Lifestyle Magazine - August 2018

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY AUGUST 2018

Home Tour

THE STRANGE RANCH

Page 32 EPICURE

GAME DAY GOURMET Page 22 TRAVELER’S TREK

ROATAN HONDURAS Page 46

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EPICURE

HOME TOUR

GAME DAY GOURMET

THE STRANGE RANCH: YOUNG FAMILY EMBRACES FARM LIFE

Rooting for our favorite college and professional teams requires serious sustenance. But tailgating isn’t always burgers and hot dogs. Try St. Louis Style Ribs, Apricot Pineapple Glazed Pork Wings or Buffalo Fried Chicken Sliders for a change of flavor.

REFLECTIONS OF VISALIA

UNCOVERING CENTENNIAL HALL

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For more than a century, a large brick building stood in plain sight. But removal of a layer of sheet metal uncovered Centennial Hall, Visalia’s first theater.

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Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Across Generations 14 Literary Arts 18 Business Profile 28 Downtown Scene

52 Finances 53 Kudos

ROATAN, HONDURAS A FABULOUS PLACE OF CONTRADICTIONS

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Nick and Laura Strange turned a 50-year-old farmhouse and surrounding 26-acre orange grove into a home that leads to a promising future for their family.

30 Word Play

TRAVELER'S TREK

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The island of Roatan, off the northern coast of Honduras, is a place where the simple marries the complex, the obvious becomes less so the longer you stay, and the unexpected eventually loses its pizazz.

54 Fashion 56 Happenings

COVER IMAGE: Bright ceramic pots filled with succulents dot the landscape.

TOP: One of the Stranges’ first projects was to revamp the backyard. Included are multiple seating areas, two fireplaces, lounge chairs, a barbecue and a bar.

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805.668.2424

Published By

DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

Karen Tellalian

Executive Editor

Creative Director

Art Director

Senior Designer Web Designer/Designer

Assistant Editor

Text Editor

Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen Sue Burns Melinda Brown

Contributing Writers

Cheryl Dieter Diane Slocum Lisa McEwen Major Rogers Penney R. Sick Sharon Mosley Sue Burns Terry L. Ommen

Business Management Malkasian Accountancy LLP

Gary Malkasian CPA

Jeffrey Malkasian EA

Operations Manager Maria Gaston

Advertising Sales

Sales Office

Sales@DMIAgency.com 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909

E-Mail Lifestyle@DMIAgency.com

WEBSITE www.VisaliaLifestyle.com

View The Mag Online Issuu.com/LifestyleMagazine Facebook.com/LifestyleMag Instagram: visalialifestyle

RACK LOCATIONS DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare

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COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS 210 Cafe AMCC Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Blend WIne Room Chad Clark Hair Salon Charcuterie Chelsea Street Boutique Citizen's Bank Comfort Suites Downtown CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Downtown Visalia Alliance Ed Dena Auto Center, Visalia Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Library Franey's Design Center

Glick's and Co. Holvik Family Health Center ImagineU Children’s Museum Janeen’s Furniture Gallery Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Max's Cookies Michael's Custom Jewelry Monét’s, Exeter Pacific Treasures Premier Medical Clinic PRO-PT Renaissance Salon Salon 525 Sherman & Associates

Sunmed Health & Weight Management The Aesthetic Center The Smoke House, Visalia Tulare County Library Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia First Assembly Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc. Wyndham Hotel

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,600 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter.

Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,600 © 2018 DMI Agency

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FR O M TH E

EDITOR

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am pretty sure we can all agree … summer just flew by. As the August issue of Lifestyle Magazine goes to print, Visalia elementary students are returning to school. Far removed from having a child of school age, I love seeing the “first day of school” social media posts. Mostly smiles, mingled with a few tears, the pictures remind me that the education of our children is critical to our community’s future success. I think we are in good hands.

Frequent culinary contributor Chef Elaine Dakessian, dishes up some of her favorite recipes in “Game Day Gourmet” found on page 22. The Lifestyle staff cannot wait to try her “pork wings.”

Although I am a summer person, lover of sun and heat, I am sadly anxious for this season to end and take with it the fires that continue to burn up and down our state.

While our local skies are clouded by gray ash, that is a minor contention considering

Make every day count, and remember that the friendships you create in school could very well last a lifetime.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT A STORY IDEA, CONTACT ME AT KAREN@DMIAGENCY.COM

Recently, when Visalian Mimi Boyd called us with a story idea, we absolutely loved it.

As our students and teachers are returning to the classroom, it seems only fitting that you will want to read a sweet story of friendship between former COS English professor Milton Morrison and Jose Guadalupe “Lupe” Rivas, his student some 26 years ago. To read this heartfelt story, please turn to page 10 “Men Share Lunch Weekly to Bond for Life.”

With the school year comes football, and whether you are a sports fan or not, it is very likely that you are a fan of potato salad, chili and ribs. If we are talking your language, you are going to love this issue.

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the loss of buildings and lives by those residing in the fire areas. It took a personal and serious turn last week when the Mendocino complex came within yards of the family home of one of our interns.

While the family narrowly escaped almost certain destruction, their friends and neighbors were not so lucky. We are thankful for the crews of firefighters who are working around the clock to prevent further devastation.

To all of the kids, parents and educators, the start of a school year always brings new opportunities. Make every day count, and remember that the friendships you create in school could very well last a lifetime.

ACROSS GENERATIONS

MEN SHARE LUNCH WEEKLY TO BOND FOR LIFE T E X T

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s students and educators across the country prepare to return to campus this month, readers may want to take to heart a sweet story of friendship that got its start in an English composition class at College of the Sequoias. For more than 26 years, this friendship has blossomed into a relationship that has nourished two individuals throughout the joys and challenges of life.

It starts in a fashion that many educators can relate to – that one student who is, to put it nicely, more challenging than others. Displays of excessive talking, distractions and the questioning of assignments are a few of the typical complaints that educators commonly share.

Enter Jose Guadalupe “Lupe” Rivas, a 1992 graduate of Woodlake High School in his first semester of college. The professor is Milton Morrison, an eloquent English teacher who spent 16 years on the COS campus and who many in the 10 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

community may know from his volunteer roles on the Visalia Unified School District board and member of the Tulare County Grand Jury.

In fact, Morrison, 84, refers to Lupe as “once the primary source of woe in my teaching career.”

“He was a good kid, but I remember him taking me to task about my assignments,” he said, explaining the role of English teachers. “If you’re going to teach kids to write, you’ve got to make them write, and write prolifically. Well, Lupe had friends in other classes that didn’t have to write so much and he called that to my attention.”

Today, Rivas, 45, still calls issues to Morrison’s attention, but it’s over a weekly lunch date, not a class assignment. They share a heaping basket of tortilla chips, dipping into salsa and beans, crunching away while sipping sodas every Friday at their reserved window table at Colima, a Mexican and seafood restaurant on Main Street in

downtown Visalia. It’s the same spot they have shared for the past 16 years.

Together, their friendship crosses the boundaries of age, race and even politics, a refreshing notion in today’s chaotic news cycles.

With nearly 40 years difference in age and vastly different cultural upbringings, Rivas and Morrison count on their weekly lunch date to get caught up on the headlines and their families, and take some well-meaning jabs at each other.

“He calls me a Republican,” Rivas says, laughing, “when I actually think I’m pretty liberal.”

“Lupe is conservative,” Morrison said, “and I try to loosen him up.”

Such banter is typical of their lunch dates, and the tradition of meeting weekly began as a way to build upon the friendship that started during their shared time at College of the Sequoias.

At that time, Rivas sought Morrison’s help on a variety of assignments, and Morrison asked for Rivas’ help with various handyman-like projects at the home he shares with his wife, Marie.

Long after Rivas passed Morrison’s English I class and graduated with a psychology degree from California State University, Fresno, their friendship endures.

Colima owners Manuel and Cecilia Valencia have had a front-row seat to this friendship, providing lightning-fast service, ready smiles and a steady supply of delicious food.

“They’ve taken a liking to us,” quipped Rivas, who still addresses his former professor as “Mr. Morrison.”

Like many friendships, Morrison and Rivas have leaned on each other during good times and bad.

“If you’re going to teach kids to write, you’ve got to make them write ...."

- Lupe Rivas

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In December 2015, Morrison suffered a devastating stroke, which forced him into a lengthy recovery.

“Lupe was at the hospital every day, and he stayed,” said Morrison, his eyes glistening with tears. Although Morrison needed a wheelchair to get around, that didn’t stop either man from getting together for lunch. Rivas picked Morrison up at home and wheeled him into Colima just three months after his stroke.

“It brought Cecilia to tears to see the young guy pushing the old guy through the restaurant,” Morrison said.

“It was not easy for me to see him in that hospital bed,” Rivas said.

“But I could tell the spirit was ACROSS there for him to recover.” He GENERATIONS also brought him boxes of chocolates, Morrison’s

favorite, as encouragement.

Morrison and his wife, Marie, are as proud of Rivas as if he were their own son. “Under my watch, he has turned into a responsible citizen and a family man,” he said with a smile. Rivas jokes that with Morrison’s help, he has turned from a “villain into a civilian.”

He works full time and has been with life partner Fidela since his college days and has two children: Brooke, 20, and Blake, 10.

“They are good, studious kids, nothing like me,” Rivas said. “They take after Mr. Morrison.”

Nearing the end of lunch one Friday in July, the two men reflected on their deep friendship and great conversations.

“He’s half my age,” Morrison said.

