March 2015

HOME TOUR

THE DEGROOT HOME

For the Love of Family SOIRÉE

AN EVENING AT THE MOULIN ROUGE ImagineU Dreambuilders’ Bash

MARCH 2015

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160

PAGE

24 HOME TOUR The DeGroot Home

SOIRÉE

ImagineU Dreambuilders’ Bash An Evening at the Moulin Rouge PAGE

20

The ImagineU Children’s Interactive Museum raises funds for their highly anticipated new facility.

CULINARY

An Easter Tradition With a Kick

8

Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Wordplay 12 History: Elks Building – A Struggling

Structure Succumbs 16 Literary Arts: Francisco Jimenez –

From Harvesting Crops to Growing

a Better Society 38 Sip: Throwing an Easter Wine Tasting Party 42 Travel: Singapore – A Fascinating Yet

Puzzling Destination 54 Local Adventure: 14 Adventures in 14 Days 56 Happenings

Roasted Leg of Lamb A new spin on an Easter dinner staple.

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34 CHARITY

Wish Upon A Star Granting Wishes, Fostering Hope Local nonprofit provides optimism for young children with big dreams.

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ON THE COVER: A table for eight is set in the breakfast nook, just off the kitchen.

PICTURED: Through the entrace of the DeGroot home is the open flowing living room.

MARCH 2015 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN EDITORIAL Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KATIE PRESSER Editorial Staff KELLY LAPADULA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS CHERYL LEVITAN CHRISTOPHER WILDER DIANE SLOCUM RYAN LUCAS STEVE SUGGS TERRY L. OMMEN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON Marketing Manager KIM BATTY ADVERTISING SALES LEAH PEREZ leah@dmiagency.com SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/lifestylemagazine

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag www.VisaliaLifestyle.com

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,500 © 2015 DMI Agency

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RACK LOCATIONS

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N

ew Orleans might have its Mardi Gras, but when it comes to throwing a party for charity, Visalia is no slouch. We get dressed up and reach for our checkbooks like it’s nobody’s business, and it was just that scenario at the recent Dreambuilders’ Bash, “Night at the Moulin Rouge,” benefitting ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum.

At the sellout event, more than $100,00 was raised for ImagineU’s latest project: a new 8,000 sq. ft. interactive facility, expected to attract 140,000 visitors per year. This museum is a shining a star of what’s happening in our neighborhood. Highlights of the night can be found in this month’s Soiree, on page 20.

I love the fact that our community is developing a “brand”… a brand of generosity. The term brand is used in marketing to describe the totality of how one feels when thinking about a company or product. Sometimes it recalls an image, such as a logo, but a brand is really the entire package of thoughts and emotions when one hears or sees the name. A good example of this is Nike – chances are when you hear the name, you see the iconic swoosh, but you also get a feeling of empowerment – you really can “just do it.”

Cities and communities also have a brand. What does our community brand say about Visalia? A strong brand is central in attracting and recruiting the best and brightest business people, health care professionals, and artists to our area. Like it or not, image and reputation are essential parts of our growing economic base.

Branding has power. We as individuals have the opportunity to shape the brand of our community. Celebrities and politicians are quite skilled at presenting a strong image of themselves through the use of media. We can do the same. Each of us has the power to intentionally craft whatever brand we choose. With each decision we make, with every person we meet, we create the collective brand that we will become.

Our community is growing. Every day brings new people, some from far away places and cultures, giving us new opportunities and adding dimension to our city. Each day we lay another “brand” brick, building the legacy that we will leave tomorrow. We can be, we are, a community that gets involved and promotes positive change – like the ImagineU Children’s Museum or any one of the other progressive thinking, nonprofit organizations.

Lifestyle Magazine understands the power of branding our community in a way that brings to mind a positive image. With intent, we search for the inspiring stories as we strive to elevate our unique brand. We appreciate you for being a part of this endeavor, and we thank you for being our cheerleaders.

KAREN TELLALIAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or www.VisaliaLifestyle.com www.facebook.com/LifestyleMag call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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W WORD PLAY

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS, AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

M

arch is Women in History Month. In 1587, Virginia Dare made history as the first child born of English parents in America, though her mother, Eleanor, should more properly be remembered for birthing the first child. In 2014, when Janet Yellen became the first chairwoman of the Federal Reserve Board, it hardly seemed newsworthy, thanks to a long line of women bearing the brunt of being first.

Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley (due out April 28 from Random House) by Charlotte Gordon, tells of the two Mary’s whose lives spanned the mid-eighteenth to midnineteen centuries. Both were writers and advocates for women’s rights and lived unconventional lives of passionate relationships and literary achievements.

Mary Shelley, especially, is remembered for her novel, Frankenstein (which has been republished as recently as last November).

Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield (publication date April 21 from Harper) by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, tells of a U.S. Army pilot program placing Cultural Support Teams of women soldiers on the battlefield on sensitive missions in Afghanistan. Their role was to interact with Afghan women in ways male soldiers were unable to. While they were not officially engaged in combat, the women were not insulated from battle or casualties.

My Organic Life: How a Pioneering Chef Helped Shape the Way We Eat Today (due April 21 from Knopf) by Nora Pouillon and Laura Fraser. Pouillon is a Vienna-born chef who opened the first certified organic restaurant in the United States in 1999. She is credited with being a major instigator of a healthier food movement, while also wrangling for her place in a maledominated restaurant business.

Valley Writers Fresno State Master of Fine Arts Professor Steven Church’s book of essays, 10

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Ultrasonic, was published by Lavender Ink in December. It includes “Auscultation,” which was published in The Best American Essays for 2011, edited by Edwidge Danticat and Robert Atwan. Church’s book explores the relation of sound to a deeper meaning of life, delves into tragic experiences and looks at the mysteries of language. He also uses humor while exploring the depth of what appears to be simple. The essays stand alone and yet are interrelated.

Allan D. Fisher has four books out on humorous themes. Starting with the oldest, they are The Roast Book: How to Present an Effective Joke-filled Evening, American Humors: Best One & Two Liners, Marinate the Cook!, and most recently out on Kindle last year, Leave ‘em Laughing: Humor for Every Occasion. Fisher has frequently been the MC at Rotary roasts and scouting functions.

Soul Vang’s first full-length volume of poetry, To Live Here, was published last year

by Imaginary Friend Press. The poems are a journey to finding what makes “here” a home. His book won the 2014 Imaginary Friend Press Poetry Prize. Vang is a graduate of the Fresno State MFA program.

He was a co-editor of How Do I Begin? A Hmong American Literary Anthology from the Hmong American Writers’ Circle.

Writers’ Conferences The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books will take place on April 18 and 19 on the University of Southern California campus.

As of the deadline, this year’s participants had not been announced, but last year’s celebrities included Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire discussing his book Shining Star: Braving the elements of Earth, Wind & Fire; Mayim Bialik discussing Mayim’s Vegan Table; and Sandra Cisneros, discussing Have you Seen Marie. Details at: www.events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/.

Writing the Breakout Novel v2.0 is a week-long workshop taught by author/agent David Maass. The program includes new units on discovery, voice, characters, the inner journey, and more. The event is held April 6-12 in Hood River, Oregon. Cost is

$2,095 for new students. Details at: www. free-expressions.com/breakout-novel.

Writing Contests The deadline for the Tom Howard/ John H. Reid Fiction and Essay contest is April 30. All themes are accepted with a maximum length of 6,000 words. Entry fee is $16. First prize in each category is $1,500. Details at: www.winningwriters. com/our-contests/.

For writing contests with no entry fee, such as the We Need Diverse Books Short Story Contest (deadline May 8), go to www.freelancewriting.com/creativewriting-contests.php Pop Quiz!

This is the first line from which novel?

“You will rejoice to hear that no disaster has accompanied the commencement of an enterprise which you have regarded with such evil forebodings.” ** The Last Word “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation.” – First Lady Abigail Adams, (1744-1818) **Yes – it is Frankenstein.

H HISTORY

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Reflections

HISTORY H

ELKS BUILDING – A STRUGGLING STRUCTURE SUCCUMBS

Text by Terry L. Ommen

W

PICTURED: After the fi re in 1959, fi remen spent hours cooling down the smoldering debris.

OF VISALIA

hen it was built in 1918, the Elks building was architecturally beautiful and structurally sound, so by almost all measures, the three-story building should still be standing today. But it got off to a shaky start, and bad luck just wouldn't let go; in 1959 an early morning fire totally destroyed it.

