Lifestyle Magazine - January 2016

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY JANUARY 2016

SPECIAL FEATURE

CULINARY

ART NOW

INSPIRED WEDDINGS

ITALIAN WEDDING CUISINE

SHANE GUFFOGG

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ART NOW

SHANE GUFFOGG AND THE CURIOUS LINE

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World-renowned artist, Shane Guffogg, presents an exhibit in his hometown of Lindsay, CA.

ITALIAN WEDDING CUISINE Trés Bien Tailored Cuisine crafts an Italian wedding menu to inspire brides.

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INSPIRED WEDDINGS Lifestyle’s special wedding feature presents Tulare County brides with examples of real local weddings, regional vendors, and ideas for your special day.

10 Wordplay 12 History: A Fitting Tribute to Those Who Battled Blazes 24 Featured Venue: Koetsier Ranch 28 Real Weddings: Dan and Jordan 32 Real Weddings: Brandon and Larissa 36 Real Weddings: Kara and Gunnar 40 Real Weddings: Destination California

TRAVEL

A HONEYMOON JOURNEY THROUGH THAILAND

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SPECIAL FEATURE

8 Letter from the Executive Editor

CULINARY

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Laura Pires and her husband embark on an exotic honeymoon adventure through Thailand.

44 Tablescape: It’s All in the Details 50 Sip: Signature Wedding Cocktails 56 Happenings

COVER: The decorated pavilion at Koetsier Ranch for Daisy and Simon’s wedding reception. Photo by Third Element Photography and Cinema.

TOP: Daisy and Simon entering their reception at Koetsier Ranch. Photo by Third Element Photography and Cinema.

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Koetsier Ranch’s trademark water wheel adds a rustic charm to the landscape.

Photo by Third Element Photography and Cinema.

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FR O M TH E

EDITOR

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or years my friends told me it would be this way, and the story was always the same – “you won’t believe how goofy in love you’ll be with a grandchild.”

Although I heard what they were saying, it wasn’t something I fully understood. Not until December 27, 2016 at exactly 8:30 p.m. when my daughter, Taylor, gave birth to Elijah James Johnson. Just typing the words brings tears to my eyes. Taylor

maybe you should wait until a little of this exuberance wears off.

As much as I would like to focus entirely on my new grandson, we do have an amazing issue of Lifestyle waiting for you. Every January we set aside some space for the only subject as exciting as babies – weddings. Even though our societal mores have changed, people still wear white gowns, exchange rings, and eat cake. If you or someone you

Thank you for indulging a new grandmother a chance to brag a little, and for being dedicated readers of Lifestyle. We are very optimistic about what we have in store for the upcoming year, and are excited to share our stories with you.

E X E C U T I V E

E D I T O R

K A R E N

T E L L A L I A N

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

actually had gone into labor in the early morning hours the day before, and some crazy 40 hours later, blessed me with a priceless gift as I watched little Eli come into this world and my daughter become a mother.

Since my first glimpse at his precious little face, I’ve been totally and completely in love. I remember feeling over-the-moon when my own children were born, but this is remarkably different. Maybe it’s because I am not experiencing the same amount of anxiousness over his care; I am free to feel nothing but pure, unbridled joy.

Earlier this week, a business associate asked me if I had a photo, and I responded by asking what time she would like me to schedule her for a slide show presentation. So, unless you are ready to devote a chunk of time to look at “Mimi’s” portfolio,

8 L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

know is planning a wedding, you will want to share this issue with them. Inside are tips on venues, tablescapes, and menu ideas, as well as photos of local and destination weddings.

A new year always brings a renewed sense of hope and opportunity and so far, 2016 has been just that. Thank you for indulging a new grandmother a chance to brag a little, and for being dedicated readers of Lifestyle. We are very optimistic about what we have in store for the upcoming year, and are excited to share our stories with you.

Congratulations Taylor, Tim, and Elijah Johnson – you have such a wonderful life ahead together, and I am so blessed to be able to tag along for a while.

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

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n fairy tales and romance novels, the wedding is the conclusion, but in real life, the wedding is the beginning, the marriage is the rest of the story.

Fates and Furies (Riverhead Books, September 2015) by Lauren Groff tells that story for Lotto and Mathilde. A glamorous couple, wed at 22, seem to have a perfect union, but the truth is far more complex. The novel is a comedy and a tragedy. It explores creativity, perception, betrayal, and redemption. Groff’s story was named the best book of the year by NPR, Time, numerous newspapers, the Library Journal, and others.

In First You Try Everything (Harper, January 2012) by Jane McCafferty, Evvie and Ben have been sweethearts since college. Their marriage has survived on their love of music, passionate idealism, and shared challenges. But now Ben is showing signs of wanting out, and Evvie is desperate to keep him, so much so that she will try anything, even a fake kidnapping. McCafferty’s newer books are Thank You for the Music and One Heart.

Another conflicted husband shocks his wife in Kristyn Kusek Lewis’ Save Me (Grand Central Publishing, December 2014). Daphne and Owen are doctors in a 10 year relationship when Owen tells her he has fallen for someone else. Then, before that shock subsides, Owen’s new love is in an accident and he calls on Daphne for help.

VALLEY WRITERS Lucky Ducky (Traveling Sun Publishing, July 2015) is Clovis author Barbara Carpenter’s second book for children.

The title character is the runt of his family who sets off on a journey to find a friend who can help him fly. Carpenter’s first book Moe Fish the Slow Fish (Create Space, December 2014) is about a fish 10 L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

who wants to become a fast fish. It includes pages to color.

Former Reedley High School teacher Donald Edwards has his characters flying much higher and faster in his debut novel Destiny: A Quest for a New World (Amazon Digital Services, August 2015).

With earth’s resources being depleted, a crew of the most intelligent young men and women on earth are sent to colonize an inhabitable planet orbiting one of the nearer stars.

publisher, established him as a major American poet.

Other writers publishing in 1916 were L. Frank Baum, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Franz Kafka, H.G. Wells, Robert Frost, Ezra Pound, Albert Einstein, and W.B. Yeats.

LITERARY FICTION Is literary fiction popular fiction?

While some others argue that literary works can’t compete with genre fiction in the popular market, an article on electricliterature.com argues that comparing individual genres to literary fiction as a genre shows that those who postulate that literary fiction only appeals to those who read with elite snobbery are not looking at the facts.

BOOKS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN

100 YEARS AGO IN LITERATURE James Joyce published his first novel, the semi-autobiographical A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man in 1916. The young protagonist rebels against his Catholic and Irish heritage. Joyce used a technique called free indirect speech rather than realism in the novel.