“How do you figure that?”

Rivas said compatibility and respect is key. Their secret is to acknowledge and accept each other’s beliefs, whether they’re shared or not.

“There was a time when I was the teacher and he was the student,” Morrison said. “And, now, I find myself listening more to him than ever. I listen and digest the things he says. I do the analysis and the critique, and meaning of the stuff he gives me. And I give it back to him. There is no empty conversation, and that is part of what has hooked us on these lunches.”

And as students and educators come together again at the beginning of another school year, let this unlikely pairing serve as a reminder that the gifts of respect and understanding know no boundaries. L

“There was a time when I was the teacher and he was the student. And, now, I find myself listening more to him than ever." - Milt Morrison

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FUELING FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

LITER ARY ARTS

'THAT

WEIRD

BUG' Keeps Tanya Nichols Creating Stories

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t took Tanya Nichols awhile to discover that she was a writer.

During the 10 years following her graduation from high school in Fresno, she moved to Southern California, married, had a daughter, became a paralegal and became a single mother.

While she was living in Austin, Texas, her brother in Fresno said she should move back. He also told her to enroll at Fresno State and get her degree. She did both.

However, she had to work to support herself and her daughter, so she could only take one or two classes at a time. The first class she enrolled in was Creative Writing.

“I remember that professor asked me if I’d always been a writer and I said no, this is the first writing I’ve ever done,” Nichols said.

Not long after, in the garage at her mother’s house, she found a box of her notebooks containing stories and poems.

One of her teachers had noted that she thought that Tanya might become one of the Fresno poets.

“I realized I was a writer,” she said. With all her life events coming between, she said, “I actually totally forgot all about those years when I was younger. So, I do have to correct myself because If you’re

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12 or 13 years old and you’re writing poetry and songs and short stories, you have that weird bug in you, and somehow it finds its way out, even if you put it in a drawer for awhile.”

After about a dozen years, she had her bachelor’s degree in English, her daughter started college at UC Irvine and Tanya enrolled in the master of fine arts program at Fresno State. During those years, since her late 20s, she wrote faithfully and published her first story, “Cheap Therapy,” while in the MFA program.

“It was in “San Joaquin Review” and now I’m the faculty adviser or editor-inchief of that journal,” she said.

It hadn’t occurred to her that someday that could happen. Back then, her only goal was to get a story in that publication.

“I used to read it when I was an undergrad,” she said. “I thought the people in it were heroes. So, when I got a story in ‘San Joaquin Review,’ I thought I could die happy.”

Of course, she didn’t stop there. She went on to publish stories in the “North Carolina Literary Review,” “Sycamore Review,” “In the Grove” and others. She won awards for her fiction and creative nonfiction. For the past 15 years, she has

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concentrated on writing novels.

Her first novel wound up gathering dust in a drawer after many attempts to sell it, so she took the advice of one of her mentors, David Anthony Durham, and wrote another, “The Barber’s Wife.”

Nichol’s grandmother was a surgical nurse in Oklahoma during the Roaring ‘20s, the era of prohibition and gangsters.

“She did actually treat wounded outlaws on the side,” she said. “And my grandfather was a barber. So, I kind of had this idea in my mind that that’s an interesting combination. He was making people pretty, and she was out in the field taking bullets out of people.”

Nichols also believed that people did not understand what strong women her grandmother and others like her were.

She used these ideas as the kernel of her story, while emphasizing that the rest of the events are definitely not her grandparents’ lives.

The story centers on the barber, the nurse, a doctor and historical gangster Pretty Boy Floyd. Floyd’s life forms the historical framework for the story, and the actual events impact Nurse Mayme and Dr. Joe in dangerous ways.

When Nichols was ready to find a

publisher for her novel, she checked the Poets & LITER ARY Writers database, looking ARTS for small presses. She started with the A’s and didn’t need to go to the B’s. Alternate Book Press responded, asking for the first 100 pages, then the full manuscript.

“To tell you the truth, when they accepted it, I thought it was some kind of a joke,” she said. “It couldn’t be real.”

She asked her experienced writer friend, Connie Hales, if it could be real.

Was it a scam?

“Have they asked you for money?”

Nichols said Hales asked. “No. Are they going to send you a contract? Yes. Well, if the contract asks for money, then you have a problem.”

But after she had “everyone” study the contract, she found that it was all legitimate and went with the press and has had a good relationship with them ever since, with her book publishing in 2014.

With this novel published, Nichols wanted another project. She kept thinking of her dusty first novel, wondering if it was salvageable.

“As I looked at it, I thought, I can see what’s wrong with it,” she said.

She spent a year reworking it, taking away things, adding others, changing the order of events.

“I became more aware of what makes a story work and what interferes,” she said.

“Suddenly, it was more visible to me. I had needed to grow as a writer.”

The idea for “The Circle Game” came from the background of a friend who had been adopted at birth. When she was 12 years old, her adoptive parents died in a murder-suicide shooting. She was adopted a second time, sent to live with people she didn’t know.

“I was just so fascinated by this woman,” she said. “She’s a strong, very independent woman, and she was twice left without a family.”

This gave her the idea for the background of her lead character, Bernie.

Nichols also made use of her own experience in the court system, making Bernie a lawyer, but otherwise the story is all fiction.

Except for one other important aspect of the story – Fresno and the characteristics of the San Joaquin Valley.

When Nichols was growing up, her family moved often. She changed schools 10 times, but always returned to Fresno.

"... YOU HAVE THAT WEIRD BUG IN YOU, AND SOMEHOW IT FINDS ITS WAY OUT, EVEN IF YOU PUT IT IN A DRAWER FOR AWHILE.”

- TANYA NICHOLS

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She graduated from high school with the same students who were in her kindergarten class. Even when her parents moved to Southern California, Fresno was the place she felt was home.

“I wanted to write a novel set in this valley – always,” she said. “I feel like Fresno gets made fun of. The only thing I hate about this place is the heat and the air. Other than that, I’ve been back here decades and I love my community here. I love my friends where I work, where I live.

I love the ag all around us. It’s just home to me. This place feels comfortable to me.

I wanted to set a story in Fresno that didn’t malign Fresno.”

Her third novel, which should be out later this year, also is set in the Valley. She and Bill McEwen, formerly a Fresno Bee editor, co-wrote “Stinger,” which gets its title from the deceptive sting operation the characters perform, plus the fact that bees play a prominent role in the story.

“It’s a story of revenge against a large ag industry by a person who thought their family farm was harmed,” she said. “It’s a valley story and also a very fun story.”

The novel is being published by Mark Arax’s West of West Publishing.

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BUSINESS PROFILE

HOLVIK FAMILY HEALTH CENTER

YOUR HOME FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS T E X T

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alking into the Holvik Family Health Center in the Tuscan Plaza at Court and Caldwell streets, one enters a bright and cheery reception room complete with aquarium and a tall bookshelf lending library.

The relaxed, family atmosphere might come as a surprise given the size of the practice. Started by William Holvik, MD in 2000, it currently monitors the health of about 10,000 lives in Visalia and the surrounding communities of Porterville, Tulare and Exeter.

Committed to providing a full spectrum of care for its patients, Holvik Family Health Center has one physician, Dr. Holvik, and two full-time nurse practitioners, with plans to add another this fall. Because of the high demand for women’s health care, there is a part-time nurse practitioner who works two to three days per month, offering only 18 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

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women’s health care to augment what the full-time practitioners provide. In addition, the health center provides dermatologic procedures, fracture care and vasectomies.

Seventeen more staff members take care of in-house billing, referrals and support patient care. Some staff are responsible for chart reviews that ensure the accuracy of reporting to insurance and Medicare. Each provider has their own scribe, who is part of each exam to take notes and documentation on the visit. Dr. Holvik adopted an electronic medical records system in 2005 and has employed full-time scribes for the past two years, which places the office both ahead of the. Office Manager Sahar Holvik (who also happens to be Dr. Holvik’s wife) summed it up as “… Good quality care that’s truly about the patient.”

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Originally from Orland, California, Dr. Holvik earned his bachelor of science degree from UC Davis, then attended medical school at the University of Health Sciences - Chicago Medical School. He completed his internship and residency in family practice at the University of California San Diego in 1993. For the next two years, he worked on Catalina Island as a member of the UCLA faculty, chief of staff at Avalon Municipal Hospital and clinic director at the Avalon Medical Clinic, where he trained residents in family practice.

He joined Kaweah Sierra Medical Group in 1995, and started his private practice in 2000, where he continues to train nurse practitioners and physician assistants. He believes that having nurse practitioners allows more patients to be accommodated, especially given the historical lack of primary care physicians

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in the community. “Even with its recent growth, this is still a rural community to a degree, and it’s always a challenge to recruit people in and get them to stay,” he said, adding that because of the many complicated issues that have become part of patient care, fewer students are choosing to go into the medical field. These issues can take their toll on existing practices too – Dr. Holvik provided inpatient hospital care until last year; he now only does outpatient care.

As part of the health center’s spectrum of care, Dr. Holvik has been providing travel medicine for the past 15 years; his is the only practice in Visalia to do that. Patients traveling abroad receive only the vaccines needed for the countries they are visiting. They’re also provided with medications that may be needed while they are away, such as prophylactic malaria pills, antidiuretics, antibiotics for potential illnesses that could be incurred and anti-nausea pills for high-altitude locations. Dr. Holvik believes that patients who are equipped with the appropriate antidotes may not need to seek medical care in a country where they don’t know the resources and don’t speak the language. (To be on the safe side, he also encourages his patients to purchase travel insurance that covers medical care.)

