Lifestyle Magazine - November 2017

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY NOVEMBER 2017

HOME TOUR

EPICURE

TRAVEL

THE TYLER HOME

ALL THE FIXINGS

KYOTO, JAPAN

ECRWSS RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER LOCAL

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

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COMMUNITY

HOME TOUR

A GLAMOROUS EVENING

THE TYLER HOME

Visalia Emergency Aid Fills Bags with Food and Hearts with Hope.

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Minimizing Space, Maximizing Life

8 Letter from the Executive Editor 10 Wordplay 12 Reflections of Visalia: Ringling Brothers Work Their Magic

EPICURE

ALL THE FIXINGS With or without an entrée, these Sides for Six are perfect and perfectly filling.

16 Finance 44 Lively Living: Peter Amend —The Intrepid Adventurer 50 Charity: Bethlehem Center 52 Kudos

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54 Fashion: The Soft Side of Fall Fashion 56 Happenings

TRAVELER'S TREK

KYOTO, JAPAN A modern city with historic architecture, magnificent gardens and alleys where the samurai walked.

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COVER: Before downsizing, Sarah and Jim Tyler moved from a large country home with an open floor plan but now prefer smaller, more intimate spaces.

TOP: The home’s 1938 design reflects a Mission or Spanish Revival style, characterized by overhanging eaves.

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Executive Editor

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Creative Director

Art Director

Senior Designer Web Designer/Designer

Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Chris Bly/Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen

Contributing Writers

Cheryl Levitan Cheryl L. Dieter Diane Slocum Elaine Dakessian Kelly Lapadula Penney R. Sick Sharon Mosley Sue Burns Terry L. Ommen

Business Management

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E-Mail Lifestyle@DMIAgency.com WEBSITE www.VisaliaLifestyle.com

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

RACK LOCATIONS DMI Agency Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare

Exeter Chamber of Commerce Tazzaria Coffee & Tea The Lifestyle Center

Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Convention Center

COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS 210 Cafe AMCC Arts Consortium Arts Visalia Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Blend WIne Room Bravo Farms Smokehouse Café 225 Chad Clark Hair Salon Charcuterie Chelsea Street Boutique Citizen's Bank CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Downtown Visalia Alliance Ed Dena Auto Center, Visalia Exeter Chamber of Commerce

For Such a Time Boutique Franey's Design Center Fugazzis Glick's and Co. ImagineU Children’s Museum Janeen’s Furniture Gallery Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Max's Cookies Metropolis Day Spa Michael's Custom Jewelry Monét’s, Exeter Pacific Treasures Premier Medical Clinic Renaissance Salon Sage Salon Salon 525

Sherman & Associates Tazz. Coffee The Gardens at Cal Turf The Looking Glass V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia First Assembly Visalia Fox Theatre Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc. Wyndham Hotel

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia. An additional 2,500 copies are distributed at various distribution points around Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter.

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

Circulation of this issue: 15,500 © 2017 DMI Agency

The kitchen got a complete makeover – including modern appliances.

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FR O M TH E

EDITOR

T

he entrance of November brings with it the season of thankfulness. It is the time of year we are encouraged to concentrate on our blessings and to find a place of gratitude. In reality, we should be doing this every day, but often our busy lives get in the way.

Feeling grateful for our health, family and friends is a given. I could write an entire book about these. I wake each day and feel so blessed to be here another

have never had otherwise. Now I look forward, with only a medium amount of fear, to what new and exciting situations I will soon find myself in.

I am grateful for the amazing and talented people I get to work with every day—staff, writers and photographers who all bring areas of expertise to the table that I can only dream of. It takes an army to pull off what we do on a daily basis, and it is that army that affords me the

I am grateful to those who have shared their wisdom with me. Whether it be my pastor, my business associates, or even a complete stranger, there are so many who have with their words impacted me or changed my way of thinking, for the better. Their words inspire, motivate or otherwise encourage me to do better, be better, or treat others better.

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

day, and for the family God gave me, and for the friends who put up with me. This year I am expanding my personal gratitude list to include those who might not be in my inner circle or on my daily list.

I am grateful to those who have shared their wisdom with me. Whether it be my pastor, my business associates, or even a complete stranger, there are so many who have with their words impacted me or changed my way of thinking, for the better. Their words inspire, motivate or otherwise encourage me to do better, be better, or treat others better.

I am grateful to those who help me out of my comfort zone. You might be surprised to know I am extremely introverted and deathly afraid of – just about everything. Until a few years ago, I was not very adventurous and had often let my fear overshadow any opportunity.

Having a friend with a healthy (okay, sometimes it borders on dangerous) passion for adventure has forced me into some incredible new experiences I would

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opportunity to do something I really love.

I am also grateful for the tremendous work so many of our nonprofits do for our community. In this time of Thanksgiving it seems especially appropriate to recognize organizations like Visalia Emergency Aid, and the Bethlehem Center, both featured this month.

Bringing a spotlight to these organizations, and so many others, is only possible because of your continued loyal readership, and the financial support of our advertisers. Without that, many of these charitable firms would not have an opportunity to spread the word about all of the good works they do. Thank you for helping those who are helping so many others.

As we sit around the Thanksgiving table this year, may we all take just a few extra moments and really, truly count our blessings. There are many and we hope even more in the future.

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

T

hanksgiving is a time for feasting, but it is also a time for family, which often means family drama.

Start Without Me (William Morrow), a new novel just out last month by Joshua Max Feldman, author of The Book of Jonah, brings two strangers together on Thanksgiving Day. Both struggle with the idea of the traditional family celebration. Adam, a recovering alcoholic, feels his family thinks he never gets it right. Flight attendant Marissa expects a strained reception at her in-laws.

Adam and Marissa meet at an airport restaurant and form an unlikely bond.

The Rules Do Not Apply (March, Random House), a memoir

by Ariel Levy, began as an essay titled “Thanksgiving in Mongolia.” Levy’s life completely changed when she was sent on a reporting assignment to Mongolia in 2012. Within a month she was no longer married, pregnant, financially secure or successful on her own terms.

VALLEY WRITERS On the Fresno State website, creative writing professor Steven Church (under online publications) you can find a list of about a dozen of his essays and where to read them. Two on The Nervous Breakdown website are “The Tragic but Common History of Zoo Cage Jumpers” and “Manimals in Captivity.” Both are from his book From One with the Tiger. Church was also one of the authors who presented his works at the Respite by the River this summer.

Laura Sidsworth also was featured at the river last month. She is the author of two books currently available on Amazon and has been a contributor to the Kings River Life Magazine. Her first book is Spoiled Pink, aimed at three through eight-year-old children.

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other book is Treehouse Treasury: A Picture Book of Prose & Poem, also illustrated by Anttila. The book explores the tree in different seasons and in relation to different animals.