The idea for this ornate building began in 1913 when organizers of the newly formed Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 1298 decided they needed a place to call home. In 1916, they bought a parcel of land on the southwest corner of Main and Locust Streets - a lot that at one time belonged to W. R. Spalding, the prominent lumberman in Tulare County. A year later, they accepted Woodlake contractor D. Day’s bid of $53,000 for the job. As the site was being prepared, the builder discovered, to everyone's dismay, that the soil was like “quicksand,” and in order to stabilize it, another $12,000 was needed.

The financial problem complicated the project, and embroiled it in controversy, but construction moved forward.

Eventually, financial issues were resolved and the big building began to take shape. It had a large footprint with 68 ft. of frontage on Main Street and 116 ft. on Locust, extending all the way to the alley. The ground floor was laid out for retail space and the second and third floors were designated for lodge purposes including a clubroom, lodge hall, and banquet room. A large open stairwell provided access to the floors. The interesting exterior features gave it a metropolitan look and elk heads, complete with antlers, were built into the

outside walls to make it clear that the Visalia Elks owned the building. Construction was completed in 1918.

The new home for the Visalia Elks was inviting and added to the appearance of the town. Its timing, however, was problematic.

Shortly after its construction, prohibition became the law of the land. Advocates of the 18th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution believed that the elimination of alcoholic beverages would be a boon for amusement, entertainment, and the general economy, as people would have more spending money.

But the opposite proved true. Then came the Great Depression. The two economic impacts played havoc with discretionary spending in the country. Membership at the Visalia Elks lodge dropped by almost half.

As prohibition ended and the effects of the Great Depression faded, liquor establishments opened again and the overall financial condition of the Visalia Elks lodge improved dramatically. In the years that followed, the building hosted meetings, dinners, and events of all kinds and became an important venue in Visalia. By 1952, the local lodge was ready to pay off the loan on its building. Clyde Lary and George Young, the only living charter members at the time, were asked to plan a celebration to honor this accomplishment. At 8:30 p.m. on January 19, 1952, the members gathered on the Main Street side of the lodge and ceremoniously burned the mortgage.

A few years later, another fire drew a crowd at the lodge, but this time it was not a cause for celebration. On Tuesday, December 1, 1959, shortly after midnight, a fire broke out in the building. Exactly when it started

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13

H HISTORY

PICTURED: The Elks building was so beautiful that it became a postcard.

is unclear, but at about 5 a.m., E. R. Curran, a visitor to Visalia from Modesto, noticed smoke coming from an upstairs window. John Copley, Visalia City Councilman and bakery owner, also saw the early morning fire on his way to work about the same time.

The fire department, located just a few blocks away, received the alarm and responded quickly with men and equipment. But by the time they arrived, the blaze was well established and all the floors were engulfed.

Speculation placed the origin of the fire to the basement, and it was believed that the stairwell allowed the flames to rapidly race to the top.

Fire Chief Walter Wood and the firefighters fought the flames valiantly, but it was clearly a losing battle. As the flames extended out through the windows, ash drifted skyward then settled onto city streets. Crowds of people, including John and his son Duane, stood nearby, and watched as interior wood framing material burned and floors collapsed. When the flames subsided, it was an eerie scene with exterior walls over a hundred feet high towering over the ruble. Duane and his father were lucky, as shortly after they left the scene, part of the east wall fell near where they were standing.

Almost immediately, the cleanup effort began. The Kossian demolition company of Fresno was hired for

$15,000 to do the job. Quick work was required as nearby businesses including McMahan's Furniture, Reeve's Shoes, Huffaker Candy, Bon's Jewelers, Schellings, Visalia Hardware, and Montgomery Ward were forced to temporarily close, not because of damage from the fire, but due to the danger of falling debris. Traffic was also impacted as portions of Locust and Main Streets were forced to close.

Complicating the speedy cleanup was the smoldering debris. Even after three days, smoke was still rising from the destroyed building. One of the interesting discoveries found in the debris was the lodge safe. It was bulged out of shape from the intense heat. As a precaution, it was removed from the site and allowed to cool off for a couple of days. When it was opened, only charred and unrecognizable contents were found.

Once the remains of the building cooled, and the demolition completed, the insured property was sold.

Immediately, the Elks began making plans for a new building. They bought several acres of land on west Main Street and on September 9, 1962, less than three years after the disastrous fire, they dedicated their new $350,000 quarters at 3100 W. Main St., where it remains today.

RIGHT: A 1920's leather case that holds an Elks membership card

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L LITERARY ARTS

Francisco Jimenez: From Harvesting Crops to Growing a Better Society Text by Diane Slocum

W

hen Francisco Jimenez’s sophomore English teacher told him to read The Grapes of Wrath, it changed his life

forever.

It all started when Jimenez was given an assignment to write something autobiographical. Francisco chose to write about his younger brother who had almost died. The teacher, Mrs. Bell, complimented Francisco on his essay and assigned him Steinbeck’s book.

“It’s a very thick book,” Jimenez said. “I was hoping to read a shorter book for my book report.”

Having a limited knowledge of English, it was a very difficult read for him. He frequently had to look up words, but he couldn’t stop reading.

“For the first time, I was able to relate to what I was reading,” he said. “There was a connection between my experience and The Grapes of Wrath.”

Even though the Joad family was from Oklahoma and they did speak English, their experiences working in the fields and

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suffering poverty and prejudice were similar.

“For the first time, I realized the importance of literature to move hearts and minds,” he said. “In the back of my mind, I thought maybe someday I can write the story of my family.”

In his assignments, Jimenez was still struggling with English. His papers were full of red marks, but he continued to improve. When Mrs. Bell said he had writing talent, and that he could succeed by working hard, it made a great impression on him.

“Hearing that from a teacher really made a world of difference for me,” he said. “After reading The Grapes of Wrath, I became very interested in reading literature, especially works that dealt with issues of social justice.”

Jimenez wrote the story of his boyhood in a family of migrant workers who annually followed the harvests from the California coast to the Central Valley. The Circuit was the first installment, and he is continuing the story into his young adulthood during the tumultuous 1960s with his fourth book

in the series, due out in April, Taking Hold.

He carried out his respect for the importance of education and teachers by eventually becoming one. He teaches in the department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Santa Clara University. His list of awards for both his writing and his advancements in the field of education are long and impressive.

Jimenez’s dedication and commitment has carried him a long way from his birth in Tlaquepaque, Mexico. When he was four years old, his parents set out to seek a better life for their two sons by crawling through a hole in the fence along the California border. They started by picking strawberries near Santa Maria. As the harvest season progressed into fall, they picked grapes and cotton throughout the San Joaquin Valley - Visalia, Tulare, Orosi, Five Points, Fresno, and Corcoran. In December, they returned to Santa Maria and topped carrots and picked lettuce. His first book was named after this circuit. When he was six, Francisco joined his parents and older brother in the fields.

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L LITERARY ARTS The family worked this circuit for about nine years. Living in places such as a garage with a dirt floor and no electricity didn’t bother Francisco as much as missing several months of school every year and moving to different schools, always falling being and struggling with English.

“In this very, very unstable life we were living, the one thing that gave me a sense of stability was learning,” he said.

By the time he was in eighth grade, his father had severe back problems that prevented him from working in the fields. The two oldest boys took jobs as janitors to support the family (eventually there were six children).

Now, they could stay in one place and attend the same school all year.

However, this led to what the family had feared the most all these years - La Migra found them. They were deported.

“When the border patrol caught us at that point, it was devastating because we finally had a sense of stability,” he said.

Jimenez also knew that opportunities for the education he prized so highly were not available in Mexico.

Fortunately, their stay in Mexico was short. By April, the entire family was back in California through the generosity of the Japanese sharecropper for whom they picked strawberries. He sponsored them and loaned money for their papers to return legally. Jimenez’s second book, Breaking Through, tells about these years.

His third book, Reaching Out, tells of his experiences as a first generation college student at Santa Clara University.

“I describe the challenges that I faced again coping with poverty and feeling guilty, because I was now living in a nice dorm with three meals a day, knowing that my family was still struggling,” he said. “At times, I felt that I shouldn’t be here, I should be home working. Also, everyone around seemed so much more experienced and smarter than I was. That’s when I began to reflect on my childhood experiences to give me the courage not to give up. This was a wonderful opportunity that I had, being in college.”

Jimenez wanted to follow in the 18

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footsteps of Mr. Lema, his sixth grade teacher in Selma, who had given up his lunch hours to help him with English.

As it turned out, Jiminez earned a fellowship to Columbia to become a university professor.

“My first year going from Santa Clara to New York City was a culture shock, and I went through the same kind of experiences,” he said.

