Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living — March 2020

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

MARCH 2020

ISSUE 65

CLEAR THE C LU T T E R simplify and find joy in the little things

www.enjoysouthvalley.com

Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house

contents San Joaquin Valley Living

M A R C H 2 0 2 0 // I S S U E 6 5

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clear the clutter D EC LUT TER & D ESTR ES S helpful tips for the DIY organizer

crafting 26 | DIY: Striped Storage Baskets

good finds 18 | Quick And Healthy with Sol Bol In Visalia

good times 20 | Experience Blossom Trail Train Weekends and Reedley Railfest with Hillcrest Tree Farms

interest 12 | Growing Community with Habitat for Humanity

Simplify.

Enjoy the Little Things.

locals 8 | Jane Datsko’s Handcrafted Goods

on the map 15 | The Taoist Temple and Museum in Hanford’s China Alley

in every issue 22 | Enjoy the View—Dakota Jacobi 24 | What’s Cookin’—Lemon Coconut Crinkle Cookies 27 | Calendar of Events 31 | Giving Back—Delivering Smiles With Emmy’s Project

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To Raise an Independent Thinker, You Need Plenty of Independent Thoughts.

Discover a Place That’s Full of Both.

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Modern Campus with an expansive library, garden, performance space, makerspace and wood shop Experienced Staff who can help you craft a tailored learning plan for your child, and train you to become an even better educator in your own right Community of Support, offering opportunities to socialize with other families through classes, special events, and field trips “Eleanor Roosevelt’s project-based approach is where learning meets life.” —Mary J., Parent

Now accepting applications for our 2020-21 academic year.

To learn more, call (559) 592-9160 or visit erclc.org.

Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center | 31191 Rd 180, Visalia, CA

editor’s note

on the cover

MARCH 2020 DAFFODILS BLOOM, sunshine abounds – and that junk drawer overflows. It’s springtime in the Valley, and we’re ready to clear the clutter!

If you’re still holding onto some extra holiday pounds, Sol Bol offers a delicious way to declutter your body – their fresh, healthy ingredients will provide fuel while satisfying your sweet tooth. You’ll be inspired by the two moms who have made this business their passion.

Who needs some mental decluttering? The schedules, the grocery lists, the vacation plans, the deadlines – some days, we wish we had a “restart” button on our brains. Consider clearing your mind with a little road trip. Get a peek at spring’s beautiful blooms during Blossom Trail Train Weekends at the Hillcrest Tree Farm in Reedley – and if you happen to be there on March 21-22, you’ll be treated to the Reedley Railfest, which features music, food and trains.

Focusing outside of ourselves always rejuvenates us, and we’ll share a couple of ways you can join some worthwhile causes. Emmy’s Project aims to bring joy to hospitalized children, and helping with their mission is as easy as donating some coloring books and crayons. Or contribute some sweat equity to Habitat for Humanity, which is helping house people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford their very own home.

And if you’re ready to tackle a home organization project, start by tapping into your creative skills and creating some striped storage baskets. Make them as big or as small as you’d like, and personalize them to suit your style.

Wishing you a spectacular spring – enjoy!

Cover model: Marissa Avila

by Kelli Avila Photography

Enjoy Magazine YVONNE MAZZOTTA publisher MICHELLE ADAMS publisher RONDA ALVEY editor in chief KERRI REGAN copy editor MONICA FATICA creative & managing editor EMILY MIRANDA marketing & sales assistant/ social media manager CATHERINE HUNT event calendar & website MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designer CLAUDIA SPROLES AMANDA MORENO advertising sales representatives DANIELLE COLESBERRY AUSTIN REYNOLDS CAMERON FATICA KOBY REYNOLDS deliveries www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 • (530) 246-4687 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net ©2020 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers.

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake.

The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising.

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

MARCH 2020

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Beef Jerky Made Fresh Daily Local & California Items Gift Baskets Nuts, Dried Fruits, Olives, Sweets & More Est. 1979, 2nd Generation

Two Porterville locations: Retail, Local Finds & Gifting: 764 N. Prospect St. (559) 781-6328 Manufacturing & retail: 697 S. Plano St. (559) 781-3487

BRADSHAW HONEY FARMS Local Love For Local Honey RAW • UNFILTERED • FRESH Family owned and operated since 1958 @bradshawhoney www.beebotanical.com

Grasshopper Pie 1. Let 2 cups vanilla ice cream soften in refrigerator for 20 minutes.

2. Chill 2 quart mixing bowl at the same time.

3. When softened, mix ice cream, 8 oz. fat free nondairy whipped topping and ¼ cup honey until blended.

4. Stir in 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, 4 drops green food coloring and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract.

5. Pour into 9-inch Oreo cookie crust and freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.

6. Before serving, let stand at room temperature 10 minutes.

7. Add shaved chocolate, chocolate chunks or chocolate drizzle (optional)

Visalia: Naturally Nuts, Naked Nut, Letter & Grain | Exeter: Mustard Seed Acres Lemon Cove: Main Squeeze Market Tulare: Rosa Brothers | Hanford: LT Sue Tea Room | Kingsburg: Our Farmers Table Reedley: Sweet Destination | Fresno: Sierra Nut House, The Revue, Ampersand Ice Cream

CLEAR THE CLUTTER

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BY EMILY MIRANDA

declutter & destress HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE DIY ORGANIZER

“The first step in crafting a life you want is getting rid of everything you don’t.”

– Joshua Becker IT’S ONE OF those tasks that we continually push off, telling ourselves we’ll get to it eventually but never actually making it a priority: clearing the clutter. Those three words might sound daunting, igniting an underlying weight of anxiety, but clearing up your space refreshes body, mind and soul. Organized space is a breath of fresh air to the brain; working in a clean environment increases both creativity and productivity. No longer having that everlooming list of things to “get to” that keeps you up at night will ensure a better night’s sleep. Decluttering not only puts your mind at ease, it also gives your soul a fulfilling sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

How to get started?

COMMIT. Instead of adding more to your daily routine, schedule a day each week or a weekend each month that is dedicated to getting your clutter under control. Setting aside specific days allows you the freedom to focus on decluttering without distraction.

START SMALL. Tackle the easiest area first. A junk drawer is a good example. Eliminate everything you don’t use and re-organize the things you do. In the future, stick to keeping it that way.

KEEP TO THE CORNERS. If you’re not ready to go big just yet, head to a cluttered corner, get rid of what isn’t used or wanted, and tidy up what’s left.