LIBRARY EVENTS The Tulare County Library offers a lot more than books. One event is the Independent Film Series on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Last month’s showing was “Baby Driver.”

Another program provides computer classes several times each month.

Upcoming are November 22 at 11 a.m. and December 1 at 2 p.m. Go to www. tularecountylibrary.org for details.

WRITERS’ BOOT CAMP, WORKSHOP AND CLASSES Writing by Writers is accepting applications to the spring Boot Camp scheduled for April 4-9. Acceptance is based on the first chapter of the novel or the short story, essay or poem the applicant plans to work on during the camp. The manuscript is due by February 15. The application fee is $25; full tuition is $3,250. Details at: wxw.submittable.com/ submit/88125/boot-camp-spring-2018.

The Todos Santos Writers Workshop in Baja California is open to advance

registration until November 30. This requires a 50 percent payment of the $1,200 tuition. Enrollment is granted to the earliest applicants. The workshop runs from January 27 through February 3. The co-founders and faculty include Jeanne McCulloch, Rex Weiner and Gordon Chaplin. Details at: www. todossantoswritersworkshop.com.

The website 92y.org offers classes in fiction, memoir, poetry, humor and reading by a variety of authors from Mark Bibbins to David Yezzi. Most of the classes listed start within a few days or weeks. One set farther ahead is Poetry with Safiya Sinclair, which will be on April 10 from 6-9 p.m. Students are chosen by the teacher on the basis of their submitted manuscript.

WRITING CONTESTS AND FELLOWSHIPS The deadline for the Discovery/Boston Review 2017 Poetry Contest for the Joan Leiman Jacobson Poetry Prizes is January 12 at 5 p.m. Four winners receive a reading at 92Y, publication in Boston Review, and a two-night residency at the ACE Hotel, plus $500 each.

Specific guidelines delineate who is eligible to enter and length and number of poems.

Entry fee is $15. Google the contest name for details.

The University of East Anglia will accept applications for the 2018-19 David T.K. Wong Fellowship until January 30. The chosen fellow will join a community of writers founded in 1970 and receive an award of £26,000.

THE LAST WORD “The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.”

– Charles Kuralt (1934 -1997)

Decorated Ringling circus wagons in 1903 as they traveled westbound on Main Street at Court, with the Palace Hotel on the left.

RINGLING BROTHERS WORK THEIR MAGIC

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isalians loved circuses, especially the Ringling Brothers Circus, and they really liked the parade that came with it. Oh yes, it’s true the townsfolk appreciated festive celebrations of all kinds like those on Independence and rodeo days, but without a doubt, they had a special fondness for the Ringling Brothers show — the granddaddy of them all.

The famous showbiz brothers began their enterprise in 1884 in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It started simply, but it didn’t take long for the family to realize they were on to something. They expanded the number of acts, perfected them, and took their show on the road entertaining audiences throughout the country and all over the world.

Visalia hosted the famous show several times over the years, but the 1903 visit was probably the most memorable. That year, rumors of the circus coming to town started on August 25, 1903, when George Heiser, a Ringling Brothers advance man, arrived in Visalia.

His visit signaled that the town of about

3,000 was being considered as a stop on the show circuit. It was confirmed when a few days later, August G. Ringling, one of the famous brothers, checked into the Palace Hotel. Soon after these company visitors arrived, evidence began to emerge around town and throughout the county. Colorful circus posters appeared on many fences and buildings announcing that the circus was coming to Visalia on September 25, 1903.

The Daily Visalia Delta joined the hype announcing circus day would be a great holiday, and Alonzo Melville Doty, the poetic editor of the newspaper wrote: “The Circus, with its glittering girls, its noisy bands and funny men, will come, and though we’ve seen it oft we’ll gladly go again.”

Ringling Brothers ran large newspaper

The Circus, with its glittering girls, its noisy bands and funny men, will come, and though we’ve seen it oft we’ll gladly go again.

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ads and worked on promotion arrangements with merchants like the deal they made with the S. Sweet Company. The big department store received free tickets in exchange for including the circus in their newspaper advertisement. Sweet offered free circus tickets to store customers willing to buy at least five dollars worth of merchandise.

But the biggest promotion was the circus parade. It was free to the public and was designed to generate excitement and get people to buy tickets for the circus performances. Promoters reasoned that once parade visitors saw the talented performers, exotic animals, and colorful wagons up close, the tease would be sufficient to encourage them to spend 50 cents for a circus ticket.

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Anticipation built for the big day, and in the early morning hours of Friday, September 25, a host of doublelength circus train cars pulled into Visalia’s western railway yard. The cars were quickly unloaded and by 7 a.m. almost all the tents had been erected on the open space (now near the site of Recreation Park). The scene looked like a small village with animals, wagons, and circus workers everywhere.

As the tent city was being set up, visitors from all over Tulare and Kings Counties began arriving. The Southern Pacific and Santa Fe companies had added trains to the regular schedule to handle the anticipated large number of passengers coming from Porterville, Tulare, Exeter, and surrounding communities. One train from Hanford was so crowded that people were hanging from the cars any way they could. It was so packed that the conductor could not even move through the train to collect tickets. Local children were excited, too, as the city board of education authorized the principals of the high school and grammar school “to give the day to the children in order that they can attend the big show.”

Shortly after 10 a.m. trumpets blared announcing the beginning of the grand street parade. By this time both sides of Main Street, and many of the side streets, were lined with excited people all anxious to see what was billed as the “one million dollar free street parade.”

The procession stretched for a mile and a quarter and included a menagerie of animals dominated by horses and elephants. Radiantly costumed artists and performers marched alongside the elaborately carved and emblazoned tableau wagons. The procession was a “perfect sunburst of dazzling splendor” and according to the press, “was a

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performances were filled with the huge crowds. The afternoon performance was attended by about 7,500 and the evening show had almost as many.

The highlights for many were the rhinoceros (the only one in captivity), the only pair of fullgrown giraffes in captivity, and “Baby Boo,” the only baby elephant ever bred, born and successfully reared in America.

The circus was a big hit. The Delta clearly pleased reported, “Ringling Brothers have established a reputation for themselves that will long live as circus people. They will always be welcomed here…”

The business community was pleased, too. Stores, hotels, restaurants, livery stables, and certainly saloons did an “enormous” business, and the town marshal was also pleased when he reported the town was unusually quiet.

Only nine arrests had been made for public intoxication, a remarkably small number, given the number of visitors.

However, the event left a small blemish on the visit. In all the excitement to get the word out, circus posters were pasted on the freshly painted walls of the Union warehouses, damaging the buildings to the tune of $1,000. Warehouse company officials filed a complaint against the circus for the damage. How the dispute was resolved is unclear, but regardless, the vast majority declared the 1903 visit by the circus an overwhelming success.

After the last performance, the tent village was disassembled and all the show people, animals, and equipment were loaded back on the train cars.