He lived frugally and sent some of his stipend home to help his family, as he had done with his earnings during his years at Santa Clara.

When Jimenez was attending Santa Clara, he had been writing notes on his childhood experiences. A professor who became his doctoral advisor at Columbia urged him to put the stories together and get them published.

“Initially, I was reluctant because what I write is very personal,” he said.

“But as I put the recollections together, I realized that my experiences were not unique. I realized that what sustained my family was the hope of having a better life for their children. That was my incentive for writing. I was not only writing about my own family. In many ways, the story is an immigrant story.

People come from different parts of the world because this country has many opportunities.”

Jimenez went on to a distinguished career at Santa Clara University, where he established innovative programs in education, always with the idea in mind that everyone should be respected and valued.

“My whole effort has been to create a more inclusive society,” he said.

In one of his many efforts to promote education and writing, Jimenez visited several Visalia schools a few years ago.

“It was a wonderful experience,” he said. “The message I gave at each school was that education is the best way to improve one’s life. I impress on them to value their family’s work. That by working hard at their studies, they are honoring the sacrifices their parents or grandparents made for them to be where they are.”

Jimenez said that teachers have the responsibility to help their students develop their God-given talents. As an educator, writer, speaker, and person, that is what he has devoted his life to doing, beginning where he had to–with himself.

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S SOIRÉE

ImagineU Dreambuilders’ Bash

AN EVENING AT THE

MOULIN ROUGE T

his community has come to expect great things from ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum, and that’s exactly what they got at the organization’s annual Dreambuilders’ Bash on Saturday, March 7. The décor, entertainment, and atmosphere inside the Visalia Country Club lived up to the bash’s Moulin Rouge theme, as black and red feathers, twinkling lights, and sparkling dresses filled the room. After guests were greeted at the door with champagne, they could take a spin at the roulette wheel to win a prize, or get their caricature drawn by a local artist from Blending Palettes.

Photos by Aimee Sa Photography

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that work .

S SOIRÉE

The extravagance of the event was a mere taste of the vision that ImagineU Board President Cheryl Christman has for the new interactive children’s museum, currently being built at Tipton and Oak Streets in Downtown Visalia. The new ImagineU interactive museum is everything a child (or adult) could dream of and more. Its “Central Valley” theme will include 8,000 square feet of exhibits, including Grove Pick & Pack, the Majestic Oak Tree House, Wonderful Water, U Fix It Garage, and many more.

Through each exhibit’s hands-on functionality, children of all ages will learn about the environment while having fun.

Many ImagineU board members, including event chair, Cheryl Christman, and her husband, Art, have dedicated many years to carrying on the vision of ImagineU’s founder, Angela Huerta. Along with the board, Cheryl’s dream has been, “to build a children’s museum that would speak to the needs of the community and be large enough to serve as a regional children’s museum for this area and all of the outlying communities. There isn’t another children’s museum for three hours, so there’s a huge need here. We want it to be exciting for kids, visually stimulating, as well as educational.”

This $6.3 million dollar project has been funded by many generous donations, as well as a $5.4 million Parks and Recreation Nature’s Facility Grant. While everything currently under construction is fully funded, ImagineU is still in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $1.2 million for the second phase of the project, which will include a multi-purpose room and a kitchen to be used as an event space for the community.

The Dreambuilders’ Bash raised an estimated $110,000 from sponsorships, donations, and silent and live auction items. These funds will go toward phase two of the museum, however, there will still be plenty of funding opportunities for families or businesses to have their name become part of this museum’s legacy.

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Mary T. Hill, ImagineU board member and vice president of Valley Business Bank, understands the potential that this museum holds not only for the children, but also for the community as a whole. “It brings a whole new sense of accomplishment for this city, for the children here, for my grand children. For me, it is a place we can leave, like a legacy for this city and beyond. I’ll tell you, this is going to be one of the best things this city has seen.

It will support a lot of businesses because we have people coming in internationally for the Sequoias,” said Hill, who went on to explain how the museum will drive more traffic to the area, greatly benefitting the restaurants, shops, hotels, and more.

The long-anticipated opening of the new ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum is set for the fall of 2015.

“We dream about this museum sort of becoming a community plaza, and a place where people can gather and meet,” said Christman. “And once you understand what a children’s museum is, it is really addictive. You see that not only are kids having fun, but also it promotes learning and exploration. They’re learning as they’re experiencing it, and they just want to keep learning.”

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP LEFT: ImagineU board president, Cheryl Christman, with husband Art. PREVIOUS PAGE TOP RIGHT: Dr. LaMar Mack with wife, Chavella.

PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM LEFT: Two ladies dressed up in true moulin rouge style PREVIOUS PAGE: BOTTOM RIGHT: Cindy Meyers and Lauren Booth TOP RIGHT: Ryan and Renee Lansdowne BOTTOM MIDDLE: (Left to right) Dick Toriggino, Cheryl Christman, Art Christman, Darlene Mata, Jake Sill, Renee Landsdowne, Kathleen Kelly, Bill Whitlach , Mary T. Hill, Angela Huerta, Sedelia Sanchez, and Gloria Alsing.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Jason and Elizabeth Blake

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and sunny with a very spacious ambiance.

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Specializing in Coastal Properties and the entire San Luis Obispo County.

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SUSIE BRANS susiebrans@yahoo.com 805.550.8833 CA BRE #01710596

2013 SA N LUIS OBISPO R E A LTOR OF THE Y E A R

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For the

THE DEGROOT HOME

Love of Family Text by Christopher Wilder

PICTURED: The DeGroot living room features Karen’s favorite color, red, with a variety of patterns and textures.

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PICTURED: In the kitchen, black granite countertops and unique tile floors accent the cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

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very home has its own personality, which usually can be attributed to its architects and developers, its period or style, the interior design, or the collections within. We want to know what sets a home apart – what belongs to this house and no other and makes it something entirely unique? But sometimes the most defining element of a home, its most uncommon aspect, is the very thing that is fundamentally common to us all: our families.

When Karen DeGroot asks herself what makes her home uncommonly special, she ponders before laughing, “Well, I guess I’m known for my grandkids.” What sets Karen’s home apart is really the foundation of every home – not the things she’s collected or the colors on the wall, but her children, her two daughters and two sons, and her four grandchildren with a fifth on the way.

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Just as family defines her home, it has also transformed her own identity. Originally from Orange County, Karen moved to the Central Valley where she later met her husband, John, who introduced her to the Dutch community. And while she admits to experiencing “total culture shock,” she didn’t just take the name - which is like the “Smith” of the Dutch community, she says – but also embraced the culture.

You can see aspects of that culture throughout the home, like the Klompen (wooden clogs) and porcelain Dutch figurines. But even though both Karen and her home have embraced the Dutch culture, good luck trying to get her to wear those wooden shoes.

“No, no,” she laughs. “But my husband wore them every night when he went out to check the cows. He just liked them, and I could always hear him coming and going – he even had to get new pairs because he wore them out.”

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Life on the dairy not only took a toll on the Klompen, it took a toll on their country house, too. “We needed to move because the home was falling down around us,” says Karen. So in 2001, the DeGroots began looking for a new home, something near the dairy.

They found a home in Northwest Visalia, less than two miles away.

The home was still being framed, so the DeGroots were able to make a few changes – knobs, tiles, colors, things like that. But the first thing Karen really wanted is the first thing you see when walking up to the house: the red front door. “I just always wanted one,” says Karen, who asked her husband, “Honey, can I have a red door?” His response was simple, “you bet.”

The front door came first, but now Karen’s favorite color runs throughout the entire 3,950 sq. ft., single story home. The color accentuates the kitchen and living space, even a bathroom wall.

That red front door leads to a living space with a 14-ft. ceiling with crown molding. The otherwise square room is offset by a small angled wall with hearth, directly opposite of which leads into to the kitchen through an opened arch with columns. The home is traditionally offset with bedrooms in one wing and the living area, including den, kitchen, and laundry room, in the other wing.

Both Karen and her husband fell in love with the home. “We used to walk around and say, do we really live here?” But Karen 28

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admits, “it’s just a home, [and] it doesn’t have a long history because we didn’t raise our children here.” Soon after moving in, her three youngest children moved out, and the house became their “empty nest home.”

It must have been somewhat difficult for Karen, since she defines home as “where your family is.” But not even a house without her children could compare to the loss she would experience in the following years. In 2009 her father died, and then in 2010 her stepmother. “It was a crazy time for me,” Karen reflects, but not as crazy as it would become. The very next year, on the tail of her father and stepmother’s death, her husband John also died. “It was a rough three years,” says Karen, understating the experience of pain and loss she must have felt, but is sometimes too difficult to express.