In addition to acute and preventative services, the center now offers the innovative SculpSure laser treatment, a noninvasive body-sculpting technique that removes dermal fat (about 25 percent in a given area). As with travel medicine, Holvik’s is the only practice in Visalia to provide this treatment.

SculpSure employs a laser to heat fat, causing death to the fat cells. The body then disposes of them through the lymphatic system. Two 25-minute treatments are given six weeks apart, with no recovery or downtime. While results take time, some patients report seeing a difference after the first treatment. (Of course, Dr. Holvik reminds us that one must maintain a good diet and activity levels so that new fat isn’t developed!)

Holvik Health Care Center hosts an open house every three months to give a live demonstration of the SculpSure procedure, and providers are there for consultations. Dr. Holvik performs all of the treatments, complete with before and after photos at the first procedure, 20 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

and six weeks after the final treatment.

During his almost 19 years in private practice, Dr. Holvik has been involved in the community. He and wife Sahar support many organizations, including CASA, Visalia Breakfast Rotary, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Kaweah Delta Health Care District’s Cardiac Services Program and the Visalia Emergency Aid Council. As event sponsors, guests and auction donors and bidders, they are in integral part of the local nonprofit scene.

BUSINESS PROFILE

His passion for sports medicine has led Dr. Holvik to volunteer as the sideline doctor for El Diamante High School’s football team. He also returns to Catalina Island every summer with a second provider and two staff members for a Thursday-Sunday stay as they complete sports physicals for the high school students there.

It’s evident that when it comes to staff and patients, the Holvik Family Health Center is indeed a family, with roughly half the staff employed at the practice

BUSINESS PROFILE

for several years. Billing Manager Claudia Perez and Referral Manager Eileen Pena have been there since the beginning.

Sahar and Dr. Holvik met in 2014, and she came to work as the center’s office manager in 2015. She quickly became part of the clinic family, and most of the staff joined them for their April, 2016 “Great Gatsby” wedding in Catalina. The Holviks believe that celebrations are a fun and important way to show their appreciation; annual festivities include a holiday party at the country club, family appreciation day, Thanksgiving luncheon and birthday recognition, including a cake from the honoree’s choice of bakery.

There are patients who have been cared for by the center for many years.

The Holviks never take for granted when someone comes up to them in a restaurant to say they’ve saved their life.

There is something so powerful about having people trust you, they believe. As an ultimate complement to the level of

trust and care, patients who have moved out of state still return for their annual physicals. They keep an eye on Dr. Holvik, too (he is a survivor of melanoma), inquiring about his health and well-being.

While there are plenty of children and young people who rely on the practice for their health care needs. Dr. Holvik sees most of the practice’s seniors, helping them to stay mobile, stay in their homes and stay healthy. He works closely with the patients and sometimes family members to make decisions that will provide the best quality of life.

“Sometimes it’s about helping people die … it’s a continuum,” he says, referring to the fact that they care for patients at birth through to the end of their lives. Dr. Holvik also brings the wealth of his experiences and perspectives to both his staff and his patients – “It’s your life experiences that help you be a better physician.” L L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 21

EPICURE

Did you make these tasty treats?

Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We look forward to seeing you online!

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GAME DAY GOURMET R E C I P E S

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ome say that fall begins when football season does, and that time is now! Rooting for our favorite college and professional teams on game day requires serious sustenance, often consumed at tailgate parties with fellow fans. As casual as it can be, tailgating doesn’t have to mean hot dogs and hamburgers.

Everyone will be cheering for YOU as they savor St. Louis Style Ribs, Apricot Pineapple Glazed Pork Wings, Buffalo Fried Chicken Sliders and Potato Salad. Add a pot of Tailgate Chili with all the toppings for the win – it’s a tailgate touchdown!

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EPICURE

POTATO SALAD SERVES 6-8 5 pounds potatoes, boiled until fork-tender (10-15 minutes) 1 cup chopped black olives 1 cup chopped green olives with pimento 1 cup diced green dill pickle 5 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped 4 green onions, sliced 1 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

TAILGATE CHILI SERVES 8 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 2 pounds ground chuck (I prefer a chili grind; ask the butcher in the meat department to do this for you) 1 pound pork sausage Salt and pepper 2 onions, chopped 4-6 cloves garlic, mashed 3 tablespoons tomato paste 1 bottle of dark beer, 12 ounces 4 tablespoons ancho chile powder 2 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, crushed 2 cups chicken stock TOPPINGS Sour cream Cilantro Sliced jalapenos, fresh or marinated Diced tomatoes Shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend Hot sauce choices

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DIRECTIONS Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat.

When the oil is hot, add the beef and pork and cook until browned all over, about 15 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Reduce the heat to medium, add the onion and garlic and sautĂŠ for a couple of minutes.

Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes more.

Sprinkle in the chili powder and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the beer and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce.

Pour in the tomatoes and chicken stock, then adjust the heat so the chili is gently simmering.

Cook, uncovered, until the chili is thick, approximately 1 1/2 hours. Serve in bowls with all the goodies to top.

Wash the potatoes and place them into a pot of cold water to cover.

Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, 10-15 minutes; drain.

When cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into chunks and place in a large bowl.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Chill and serve.

EPICURE

ST. LOUIS STYLE RIBS

GLAZE

Take your pick of meaty beef or pork ribs!

1 cup hoisin sauce 1 cup sweet chili garlic sauce (such as Mae Ploy) 1 Thai chili (can be purchased at an Asian market) 2 tablespoons butter 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 large racks beef or baby back pork ribs DRY RUB 1/3 cup smoked paprika 1/4 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup ancho chile powder 2 tablespoons ground coriander.

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, or to taste Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

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In a saucepan, combine the ingredients and bring to a simmer; keep warm over low heat. Double the recipe if you’d like additional sauce to serve.

Preheat oven to 400° F. Rub the spice mixture all over ribs and place them in a heavy large roasting pan.

In a medium saucepan, bring the beer to a boil.

Pour beer around the ribs, cover the pan tightly with foil and bake until the ribs are forktender, about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Brush the ribs with the glaze recipe the last 30 minutes.

Note: If you are a grill master, use your favorite chips or pellets, and smoke the ribs at 250 degrees for 3 hours, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes.

EPICURE

BUFFALO FRIED CHICKEN SLIDERS MAKES 8

Make a dipping station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with the Parmesan, lemon zest and parsley.

Place each chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg, then dip in panko mix.

Set aside and heat the oil in a mini fryer or heavy-bottomed, deep pot to 350 degrees. (If you don’t have a fryer, use a candy thermometer.)

Fry the chicken in batches a couple of pieces at a time, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees; don’t crowd the chicken or it will cool the oil too quickly. Set aside.

Spread ranch dressing on the top and bottom of each bun.

Place fried chicken on the bottom bun, spread a little more ranch on top and sprinkle with blue cheese.

Top with a generous drizzle of wing sauce and place under the broiler to melt the cheese. Place top bun on and secure with a pick.

Brioche or mini pretzel slider buns (or Hawaiian dinner rolls) 8 4-ounce chicken breasts (one chicken breast can make two sandwiches, just trim and form) Ranch dressing (I use the Hidden Valley dry mix and make it fresh) Buffalo hot wing sauce (Frank’s is the best) Blue cheese crumbles (optional but pile it on if you love it!)

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Zest of one lemon 1 tablespoon flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 2 eggs, whisked 1/2 cup flour 1 quart canola or peanut oil for frying

PORK WINGS SERVES 6-8 Note: These are not readily available in the supermarket, but you can order them from Quality Meats. Just ask Jerry; he is awesome! They come in 2 or 4 ounces and are really fun as well as tasty.

24 pork wings (or chicken wings to substitute) 1 quart canola or peanut oil for frying Heat the oil in a mini fryer or heavy-bottomed, deep pot to 350 degrees.

(If you don’t have a fryer, use a candy thermometer.)

Fry the wings at 350 degrees for 3 minutes; remove from the oil and place in a bowl with the sauce to coat.

SAUCE 4 tablespoons butter 2 cups apricot pineapple preserves 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 4 tablespoons Sambal Olek (sold in most supermarkets but can be found easily in Asian markets. Add extra if you like the burn.)

Place in a saucepan and heat through. Place in bowl to toss the wings in. L

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DOWNTOWN SCENE

BACON AND BEER, YOU'RE IN THE CLEAR T E X T

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Photo by Zach Green

Photo by Zach Green

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ave you heard of the Four Agreements? How about the Five Languages of Love? These are books and philosophies of love and connection. In Visalia, for the second year in a row, we got to experience the three Bs. Boots, Brews and Bacon captivated the hearts of the faithful who flocked by the hundreds to experience the downtown Convention Center festival.

The Boots, Brews and Bacon event gives area residents the opportunity to gather in an air-conditioned location while tasting craft and mainstream beers from brewmasters near and wide.

They came from as far as Eureka, where Lost Coast Brewery made the 500-mile trek. Crafters such as SLO Brewery and Santa Maria Brew Co. brought their sudsy spirits from the Central Coast. Even more exciting was the opportunity to discover local start-ups, such as Lemoore’s Bird Street Brewery, slated to open its doors to tasters in the coming weeks; Bakersfield’s Temblor Brewery, which was highlighting among other creative flavors its Green Tea Pale Ale, and Kaweah Brewery out of Tulare boasted a hoppy Holy Tolido IPA. As a side note, if you have ever wondered what the term IPA stands for in a beer, it’s related to the shipping lanes from India to England, when England was attempting to colonize the country. The beer needed a higher alcohol content to keep from spoiling on the long journey around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. The higher alcohol content became labeled India Pale Ale. With dozens of tasting opportunities, it’s a great chance to develop your preferred pilsner palate.

