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San Joaquin Valley Living
June 2018
Special Giving Back Issue: Check out our advertisers and the charities they support.
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contents j u ne 2 01 8 // I ss u e #4 4
San Joaquin Valley Living
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nice and fresh at naylor organic farms
Along with our charitable giving stories, see what local advertisers are doing to support your community.
Photo courtesy of Naylor Organic Farms
ch a r ita ble gi v ing 26 Giving Children New Opportunities with Fostering / Adopting 31 Stories of the Impact of Charitable Giving
Editor’s pick s
m y tow n
11 Welcome to Three Rivers, California
23 Phil Skei
Good fin ds 19 Like Family at Naylor Organic Farms
Cr a f ting
loca l s
38 DIY: Hanging Planter
15 Broadway Performer, Visalia Native Betsy Wolfe
Enjoy magazine is not affiliated with JOY magazine or Bauer German Premium GmbH.
On the M a p 7 Floating Down the St. John’s in ev ery issu e 34 Enjoy the View— Joshua Cates 36 What’s Cookin’— Mango Avocado Salad 40 Calendar of Events 45 Giving Back—The Benefits of Philanthropy
JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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editor’s note june 2018
Time for a sound check – crickets chirping, the crack of a baseball bat, the giggles of children splashing in the pool out back? Yes, it’s summer time in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley. Are you ready for some outdoor fun? The old adage says it’s better to give than to receive, and there’s no feeling quite like helping someone who truly needs it. In this “Charitable Giving” issue, we’ll tell you more about just a few of the selfless people who live right here in our communities. There’s John Moore, who was homeless and injured, received some help from a kindhearted pastor, and now helps out at a residential home for people who have been through addiction recovery. And there’s Nicole Lloyd, who devotes her time to advocating for youth in the foster care system as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Meet them and check out the various charities our advertisers support – we’re sure you’ll be inspired. And yes, there’s something in it for you! Check out 10 of the reasons why charitable giving will make your life better. Too many children are awaiting forever families – or just a place to call home temporarily while their parents sort out their challenges. Being a foster parent is one of the most heroic things a person can do – is there room in your heart for a foster child? We’ll share a bit more about this process. What unique talents do you have that might benefit someone else? Even carving out a couple of hours per week to volunteer at your favorite nonprofit will make a difference – for them and for you. Happy summer, and Enjoy!
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 MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designers monica fatica consultant VALERI BARNES advertising sales representative Amanda Moreno accounts receivable representative Alex Pujol Danielle Colesberry Austin Reynolds Dadrien Keene deliveries www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine 115 N. West Street Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 804-7411 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net
on the cover Cover model: Adam Bravinder and Samson the cat
© 2018 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.
Photo by Megan Welker JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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ON THE MAP
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BY JORDAN VENEMA
f lo atin g do w n the st. john ’ s There are some things that are as American as apple pie, and others that are as Visalia as floating down the St. John’s River. Floating might be the summer pastime in any warm region with a river, but for those who grew up in the valley, floating isn’t just synonymous with the summer, not just intrinsic to the river, but essentially a coming-of-age passage, a rite out of local folklore, with its origins in the river itself. Visalia resident and local teacher Elliott Cavale has been floating down the St. John’s River for more than half his life. “Ever since we’ve had our licenses,” says Cavale, “and even younger when my older brothers would go with their friends. I’d just tag along.” As valley natives know, the summers here are hot, and besides climbing the nearest mountain peak or swimming for the nearest body of water, the river is one of the heat’s great escapes.
But floating along St. John’s comes with its own snags, because while the river itself is public, the land surrounding the river isn’t necessarily. Cavale knows this, and encourages people to take safety precautions while practicing neighborly habits. “It’s important that you leave no trace,” Cavale says. “You’re enjoying nature, and make sure that wherever you’re parking isn’t private property.” Not only is it a neighborly faux pas, but Cavale also warns, “some people will just target cars out there. The road is just a road where you park, and people will break into them knowing that people won’t be there for a number of hours.” To deal with both issues, Cavale and friends often bring trash bags to pick up others’ waste they find along the river, and they try to park on the properties of friends or acquaintances – with permission. 4 continued on page 8
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Rivers know this: There is no hurry. We shall get there someday.
A.A. Milne
The float itself is the easy part. Cavale suggests leaving one car at the starting point and one at the ending point. As for the raft or innertube, Cavale says the floating device “just depends on how much you want to be in the water.” There are some rocky spots along the river bottom, he adds, “so watch out for exposed limbs,” he says. “We also always bring one raft just for clothes and an ice chest and then we tie it to the other raft,” Cavale continues. They sometimes float separately, but “we’ll also tie all our rafts together and have one big caravan.” Beside the rafts, bring snacks and sunscreen, but don’t forget to keep your waste, and personal flotation devices are always recommended. As for sunscreen, Cavale offers a pro-tip: “apply it even higher up than the edge of the shorts,” he says. “One time I went, and I put sunscreen all the way to the edge of my board shorts, but as soon as I sat down in the raft my shorts went up two inches, so I had this two-inch dark red burn on the tops of my thighs after four hours of direct sunlight in the summertime.” “Also wear water socks,” he adds, or at least not flip flops, because you’ll lose them. “A hat is nice, big wide-brimmed, and I always bring my sunglasses,” though Cavale also suggests securing them with a strap. Last, Cavale recommends a gallon zip-top bag to put in a backpack to protect valuables from getting wet.
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For those closer to Fresno, Cavale recommends floating the Kings River, suggesting parking near Hobb’s Grove, which he says has regulated the river, providing options for renting devices and also paying for shuttle services between ingress and egress points along the river. But wherever you float, the biggest tip is just to enjoy it. “On the St. John’s there are points along the way where you can get out and there’s a rope swing, and you can get out and jump in, and if you get too hot, just roll out of the tube and into the water.” So relax and enjoy, but remember the window is short, with the best time to float, according to Cavale, around July and August. “The St. John’s fills up when the snow melts, but the water is freezing cold. So we usually go to the middle and end of summertime. It’s still super hot, the sun warms up the water a bit, the water level is still good, because eventually it dies down once we use it for agriculture.” Whatever you do, be sure to be safe and leave no trace, and always be courteous. Those habits aren’t just as American as apple pie, they’re also as Visalia as floating the St. John’s. • Jordan Venema is a freelance writer and California native. He’s a fan of wild stories, impetuous traveling, live music, and all the food. But mostly, he’s a fan of his nineyear-old son, Cassian. He can be contacted by email at jordan.venema@gmail.com.
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EDITORS’ PICKS
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BY KERRI REGAN AND RONDA ALVEY
THREE RIVERS, CALIFORNIA FAST FACTS:
• This small, creative village east of Visalia on Highway 198 is known as “The Gateway to Sequoia National Park.” • It probably should have been called Five Rivers, as it follows the five forks of the Kaweah River – but because two of the forks are smaller than the others, Three Rivers won out. • Walt Disney had plans to develop a ski resort at nearby Mineral King, but these plans were dashed when the space was annexed into Sequoia National Park. • Three Rivers was founded as an intentional community in 1886 by a group of utopian socialists, and today is home to about 2,600 people.
