These dogs thrive around people. They don’t like to be stuck in the backyard tied to a chain.

Bored dogs become destructive dogs.”

For people wanting to experience the joy of bully breeds but who aren’t ready to adopt, there are many opportunities to volunteer for the organization. Monthly orientations help people determine how best to serve. Volunteers are needed to walk dogs, do kennel chores, help train, and fundraise as well as transport dogs to medical care and extra training. Donations are also needed. “We always need supplies,” says Boothe.

“Anything from dog food donations to leashes and collars to cleaning supplies. Anything you would need in a home or office.”

The organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Bully Walk, is coming up on October 21. It’s a two-mile walk of people and dogs. While it’s the biggest, says Boothe, “Every month we have something going on.” A Facebook page keeps people apprised of these happenings.

The efforts of Fresno Bully Rescue seem to be paying off.

“People’s minds have been changing, opening up and shifting,” says Boothe, who notes that a volunteer came into the shelter specifically to get over her fear of bully breeds. Two shows on Animal Planet featuring bully breeds are also helping educate the public, as are the numerous outreach activities the organization does at community events and on school campuses. “We advocate for the breed and work against dog fighting and breed discrimination,” she adds.

“Every dog breed isn’t for every person,” says Boothe. If a bully breed is for you, however, Fresno Bully Rescue can help you determine that and get both you and your dog off to a safe, responsible, happy start. • Fresno Bully Rescue • www.fresnobullyrescue.org 11740 E. Belmont Avenue, Sanger • (559) 276-7611 Find them on Facebook and Instagram Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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PETS

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BY KAYLA ANDERSON

are you

Ready?

F I V E Q U E ST I O N S TO A S K YO U R S E L F W H E N ADOPTING A PET ADOPTING A PET from an animal shelter can be rewarding for both you and your new furball, as many wonderful, cute and loving animals are yearning for a permanent home.

Plus, you are much more likely to find a pet that’s already neutered and housebroken, and you may even save their life.

However, bringing a pet into your home is a tremendous responsibility. Many dogs and cats need a lot of attention and mental stimulation, just like people do. Therefore, while pets provide great companionship and trust, it’s important to ask yourself these five questions before introducing your new fur baby to their fur-ever home:

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1

Do you rent or own your home? Dogs (and cats) are known to chew on doors, tear up carpet, go to the bathroom in the house and get into other kinds of mischief while you are away. Preparing for a bit more wear and tear than you’re used to is inevitable with a new pet, which is why it’s important to make sure you can offer your pet a stable environment that you and/or your landlord is okay with. Some animal shelters require that you bring a lease as part of the application process to doublecheck the verbiage on what’s allowed in your living space.

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Will your pet be kept indoors or outdoors? This is a big consideration, because if you have an indoor cat or dog – unless it is toilet trained – then where is your pet going to go to the bathroom? If Spot or Bella is meant to be inside, have a designated place that doesn’t interfere with your other roommates’ personal space. If it’s an indoor/outdoor pet, be sure to have a properly enclosed space or fenced-in backyard (keep in mind that huskies can jump six-foot fences) and pay attention to the weather elements.

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Do you have time to take it on walks? If you have your heart set on adopting a cuddly pit bull, make sure it has a little room to roam. Dogs need exercise, and the fact that you’ll get some, too, is a bonus.

Do you already have pets? If so, bring them to the shelter to make sure your potential addition is compatible with your current roommates. Many people have a predetermined idea of what breed of dog they’re going to get, but then they end up going home with the furry friend that resonates the best with the rest of the crew.

Are you ready for the paperwork, or prepared for a delay in being able to take your pet home? Many animal shelters are just as committed to finding the proper match as you are and want to make sure that you are ready to love and keep a domesticated animal that could’ve previously been neglected or abused. That’s why many shelters, like The Cat House on Kings in Parlier, require potential adopters to fill out an application form and give it a few days for it to be approved.

opt to

adopt Adopting a dog or a cat from an animal shelter can be rewarding because you are helping shelters from becoming overcrowded and giving a deserving pet a new chance at life.

Tara Boyd, an adoption coordinator at The Cat House on the Kings, says the biggest challenges of taking on a feline include the cost of veterinary care and giving them proper stimulation tools, such as cat trees, toys and places to hide and play. Boyd says it’s important when adopting a pet to know how to take care of them and accept full responsibility for their decision.

Working at a cat adoption agency means that she’s a feline lover herself, and Boyd is currently housing four personal cats and two fosters that she’s helping nurse back to health. And yes – it is hard for her to not adopt more.