Photo by Zach Green

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Photo by Major Rogers

That takes care of the brews aspect of the event, but what about bacon? The magical meat was highlighted in all its glory. Several restaurants, chefs and bakeries presented their culinary creations, all including the protein and all up for votes by attendees.

Quality Meats provided a bacon buffet, including Blackberry Beef Bacon and Sweet Thai Citrus Chipotle Bacon, among others. Tacos Lucha showed with a wildly popular fried pork belly, with a smoked salt applesauce for dipping.

Downtown’s newest java spot, Component Coffee Lab, served a house favorite, a maple iced donut topped with bacon crumbles. This seemingly dream creation wasn’t alone in existence.

Visalia’s The Frosted Muffin offered trays of mini-cupcakes with a dollop of frosting and sprinkling of bacon bits.

Other options were the Planing Mill’s mac-n-cheese balls, which were infused with the porkly goodness. Local restaurant Ryan’s Place doubled up on the appeal by deep frying its bacon. But in the end, a best of both worlds production of a sweet pasty, paired with the salty meat, were combined and presented as a cinnamon roll, made by the Cinnamon Roll Shack.

The other theme of the festival was boots, a Valley fashion staple. Those who donned them were given the opportunity to keep them in motion with a special country musical venue. Here, attendees rocked out to country tunes featuring the Tennessee-based band Terra Bella. The wife/husband-fronted band originally formed in Visalia, although they are currently working out of an opportunity-rich Nashville. Still, Terra Bella has a special place in their hearts to perform here at home when asked. Joe Costa, who shares vocals with wife Martina, says of the opportunity the day provides to engage with the hometown crowd: “They show us as much love as we like to show them.”

There was music, spirits, food and fellowship, and if that weren’t enough, there was a hands-free bacon-eating contest and corn-hole playing opportunities.

Event goer Casandra Ledesma may have summed up the event perfectly when she said, “They threw the three Bs together and provided an opportunity to socialize and to see a live band – and I mean, who doesn’t love bacon?” L

Your Home. Your Look.

559.625.8884 220 W. Main St., Visalia www.janeensfurniture.com

T E X T

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WO R D PLAY News on writing, books + the world of publishing

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f any parts of the valley aren’t parched and fried to a crisp by July, they certainly will be by the end of August.

Moisture can seem a long-ago dream.

For a chilling watery change of pace, try “Something in the Water” (Ballentine Books, June 2018) by Catherine Steadman. A couple honeymooning in Bora Bora discover something in the water while they are scuba diving.

Should they reveal what they have found? Could their choice have devastating consequences? This psychological thriller is the debut novel of Steadman, who is better known for her role in “Downton Abbey.”

New – and watery – for children is “Llama Llama Learns to Swim” (Penguin, June 2018).

The book is based on an episode of the Netflix series that is based on Anna Dewdney’s picture books for children. One of her early books was “Llama Llama Red Pajama,” published in 2005. Several others have the same rhyming pattern – “Llama Llama Misses Mama,” “Llama Llama Mad at Mama.” Dewdney died in 2016 at age 50, but her stories continue to charm children.

Not new, but of lasting importance, is James McBride’s “The Color of Water” (Riverhead Books, anniversary edition 2006). Subtitled “A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother,” the book explores the life of McBride’s mother, a woman who married a black minister, would not admit that she was white, put all 12 of her children through college and told her church members that God was the color of water.

VALLEY WRITERS James R. Varner, Bakersfield architect and world traveler, published “A New Age” in April last year. His book deals with the fact that empires come and go, but somehow mankind’s inner spirit always persists. Varner says he has

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wondered what life is all about since childhood. His quest took him through Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Mexico. His earlier publications include “A Tree in Paradise.” On his blog, he discusses topics such as “The Rise of Artificial Intelligence,” “The Stagnation of Technological Invention” and “Can Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology Be the New World Currency?”

WRITERS CONFERENCE The Central Coast Writers Conference sponsored by Cuesta College will be held Sept. 27-29. Registration is $250 through Sept. 21. Six-hour master classes are new this year for an additional fee.

Rachel Herron presents the opening keynote “Fast-Draft Your Memoir.” Jean Moelter will be the closing keynote speaker performing six comedic stories from her one-woman show. Details at: https://www.cuesta.edu/ communityprograms/writersconference/schedule.html WRITING CONTEST Entries will be accepted through Oct. 1 for the Phillip Levine Prize for Poetry sponsored by the Department of English at Fresno State. Entries must be in English and original, unpublished poetry manuscripts of 48-80 pages with no

more than one poem per page. This year’s final judge is Peter Everwine, a good friend and contemporary of Phil Levine. Levine, Everwine and last year’s contest judge, C. G. Hanzlicek, were professors together at Fresno State beginning in the 1960s when there was a blossoming of creativity known as the Fresno Poets. The winner receives $2,000 and publication by Anshinga Press. Details at: https:// www.fresnostate.edu/ artshum/english/levineprize/ guidelines.html AUREOLE PRESS An aureole is a circle of light or brightness surrounding something and, fittingly, some of the brightest lights in Fresno poetry are represented in publications from this Toledo, Ohio, press. This includes Peter Everwine’s “A Small Clearing,” Phillip Levine’s “The Language Problem” and “Smoke,” and Gary Soto’s “The Three of Them” and “Gil Mendez & the Metaphysics of a Blimp.”

RESPITE BY THE RIVER The last Respite by the River for this year will be on Sept. 12, with music by Barry Shultz and Megan Bohigian at 6 p.m. and the poetry of Peter Everwine following at 7 p.m. Guests may bring a picnic and chairs or blankets. Wine and desserts can be purchased. The Riverview Ranch House and Art Gallery will be open. More information at riverparkway.org. or (559) 248-8480.

THE LAST WORD “To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter ... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” (John Burroughs 1837-1921) L

Celebrating

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HOME TOUR

THE STRANGE RANCH

YOUNG FAMILY EMBRACES FARM LIFE T E X T

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The Stranges’ Spanish Revival home, located off a long gravel driveway off Highway 65 in Exeter, offers room to roam for their two sons, Logan and Dylan.

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HOME TOUR

Nick and Laura Strange have left their mark on their home, which they moved into in December 2013. A wooden gate with the letter S and a sign identifying the property as the Strange Ranch, plus a table and chairs, mark some of the outdoor embellishments.

W

hen a couple takes the time to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of those early years of marriage, it can serve as an eye-opening experience full of examples of personal and mutual growth.

Yet when Nick and Laura Strange sit down for an interview about how they turned a 50-year-old farmhouse and surrounding orange grove into their home and family ranch, the magnitude of devotion to their young brood and work ethic comes to light.

In short, Nick and Laura have been very busy creating not only a home that will witness their sons mature into young men, but a promising future for their family as well.

In the 12 years that they have been married, the couple has successfully built a business and ventured into the citrus industry. Their elegant yet casual Spanish Revival home on the outskirts of Exeter is a testament to the long and sometimes winding road that couples will take to establish themselves in a community.

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WORKING ON A FOUNDATION After meeting through mutual friends, Nick and Laura married and settled down in Porterville, where Nick was raised. Laura grew up on a cotton and grape ranch in Earlimart, but attended high school in Porterville. Wanting a smaller town in which to grow their family, the couple found a home in the newer Park Place subdivision of southwest Exeter.

“We were so excited to move that we would drive from Porterville every night after work just to drive by and look at our new home,” Laura said. “We didn’t have any friends here, but we loved Exeter.”

Soon, their family was complete with the birth of their second son, and the couple realized that their children could benefit from a home that offered more room to roam outdoors. “They are all boy,” Laura said, referring to their sons Logan and Dylan.

Their search for a home in the rural parts of the city began — and took three years.

Interestingly, it was during this period

that Nick happened to travel down a long gravel driveway through a citrus grove where posted signs warned trespassers not to enter. Noticing the well-kept homes along the driveway, he turned around, not wanting to disturb the residents. But the Spanish-style home at the end that was not for sale stayed in his mind. He surmised not many people even knew that the house, hidden from busy Highway 65, was there.

In the meantime, the couple made an offer on a different home, but it fell out of escrow when the appraisal didn’t pencil out. Unfortunately, their beloved Park Place home was also in escrow — a lightning-quick two weeks — and they had to move into a family member’s home on Badger Hill in Exeter. Months went by.

Anxious to re-establish their roots and find a home for their little family, their Realtor, Darcy Staberg, led the couple down that same gravel road to look at a home that had been recently remodeled and put on the market. Amazingly, it was the Spanish-style home that Nick had remembered. Schedules prevented the

couple from viewing the home together, but after viewing it separately, both Nick and Laura concluded that this home was the one they had been waiting for.

They immediately made an offer and it was accepted. The family moved in December 2013. Nick remembers hauling the Christmas tree through the door just a few weeks before Christmas, thankful to have found a home for his young family.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY LIFE Those who have stepped outside the comforts of city living to a rural lifestyle know that sometimes life in the country can be a little more challenging. Dust, pesky critters and exposure to the elements can wreak havoc. The Stranges got a taste of that real quick.