Mark Twain’s unfinished novel, The Mysterious Stranger, was published posthumously. Twain wrote multiple versions of the story. The published version was compiled by Albert Bigelow Paine.

Carl Sandburg’s collection, Chicago Poems, his first from a mainstream

The Harvest Gypsies: On the Road to the Grapes of Wrath from Heyday Books, reprints John Steinbeck’s 1936 series of newspaper articles on migrant farm workers in the San Joaquin and other farming areas of California. The migrants he studied became models for his characters in The Grapes of Wrath. The articles still carry an impact.

The introduction is by Charles Wollenberg.

Fresno Growing Up: A City Comes of Age: 1945-1985 (Craven Books, 2015) by Stephen H. Provost, tells the story of a city abruptly shifting from a small town to the fastest growing city in the country.

Many familiar Fresno names and places are fondly recalled.

THE LAST WORD “Getting married, for me, was the best thing I ever did. I was suddenly beset with an immense sense of release, that we have something more important than our separate selves, and that is the marriage.

There's immense happiness that can come from working towards that.”

– Nick Cave (1957 - )

A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THOSE

Who Battled Blazes O

ne of the nightmares faced by settlers in old west towns was hearing the dreaded word “fire.” The wooden buildings heated with wood burning fireplaces and stoves and lighted with kerosene lamps were easy targets for renegade flames.

Visalia was one of those old west towns, but despite its vulnerability, the town luckily avoided the devastation so often experienced in other communities.

Exactly why it did is not clear.

Founded in 1852, in the early days of its existence, Visalia fought fires with volunteer bucket brigades, organized spontaneously as needed using water

from the seasonally flowing Mill Creek.

In 1860, there was an attempt to organize a fire department, but tension over Civil War issues made coming together for any purpose difficult, so it didn't happen.

By mid 1869, with the support of the Visalia Board of Trustees (town council), a volunteer fire department was created. By July, the newly formed company was asking the city fathers to provide a building to house the engine the company was purchasing.

Wiley Watson, president (Mayor) of the board, thanked the fire company for their “unremitting energy and activity T EXT

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in organizing a fire department for the protection of our town.” He appointed Trustee A. J. Atwell as a committee of one to find a suitable building to be used as an engine house.

Soon Visalia purchased a used Button & Blake steam engine for $1,002 from Marysville, California. By September the engine was housed in rented space in the old brick building that had been the National Restaurant.

Three years later, on April 25, 1872, Joseph F. Myers, foreman of Eureka Fire Company No. 1, shared the good news with the community – David R. Douglas had donated a lot on the

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A site photograph of the 1948 fire department memorial at the Visalia Cemetery as it appears today.

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southeast corner of Acequia and Church streets on which a firehouse could be built. In 1872, a fine brick engine house was built on the property. Four years later, the building was turned over to the city and a second story added for city offices and meeting space.

For the next three decades or so, the Visalia Fire “laddies” fought fires, big and small, throughout the town at places like the flour mill, Steven's Warehouse, Kaweah Livery Stable, and Shifferts Cigar Store. As the town grew, the company added more equipment that was all man powered or horse drawn.

Because of the importance of the fire horses, the animals were given special treatment and became celebrities in the community. In 1893, for example, the engine horses, John and Ed, had an interesting diet. The Visalia Daily Morning Delta reported that the horses, named after prominent local men, John F. Jordan and E. O. Miller, “will eat almost any kind of food.” It was revealed that they loved watermelon, candy, and were particularly fond of figs. The newspaper added that it was interesting to watch the horses eat plums and spit out the stones.

The training of the horses was especially important. Quick response to a fire alarm was essential, so the horses were trained to listen for the alarm and move quickly at the firehouse into position for hitching. The firemen felt pride witnessing the highly synchronized and efficient routine as it brought enjoyment to those interested in a demonstration.

By January 1911, the fire company was in the market for another piece of equipment, and of course, something horse-driven was on the firemen's minds. The Visalia Board of Trustees, however, was leaning toward a gasoline

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powered fire engine. The board eventually won the debate and in April 1912, it was announced that the trustees had placed an order for a new $9,000 gasoline powered Gorham fire engine.

On February 7, 1913, the 94-horsepower gasoline fire truck arrived in Visalia. The horse-drawn era was over.

Soon there would be more modern era changes in store for the fire department.

Since the department began in 1869, it had been staffed almost exclusively by volunteers. Recruitment was not a problem as serving was considered an honor and privilege. In fact, those fortunate enough to be selected

paid dues and attended meetings.

The volunteer force held fundraisers, marched in parades, and when duty called, the dedicated group was usually first on the scene of a fire. During these fires, they damaged their clothing and gear and suffered injuries, all for the privilege of serving the community.

By 1935, things began to change. The Visalia City Council started to consider a radical change in the way the fire service was delivered to the town of 8,000. The council consulted with State Fire Marshal Jay Stevens and Loren Bush, Engineer for the Board of Fire Underwriters.

Both men appeared before council and Stevens spoke very bluntly saying, “There is no doubt as to the need for

change. We have been wondering just how long you would get by. It is just luck that you haven't had a real conflagration. Visalia is too large and has too much valuable property to depend upon volunteers. No matter how willing volunteers are, firefighting is a business and you've got to have trained men.”

Bush also addressed the council adding that replacing the volunteer department with paid firefighters would likely result in a fire insurance rate reduction. He added that regardless of council action, much of the department's fire equipment was obsolete and needed to be replaced. On September 1, 1935, the era of a volunteer force ended.

Community support for its firefighters has been strong since the organization began nearly 150 years ago.

But over the years, one of the biggest proponents of local firefighters has been Visalia Fire Chief Walter A. Wood, who was head of the department from 1945 to 1967. He came up with the idea for a Fireman's Memorial monument in 1947, and in that year, Chief Wood and local attorney N. F. Bradley began raising money for the handsome memorial marker honoring deceased Visalia firefighters. The Visalia Cemetery provided a suitable place for it on a prominent corner lot, and by 1948, thanks to the generosity of many, the monument was in place. The special hallowed ground was dedicated by Chief Wood on May 31. It continues to stand today as a tribute to those who unselfishly jeopardized their lives for the safety of others.

The original Visalia steam engine in front of the Visalia Fire Department engine house on the southeast corner of Church and Acequia streets. Circa 1905.

ART NOW

Guffogg’s work hanging in his Strathmore studio.