SET A TIMER FOR LARGER SPACES. When taking on larger areas, like a room or pantry, set a timer for 15 minutes. Do as much clearing out as you can within the time frame, and when the timer goes off, take a break.

Take a look at what you accomplished within that short time and enjoy that wave of satisfaction. When you’re ready, restart that timer and repeat the process.

BAG IT. Grab a trash bag and walk through your house, filling it as quickly as you can. For additional motivation, time yourself and see if you can defeat your personal record. Once those bags are filled donate it, recycle it or trash it. It’s up to you.

TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER SHOTS. Log your progress with before and after photos. Not only will this add to your sense of accomplishment, the “after” photos can also serve as a reference for keeping those areas tidy in future. •

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.

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LOCALS

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BY HANNAH LANIER

­————— WELL CRAFTED­————— J A N E DAT S KO ’ S H A N D C R A F T E D G O O D S

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Photos courtesy of DATSKO handcrafted goods by Jane |

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MARCH 2020

“I know what goes into creating and now I love to support locals.

If they don’t have time to make something, go out and find the beauty in something being handcrafted.”

DATSKO HANDCRAFTED goods by Jane is a social media shop on Instagram selling leather goods designed through a combination of faith and determination.

Owner Jane Datsko is a daughter of Ukrainian immigrants with a bachelor’s degree in translation and interpretation, working as a sign language interpreter and following her wildest dreams as a leather goods craftswoman.

Datsko always looked for a creative outlet, but settled on leather after taking a random course in Fresno and discovering her talent for leather craftsmanship.

Shortly after a piqued interest in leather, Datsko sought mentorship from fellow leather craftsman Odin Clark of Odin Leather Goods in Texas. He was only the first member of a continually growing community of encouragement for Datsko.4

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­—————————“...THEN I STARTED TO FINALLY HAVE COURAGE TO DO WHAT I LOVE.”­—————————

That same community encouraged her to participate in her first vendor opportunity at a friend’s show in October 2018. The craftswoman was shocked at the wave of support she received from strangers. “People didn’t know me, I didn’t know them, but they were willing to invest in me,” she says.

Despite the abundance of encouragement from friends and strangers, Datsko didn’t always receive that same support from her family. “‘I feel so bad for wanting to be, to grow, to create.

I feel like I need someone’s approval to let me know that art is not a waste of time,” she says, reflecting on a conversation with the pastor of her church.

Growing up in a household whose culture had expectations for women to cook, clean and care for the children, Datsko’s dreams of craftsmanship seemed unrealistic. “Art wasn’t really fond of for anyone in the Ukrainian culture,” explains Datsko. “Then I started to finally have courage to do what I love.”

Shortly after beginning her leather craftsmanship, her parents acknowledged her talents and encouraged her. Datsko explained her parents’ change of heart: “My dad said he ‘would rather lose his culture than his daughter.’”

Since then, DATSKO has been a dream come true. She opened her Instagram shop in January 2019, and taking time and effort to develop the perfect, affordable and ageless piece is Datsko’s goal. Pouring anywhere from five to 12 hours into each piece is her commitment to quality.

With items from as big as a tote bag to as small as a dog collar, “take your time,” the owner advises.

Datsko knew that wherever she ended up in life, she would have a brand, something that embodied who she is as a layered person. Pulling inspiration from her family history and name, DATSKO was inspired.

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Her logo, however, was designed five years before her Instagram shop even launched. She made an effort to create “something no one has ever seen before,” which resulted in the combination of a deer and a zebra cut directly in half. “I cut it in half and said, ‘That’s it.’ Jane Datsko is evolving. I haven’t arrived,” she says.

Throughout her venture into craftsmanship, Datsko has been lucky enough to have a community that supports her, from strangers who are willing to buy her goods to friends who have let her work in their warehouse and welcomed her with words of affirmation into the chaotic business world.

Yet, she understands that not everyone has that. For someone in that situation, “I hope that person just begins,” Datsko says. “I know what goes into creating and now I love to support locals. If they don’t have time to make something, go out and find the beauty in something being handcrafted.”

“Invest in your community.”• DATSKO handcrafted goods by Jane Find her on Instagram

Hannah Lanier is a freelance writer and news editor of The Rampage at Fresno City College. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mass communication journalism from Fresno State University. Keep up with her on Instagram @newsviahannahlanier.

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INTEREST

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BY MELISSA MENDONCA

building with purpose G R O W I N G C O M M U N I T Y W I T H H A B I TAT F O R H U M A N I T Y

WHILE EVERY FAMILY will have milestones that mark their history and commitment – anniversaries, graduations, job promotions – home ownership is one that grounds them to a community, stabilizes a sense of place. “A decent and affordable home is the foundation for a hardworking family’s efforts to create a better future,” says Deanna Saldana, Resource Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties.

In the San Joaquin Valley, two affiliate groups of the international housing organization Habitat for Humanity are rallying community to bring the dream of affordable housing to more of our neighbors. “We are not the solution to the homeless situation, but in light of how dire it is, the need for our work is clear,” adds Saldana.

The work of Habitat for Humanity is multi-fold and includes new home construction, home preservation, community revitalization and home improvements so older owners can age in place. “Anything that enhances quality of community,” says Matthew Grundy, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno.

Habitat for Humanity affiliates are perhaps best known for their new home builds. The organization finds land and labor, with significant “sweat equity” contributed by the new homeowner and community volunteers, to build homes a qualifying family can afford with mortgage payments over a 25- to 30-year period. The homes are not free, but rather built to be affordable for a working family of any size.

“Keeping it affordable is that one-third of an income bracket that allows the other two-thirds of the income to go to things that are really necessary: food, education, etc.,” says Saldana, who has witnessed Habitat families send their children to college for the first time because their housing was safe and affordable. “So many are heavily house burdened,” she adds. “In many cases more than half their income goes to housing.”

Community participation is key to success and a driver of production. “It takes a whole tribe to raise those walls,” Photos courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

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says Saldana, noting that committees in Porterville and Hanford are on the ground seeking land opportunities, funds, volunteers and qualifying families. “We find that one of the best ways to help us is through leadership,” she adds.