The “Biggest Circus on Earth” headed south. Next stop, Bakersfield.

The 1903 Ringling circus parade as it traveled westbound on Main Street at Court with a string of elephants behind the circus wagon.

parade such as the world has never seen before.” Adding to the magnificent visual display, a superb grand organ— the largest portable one ever built— provided the music for the extravaganza as it moved along Main Street.

This is a Barnum & Bailey circus poster on a building in Mineral King announcing the 1905 circus in Visalia. A 1903 Ringling Bros. poster would have looked similar to this.

[Courtesy Annie R. Mitchell History Room, Tulare County Library]

Circus wagons and riders in 1903, westbound on Main from Church Street.

All the posters, newspaper advertisements, and especially the big parade, worked its magic. Thousands of tickets were sold and the two three-hour

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MANAGING DEBT WHILE

SAVI N G

I

t's a catch-22. You feel that you should focus on paying down debt, but you also want to save for retirement. It may be comforting to know you're not alone.

According to an Employee Benefit Research Institute survey, 18 percent of today's workers describe their debt level as a major problem, while 41 percent say it's a minor problem. And workers who say debt is a problem are also more likely to feel stressed about their retirement savings prospects. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that the largest proportion (21 percent) of those who have taken a loan from their employersponsored retirement plans have done so to pay off debt. Borrowing from your plan can have negative consequences on your retirement preparedness down the road. Loan limits and other restrictions generally apply as well.

The key in managing both debt repayment and retirement savings is to understand a few basic financial concepts that will help you develop a strategy to tackle both.

Compare potential rate of return with interest rate on debt Probably the most common way to decide whether to pay off debt or to make investments is to consider whether you could earn a higher rate of return (after accounting for taxes) on your investments than the interest rate you pay on the debt.

For example, say you have a credit card with a $10,000 balance that carries an interest rate of 18 percent. By paying off that balance, you're effectively getting an 18 percent return on your money. That means your investments would generally need to earn a consistent, after-tax return, greater than 18 percent to make saving for retirement preferable to paying off that debt. That's a tall order for even the most savvy professional investors.

And bear in mind that all investing involves risk. Investment returns are anything but guaranteed; in general, the higher the rate of return, the greater

FOR

RETIREMENT

the risk. If you make investments rather than pay off debt and your investments incur losses, you may still have debts to pay, but you won't have had the benefit of any gains. By contrast, the return that comes from eliminating high-interest-rate debt is a sure thing.

Are you eligible for an employer match?

If you have the opportunity to save for retirement via an employersponsored plan that matches a portion of your contributions, the debt-versus-savings decision can become even more complicated.

FINANCE

Let's say your company matches 50 percent of your contributions up to six percent of your salary. This means you're essentially earning a 50 percent return on that portion of your retirement account contributions. That's why it may make sense to save at least enough to get any employer match before focusing on debt.

And don't forget the potential tax benefits of retirement plan contributions.

If you contribute pre-tax dollars to your plan account, you're immediately deferring anywhere from 10 to 39.6 percent in taxes, depending on your federal tax rate. If you're making aftertax Roth contributions, you're creating a

source of tax-free retirement income.

Consider the types of debt Your decision can also be influenced by the type of debt you have. For example, if you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, the interest you pay on a mortgage is generally deductible — so even if you could pay off your mortgage, you may not want to. Let's say you're paying six percent on your mortgage and 18 percent on your credit card debt, and your employer matches 50 percent of your retirement account contributions.

You might consider directing some of your available resources to paying off the credit card debt and some toward your retirement account in order to get the full company match, while continuing to pay the mortgage to receive the tax deduction for the interest.

Other considerations There's another good reason to explore ways to address both debt repayment and retirement savings at once. Time is your best ally when saving for retirement. If you say to yourself, "I'll wait to start saving until my debts are completely paid off," you run the risk of never reaching that point, because your good intentions about paying off your debt may falter. Postponing saving also reduces the number of years you have left to save for retirement.

It might also be easier to address both goals if you can cut your interest payments by refinancing debt. For example, you might be able to consolidate multiple credit card payments by rolling them over to a new credit card or a debt consolidation loan with a lower interest rate.

Bear in mind that even if you decide to focus on retirement savings, you should make sure you're able to make at least the minimum monthly payments on your debt.

Failure to do so can result in penalties and increased interest rates, which would defeat the overall purpose of your debt repayment/retirement savings strategy.

Presented by Penney R. Sick, Registered Principal with Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. in Visalia, CA. 303 E. Caldwell Ave. Visalia, CA 9327 | 559-429-4270 | www.raymondjames.com/visalia Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards,Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the US. ©2017 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2017.

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COMMUNITY

A

GLAMOROUS

EVENING

HELPS

TO

FILL BAGS WITH FOOD AND HEARTS WITH HOPE

T

he stars seem to shine brighter when people join forces to strengthen their community. This was certainly the case when celebrities and philanthropic community members donned their finest attire for “An Evening on the Red Carpet,” a benefit for Visalia Emergency Aid Council’s (VEAC) Food Pantry.

The brainchild of VEAC board member, Natalie Haena-Alfaro, the event has doubled in size in just one year. Last fall’s invitation-only inaugural event welcomed 125 guests; this year’s October 14 event saw more than 250 attendees hosted by Giant Chevrolet-Cadillac at their dealership.

Concerned about the immigrant dustbowl families living on the outskirts of the city, Visalians founded the Council in 1931. Executive Director Liz Wynn spoke of VEAC’s longevity: “It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that has been through wars, freezes, droughts … we hope to serve the community for another 85 years.”

VEAC actively collaborates with local

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law enforcement and several agencies.

“Everybody is going to compete for funding, but not for clients. We do everyone a disservice if we don’t share our resources,” says Wynn.

Approximately 800 families and 200 seniors visit VEAC’s food pantry monthly. Mobile pantries in Ivanhoe and Goshen serve another 300 families, in coordination with the Community Food Bank of Fresno and FoodLink of Tulare County. Workers at the pantry (from CSET and similar employment services) learn soft job skills and effective work habits.

The pantry holds a Thanksgiving food giveaway supported by Family Healthcare Networks in Goshen and Ivanhoe, and a Christmas food giveaway that includes gifts for the children, holiday meal ingredients, and additional food to support families through the long break. Winter is an especially challenging time, as the big harvests are complete and students are on vacation.

With breakfast and lunch provided at school while in session, additional food is

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needed to cover these meals during the break. This extra support alleviates the tremendous stress parents experience when they don’t know where their children’s next meal will come from.