Her husband’s death brought change as well as grief. Karen now found herself living alone in an empty home, and she and her sons had to sell the dairy. For Karen, it was especially difficult seeing how the sale affected her sons. They told her, “Well now we don’t have dad’s legacy.” But Karen reminded them, “You are his legacy.

So go on and build your life and create your own legacy for your children.”

Not that losing the dairy didn’t also affect Karen, but her

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LEFT: In the master bedroom, the cheetah print carpet goes well with the brown and teal bedding and furniture.

RIGHT: What used to be Karen’s sons room is now used as one of the two guest bedrooms.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The den and game room is ready for entertainment, with a comfy sectional couch, pool table, and a door that leads to the backyard.

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emphasis always was, and still is, beyond the physical. “I’m not really sentimental about things,” she explains, “but I am sentimental about events and memories.” She may no longer have the dairy, but she will always have the memory of her husband clip-clopping to and from the cows at night.

Six months after her husband died, Karen began redecorating the home – mostly out of necessity. Her newly married daughter had moved in to a new house and needed furniture, so Karen offered some of the furniture from their home. She also gave her husband’s favorite couch to her oldest son, because she knew how much it would mean to him. All of a sudden, Karen needed new furniture, so she began to redecorate. “I was ready,” she says, “and I needed something to do. It was very therapeutic, a way to move forward and not stay stuck in the grief.”

TOP: Karen’s transformed an old bedroom into a vibrant nursery for her four (almost five) grandchildren, stocked with books and toys.

RIGHT: Woven Klompen, framed pictures, and Hummel plates rest on the shelf in the nursery, reminding Karen of her inherited Dutch culture.

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For Karen, redecorating was also about creating new spaces for her family – especially space for the ones who hadn’t yet been born. Her favorite room to decorate was one of her kid’s former bedrooms, which she transformed into a “kid-friendly” nursery with muted yellow walls and lime-green carpet.

She had the names of her grandchildren painted on the walls, and she also displayed four Hummel plates, each marked with the name and birthdate of her four children. She decorated the room with wooden Klompen from Holland and Dutch porcelain figurines that are also from Holland – Holland, Michigan that is.

On the wall hangs a six-foot chalk ruler – the means to measure new growth.

Karen also made some additions, though few subtractions to the den. That was the room where her husband relaxed, and she

H HOME TOUR jokes that its TV couldn’t actually play anything other than sports.

She added a pool table and new couches, and essentially tried to make the room as comfortable as possible, a place where her kids could enjoy themselves.

There were other changes made throughout the home. Though she admits her style is more traditional, even eclectic, she followed the advice of interior designers and laid cheetah print carpets in the bedroom. “I wasn’t sure about it because it’s a little modern, but I actually really love it,” she admits. And she thinks her husband

PICTURED: The backyard features a seating area with portable heater, a spa, lounge chairs, and a swing-set, making it the ideal setting for spending time with the family.

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would have loved it, too. Karen laughs, “I think he would have at least let me do it.”

Therapeutic as it was for Karen to redecorate her home, her husband was never far from her mind. After thirty years of any marriage, wherever tastes haven’t yet coincided, courtesy should step in. And Karen remained courteous to her husband, and to her children, but Karen also believes John would have liked everything she has done so far. “He was pretty easy about that stuff, and we had similar tastes.” Still, she adds, “I wouldn’t have done anything

HOME TOUR H or felt comfortable changing anything that wasn’t something he would like.”

Karen leaves open the idea that she and her family will get back into the dairy business. It’s practically a part of her identity now, rooted in her name DeGroot. In the meantime, she sits on the board at the Visalia Rescue Mission, is active in her church choir, and enjoys traveling. She also farms tomatoes – and yet she still finds time for the most important thing – her family.

That is still the purpose of her home, to make it cozy, she says.

“It’s a blessing, and it’s a beautiful home, but it’s more about what we do here.” Despite those difficult years, Karen still embraces the memories she has, and the memories she will continue to make – those are the foundation of her home. And with that kind of foundation, any home, no matter what storms may come, will be worth building. Karen surely agrees. “I will stay here as long as we can enjoy this home as a family.”

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EASTER TRADITION Recipe by Ryan Lucas and Steve Suggs, Tazzaria Photos by Taylor Johnson

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aster Sunday dinner is as much of a tradition as the holiday itself. Family members gather in

anticipation of that special meal they get only once a year, which for many is a roasted lamb. But what makes the dish so memorable for each family is the unique flavors, the alluring smell, and the impressive presentation. We’re providing you with a sweet and spicy recipe for your Easter lamb that will look just as delightful as it tastes.

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Roasted Leg of Lamb with a Kumquat & Dried Blueberry Chutney and Roasted Garlic with Purple Kale garnish

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LEG OF LAMB Ingredients: 1 Leg of lamb (about 6 to 7 ½ lbs) ¼ C lemon juice 8 cloves garlic 3 T fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 1 T salt 2 tsp ground black pepper Directions: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Rub the lemon juice all over the lamb. Pat the garlic and rosemary evenly all over the surface; then season the meat with the salt and pepper and place in a roasting pan. Put the lamb in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for 1 hour longer for medium-rare, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the roast registers about 145°F to 150°F (do not let the thermometer touch the bone). Remove the lamb and rest for 10-15 minutes.

KUMQUAT & BLUEBERRY CHUTNEY (Kumquats are great because you can eat the whole thing; skin, seeds, and all!)

Ingredients: 1 T vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 T fresh ginger, minced 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 2 chilies, sliced into rings 1 C dried blueberries 1 pt kumquats, rinsed and thinly sliced 1 whole star anise ½ C sugar 2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 T white vinegar ½ C orange juice Directions: Sauté the garlic, onions, ginger, and chilies in the vegetable oil over medium heat, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, and bring to a simmer. Let cook until kumquats are softened, about 15-20 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in a clean, glass jar.

Remove star anise before eating.

Makes about 1 ½ cups.

ROASTED GARLIC AND PURPLE KALE GARNISH Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs purple kale (you can substitute with other greens like spinach or arugula) 4 garlic cloves 3 T extra-virgin olive oil Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 300°F. Peel garlic cloves and place in an ovenproof dish/bowl, coating with extra-virgin olive oil. Place in the oven, keeping an eye on it, about 30 minutes; it can go from golden to black quite quickly.

Once garlic is roasted, simply place kale in a large warm sauté pan. Pour in the oil from the garlic. Toss the mixture for about a minute to warm the kale, and enjoy as your garnish.

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THROWING AN EASTER WINE TASTING PARTY Text by Sonny Martin

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he most entertaining way to learn about wine is to arrange a wine tasting, and an Easter dinner gathering is a great opportunity to involve family and friends.

There are many approaches for organizing a wine tasting, but for a casual dinner party like this, I would suggest picking three or four varietals of wine that you think might go well with a specific course of the meal. If you have enough people attending, you can take the same approach and add courses.

The rule of thumb for how much wine to have available is to have each consuming adult bring one bottle of wine, which is the equivalent of five glasses of wine per person. I would also suggest that with this type of wine tasting, the wines all be approximately the same age. This will help avoid adding too many complexities to the understanding process of the tasting.

If you have enough people for more than one bottle of each varietal, you might try finding wines from different regions or countries, like Viognier from the Central Coast, Virginia and it’s origin, France. This way, you can not only discern whether you like Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier better, but also what the differences are between the Viognier grown in three very different parts of the world.

There are four primary senses that you use when tasting wine: sight, smell, taste, and feel (texture). In order to best discern the color and clarity of the wines, the table used for the tasting should be covered in white and the lighting should be as close to natural as possible. Setting a table in the garden is a great way to bring your party outdoors.

The most important aspect about the glasses used is that they are clean, crystal clear, and large enough to allow the wine to be vigorously swirled to release the aromas. Crystal is best to use as it has an elastic property that makes it “ring.”

Try to avoid strong scents around the tasting area, as they will interfere with the tasters’ ability to discern the subtle nuances in the wines.

A “rule” to remember about the serving temperature is one-half hour. If you put your red wines in the refrigerator for one-half hour, and take your whites out of the fridge one-half hour before serving, they will be close to the ideal temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the alcohol and some of the bitter components of red wines are intensified, while white wine at refrigerator temperature (34-36°F) is only a few degrees above freezing. If you roll an ice cube in your mouth and then try to taste anything, you will understand the problem with wine that is too cold.