Riverside respite
What a jerky
What a treasure we discovered in Anne Lang’s Emporium. Relaxing on the back deck, watching the Kaweah River roll by and eating the best Reuben we’ve had in years was a heavenly way to spend an hour. Hummingbird feeders entice the tiny visitors by the dozens. There’s always a fresh pot of soup on the stove and a delicious baked good in the oven. Their fine art corner showcases the work of local artists, including musicians on occasion.
The Jerky This! gourmet jerky stand offers just about every kind of exotic meaty treat that your mind could conjure up - alligator, antelope, buffalo, ostrich, venison, wild boar, yak - you name it. Munching on some elk jerky while you’re hanging out under the bright blue sky at Kaweah Oaks Campground is living at its finest. The campground is unique, too - it caters to bicyclists, so it’s an ideal spot to pitch your tent while you’re trekking through the Sierras on two wheels.
Hey there, sweets There’s no shortage of sweet treats in Three Rivers. Antoinette’s Coffee and Goodies offers fresh-baked goodies (you won’t regret a single calorie of Helen’s Morning Glory Muffins) and freshbrewed coffee - they’re supplied by Visalia’s own Maverick’s Roasting Company. Reimer’s Candy and Gifts has been making delightful confections in a little red gingerbread house for 60 years - their fudge will melt in your mouth.
Veggies, beer and art - oh my Sage Roots offers a beautiful selection of local, organic food - so easy to grab a basket full of fresh-from-the-earth snacks for your day’s adventure. Three Rivers Brewing Co. next door is a sustainable brewery (spent grains are given to local farmers) and you’ll find a delicious beer along with great company behind the bar. Main Fork Art Station offers lovely handmade gifts by some of the area’s most creative artisans. They’ve been known to team up for “Paints and Pints” events, where guests enjoy an outdoor painting class at Three Rivers Brewing Co. FEBRUARY JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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Things to do in
THREE RIVERS Take a hike Naturally, the Three Rivers area has more than its share of hiking opportunities, from the easy Bobcat Point Loop to the challenging High Sierra Trail. High Sierra leads you to Hamilton Lakes, where you’ll find a breathtaking view. As always, make sure to obtain appropriate wilderness permits and know exactly where you’re going before you venture out into the woods - even if you’re a seasoned hiker.
Ready to relax?
Celebrate art Three Rivers is home to numerous creative artists, and their work is celebrated year-round. The South Valley Artists’ Studio Tour and the Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival are annual events that showcase local art. The first Saturday of every month, artists, musicians and dancers offer special activities at venues around town. An annual Dixieland jazz festival is held every April, and the Three Rivers Performing Arts Institute hosts music concerts all year.
If all that hiking and whitewater rafting has your muscles screaming “uncle,” you might want to give The Common Element a call. They offer an array of massage and spa treatments, including hot stone massage, and the space couldn’t be more relaxing.
howdy partner What started as a food truck on the Kaweah River, Ol’ Buckaroo is now a brick and mortar restaurant in the original town saloon and tavern of the 1940s and ‘50s. The building was restored one year ago and is now a full fledged restaurant serving farm to table Americana food with live music once a month.
That’s pretty slick The Slick Rock Recreation Area features warm water, plenty of beach space and a wonderful spot to absorb the area’s natural beauty. Grab a sandwich or some salads from A1 Totem Market and Gifts on your way - the hospitable staff will be happy to help you fill your picnic basket.
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On the map: THREE RIVERS 1. Kaweah Whitewater Adventures: Who needs Disneyland? Get your adrenaline rush on the Kaweah River. The snowmelt will carry you right through Three Rivers and into Lake Kaweah, and this adventure company will show you how to maximize your safety and fun.
2: Wild Cave Tours: Spelunking is an exhilarating, unforgettable experience, and descending into the depths of the marble Crystal Cave doesn’t disappoint.
2.
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3. 1.
4. 4: Tokopah Falls: This moderate, four-mile round trip trail starts at the campground near Lodgepole, and you’ll be greeted by deer, butterflies and wildflowers along the way. The trail follows the river and gets rockier near the falls, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
3. Three Rivers Historical Museum: Take a look at some of Three Rivers’ rich history, then step outside and check out the 30-foot-tall, 13-ton statue of Paul Bunyan, which was carved from a single Sequoia tree believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Local artist Carroll Barnes carved it in 1941 and 1942 using a hammer and chisel.
Map is for visual and artistic representation only. Not to scale. APRIL JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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Driving the ministry of Visalia Rescue Mission, while providing the community with reliable transportation at a great price.
Chris was a guest at VRM’s Overnight Shelter & he bought a Mission Motors vehicle to help him move forward toward life-change.
DONATE A VEHICLE 429-8777 • missionmotors.org
visaliaconcerts.com
(559) 625-1FOX
LOCALS | BY JORDAN VENEMA
LONE WOLFE
Photos courtesy of Betsy Wolfe
b r oa d way p e r f o r m e r , V is a li a n ative betsy w ol f e The acting life isn’t exactly peaches, hustling from auditions to rehearsals, working odd jobs in between just to pay the bills and barely scrape by. Before actors reach the big stage, they’ve usually worked behind a bar or waited a table or two, so it’s almost a cruel irony if an actor’s breakout role is to perform exactly the job they’ve been trying to escape. But that’s exactly what Visalia native Betsy Wolfe did.
Whether or not she ever served tables, Wolfe is no stranger to “pounding the pavement” to reach her goals, so of course she was eager to land the lead role in Broadway’s hit musical “Waitress.” “‘Waitress’ was my most recent show, and it was such a wonderful, defining moment for me, realizing that I was actually leading a show. I’ve dreamed of doing that since I was a kid,” Wolfe says. 4 continued on page 16 JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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“I love my job, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else, but it can be equally as exhausting as it is really thrilling...”