Attendees of the red carpet event enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, dinner catered by Café 225, and a silent auction in the expansive showroom. Creative, unique items captured interest; a large handmade glass bowl was one lovely offering. Photos and caps from the television series “COPS” waited for enthusiastic bidders. Signed and framed photos from Frank Sinatra and sports greats Clayton Kershaw, Willie Mays, and LA Lakers Brandon Ingram were on display, as was a LaDanian Tomlinson signed football. Auction tables were lined with wine and gift baskets from Eagle Mountain Casino and Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, as well as with a variety of beautifully wrapped baskets filled with wine glasses, cheese boards, restaurant gift cards, and Moscow mule and margarita makings. Girls’ Night Out and Queen-for-a-Day baskets,

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wireless speakers, DVD’s, iPad Pro’s, and a guitar signed by members of the band Kansas all had guests returning to the tables frequently to check their bids. Outside on the car lot, keys for an opportunity to win a car were available for purchase. Topping off the packages were two beach house trips, a stay at Shaver Lake, a garnet and ruby necklace, and two 40-foot Mexican Fan Palms, all sold during a spirited live auction following dinner.

The excitement heightened as celebrities arrived and were interviewed by the evening’s emcee, KSEE 24 Anchor George Takata, and Danielle Lee from the Visalia Times Delta. First up was Miss Tulare County, Elizabeth Sartuche; Miss Central Valley, Blair Bostwick; Miss Central Valley Outstanding Teen, Gracie Cummings; and Miss Tulare County Outstanding Teen, Rachel Jones.

They were followed by “Victory By Submission” film actor Brett Prieto; child stars Caleb Brown and Tony Espinosa; actor and Special Olympics athlete Jacob Price; former “COPS” associate producer and current Clovis Police Department Chaplain Hank Barr; and local government representatives Phil Cox, Amy Shuklian, and Devon Mathis.

COMMUNITY

will facilitate the construction of a new building at their current location (built in the 1940s), to house the food pantry and space for conferences and trainings. This year’s red carpet event added a net of more than $27,000 in critical funds to the campaign, raising its total to $275,000 of the $500,000 goal. The agency welcomes philanthropic investors who would like to be a part of the building program.

Excitement is already building for next year’s event, scheduled for October 13. Several new businesses have expressed interest in being involved, and many celebrities plan to be back, with friends. On behalf of Visalia Emergency Aid Council, Wynn expressed sincere gratitude for the generous support, stating, “…it’s a great investment in our community and the returns are immeasurable. How do you put a price on food for a child?”

Actress Miranda Rae Mayo (currently starring in the NBC series “Chicago Fire”) emphasized how invaluable the food pantry is, sharing that during her childhood in Visalia and Fresno, there were times when her family was able to eat only because they were able to obtain food from their church pantry.

Keynote speaker Michele Brock told how VEAC’s Food Pantry changed her life. Currently the Dean of Student Services at College of the Sequoias, Michele’s path was not easy. As a teen mom she became trapped in an abusive relationship, unable to work and feed her daughter. She found the Visalia Emergency Aid Council in the phone book, and just enough change in her couch cushions for bus fare to get there. When she arrived, they filled her bags with food and her heart with hope. She expressed her gratitude for guests’ support, saying, “…when we come together at a moment like this, it matters to people you don’t even see.

There are ripples going on from this evening and all the work that VEAC does. The need that was there in 1931 is still there today. We cannot turn away … Visalia takes care of its people.”

The Council is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise funds that

1. Mary Randol and Amy Shuklian (right); 2. Caleb Brown (center); 3. Tony Espinoza (center); 4. Jacob Price (center); 5. Miranda Rae Mayo, Chicago Fire; 6.

Chaplain Hank Barr (center); 7. Brett Prieto (right), Victory by Submission; 8. A group of lovely guests pose for a group photo; 9. Michele Brock; 10. George Takata (right) takes a moment to pose with guest.

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MAXIMIZING

The kitchen design, as with everything in the house, made the best use of every inch of space. Sarah and Jim managed to fit a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, French door and charming laundry area on the wall so the sink could overlook the backyard.

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LIFE THE TYLER HOME

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With a large family, Sarah and Jim wanted to make sure the home was a place where people can comfortably gather.

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or the Tylers, downsizing from a large country property to a small fixer-upper near downtown Exeter was a welcome challenge, and one they were well equipped to tackle.

As a general contractor by trade, Jim Tyler has built and remodeled countless homes, while his wife Sarah has an eye for design and knack for organization.

You just might say they’re Tulare County’s very own ‘Chip and Joanna.’

As with many remodels, one of the Tylers’ biggest challenges was discovering how to make the existing space more efficient while maintaining the home’s architectural integrity.

From the kitchen and Master Suite redesign to the front and backyard layout, it’s clear the Tylers were mindful of this each step of the way.

“With everything in this house, we tried to think about how to make the best use of every inch of space,” said Sarah. “We went from having the largest house in our family to the smallest house, but somehow, we continue and love to host holidays here, 24 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

even though it’s so much smaller.”

When the Tylers lived in the country, their home featured a large open floor plan. Sarah says she now much prefers the smaller, more intimate spaces in their home, which promote togetherness rather than competition.

“I love when we have a lot of people over, and there are some people in the kitchen cooking, the teenagers are playing games at the dining room table, and the guys have the TV on in the living room around a warm fire,”

said Sarah. “But it still feels like we’re all together in our cozy home.”

Coming from large families, it’s important for Jim and Sarah’s home to be a place where people can comfortably gather. One of the ways they’ve done this is by rethinking the layout and function of their yard spaces. Even though the back yard isn’t particularly huge, it features a new covered patio, a raised hot tub, a pool, and several lawn and seating areas, making it a great spot for large and small gatherings.

For the past two years, the Tylers have successfully hosted dozens of people in their yard for what they hope will become an annual 4th of July party. In Exeter, the street they live on is known by locals as the “4th of July Street,” since the traditional Exeter Lions Club fireworks are shot off right across the way. While hundreds of people line the street in front of their home to see the fireworks, the Tylers, along with their house full of guests, can watch the show from the comfort of their pool.

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559-651-1760 | 8601 W. ROOSEVELT AVE., VISALIA CA 93291

HOME TOUR

With a view from the kitchen, the backyard feels like it flows into the interior of the home.

“We had a big pool party with about 30 people over, and we watched fireworks in the front yard, backyard, pool, and hot tub,” said Jim. “We’ve had a lot of people back here and it has never felt cramped. Sarah added, “We’ve had much bigger yards with the same amount of people where it has felt cramped compared to this yard because of the way it’s broken up—it’s a good use of space.”

Jim and Sarah also wanted the backyard to feel like it flowed into the interior of the home, so they intentionally installed a waterfall in the pool that they could see from the kitchen, the dining room, and the Master Bedroom.

Of all of the rooms in the home, the kitchen’s extensive remodel successfully reflects bringing the outdoors in, extending the space into the backyard.