SHANE GUFFOGG AND THE CURIOUS LINE L

indsay, California is a fairly remote town in Tulare County, California, fully 5,566 miles from St. Petersburg, Russia, one of the world’s great art capitals. Those two disparate locations – the former rural and relatively upstart, compared with St. Petersburg’s long and storied past, urbanity, and art historical significance – couldn’t be more absurdly juxtaposed.

So what line possibly connects them? Currently, that would be the one drawn by artist Shane Guffogg, a Lindsay native and longtime Los Angeles resident (longtime readers may recall Lifestyle Magazine’s Jan. ’08 issue’s feature on Guffogg).

Guffogg held exhibitions in two very different locales in 2015; a solo show titled GUFFOGG at the Imperial Academy of Art Museum in St. Petersburg, currently the largest in Russia by any living American artist; and the second a 30-year retrospective

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of his artwork mounted in the more modest location of Lindsay, whose citizens converted their vacated former public library into an art gallery and historical museum.

A previous retrospective of his career

was held in Naples, Italy. The attention has landed him in the European media including popular talk shows. Guffogg was even featured in a cooking segment on Good Morning St. Petersburg, as

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well as a morning talk show in Rome.

It seems that in Europe, artists are treated as celebrities or even rock stars, while the very same individuals may go completely unrecognized by the media and general public in the U.S. The closest to mass media Guffogg has gotten in the U.S. was thanks to an innovative Los Angeles billboard series that features images by top contemporary artists, which recently included his work along with many other notables including the famed conceptual artist Ed Ruscha, for whom Guffogg once served as studio assistant.

“It's one thing to make art and show it locally; it's a whole other ballgame to show your art on the world stage. I think it's something every artist dreams of, but it's not so easy to attain,” said Guffogg. “The people in my hometown have either watched my career, or heard about it through the grapevine, and they were all

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CENTER: Shane Guffogg with his artwork, shot by highly notable LA photographer, Jim McHugh.

JOHN K. SULLIVAN, DDS JOSEPH M. MARVIZI, DDS

very excited to have me back,” he says of the show he suggested.

So arguably, Guffogg’s career did not need any boost from a Lindsay venue, which is off the art world’s beaten path, to say the least. But the sentimental value to Guffogg was considerable, offering a chance for reflection on how far he has come, now in his early 50s with a child of his own. Future shows for 2016 include the Pushkin Museum in Moscow, then on to the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, where the Russian exhibition will travel in the fall. He said he wanted Lindsay kids like him to see a path in the arts that they might not otherwise consider.

No one is more aware of his unlikely story than Guffogg himself, who keeps studios in both L.A. and even humblerthan-Lindsay town of Strathmore, just

much of contemporary art generally, there is much more than meets the eye.

Conceptually, these are lines of another sort.

Not unlike the gestural records of Jackson Pollock’s mid-century masterpieces, Guffogg tames abstract, unruly masses with a masterful hand, casting a classical light that locks form into surface, the abstract made flesh.

The spiritual glow and Renaissance palette are not accidental. Like Pollock, Guffogg makes a physical record via calligraphic marks, but he doesn’t stop there. Whereas Pollock’s lines constituted a sort of finality laid down in service of a nonobjective artwork, Guffogg subjugates line by pushing gesture even further, into representation. The results are perhaps more akin in spirit not to Pollock, but to

such rigid strictures.

In fact, Guffogg has long been interested in historical painting. Some of his earliest works, currently on view in his Lindsay retrospective, reveal a fascination with earlier art eras. He was known to make drawing copies of the Mona Lisa and other famous artworks.

After graduating high school in Strathmore, he headed to Europe, where he recalls a transformative moment standing in front of Da Vinci’s "The Last Supper," where he says he had an epiphany of sorts and knew what his art was to become.

That interest in Leonardo persists to this day. Guffogg has devoted an entire series to a singular work of the master’s, Portrait of Ginevra de Benci, whose intricate curls and fine lines provide seemingly endless fascination

the famed Pop Art of Roy Lichtenstein’s massive brushstroke sculptures, which elevate single paint strokes to the ultimate gesture.

Layer upon layer of Guffogg’s translucent paint medium, sometimes 80 or more in a single painting, result in luminous surfaces that shimmer and invite close scrutiny, recalling both the art historical past’s glazing techniques just as his impulses clearly locate the work in the present. The late abstraction champion and top New York critic of his day, Clement Greenberg, might be mortified philosophically at abstraction’s suggested servitude to representational painting, but artists long ago overthrew

for Guffogg.

“I had an image of Leonardo's painting taped to my studio wall that I was constantly looking at to visually converse with, and by that I mean I would take a small section of the painting and follow the lines or contours, replicate the colors, etc. That got me thinking more about portraiture, which got me thinking more about the physical world instead of the idea of things.

That led me to start painting with a wider brush, to create movements that were more three dimensional, and I began painting these brush strokes as real things, so, in essence, I am making abstraction my subject matter, which

ART NOW

down the road where his parents moved him to their farm while still a schoolboy.

“The last painting I made in Strathmore is now in Russia. It was amusing to see the painting first in Strathmore, unstretch it, and roll onto a tube, drive it to L.A., then have it picked up by a crating company in L.A., then see it a month later in Russia, re-stretched and hanging on a museum wall. I couldn't help but smile as I walked through the museum, remembering where and when I made certain paintings.”

Like that invisible line between Lindsay and Russia, the convoluted lines appearing in Guffogg’s works may seem absurd in their own right. But as with 18 L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

Guffogg’s solo exhibition titled GUFFOGG at the Imperial Academy of Art Museum in St. Petersburg Russia.

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then makes me a realist.

My new paintings are painted with numerous light sources that cast shadows, creating a trompe l'oeil effect. And, to add to the nod to figurative art, I use a lot of flesh tones for these movements.”

Guffogg says the wider brush makes the images more calligraphic and, especially for the large paintings, more physical. “I like to think of them as portraits of wordless poems.”

Contemporary art world audiences have warmed to the former Tulare County boy’s distinctive take on art. As proof, his works are now included in private collections around the world, and has art dealer representation in L.A., Chicago, and Europe. His works have been seen in auction houses from Monaco to New York. Numerous entertainment industry figures and L.A. celebrities like Meg Ryan and others own his work, among others.

But what does this internationallyknown art world figure’s art have to say to locals in a Central California town whose art enthusiasts might prefer Western Art or pastoral landscapes featuring cattle? “I think that if artists are really pursuing their truth, and I use a capitol “T” there, then the Truth goes beyond the maker and speaks to people,” says Guffogg. “I set out many years ago to make art that would speak to people all over the world, to find that universal visual language and present it through paint. Based on how things have been going, I would say that is happening.”