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Wolfe grew up in Visalia and graduated from Golden West in 2000, a high school known for theater and the arts. But her passion for theater began even sooner. “I think I was always a bit of a ham,” Wolfe says with a laugh, “and I definitely just wanted to be doing what my sister was doing” – performing in local, community theater – “because I saw how much fun she was having. I was always creating commercials at home or with friends at school.” Wolfe’s mother also worked sets at the Enchanted Playhouse, providing Wolfe a behind-the-scenes look at production and costumes and sets. Wolfe also credits Visalia’s dedication to the arts with inspiring her to pursue a career in theater. “It’s a great place to grow up with a huge focus on the arts, and I didn’t realize until later that our town was so unique in that aspect,” says Wolfe. After high school Wolfe attended the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music where she earned a degree in musical theatre, but she says the degree wasn’t necessary to making it on Broadway. “I knew I wanted to go to college, and I knew I wanted to get a degree, but it was something important to me personally. Just because you got a degree in it doesn’t mean you necessarily go into that profession.” But, she says, the endgame was always Broadway. “That was something early on that I always wanted to do,” says Wolfe, who grew up attending shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles. “I knew I wanted to be doing what those actors were doing, and I knew that New York was where it was all happening.” At 15, Wolfe traveled to New York for the first time, a moment when her passion “became very real to me,” she says. “I could see it, could feel the audiences’ excitement, and see the people waiting outside to be let into the show.” That experience was when Broadway became possible for Wolfe, a tangible destination, and it wasn’t long after moving to New York that she landed her first role in the musical “Ragtime” at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2005. “Oddly enough, it was the second musical I saw on Broadway, and one of my favorite musicals growing up,” says Wolfe, who idolized Audra McDonald, the Fresno actor who had played the role of Sarah. After “Ragtime,” Wolfe went on to land a number of roles, including the 2012 revival of Rupert Holmes’ adaptation of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” written by Charles Dickens.
“That was one of those few that’s won the Triple Crown in a way – best book, best lyrics and best score when it first premiered,” says Wolfe. Now after more than 10 years on the Broadway stage, Wolfe knows the industry is more than just theater for theater’s sake. “I love my job, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else, but it can be equally as exhausting as it is really thrilling,” Wolfe explains. “There’s a big misconception that your commitment is just the hours you work on stage, but that’s just not true. There is an overarching business to what we’re doing, and ultimately everything has to function for the bottom line.” That Broadway fundamentally is a business means actors must bring more than just talent to the stage. “It’s a perfect combination of luck, and talent, and opportunity striking at the right time,” agrees Wolfe. “I know insanely talented people who have never had the opportunity. But some of it comes down to what you put into it.” Wolfe’s pounding the Broadway pavement eventually culminated in her 2017 performance as Jenna Hunterson across Grammy winner Jason Mraz in the musical “Waitress.” She debuted on the critically acclaimed show on June 13, but left a few days early on January 9 to headline a series of Seattle Symphony concerts. Following that breakout role, Wolfe now is writing her own solo act cabaret, which will debut in San Francisco in September. Despite landing leads on Broadway and writing her own shows, Wolfe is still making time for home, and will return to Visalia in October for an event. While there are still some moving parts, Wolfe will announce details for her upcoming solo show in San Francisco and the Visalia performance on her website. For the opportunity to catch a little Broadway close to home, be sure to catch Wolfe while you can. • Sequoia Symphony Concert, Oct. 6 www.betsywolfe.com Follow her on Instagram , @bwolfepack Jordan Venema is a freelance writer and California native. He’s a fan of wild stories, impetuous traveling, live music, and all the food. But mostly, he’s a fan of his nineyear-old son, Cassian. He can be contacted by email at jordan.venema@gmail.com.
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Myranda Danielle Robles
was born in 1992 with Down Syndrome and various other problems including a malformed heart. She had her first of several surgeries at two months. Myranda lived three and half years and her passing left a huge hole in her parents’ hearts. Olga and Jaime Robles wanted to find a way to honor Myranda’s memory. Having spent countless days and hours in Central Valley Children’s Hospital with their daughter, they knew how difficult it was for bedside parents to even grab a meal, not to mention the financial and emotional drain of staying away from home so long, and that led to the creation of Myranda’s Gift—free meal tickets for the Jolly Fish Cafe at Valley Children’s. Many families have since received these meal tickets in the hope that their burden may be a tad bit lightened. “My family feels very blessed to have the support of Mark Avedian and Avedian Properties,” Olga said. “Please contact us if you are a bedside parent and/or if you want to help others like us.”
Myranda’s Gift 559-737-3416
A Proud Sponsor of Myranda’s Gift 209 W. Main St. Visalia • 559-739-1200 • avedian.net License number: 01987747
Our Family Helping Your Family
GOOD FINDS | BY JORDAN VENEMA | PHOTOS: MONICA FATICA
farm fresh like fa m ily at n aylo r o r g a nic fa r m s
About five miles southwest of Dinuba and seven miles southeast of Kingsburg is a plot of land farmed by Mike Naylor, a fourthgeneration farmer of this rich Central Valley soil. “My great grandfather immigrated here,” says Naylor, who farms 40 acres of the land his father purchased in 1963. Naylor grew up on the farm, but he laughs at the idea that he never left. “Heck yeah I got away from it!” he exclaims, adding that he worked a spell for the fire department until he realized he preferred to be his own boss, and so he returned to the farm in 1979. Not long after his return, Naylor’s Organic Farm transitioned fully to organic in 1984, and has been ever since. Naylor’s Organic focuses on a variety of stone fruit, especially peaches, nectarines and apricots, “and a few blackberries that we use for our u-pick,” he says. But you’ll find no vegetables on the farm, since Naylor describes harvesting the greens as knuckle dragging.
“Yeah, it’s all stone fruit,” he laughs. “I don’t like to bend over to work.” Naylor has dedicated 40 acres to stone fruit for u-pick, while the rest of the farm’s land he leases out, which is really the way for many small farms, which are leasing acreage to larger farms in order to survive. Though Naylor’s Organic Farm is an exception, Naylor says, “Small farms in this area are disappearing real fast. Paperwork kills small farmers; we don’t like it. Plus, our kids are smarter than we were. There are very few sons or daughters coming back into the business.” Like other small farms, Naylor and his wife Nori have expanded their u-pick to include ecotourism. The goal is not just to introduce others to their farm but also to conserve a way of life important to the valley. “We are hoping to preserve the farm as long as possible,” Nori agrees. 4 continued on page 20 JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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In addition to cultivating the land, the Naylors also introduced a farm stay, offering multiple rooms that range from $75 to $159 a night, varying with the season. But don’t worry, the Naylors don’t put their guests to work. “It was actually Mike’s idea,” says Nori about the farm stay. “He’s the visionary, and I did the grunt work to get that going,” she says with a laugh, referring to social media. “For two of the rooms we offer a breakfast that Mike and I prepare ourselves,” Nori continues. “Breakfast is our favorite meal of the day, and we love sitting down with our guests and having conversation. We want them to feel like family.”
In fact, Nori describes herself and her husband as just a couple of grandparents. “Grandma and Grandpa,” she says. “So if you need anything, just ask.” Mike and Nori work the farm themselves, beside those visitors who come for the u-pick, and of course the guests who are welcome to pick fruit for themselves in addition to the bowl of fresh fruit provided during the farm stay. Plus, guests are welcome to a tour of the farm from Mike. “I’m a storyteller,” he says. “So I tell stories, and I know a lot of the natural history of the valley. It just depends on the person’s interest, whether that’s the history of the farm, the valley, how things are grown, and I’ll make up lines for the things I don’t know.” Other than being entertained and educated by a personal tour guide, guests might be greeted by Penny, the Naylors’ 14-year-old Vizsla. Ultimately, a trip to Naylor’s Organic Farm is an opportunity to get away and discover the wealth of the Central Valley, and to learn about the small farms that make the area so agriculturally prosperous.