“Saying goodbye is hard, but knowing that they are going to their forever home makes it much easier,” Boyd says. •

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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COMMUNITY

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

OH WHAT A NIGHT J O I N YO U R N E I G H B O R S F O R N AT I O N A L N I G H T O U T COMMUNITIES ACROSS the nation are joining together to take back their neighborhoods and stand up to crime. For the last 36 years, the first Tuesday night in August has been dedicated to neighbors and law enforcement joining forces as communities promote safer and more caring environments.

National Night Out began in 1984 from the efforts of a community activist and law enforcement liaison, Matt 18

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Peskin. Having volunteered with law enforcement in Philadelphia since 1970, Peskin had learned the needs of communities and the necessity of neighbors taking an ownership over their streets and standing up to crime. In 1981, Peskin established Town Watch, encouraging citizens to watch for and report crimes. Despite the great progress in reaching and encouraging community members to take an active stance, Peskin desired to see a

greater partnership between neighborhoods and law enforcement. Police needed to come into communities for positive reasons and show neighborhoods that they were their allies. Three years after establishing Town Watch, the first National Night Out was held. Neighbors took a stance by turning on their porch lights and spending the evening sitting in front of their homes. The stance was simple, but the statement was strong and the message quickly spread.

Each community across the nation chooses how to mark the night. Not only do neighborhoods vary within a city, the dynamics of community and police interaction vary greatly across the states. While some communities enjoy a tight-knit relationship with law enforcement, other neighborhoods have faced strained relationships throughout the decades. According to a recent study by the Urban Institute, only 35.8 percent of people feel that the police are a part of their neighborhood, while 30.1 percent feel they can personally trust the police. The efforts of National Night Out are especially important to those communities where a partnership between neighbors and the police department have been weakened. National Night Out offers communities a unique opportunity to build relationships with law enforcement.

This year, 36 million neighbors are expected to participate in National Night Out. There are 336 cities participating in California alone, many of them in the Valley. From Fresno to Lemoore to Exeter to Porterville, events and festivities will bridge the efforts of communities and law enforcement. The fun will take place on the evening of August 6.

In the Valley, each town participates in the evening with a unique style. Visalia neighborhoods have participated in National Night Out with festivities reminiscent of decades past, when neighbors gathered together to eat and share stories in an effort to create genuine friendship and community. Participation was easy, neighborhoods registered with the city as an official National Night Out celebration spot and neighbors hosted barbecues, ice cream socials, potlucks and block parties. In 2018, due to the extreme summer weather in the Central Valley, Visalia moved its National Night Out to October. Neighbors met at Oval Park and enjoyed tacos, root beer floats, SWAT and K-9 demonstrations and opportunities to meet the local members of the California Highway Patrol, bomb squad and police and fire departments.

Fresno participates in the evening in a similar manner, with each policing district hosting an event filled with vendors, free food and fun games for the kids. The Central District encourages neighbors to head to the Manchester Center where Officer Bunch promises “an all-around good time” for the community.

Despite soaring temperatures, Hanford is planning to beat the heat and is gearing up for activities with the rest of the nation on August 6. Last year, the City of Hanford and the Police Department joined forces at Civic Park offering free food, fire truck and carousel rides, bounce houses and opportunities for fun interactions between law enforcement and community members; 2019 aims to prove just as fun.

Not far up the road in the City of Lemoore, the police department will host a night of food and fun at Heritage Park on Hanford-Armona Road. Lemoore has seen a reduction in crime and fear due to the efforts of community policing. The concept of community policing requires fresh practices by law enforcement and committed citizen involvement. Lemoore Police Department has taken great steps in partnering with the community through surveys, conversations with residents and community meetings. The health of the city continues to improve as law enforcement better understands the various needs of the local neighborhoods and residents actively work with police officers.

Neighborhoods and communities across the valley floor are joining together and standing up to crime.

The eastern part of Tulare County will celebrate with neighbors, as well. Exeter is known for its fun and enticing dunk tank, music, games, a bike course and an appearance by Officer Nitro.

Porterville will participate in the evening with similar activities, providing a gathering for the community with free barbecued hot dogs and games. The Porterville Police Department expects a turnout of 500 people. Officer Steve Walker, who has served as the department’s Community Service Officer and chaplain for the last 20 years, says he enjoys “seeing all the community come together and have a great time.” He also encourages neighbors who aren’t able to attend the official Porterville event, “We are serious about preventing crime. If you aren’t able to attend, do something with your own neighbors.”