In the Greater Fresno area, 4,000 volunteers gathered in 2019 in support of 300 families through the affiliate. In addition to new home production, which includes 15 homes currently in various stages of construction, volunteers engage in twice-weekly Acts of Kindness. “No strings attached,” says Grundy. Volunteers show up at homes needing tender loving care and ask homeowners if they can help out with things like fence repair, painting and landscaping. “One of the major deterrents of crime in a neighborhood is cut lawns,” he adds.

Neighborhood revitalization programs allow the affiliates to invest in existing housing stock. This was a game changer for the Goldsmith family of Hanford, who quickly went from a family of four to eight through birth and adoptions through the foster system. “We are so thankful,” says Rachel Goldsmith of the renovations that

organization’s co-founder. The Greater Fresno affiliate is currently in its 35th year and holds the distinction of being the 100th affiliate.

“It’s all about us together as a community,” says Gundy, noting that at least 45,000 people in the greater Fresno service area are in substandard housing. “There are real needs for those who live here.”

Local affiliates run Habitat ReStores around the area, thrift stores of excess construction materials and other home goods. These keep materials from the landfill, allow community members to buy quality materials for home improvement projects at a reduced price, and fund Habitat activities in the local area.

It’s said there’s no place like home. For the hundreds of volunteers working to support the ideals of Habitat for Humanity, there’s no feeling quite like helping others make a house a home right here in the Valley. • Habitat for Humanity Tulare/Kings Counties 637 S. Lovers Lane, Visalia • www.hfhtkc.org

included adding a bathroom and bedroom to their threebedroom/one-bathroom house. “Now we have two children in each room and no babies in our room, which is just a miracle,” she says. “We finally have room for ourselves and the kids have their own bathroom.”

Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has helped more than 29 million people across the globe build or improve their homes. Locally, the Tulare/Kings Counties affiliate was created in 1994 after locals were encouraged by a speech given by Millard Fuller, the

Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno 4991 E. McKinley Ave. Suite 123, Fresno www.habitatfresno.org

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.

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• Mud Pie • Basilwood Farms • Women’s Clothing • Accessories • Home Decor

201 N. DOUTY STREET, HANFORD

www.tucoemas.org

ON THE MAP

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

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PHOTOS: MONICA FATICA

History Preserved T H E TA O I S T T E M P L E A N D M U S E U M I N H A N F O R D ’ S C H I N A A L L E Y SOON AFTER GOLD was discovered around Sacramento, surges of immigrants rushed to the Golden State in hopes of striking it rich.

In response to the plethora of Chinese immigrants and the competition of resources, Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, prohibiting immigration from China to the United States. Ten years later, the state of California passed the Geary Act, creating strict rules for Chinese immigrants. These acts increased animosity toward Chinese residents, who in turn formed a tight-knit community.

Hanford had one of the state’s larger Chinese populations, as residents moved south from San Francisco and Sacramento. Today, remnants of the thriving community line Hanford’s China Alley just off North Green Street and East Seventh. The historic alley is composed of original buildings, many boarded up and awaiting restoration, but a few beautiful and revived gems are sprinkled throughout the lane.

LT Sue Co. Tea Room and Emporium is a whimsical shop full of sunlight and adorned with turquoise walls, high-backed wooden booths and touches of traditional Chinese art. Owners Steve Banister and Arianne Wing, also active board members of the China Alley Preservation Society, happily serve guests a variety of teas and tasty treats while donating 20 percent of profits to the revitalization of China Alley. Banister says their passion for history is an inherited trait. The couple has devoted an incredible amount of time to the preservation of Hanford’s history, their finest accomplishment being the full preservation of the Taoist Temple.

Across the alley and a few skips down from LT Sue Co., the Taoist Temple is atop a museum of local Chinese history. Behind metal doors, curious tourists and history buffs pass through a gift shop adorned with Chinese gifts and tchotchkes, as well as displays of musical instruments and artifacts. Beyond the bright trinkets and tea sets sit three meticulously restored rooms.4

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In the late 19th and early 20th century, the lower level of the temple served as a boarding house for Chinese travelers. Due to the hostility most Chinese residents received from local businesses, the building’s construction required creativity and resourcefulness, resulting in each room being constructed from unique materials. An assortment of textiles was used as makeshift insulation while the walls were decorated in newspapers; remnants of centuries-old paper can still be found attached to the aged boards. Each room is filled with local history that paints the picture of a snippet of life as a Chinese American during this era. Many artifacts were donated to the Preservation Society by descendants of those who had

wooden leaves painted gold. Temple goers gathered regularly to practice Taoism, which dates back to the 6th century BC. The main principles of Taoism are harmony and balance and is recognized by the People’s Republic of China as one of the country’s five official religions.

The temple is open for tours on the first Saturday afternoon of each month. Anita Rodriguez has joyfully given historic tours of Hanford for the last 30 years, but finds a special excitement when leading guests through the history of China Alley. The hidden garden behind the temple is especially tranquil, she says, and she regrets the moments where she hasn’t paused in the serene space to admire the pink camellia tree. Rodriguez’s co-board

frequented the temple or attended the adjacent Chinese school. A small number of the antiques have been handpicked for an exhibit in Hong Kong to better illustrate the emigration wave from China and depict life in the states.

Officially, the temple was dedicated in 1897, but historians have discovered photographs dating the building back to as early as the 1880s. Above the museum, the temple seems untouched by time. Originally used as a place of worship for the Tao religion, the Sam Yup Society (an organization of people originating from the Guangdong province in southern China) would gather and worship by candlelight. As improvements in technology were made throughout the decades, the lighting progressed from candlelight to kerosene to gas lamps and eventually electricity. As each new addition was installed, the former was left untouched, decorating the ceiling with a timeline of history.

In the center of the temple, a large wooden table holds platters of fruit offerings and an incense urn. The temple is adorned in themes of red as seen in the uniformly painted brick, artificial flowers, banners and beaded lantern strings. At each end of the altar, silk embroideries depict the Tree of Life with symbols of dignity, protection and happiness. The altar is red, bordered with intricate

member and docent, Johnny Wheeler, has volunteered with the Preservation Society since 1994 and eagerly passes on his knowledge to visitors. “It’s important to share the history and learn something new,” he says. Both Rodriguez and Wheeler look forward to the annual Moon Festival on the first Saturday in October, where festivalgoers celebrate the harvest and enjoy traditional mooncakes.