Every party needs a host, so someone should take charge of the tasting. This person is responsible for directing guests on what particular wines to bring so that duplicates are avoided and the theme chosen can be kept.

The host should also instruct each person to bring their wine wrapped in a paper bag with just the varietal name on the outside in order to avoid letting the bottle or label influence the tasting.

In this setting, we are looking to learn just about the contents of the bottle.

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S SIP Now that all the preparation is done, let’s get down to the best part: the tasting. I'd like to think of tasting as a five S process: sight, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor.

SIGHT: This is about enjoying the color and clarity of the wine.

With experience, this can give great starting clues about the wine.

Tilting the glass to create less wine to look through, to the white background, gives you an ability to discern color from the edge all the way to the saturated color of the wine in the bowl.

SWIRL AND SNIFF: Wine has a lot of volatile compounds that form the aromas. Depending on the concentration of these compounds, they can be strong scents or subtle nuances, so concentrating the aromas by swirling the wine vigorously in a large bowl will help discern the more subtle characters. This is the most important aspect of tasting wine, as truly we only detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory on the tongue. The rest of the perceptions we have as the flavor of peaches, etc. are actually scents that are detected by the receptors above and behind the palate.

Determining what a wine smells like takes a lot of practice. In fact, a way to help your guests with this process and give them something to bring home, is to give them all a wine aroma wheel as a placeholder at the tasting table, which can be purchased on winearomawheel.com, developed by Professor Emeritus Ann Noble from UC Davis. This tool will help you to develop your wine tasting stream of consciousness.

WITH THIS MONTH’S ROASTED LEG OF LAMB WITH A KUMQUAT & DRIED BLUEBERRY CHUTNEY RECIPE, I SUGGEST TRYING ANY OF THE WINES FROM THE BORDEAUX FAMILY:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, or even Meritage. Other great potential choices would be Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, or Syrah.

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SIP: Finally, we are ready for the sip part of wine tasting. Take a sip of the wine and hold it in your mouth; swish it around, chew it, and allow it to coat your entire palate.

When sipping the wine there is a technique professional tasters use called “trilling.” This is basically the same as slurping soup off of a spoon. By vigorously aerating the wine entering your mouth, you again intensify the aromas that waft up the back of your palate to your smell receptors.

Remember, there are really only five “tastes,” so getting the volatile components of the wine to waft up will help with the “taste” of the wine. What we spend more time on is the texture of the wine. What does the wine feel like? Is it thin and acidic?

Is it rich and velvety? Is it light and crisp or heavy and thick?

SAVOR: Lastly, savoring is my personal most important aspect of determining the quality of the wine. For me, savoring the wine is about the lingering after taste. The longer and more complex the flavors last, the higher quality of the wine. In the vernacular, this is called the finish of the wine. Just like music, some wines finish with a crescendo while others just end abruptly.

Follow these steps with each of the wines before the meal as an entertaining start of the celebration, and then go through them again while you try the different wines with each course of the meal.

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SINGAPORE - A FASCINATING YET PUZZLING DESTINATION Text by Cheryl Levitan

PICTURED: The Gardens by the Bay and the “super tree” structures is a must-see for any tourist traveling to Singapore.

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f you had to find Singapore on a map or guess whether it was a city or country, you might be stumped. This place is a bit of an enigma. Just take its national icon, a Merlion, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The body symbolizes Singapore's humble beginnings as the fishing village of Temasek (in Indonesia). Its head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay (a dialect from Malaysia). That pretty much sums up Singapore – an island between Malaysia and Indonesia with a majority of modest and unpretentious residents (the body) with a government (the head), which has turned it into an international financial center. Only 270 sq. mi. in size, Singapore is about twice the size of Fresno with 10 times the population. It is a city, but it’s also a state and country. In fact, it is only one of three independent nation-states in the world. And while land is often finite, extensive

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land reclamation has made dramatic changes. So much so, that on repeat visits, I sometimes felt completely lost. Fortunately, English is one of four official languages in this multicultural brew of Chinese, Indian, and Muslim-Malaysian cultures so maps, signs, and residents can be relied upon to point you in the right direction.

Both its historic sites and new additions are worth seeing, but the first thing all visitors see is an orderly and spotless country. That’s not common in Southeast Asia, where noisy confusion, maximizing every inch of space, and bicyclists carrying everything but the kitchen sink (and sometimes that too!) are considered part of the charm. Singapore is the other Southeast Asia. Don’t even think of littering or sticking gum on a surface without paying a fine. In fact, don’t bring gum into the country, jaywalk, take a drink onto a train, or commit any other offense normally forgiven elsewhere. It’s quite

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a ‘fine’ city! It could be worse, though. Routine mandatory public caning is now reserved to punish only violent criminals, while murderers and drug traffickers are still hung. Although severe, these penalties have given this high-density country one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The downside of this highly regulated country is the difficulty for the average person to get ahead.

Singapore is an expensive place to live. Fees to own cars or begin businesses are astronomical, and the paperwork is onerous. Housing is small and chosen by the government based on family size and an attempt to balance ethnicity.

So now that you’ve saved your pennies, are on your best behavior, and feeling secure to go anywhere without worry for your safety, what’s your plan? Most begin touring near the central business district (CBD) and harbor where most hotels and the extraordinary

new skyline are located. Land reclamation has created a bay where the mouth of the Singapore River formerly flowed directly into the sea. Called Marina Bay, it’s surrounded by 380 acres of “found” land, which pedestrians access via a Helix Bridge. Resembling the double-helix structure of DNA, the bridge even has pairs of colored letters corresponding to the four basic chemical components of DNA. This new acreage is home to a huge ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer. Taller than the London Eye, its climate controlled “pods” make a full rotation every 30 minutes. The most eye-catching addition is the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Its three 600 ft. hotel towers are topped by what looks like the fuselage of an airplane sans wings and rudder. In actuality, it’s the largest pool at its height in the world. With its infinity styling, swimmers appear L I F E S T Y L E | M A R C H 2 015

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Photo by Cheryl Levitan

dangerously close to the edge of a waterfall, which drops into the city below. The rest of the entertainment complex includes an Art and Science Museum (shaped like the petals of a flower), theaters, Louis Vuitton's floating store "Island Maison," the most expensive stand-alone casino in the world, and a convention center. Twice each night the towers and the adjacent structures host a light, laser, and water show.

Behind this complex is a creation as bizarre as it is beautiful, the Gardens by the Bay. Spanning 249 acres, the most prominent features are the “supertrees” - structures 82 to 160 ft. tall covered in living plants. Fitted with photovoltaic cells, they supply the energy for nightly light shows, collect rainwater for irrigation and fountains, and house the cooling system for the glass conservatories.

These supertrees support an elevated walkway and house a restaurant. Singapore has always emphasized green space within the city. But Gardens by the Bay feels like a city inside a garden. A few nature reserves of primary rainforest still remain. One of them, Bukit Timah, is just six miles from the CBD. Located at Singapore’s highest point, this area is a haven for hiking, biking, and also a place only the wealthy can afford.

Singapore’s national symbol, the 28 ft. tall Merlion, sits across the bay where the land formerly ended. Spouting water from its mouth into the harbor, it welcomes visitors to Singapore. Bumboats (water taxis) leave from here to cruise along the Singapore River TOP: With huge tree-like structures, Singapore has created a city with a garden.

Garden by the Bay’s purpose is edutainment…to teach the importance of preserving plant life while providing an entertaining retreat.

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Photo by Cheryl Levitan

and explore the old quays (warfs). Once used to ferry supplies, these restored boats now transport visitors past colonial architecture, the legacy of 200 years of British rule. Old shop houses now hold bars and restaurants, and the adjacent road is a pedestrian area. Nearby Orchard Road is the original shopper’s haven. Named for the nutmeg and pepper plantations of the 1800s, it’s now 1.4 miles of entertainment, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and 22 shopping malls.

Just further inland are two surviving ethnic neighborhoods, Little India and Chinatown. They are the vestiges of a master plan created to form an “orderly city,” segregated by ethnicity and wealth.

Devised by Stamford Raffles of the British East India Company, this early 1800s plan was meant to segregate immigrants for administrative purposes and to house immigrants near their means of employment. In this arrangement, indigenous Malays remained where they were and wealthy Asians chose to live in INSET: The Marina Bay Sand Hotel and Resort is comprised of three towers with the highest infinity pool of its size in the world perched on top.

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LEFT: With beautiful carvings, statues, and tons of gold leaf, the Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a magnificent place to visit in Singapore’s historic Chinatown.