When the Tylers first bought the home, the kitchen, according to Jim, was “very challenging.” It was extremely small with very few, bright yellow painted cupboards and an oddly placed storage closet. They opened up the room by taking out the storage closet and adding large windows and a sink to the exterior wall facing the backyard.

Originally deemed impossible by their framer, the Tylers managed to fit a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, French door, and charming laundry area on that wall so the sink could overlook the backyard.

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work area look out, so we took on the challenge and played with it until it worked,” said Sarah. “We added the waterfall in the pool, making sure we could see it from here and the dining room. Because it’s a smaller house, we felt like it was really important to see as much of the outside as we could from all of the rooms.”

While the kitchen got a complete makeover—including new travertine floors, off-white subway tile backsplash, quartzite countertops with a leathered finish, seeded glass cabinets, and modern appliances—it still has hints of “old” throughout. Jim and Sarah found the vintage light fixtures above the sink, and many of their kitchen décor pieces were passed down from Sarah’s grandparents. One of her favorite pieces is an old crock where her great grandmother used to store her wooden spoons; now, years later, Sarah does the same.

“Many of the collectibles you’ll see— the glassware, things on the counter, in the china cabinet and throughout— are things that belonged to my great grandmothers that have been handed down to me through the generations,” said Sarah. “These are cherished family treasures that will be passed on to our children and grandchildren.”

HOME TOUR

The master bedroom was rebuilt after the original was destroyed, and now includes a vaulted ceiling, faux wood beams, and a quaint built-in bookshelf with a window seat.

The remodel of the master bedroom allowed for an expanded bathroom with walk in shower.

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Just as they preserved special family heirlooms, Jim and Sarah wanted to maintain their home’s original architecture as much as possible.

When it comes to the home’s 1938 design, they speculate it was along the lines of a Mission or Spanish Revival style, characterized by overhanging eaves, smooth stucco, exposed rafter beams, and arched entryways.

During the remodel in 2015, Jim and Sarah were careful to incorporate these architectural elements wherever they could throughout the home. They duplicated the entryway’s original arch in several other rooms and hallways, added a red tile roof and exposed beams under the eaves, kept the original wood floors, redesigned the Master Bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, and installed wood and casement windows throughout the entire house.

Though the Tylers have yet to discover the full history of the home, the grandchildren of a previous homeowner—Edna Berry—who had lived there from 1958 to 1990, recently got in touch with the family. Back then, Edna and her husband Raymond— who passed away in 1962—bought the home fully furnished for just $10,000.

“One Sunday we were sitting here, when some people knocked on the door and said their grandmother used to live here,” said Jim. “They just wanted to

walk through and be nostalgic about where their grandmother used to live and where they used to play as kids.”

Not only is the home’s history of interest to the Tylers, but the neighborhood’s history, which dates back to the 1800s, has peaked their interest. In fact, the house right next door was Exeter’s very first hospital, and it’s rumored that most of the homes on their street were built to house nurses and doctors around that time.

“One of my favorite things about the backyard is the mature landscaping that surrounds it from these older homes,” said Sarah. “We love the history in our neighborhood, and our wonderful neighbors who work hard to preserve this piece of Exeter’s history.”

While most of the home is original to its 1938 build, the Master Suite was added on sometime during the 80s. When Jim started work on the bedroom, he discovered it was built with some serious structural issues that caused water damage and dry rot, so they decided to rebuild this portion of the house from the ground up.

“When I was taking out the tile the first day we started working in there, I took two pieces out and then took a step to take out another one, and I fell through the floor,” said Jim. “The tile was the only thing holding it up.”

The bedroom’s unexpected demise

may have presented a challenge, but in the end, it worked out in the Tylers’ favor as they were able to make the space completely their own. They vaulted the ceiling, installed faux wood beams, expanded the bathroom, bedroom and walk-in closet, and added a quaint built-in bookshelf with a window seat.

Having built two previous homes for themselves, Jim and Sarah enjoyed the process of the remodel the most, despite the hiccups along the way. As the owner of Jim Tyler Construction and Solar, Jim works on a wide range of projects, but what he loves most are the home remodels.

“When you build a new house, it’s kind of like putting a puzzle together.

It’s pretty easy,” said Jim. “I like digging into a wall and not knowing what I’m going to find. I’ve worked on a lot of the old houses in the area, and I’ve really enjoyed trying to bring something back to the house.”

When Jim and Sarah first purchased the home in November 2015, it had close to 100 cracks in the ceilings and walls and, other than a few changes, hadn’t been updated much since it was built in the 1930s. While most people would have walked in and immediately walked out, the Tylers saw the home’s potential and knew they could bring it back to life both for themselves and for the City of Exeter.

A quaint window seat provides a cozy space for reading, or just gazing outside to the beautifully landscape yard.

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HOME TOUR

A courtyard complete with cobblestone provides both privacy and a beautiful, relaxing setting.

Even though Jim and Sarah are both from other Central Valley towns, they have called Exeter home for almost 20 years. Originally, they moved to Exeter because they wanted to send their children—Christopher and Holly—to school in a smaller community. Throughout the years, they’ve become immersed into the Exeter community, especially since Sarah started working at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce nine years ago.

“I’m proud to tell people that we’re from Exeter, and I feel like the people we work with and interact with have definitely become family,” said Sarah. “We intend for this to be our forever home.”

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For the Tylers, taking on this remodel was a blessing on multiple levels—they got to work together doing something they love, they restored a historic piece of their community, created a beautiful home for themselves, and made their lives easier by downsizing.

“If anybody is considering downsizing, I would highly recommend it—it completely changed our lives,” said Sarah. “Once our remodel was done, we started traveling more, and we started spending more time in our yard, not working on our yard.

Now, we spend less time maintaining our home and property and more time enjoying our home and property.”

See the Tyler Home at the 7th Annual Exeter Christmas Home Tour. The 7th Annual Christmas Home Tour, hosted by the Exeter Woman's Club, will be on Friday, December 8 from 4-8 p.m. Tour four Exeter homes, including the Tyler residence, decked out for the holidays.

Stop by the Exeter Woman's Clubhouse (201 N. Kaweah Ave.) for fresh baked goodies, warm drinks, and live piano music throughout the evening, featuring Frankie Magano. Tickets are a $20 donation in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets in advance are available at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and By the Water Tower Antiques.

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All the Fixings

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ROOT VEGETABLE PUFF PASTRY CUPS Equipment needed: extra large muffin tin, six holes INGREDIENTS: 4 sheets puff pastry, cut each in half ½ lb sweet potato, medium dice ½ lb butternut squash, medium dice ½ lb parsnips, medium dice ½ lb carrots, medium dice 2 large shallots, thinly sliced 2 tsp fresh thyme 2 C shredded Fontina cheese 3 T extra virgin olive oil 1 C heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut each vegetable into a medium dice, keeping all the vegetables close to the same size so they roast at the same pace. Place in a bowl. Slice shallots and add to bowl. Chop fresh thyme and add to bowl along with shredded cheese. Toss to combine.