We cite as proof the t-shirt produced on occasion of the local show for Guffogg by the Lindsay Art Gallery organizers, which lists his exhibiting cities: “Los Angeles | Chicago | New York | Rome | Napoli | Venice | St. Petersburg | Paris | Lindsay.” So even the small town residents exhibit appreciation for a ART NOW

little absurd irony, as well as a great deal of pride in Guffogg, their localboy-made-good.

After the Lindsay show closes this winter (its run was recently extended), the artist hopes to continue his presence in Tulare County. He sees it as an affordable alternative to L.A. for artmaking in a post-’08 economy. “Of course, Tulare County is a universe away in terms of its culture and density of people, but it also has some things which are sought after by artists: Affordable living; space; and quiet.

A lot of artists have left New York since it's too expensive, and they're making their way to Detroit because it's affordable and there are plenty of buildings to live and work in,” said Guffogg.

He also points out Marfa, Texas, which was the home of the New York sculptor Donald Judd. “He made Marfa, a completely unknown town in the middle of nowhere, into a destination for art lovers and creative people. Los Angeles is now viewed globally as the art center of the world, which is both good and bad. Good because there is a lot of creative energy happening everywhere, bad because artists are moving to L.A. from all over, making studios more expensive. The downtown Arts District in L.A. is now pushing out the artists as the real estate becomes more valuable.

I look at the empty store fronts on Main Street in Porterville or Lindsay and wonder, what would happen if some artists used them for studios or galleries?”

Guffogg thinks his show in Lindsay could be the beginning of something like that. “Time will tell, of course, but I do plan on being more involved in the area, as my schedule allows. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and, as artists need space to live and work, places like Lindsay could easily become homes for a handful of artists.”

Back to Front

The Abduction of Rembrandt

Odic #8

CLOSING GUFFOGG RECEPTION The Closing Reception for the Shane Guffogg Retrospective will be held at the Lindsay Museum/Gallery, on Jan. 30, 5-8 p.m. Refreshments will be provided, as well as an opportunity to talk with the L.A.-based, internationally-known contemporary artist who is a Lindsay native.

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edding inspiration is easy to come by, but finding local inspiration isn’t always readily available. Lifestyle Magazine is giving you insight into some of Tulare County’s real weddings, venues, photographers, and so much more to help you get ready for your wedding day.

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E LE ME N T

P H OTO G R A P H Y

&

C I N EMA

WEDDING SPECIAL

I

t’s no secret that a girl is a bride long before she even gets the ring. She spends countless hours dreaming up, planning, and “pinning” wedding ideas in hopes that someday, she might get to see it all come to life. Brenda and Henry Koetsier, owners of Koetsier Ranch in Visalia, know this well, which is why they have dedicated more than 10 years to making sure couples have the perfect

wedding day.

Brenda has always planned parties and even hosted several family weddings on their property, so starting their catering business in 2002 felt natural. “I thought ‘Oh, I could do this.’

I just loved it,” said Brenda. It didn’t take long for the Koetsier’s to start expanding, and in 2004 they built the barn where Brenda has cooked and

hosted thousands of events.

“We built on the property we have lived on for 30 years,” said Brenda. “We built the barn so I could have a kitchen, and it has evolved into quite a business.”

Since 2004, Koetsier Ranch has seen multiple facelifts, additions, and countless brides. One of the largest and most popular additions is the outdoor pavilion that can fit up to 400 guests.

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After the market crashed in 2007, Brenda and Henry noticed budgets were tight and brides weren’t booking as far out as they did before.

“Henry thought that maybe we should add on a pavilion where it’s covered so we don’t have to worry about bringing in tents because that added quite a bit more to their budgets,” said Brenda. “So we ended up doing that, and ever since then, we’ve been back to booking way further out.”

Brenda says that Koetsier Ranch is a never-ending project for them. They are always looking for new ways to improve and stay current with the latest wedding trends.

“We are always changing,” said Brenda.

“The outdoor ceremony area has moved multiple times and has gotten prettier as the years have gone on. Recently we redid the part of the pool house where the bride walks in by adding cement for the bride’s convenience. So we’ll always have something for new brides to look forward to. I’ve found out that unless you’re always improving, I think venues get kind of old or stale, so to keep brides wanting to come, you have to be willing to make changes.”

Even with the expansion of Koetsier Ranch with added amenities and improved services, Brenda and Henry remain as involved now as they were on day one.

“I’m very hands-on,” said Brenda. “I’m still in the kitchen overseeing everything to make sure it’s all put together. I meet with the brides and go over everything they’re hoping their wedding is going to be. We do offer a day of wedding coordinator, but the girls can bring their own wedding planner if they choose to do so.”

Koetsier Ranch provides a variety of options for catering, tables and chairs for the ceremony and reception, linens, and much more. They work with the bride and groom every step of the way and have a full staff to make sure everything runs smoothly. Koetsier Ranch also has a pool house for brides to get ready in, manicured lawns for ceremony and photo ops, a large pavilion for the reception, and a modern barn with a full bar and kitchen. Brenda and Henry have listened closely to brides throughout the years to figure out exactly what it is they want and need to make their day special.

“When people leave, they seem to

always say we have the best staff and service,” said Brenda. “We’re kind of like a little family. And usually the moms, dads, brides, and grooms all say it was better than they even thought it could be.”

With few wedding venue options in the Visalia area, Koetsier Ranch is known for being a place where each wedding can look completely different from the next. Brides with decent budgets can transform Koetsier Ranch into anything they desire, whether it’s a shabby chic rustic wedding, a black tie affair, or a non-traditional theme; a few of Brenda’s favorites include a peacock themed wedding and a circus wedding. No matter what each bride wants, Brenda always makes sure she treats them like family.

“I say that every bride is my bride, and when they’re done, they can move on,” said Brenda. “When it’s their turn, it’s all about them, and they’re all so different and amazing. One of our favorite aspects of being in the wedding business is coming into the lives of these brides and grooms and becoming friends with them. Usually by the time it ends, we are friends.”

Featured Wedding COUPLE

DAISY & SIMON VENUE AND CATERING

KOETSIER RANCH DRESS DESIGN

HELENA ETCHART OF WHAT'S UP EUROPE FLOWERS/DÉCOR

NIDIA'S FLOWERS CAKE/DESSERTS

GOURMET DESSERTS PHOTOGR APHY

ZACH NILES OF THIRD ELEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMA Third Element Photography & Cinema has been serving Visalia since 2007. They specialize in all-inclusive wedding photography and cinema services with a commitment to professionalism and quality. Third Element believes in weddings done right and giving their clients everything they need with options for everything they want.