Shortly after moving in, the entire citrus belt of the eastern San Joaquin Valley was thrust into a damaging freeze

and, like thousands of family HOME farmers, the new Strange TOUR Ranch sustained freeze damage to their 26 acres of navels and valencias.

Next up, the first of several brutal years of drought. Wells went dry; landscaping was parched.

Still, the family persevered and brought their children into the farming fold.

Laura Strange says one difficulty is working with the room dimensions of the two-story home. The long and narrow look is echoed throughout, but she has set up seating areas that offer comfort and a view to the outdoors.

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HOME TOUR

HOME TOUR “It really was Farming 101 those first few years,” Nick said. “We farm everything ourselves and it’s been a learning experience for all of us. I had never owned a ranch before. Every summer, we all check emitters together.

The boys love it.”

Nick said area farmers, especially good friends Bruce and Sandy Wileman, have been very welcoming and provided guidance to the family as they navigate a new industry.

INTERIOR TOUCHES In the midst of Nick’s full-time job as manager of Central Valley Asphalt in Lindsay, the family found a way to balance the demands of parenthood and farming while also adding their own personal touches to their home.

Walking toward the front door, guests are greeted by a xeriscape front yard that, while minimal, is full of color. Bright ceramic pots filled with succulents dot the landscape and front windowsills, and a relaxing sitting area is a wonderful spot for an early morning cup of coffee.

(And, as the boys will point out, a good spot to catch lizards.)

Upon entering the home, a vast collection of Sid Dickens tiles greets those who cross the threshold. Laura said that while she loves large retailers and brands such as Pottery Barn and Magnolia Home, she believes that it is important to support local businesses.

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A collection of Sid Dickens tiles greets those entering the Stranges’ residence. Laura Strange says she likes to support local businesses, so the home is full of locally produced crafts. Pictures of their two sons also are featured throughout the house.

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HOME TOUR

The Stranges enjoy gathering outside, both as a family and when they have guests over. “Even in winter, we like to eat outside,” Laura Strange says. “We use every inch of our outdoor space.”

She began purchasing these handmade collectible wall tiles from Hollyhock Gifts of Exeter, which has since closed.

Rosemary & Thyme opened a home decor store in the same location and also offers these tiles, to Laura’s pleasure.

Much of the furniture in the house is from Janeen’s Furniture Gallery or Marcela’s Home Store in Visalia.

Guests can turn either direction from the tiles and immediately notice that family is first for the Stranges. Inspiring biblical quotes hang from the walls, along with family photographs documenting their boys’ childhoods.

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Wrapped canvas prints of the boys posing with an old truck or farm equipment are featured prominently in nearly every room.

One difficulty Laura said is working with the room dimensions of the two-level home. The long and narrow look of the home is echoed throughout.

But with her knack for decorating and artful placement, Laura has successfully made each room shine to its full potential.

Nick and Laura are most proud of the remodeling they have done to two of the home’s bathrooms. New flooring, paint and showers, as well as countertops and

fixtures, have updated the look of these rooms. Downstairs in the guest bathroom, Laura points out another one of her favorite collectible items: Glassybaby.

These handblown colored glass votives hold a simple tea light, but give a room an amazing glow. The collection started with one votive as a gift from her sister, and now Laura uses them as anchors of her design as well as a go-to gift for any occasion. These are handmade in Seattle and Berkeley, and Laura also appreciates that a portion of each purchase goes to causes supported by the company: access to healthcare, world conservation

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and animal advocacy.

Like most families with HOME TOUR fast-growing children, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. A bi-level countertop in the galley kitchen allows for barstool seating or a spot to lean over and join the conversation in the cozy family room.

While the 2,550-square-foot interior is well-appointed, Nick and Laura said their heads are still spinning with remodeling ideas. Next up: pushing out the west wall to enlarge the kitchen, allowing for an island and better flow for their many gatherings of friends and family. They also enjoy hosting fellow members of Pipeline Church in Visalia, where both Nick and Laura serve as leaders.

“Previously, we didn’t really entertain much. But since we have moved here, we have people over at least once a week,” Laura said.

Nick added: “This location is perfect. It is a central hub for all of our friends and family to come, whether they’re in Visalia or Porterville.”

OUTDOOR LIVING A vast backyard reveals the family’s favorite spot to gather: outside.

One of the couple’s first projects was to revamp the backyard. “Outdoor living is huge for us,” Laura said. “We really don’t spend much time in the house.

Even in winter, we like to eat outside.”

It’s easy to understand why. A sturdy, handsome pergola shields guests from the elements while luring them to multiple seating areas. The gathering place also features two fireplaces, games, lounge chairs, a barbecue and a bar.

“We use every inch of our outdoor space,” Laura said. “We have tried to make it as homey as possible.”

A saltwater pool invites kids and adults alike to cool off in the midday heat, while a large grassy area gives the boys a good spot to play catch and keep their arms in shape for Little League games. A trampoline, horseshoe pit and basketball court are also popular with the boys and their neighbor friends.

The transformation of the backyard, coupled with their regular entertaining, gave way to Nick’s next job: building gorgeous backyards for others. With his contractor’s license and experience, Nick has helped friends and family members reinvent their yards and he has also begun to build custom homes.

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The backyard features a saltwater pool, plus a large grassy area gives their sons a place to play catch. The yard also includes a trampoline, horseshoe pit and basketball court.

Standing underneath the pergola, Nick said, “It all started right here, and the business has really grown.”

One of the couple’s favorite aspects of their home is its outstanding views to the east and west.

At sunrise, Rocky Hill and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the east are awash in rays of soft sunshine. Looking over their family ranch from the second floor is a rewarding way to start the day for the young farming family.

Laura said: “Especially after all the trees have just been topped, everything is green and beautiful. We love living here.” L

HOME TOUR

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CENTENNIAL HALL – VISALIA’S FIRST PLAYHOUSE UNCOVERED T E X T

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On November 12, 2017, workers removed the sheet metal from the front of the building.

[Photo courtesy of Robert Shahan] 42

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O M M E N

t doesn’t happen often, but occasionally there is a historical discovery that shakes things up – one that significantly adds to our understanding of local history and makes even the most disinterested person take notice. One of these finds recently took place. It was the discovery of a large brick building – one that for well over a century stood in plain sight, but for the last few decades has been hiding a secret under a layer of sheet metal. The important revelation happened when the 142-year-old structure had its metal mask stripped away, exposing it as Centennial Hall, Visalia’s first theater.

It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of Centennial Hall in Visalia’s past. It was built in 1876 specifically as a theater and was part of a serious building boom going on in the town of about 1,000 people. The country’s centennial year seemed to spark a building craze in town with the impressive three-story courthouse and the lavish Palace Hotel both opening in the same year.

The building was the brainchild of wealthy, civic-minded businessman Elias Jacob. He believed that the town needed a modern venue to host traveling troupes, local stage programs and shows. Up to that time, a few circuitriding entertainers would pass through Visalia and perform in makeshift buildings, such as fraternal halls or public spaces, none of which were designed for theatrical events. That haphazard reality made it difficult to attract top entertainment to town.

In early 1876, Jacob broke ground on a large lot on the west side of North Court Street by the alley between Main and Center streets. On Aug. 31, 1876, a dedication ball and banquet were held at his new building called Centennial Hall, a name he chose in honor of the nation’s 100th birthday.

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The two-story Centennial Hall building as it appears today in the 100 block of North Court Street.

General Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia, brought their popular show to Centennial Hall.

The Centennial Hall building as it appeared on the 1885 Sanborn fire map.

The theater itself was on the second floor of the two-story building. The ground level spaces were reserved for retail and offices. The theater could seat about 200, and the ceiling was high enough to allow a balcony. An outside stairway on the north side of the building was the entrance.

The new building was a big draw. One of the first traveling entertainers to perform was a blind violinist named Professor J. M. Wood. Wood generally traveled with a small entourage, but once in town, he recruited local talent to be part of his show, which always delighted audiences. His popular show was held on Jan. 29, 1877, with a ticket price of 50 cents.

Probably the most popular show was General Tom Thumb and his wife, Lavinia.

Tom, whose real name was Charles Sherwood Stratten, got his start in show business thanks to the famous P. T. Barnum. The 40-inch-tall, 70-pound little person had been taught by the famed showman to dance, mime, sing and impersonate well-known people. On July 17, 1877, the general wowed the Visalia audience when he and his wife played to “exceedingly large audiences.”

Traveling entertainers by the score appeared on the stage at the hall, but not all were strangers to Visalia. In July 1879, Visalia native Eleanor “Nellie” Calhoun returned after a decade away. As a small child, Nellie had moved with her family to Kern County and now she was a 17-yearold student at San Jose Normal School.

She loved acting and was good at it, so she returned for a couple of shows with

her friend, Lois Lawrey, a very talented pianist. Nellie impressed the crowd with her acting. A local newspaper reporter in attendance wrote, “If she follows the stage as a profession, we bespeak her a bright future.” And the reporter was right. Nellie Calhoun went on to became a well-known and respected international actress.

Visalians appreciated good entertainment at the hall, but not all the performers met expectations. Nina Larowe and Anna Livingstone offered a dramatic reading program for two evenings. The ladies read from the books of Shakespeare and Tennyson to a small crowd the first night, but the second night, no one was in the audience.