Fighting crime isn’t just for the superheroes; every member of the community has an opportunity to stand up for peace and take back their neighborhood. National Night Out is more than an evening of hamburgers and potato salad; it is an evening where friendships are created and communities unite. • National Night Out • NATW.org Contact your local city police department or visit www.natw.org/about/ Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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INTEREST

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BY MELISSA MENDONCA

FOLLOW the PATH F R E S N O S TAT E P R OV I D E S I N C E N T I V E S F O R M AT H T E AC H E R S

Photos courtesy of Fresno State Math Department

“In the Central Valley there is a huge teacher shortage,” says Dr. Rajee Amarasinghe, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State.

“All the teachers we are producing now are not making a dent in the teacher shortage and what we need.”

ELIJAH CLARK WAS a senior at Caruthers High School when he realized he wanted to be a math teacher.

“I was tutoring one of my classmates during one of my math classes and they explained to me that they didn’t like math, they hated math,” says the 22-year-old Fresno State math major. “The real reason they didn’t like math was because they had a bad experience with a teacher.”

Clark, on the other hand, enjoyed his math teachers, Bryan Sheldon and Baljit Gill, and wants it to be that way for everyone. “My mentality is that I don’t want anyone to have a bad experience with a teacher,” he says.

Fortunately, he’s entered Fresno State as a transfer student from Reedley Community College at a time when the university is expanding its supports and resources to potential math teachers.

“In the Central Valley there is a huge teacher shortage,” says Dr. Rajee Amarasinghe, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at Fresno State. “All the teachers we are producing now are not making a dent in the teacher shortage and what we need.”

In a regular progression of study, a teacher would spend four years in an undergraduate program and then an additional year and a half in a teacher credential program.

This added time is unappealing to those wanting to get out in the workforce, especially when the field of engineering sends a siren call to math majors after just four years. To address the severe shortage of math teachers, something had to change.

“We got together with our School of Education folks, and our math faculty and our teacher education faculty,” says Amarasinghe. “We creatively looked at some of the classes.” By combining courses with similar content that were required in undergraduate and credential programs, the team developed an integrated credential program that enhances supports to potential math teachers while getting them through in four years.

For Clark, this means a paid position as an instructional student aide where he is mentored through teaching techniques while helping fellow students. “Now that I4

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have students, it helps me see what kind of teacher I’d like to be,” he says. It’s no small thing that he’s paid, as well.

“That helps me be able to eat every day and to drive to school,” he adds.

Clark has attended the annual conference of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in San Diego, where he learned from teachers from across the globe. “Out of the whole year, that was the highlight,” he says. “I learned to teach different types of students different ways of learning math.”

The efforts of Fresno State were recently increased by a five-year, $1.4 million award from the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships to math majors in the integrated credential program. Clark will be one of the first recipients of a $10,000 award to continue his studies. The Noyce Teacher Scholarship will provide 44 junior and senior math majors $10,000 awards each year over five years. “It’s a financial incentive to think about becoming a future teacher,” says Amarasinghe.

There’s a hurdle beyond finances that the university is also addressing, and that is the fundamental way that young people experience math. “Often high school students see math very traditionally. They don’t see the beauty of math,” says Amarasinghe. “Only a handful of students want to be math majors because they think it’s too hard. It doesn’t have to be.”

To change the perception, he is sending teams out to work with high-achieving math students. “We do our outreach in a very different way,” he says. “We come up with different activities that show the application of math in real life. They are much more practical and fun.

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It’s much more appealing to them.” The teams go to area high schools and community colleges to attract students to Fresno State.

While Amarasinghe recognizes that these efforts are still small in regards to teacher needs in the state, he’s optimistic about developing an approach that can be replicated. “We are showing a path,” he says. “If we are successful in this, the others can follow.” There are 23 campuses in the California State University system, and early funding for the integrated math teacher training program was provided by the CSU Chancellors Office.

For a student like Clark, the financial and academic support mean he can stay in the rural areas of the Fresno area to follow in the footsteps of his parents and aunt who have modeled meaningful careers as educators. “I want to give these students an opportunity they’ve never seen before,” he says. “This is like home out here for me.

Sometimes we’re overlooked because we’re further from the city.”

Soon, the area just may have one of the most welltrained and innovative math teachers in the state. • Fresno State Department of Mathematics www.fresnostate.edu/csm/math/other-programs/ teachingscholars/index

Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

www. KelliAvilaPhotography.com

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GOOD TIMES

|

BY JOHN DILLON

SKY LIGHT S TA R G A Z I N G W I T H T H E S E Q U O I A PA R K S C O N S E R VA N C Y ’ S D A R K S K Y F E S T I VA L THE SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY is hosting its sixth annual Dark Sky Festival this August. Visitors will flock to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to participate in astronomical events, learn about the sky and have fun.