One with Nature THE REAL WEDDING OF

dan

&

jordan

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VENUE

WHITE HORSE INN WEDDING

You can’t get much sweeter than this intimate wedding in Three Rivers. Soft natural colors, low-lit lanterns, and delicate details create an atmosphere almost as pleasant as the couple themselves. There may have been a little unwelcome rain, but we like to think rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck.

PHOTOGR APHY

SIMPLY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Amber Smith of Simply Smith Photography is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Visalia area. Her philosophy is to create images that tell a story and represent exactly who her clients are. As a wife and mother of two boys, Amber considers her family her life.

WEDDING SPECIAL

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Light Sheer Duet | Vein Treatment | Hair Restoration-Revage 670 | Sublative | IPL-Photorejuventation | Refirm | Pelleve | BOTOX® | Juvederm® | Radiesse® | Belotero Balance® Juvederm Voluma XC® | Hydrafacial | European Facial | Pigment Balancing Peel | Alpha Beta® Peel | Viora | Eyelash Extensions | Waxing | B12 Injections | VISIA-skin analysis Obagi | Clarisonic® MD | Glominerals | Vivite® Lip Plumper | Skin Ceuticals | Latisse® | Vanquish

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All medical procedures and consultations are performed by a physician

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ONE with NATURE Wedding Style: Style Couple: Jordan & Dan Venue: White Horse Inn Photography: THE REAL WEDDING Simply Smith PhotographyOF

br andon Amber Smith of Simply Smith Photography is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Visalia area. Her philosophy is to create images that tell a story and represent exactly who her clients are. As a wife and mother of two boys, Amber considers her family her life.

&

larissa

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VENUE

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH AND VICTORIAN GARDENS BY FUGAZZIS WEDDING

There is nothing like a beautiful church wedding to remind us of where weddings got their start.

Brandon and Larissa’s classic Visalia wedding shows how simplicity can be just as elegant as an extravagant setting.

PHOTOGR APHY

SIMPLY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Amber Smith of Simply Smith Photography is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Visalia area. Her philosophy is to create images that tell a story and represent exactly who her clients are. As a wife and mother of two boys, Amber considers her family her life.

WEDDING SPECIAL

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Rustic Chic THE REAL WEDDING OF

gunnar

&

kar a

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VENUE

COUNTRY M RANCH WEDDING

Pale pinks and golds, vintage touches, and mini pumpkins are a few of our favorite things. This playful Tulare County wedding reflects the bubbly personalities the bride and groom bring out in each other, while still showing their romantic side.

PHOTOGR APHY

SIMPLY SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY Amber Smith of Simply Smith Photography is a wedding and lifestyle photographer in the Visalia area. Her philosophy is to create images that tell a story and represent exactly who her clients are. As a wife and mother of two boys, Amber considers her family her life.

WEDDING SPECIAL

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pilates reformer:

Private | Semi-Private | Group Lessons | Ballet Booty Barre Classes

Layne Rodrigues owner/certified instructor 559.904.3912 layne@flowstudios.net

www.flowstudios.net

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DestinatiOn CALIFORNIA

L

iving in the Central Valley has its perks, like being just a few hours from some of California’s most beautiful locations.

With so many great spots just a hop, skip, and a jump away, a destination wedding is much more doable for Central Valley residents. Take a look at these four destination weddings just a few hours from home.

SAN FR ANCISCO - FARNAZ & RAHUL - SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL WEDDING - Both Persian and Indian customs collided beautifully inside San Francisco City Hall during Farnaz and Rahul’s elaborate destination wedding.

COUPLE VENUE

San Francisco

PISMO BEACH - HA & ALLEN - THE CLIFFS RESORT WEDDING - Ha and Allen planned an intimate wedding in their favorite sleepy beach town overlooking the ocean in Pismo Beach.

COUPLE VENUE

San Francisco

Pismo Beach

WEDDING SPECIAL

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Pismo Beach

GOODIES COOKIES Speciality Cakes & Desserts

Honesty + Integrity + Trust Melany Gambini 559.786.2274

gambini@dsrealtyinc.com BRE#01979616

Kirk Coverston, MD, Pediatrics Ashkan Attaran, MD, cardiology Candice Lovelace, DO, internal Medicine Ammon Rasmussen, MD, general surgery Jason Mihalcin, DO, orthoPedic surgery Alberto Ruvalcaba, MD, FaMily Medicine Ben Brennan, MD, FaMily Medicine Chad Oberer, MD, gastroenterology 1613 E. Noble Ave, Visalia, CA 93292 | (559) 625-4663 goodiescookies.com Natalie Fronczek & Sandy Gaalswyk

VMCHealth.com

Visalia Medical Clinic An affiliate of Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation

739.2000

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NAPA VALLEY - DEVON & MATT - CALISTOGA RANCH WEDDING - Devon and Matt chose an all-inclusive venue for their wedding, with their gorgeous reception taking place inside a wine cave.

COUPLE VENUE

CENTR AL COAST - TINA & JAKE - SANTA MARGARITA RANCH WEDDING - Tina and Jake brought together elements of both American and Persian wedding traditions for their wedding along the Central Coast.

PHOTOGR APHY - ZACH NILES OF THIRD ELEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMA COUPLE VENUE

Napa Valley

WEDDING SPECIAL

Third Element Photography & Cinema has been serving Visalia since 2007. They specialize in allinclusive wedding photography and cinema services with a commitment to professionalism and quality. Third Element believes in weddings done right and giving their clients everything they need with options for everything they want.

Central Coast

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Central Coast

Napa Valley

THE CRUISE EXPERTS AGENCY 2016 ANNUAL

SHOW Isn’t it time to check a couple of trips off your Bucket List? Join us for an hour and learn about nine great travel opportunities this year, designed just for you and how you like to travel. All-inclusive with flights and transfers, perfectly planned, everything taken care of, and best of all…you’ll save hundreds of dollars with our special group rates!

An amazing wedding begins at a great bridal show

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The Big Apple, the Baseball Hall of Fame, & those Magnificent Falls!

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We offer a variety of customizable solutions to make the most of your closet for you or your guests.

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For more information call 559-625-5139

111 S Cour t St • Downtown

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615 North Plaza Drive Visalia, CA 93291 559.334.6996 L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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It’s All In The Details

S

oft feminine colors, lush greenery, handwritten gems, and some incredibly talented creatives; these are a few of the elements needed to create the perfect tablescape for a simple spring wedding.