Obviously, Centennial Hall was a popular venue for traveling and local entertainment, but by the late 1880s, the town had nearly tripled in size and shows were becoming more and more elaborate. The small theater could not keep up. Criticisms of the dated venue became common and even Thomas Nast, the lecturer, made a derogatory comment in March 1888 when he saw a bat flying in the theater. He interrupted his lecture and quipped, “Well, bats are naturally fond of old ruins.”

But, fortunately, plans were well underway for the new 1,000-seat Armory Hall at Acequia Street and Court. On April 24, 1889, the new venue held its grand opening. The last official entertainment group at Centennial Hall was the Pawnee Indian Medicine Company, which had scheduled a series of shows at Centennial Hall, the first set

for April 23. They packed the hall the first

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night, but abruptly cancelled the other shows and joined the celebration in the new Armory Hall.

When Centennial Hall as a theater went dark, the building continued to accommodate other businesses. The second story became the offices for the Tulare Times newspaper. The downstairs spaces were home to many enterprises, including a bicycle shop, Locey Undertaking Parlor, Wells Fargo Office, Askin Plumbing and the U.S. Land Office.

The name Centennial Hall stuck to the building well into the 20th century.

I believe that during the 1960s, the owner of the Centennial Hall building and the adjoining one to the north believed that the buildings needed a face-lift, so sheet metal was placed over the front to cover the old stucco and brick.

When Robert and Sabrina Shahan recently bought the buildings, they decided to remove the metal siding. On Nov. 12, 2017, the siding came down revealing a surprise – the 1876 date brick at the top.

For many years, I have known the site to be the location of the famous theater, but the exposure of the 1876 date brick was the “smoking gun” evidence I needed to know for sure that this was the original Centennial Hall building.

The Shahans have big plans. Retail spaces will be on the ground floor and studio apartments on the second. By the way, their remodeled buildings will be called “Centennial Suites.”

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Roatan Honduras

A fabulous place of contradictions T E X T

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is beady black eyes pierce my retinas as his honey-orange overcomb bobs and weaves across his head. Spidery arms reach for my glasses and, when he misses the target, the creature lets out a scream that could surely raise the roof. Meanwhile, I nervously stand out on a precipice looking down over the forest canopy, my fear of heights intensifying as I scan over the trees and out toward the ocean. Knees shaking, I contemplate how to get myself out of the mess I have gotten myself into when, suddenly, that squirrelly monkey takes another swipe at me. That’s all it takes … eaten alive by a monkey or die hitting a tree going 50 mph. Suddenly, the answer becomes obvious and I jump, freaking just a little, as I skim the tops of the trees over the jungle forest. And when I arrive at the next tree … surprise … the monkey is waiting!

This is the way of life on the island of Roatan off the northern coast of Honduras. It is a place where the simple marries the complex, the obvious becomes less so the longer you stay, and the unexpected pops up so often that it loses its pizazz. But with all its contradictions, Roatan is a fabulous place to slow down and melt into an island experience. It is also where to go when you want to find a little peace and 46 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

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tranquility while celebrating a 30th anniversary.

Getting to Roatan is a fairly easy process. It is only a two-hour flight from Houston to this western Caribbean delight, where U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. After going through passport control, the majority of visitors can hardly wait to slip into their dive suits to discover the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere. Make no mistake about it; this is a place where some of the most dedicated divers in the world come to explore one of the planet’s richest marine ecosystems with its vast coral reefs. Divers are almost sure to see Hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks, spotted moray eels, octopi and a multitude of vibrantly colored fish swimming by to check out the newest tourists. Expect to pay $35-45 USD per dive if you are a certified diver and, if you aren’t, West End Divers can do the job for about $250. Night dives, shark swims and lion fish hunting vary in price depending on the tour company.

We stayed at Las Verandas Hotel & Villas. Upon arrival, a glass of fresh and fruity rum punch was slipped into our hands, and we were introduced to the resort by Mali. The first day there, we were the only guests at the place. I’ll make no bones about it; the juxtaposition of beautiful villas and

"The dolphins raced toward and then behind us, and we were instructed to gently grab their dorsal fins as they raced us through the water at breathtaking speeds." - Cheryl

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TRAVELER’S

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half-constructed buildings, which sunk into obscurity during the recession, is a little hard to wrap your head around. Yet with those occupancy numbers, the service was superb, while the rooms were large, airy and bright. With spacious verandas overlooking the sea, the views were sweeping and magnificent, but especially so while standing on the hill overlooking the resort. From there, you could take in the majesty of just about the entire island.

Prices on the island are comparable to what you would pay in Visalia. A good steak dinner runs about $22, while a pasta entree will relieve your wallet of $15. You can count on spending about $45 per day to rent a car and, on this island, it is worth doing because there are a variety of ways to spend your time.

But when driving, beware of the potholes that litter the roads. If you are lucky, an enterprising young man will fill those ahead of you for $1 a hole, thus sparing you a blown tire, which appears to be as common as the lizards that line the roads and the machine gun-toting security guards who appear to be just about everywhere.

One activity at the top of our bucket list was to swim with dolphins. We chose the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences at Anthony’s Key because of the strict policies that are in place to protect these

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magnificent animals. The dolphins only visit with guests twice a day and are taken for a “walk” at the ocean, where they can choose to stay or return. There is also a small but informative museum that is free, with displays featuring pre-Columbian artifacts and educational exhibits that highlight the Caribbean Sea, regional marine life and indigenous peoples of the area. All in all, it is a good place to spend an hour expanding your mind.

From the museum, we took a fiveminute boat ride out to meet “our” dolphins, during which time we were schooled on how to interact and be the perfect guests while in these splendid mammals’ habitat. The two males, Bing and Bong, explored us noses down, making clicking noises as we reached out to pet their sleek yet velvety-hard

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skin. One at a time, guests were taken to the middle of the natural enclosure, and the dolphins raced toward and then behind us, and we were instructed to gently grab their dorsal fins as they raced us through the water at breathtaking speeds. The experience was like water skiing without the skis and with a lot more water going up your nose. Later, our new friends flipped and danced, reaching toward the sky as their trainers guided them through a typical dolphin routine.

Another “animal” stop was Arch’s Iguana Farm. For a small donation, you can feed the iguanas, which appear to be very serious about getting to their favorite leaves and will run over you to do so. You can also feed the tarpon, which, I have to admit, is a little freaky.

Losing my hand to a hungry tarpon was

not on my bucket list, so after trying it once, I had had enough.

Tip: “When feeding tarpon, do not try to hold on to the fish!”

For those who like the rush that comes from gathering with people the world over, I would recommend a visit to the West End. This is the place to come to purchase art created by local artisans, shop at small tourist stores and eat fresh, high-quality food. And this is also where the late-night bar scene thrives.

We had two superb meals while at the West End. One occurred at Thai Place, which was recommended by several tourists, and I can say that we were not disappointed as we dined on some of the best Thai food we have ever eaten outside of Thailand. A huge bonus was the on-dock dining, which added a romantic ambience to our evening with

the sound of gentle waves lulling us into our “peaceful place” after our gigantic food orgy. While fairly expensive, you can count on good service and a memorable meal.

Also at the West End, we gorged at the moderately priced Foster’s West End Bar & Grill, which extends over the water.

Dave’s fresh catch from the sea was delicious, flaky and moist, while my coconut shrimp managed to skim that narrow divide of a batter that is too “coconutty” to be able taste the meat of the shrimp and fried too long where all you taste is the oil. It was a great choice.

After dinner, we made our way to Nova, which often features a live DJ. It is a vibrant and youthful place like many of the dozen or so bars in the area. If dancing isn’t your thing, Frank’s Cigar Bar is a great place to relax if you are into fine cigars and, for a good laugh, karaoke at the Blue Marlin is a hoot.

Whatever your desire, be warned that the evening will start warm but often after 10 p.m., the trade winds begin to howl and blow, creating a breeze that would make even Marilyn Monroe’s dress blush.

Kayaking is another much-loved activity on the island. The seas surrounding the water’s edge are often smooth as glass, so paddling is easy, safe and fun, but remember the sunscreen, which I failed to do and, after only 30 minutes on the water, was crisply fried like the fish tacos we ate from a local food stand. For those who find dock fishing too mundane, West Bay Tours offers a four-hour deep-sea fishing adventure for $160 USD, with the catch often including such species as blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin and yellowfin tuna.

While the awakening of Roatan has been gradual, these days, cruise ships are now invading the port of Coxen Hole (don’t go to this city after dark) and, with it, comes increased pressures on the island’s infrastructure. However, the tourist traffic was recently decreased when a ship my friend was on took out the cruise ship dock, making access to the island’s treasures temporarily in favor of the airborne set. So before the cruise ships once again invade, now is the ideal time to pack your bags and get to know the locals because everyone needs their own “peaceful place” and Roatan is the perfect place to find it. L

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FINANCES

ISSUES UNIQUE TO OLDER INDIVIDUALS TEXT SUBMITTED BY PENNEY R. SICK

WHAT IS IT?

SOCIAL SECURITY

You may view getting older with mixed emotions. While you look forward to retirement, you worry about your finances and the cost and availability of health care, and you wonder what will happen to you if you become unable to live and care for yourself independently.

Like most Americans, you will likely be eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits that will provide much-needed income during retirement.

How much benefit you receive depends mainly on the age you begin receiving benefits and your average lifetime earnings. Although your Social Security benefit is important, you shouldn't rely on it as your sole source of retirement income; rather, you should view it as a piece of your total financial picture.