In 2011, China Alley made the list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Due to the efforts of Banister and Wing, in addition to the many volunteers and dedicated Preservation Society members, today the Taoist Temple and Museum offer a glimpse into the important local history of the Chinese immigrant of yesteryear, a vital piece of South Valley history. •

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MARCH 2020

China Alley Preservation Society, Hanford (559) 582-4508 • www.chinaalley.com Open the first Saturday of each month from noon to 6 pm

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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GOOD FINDS

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BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

sol food Q U I C K A N D H E A LT H Y W I T H S O L B O L I N V I S A L I A IF STRANDED on a deserted island, friends Julia Ellis and Kim Brandenburg agreed they’d take acai, family and a fire starter. “What else do you need?” they ask, true to their easy-going and fun personalities.

Friends for many years, Ellis originally from England and Brandenburg originally from Visalia, both spent time in Southern California and enjoyed the emerging acai trend. They noticed there wasn’t anything quite like it here in the Valley.

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The two mothers with a shared interest in business dreamed of bringing this quick and healthy alternative to Visalia’s downtown with the sunny SoCal vibe. With hopes to inspire fresh, healthful eating in a vibrant and friendly environment, they opened the first-ever acai restaurant on Main Street.

“We wanted it to be bright and welcoming with good light,” Brandenburg says. “And we wanted people to leave happier than when they came in,” Ellis adds. But perhaps the most essential was offering the freshest, best ingredients.

Acai, the super food berry grown in the Amazon packed with nutrients and antioxidants, is enjoyed as a traditional Brazilian breakfast in a bowl. It’s typically served with granola and other fruits.

After diligent research and spending time at the corporate office of Sambazon, a top acai company in Brazil, Brandenburg ensured its mission aligned with their own. With ethically harvested acai, providing jobs to people in the Amazon and giving back to schools, Ellis and Brandenburg knew this was a company they could partner with.

“Their values really aligned with ours and they make the purest acai that comes in a concentrate sorbet form. No other restaurants in the area offer the type we do,” says Ellis.

Sol Bol, named as a nod to the sun and the abundance she produces, opened its doors a year and half ago with walls adorning oversized words like, “good things happen here,” setting the backdrop for this cool space.

Customer Maddy Budz, a Visalia native, says the place has a fun and modern vibe and the food is unique and fresh.

“We strive to use the freshest local ingredients with organic, vegan and gluten-free options when possible,” Ellis says. For a first timer, they both recommend an acai bowl.

“Our seasonal bowls are popular because they are custom made each season with the freshest local ingredients. The current seasonal bowl is the Winter Peak Bol. It has acai, gluten free and organic granola, seasonal kiwi, mandarin oranges and strawberries all topped with hemp hearts and coconut.”

Visalia resident Zann Starbuck prefers the sunset bowl and says it’s like having dessert for breakfast, but it’s healthy.

With two daughters for Ellis and a son and daughter for Brandenburg, they know the challenges and sacrifice it takes to be a mom and run a business. “We have similar values and we love to laugh. We work together toward a work-life balance. Each of us brings different strengths to the table and at the end of the day, we created an amazing business and team,” Ellis says.

Brandenburg encourages the mom who has a dream for her own business one day and says, “Go for it. It’s definitely a challenge trying to balance it all, but we have learned so much. It’s been such a great example to our kids of how to work hard, keep going and to really pursue what you love.”

The vibrant duo says they have enjoyed making new friends during this exciting year and a half in business and their aim is to continue to make a positive impact in the community. • Sol Bol • 211 W. Main St. #B, Visalia • (559) 733-7902 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 4:30 pm www.solbol.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.

Photos courtesy of Sol Bol MARCH 2020

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GOOD TIMES

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

ON THE RIGHT TRACK EXPERIENCE B LO SS O M T R A I L TRAIN WEEKENDS AND REEDLEY RAILFEST WITH H I L L C R E S T T R E E FA R M S

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TUCKED AWAY in a wooded land filled with Christmas trees and giant pumpkins sits a farm reminiscent of a storybook setting. Hillcrest Tree Farm is a popular destination in the fall and winter seasons for whimsical Christmas-tree-hunting adventures and picturesque family portraits. But the spring months bring an equally enjoyable experience to the tree farm during the Blossom Trail Train Weekends and Reedley Railfest from the end of February through March.

Hillcrest Tree Farm was founded in 1960 by Ed Toews as the first “choose and cut” Christmas tree farm in the San Joaquin Valley. Toews owned and managed the farm for more than 30 years before Sean and Melissa Bautista purchased the property in 1992. Sean, a commercial airline pilot, had planned to live near a private runway in hopes to make an easier commute to the larger airports, but Melissa fell in love with the slower pace of the farm.

Sean, too, loved the surroundings but wasn’t as eager to give up his dream. Seeing that they were at a junction, Sean found a perfect opportunity for bargaining, presenting Michelle with the proposition, “If I can’t live on the runway then I get to have a train.” The rest is locomotive history.

Photos courtesy of Hillcrest Tree Farms

The love of the railroad first sparked in Sean’s grandfather, once a train conductor on the East Coast. During World War II, Sean’s mother worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad and continued the zeal of the train legacy. Sean’s hobby may have been more fate than choice when his railway fascination ignited in childhood. Even he admits, “Railroads are in the blood.”

In 1994, Sean came across the perfect rideable train in an old railroad preservation magazine. After a year of negotiations, the train was shipped from Illinois to Reedley.

Seven thousand feet of rails came in boxes, waiting to be assembled and looking more like spaghetti than a track. Sean, a former welder and mechanic, knew he could assemble the giant project before him; a little knowledge was all that stood between him and creating the perfect train to shuttle visitors throughout the farm. Turning to an instructional video, “Big Little Railroads,”

Sean not only picked up the basics, but he also learned who the leading craftsmen were in the industry. Without hesitation, Sean contacted the professionals who willingly worked alongside him, sharing their knowledge and acting as mentors. These field experts who once felt like “movie stars” to the Bautistas have now become some of their closest friends.

A few years after beginning this railroad adventure, Sean was visited by a stranger who knew his train well. The man wanted the train back in its hometown in Illinois and asked if Sean would be willing to sell.

Blindsided and a bit perplexed, Sean blurted out a sale price; the man agreed, wrote him a check and the train was shipped back to Illinois.

Sean was left with a track but without a train for the farm.

Being a creative with mechanical talents and welding abilities, Sean and his team began designing and building rideable train cars. A hobby quickly grew into a business. Now with a full-time shop and seven employees, Sean and his crew specialize in restoration and manufacturing work, building all cars, tracks and switches in the shop.