A number of fabulous local vendors came together to craft a table as timeless as weddings themselves.

STYLE GUIDE PARKER SEVEN SYCAMORES

PHOTOGR APHY – JESSICA VENUE – HISTORIC

FLOR AL, STATIONERY, AND CALLIGR APHY

CRISTAL JONES DESIGNS EVENT DESIGN AND STYLING KIM RICO OF DROPS OF HONEY DESIGNS TABLE TOP RENTALS – WALKER LEWIS RENTS LINENS – DETAILS PARTY RENTALS

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WEDDING SPECIAL

the

gardens at cal turf, tulare

950 north j street I tulare I 559. 688. 2084 thegardensatcalturf.com www.22367ave296.info | 2,987 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1.7 acres

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BRE Lic. #01810074

robynegraham@gmail.com

Now booking for private events!

gifts, outdoor event space, nursery & design

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Italian Wedding

CUISINE P

icking a wedding menu is almost as important as selecting your wedding dress (almost). While the day is about you and your new spouse, you want your guests to enjoy every minute. One of the best ways to ensure your guests have a good time is by serving a menu they won’t be able to forget.

Elaine Dakessian of TrĂŠs Bien Tailored Cuisine, a Visalia based catering company, has prepared a wedding menu to boast about. From the cocktail hour to the main course, make sure your wedding guests savor every last bite.

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Beautiful custom home in the Chardonnay gated community. The large living and dining rooms open to a custom kitchen with tons of cabinetry and granite counters. The spacious master suite has glass privacy brick and more custom cabinetry in the bath. Three additional bedrooms plus the game/play room give plenty of space for family or guests. A flower-filled front yard beckons, and the back yard features a covered patio. The 3 car garage offers one oversized bay for a motor home or boat and an attached shop area.

Sherman & Associates specializes in upscale Visalia residential properties. With over 30 years experience Nola Sherman is “the recommended realtor.�

Sold on real experience. chef elaine dakessian 559.936.1260 elaine_ds@hotmail.com elainestresbien.com

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Concord Ave.

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HORS D’OEUVRES Anti pasti skewers with Genoa salami, Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, basil, pepperoncini and heirloom tomatoes drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

CROSTONI Grilled bread with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and sage.

SALAD Insalata Caprese with olive oil poached tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, lemon zest, and basil drizzled with basil olive oil.

Main Course CHICKEN WELLINGTON Stuffed chicken breast with ricotta, fontina, parsley, and mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry and garnished with lemon scented Parmesan cream.

Served with steamed baby red potatoes with rosemary, sea salt & olive oil, and sauteed baby spinach with caramelized shallots.

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Investigative Services SP EC IALIZIN G I N

Criminal Defense & Civil Investigations

Dale R. Bruder ATTORNEY AT LAW

• Family Law/Divorce • Business Litigation • Estate Planning & Probate

Martindale - Hubbell Per Review Rating: “BV® Distinguished™” Rating for 16 Years!

Very High Rating in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards

Client Review Rating: 5 out of 5 “[Mr. Bruder] certainly appears to have gone the extra mile…When we’re faced with a judge who seems to have his or her own agenda or simply to have gone off the rails…First, do what Bruder did here; support every motion, every request, and every objection with solid evidence, documents, and points and authorities.”

California Family Law Report (Vol.34) S C OT T R. JA M ES I I P RIVATE INVESTIG ATOR

www.DaleBruder.com

2402 W. Main St., Visalia 559.352.6982

PrivateInvestigationsCa.com

559.733.3727 2534 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.733.3707

We Help Patients Make Good Decisions Dr. Michael Bodensteiner has provided dental care to families in Visalia and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We deliver unsurpassed comfortable dental care in a clean, safe and relaxing atmosphere.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Bodensteiner at our website www.visaliacadentist.com or call us at 559-635-0900. Our office will answer questions and make scheduling an appointment easy.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 1993

Michael T. Bodensteiner, DDS 559.635.0900 4148 S. Demaree St., Visalia, Ca 93277 just south of Caldwell in Carmel Plaza

Get to know Dr. B L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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BLACKBERRY CHAMPAGNE BELLINI INGREDIENTS 4 oz Champagne ½ oz Chambord Fresh raspberries Rosemary, a few sprigs DIRECTIONS Pour Chambord into bottom of champagne flute. Add champagne to fill the glass. Top with a few raspberries and a sprig of rosemary.

SIP

Signature WEDDING COCKTAILS STRAWBERRY MINT MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS 5 strawberries 5 fresh mint leaves 2 limes (1 for juice, 1 to garnish) 1 ½ oz vodka Ginger beer Crushed ice DIRECTIONS Place 3 strawberries and 3 mint leaves on bottom of moscow mule mug. Muddle together with a splash of ginger beer and lime juice.

Add vodka and stir. Top with ice and more ginger beer.

Garnish with strawberries, mint, and lime.

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BETTER THAN YOU IMAGINED

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Simply Exceptional…

The natural beauty of Victorian Garden provides the perfect location for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

Booking Now for 2016 and 2017 Events www.VictorianGardenVenue.com (559) 308-2577

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A HONEYMOON JOURNEY THROUGH

THAILAND

W

hen my husband and I were planning our wedding, we knew a honeymoon trip was a must. For us, being whisked away on an adventure to an unknown place was the ideal way to start our new life together.

With the pressure of making it a very special trip, and a world full of wonderful places to choose from, we decided to consult with a travel agent.

At our first meeting with her we discussed the type of honeymoon experience we wanted. We both agreed that we wanted it to be new for both us, so quickly ruled out anywhere either of us had previously traveled. My husband wanted some exciting activities, while I wanted somewhere we could soak in the sun.

Finally we discussed the hotels, and our agent stressed the importance of nicer accommodations for a honeymoon trip.

We agreed to splurge a little more in this area, but stressed we wanted to get the most value out of our modest budget.

Thailand was our honeymoon answer: adventure, romance, and luxury we could afford.

The day after our wedding, still full of bliss from our special day, we jetted off on our first adventure as Mr. and Mrs. After a long, but pleasant, direct flight on Thai Airways from Los Angeles to Bangkok, we arrived in our tropical honeymoon paradise. We had T E X T

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a few hours to kill in the airport until we boarded another flight to Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, where we stayed for four nights.

Thanks to the travel agent, every detail had been taken care of, from airport transfers and activities, to most of our meals. Our friendly, private tour guide greeted us at the airport and drove us to the amazing Puripunn Baby

Grand Boutique Hotel, in the heart of the city. This very intimate hotel has only thirty rooms, and at times it felt like we had the place to ourselves; a perfect lover’s escape from the rest of the world. Everything about the hotel was breathtaking, from the architecture and fabrics, to the tropical garden surrounding the pool and courtyard; we were completely transported from the city surrounding us.