“We get people coming in from all over California,” said Gary Rogers, a spokesperson for the Conservancy.

“We’re expecting about 5,000 people.”

Dark Sky will include an array of activities geared toward education and gaining respect for the national parks.

“We have events in the daytime that are educational,” says Rogers.

Attendees will be offered classes in astrophotography and navigating stars in the night sky, and they can learn about an astronomical calendar. In the evenings, visitors can attend star parties and watch the sky together.

“The main thing is awareness. Most people don’t even realize they’ve never seen the Milky Way,” says Rogers, adding that the parks benefit from the consciousness of visitors understanding all nature has to offer, including the stars.

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Sequoia Parks Conservancy touts this festival as the largest astronomical event in Central California. While neither Sequoia nor Kings Canyon National Parks are certified International Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark Sky Association, the Conservancy is taking steps to reduce light pollution.

“Lots of cities are now addressing light pollution. They’re recognizing the adverse effects it has on nature,” says Rogers. In nature and especially in the parks, some species require a certain amount of darkness to thrive, he says.

Most national parks have conservancies in addition to park staff and rangers. Sequoia Parks Conservancy helps with outreach to the surrounding communities and education for its visitors. Visitor centers and initiatives like the Junior Ranger program are also conducted by the Conservancy, though most of the Conservancy’s work is with maintaining the forests, resources, wildlife and trails around the parks. Around 150 search and rescue operations are conducted by the Conservancy every year.

“We fund and enable projects and programs that protect, preserve and provide access to the natural and cultural

resources of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks,” Rogers says, quoting the Conservancy’s Mission Statement.

Dark Sky Festival will have its kickoff at REI Fresno and the event will feature keynote speaker Dr. Jena Meinecke, a plasma physicist studying laboratory astrophysics at Oxford University. Her current research has led her to study the origins of magnetic fields in the universe.

“Using the largest laser on Earth, the National Ignition Facility, we can recreate powerful astrophysical events such as supernovas in the laboratory to evince turbulent dynamo– a phenomenon that explains the ubiquitous magnetization of the universe,” Meinecke says on her website.

A LEGO model of the Antikythera mechanism will be on display. This analog calendar was made by the ancient Greeks to study astronomical movements and other celestial bodies. The clockwork device was discovered off the Greek island Antikythera in 1901.

Live music will be provided by Voices United, a women’s vocal ensemble that performs a capella in Fresno. They

compete in many regional events as well as teach choral technique and vocal agility.

While lodging is available, Rogers advised it would make a better day trip than an overnight endeavor.

Interested parties may contact the National Parks and make accommodations for a prolonged stay. Binoculars, a warm layer or blanket, cameras and lights are recommended along with proper clothing for a forest environment. • Dark Sky Festival • Aug. 23-24 www.sequoiaparksconservancy.org/darkskyfestival.html

John Dillon is a writer attending college in Visalia. He enjoys art, movies, television and politics. In his spare time, he reads and plays Dungeons & Dragons. You can also see his work in The Valley Voice.

Photo courtesy of Sequoia Parks Conservancy AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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WEDDING TRENDS

Take a Vow

7 F O O L P R O O F S T E P S TO W R I T I N G YO U R OW N W E D D I N G VOW S CONGRATULATIONS ON your upcoming wedding!

You and your fiancé have decided to write your own wedding vows. Personalized vows are a unique way to pledge your commitment to one another and put your own special touch on your ceremony.

You may not be sure where to start with this fun, yet daunting task. Follow these steps and you’ll have your vows written in no time.

First, Check with Your Officiant The very first thing

you need to do is talk with your officiant about your vows.

Will he or she allow custom vows to be included in the ceremony? Do they require a certain length or tone?

Then, Make a P lan Once you get the go-ahead from

your officiant, you can start planning. Do you want to tweak traditional wedding vows? Or do you want to write your vows entirely from scratch? You and your fiancé should agree on a basic structure and starting point.

Will you be silly or serious? Steadfast or romantic?

The vows you and your fiancé write should match in tone and style.

Stay Focused

While you want to speak from the heart, you don’t want to embarrass yourself or anyone else. Keep in mind who your guests are. Don’t say anything inappropriate or completely off the wall.

You’ll have a little more leeway with the speeches you make at your reception. Keep the vows focused on your marriage and your commitment to one another.