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But the reality, says Nori, “is that so many people had never set foot on a farm, or don’t know where their food comes from, or how it gets to the grocery store. So we want to offer people an opportunity to come to a real working farm and see what it’s like.” “That is the absolute best part,” she continues. “Especially when families come. We really want to encourage a family experience, and it’s so fun to watch, and often it’s the parents that are more excited than the kids.” A conversation with adopted grandparents – for a night, anyway – and eat a peach directly from the tree. • Naylor’s Organic Farm Stay • 38918 Road 64, Dinuba (559) 824-0811 • www.naylorsorganicfarmstay.com Find them on Facebook and on Instagram @naylororganicsupick
Jordan Venema is a freelance writer and California native. He’s a fan of wild stories, impetuous traveling, live music, and all the food. But mostly, he’s a fan of his nine-year-old son, Cassian. He can be contacted by email at jordan.venema@gmail.com.
STEP UP
for Down Syndrome
2018
5K Timed Run, 1 mi. Fun Walk & Festivities
Benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Central California Saturday, October 20, 2018 @ the Clovis Rodeo Grounds Registration opens July 1, 2018 WWW.DSACC.ORG
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US as a... SPONSOR WALKER & RUNNER or as a VOLUNTEER! Find out more
Contact DSACC Staff at (559) 228-0411 or email pd@dsacc.org
Proud supporter of Down Syndrome Association of Central California
LOVE.
It’s what makes Subaru a Subaru Lithia Subaru of Fresno 5499 N Blackstone Avenue Fresno, CA 93710 (5559) 438-6200 www.lithiasubarufresno.com
my town Phil Skei, Revitalization Manager at the City of Fresno; Co-Pastor On Ramps Covenant Church
we fell in love with our city… My wife and I were both born and raised in Fresno. Never left. I was raised in northwest Fresno, my wife in southwest Fresno. Me – white. She - African American. We met at Edison High School, in a science class. I was a senior. She was a freshman. I know. Who meets in science class?! Our journey together would begin here and lead us into a relationship with our city we never imagined. We would start on Herndon & Maple and end on Belmont & Blackstone. We liked our city, but we fell in love with our city. Every face. Tattoos. Stumbling. Toothless. The ill and the well. Dancers and dentists. Baseball players and bus drivers. This city became our city and its people became our neighbors. We have learned that we make room for love when we make room for relationships. And the closer we get, the more committed we become; the more we use our talents and passions to help each person, each block, each neighborhood fulfill their destiny. Today, my wife is one of our neighborhood’s biggest cheerleaders, and I am a cheerleader for neighborhoods like ours all across our city. We are in love, and we get to live out our love together for the rest of our lives. We live in Fresno, and our lives have forever been changed because Fresno lives in us.
where you live
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CHARITABLE GIVING
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BY NATALIE CAUDLE
www.EnjoySouthValley.com JUNE 2018
it's
about a
Chil d
g ivin g child r en ne w o p p o r tunities w ith f oste r in g / a do p tin g For many, a family’s first moments are peppered with photographs and sweet hellos as the swaddled bundle of joy is gleefully embraced. But for others, their family story begins in a stale government office, with signatures and sweaty palms, where the first minutes are anxious and awkward. Some families meet in the dark of night with a desperate phone call and a knock on the door. The beginnings are fractured and sorrowful as biological families are broken. But as narratives of adoption and fostering have been written over the lives of countless families, children have been given new stories and the opportunity to tangibly experience relentless love. Children of all ages and backgrounds can be found in the foster system – more than 600,000 each year in the United States. Children enter foster care for a variety of reasons, but ultimately it is the result of their living environment no longer being safe or available. Biological parents may have been found temporarily unfit to parent. Often, a child only needs a temporary placement while an extended family member is located. The scenarios that bring a child to the foster system are often heartbreaking and filled with trauma and loss. Older children, sibling groups and boys are often more difficult to place, and they remain in the system longer than their younger female counterparts. Jamie Holland planned to adopt two children under age 5 when she received a call about a sibling group of four older children who were in danger of being separated and were considered difficult to place due to their age, sibling group size and ethnicity. “What we envisioned and planned for
went out the window quickly,” Holland recalls. “My biggest realization now is that you have to get rid of this picture-perfect idea. It’s rough, but so very worth it. I can’t imagine life without my kids. I can’t imagine how they were considered ‘difficult to place.’” The ultimate goal of foster care is for family reunification, but reunification is sometimes impossible and adoption becomes an available option. Holland’s four children are growing and thriving in their forever home. The journey for Holland began the same as it does for every foster/adoptive parent, by completing a home study: a full report detailing one’s family, education and parenting style. A home study verifies that state requirements have been fulfilled: criminal, medical and DMV clearances, first aid and CPR certifications, home safety checks, social worker interviews and 18 to 20 hours of classes. Families begin the process with an agency orientation and systematically work through the requirements during a three- to six-month period. “The reason for this thorough assessment is not to look for perfect families,” says Christie Tiede, a social worker for Koinonia Family Services. “It is to ensure that families are ready and well-equipped to provide a safe, loving, consistent environment for a child.” 4 continued on page 28
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The requirements can seem overwhelming, but are broken into bite-sized pieces by an agency. “We are able to offer support to our families through our social workers. One is assigned to each family and (someone) is on call after-hours and on weekends so that our families know there is someone available if they need anything,” Tiede says. “We are there to help support families so they can best support and care for the children.” Foster parents receive financial help from the state to care for the child’s basic needs, as well as medical and dental coverage. Additionally, parents are able to enroll in courses through College of the Sequoias or Fresno State University for ongoing training, covering such topics as cultural differences, child development and laws regarding foster children. Adoption Learning Partners offers online courses to help parents with a grieving child or to prepare siblings for sharing attention and time. Some families enter the foster system only to foster while others hope a placement will lead to an adoption. Will and Pam Shattuck received 14 children into their home over a five-year period and ultimately adopted five. The Shattucks wholeheartedly threw themselves into the world of fostering and adoption, organizing their home to accommodate more children, purchasing a large passenger van and devoting their time to medical and therapy appointments and social worker visits. “Fost/Adopt had its ups and downs – it can be the best thing and the worst thing you ever do,” Pam says. “But if your heart is to help kids know that they can succeed no matter their circumstances or environment, then this is the place to
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be.” Despite tough days, the Shattucks found support through their friends and helpful trainings through Aspire, a local agency that provides classes and support groups for parents. Families can sometimes feel isolated while navigating the world of fostering or adoption and local churches have responded with various ministries and trainings. Radiant Church in Visalia founded its Heritage Ministry in response to the orphan crisis. The ministry began in 2013 due to the efforts of Amber Kanallakan and Lori Riley. Heritage Ministry rallies around families through social gatherings, educational resources, trainings, prayer and by showing up in the day-to-day needs, such as simply providing a casserole to a tired family. Ultimately, adopting or fostering a child is not about the challenges, it is about a child; a child who is now safe and can grow, who can thrive without fear of hunger or harm. Meredith Toering, an advocate for abandoned children, says, “For each one it matters. We can’t afford to close our eyes. We can’t rewrite the beginning of these stories but we can step straight into the middle and change how it ends. We must.” • Koinonia Family Services • (559) 635-8926 4008 S. Demaree St. Suite A., Visalia
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.