We began our days in Chiang Mai with an amazing breakfast of exotic fruits we had never tasted before. The breakfast spread was as beautiful as it was delicious. Our private guide would A N D

P H O T O S

B Y

L A U R A

then arrive to pick us up for the day’s adventure. From long car rides to view the Golden Triangle, where the border of Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, to short excursions, our honeymoon agenda was a balanced mix of activity and downtime.

Our favorite day trip during our time in Chiang Mai was to the Chiang-Dao Chiang Mai Elephant Training Center. To enter the camp, which was tucked away in the jungle, we had to cross a river on a rickety old rope bridge, a thrilling feeling that would last the whole day.

The elephants at the camp were as marvelous as they were massive. An eco-tourism experience that let us interact with these amazing animals, while educating us on their history and future as a species. From feeding them bananas, to watching them paint, to riding them through the jungle to a private hut on the water for lunch, the well planned excursion was incredible.

As if that day wasn’t packed with enough adventure, on the car ride back we made an impromptu stop at Tiger Kingdom. Much more like an amusement park, Tiger Kingdom allows visitors to get up close and personal for a photo with tigers of just about every size and age. Being moderate thrill seekers, we opted for time with the smallest cubs, which also happened to be the cutest and safest. We had the chance to spend P I R E S

A temple in Bangkok

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about 15 minutes with a pair of frisky cubs. While their wiry fur was not the soft fluff of a kitten, petting them was much more exhilarating. The whole day was the kind of magical experience that we fondly look back on and think, “Wow, I can’t believe we got to do that.”

When our adventure was over in Chiang Mai, we took a flight to Phuket, an island in the Andaman Sea, where we enjoyed Thailand’s world famous beaches, for four fabulous days. Our hotel, Banyan Tree Phuket, was the epitome of romance. Our private villa included an open air bathtub in a quaint little courtyard, and our very own swimming pool. A pair of bicycles encouraged us to explore the resort, and just across from the grounds was the beach.

We were there in June, which is considered the off season, so the beach was quite empty making it very serene. There were several food huts right on the water, but only a couple were open. The evenings we spent on that beach, enjoying delicious Thai cuisine and exotic cocktails, listening to the waves crashing on the shore, were

the most romantic of the whole trip.

I’m not sure if it really was as deserted as we remember it, or if we were just so wrapped up in one another that the rest of the world melted away, but it truly was honeymoon heaven.

We took one day trip during our time in Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, via a packed cruise boat. To say the islands were beautiful would be a vast understatement. The soft white sand and crystal clear water was like something out of a movie. If I had to do it over, I would have stayed in one of the village resorts for a couple of nights, as the short day trip to these gorgeous islands left you dreaming of an anniversary trip back.

The last three days of our honeymoon were spent in Bangkok at another luxurious hotel that surprised us with champagne and chocolates waiting in our room, another perk of a well-coordinated honeymoon through a travel agent. Bangkok was an enriching experience where we really were immersed in Thai culture. From walking the street markets and seeing the bugs for sale that were considered delicacy, to visiting the Grand Palace,

a breathtaking sight that is one of the top tourist attractions in Thailand.

We also had an opportunity to take a boat ride through one of the vast floating markets, where locals pile fruit, vegetables, spices, and other goods upon boats to sell on the river. Finally, as the trip neared its end, we crammed in some shopping at the Bangkok Night Bazaar, a fun place to haggle over souvenirs while enjoying street food.

Ending our amazing honeymoon in the bustling city filled with busy people and honking traffic was actually a nice segue back into the real world.

As we boarded our flight home, we both vowed to come back again someday. For us, Thailand was the perfect honeymoon destination.

Having most everything planned out in advance by an experienced travel agent made everything extremely stress free; no haggling over where to go, how to get there, or trying to find “safe” places to eat. All we had to do was enjoy calling one another by our new names (husband and wife) and soak in all that Thailand had to offer us: adventure, romance, and luxury.

From long car rides to view the Golden Triangle, where the border of Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, to short excursions, our honeymoon agenda was a balanced mix of activity and downtime.

L A U R A

The rope bridge to enter the elephant camp.

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P I R E S

The Grand Palace in Bangkok.

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I came in after my knee surgery a battered & broken athlete; with the help of my therapist, I came out a new, improved and stronger athlete. Thank you PRO-PT. – Chris Flores

EXETER 134 South E Street Exeter, CA 93221 559-592-9000

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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HAPPENINGS

T H E AT R E & M U S I C

JOHNNY RIVERS ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND

THE BEACH BOYS AT THE FOX

The Rock ‘n’ Roll legend, Johnny Rivers, will be performing at the Visalia Fox Theatre in support of Hands in the Community. The singer/songwriter/ producer continues to perform before sellout crowds worldwide.

The “Secret Agent Man” has many other accomplishments and has made significant contributions to the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Come support a charitable cause in the community while listening to great music.

For the first time in more than 15 years, The Beach Boys are making their way to the Visalia Fox Theatre this winter. The beloved California band will perform with original lead singer and songwriter, Mike Love, and long-time band member Bruce Johnston. Tickets are currently on sale and cost between $59 and $99.

When: Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: FoxVisalia.org

CIRQUE ZICA – GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Cirque Ziva is currently performing Off-Broadway in New York City, but in just a few weeks, they'll be on stage at the Visalia Fox Theatre on a Saturday night. Their 2005 seven-week run at New York's New Victory Theater earned two prestigious New York Drama Desk Award nominations. This is a show for all ages with exquisite costumes, stupendous stunts and acrobatic feats you never imagined possible. Tickets are between $12 and $17.

When: Jan. 30, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: FoxVisalia.org

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When: Feb 27, 8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Lester Moon, 625-3822 or FoxVisalia.org

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

Month-to-Month Space Available

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24/7 Security and Access

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Call for our low rates

Janitorial Service

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For dependable commercial cleaning service ServiceMaster Clean can help.

Dumping Service

daily, weekly, or monthly janitorial service Medical & professional office cleaning VISALIA

RV& TRUCK STORAGE

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.