Add olive oil, salt and pepper; mix well. Place contents of the bowl on a baking sheet and roast in preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Pour the cream into a shallow sauté pan over medium-high heat and let the cream thicken; season with salt and pepper. This will take six to eight minutes. If it isn’t thickening, turn up the heat.

Lightly spray the six-muffin tin with a nonstick spray and then dust with flour. Cut each puff pastry sheet in half and place each piece carefully over the hole of the muffin tin. Form a cup by pressing in dough, being careful not to tear the dough. Using a biscuit cutter or scissors, trim the edges so they don’t touch each other.

(They will be difficult to remove if they are stuck together through the baking process.)

Fill each cup with the prepared vegetables and spoon equal amounts of cream into each cup (this adds a little moisture). Bake at 425 degrees for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cups are golden brown. Remove from oven and remove the cups from tins.

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PERSIMMON SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS: 1/2 C pomegranate vinegar 1 C good quality olive oil 1 C shallot 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 T honey Add to jar or shaker and shake until well-combined.

SALAD INGREDIENTS: 3 heads butter lettuce 1 medium pomegranate, cut in half and seeds removed and set aside 3 ripe Fuyu persimmons, halved and cut into ¼-inch wedges Fennel, thinly sliced Sliced almonds, toasted Crumbled feta Tear lettuce leaves from the head and place whole or torn onto the plate. Add remaining ingredients and drizzle with vinaigrette. This is a light and refreshing salad to accompany the heavier dishes of Thanksgiving!

SAVORY BREAD PUDDING INGREDIENTS: 2 T extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme 2 C milk 1-1/2 C heavy cream 5 eggs, lightly beaten 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper Pinch nutmeg 1 C Gruyère cheese, grated 5-6 C cubed bread (I use rosemary focaccia from Max’s Bakery.

Find one to two artisan loaves: rosemary potato, sunflower seed, garlic flavored, etc.)

Directions: In a medium skillet heat oil and sauté onions, stirring until soft, two to three minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool.

Combine the milk, cream, eggs, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a bowl and whisk until combined. Add the onion mixture and cheese and stir well. Add bread cubes and mix together to absorb the liquid.

Let sit at least one hour or refrigerate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a casserole dish and pour mixture into the prepared dish and bake until the top is golden brown and puffed and the center is set, about 45 minutes.

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SMOKED SALMON DEVILED EGGS INGREDIENTS: 12 large eggs ½ C mayonnaise 2 T fresh lemon juice 4-5 oz smoked salmon, finely diced 2 T capers, rinsed and drained 1 T fennel fronds for garnish (I used the fronds from the salad; dill works well) Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil, then place lid on the eggs, covering tightly; turn off the heat and let eggs sit for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and run cold water over eggs. Peel eggs, running cold water over while peeling.

Cut eggs in half and remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Set egg whites aside. Using a fork, mash the egg yolks until smooth. Fold in the mayonnaise and lemon juice with a rubber spatula until smooth. Add the salmon, capers, fennel fronds or dill. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

Place the filling into the bag. (I use a pastry bag. You can purchase a small one at Michael’s with a fluted tip to give your eggs a professional finish.) Twist the top of the bag to push the mixture down towards the tip of the bag. Arrange the whites on a platter. Holding the bag upright, pipe a rosette into each egg white half.

Garnish each half with a tiny sprig of herb.

WARM CRAB DIP WITH CROSTINI BREADCRUMB TOPPING INGREDIENTS: 3 T unsalted butter 2/3 C Panko breadcrumbs 1-1/2 tsp lemon zest Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add panko and toast, stirring constantly, for about two minutes until the crumbs are golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and salt.

INGREDIENTS: 1 T unsalted butter 1 large shallot, minced 4 oz cream cheese, softened ¼ C whipping cream 3 T mayonnaise 1 T Dijon mustard 1 T lemon juice 1/3 C green onions, thinly sliced (including the green tops) 1-2 T fresh Italian parsley, chopped 1 tsp salt ¼ tsp cayenne pepper 1 lb Dungeness crab meat

Scatter the topping over the crab dip.

Bake until heated through and bubbly at the edges and the topping is golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes.

Serve with warm crostini. (I like to grill the breads in a grill pan with scant olive oil to crisp.)

DIRECTIONS: Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees.

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft, but not browned. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Using a rubber spatula, stir to combine. Fold in green onions, parsley, salt, and cayenne pepper. Fold in the crab. Transfer crab to a shallow baking dish. Set aside.

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A typical shopping street in historic center city Kyoto with restaurants and shops.

FULL OF HISTORY, CULTURE AND THE UNEXPECTED

KYOTO, JAPAN K

yoto may be a modern city of 1.5 million people, but within it exists another — one of historic architecture, magnificent gardens, and easily overlooked alleys where the samurai walked and the Geisha still live. That this legacy remains is oddly due to one American, Henry Stimson.

As Roosevelt and Truman’s Secretary of War, it was Stimson’s appreciation of Kyoto’s history, culture and beauty (gained through visits as a young man) that spared it from most of World War II’s bombing. When considered as a

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drop site for the atomic bomb (meant to hasten the Japanese surrender), Stimson convinced Truman that any strategic value gained would be far outweighed by a “rallying of the troops” after desecration of Japan’s ancient capital and cultural heart.

This modern city’s ancient culture might explain why Kyoto feels more “Japanese” in a nation that already has no diversity. Comprised of 98.5 percent native-born people, the Japanese share norms and behavioral expectations not always understood by outsiders.

And despite many tourists, English also isn’t routinely understood in Kyoto; for the frequent Chinese, Taiwanese, and South Korean visitors who can either read Japanese writing or have a similar spoken language, it is less of an issue.

Fortunately for us, we had a guide who made sense of the nonsensical, allowing us to appreciate the people and culture without unknowingly causing offense (which can be relatively easy to do).

Bows are a traditional greeting in Asia, but no country does it in the same manner or as excessively as

the Japanese, especially in Kyoto.

Thankfully residents have low expectations for Americans attempting this maneuver (and are too gracious to react to our awkwardness — at least to our faces), but it is the first cultural issue Americans encounter.

Bows convey respect, remorse and/or appreciation in degrees corresponding to the length and depth of the gesture.