Tulare County Tulare County Tulare County Tulare County Child Abuse Prevention Child Abuse Prevention
Child Abuse Prevention Child Abuse Prevention Council Council Council Council Our Vision is to end child child abuse abuse Our Vision is to end Our Vision is to end child abuse by promoting families Our Vision is tohealthy end child abuse by promoting healthy families by promoting healthy families where children realizefamilies their by promoting healthy where children their where childrenrealize realize their where children realize their potential, becoming successful potential, becoming potential, becomingsuccessful successful potential, becoming successful community members. community members. community members. community members.
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Tularecountycapc.org | PO Box 1062, Visalia, CA. 93291 | 559-735-0456 | info@tularecountycap Tularecountycapc.org 559-735-0456 Tularecountycapc.org||PO POBox Box1062, 1062,Visalia, Visalia, CA. ||info@tularecountycapc.org Tularecountycapc.org 1062, Visalia, CA.93291 93291|||559-735-0456 559-735-0456 |info@tularecountycapc.org info@tularecountycapc.org
ST CENTS TO JESUS CHRI INTRODUCING ADOLES OW IN THEIR FAITH. AND HELPING THEM GR oungLives team. Step into the world of
teens. Join the Young
Life/Y
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recounty.youngl (559) 627-2078. • tula
inistry to YoungLives is a m teen parents. eer for one of Sign up to volunt ams! our child care te
WOODLEAF CAMP JUNE 27-JULY 1
“I met Christie in 1992 and Leonela in 2006. These two have changed my life. They are now part of the YoungLives ministry. Christie is our childcare coordinator and goes to camp each summer to love on babies.Leonela is a mentor who goes to camp to love on teen moms. We are truly blessed.”
The women of YoungLives invite their teen mom friends and their babies to Young Life camp. Our prayer is to send a group of 20, which costs $16,000. We also want to send 20 caregivers to watch the babies while moms participate in activities together. The total cost for them is another $10,000.
Lori Clarkson, early mentor, with the first two young women she mentored when it all started. Leonela, Lori Clarkson, Christie
Shawn Michael Fox D.D.S. 535 North Akers Street Visalia, CA 93291 Office phone: (559) 733-3377 Fax #: 559 733-5614 www.foxvalleyfamilydentistry.com
If you are 14 and older, male or female, and want to join us or send us, please contact Karen Cardoza 559-593-0692. Please send donations to: Young Life 2134 E Mineral King, Suite B, Visalia CA 93292
Fox Valley Family Dentistry is proud to support Young Life / Young Lives fox valley family dentistry @ foxvalleyfamilydentistry
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it’s personal CHARITABLE GIVING
BY MELISSA MENDONCA
s to r i e s o f t h e i m pac t o f c h a r i ta b l e g i v i n g
John Moore: Next Steps/My Father’s House It was a straightforward series of events that led John Moore, 54, to the steps of Pastor Kurt Salierno six years ago. “I was homeless. I’d gotten hurt. I lost my apartment,” he says. A degenerative back injury had become so debilitating that he couldn’t keep up with his job as a chef. Salierno helped Moore through a program called Next Steps and the two stayed in touch once Moore was back on track, established now as a prolific fantasy-science fiction writer. Despite success with his books, however, Moore found himself to being a published in precarious housing again. He author, and actually one returned to his friend, this time with an offer to give back. My of the top in my genre.” Father’s House of Visalia, a – John Moore residential after-care home founded by Salierno, was in need of an assistant manager. Moore moved in to support the 17 resident men seeking support after rehabilitation services. “Most of the men who are here have experienced addiction,” says Moore. “This is where they go to re-establish themselves and get back into the community. They’ve all experienced homelessness or prison or jail but now they have a home.” He became the resident manager a few months later. Moore now has a room at My Father’s House where he continues to write and keeps an extensive book collection while supporting others on their journey. Since opening in January 2017, My Father’s House has supported five men to reach their goals and move on with their lives. Then there’s Moore himself. “I went from being homeless to being a published author, and actually one of the top in my genre,” he says. “I didn’t lose hope. Hope is something that everybody needs and Kurt has dedicated his life to giving the hopeless hope.”
i went from being homeless
Annette Edwards: Visalia Rescue Mission - House of Hope When Annette Edwards arrived at the Visalia Rescue Mission at age 43, “I was stuck in my addiction and I was broken. My soul was dead.” A 35-year struggle with substance abuse had added up to 10 years in and out of jail, prison and institutions, starting in juvenile facilities. With tremendous gratitude, the now 49-yearold says, “I was led here to the Visalia Rescue Mission and did the program and it changed my life.” She has six years clean and is now a registered addiction specialist at House of Hope, a women’s transitional facility of the Rescue Mission. Edwards grew up in Porterville, the child of a heroin addict. “We were poor, dysfunctional,” she says. Her own struggles with addiction found her removed from her own children as she went in and out of facilities. “At 43, I decided to change my life,” she says. “I remember coming to the program and My kids are back in my life. wanting to change my life My grandkids are in my life. I but not really knowing how. have a great relationship with They gave me the tools and I met Jesus.” She credits the my husband. I have a faith-based emphasis in wonderful home life.” programming that allowed – Annette Edwards her to receive the information provided. While in transitional living herself, she was able to work and fund her education in the drug and alcohol counseling program.
Now I have my family back.
Now she works 40 hours a week at House of Hope and is reunited with her children. “I love working with the women because I get to see their lives changed. If it weren’t for the Visalia Rescue Mission and God, of course, I wouldn’t be here,” she says. “Now I have my family back. My kids are in my life. My grandkids are in my life. I have a great relationship with my husband. I have a wonderful home life.” And, she says with great pride, “I love to see the women flourish.”4 continued on page 32 JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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Anastasia Ochoa: Restore Habitat for Humanity The stability of home ownership means many things to Anastasia Ochoa, a 28-year-old mother of four, and her husband David, the proud owner-operator of a relatively new tree-trimming business. The low mortgage payments for their Habitat for Humanity home allowed David to start his business and ended the cycle of moving from rental to rental in search of I tell my co-workers enough space and sanitation to they’re family. They’re raise a growing family. “Before my Habitat family. coming to Habitat, we lived in three different homes,” she says, They’re stuck with us. offering a litany of problems Ever since we got the in each place.
it’s a great vibe…
home, we’ve been blessed.