Aggregate floor cleaning Tile & grout cleaning

Office system cleaning Window washing Nearly any other cleaning you want

Carpet cleaning using various processes

ServiceMaster by Hellstern

Ron Hellstern owner 559.738.8927 Serving the Visalia area | Locally owned and operated for over 25 years

COLOR OF

NEW ENGLAND Join the Chamber for a slideshow presentation February 16th at 12:00 p.m. at the Chamber office

SEPTEMBER 22-OCTOBER 5, 2016 HIGHLIGHTS:

Boston, Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, Stowe, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Rocks Estate, North Conway, Lake Winnipesaukee, Kancamagus Highway, Boothbay Harbor, Lobster Dinner

$2,999 PER PERSON

(double occupancy) 8 days, 10 meals, roundtrip airfare from Fresno

For pricing or registration details call the Visalia Chamber of Commerce at 559-734-5876 or visit www.visaliachamber.org VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 222 N. Garden St. Suite 300, Visalia L I F E S T Y L E | J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 6

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ARTS VISALIA 21ST ANNUAL SOFA ART Sofa Art turns 21 in February and you're invited to the party! Equal parts community event and art exhibition, the Sofa Art Show is a highly-anticipated annual art show where any person who has an artistic inclination may display their creation. Sofa art will be on display nearly the whole month of February, with a special reception taking place on Friday, Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Attendance is free and open to the public.

ART EXHIBITS SHANE GUFFOGG CLOSING RECEPTION AND EXHIBIT World-renowned artist, Shane Guffogg, has returned to his hometown of Lindsay to host an art exhibit featuring his work. Much of Shane’s work consists of oil paintings with 50-60 layers of translucent colors mixed with a glazing medium, causing the paintings to seem illuminated from within. He has presented many exhibits throughout California and around the world.

Community members will have a chance to meet Guffogg at a closing reception that will take place at the end of January.

When: Jan. 30, 5 – 8 p.m.

Where: Lindsay Museum and Gallery, 265 N. Gale Hill, Lindsay Contact: 562-2684, ginny.wilson@gmail.com

When: Feb. 3 – Feb. 26 Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: ArtsVisalia.org

A BRIDAL ODYSSEY

DIVERSIONS & EXCU R S I O N S GEMBOREE: EXETER ROCK AND GEM SHOW The Tule Gem and Mineral King Society presents their Exeter Rock and Gem show with demonstrations, door prizes, food, gifts, raffles, silent auction, and more. Admission and parking is free.

When: Jan. 16 – 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Exeter Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Visalia Contact: tulegem.com

HAPPENINGS

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Attend Visalia’s premier bridal wedding show, where you can meet all of the vendors you’ll need for your special day. Gather your wedding party, and head down to the Wyndham Hotel to pick sample vendors, win prizes, and scope out the latest wedding trends.

Admission is $12 at the door, and brides can register online at abridalodyssey. com.

When: Jan. 17, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Visalia Wyndham Hotel, 9000 W. Airport Dr., Visalia Contact: abridalodyssey.com

Design.

Message.

Ideas.

For the last 10 years, DMI Agency principal, Karen Tellalian, together with a team of creative designers and strategic thinkers, has been helping Valley businesses with a full range of marketing needs.

From logos to radio and TV commercials, to mobile and website design, to social media, DMI Agency has the solution.

C A L L U S . W E C A N H E L P.

DMIAgency.com

Tropics by design

559.739.1747

Interior plantscaping and some simple design elements can make your place of business or home more warm and inviting.

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

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HAPPENINGS

49TH ANNUAL WORLD AG EXPO 2016 More than 1,400 exhibitors will be displaying the latest in farm equipment, chemicals, communications, and technology on 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. This event is open to the public and is $15 at the gate. Children six and under are free.

When: Feb. 9 – 11 Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: worldagexpo.com

C H A R I TA B L E EVENTS 6TH ANNUAL TULE FOG 5K RUN/WALK Staging at Cutler Park and taking place on the St. John's Trail, this is a great way to kick off the New Year. This event provides participants a great race with chip timing and healthy snacks.

Participants that sign up by Jan. 14 are guaranteed a dri-fit race shirt. Shirt and bib pick up will be on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Anthony Community Center. Divisions are broken up into age groups and it's $25 for the 5K Walk/Run, $25 for the 10K Run, and $15 for the Fun Run. For registration information, visit liveandplayvisalia.com.

WINE AND DINE FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Karl Merten, chef and owner of Café 225, is hosting a fundraising dinner to support Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County. Carl Rana, from Stefanelli Distributing Company, will pair wine with each course to provide the best flavor experience. Join Habitat for Humanity at Café 225 for a wonderful evening of great food, great wine, and a great cause.

When: Feb. 21, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Were: Café 225, 225 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 734-4040

When: Jan. 23, 7 a.m.

Where: Cutler Park, 15520 Ivanhoe Dr., Visalia, CA 93292 Contact: Jason Glick, 713-4365

THE CREATIVE CENTER’S SUPER BOWL SPRINT SPRINGFEST HOME AND PATIO SHOW Featuring over 350 home and patio exhibits, the South Valley's largest home show will help you transform your home for Spring. Join them for weekend seminars presented by gardening, remodeling, and D-I-Y experts, and enter to win a variety of merchant prizes in our annual Treasure Hunt and get lots of show specials and discounts. Tickets are $8 for adults, When: Feb. 12 - 14 Where: The Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: VisaliaHomeShows.com

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As The Creative Center Foundation’s primary fundraiser, they are bringing back this fun event for its fourth year in a row. Playing off the super bowl theme, there will be prizes and entertainment for participants. Before you head to your super bowl party, run a 5K or get in a 2-mile walk through Mooney Grove. To register, visit thecreativecenterfoundation.org or at Soul 2 Soul Sports.

When: Feb. 7 Where: Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: TheCreativeCenterFoundation.org

END OF THE TRAIL 1/2 MARATHON & 10K Register today for Visalia’s one and only historic End of the Trail Half-Marathon or 10K race. Whether you walk or run, join the Visalia Runners for a memorable experience with a new route that starts and ends in Downtown Visalia. Proceeds benefit Visalia high schools’ crosscountry teams.

When: Mar. 12, 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., and 8 a.m.

Where: Downtown Visalia, 315 E Main St., Visalia Contact: Joshua.hickey@gmail.com

SHAVER LAKE & MORRO BAY VACATION RENTALS

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JENNIFER JANNAK 208 W. Main St., Suite 3a Visalia, Ca. 93291 (562) 619.2163 IN STUDIO AS WELL AS ON LOCATION SERVICES AVAILABLE

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DR. STAN FEIL ON SITE MEDICAL DIRECTOR

COURTYARD AESTHETICS 112 N. AKERS RD., SUITE A, VISALIA, CA 93291 (559) 735-3117 | www.courtyardaesthetics.com

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