Occasionally done seated in “seiza” position (legs bent under the body with feet flat against the derriere), my knees fully appreciated that most bows are executed while standing. Proper form requires a tucked under derriere (as if legs are flush against a wall) with eyes ahead, bent forward 15 degrees, hands lightly on thighs, elbows away from the body, and back and head forming a straight line. Practice is required to pull this off and judgment necessary to return only those gestures which are truly interactional. Bows come at visitors in a virtual deluge from all directions: restaurant servers, receptionists, people on the street passing out flyers, and even greeters in the shops. To return these would begin a comical “you go, they go” contest where the home “team” would always have the last (and deepest, most respectful) bow. A short nod of acknowledgement (a gesture used by close friends) circumvents that entire scenario. And since visitors are held in higher respect, they rarely need to execute the slow 45-degree “deep respect bow” or the very slow 70-degree “deeply reverent profound regret bow”; and thankfully, the “bowing for your life” move (seiza position with forehead on the floor) is reserved for actors in samurai movies. And since bows are deferential in nature, they should never be done when visibly angry, frustrated, eating, talking or walking.

There were other cultural lessons we learned as well: •Eating with chopsticks isn’t mandatory, but it’s expected that you try; servers enjoy helping (with lots of giggling). And unless that meal will be your last, never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, since that’s reserved for the deceased at funerals.

•It’s helpful to know slurping loudly when eating noodles is polite before being startled by the lovely woman next to you who suddenly sounds like a suction hose.

•Japanese shun drawing attention

to themselves, so imagine our surprise when restaurant patrons loudly yelled “sumi-masen” (excuse me) to get attention in a restaurant (yet pointing is considered offensive).

•A patient and compliant people willing to stand in line forever without complaint, yet it’s completely acceptable to push to get on a train.

•To avoid delivering bad news, the word “maybe” probably means “no”; and flattery is common here -- even if it’s not particularly true. (Forget inquiring if your pants are becoming from the back!)

•Few places provide public trash receptacles (a source for odor, germs and vermin in a spotlessly clean country).

Visitors and residents alike must “pack their trash” until arriving home.

More than unexpected behaviors give this city a fascinating aura, however.

Kyoto’s geishas and the historic districts in which they live and work set this city apart; we chose to stay in the city center for this reason, forgoing the many impressive hotels located outside town.

Called geiko in Kyoto, these female entertainers are highly skilled in a myriad of classical art forms, ceremonies, music, and conversation. Beginning their training no earlier than age 15-16, interested young women contact an okiya (boarding house) and interviews ensue. Okiya are run by an okasan (often a former geiko) who pay for all clothing (kimonos costing upwards of $10,000), training, and career management; in return, geiko return a percentage of their earnings. Apprentices (maiko) undergo daily training and evening entertaining for four to five years until they either tire of the rigorous schedule (two days

off a month) or graduate to become geiko. Widely sought after to entertain the wealthy and influential at invitationonly teahouses (ochaya), a good geiko can be quite prosperous. Visitors often unknowingly pass the private entrances to the okiya and ochaya amongst the other townhouses, saki taverns, shops and restaurants in the narrow district streets. With paper lanterns providing low lighting at night, it’s the rare tourist who catches a glimpse of a geiko sweeping by, wooden shoes clicking on the cobblestones on their way to work at a nearby ochaya. Occasionally public performances are offered, but our guide was able to procure a maiko to spend an evening with us, entertaining and answering questions about her life (which she considered vastly superior to the countryside).

As far as sightings, many visitors spot geiko during the day (with photos to prove it). In reality, these are Japanese girls or Asian tourists who have bought a kimono or spent up to $400 for a one-day makeover. Neither geiko nor maiko are out in work attire during the day, and they shun public spaces and photos. To the informed, fakes are outed by their height, difficulty walking in wooden sandals (okobo), a stride causing kimonos to flap, and a mismatch of hairstyle, makeup and/or clothing.

Adding to this city’s fascination are its 2,000 temples and shrines, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With multiple names, elaborate gardens, and unclear rituals, they can quickly become one confused memory.

Information can demystify them to some extent, but only the Japanese can truly understand the nuances.

Shinto Shrines are dedicated to Japan’s indigenous faith (which has no scripture or founder) -- simply a belief in the 88,000 spirits (kami) of nature. Each shrine has a red “torii” gate entrance to mark the transition from physical to spiritual world. Shinto believes that humans are fundamentally good with evil due to negative spirits; ritualistic offerings and prayers to specific kami ward off this evil. First cleansing the soul and mind at purification troughs (ladles used to rinse both hands and simulate drinking from the palm), believers toss a coin into the altar offering box, moderately bow twice, clap twice, and then execute a single deep bow before praying. If a gong is present, it’s

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rung once before praying to get the kami’s attention.

Temples are dedicated to Zen Buddhism and have a large wooden “sanmon” gate with guardian gods to separate the physical and spiritual world. An oversized incense burner is there for believers to purchase, light, and then fan incense smoke onto themselves for healing. Often there’s a purification water trough for ritual cleansing as well. The primary

purpose of these temples is less about a place of worship and more about the storage of sacred objects where Buddhists bow and pray after tossing a coin into a wooden offering box.

For all its shrines and temples, Kyoto doesn’t seem overly religious; Buddhism and Shintoism happily co-exist. People appear to derive as much or more solace from the history and beauty of these religious sites as the prayer within. And the sale of paper fortunes

called “omikuji” (good ones are taken home and bad ones are tied to a pole to leave bad luck behind) and lucky charms called “omamori” are thriving businesses at all religious sites.

The beauty and grace of Kyoto is like no other city we’ve visited.

Everything is worth seeing, but some should spots deserve special mention: Kamogawa River, Kinkakauji Temple, Nishiki Market, Nijo-jo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Temples are dedicated to Zen Buddhism and have a large wooden “sanmon” gate with guardian gods to separate the physical and spiritual world.

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Kamogawa River: The stilted wooden terraces of the restaurants along the river defy gravity (and OSHA standards) but the food is excellent and the view beautiful at sunset.

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Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion): Built originally in the 1300’s as a shogun’s villa, it was converted to a Buddhist temple after his death. With its two upper levels covered in gold leaf, the pavilion is magnificently reflected in the large central mirror pond surrounded by gardens. A nearby teahouse sells ice cream covered in gold leaf.

Nishiki Market: Established 400 years ago, the market is a five block covered shopping arcade of all things food related. Pristinely clean and well organized, all the stalls are family owned and filled with edibles often of indeterminate origin and food group.

Nijo-jo Castle As the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868, it’s filled with beautiful art and "nightingale floors," (designed to squeak when stepped on, thus alerting guards immediately to any intruders)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Built above the Otowa Waterfall, the veranda extends from the mountain supported by 40 foot wooden columns. Made completely of wood without the use of nails, water from the three streams is said to confer health, longevity, and success in studies. A small shrine on the grounds is said to help one succeed in finding an appropriate love match as well. Part of the experience is the walk uphill through the extremely well-preserved Higashiyama historic district.