Do Include Your Children

If you and your spouse-tobe have children, vows are a memorable way to include them in the ceremony. Remember, this is their big day, too.

Stepparents can read vows to their new stepchildren, and the children can recite short vows back. 4

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Practice, Practice, Practice If you and your partner are Pace Yourself When people are nervous, they tend to keeping your vows secret from one another, find a friend to practice with. This is where your maid of honor and best man will come in handy. Make sure you can read your vows without crying (or giggling) uncontrollably. You don’t need to have your vows memorized unless you really want to, but you should be able to read them smoothly and clearly.

Some statements look good in print but sound not so great when spoken. Practicing gives you the chance to edit and revise your vows if needed.

speak quickly. Slow down and enunciate each word. If you’re not accustomed to reading out loud, you may feel like you’re speaking too slowly. But a deliberate, unhurried pace allows your guests to take in the meaningful words you have written.

You’ve spent a lot of time writing your vows, and you’ll only read them once in your life. Give your guests, and your partner, a chance to hear and understand your vows.

Lastly, Keep an Eye on Time When practicing your vows,

time yourself. There are no hard and fast rules for wedding vows, but traditional vows are short for a reason. You don’t want to give your guests a reason to check their watches. If your vows take more than a couple of minutes to read, ask yourself if content can be condensed or eliminated.

With a little preparation and practice, you can write the perfect wedding vows. Just remember to relax and enjoy your special day! •

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|

PHOTO: JOSHUA CATES

www.EnjoySouthValley.com AUGUST AUGUST2019 2019

GOING FOR A SWIM, SHAVER LAKE: Joshua Cates is an avid backpacker and hiker who spends his free time photographing the Central Sierras. He and his wife own and operate the Historic Shaver Lake Village Hotel and he sits on the Shaver Lake Visitor Bureau board as president. His passion for nature and landscape photography are expressed through his work and his goal to bring more attention to the beauty of the Central Sierras.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

|

recipe

BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART

AUGUST 2019

VEGAN SWEET POTATO AND BEAN BURRITOS WITH CORN SALSA AND CILANTRO LIME SAUCE SERVES 8 Coming up with vegan dishes is a challenge for many, and when our vegan son and daughter-in-law, both vegans, come for a visit, I happily accept the challenge of finding something they love!

During their last trip home, I served this for breakfast, but it could be a perfect fit for either lunch or dinner. The Cilantro Lime Sauce is great alongside the Corn Salsa on these burritos. Enjoy!

VEGAN SWEET POTATO AND BEAN BURRITOS WITH CORN SALSA INGREDIENTS:

2 T olive oil

3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2–inch dice

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 - 2 T chili powder, to your taste

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. onion powder 1⁄2 tsp. salt 2 - 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 cups fresh or frozen (allow to thaw) corn kernels 1⁄2 cup cilantro, chopped

1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced

2 14 oz. cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 14 oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed Zest and juice of 1 lime Salt and black pepper

8 large flour tortillas

2 avocados, chopped CILANTRO LIME SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

1 carton (12 oz.) silken tofu

1 cup cilantro

1 clove garlic Zest and juice of one lime 2 - 3 slices of jalapeno, seeded (optional) Salt and pepper to taste

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VEGAN SWEET POTATO AND BEAN BURRITOS DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the water and allow to cook about 20 minutes until almost fork tender. Strain though a colander.

STEP 2: Return the large pot to the stove top and add the olive oil. Heat oil over a medium-heat burner, then add the sweet potatoes back into the pot. Add the minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, allowing the potatoes to brown slightly, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, add the seasonings and combine well. Cover and turn heat to a low simmer.

To assemble, divide sweet potatoes and corn salsa evenly on the tortillas. Top with avocado and creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce. Roll into burritos, cut in half and enjoy!

CORN SALSA DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Combine tomatoes, red onion, corn, cilantro, jalapeno, beans, and lime zest and juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until ready to assemble burritos.

CILANTRO LIME SAUCE DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Add the tofu, cilantro garlic, lime juice, jalapeno, and salt and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend for about one minute or until creamy.

Lana Granfors enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and spending time with her friends and family– especially her grandchildren, Jillian and Garet.

PREP TIME: 20 minutes COOK TIME: 30-40 minutes TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes - 1 hour AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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CRAFTING

|

BY KAYLA VAN GROUW | PHOTOS: KELLI AVILA

In a Clutch

D I Y: M U LT I - P U R P O S E C A R R Y C LU TC H

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SUPPLIES • Template • Felt – one yard • Suede cord • Scissors • Heavy-duty hole punch

TIPS: CUT THE TEMPLATE TO ANY SIZE DEPENDING ON YOUR CASE USE. USE FOR SUNGLASSES, PENS OR EVEN TO WRAP A GIFT CARD.