The crew restores train cars for various companies and amusement parks, as well. The farm has expanded from the original five to 45 acres with the ultimate goal of the train shuttling tourists and trees from the top to the bottom of the farm. The last hurdle is a bridge installation that will begin later this spring with hopes of completion by the holiday season.

Using specialized and antique equipment, Sean and his team have built train cars and installed tracks throughout the farm, giving train rides to children of all ages. Families enjoy the pajama nighttime ride during December and the beautiful blossom rides in March. The Reedley Railfest, March 21 and 22, is especially popular, with live music, food, trains from throughout the Western U.S. and unique gems from the Sacramento State Railroad Museum. Sean invites everyone to join the fun. “Come enjoy a tour of the farm on an exquisite half-scale live steam narrow gauge railroad,” he says.

“Everything is blossoming and green; it’s fun for the whole family.”

Sean and Melissa have built quite a haven in the countryside of the San Joaquin Valley. The two have combined their talents, Michelle tending to the farm with her green thumb and Sean tending to the railroad and shop with his fix-it skills. Their ability to synergize their creativity has made for a unique and wooded space, a perfect retreat that captures the imagination and adventure of childhood. • Hillcrest Tree Farms • (559) 859-3959 Blossom Trail Train Weekends and Reedley Railfest February 29 - March 22 (Railfest on March 21 and 22) Find them on Facebook • www.hillcrestreedley.com

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.

MARCH 2020

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ENJOY THE VIEW | BY DAKOTA JACOBI

RAINBOW IN YOSEMITE

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com MARCH 2020

DAKOTA JACOBI has been capturing love stories for three years, photographing families, seniors and couples.

She aims to document the candid, organic and “unposed” moments of life. Her mission is to not just take great pictures, but to build relationships and create experiences for her clients. When she’s not adventuring around California or editing in her favorite coffee shop, she spends her days at home with her two kids, Harper and Harrison. www.dakotalynnphoto.com

MARCH 2020

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WHAT’S COOKIN’ | BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: MACI MANTY

LEMON COCONUT CRINKLE COOKIES

DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU’D LIKE LANA OR MACI TO MAKE? Please submit it to lana@enjoymagazine.net

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MARCH 2020 RECIPE

Spring is a welcome season after dreary winter days. Nothing beats the colorful blooms and extra sunshine.

These lemon coconut crinkle cookies are the perfect addition to the brighter days and are sure to bring extra joy into your life. They are soft, chewy and have the perfect balance of sweet coconut and tangy lemon flavor. Enjoy

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup granulated sugar, plus

¼ cup for rolling dough in

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

½ cup salted butter, melted

and cooled

½ tsp. vanilla extract

½ tsp. coconut extract

¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon

juice (about 2 lemons)

1 T lemon zest

2 cups flour

1 T cornstarch

½ tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. salt

½ cup sweetened coconut

flakes

½ cup powdered sugar (for

rolling dough in)

MAKES: 3 dozen cookies PREP TIME: 10 minutes

DIRECTIONS: STEP 1: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

STEP 2: Melt butter and set aside to cool.

STEP 3: Grate and juice lemons; set aside.

STEP 4: Combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

STEP 5: In a stand mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together 1 cup sugar, egg and egg yolk until combined, about 1-2 minutes.

STEP 6: Add vanilla, coconut extract and melted butter, mixing well to combine.

STEP 7: Add in lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well until fully incorporated.

STEP 8: Add in dry ingredients, mixing slowly until just combined (do not over mix). Slowly add in coconut flakes just until combined; dough will be very sticky.

Cover and chill in the freezer for 25 minutes or in the refrigerator for 45 minutes.

STEP 9: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Once dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough, and roll each scoop in granulated sugar, then cover completely in powdered sugar. Place dough balls about two inches apart on lined cookie sheets and bake for 8-9 minutes.

Cookies should look soft but feel set on the edges. Let cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire cooling rack. Once cooled, store at room temperature in an airtight container.

CHILL TIME: 25 minutes BAKE TIME: 8-9 minutes TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

Maci Manty is a self-taught baker, wife, mother and animal lover. Some of her favorite things include baking, taking pictures, hiking, paddle boarding, bike rides and spending time with her family and pets. Follow her feed on Instagram @ lovely_baking_co to see what she’s baking.

MARCH 2020

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CRAFTING

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BY KAYLA VAN GROUW | PHOTOS: KELLI AVILA

SUPPLIES

Clutter Keepers

• Wicker baskets (Any shape or size) • Spray paint • Painters tape • Painters paper roll • Drop cloth

D I Y: S T R I P E D S TO R AG E B A S K E T S

1. Tape out your stripe design with painters tape. Use the woven lines on your basket as a guide to keep your tape straight.

2. Then tape on a layer of painters paper where you want the natural color of the basket to show through.

TIPS: ANY SIZE OR SHAPE BASKET, OR ANY COLOR SPRAY PAINT TO MATCH YOUR HOME’S DECOR WILL WORK FOR THIS PROJECT. STYLE ON OPEN SHELVES IN A PANTRY FOR STORAGE OR IN YOUR LIVING ROOM FOR A BLANKET BASKET.

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3. Wrap the tape and paper all the way around your basket.

4. Lay down your drop cloth outside and spray paint the open stripes on your basket.Style on open shelves and enjoy!

calendar MARCH 2020

FROM FOOD TO FUN, SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY

bakersfield

March 6 • First Friday, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., 10am-8pm, www.visitbakersfield.com March 7 • Craft and Vendor Show, The Villas at Scenic River, 4015 Scenic River Ln., 10am-3pm, www.visitbakersfield.com • United Way Presents 6th Annual “A Chocolate Affair,” Westchester Hall Downtown, 2801 F St., 6-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com March 9 • Full Moon Bike Ride, Beach Park, 3400 21st St., 7-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com March 14 • Lecture Series, Bakersfield Museum of Art, 1930 R St., 10am-4pm, www.visitbakersfield.com • Michelada Madness St Paddy’s Shenanigans, Stramler Park, 3805 Chester Ave., 1-6pm, www.visitbakersfield.com March 19 • The Cars Tribute, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 7-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com March 26 • Pat Benatar Tribute, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 7-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

clovis

March 7, 14, 21, 28 • Year-Round Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue between 5th Street and Bullard Avenue, 9-11:30am, www.visitclovis.com March 8 • Craft Beer Crawl, The Pubs of Old Town Clovis, 2-5:30pm, www.oldtownclovis.org March 12 • Parties for the Parkway Kickoff 2020, Clovis Veterans Memorial District Building, 808 4th St., 5:30pm, www.riverparkway.org