Photo by Cheryl Levitan

RIGHT: One of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, is dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil, Sri Veermakaliamman or Kali.

their ethnic area or in the European Town. Today, very few Indians or Chinese live here, but they do own the shops and restaurants and worship at the many temples, mosques, and churches. Although a somewhat sanitized version of the real thing, these neighborhoods retain their distinct cultural identity.

We first stumbled into Little India after 30 hours of travel. Had we not been so dazed, we might have questioned the advisability of mystery food served on banana leaves, especially in a restaurant for whom a “C” rating from the health department might be a reach.

Our request for forks raised the owner’s eyebrows and his curt delivery of his entire supply made it clear this was a place where patrons ate with their hands. Thanks to Singapore’s cleanliness, we suffered no ill consequences from food or flatware. The music, colorful Sari shops, and authentic (yet stomach friendly) cuisine gives you a feel for India. A visit to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, covered by colored statues of each of the many Hindu deities, makes you believe you are there.

Chinatown has its own charm. The magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was built for the sole purpose of housing and protecting a tooth of the Buddha. The idea of encasing various pieces of religious figures in places of worship has always been a mystery to me. The explanation became clear as the practice of revering the physical form of a spiritual energy was explained in the museum. The temple was beautiful, peaceful, and completely welcoming. To experience the Chinatown of the early immigrants, the nearby Heritage Center is filled with restored shop houses.

Antique stores and tea houses abound. Finally, if your travel weary body needs attention, the Bath Culture Foot Therapy center will

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Photo by Cheryl Levitan

soak, scrub, and massage while you sip fragrant tea.

At night, Singapore offers more than light shows. Its casinos generate as much revenue as Las Vegas. It also has the only Formula One night race in the world with an entire week of parties and concerts. Located below the Marina Sands Resort is Singapore’s first exclusive “bottle club” with couches covered in gold python skin.

And St. James Station, the first coal-fired power plant, is now home to eleven clubs accessed with one entry fee.

Although Singapore looks picture perfect, it has issues. The same policies responsible for its dramatic development have some economists convinced the boom is unsustainable. The disparity between rich and poor is striking with the wealthy (most foreign, non-residents) comprising 40 percent of the population. Singapore has more millionaires per capita than any other country, yet nearly 400,000 residents have little left for food and transport after covering their basic needs despite government subsidies. In a society based on meritocracy, where hard effort leads to success and failure due to lack of trying, the body of this mythical Merlion is at odds with its head. The aging resident population with one of the lowest birthrates and longest life spans in the world has the government searching for answers palatable to both the wealthy and a culture biased against social programs.

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ife’s trials come in all shapes and sizes, whether it’s battling chronic illness, struggling to put food on the table, or losing a loved one. Livier Murillo’s trial came unexpectedly in the form of Leukemia at the young age of 16. While hearing the word “cancer” sounds terrifying to even the world’s toughest men and women, Livier says it made her even stronger.

After more than two years of countless chemotherapy treatments and days and nights spent in the hospital fighting infection, 19-year-old Livier is now in remission, going to college, and working part-time in McFarland. Though she went through physical and emotional pain that many of us can’t even imagine, Livier has a completely new perspective on life. She was able to celebrate this new perspective and her battle against Leukemia with a trip to Rome, thanks to a local nonprofit organization, Wish Upon A Star.

Granting Wishes, Fostering Hope Walking into California Law Enforcement’s Wish Upon A Star office in downtown Visalia, you’ll notice the walls are covered in photos of children, young and old, with smiles on their faces and hope in their eyes. These children all have two things in common: each of them have life-threatening illnesses, but more importantly, they all have individual hopes and dreams; and Wish Upon A Star helps them achieve those dreams.

More than 30 years ago, a woman named Maureen Logan from the Visalia Police Department founded Wish Upon A Star with a vision to grant wishes to kids and give them a sense of hope.

When it first began, the organization granted a few wishes at a time, and eventually grew to the point of granting 80 wishes per year. Though the organization has grown and reaches kids all over California, it still remains small in size with three dedicated staff members.

“This is our only office, but we are able to grant wishes to TOP: Livier's hotel was in walking distance of the Vatican, so she visited almost every day.

BOTTOM: Livier got a panoramic shot of the Vatican, one of her favorite sites to visit.

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THANKS TO YOU, ITS OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY

CASA of Tulare County will be offering Flex Training, a combination of online and in person training classes.

TRAINING STARTS ON APRIL 13TH

Come to an orientation to learn more Mondays at 5:30 or Thursdays at noon.

CALL GINGER TO GET ORGANIZED & GINGERIZED. www.gingerized.com | (559) 936-0970

We need your help call today (559) 625-4007 or visit our website www.casatulareco.org

Experience the

Difference "My first experience with physical therapy was less

than helpful, so when my orthopedist recommended I go to PRO-PT for low back pain I was somewhat skeptical, anticipating that the treatments might once again do more damage than good. My physical therapist listened with compassion and understanding.

My back and core muscles were strengthened and my treatment was successful". – Carole Jordan EXETER 134 South E Street Exeter, CA 93221 MARCH 2015

TULARE 1132 E. Leland Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-0611

VISALIA 1870 S. Central St. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 636-1200 ext.1

www.pro~pt.net

www.facebook.com/proptphysicaltherapy

PORTERVILLE LINDSAY DINUBA 368 W. Olive Ave. 860 Sequoia St., Suite A 1401 W. El Monte Way, Ste. 107 Porterville, CA 92357 Lindsay, CA 93247 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 782-1501 (559) 562-9040 (559) 315-5203

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C CHARITY any kid in California, ages 3 to 21,” said Ashley DeGree, the marketing communications coordinator for Wish. “We keep things small, so we can have more money go toward the wishes themselves.”

Funded 100 percent by donations, Wish Upon A Star has granted over 1,900 wishes for children from San Francisco down to Bakersfield, but most of their wishes are granted locally.

“One thing that’s unique about Wish Upon A Star is that we can make unique exceptions,” said Carmen Perez, executive director of Wish Upon A Star. “There’s some wishes that come across our desk that are a little bit out of the ordinary, but for the most part we are able to take a look at it, review it, and possibly grant that wish.”

Livier’s case was one of these unique situations. Before she turned 18, she was told her wish would be granted by another organization, but because of delays and age limits, she turned 18 before she could have her wish. So Valley Children’s Hospital connected her with Wish Upon A Star.

The organization’s “Wish Kids” really can ask for almost anything they could imagine, and Wish Coordinator Vanessa Alvarado helps grant them quickly. Many ask for bedroom makeovers, Disneyland trips, and shopping sprees, while others choose to go on trips with their families, meet celebrities, and record their own CD. Some wishes are as simple as a child asking for a new camera or a new laptop to communicate with family and

friends while they are recovering.

“We get a lot of requests for Disneyland because we have a lot of younger kids, and that’s such a fun experience for them,” said DeGree. “We have a lot of bedroom makeovers because a lot of these kids are recovering out of the hospital and they’re going to spend a lot of time in their room. They might be on “lock-down” for a bit, so having a room that they feel comfortable in is really important.”

Being able to witness and help these children’s wishes come true is such a fulfilling job for those at Wish Upon A Star, but as anyone could imagine, it’s tough to watch kids going through hard times.

“It’s really difficult when you have to see a child going through what they’re going through, but we focus on the good that we’re going to do for them,” said Perez. “I’m only human too, and I’ve cried with the families on the phone, we’ve talked, we’ve met, we’ve become attached to some of the family’s. What’s helped me is staying focused on what we’re doing for them and the outcome of what they’re going to get.”

Another aspect of their jobs that continually amazes the staff is the endurance of the kids they work with. “It’s amazing the strength that they have,” said Perez. “I think the parents are the ones who are more devastated, but the kids are like ‘Nope, we’re going to beat this.’ I think they actually give strength to the parents.’”

PICTURED: (Left to right) Carmen Perez, Vanessa Alvarado, and Ashley DeGree are the ladies behind the magic of Wish Upon A Star.

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9000 W Airport Drive, Visalia, CA 93277 P: 559-651-5000 F: 559-651-2036 holidayinn.com/visaliaca

nola@nolasherman.com

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C CHARITY

PICTRUED: Livier visited the Roman Colesseum, a place she always dreamed of visiting, but never imagined she would.

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Liver is a prime example of the strength that these kids and teens develop as they face illness. She was continually reassuring her parents that she was going to make it.

“When I first got diagnosed with Leukemia on February 1, 2012, I thought the worst,” said Livier. “But eventually I said, ‘Wow, there’s nothing we can do about it, but I’m going to fight and I know I’m going to win.’ And my parents would just kind of look at me and they would tell me thanks for giving them strength. But I never really was scared throughout treatment because I had a feeling that everything was going to be fine, and everything came out perfect just like how I thought. It’s more about attitude than anything else.”