What is most meaningful – Anastasia Ochoa about this home, however, is the opportunities now available to her children. “It’s a better education,” she says. “We get to spend more time with our kids.” She’s thrilled with the school district her family has moved into. “The teachers are so involved with the kids’ education. I’m very happy and proud of where I live, the home that I have,” she says. That pride transitions to gratitude and a desire to pay it forward to Habitat for Humanity. While both Anastasia and David have completed their sweat equity requirements to move into their home, they each maintain involvement in the organization. “Now, every chance my husband gets when he’s not working, he volunteers,” she says. David helps build homes for other families, and Anastasia put in most of her sweat equity hours at Habitat’s Restore retail space, where she was eventually hired to work part time. The job helped her through a round of self-described baby blues and gave her a new network of support. “It’s a good vibe,” she says. “I tell my co-workers they’re family. They’re my Habitat family. They’re stuck with us. Ever since we got the home, we’ve been blessed.”
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Nicole Lloyd: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Tulare County Nicole Lloyd knows it doesn’t take grand gestures to make a difference in the life of a child. The 37-year-old Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for youth in the foster system remembers the gestures both large and small that her own CASA made during her childhood navigating the system. “I actually had a CASA when I was a kiddo so I’ve always known it’s something I wanted to do,” she says.
“I landed in the system when I was a child,” she says. “I was three and a half. I was in about 30 placements so I was really back and forth. When I was about 8, I finally got a CASA.” What stands out about that relationship: “She followed me wherever I went. I would run away. Regardless of wherever I went, she would always follow me,” she says. “My CASA was always there.” When they met up, it didn’t really matter what they did; it mattered that the CASA was there. “It was often very simple, sometimes just an ice cream cone at McDonald’s. Sometimes we would read together,” she says. “I remember the way she smelled.”
i actually had a casa
Lloyd is currently poring through the records of her childhood in the system hoping to find the when I was a kiddo so CASA that impacted I’ve always known it’s her life so deeply. In the meantime, she’s something I wanted to do.” supporting a young – Nicole Lloyd woman currently navigating the system with all of the spunk and steam Lloyd remembers from her own teenage years. “I try to make it just a normal experience,” she says of her time with her protege. “It’s a lot of coffee, of course. Starbucks. Or going out to eat. She loves sushi.” When it comes time for court hearings, Lloyd prepares formal documents informing the family court judge of her protege’s circumstances and her recommendations. She takes the role of advocate seriously. “There’s just no word to describe how being that person can make you feel,” she says.
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.
A Faith-Based Transitional Sober Living Program 1525 East Noble Ave., #298 Visalia 559-731-0624
Wouldn’t you like to be someone’s hero? Call CASA today 559-625-4007
hfhtkc.org/restore/
Family Home Agency
enjoy the view
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photo: joshua cates
www.EnjoySouthValley.com JUNE 2018
HUNTINGTON 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 vice 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. JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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WHAT’S COOKIN’
| BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART
recipe june 2018
Mango Avocado Salad Serves 4 This month’s recipe is shared by Kathleen Hourigan, who loves Enjoy Magazine and the first thing she turns to is the recipe. Her mother made a similar recipe to this Mango Avocado Salad for years, and Kathleen’s colorful, delicious version is now a family favorite that they have enjoyed for years.
SALAD ingredients: 1 large head butter leaf lettuce 1 large ripe avocado 1 large ripe mango Dressing ingredients: 3 T fresh lime juice 1 red jalapeno chili, seeded and finely chopped 1 green jalapeño chili, seeded and finely chopped 6 T olive oil 1 tsp. salt 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (extra leaves for garnish)
ARE YOU THE NEXT JULIA CHILD? Want your recipe made by our own “What’s Cookin’” Lana Granfors and featured in Enjoy Magazine? We’ll be choosing one recipe from
these categories for Lana to make, so submit your recipes now! NOV: Thanksgiving favorites - Due September 1 DEC: Holiday favorites - Due October 1
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www.EnjoySouthValley.com JUNE 2018
directions STEP 1: Wash and dry butter leaf leaves. Peel mango, cut off cheeks and slice them. Trim rest of flesh off mango pit, chop finely (there will be lots of juice), and mix into dressing.
STEP 2: Whisk dressing together in a medium bowl. Toss butter leaf lettuce with half the dressing and place the leaves on a salad platter. Arrange the mango and avocado slices on top of the leaves and evenly distribute remaining dressing on top. Garnish with a few cilantro leaves. Enjoy Lana Granfors enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and spending time with her friends and family– especially her grandchildren, Jillian and Garet.
Prep time/total time : 25-30 minutes
JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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CRAFTING
|
By KAYLA STOCK
|
PHOTOS: megan welker
Higher Ground D I Y: h a n g in g p l a nte r
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supplies • Metal bowl • Plant (we used a prayer plant) • Pliers • Decorators chain • 3 small S-hooks • 1 large S-hook • Drill • Metal file
TIP: You can use a basket instead of a bowl or rope instead of chain to achieve your desired look.
1. Drill three holes at the top of the bowl. For an accurate weight distribution, space the holes evenly around the bowl. Use the metal file on the holes so there are no sharp edges.
4. Detangle any chain that may have gotten jumbled.
2. Separate the decorators chain into three even pieces, keeping in mind how far you want the planter to hang down, though the length can be adjusted at the end.
3. Hook the three pieces of chain onto the bowl by using the small S-hooks.
5. Plant and secure the plant in the metal bowl.
6. Hook the opposite ends of the chains to the large S-hook. This is where your planter will hang from.
If your chain is too long, you can adjust the bottom ends of the chains to a hole that is higher up on the chain.
JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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calendar JUNE 2018
From Food to fun, something for everyone to enjoy
bakersfield
June 2 • 9th Annual Helping Animals Live Tomorrow (HALT) Fun Run, Yokuts Park, 4000 Empire Drive, 5:30-10am, www.visitbakersfield.com • 3rd Annual Bakersfield Wing Festival, Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P St., 3-7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com Through June 15 • The Historical Research Center presents an exhibit on immigration and naturalization, Walter W. Stiern Library, California State University Bakersfield, 9001 Stockdale Hwy., 8am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 8am-5pm Friday, www.visitbakersfield.com June 23 • Downtown Bakersfield Craft Beer Festival, Downtown Bakersfield, 6-10:30pm, www.visitbakersfield.com
clovis
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• Old Town Clovis Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue between Third Street and Bullard Avenue, 5:30-9pm, www.visitclovis.com June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Farmers Market, Corner of Pollasky and Bullard Avenues, 8-11:30 am, www.visitclovis.com June 2-3 • Fresno Cactus and Succulent Society Show & Sale, Clovis Veterans Memorial District, 808 4th St., 9am-6pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday, www.visitclovis.com June 14 • Sierra Nights Live Concert Series - Green Today, Sierra Vista Mall Community Park, 1050 Shaw Ave., 6:30pm, www.visitclovis.com June 28 • Sierra Nights Live Concert Series - Jaded, Sierra Vista Mall Community Park, 1050 Shaw Ave., 6:30pm, www.visitclovis.com 40
www.EnjoySouthValley.com JUNE 2018
dinuba
June 7, 14, 21, 28
• CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, South East corner June 8-9 of Fulton and Mariposa, 11am-2pm, • Dinuba Cars in the Park Car Show, Friday www.downtownfresno.org Cruise Night Concert, Entertainment Plaza, June 6, 13, 20, 27 289 South L St., 5-8pm, Saturday car show, • The Market on Kern, Kern Street between Rose Ann Voice Park, 855 East El Monte Way, M and N Streets, 10am-2pm, 7am-3pm www.downtownfresno.com June 7, 21 • Art Hop, Tower District, E. Olive Ave. and June 2 N. Wishon, 5-8pm, (559) 237- 9734, • Courage to Change 20th Anniversary www.fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop Celebration, Courage to Change Education June 9 Center, 1230 N. Anderson Road, noon, • Do you Gyotaku?, River Center, www.exeterchamber.com 11605 Old Friant Road, 10am, June 9 www.riverparkway.org • Global Table Monthly Cooking Workshop,
exeter
611 2nd St., 3pm, www.exeterchamber.com
fresno
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• Friday Sunset Kayak Tour, Fort Washington Beach, 10705 N. Lanes Road, 4:30pm-8pm, (559) 248-8480, www.riverparkway.org June 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, (559) 266-9856, www.cherryavenueauction.com June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 W. Shaw Ave., 7am-noon, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com June 6, 13, 20, 27 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 W. Shaw Ave., 3pm-6pm, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com June 15 • 2018 Juneteenth Jazz and Blues Celebration, Mariposa Plaza, 7-11pm, (559) 512-0766, www.downtownfresno.org June 20 • State of the City Luncheon, New Exhibit Hall, Fresno Convention Center, 700 M. St., noon-2pm, www.fresnochamber.com
9 Gyotaku is an ancient technique of Japanese fish pressing, useful in documenting the actual size of the fish caught. Artist Julia Tanigoshi Tinker takes it a step further by beautifully painting the image by pressing rice paper onto an ink-covered fish. Julia will demonstrate her technique before each guest creates a print from a fish or replica fish. A bento box lunch will be served in the River Center Ranch House conference room. June 13 • Reading by Tanya Nichols with music by Old Blue, San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, Inc., 11605 Old Friant Road, 6pm, (559) 248-8480, www.riverparkway.org June 14 • Root for the River - Rootsy Eats, Root General, 1424 Fulton St., 7pm, www.riverparkway.org
June 15 • World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Double Tree by Hilton, 2233 Ventura St., 10am June 16 • Garden Tour & Dinner Under the Summer Sky, Bohigan Urban Farm, 6:30pm, www.riverparkway.org
hanford
June 12
• Art in the Heart (Art Hop), the soaking tub, 227 N. Irwin St., 6-8pm, www.facebook.com/heartofhanford
ivanhoe
June 1 • Tree to Table: A Dinner in the Groves, Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, 32988 Road 164, 5:30pm, (559) 731-7925, www.treetotable.eventbrite.com
June 8 • Music on Main Street - DJ Davis, Downtown Main Street at Centennial Park, 6pm, www.portervillechamber.com June 15 • Music on Main Street - The Swingshift Band, Downtown Main Street at Centennial Park, 6pm, www.portervillechamber.com June 22 • Music on Main Street - TriplePlay Visalia, Downtown Main Street at Centennial Park, 6pm, www.portervillechamber.com June 29 • Music on Main Street - Princess Lee Lee, Grandpa & Friends, Downtown Main Street at Centennial Park, 6pm, www.portervillechamber.com
three rivers
June 25-28
• Horse Camp for Beginners for Ages 7-77, Wood N. Horse Training Stables, 42846 North Fork Dr., (559) 561-4268
reedley
1 The McKeller Family Farms welcomes people to join their Tree to Table fundraising dinner at Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch. Enjoy a country cuisine dinner under the arbor prepared by Chef David Vartanian of The Vintage Press. Each course will be prepared with locally produced ingredients.
lemoore
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Rockin’ the Arbor, The Arbor, 300 E St., 6pm, www.lemoorechamberofcommerce.com
madera
oakhurst
June 22 • Rods on the Ranch, Markarian Ranch, 6pm, www.riverparkway.org June 24 • Paint Night During the Day & Art Tour, Meet at Gallery Row, 10am, www.riverparkway.org
porterville
June 1
• Music on Main Street - Pioneer Jazz Band, Downtown Main Street at Centennial Park, 6pm, www.portervillechamber.com
June 1
• Valley Oak Quilt Guild Show, Mennonite Quilt Center, 1012 G St., 9am-3pm, (559) 683-3560, www.mennonitequiltcenter.org June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Sew Purty Workshop, Mennonite Quilt Center, 1012 G St., 9am-5pm, (270) 978-5471, www.sewpurtyworkshops.com June 9 • Scott MacIntyre, Sierra View Homes Inc., 1155 E. Springfield Ave., 5:30pm, (559) 638-9226
visalia
June 1 • Scribblescapes Artist Reception, Jon Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave., 5pm, www.visaliachamber.org • First Friday, Visalia Arts Consortium, 300 E. Oak St., 5pm, www.artsconsortium.org June 1-3 • Bounty of the County Celebration, Rawhide Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings St., 7pm Friday-Saturday, 6pm Sunday, www.visaliachamber.org June 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28 • Robotics, ImagineU Children’s Interactive Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., 2-5pm
June 14 • Visalia Chamber Annual Awards Celebration, Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., 6pm, (559) 734-5876 June 15 • Movies in the Park “Thor Ragnarok,” Riverway Sports Park Special Event Promenade, 3611 North Dinuba Blvd., 8pm, www.liveandplayvisalia.com • Murder Mystery Dinner, Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., 6pm, (559) 836-0682 June 16, 23 • Community Pool Party, Redwood High School Pool, 1001 W. Main St., noon-3pm, (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com June 21 • Superhero Storytime Blast-Off !, Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., 6pm, (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com
21 POW! BLAST! Grab your cape and mask and enjoy a night of superhero fun at the Anthony Community Center. Little superheroes, come dressed in your favorite superhero costume and meet Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman and others. It will be a night of crime-fighting fun including a photo with the superheroes, a group story, games and crafts. June 22 • Movies in the Park, “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” Riverway Sports Park Special Event Promenade, 3611 North Dinuba Blvd., 8pm, www.liveandplayvisalia.com • Teen Karaoke Night, Manuel F. Hernandez Community Center, 247 W. Ferguson Ave., (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com June 23 • 15th Annual Visalia Teen Idol Auditions, Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com • Dive-In Movies, “The Lego Ninjago Movie,” Mt. Whitney High School Pool, 900 S. Conyer St., (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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June 29 • Movies in the Park, “The Lion King,” Riverway Sports Park Special Event Promenade, 3611 North Dinuba Blvd., 8pm, www.liveandplayvisalia.com June 30 • Dive-In Movies, “The Lion King,” Mt. Whitney High School Pool, 900 S. Conyer St., (559) 713-4365, www.liveandplayvisalia.com