March 29 • Antiques Fair, The Streets of Old Town Clovis, 8am-4pm, www.oldtownclovis.org

fresno

March 1 • Fresno International Wedding Festival, Fresno Convention Center Valdez Hall, 702 M St., 11am-2:30pm, www.internationalweddingfestival.com/ fresno-bridal-show March 1-6 • Art Exhibit: Photography by Andrew Shinn, Fresno Pacific University, McDonald Hall, First Floor Gallery, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9am-5pm • Art Exhibit: Monster Portraits by Del Samatar, Fresno Pacific University, Sattler 104 Art Gallery, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9am-5pm March 1-31 • Student Art Exhibit, Fresno Pacific University, Gallery in Charlotte’s Hall and McDonald Hall Second Floor, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9am-5pm March 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, www.cherryavenueauction.com • River Park Farmers Market, 220 Paseo del Centro, 5-9pm Tuesdays, 10am-2pm Saturdays, www.riverparkfm.com March 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 3pm-6pm Wednesday, 7am-noon Saturdays, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com March 5, 19 • ArtHop, downtown Fresno, 5-8pm, www.fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop March 5, 12, 19, 26 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, 1060 Fulton St., 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 6 • Amor Prohibido Paint Class, Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant, 1000 Fulton St., 6-9pm, www.downtownfresno.org • Fire to the Throne EP Release Party, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 6-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org

• The Fab Four, The Crest Theatre, 1170 Broadway Plaza, 8pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 6-7 • Slice of Comedy Headlining Clay Newman, DiCicco’s Old Town Clovis, 408 Clovis Ave., 8pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org March 6-8 • Fresno Home and Garden Show, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 11am-7pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday, www.fresnoshows.com March 7 • Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade 2020, Fresno Chinatown Preservation Inc., 914 F St., 10am-4pm, Find them on Facebook • Cultivate Conference 2020 “Prepare to Serve,” Fresno Pacific University, Special Events Center, Shehadey Dining Hall and Classrooms, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9:30-5pm • 4th Annual Reyes Scholarship Fundraising Dinner, Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center, 1055 Van Ness Ave., 6-11:30pm, Find them on Facebook March 10 • Pay it Forward Luncheon Series, Fresno State University, Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, West Complex 142, 5010 North Woodrow Ave., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org March 11 • Blight, Dissident and Eldar Devil, La Maison Kabob, 1243 Fulton St., 7-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 13-14 • Slice of Comedy Headlining Conner McSpadden, DiCicco’s Old Town Clovis, 408 Clovis Ave., 8pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org March 14 • River Buddies Weekend Explorers: Pond Pals, River Center, 11605 Old Friend Road, 9-11am, www.riverparkway.org

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• Weekend Youth Naturalist: Sycamore Island, River Center, 11605 Old Friend Road, 12:30-3pm, www.riverparkway.org • 2020 Cherry Blossom Festival Food and Craft Fair, Fresno Buddhist Temple, 2690 East Alluvial Ave., 10am-3pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org • Holi Fresno Daytime Festival of Colors, Woodward Park, 7775 North Friant Road, noon-5pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org • The Grand Marshal Ball, Bitwise Industries, 700 Van Ness Ave., 5-8pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 16-31 • Art Exhibit: William Saroyan Personal Photographs, Fresno Pacific University, McDonald Hall, First Floor Gallery, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9am-5pm • Art Exhibit: Bohny, Fresno Pacific University, Sattler Hall 104 Art Gallery, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 9am-5pm March 20 • Heartbeat City, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 9pm-midnight, www.downtownfresno.org March 21 • FresYesFest, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, 745 Fulton St., 1-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org • Lilac Kings and Elk Grove, La Maison Kabob, 1243 Fulton St., 7-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 21-22 • Ani Me Con, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 10am-6pm, www.ani-me.com March 22 • Faculty Emeritus Larry Warkentin Presents his Menno Simons Cantata and Premiers his Sonata for Violin and Piano, Fresno Pacific University, McDonald Hall Atrium, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 4pm March 28 • VIP Slimers Extravaganza, Double Tree

by Hilton Hotel Fresno, 2233 Ventura St., 11am-5pm, www.downtownfresno.org March 28-29 • Central Coast Gun Show, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 9am-5pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday, www.centralcoastgunshow.com March 29 • Flute Festival Master Class, Fresno Pacific University, McDonald Hall Atrium, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 4-7pm • Hoedown at the Barn, River Center, 11605 Old Friend Road, 4pm, www.riverparkway.org

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hanford

March 9 • Golf Tournament, Kings Country Club, 3529 12th Ave., 10am-4pm, www.golftourney.com March 13 • Almost St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl, Downtown Hanford Pubs, 5:30-10pm, www.dothecrawl.com/hanford March 14 • Everyone’s Irish, Downtown Hanford, 6-9pm, www.mainstreethanford.com March 28 • Business and Citizens Dinner, Hanford Civic Auditorium, Fuller Way, 6-11pm, www.hanfordchamber.com

lemoore

March 2 • 11th Annual Golf Tournament, Mary Immaculate Queen School, 884 North Lemoore Ave., 9am, Find them on Facebook March 12 • Lemoore Rock Club Meeting, Lemoore Veterans Hall, 411 West D St., 7pm, Find them on Facebook March 13 • Lemoore High Schools 14th Annual Broadways Back on Bush St., Lemoore High School, 101 East Bush St., 6-9:30pm, Find them on EventBrite.com March 21-22 • Lemoore Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show, Lemoore Trinity Hall, 470 Champion St., 10am, Find them on Facebook

porterville

March 7 • 16th Annual Evening of Art and Wine, Nuckols Ranch, 13144 Road 216, 6-9pm March 14 • Vida Vintage Paint Night, Rosa’s Italian Restaurant, 949 West Henderson Ave., 5:30pm, Find them on Facebook March 28 • Monache FFA Farmers Day 5K, Farmers Market and Plant Sale, Monache FFA Chapter, 960 North Newcomb St., 7am-3pm, Find them on Facebook

reedley

March 7 • Blossom Bike Ride, Reedley College, 995 North Reed Ave., 3:30pm, www.blossombikeride.com March 21-22 • Reedley Railfest 2020, Hillcrest Shops, 6943 South Reed Ave., 10am, Find them on Facebook