1. Make the template for your case. (For sunglasses, we used an 11x17inch paper size.) Divide your paper into fourths. Make a curved line starting at the long end of the paper, making a hump to the 1/4 mark, then back out to the 1/2 mark, then back into the 3/4 mark and another hump to the opposite end of where you started.

Mirror this line on the parallel side of the paper. Each corner of your template should touch both ends and center marks of your paper.

4. Use the hole puncher to make a hole in the corner of each felt flap. Then fold three corners together, starting with a long side first, and then the two short sides.

5. Pull the cord through the folded flaps and tie the three flaps together with a knot. Continue wrapping the cord around the bottom of the case, over the backside and through the hole on the top flap of the case. Tie another knot on the inside of the flap to keep the cord in place.

2. Cut the template out.

3. Overlay the template on the piece of felt and use the template as a guide to cut the edges of your case.

6. Now wrap your cord around your case three times to measure out the length of your cord and tie a knot at the end.

7. Wrap your cord around the case, tuck your knot into another part of the cord to secure your case for use and enjoy!

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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calendar AU G U ST 2 0 1 9

FROM FOOD TO FUN, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

bakersfield

August 1 • Tim Styles, The BLVD, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., 7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com • Petty and the Heartshakers, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com August 1-4 • Guys and Dolls Jr. Teen Theatre Workshop, Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 9am-noon, www.visitbakersfield.com August 3 • Craft and Vendor Show, The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Ln., 10am-3pm, www.visitbakersfield.com August 15 • Full Moon Community Bike Ride, Beach Park, 3400 21st St., 8-10pm, www.visitbakersfield.com August 17 • Market Day Event, Tractor Supply Co., 6710 Colony St., 8am-2pm, www.visitbakersfield.com August 30-31 • Paint Night, Corks & Strokes, 2623 F St., 7-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

clovis

August 1 • Sierra Nights Live! Summer Concert Series, Sierra Vista Mall, 1050 Shaw Ave., 6pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 1-3 • “Legally Blonde The Musical,” CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre, 902 5th St., 7:30 pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Saturday, www.centerstageclovis.com August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Friday Night Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue and 5th St., 5:30-9pm, www.visitclovis.com August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Year Round Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue and 5th St., 9-11:30am, www.visitclovis.com

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fish camp

August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 • Moonlight Special Train Ride, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, 56001 Hwy. 41, 6:30pm, www.ymsprr.com August 1-31 • The Logger Steam Train Ride, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, 56001 Hwy. 41, 9:30am-1pm, www.ymsprr.com

fresno

August 1-31 • Eagles Tribute, Engelmann Cellars, 3275 North Rolinda Ave., 6-10pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org • Zoorassic Park Exhibit, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., 8am-4:30pm, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/zoorassic-park August 1-2, 5-9 • Young Naturalist, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., 9am-4pm, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/zoo-camp • Creative Minds Summer Camp, The Discovery Center, 1944 North Winery Ave., 9am-4pm, www.fresnodiscoverycenter.org/ discovery-2019-summer-camp • River Camp Scout Island, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 8:15am-4:15pm, www.riverparkway.org August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, southeast corner of Fulton Street and Mariposa Way, 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, 28-31 • Forestiere Underground Gardens Tours, 5021 West Shaw Ave., 10am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 2 • “The Little Mermaid” 30th Anniversary Screening, The Crest Theatre, 1170 Broadway Plaza, 8pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Friday Sunset Kayak Tour, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 4:30-8pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

August 3 • 14th Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Walk and Celebration, Woodward Park, 7775 North Friant Road, 8:45am, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 7am-noon, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com • Saturday Morning Half-Day Kayak Tour, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 8:30am-noon, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, www.cherryavenueauction.com • River Park Farmer’s Market, 220 Paseo del Centro, 5-9pm Tuesdays, 10am-2pm Saturdays, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 5-9, 12-16 • Cubby Camp, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., 9am-noon, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/zoo-camp • Adventure Camp, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., 9am-4pm, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org/zoo-camp August 6-8 • River Camp Young Explorers, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 9am-noon, www.riverparkway.org August 6, 13, 20, 27 • Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays, California Arts Academy, 4750 North Blackstone Ave., 7:15-9:30pm, www.facebook.com/fresnoswingdance August 7-13, 26-31 • Fresno Grizzlies, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 7pm, www.milb.com/fresno August 7, 14, 21, 28 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 3pm-6pm, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com • Market on Kern, Downtown Fresno on Kern St., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 8 • The Big Fresno Job Fair, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 9am-1pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