MANAGING YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME NEEDS What you'll have vs. what you'll need How much income you'll need and how much income you'll have go hand in hand when you're planning for retirement. While some of your expenses may decrease in retirement (for instance, you may no longer have a mortgage on your home), some of your expenses may increase (such as health care expenses). You'll need to evaluate your lifestyle, consider how inflation may affect your savings and determine how to position your assets, among other things. Your main sources of retirement income will likely be Social Security, retirement plan and pension income, and income from investments.

You'll need to determine whether income from these sources will be substantial enough to meet your needs.

IRA AND RETIREMENT PLAN DISTRIBUTIONS You may be eligible to receive a distribution from an IRA or an employersponsored pension plan. You'll need to decide how and when to take this distribution, considering your income needs and the income tax consequences.

HEALTH CARE ISSUES Health insurance Most Americans age 65 or older will rely on Medicare to pay for their medical care. However, you may also want to purchase a supplemental Medigap policy to help defray the cost of services and items that Medicare does not cover or to help pay the deductibles and co-pays required by Medicare. If you need to enter a nursing home and have limited income and assets, your care may be paid for by Medicaid. Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may be entitled to care in Veterans Administration (VA) facilities, as well.

Tip: Health-care reform laws passed in 2010 contain some provisions that directly affect our nation's elder population. If you're a retiree or a senior, you should be aware of how these reforms may affect your access to health care and insurance benefits.

PLANNING FOR INCAPACITY Medical directives If you become too sick to direct your own medical care, how will you ensure

that your wishes are carried out? You may want to execute medical directives for health care such as a living will or health-care proxy that can be followed in the event that you can no longer make your wishes known. Such directives not only protect your rights but also can prevent family disagreements and court battles over your care.

You may want to execute a durable power of attorney or set up a trust to make sure that your money and property are managed properly in the event that you become incapacitated and are no longer legally competent to manage your own financial affairs.

Planning for incapacity is also a way to avoid burdening your adult children who may be caring for you as you grow older.

HOUSING OPTIONS As you grow older, you may find that your housing needs change considerably.

Although you may live out your life in the rambling four-bedroom house in the suburbs or the brick duplex in the city where you've lived for years, you may need to move for social, economic or physical reasons.

DEALING WITH THE LOSS OF YOUR SPOUSE Another situation that you may confront as you grow older is the death of your spouse. For many people, losing a spouse is a life-changing event; you'll need to make a lot of decisions regarding your future while dealing with immediate financial concerns such as claiming survivors’ benefits and settling your spouse's estate. L

Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2017 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. 52 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

KUDOS

KAWEAH DELTA ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC IS RIGHT ON PAR

M

ore than 165 golfers played in the 30th annual Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation Golf Classic at the Visalia Country Club on Friday, Aug. 3. They were assisted by about 60 volunteers, including more than 20 members of the Guild, Kaweah Delta’s auxiliary.

The tournament raised more than $100,000 to help equip Kaweah Delta’s new neonatal intensive care unit now under construction, adding to the nearly $2 million raised over the life of the tournament to benefit patients at Kaweah Delta.

Using funds raised by the Golf Classic and through its Caring for the Community Campaign, the Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation

is raising about $1.3 million to purchase 24 Giraffe beds for the new NICU. Giraffe beds continuously monitor a baby’s heartbeat and vital signs while simultaneously regulating the surrounding temperature, humidity and sound.

The team of Don Havard, Lance Taggart, Victor De La Cruz, Walt Robinson, Travis Jennings and Amanda Pasillas won the first-place prize.

Ben Cripps, Kaweah Delta compliance and privacy officer, chaired the tournament Golf Committee, and Deborah Volosin, Kaweah Delta senior foundation coordinator, directed the event.

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FASHION

BACK TO SCHOOL T E X T

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M O S L E Y

2018

G

ot the first-day jitters? Not to worry. With school starting soon, it's not too early to start planning what to wear. And if you want to be dressed cool for school, here is a quick list of five top fashion trends for kids of all ages.

• Do deluxe denim. Of course, jeans rule for school. Considered a “uniform” for the back-to-school crowd, denim always is a best buy for the new season. This fall, update young kids’ wardrobes with stretch denim joggers. Older kids will love the new distressed looks in vintage washes with frayed hems. If you want to blast out of the blues, then get into some colorful neon jeans. Overalls are another trendy denim item. And, of course, the denim jacket is always a classic piece that will layer over everything.

• Embrace embellishment. It may be what’s on your clothes that really makes them cool this fall. From elaborate

embroidery to personalized patches to sparkling sequins, the more “graphic” the better. Whether it's a novelty T-shirt, bomber jacket, new pair of jeans or even a backpack, adding a little something extra is extra special this year.

• Go mad for plaid. Plaids have led the BTS fashion parade for years. But this time around, it’s all about mixing the varsity classic with other prints ... yes, all in the same outfit. Think plaid with animal prints, plaid with camouflage, plaid with stripes, plaid with florals, plaids with checks. Gingham is still a big hit, too. The key: Keep prints all in the same color family and create different looks by layering with colorful solids.

• Get cozy with knits. What kids (or adults, for that matter) don't like the current “ath-leisure” craze? There are lots of ways to dress for school in sportsinspired clothes that make high grades in style and comfort. From the ever-

popular leggings (stripes down the side make them new this year) to zip-front hoodies (lined with Sherpa fleece) to long-sleeved graphic tees (rainbow stripes are trending) to sweatshirts and sweatpants (a little oversized), these are comfy ways to look cool for school.

• Rock the schoolhouse. Mixing up all the fashion favorites mentioned is one of the newest ways to give a back-toschool wardrobe individual flair. Wear metallic sneakers with your uniform.

Dress up a denim miniskirt with a ruffled, off-the-shoulder peasant top. Wear camo leggings with a pink satin bomber jacket. Rock faux leather pants. Add glow-in-the-dark star patches to your backpack. Just think outside the basic subjects and create your own unique vibe. After all, that's what school is all about ... studying the world around you.

Just don't forget to explore what you wear too! L

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HAPPENINGS

Young at Art Exhibition Young at Art is a summer program held at Arts Visalia. The Young at Art annual exhibition is a culmination of art the students created in the summer program. Artwork shown is both 2D and 3D works and showcases multiple medias. Free admission.

When: Through Aug. 31, noon-5:30 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: Janelle Howard, (559) 739-0905 Hell of a Half Marathon Yes, the course is challenging, the weather is hot, but what else would you expect at the Hell of a Half Marathon?

You know what you are made of, so sign up now before you regret not getting in. Tickets: $85 race fee + $4.50 sign-up fee.

When: Aug. 18, 7-11 a.m.

Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Park, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: runsignup.com/Race/CA/ Exeter/HellofaHalfMarathon 56 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8

Kids Fest Kids Fest is back. Come for a fun-filled day on the lanes with great deals and awesome eats. Free bowling, free shoe rental, free $5 arcade card, $1 hot dogs and soft drinks, and $2 pizza slices.

When: Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Bowlero, 1740 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia Contact: www.facebook.com/ events/870401329817093/ A.C. Myles at BarrelHouse Brewing Company With a collection of originals and choice covers in traditional electric blues styling, A.C. Myles very confidently delivers. His amazing vocal range and tone, as well as staggering unyielding guitar work, no doubt is left that he is the mature and genuine article. Free admission.

When: Aug. 18, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: BarrelHouse Visalia Taproom and Beer Garden, 521 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: BarrelHouse Brewing Visalia, (559) 713-6690

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Let’s Luau Come shop with more than 40 local vendors selling items such as home decor, crafts, health and beauty, jewelry, candles, vintage items and more. There will be a raffle. Free admission.

When: Aug. 18, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center St., Visalia Contact: Sandra Jones, (559) 623-2475 Visalia Hot Fudge Sundae Run The Hot Fudge Sundae Run has come to Visalia. There will be a 5k run, 1.25-mile walk and a hot fudge sundae. After your run, create your hot fudge sundae with toppings. Hot Fudge Finisher medallion, age group awards, largest team award, Top Topping costume award, music and Sundae Fun. 5k run/walk, $35; 2k walk (not timed) $35; virtual run, $40.

When: Aug. 19, 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Where: Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: www.VisaliaHotFudgeSundaeRun.com

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Bee Exhibit and Honey Tasting Stop by the bee exhibit and honey tasting to learn about pollinators and try a free sample of local honey. Naturally Nuts has partnered with Dani Corley to help spread the word about how our food supply relies on bees. We have put Dani’s “Bee Aware” exhibit on display at Naturally Nuts, so stop by the store and take a look. Find out why bees are important to our farms and see what you can do to help protect them. Come by and try a free sample of Bradshaw Honey Farms honey. There are five delicious flavors.

When: Aug. 23-31 Where: Naturally Nuts, 1830 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia Contact: Naturally Nuts, (559) 735-9121

HAPPENINGS

Anniversary Party, Fundraiser Celebrate our second anniversary and help Sent From Heaven raise a little money. Rubio's is donating 20 percent of sales back to us this night.

When: Aug. 24, 4-7 p.m.

Where: Rubio’s, 4021 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Sent From Heaven, sentfromheavenvisalia@gmail.com Bill Clifton’s Chicken & Whiskey Band BarrelHouse Beer Garden presents Bill Clifton’s Chicken & Whiskey Band. He’s known for his high-octane guitar work and stage antics, leaving never a dull moment during a performance. Free admission.

When: Aug. 31, 7-10 p.m.