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MARCH 2020

selma

March 21

• Selma Swap Celebrates 14 Years, Selma Swap Flea Market, 10951 East Mountain View Ave., 6am-3pm, www.selmaswap.com

springville

March 7, 14, 21, 28

• Farmers Market, Downtown Springville, 9am-1pm, www.springville.ca.us March 14 • Youth Revival 2020, First Baptist Church, 34656 Bogart Drive, 6-9pm March 22 • The Sunday Series Spring 2020, River Ridge, 37675 Balch Park Road, 4-6pm, www.riverridgeinstitue.org

three rivers

March 7 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Three Rivers Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com

tulare

March 12 • Paint Nite: Frosted Lake, Bravo Farms Restaurant, 1691 Retherford St., 7pm, www.paintnite.com/us/ca/tulare/2893/ events March 13 • Tulare Rotary Club’s 24th Annual Crab Feed, International Agri-Center Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina St., 6pm, www.tularechamber.org March 28 • Tulare CASA 4th Annual Superhero Carnival and Run, Live Oak Park and Santa Fe Trail, 7am-noon, www.runsignup.com/casarun2020

visalia

March 1 • Blissfully Yours Wedding Expo, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 10:30am-5pm, www.visitvisalia.com • End of the Trail Half Marathon and 10K, Downtown Visalia, 7-11am, www.visitvisalia.com March 2-3 • Visalia Gun Show, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., noon, www.visitvisalia.com March 4-27 • Women’s History Month Exhibit, Arts Visalia Visual Arts Center, 214 East Oak Ave., noon-5:30pm Wednesday-Saturday, www.artsvisalia.org

March 5 • For the Love of Art, Ridgeview Middle School, 3315 North Akers St., 6-8pm, www.visaliachamber.org March 6 • First Friday Art Walk, Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak Ave. #5047, 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org • Women’s History Month Exhibit Reception, Arts Visalia Visual Arts Center, 214 East Oak Ave., 6pm, www.artsvisalia.org March 7-8 • The Civil War, A Living History Reenactment, Mooney Grove Park, 27000 South Mooney Blvd., Saturday 1pm and 3:30pm, Sunday noon, www.visitvisalia.com March 7, 14, 21, 28 • Farmers Market, Sears Parking Lot on Caldwell and Mooney, 9am-12:30pm, www.visaliafarmersmarket.com March 14 • St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Visalia, Main Street, 10-11am, www.visaliabreakfastlions.org • Soroptimist International of Visalia presents Spring Fling 2020, Wyndham Visalia, 9000 West Airport Drive, 10am, www.sivisalia.org • Irishfest, Rawhide Stadium, 300 North Giddings St., 1-5pm, www.visitvisalia.com March 21 • Visalia Water Lantern Festival, Mooney Grove Park, 27000 South Mooney Blvd., 4:30-9pm, www.waterlanternfestival.com/visalia March 21, 22, 28, 29 • Visalia Senior Games, each event has a different location and time, www.visaliaseniorgames.com March 26 • Impact Leadership Conference, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 7:30am-4:30pm, www.visaliachamber.org March 27 • Family Fun Night, Adventure Park, 5600 West Cypress Ave., 9pm-12:30am, www.visitvisalia.com • Night at the Museum, Imagine U Museum, 210 North Tipton St., 5:30-8:30pm, www.imagineumuseum.org March 28 • LifeWalk, Plaza Park, Arbor #5, 9am-noon, www.visaliachamber.com March 28-29 • South Valley Art Tour, various locations throughout Tulare County, pick up map at The Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak Ave., 10am-5pm, www.visitvisalia.com

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com

March 1

• The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, 8pm March 6 • “Shadow,” 7:30pm March 8 • Christian Youth Film Festival, 7pm March 9 • “Wayne’s World,” 7pm March 13 • The Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7pm March 14 • Teo Gonzalez and La Chupitos, 8pm March 20 • “B: The Underwater Bubble Show,” 7pm March 21 • Tenth Avenue North, 7pm March 22 • An Evening with Amy Grant, 7pm March 23 • “Casablanca,” 7pm

fresno state theatre www.fresnostate.edu

March 20-28 • Detroit ‘67, Dennis and Cheryl Woods Theatre, 7:30pm, 2pm March 22, no performance March 23

fresno city college www.fresnocitycollege.edu

March 13 • Choral World Music Concert, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm March 14 • St. Patrick’s Irish Music Celebration, Recital Hall, 7:30pm March 15 • Fresno Community Concert Band “Music for All,” FCC Theatre, 3pm and 7pm March 18 • Storytelling Festival Featuring Diane Ferlatte, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm March 19-20 • 30th Annual City Jazz Festival: Student Performances, FCC Theatre, 8am-5pm March 19 • 30th Annual City Jazz Festival: Headliner Concert Featuring Alan Ferber, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm March 27 • 2nd Annual Wind Fest Student Performances, FCC Theatre and OAB Auditorium, 8:30am-5:30pm • 2nd Annual Wind Fest Evening Concert, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm March 28 • Fresno-Madera Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival, OAB Auditorium, 8am-5pm

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconventioncenter.com

March 1, 4, 5-7

• “The Humans,” FCC Theatre, 1pm Wednesday, 2pm and 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday March 2 • Speakers Forum Jason Chaffetz, OAB Auditorium, 7pm March 3 • FCC Community Symphony Orchestra, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm March 4 • FCC Theatre Festival, FCC Theatre, 8am-4pm March 5-31 • Solo Exhibit: Caleb Duarte, Art Space Gallery, all day March 5 • Solo Exhibit Reception: Caleb Duarte, Art Space Gallery, 5-8pm March 6 • Cycle and Sets, Recital Hall, 7:30pm March 7 • Wind Ensemble Mattress Fundraiser, FCC Gym, 10am-5pm March 10 • Latin Jazz Ensemble and Combos, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm

March 3-4

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Chicago, Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm March 13 Il Volo, Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm March 14 The Fabulously Funny Comedy Festival, Saroyan Theatre, 7pm March 16 Glenn Miller Orchestra, Saroyan Theatre, 7pm March 17 Roadshow 2020, Saroyan Theatre, 7pm March 18 San Joaquin Valley Town Hall Lecture with Dr. Paul Hessburg, Saroyan Theatre, 10:30am March 21 Fresno Philharmonic Presents “An Evening with Pink Martini,” Saroyan Theatre, 8pm March 27 Straight No Chaser, Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm

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lindsay community theater

www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com March 6-8, 13-15 • “Bubble Boy,” 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday March 21 • Acoustic Eidolon, 7:30pm

hanford fox theatre

www.foxhanford.com

March 7 • Hanford Film Festival 2020, 5pm March 14 • “Toy Story,” 2pm March 21 • “Rocketman,” 2pm March 28 • “Three Amigos,” 7pm

icehouse theatre

www.visaliaplayers.org

March 20-22, 27-29

• “20th Century Blues,” 7:30pm FridaySaturday, 2pm Sunday

mechanics bank arena

www.mechanicsbankarena.com

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March 2 Kiss, Arena, 7:30pm March 12-15 Axel by Cirque Du Soleil, Arena, 7:30pm Thursday-Friday, 4pm and 7:30pm Saturday, 1:30pm Sunday March 14 Dustin Lynch, Theater, 8pm March 17 Jojo Siwa, Arena, 7pm

roger rocka’s dinner theater

www.rogerrockas.com

March 1, 5-8, 12-15 • “Something Rotten,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday March 19-22, 26-29 • “The King and I,” 5:30pm ThursdaySaturday, 11am Sunday, 11am and 5pm Sunday March 29

rich oliver’s mystery school

www.richoliver.net

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March 1 Off-Road Challenge Course, 9am-5pm March 4, 11, 18 Home School Kids Dirt Bike Club, 1-5pm March 14-15 Two-Day Fun Camp, 9am-5pm

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March 25 • Home School Kids Dirt Bike Club Advanced, 10am-5pm March 28-29 • Women’s Only Weekend, 9am-5pm

save mart center fresno www.savemartcenter.com

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March 1

• Korn and Breaking Benjamin, 7pm March 6-8 • Monster Jam, 7pm Friday, 1pm and 7pm Saturday, 1pm Sunday March 13 • Lynyrd Skynyrd, 7pm March 15 • Ana Gabriel, 8pm March 21, 22 • Professional Bull Riders Fresno Invitational, 7pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday March 24 • Jojo Siwa, 7pm March 27 • Brantley Gilbert, 7:30pm

stars theatre restaurant www.bmtstars.com

March 6-8, 13, 14, 19-21 • “Annie Get Your Gun,” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., Bakersfield, 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm show FridaySaturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday March 13-15, 20, 21, 27, 28 • “Middletown,” Stars Playhouse, 2756 Mosasco St., Bakersfield, 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm, 2pm March 15th

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tower theatre fresno

www.towertheatrefresno.com March 1 Aubrey Logan, 4pm March 3 Tinsley Ellis, 8pm March 11 The Underwater Bubble Show, 7:30pm March 14 Special EFX All-Stars, 8pm March 20 John Corabi, 8pm March 21 Aja Vu and Stealin’ Chicago, 8pm March 26 Johnny Rawls, 8pm

visalia fox theatre www.foxvisalia.org

March 5-7 • The Enchanted Playhouse Presents “Cinderella,” 7pm Thursday-Friday, 4pm Saturday

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MARCH 2020

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March 11 “The Candidate,” 6:30pm March 14 Frankie Quinones, 8pm March 21 The Sequoia Symphony Orchestra “Colorful Arrivals,” 7:30pm March 25 Catapult: Amazing Magic of Shadow Dance, 7pm March 26 “Spaceballs,” 6:30pm

warnors center www.facebook.com/ warnorscenterfresno

March 21 • Mariachi Festival de Fresno, 6pm

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 April event will need to be posted by March 1.

GIVING BACK

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BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

Photo courtesy of Emmy’s Project

QUITE THE FIGHTER

DELIVERING SMILES WITH EMMY’S PROJECT “IT’S JUST A bad day; it’s not a bad life,” Tiffany Travis of Lemoore repeats to her 11-year-old daughter, Emmy, who lives with a rare disease.

Diagnosed just days before her fifth birthday, Emmy spent her first years of life very sick, in and out of the hospital with no answer. Although Valley Children’s Hospital is exceptional at what they do, she knows the pain of being stuck with needles and stuck in bed. She knows the pain of sterile walls and long roads. She has seen others worse off than her and though grateful, that pain hurts, too.

“She is quite the little fighter,” her mom says. “She makes me want to push. If she can do hard things, so can I.” On the tough days, Emmy says she usually turns to her books, music or dance. “Some days I listen to Christian, other days it’s hip-hop. It really just depends on my mood,” she says with a laugh. She’s learned to listen to her body but has also learned to push herself and just go to school, “because you know, if I don’t go to school, then I can’t go to dance,” she says with a smile.

Years ago, during one of their many visits to Valley Children’s, Emmy looked around at all the kids and said, “Mommy, we should do something.” Instead of turning her pain inward, feeling sorry for herself, at just 8 years old, Emmy looked outward and wanted to make a difference.

Emmy’s Project came to life with the purpose of bringing joy and creativity to children who are suffering.

Once a year, the week before Easter, the mommy-daughter team delivers brand new coloring books and crayons to the kids at Valley Children’s.

What started as a small project within their home and with the help of friends from church has begun to grow.

Travis recalls a special moment last spring when a teacher, Tom Nelson from Hanford, reached out. “He said he was going to help Emmy because he believes in what she’s doing and he wanted to donate 50 books.” That has snowballed and they have begun to receive more exposure and donations.

The first year they delivered approximately 100 books.

Last year they delivered 200 books. This year, they have a goal of 400 books and have widened their selections, collecting everything from coloring books and activity books to adult coloring books and colored pencils for the older kids.

When asked how she would encourage another little girl in similar struggles, Emmy says, “Well, my mom has been there for me for all my life. And she’s my number one supporter. So I would probably tell her that quote that my mom always says to me, because it’s true. It’s just a bad day; it’s not a bad life. Things can get better. And you need a little rain and sun to make a flower, so… I just try to think about the positive more than the negative.”

Finding purpose in the pain has been a gift to Emmy and her mom. Knowing they are bringing a smile to other kids’ lives, if even for a moment. An emotional Travis says, “People have always said, ‘Emmy is going to do amazing things, you just wait.’” • Find Emmy’s Project on Facebook

Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.

MARCH 2020

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