Livier underwent chemotherapy treatment for over two years before she went into remission. During a year of that time, she was homeschooled and had to give up what she loved most: playing soccer.

“Honestly, when I got diagnosed the first thing I thought about was that I wasn’t going to be able to play soccer anymore,” said Livier. “But I told myself that I would be able to play again someday. It’s been such a hard journey, but my friends and family have been there with me through it, and that’s what helped me.”

To celebrate surviving cancer, Livier “wished” to travel to Rome with her mom to meet the Pope and explore places like the Colosseum, the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Wish Upon A Star paid and planned for her weeklong trip, from lodging to the day-to-day tours. Livier took advantage of the fact that her hotel was only a five-minute walk from the Vatican by going there almost every day during her free time.

“Wish Upon A Star did such an amazing job with all of the planning,” said Livier. “I got to see the Pope twice and was blessed by him. It was such a blessing to be there in Rome, so just imagine how I felt. I can’t even describe it. I want to thank them for all the time they took to plan out this wonderful trip. I never imagined myself going to such a beautiful place and they planned everything out so perfectly.”

Wish Upon A Star was so glad to meet and work with Livier to fulfill her wish. Wish Coordinator Vanessa Alvarado said, “Livier was really excited about this trip. It was something she always wanted to do and expressed she would probably never be able to do on her own. When I met with them after the trip, they brought a rosary blessed by the Pope to thank me for getting everything coordinated, and they even bought me breakfast that morning to talk about her trip and share her journal entries that she did while she was there. They just couldn’t thank us enough for everything we were able to do for them.”

Livier’s approach to life and being diagnosed with Leukemia is unique, as she is grateful for everything she’s been through for the past few years. “Since I got diagnosed, it has shaped the person I am now. If I were able to go back in time, I wouldn’t change anything. Yeah, it was two years of really, really hard stuff, but you learn, and I think that’s what life is about. All I needed was my parents, my friends, my family, and my faith, and I had a lot of it. This experience completely changed me and made me a better person.”

Wish Upon A Star has several fundraising events each year, including Brave Fest in the fall, and the 21st Annual Golf Tournament coming up on May 15. For more information about Wish Upon A Star, visit www.wishuponastar.org.

CHARITY C

From our Family to Yours Shutters | Blinds | Verticals | Honeycombs | Woven Woods

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Call 559.734.4920 to see what we can do for your interior.

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ARTS ADVENTURE A L LOCAL

14 LOCAL OUTINGS IN 14 DAYS BRAVO LAKE BOTANICAL GARDENS If you’re looking for a day outdoors, check out the Bravo Lake Botanical Gardens in Woodlake. Bird watch, dog walk (with your pooper scooper, of course), and enjoy the afternoon in spring. Be sure to save this for a beautiful day in May. SUPERIOR DAIRY Where the servings are big, sweet, and make for a very special treat. Spend an afternoon indulging in sky-high sundaes, or their famous banana split. From the atmosphere to the ice cream scoops, Superior Dairy is the place to go.

MONET’S WINE BISTRO In the heart of Exeter lies a European escape in the form of an intimate French bistro. On Thursday and Saturday evenings, enjoy a glass of wine or imported beer while listening to live music. You can even become a wine club member and join Monet’s for wine and food every second Monday of the month.

OL’ BUCKAROO With a slogan like “good food & nice drink,” this food truck’s fresh menu better not disappoint your palette…and it won’t!

Take a scenic drive up to this Three Rivers hot spot to enjoy artisan burgers and craft beer straight from the truck. Take a seat under their covered patio right on the river, and be sure to check Ol’ Buckaroo’s hours and specials online before you go.

JUST SPROUTED JUICE BAR & HEALTHY CAFÉ This cheerful café in downtown Exeter has healthy and delicious food and drink options for anyone to enjoy, whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply prefer a healthy snack. You can expect the freshest ingredients from local farmers!

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RIVER HOUSE AT BUCKEYE TREE LODGE Feel like getting away without actually “getting away?” Stay a night or two at the River House in Three Rivers, overlooking some of the best views of the Kaweah River from the gorgeous balcony. This three bedroom, two bathroom rental home mixes modern with rustic style, so you’ll feel right at home in the woods.

VISALIA DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKEt From May through October, the Downtown Visalia farmers market bustles with activity every Thursday evening.

Starting at 5 p.m., bring your family and friends to find the freshest and most delicious produce and goods around. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many local vendors.

GARDEN STREET STUDIO This stop is the perfect spot to let your inner artist shine. Spend the day at the studio creating, painting, gluing, and crafting up your masterpiece, just how you like it! Projects available are mosaic, inspiration boards, calligraphy, and more.

Give Garden Street a call; they can turn any beginner into an artist.

BATTLE MOUNTAIN RANCH AND VINEYARD Tulare County’s newest winery sits on the historic Battle Mountain Ranch in the Sierra Foothills at the edge of the Tule River. Just past Springville, you will find this beautiful vineyard and ranch, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine and taking in the cool breezes flowing down the canyon in the evenings.

ICE HOUSE THEATER Join the Visalia Players as they bring the community together for the arts.

Throughout the year, you can enjoy live

performances of popular and captivating theater acts and plays. Check on the Visalia Players website to purchase season passes so you can attend all year long.

ORANGE WORKS CAFÉ With ice cream flavors changing daily, you can always expect a tasty treat. Orange Works Café in Strathmore serves us scoops of delicious ice cream with delicious flavors such as birthday cake, Nutter Butter, and pistachio. You can also pick up a deli sandwich and finish it up with a sweet treat for dessert. Trust us, it’s worth the trip.

FIRST FRIDAY DOWNTOWN Experience the ultimate art scene by walking right through it. That’s right, Downtown Visalia stores and landmarks will be opening up their doors and hosting all sorts of art outlets on their stoops; Musicians, painters, dancers, you name it.

The next First Friday event is April 3.

PORTERVILLE IRIS FESTIVAL Being the official flower of Porterville, the Iris is known for its timely blooming in spring. Spend your day outdoors at the annual Iris Festival, with a multitude of events and activities for the entire family!

Guests will be among over 200 vendors, food and craft booths, free entertainment on two stages, antiques and collectables, a kid’s zone, sidewalk chalk art, and a chili cook-off.

BARI OLIVE OIL TASTING You’ve probably gone wine tasting before, but what about oil tasting? If not, now is your chance; AND it’s local. The familyowned and operated farm and mill located near Dinuba Blvd. has been producing award-winning olive oils for over 75 years.

Taste some of the finest oils at their on-site tasting room, all while learning about what it takes to produce the best olive oil in the Central Valley.

LOCAL ADVENTURE ARTS L A

You’re in charge of many things.

Including your future.

You know your life and your future are really up to you. And no matter how busy you are day-to-day, you have to build your wealth, plan for your retirement and manage your investments for the future.

As your Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, I can help you keep control of your financial picture. Working together, we can evaluate your current portfolio and your goals, and adjust your investments. Meet with me to learn more. Let’s keep you in charge of tomorrow.

Brucinda Myers Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor Vice President Financial Advisor 520 W Main St, Visalia, CA 93291 +1 559 636-5652 cindy.myers@morganstanley.com © 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

GP11-01075P-N07/11 7177431 SEG001 10/12

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H HAPPENINGS

COLOSSAL COLLAGE The Tulare County Symphony Masterworks VI concert will feature Sibelius: “Finlanda,” Corigliano: Chaconne from “Red Violin” with Lindsay Deutsch, and Mahler “Symphony No. 5.” Tickets are $20$39.50.

When: Apr. 18, 7:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-8600

THEATER & PERFORMANCES

MAR 26

KC & THE SUNSHINE BAND

Boogie down to the sounds of the original band with hits like “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” and “Get Down Tonight.” Listen to the music and get out on the dance floor!

Tickets are $35-$75.

When: Mar. 26, 7:30p Where: Tachi Palace, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore Contact: 924-7751

APR 23

MAMMA MIA!

Come see the story that viewers around the world have fallen in love with. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter is on a quest to discover the identity of her father. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship.

Tickets are $38- $63.

When: Apr. 1-2, 7:30p Where: Saroyan Theatre, 848 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8200

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THE TIME JUMPERS

This Western swing ensemble formed in 1998 in Nashville features 11 members, each having made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music.