August 8, 29 • Fresno Social Nights, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 5:30-10pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 9 • Chukchansi Heritage Night, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 7-10pm, www.downtownfresno.org • “The Great Outdoors” Screening, The Crest Theatre, 1170 Broadway Plaza, 8pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 9, 23 • 2019 Nights in Plaza Paz, Arte Americas, 1630 Van Ness Ave., 7-10pm, www.sites.google.com/view/ arteamericas/events August 10 • Toro Nagashi, Shinzen Japanese Garden, 114 West Audubon Drive, 7-9pm, www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org/ toro-nagashi August 10, 24 • Mariposa Music Series, Mariposa Plaza, 7:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 16 • “Enter the Dragon” Screening, The Crest Theatre, 1170 Broadway Plaza, 8pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 19 • The Swing Shift, River Park Shopping Center, 71 East Via la Plata, 7:30-9:30, www.facebook.com/fresnoswingdance August 20, 21 • Community Art Night, Common Space, 1242 Fulton St., 6:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org August 24 • Campus Life 5K & Kids Fun Run, Woodward Park, 7775 North Friant Road, 7-9am, www.visitfresnocounty.org August 29 • Respite by the River featuring Brynn Saito with Music by Jeff Bowman, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 6pm, www.riverparkway.org

friant

August 24 • Star Party, Millerton Lake, 7pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

hanford

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Thursday Night Marketplace, Main Street Hanford, 5:30-9pm, www.mainstreethanford.com

kingsburg

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Farmers Market, Downtown Kingsburg, 5-8pm, www.kingsburgchamber.com August 2 • Dive in Movie Series, Crandell Swim Complex, 1900 18th Ave., 7pm, movie starts at dusk, www.cityofkingsburg-ca.gov

madrea

August 18 • A Dried Plum by Any Other Name, Sunsweet Dehydration Facility, 4pm, www.riverparkway.org

porterville

August 1, 8, 15 • Farmers Market, Downtown Porterville, 8-11:30am, www.portervillechamber.org August 2 • Dive in Theatre “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” Murray Park Pool, 97 North Park Drive, 7:30pm, movie starts at dusk, www.ci.porterville.ca.us

selma

August 2, 9, 16, 23 • Concerts in the Park, Lincoln Park, 2301 Selma St., 7pm, www.selma-chamber.com

springville

August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Farmers Market, Downtown Springville, 9am-1pm, www.springville.ca.us August 9, 23 • Concerts in the Park, Springville Veterans Memorial Park, 500 South E St., 7-9pm, www.springville.ca.us

sequoia & kings canyon national park

August 3 • Hike with Marek Take #3, Kings Canyon National Park, meet at the Starbucks in Fresno’s Manchester Center, 7:30am, www.riverparkway.org August 23-24 • Dark Sky Festival, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, various times. www.visitvisalia.com

three rivers

August 3 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Three Rivers Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com

tulare

August 3 • Central California Antique Flea Market, International Ag Center, 4500 South Laspina St., 7am-2pm, www.centralcaliforniaantiquemarket.com

visalia

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • ‘80s Night at Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 10pm, www.visitvisalia.com August 2 • 31st Annual Golf Classic Tournament, Visalia Country Club, 625 North Ranch St., 9am, www.visitvisalia.com • First Friday, Visalia Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak St., 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org August 2, 9 • Summer Night Lights, Manuel F. Hernandez Communit Center, 247 West Ferguson Ave., 6-8pm, www.visitvisalia.com August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Farmers Market, Sears Parking Lot on Caldwell, 8-11:30am, www.visitvisalia.com • Yoga in the Park, Plaza Park, 9000 West Airport Drive, 10am, www.visitvisalia.com August 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 • Regal Summer Movie Express, Regal Sequoia Mall, 3355 South Mooney Blvd., 10am, www.visitvisalia.com August 7, 14, 21, 28 • Shiloh at Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 7-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com August 8 • Brewfest with a Twist of Whiskey and Wine, College of the Sequoias, 915 South Mooney Blvd., 6pm, www.visitvisalia.com August 17 • A&W Cruise Nights, Downtown A&W, 301 North Willis St., 5pm, www.visitvisalia.com

apcal

www.apcalwine.com August 2 • Latin Music Night featuring Bazmati, 5pm August 3 • Led Zeppelin Tribute Featuring Led Zapagain, 5pm