bakersfield fox theatre www.thebakersfieldfox.com
June 20 • Dr. Cesar Lozano, 8pm
icehouse theatre
www.v isaliaplayers.org
June 15-July 1 • “A Few Good Men,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday
rabobank arena
www.rabobankarena.com
June 15 • Jerry Seinfeld, Theater, 7pm • Sugarland, Arena, 7pm June 25 • WWE Live, Arena, 7:30pm
roger rocka’s dinner theater www.rogerrockas.com
June 1-30 • “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am and 5pm Sunday
1
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s joyful retelling of the story of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, his 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. Told entirely through song with the help of a main narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph and his adventures in Egypt. 42
www.EnjoySouthValley.com JUNE 2018
saroyan theatre
www.fresnoconventioncenter.com
June 1-3 • California USA Wrestling Kids Folk Style State Championships, 6pm Friday, 8am-7pm Saturday, 6:30am Sunday
save mart center - fresno www.savemartcenter.com
June 10 • Impractical Jokers “Santiago Sent Us” Tour starring The Tenderloins, 7:30pm June 16 • El Fantasma “Rancheando En La Ciudad” Tour, 8pm June 24 • WWE Live, 7pm
tachi palace - lemoore www.tachipalace.com
June 7 • TLC, 7:30pm
tower theatre - fresno
www.towertheatrefresno.com
June 8 • John Mayall, 7:30pm June 14 • The Nick Moss Band. 8pm June 23 • Lucas Hoge, 8pm
visalia fox theatre www.foxvisalia.org
June 2 • Summer Pull-Up 2018 With Nef the Pharaoh, 7pm June 5 • Jethro Tull: 50th Anniversary, 7:30pm June 6 • PJ Masks Live!, 6pm June 9 • Mariachi Los Camperos, 7pm June 10 • Brian Regan, 7pm June 16 • Funny at the Fox Comedy Show, 7:30pm June 21 • “La Dolce Vita,” 6:30pm June 22 • An Acoustic Evening with Leann Rimes, 7:30pm
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.enjoymagazine.net, by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a July event will need to be posted by June 1. Thank you.
SIERRA VIEW HOMES RETIREMENT COMMUNITY IN REEDLEY IS BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD OF FRIENDS. "From day one I have felt a part of this community, and accepted as a family member." - Paul Klays, resident "The best thing is the people who live here. They're not just friendly, they are interesting and intelligent people... It doesn't feel like a retirement home. It's like a nice apartment in a great neighborhood." - David Beaumont, resident
- Independent Senior Apartments - Assisted Living and Memory Care - Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation
To see if our friendly neighborhood is a good fit for you, call (559) 638-9226 or visit SierraView.org. 1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedley #100406684 / #COA261
"My parents have been at Sierra View for the past year-and-ahalf, and we have found Sierra View to be a loving, caring community of people who genuinely are concerned for the well-being of your family members. They are quick to respond when called upon and always have a willingness to help you navigate through changes that come along." - Gloria White, resident family member
GIVING BACK | BY EMILY MIRANDA
ten reasons to give THE BENEFITS OF PHILANTHROPY
Whether giving time, money or a bag of children’s toys, charitable giving not only impacts the lives of the receivers, but also the givers. Giving is said to improve one’s mental, financial and social wellbeing more than if the money were spent on oneself. Here’s a better understanding of how charitable giving may better impact your life. 1. REDUCE YOUR TAXES Charitable donations can reduce your tax bill. These donations include items such as clothing, toys, furniture, etc., to charity. All can be claimed as a tax deduction. Your tax bill reduces nearly 25 cents for every dollar you donate, which can add up to a fairly substantial bonus, especially for those who make a higher income. 2. REDUCE STRESS LEVELS When you volunteer your time, you’re not only giving back to the organization, but also opening a door for new friendships and the opportunity to be a part of something greater than yourself. This can reduce stress levels and feelings of isolation. Some research shows that those who give experience lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels than those who don’t. 3. IMPROVE YOUR WORK MORALE Does the company you work for hold giving campaigns? These campaigns can benefit you and your fellow employees. Data shows that corporations who hold giving campaigns create an organic team building opportunity as well as a volunteer opportunity for employees. Employees who participate in such corporate causes are shown to have higher morale. This also gives employees a sense of purpose and belonging within the work environment. 4. BE HAPPIER Giving can create greater feelings of joy and a more fulfilling sense of contentment in your life. Sharing your time, money and talents not only adds happiness to your life, but also to those around you, because being a generous person is both fun and inspiring for others. 5. ENHANCE YOUR COMMUNITY By giving to community organizations, you are not only supporting the financial welfare of your community, but also contributing to the local safety nets put in place for unforeseen emergencies. Giving to local programs can enhance your own community’s welfare.4
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6. GREATER SATISFACTION Volunteering your time can result in greater, overall satisfaction in life. Think of the philanthropic people in your life and compare them to those who don’t volunteer or give. Is there a difference in their overall outlook on life? It’s becoming more evident to researchers that those who give and volunteer their time are more satisfied than those who don’t. 7. IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH The older you get, the more beneficial volunteering can become for your health. Volunteering can boost your physical resilience, improve mental functions and decrease stagnant activities (e.g. watching television, sitting, etc.). Such indicators can improve your overall health, especially the health of older individuals. 8. REWARDING Every time you act generously, give or volunteer, your brain reacts by releasing a surge of dopamine and endorphins, resulting in a sense of joy and contentment, also known as “giver’s glow.” This experience is set off by charitable acts, and can feel both pleasurable and peaceable and far more rewarding than an exciting night out or a shopping spree. 9. BECOME PASSIONATE Giving your time and money to an organization or project can easily awaken a passion within. Being passionate about something can lower chances of depression while igniting a hopeful approach to life. Being passionate about an organization, and actively doing something to support it, can also influence others to get involved. 10. INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE For those programs and causes you are most passionate about, being a charitable giver can grant you more influence in the organization. Program directors are more prone to letting financially invested volunteers take part in board meetings, or become board members. This allows you a more influential position within the organization and its decision-making process when it comes to activities you take a strong interest in. •
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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias’ mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are serving over 3,200 kids per year in 14 sites throughout the communities of Visalia, Tulare, Ivanhoe, Farmersville, Exeter, Porterville, and Strathmore. For more information, to become a volunteer or make a donation call 592-4074 or visit www.bgcsequoias.org
Suncrest Bank is a proud supporter of our local Boys & Girls Clubs. 501 W Main St. Visalia 559-802-1000 www.suncrestbank.com JUNE 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com
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REGISTER BY
JUNE 26
FOR EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
at Visalia First | 3737 S. Akers St | Visalia, CA 93277