Some names include Vince Gill, Kenny Sears, Ranger Doug Green, and others who have made country music what it is today. Nominated for two Grammy awards for Best County Performance by a Duo or Group, and Best County Album, this is one act that is tough to beat. Tickets are $35-$75.

When: Apr. 23, 7:30p Where: Tachi Palace, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore Contact: 924-7741

ART EXHIBITS

APR 3

FIRST FRIDAY

Explore the muli-sensory art events featured throughout the Downtown Visalia area. Stroll Main street and see, hear, taste, and smell the art while spending the event outdoors, engrossed in the cultivating arts scene here in Visalia.

When: Apr. 3, 6-9p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: firstfridayvisalia.com

HAPPENINGS H

Dale R. Bruder

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H HAPPENINGS

LAWN FREE GARDEN TOUR Presented by the Sequoia Garden Club, take this garden tour with a twist; only featuring yards without lawns. Come see some stellar examples of handsome water-wise landscapes. In the midst of a historic drought, here are five gardens with five approaches to turning a landscape from a guzzler to a sipper. A $15 donation per person in advance, or $20 per person on the day of.

When: Mar. 28, 9a-3p Where: Various locations throughout Visalia Contact: 802-3315

APR 4

DIVERSIONS & EXCURSIONS

FIRST SATURDAY

Food, Fun and fabulous art. Every first Saturday of the month, the artists, restaurants, and merchants of Three Rivers open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium or the Historical Museum – the flier shows all participating venues, art to see, locations and times for special events.

When: Apr. 4, 10a-5p Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: www.1stSaturdayTR.com

MAR 28

GOING TO THE BIRDS

Guest artists from all over are flocking to the Jon Ginsburg Gallery at The Creative Center offering their best work featuring birds. They will be featuring the work from their Creative Center artists as well and will be asking the public to vote for their favorite piece.

When: Through Apr. 17, M-F 10a-3p.

Where: Jon Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 733-9329

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APR 2

VALLEY SPRING BICYCLE RIDE

The Central Valley Vietnam Veterans invite you to join them for an enjoyable spring bike ride. Travel along the beauty and blossom trees while enjoying the warm spring weather. This ride is for fun, and is not a race. All the proceeds from this ride will benefit the many charitable activities supported by the Central Valley Vietnam Veterans. Riders under the age of 14 must ride with an adult.

When: Mar. 28, 7a Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: Mike at 684-0552 or visit www.centralvalleyvietnamvets.com

WINE & CHEESE WALK

Come downtown and take a leisurely stroll on a night in April. Stop at 26 different downtown merchant locations to sip local wines, sample artisan cheeses and other fine appetizers, and listen to the sounds of live music. You will also receive a commemorative wine glass.

Tickets are $40.

When: Apr. 2, 6-9p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: 732-7737

HAPPENINGS H

Cookies, Cakes, and Pies…

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YOUR HOMETOWN REALTOR F ROM THE VALLEY, FOR THE VALLEY

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MICHELLE BENTLEY MACKLIN C: 559.740.3969 | O: 559.733.1000 | E: MICHELLE@HRMACKLIN.COM

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H HAPPENINGS

MARCH ON MAIN April is National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month. CASA of Tulare County would like you to join them in kicking-off child abuse prevention awareness month by walking the streets of Downtown Visalia, spreading awareness.

Informational booths, collaborative agencies, and kids face paintings will all be available.

When: Mar. 28, 9-11a Where: Parking lot of Main and Floral streets.

Contact: 625-4007

CHARITABLE EVENTS

JAZZAFFAIR MUSIC FESTIVAL

Participate in this three-day festival held each spring in Three Rivers. Performances being Friday afternoon and run through Sunday with bands taking the stage at three different venues. With this year’s theme being, “Jazz for all Generations,” it is encouraged that all ages attend. There is a complimentary shuttle service for all between venues. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Tickets are $95 for all three days, $25 for Fri. or Sun. only, or $45 for Sat. only. Children 12 and under are free.

When: Apr. 10-12 Where: Three Rivers Contact: Rusty Crain, 561-4549 or visit www.jazzaffair.info

THE BEST OF THE VALLEY

Mark your calendars for this upcoming quilt show. Come out and see the regional show of quilts and cloth dolls. This year’s featured artist is CeCe Westerfield from Bakersfield. A traditional quilt maker, her work draws you in through pattern, color, and technical expertise. Wander around and see which quilts you like the best, while enjoying on site food, a vendor mall, and more. Tickets are $10 daily, $15 for a 3-day pass.

When: Apr 10-12, Fri. & Sat. 10a-5p, Sun. 10a-4p Where: McDermot Field House, 365 N. Sweet Brier, Lindsay Contact: Suzanne Kistler, 625-5430

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APR 4

VISALIA COLOR VIBE

APR 11

LIFEWALK & 5K RUN

Get ready for the most colorful fun-filled run of your life. Get your friends and family and stretch out for this amazing event where you get blasted with color while you run a 5k. This event also supports ProYouth-HEART, a local organization who’s mission is to help the youth in our community succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

When: Apr. 4, 9a Where: Rawhide Baseball Park, 300 N. Giddings St., Visalia Contact: www.thecolorvibe.com Tulare-Kings Right to Life will be hosting their 20th annual LifeWALK & 5k run. This year’s event will be larger than ever with the addition of the 5k, two live bands, and a new and improved bounce house, along with vendors, face painting, games, and more. Walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, from strollers to wheelchairs, are invited to join in on the fun and invigorating spring outing! Run registration is $25.

When: Apr. 11, 9a Where: Plaza Park, 700 S. Plaza St., Visalia Contact: 732-5000

HAPPENINGS H

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES Janitorial Service For dependable commercial cleaning service ServiceMaster Clean can help. daily, weekly, or monthly janitorial service Medical & professional office cleaning

Office system cleaning

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An evening of cocktails, live & silent auction, dinner and comedy.y.y COMIC & MAGICIAN:

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H HAPPENINGS

APR 11

SPRING FLING

Soroptimist International of Visalia will host their largest fundraiser of the year, Spring Fling. Each year, the organization aims to raise funds to donate to local and international organizations. The fundraiser consists of a luncheon, fashion show, and the opportunity to win fabulous items by purchasing tickets for various baskets that will be raffled during the event. Tickets are $30 per person, $220 for a table of 8.

When: Apr. 11, 10:30a-2:30p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4040

The Loan You Need, The Service You Deserve

APR 12

APR 17

WORLDTOUCH BOWL-A-THON

The Visalia Celebrant Singers invite all members of the community to participate in their annual fundraiser to help send the Celebrant team on their International Missions to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Turkey. By sponsoring a lane, forming a team, or just singing up individually to bowl, you are helping this organization fund their mission.

When: Apr. 12, 1p Where: AMF Visalia Lanes, 1740 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia Contact: 740-4000 ext. 4006

GOLF FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Hands in the Community is hosting their second annual golf tournament event.

Grab your team and head to the links to take part in a day of golf, all while supporting the communities of Kings and Tulare counties. The deadline for registration is Apr. 10.

When: Apr. 17, 12-5p Where: Valley Oaks Golf Course, 1800 S. Plaza St., Visalia Contact: 625-3822

VISALIA

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559.636.1500 office 559.936.0475 mobile rtell@hotmail.com 103 S. Stevenson, Visalia, CA (Southwest corner of W. Main & Stevenson)

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559-651-2300 6603 W. Betty Dr., Visalia, CA 93291 Take the Betty Dr. exit in Goshen Southwest corner of Hwy 99 and Betty Dr.

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* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs accurate as of 7/18/14. Rates may change after account is opened. Minimum to open is $50. If qualifications are met each monthly qualification cycle: (1) balances up to $25,001 receive APY of 1.50%; and, (2) balances over $25,001 earn 0.40% interest rate on portion of balance over $25,001, resulting in 1.50% - 0.58% APY depending on the balance. If qualifications are not met, all balances earn 0.01% APY. Qualifications during each monthly qualification cycle are as follows: at least 10 debit card purchases must post and settle the Kasasa Cash account, account must be enrolled and receive e-statement notice, and at least 1 bill pay or ACH automatic debit transaction must post and settle the Kasasa Cash account. Transactions may take one or more banking days from the date transaction was made to post to and settle the account. ATM-processed transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card transactions. Transfers between your accounts with us do not count as qualifying transactions. “Monthly Qualification Cycle� means a period beginning one day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one day prior to the close of the current statement cycle. Limit one account per SSN. Available to personal accounts only. Nationwide ATM fees waived up to five times per statement cycle. Nonsufficient funds fees and miscellaneous fees apply to all Kasasa accounts.