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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August 9 • Country Music Night Featuring Wheelhouse, 5pm August 10 • Metallica Tribute Featuring Masters of Puppets, 5pm

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com August 10 • “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” noon August 17 • “Peter Pan,” noon

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconvention center.com August 3 • Banda El Recodo, 7:30pm August 18 • Premier Bride Showplace, 10am-4pm August 23 • Fresno State Athletics Department Second Annual “Kickoff ” Banquet, 6pm August 30 • Teo Gonzalez, Saroyan Theatre, 8:30pm

hanford fox theatre

www.foxhanford.com August 17 • “Selena,” 7pm

icehouse theatre

www.visaliaplayers.org August 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 • “The Odd Couple,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

rabobank arena

www.rabobankarena.com August 3 • La Adictiva, Theater, 8pm August 11 • Jackson Browne, Theater, 7:30pm August 23 • Toby Keith, Arena, 8pm August 30 • Banda Ms De Sergio Lizarraga, Arena, 8pm

roger rocka’s dinner theater

www.rogerrockas.com August 1-4, 8-11, 15-18, 22-25, 29-31 • “Calamity Jane,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday

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save mart center - fresno

www.savemartcenter.com August 2 • “Brace Yourself Fresno,” Combate Americas, 6pm August 22 • Luke Bryan, 7pm

stars theatre restaurant

www.bmtstars.com August 16-18, 23-25, 30-31 • “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” 7:30pm show Thursday-Saturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday

tower theatre - fresno

August 24 • Kacey Musgraves, 8pm August 25 • ZZ Top, 7pm August 31 • Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band, 8pm

visalia fox theatre

www.foxvisalia.org August 10 • Hodgetwins, 8pm

warnors theatre

www.warnors.org August 18 • Jackson Browne, 7pm

www.towertheatrefresno.com August 3, 4 • Carmen, 7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday August 15 • Niki J. Crawford, 8pm August 18 • Menopause the Musical, 4pm August 23 • Zepparella, 7pm August 24 • Laurie Morvan Band, 8pm

vina robles amphitheatre

www.vinarobles amphitheatre.com August 4 • The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes & Tonino Baliardo, 8pm August 6 • Lord Huron, 7pm August 9 • Los Lonely Boys, Los Lobos, and Ozomatli, 7pm August 10 • Counting Crows, 7:30pm August 18 • The Avett Brothers, 8pm August 22 • Steve Miller Band & Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, 7pm

HOW TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine, please post it on our website

www.enjoysouthvalley.com

by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue.

For example, an September event will need to be posted by August 1.

GIVING BACK | BY EMILY MIRANDA

POWER OF PETS PAW S 4 H E A L I N G P E T T H E R A P Y

PAWS 4 HEALING is an allvolunteer organization dedicated to helping people heal through the unconditional love of pets.

The nonprofit group uses animalassisted activities and therapy services in hospitals, schools and various social service agencies, and since its inception in 2003, it has expanded to 10 chapters throughout Southern California.

The generosity of members and charitable donations has allowed the organization to bring comfort to people in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, schools, children's centers and homes for people who have experienced domestic violence.

Some might automatically think of dogs when hearing “therapy animals,” but Paws 4 Healing uses other domestic animals, such as cats and rabbits, to bring joy and healing to those they visit. Sometimes the animals are used to help patients in rehabilitation centers work toward accomplishing certain goals. For example, a therapist might use a cat to help a patient improve their motor skills by having them buckle a collar on and off, or having them open a bag of kitty treats to feed to the cat.

Another example might be using a dog to motivate patients recovering from a stroke who have trouble with balance. By placing the dog on a table, the patient is motivated to stand up to pet the dog, and might even be asked to walk the dog a short distance in order to regain confidence while rebuilding their balance.

Not only do the Paws 4 Healing teams make pet therapy visits, they also attend a variety of events, conferences, fairs, parades and expos to bring awareness to and further the mission of healing body, mind and soul through the power of pets.

Attending such events broadens the organization's network, while granting it more opportunities to share stories of working with pets and educating others on the benefits of pet therapy. •

www.paws4healing.info paws4healing@aol.com Tulare County Chapter tulare@paws4healing.info Emily J. Miranda is a freelance writer, designer, and self taught artist. She is a graduate of Simpson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis on business and marketing. In her free time she enjoys writing, painting, sewing, and any projects involving creative insight.

AUGUST 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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