Where: BarrelHouse Visalia Taproom and Beer Garden, 521 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: BarrelHouse Brewing Visalia, (559) 713-6690 Throwback Films: 'Stand By Me' (1986) “Stand by Me” is an American comingof-age comedy-drama that tells the story of four boys in a small town in Oregon who go on a hike to find the dead body of a missing child. Advance tickets: $5 cash or $6 credit card plus a $2 restoration fee per order. Day of show: $6 cash or $7 credit card plus a $2 restoration fee per order.

When: Sept. 8, 6 p.m.

Where: Hanford Fox Theatre, 326 N. Irwin St., Hanford Contact: Hanford Fox Theatre, (559) 584-7823

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HAPPENINGS

24th Annual Bakersfield VillageFest This is one of the longest-running beer, wine, food and music festivals in Bakersfield history. There will be five stages of simultaneous live music with 15 bands, 30 of Bakersfield’s most popular restaurants serving unlimited food samples, more than 16 acres of fun in seven distinctly themed areas, 60-plus breweries with more than 100 different brews, 25-plus Central Coast wineries with 70-plus wines featured in VinoVillage. $70-$78. Ticket price includes 15 drink samples and unlimited food samples. Must be 21 years old with picture ID. When: Sept. 8, 6-10:30 p.m.

Where: Kern Pioneer Village, 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield Contact: bakersfieldvillagefest.com First Friday Art Walk Join the Arts Consortium in downtown Visalia to showcase local artistry. This downtown art walk is a great outdoor activity where you can walk between unique locations to view artwork. This event is free.

When: Sept. 14, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: www.artsconsortium.org, (559) 802-3266

Waiters Race Watch another exciting Waiters Race on Sept. 20 on Main Street in Downtown Visalia. Free to the public. Servers from local restaurants compete for $7,000 in prizes and bragging rights. Men and women racers wanted, with registration open until 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20 by clicking on www.waitersrace.net. Entries $25 per racer and $35 after Sept. 18. Presented by the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club with support from Budweiser, Buena Beverage, Groppetti Automotive, Kaweah Delta Health Care District, A&W, the Vintage Press Restaurant, the Southern Pacific Depot, Jack & Charlie's, Le Boulevard, Citizens Business Bank and Momentum Broadcasting.

When: Sept. 20, 5:15 p.m. parade of racers starts heading east from Main and Court streets; 5:45 p.m. main event Where: Main Street (no street parking between 2 and 8 p.m. Sept. 20. Use the parking garage south of the Garden Street Plaza.)

Contact: visaliabreakfastlions.org/

Bakersfield Taco & Beer Festival Come on down to the Bakersfield Taco & Beer Festival. Guests will experience unlimited pours of craft beer from local and regional breweries as well as unlimited taco tastings from some of the top restaurants and food trucks in California. Make sure to stop by boutique vendors where you can purchase original art. There will also be DJs, games, handrolled cigars and more! $29-$45.

When: Sept. 14, 5-9 p.m.; Sept 15, 3-7 p.m.

Where: Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., Bakersfield Contact: www.bakotacobeerfest.com/

Bounty of the County The Tulare County Farm Bureau is hosting the ninth annual Bounty of the County featuring food, wine, beer and music. Tickets: $50 pre-sale, $70 at the door.

When: Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, 32988 Road 164, Ivanhoe Contact: Tulare County Farm Bureau, (559) 732-8301, www.tulcofb.org Fee Free for Public Lands Day Head up to Sequoia National Park for free. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the giant sequoia trees.

When: Sept. 22, all day Where: Sequoia National Park Contact: www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/ fee-free-parks.htm L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 59

AgriNation The ninth annual AgriNation welcomes you to taste its new fall product treats, venture through the Vossler Farm corn maze and take a pumpkin home for your own autumn fun. The Gold Mine Store will be on-site so make sure to bring your Cookie Dollars and Nut Bucks! $6-$25.

When: Sept. 22, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Vossler Farms, 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: (800) 490-8653, ext. 136, tboothe@girlscoutsccs.org Oktoberfest For nearly a decade, Oktoberfest has been one of the largest crowd-drawing events in the Central Valley. Samplings are offered from various restaurants, wine tastings, beer tastings from local breweries and live entertainment. The goal is to share the Central Valley’s best food, wine, beer and entertainment with the community. $40 in advance, $50 day of.

When: Sept. 28, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch, 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: www.visaliachamber.org/ oktoberfest Annual Multi-Class Picnic for Visalia Union and Senior High School Come, relax, eat, visit, enjoy, spend a comfortable afternoon under the shade of the Mooney Grove oaks. There will be a vendor food truck and vendor ice cream truck. Beverages will be available from the vendors, however you may want to bring your own beverage.

When: Sept. 29, 11 a.m.

Where: Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, Arbors 14, 15 and 16 Contact: (559) 627-3996 Salsa Fiesta It's time to see who has some of the best salsa in Kern County. This is the firstever salsa-making competition judged by local personalities. Prizes for first, second and third. Get ready for a fun day of salsa tasting, live music and a DJ! Event is 21+. $10.

When: Sept. 29, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Mercado Latino, 2105 Edison Highway, Bakersfield Contact: (661) 859-7503

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HAPPENINGS

Taste of Downtown Visalia If you know Downtown Visalia, you know we have the best food around. Come out and enjoy food from more than 30 amazing restaurants. We will have wine and beer tasting, too! There will be live music to enjoy while you walk the beautifully lit Downtown streets.

When: Oct. 2, 5-8:30 p.m.

Where: Main Street, Visalia Contact: (559) 732-7737, info@downtownvisalia.com Valley Oak SPCA Annual Wine & Wags Gala, Auction You're invited to attend Valley Oak SPCA's ninth annual Wine & Wags Gala and Auction, where you will enjoy a delightful evening of wine and food tasting, live and silent auctions. Hors d'oeuvres and wine/beer tasting and a full cash bar are available. Proceeds support Valley Oak SPCA's no-kill animal rescue mission. Must be at least 21 years of age.

When: Oct. 5, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Visalia Wyndham, 9000 W. Airport Drive, Visalia Contact: www.vospca.org

HAPPENINGS

Plowing Through Time The Tulare County Historical Society presents Plowing Through Time, celebrating 70 years. There will be refreshments and history talks, a barbecue featuring tri-tip, chicken and sides prepared by the Happy Cookers, and live music by the Fabulous Studio Band of Porterville High and more.

Tickets: $50. Proceeds benefit the preservation of historic farm equipment.

When: Oct. 7, 3:30-6 p.m.

Where: Tulare County Museum, Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Peggy Bragg (559) 786-4972.

Tickets: Lari Ohmen, (559) 799-1164 Annual Exeter Car Show Join the fun at the 11th annual Exeter Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival Rick Mosley Memorial Car Show. There will be hot rods, bikes, classic cars and more.

Free admission.

When: Oct. 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Downtown Exeter, North E Street Contact: Exeter Chamber of Commerce, (559) 592-2919

An Evening on the Red Carpet Join us as we walk the red carpet with local and national celebrities during the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry’s third annual “Evening on the Red Carpet.” The event includes silent and live auctions, fine food and dancing. Proceeds benefit the food pantry. Tickets: $75 per person.

When: Oct. 13, 6-10 p.m.

Where: Giant Chevrolet Cadillac, 1001 S. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia Contact: veac.org Annual Legacy Dinner Join ProYouth in celebrating Pat Hillman at the sixth annual Legacy Dinner on Oct. 18. Each year, ProYouth provides 16,000 children with after-school enrichment programs, all in a safe and innovative learning environment. These programs are made possible by the generosity of people and organizations that share a passion for progressive and engaging education. To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, visit www.proyouthexpandedlearning.org.

When: Oct. 18, 5 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia St., Visalia Contact: ww.proyouthexpandedlearning.org L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 8 61

Springville Apple Festival Come to the Springville Apple Festival.

This annual event is appealing to all age groups. Since 1980, the small festival has grown to be an impressive and wellknown festival, drawing thousands of people every year. There will be food, refreshments, entertainment, music and vendors. Free admission.

When: Oct. 20-21 Where: 35680 Hwy. 190, Springville Contact: springvilleapplefestival.com

HAPPENINGS

Impact Annual Car Show, Craft Fair Come to the second annual Car Show and Craft Fair. There will be cars from different eras and vendors will all kinds of goods to offer. There will be food on-site, and Inflatables for the kids’ entertainment! $15-$25. All proceeds support Impact Youth Ministry at Grace Free Will Baptist Church.

When: Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: 9533 McCall Ave., Selma Contact: impactgfwb@gmail.com, (559) 978-0543

A Tribute to Veterans The Redwood High School Class of ’67 plans to update and replace the plaque memorializing Redwood High School veterans killed in the Vietnam War. The plaque will be a gift from the Class of 1967 and its dedication is planned Nov. 9. Free admission.

When: Nov. 9, Doors: 5 p.m.; program: 5:30 p.m.

Where: L.J. Williams Auditorium, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: John Moorman, (916) 987-8555, mooravn@aol.com; Kate Maddox, (559) 734-4976

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Social Swirl Gala & Golf Classic The Visalia Country Club and the Vintage Press Restaurant are joining forces to support of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias. Food will be catered by Executive Chef David Vartanian and his Vintage Press team. This event is a great opportunity for corporate sponsors to network as well as wine-and-dine clients and guests while supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sequoias.

When: Nov. 9-10 Where: Visalia Country Club, 625 N. Ranch St., Visalia Contact: (559) 592-4047

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