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PETER AMEND

THE INTREPID ADVENTUER

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he first time I met Peter Amend was back in 2010. I interviewed him soon after he had returned

from a mission trip to Haiti several months after a major earthquake had decimated the island. Back then he was young, enthusiastic and single. These days, while everything has changed (beautiful wife and new baby), nothing has really changed at all. His sense of appreciation for all life has to offer has sharpened while his enthusiasm for everything he does has grown exponentially. And why not? Amend has crafted a life for himself that is rich, varied and exciting while working in a profession that most of us only dream

of. These days, he roams the world photographing some of the earth’s most beautiful places for clothing catalogs, sporting goods outfitters, and for numerous commercial magazines. In addition, he is the owner of A Fierce Love (www.afiercelove.com), a company that specializes in photographing destination weddings, portraits, and elopements in the great outdoors. While it appears that Amend leads an idyllic life now, it wasn’t always that way.

“As a kid I wasn’t much of an academic learner. Math and the sciences were not something I excelled in and as a result I sometimes felt out of place,” Amend explained. “But when I was attending

Golden West High School, I had a teacher, Lee Terkelsen, that literally changed my life. Mr. Terkelsen taught me photography, but more importantly he instilled in me a love of the outdoors and encouraged me to pursue a career doing something that I was passionate about. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be doing what I find so personally fulfilling and artistically satisfying today.”

While Amend believes studio photography has its place, it is the outdoors that captures his heart and provides a sense of purpose that this adventurer requires in order to feed his soul.

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“Most of the work I do is not conducted in a sterile environment like you find in a studio. Indoor photography allows you to control every aspect of the shot like lighting, hair, and the climate.

While there are numerous details and highly technical planning that goes into creating the perfect photograph, when you are shooting photos outdoors there are a lot of inconsistencies and unknowns you encounter, which then creates a certain sort of magic you just cannot capture indoors. Whether it is an animal that intrudes at just the right moment or a magnificent multi-colored sunset, there is always something that adds an unexpected interest or pop when certain variables are out of your control,” the shot master explains.

Amend tells me his approach to his own personal photography is one 46 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

of minimalism. As an avid cyclist and explorer, he is not one for gadgets, tons of lights, and lots of extra gear. A backpack, camera, and a light or two is just fine, thank you. This grab-andgo mobile philosophy is especially advantageous when shooting sport photography like freediving (diving as deep and staying under for as long as one breath can sustain you), which has recently ignited yet another outdoor sport for this shutterbug to become passionate about.

“For me, underwater photography, which incorporates freediving, is very liberating,” says Peter. “One of my favorite places to freedive is at Makua Beach on the western side of Oahu. It’s a quiet place where the locals live and play. The water is very clear and quiet, and the various forms of marine life

found there is incredible. Because of these optimum conditions, it is easy to freedive and swim with pods of dolphins or find there are several large sea turtles floating nearby. It instills such a sense of accomplishment when you physically dive down to whatever it is you want to see knowing you can capture the beauty, but for just a short period of time before having to surface again. And then when you descend once more you know things will have changed even within those few moments. Nothing is ever stagnant which is what I find exciting.“ While Amend enjoys what the world has to offer, he also appreciates what his own backyard provides: abalone hunting at Russian Gulch on our Northern Coast, hiking through the Sequoias, or spear fishing at other more remote California locations.

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As often as this intrepid adventurer is literally out on the road, this summer he found himself at sea, hired to shoot an ad campaign for Oru Kayak, a builder of go-anywhere foldable kayaks. This entailed traveling to Cuba where a team attempted to kayak from the island back to the coast of Florida. For Peter, the assignment was not just about taking amazing photographs, but being part of a group trying to bridge the political gap and forge friendships between individuals and the governments of both countries. Trying to make a difference in how people view nature and each other through his photography, and establishing both personal and business relationships, are of primary importance to this man who views the world and its people as truly interconnected with one

another. And this interconnectedness plays out in his elopement/wedding business, too, as he establishes an intimate knowledge of each couples’ likes and dislikes in order to pick the perfect destination for their nuptials -- be it an outcropping of rock over the Yosemite Valley or the splendor of an icy lake during a crisp morning sunrise. For Amend, it is all about the relationships between individuals combined with the majesty of the outdoors that allows the love and beauty of life to shine through his photos.

Since living out of suitcases can get old to this dedicated family man, another perk of the profession is the ability to include his family on his business adventures. The threesome will travel to New Zealand early next year where

Peter will shoot several print catalogs for various shoe and clothing companies.

Yet, for Peter, the importance of family travel comes not just from showing his young daughter the world, but also for her gaining an understanding of it.

“It is my hope that my daughter develops a fascination for other cultures and learns how to relate with people who are not like herself. As human beings we gain empathy for others when we know where people come from and we experience life as others know it,” Amend exclaims with a relaxed and gentle smile. “For in photography and in life, it is all about relationships that you forge. That is what I believe is truly important if you want to find success.”

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CHARITY

BETHLEHEM CENTER'S

BREAKING BREAD GALA H T E X T

B Y

C H E R Y L

is gait is uneven and his steps deliberate as if trying to minimize the pain he is in. Yet, a huge smile stretches across his face as he takes his seat for lunch at the Bethlehem Center.

Merced welcomes me to sit next to him.

“I am so grateful for this place. I eat both breakfast and lunch here and they take good care of you; treat you like a person when so many don’t. I never understood what it was like to be homeless, never understood how someone could be homeless until I got sick and lost my job,” Merced recalls between mouthfuls of chicken and rice. “Living like this is hard because I never wanted to disappoint my mother

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P H O T O S

and being homeless would hurt her so much. So instead I try to show the kindness and love she showed me to others. I may be homeless, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have compassion and empathy for my fellow man.”

Indeed, compassion and giving was the essence of the November 2 Breaking Bread Gala, a fundraiser to support the Bethlehem Center.

Held at the Visalia Country Club, the event hosted hundreds of people who wanted to help the area’s economically disadvantaged and homeless. Their mission: providing free clothing to those in need, serving more than 100,000 free hot meals a year, dispensing food

Merced

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boxes to families, distributing backpacks to school children, and hygiene packets to those living on the streets; and as such, the Bethlehem Center acts as a vital part of the community which helps to uplift those in need.

“The Bethlehem Center is unique, as no one in need is turned away no matter their faith or circumstances.

Everyone who comes is welcome. We are a part of a long link of organizations and businesses (Starbucks, Winco, Ruiz Foods, and local restaurants) that proudly serve citizens of this city everyday,” commented Bethlehem board member Daryn Davis.

The theme of this year’s annual event paid homage to everything British.

With Beefeaters greeting guests, the Union Jack flying high, and several 007 agents in attendance, guests felt as if they were whisked away to London, England. And just as tourists snap pictures in front of the Commonwealth’s famous bright red telephone booths, souvenir pictures were taken inside of attendees beside life-sized replicates of the much-loved icons of British life.

Meanwhile, an informational slide show presentation informed all about the different programs provided by the Bethlehem Center. Major sponsors of the evening included California Water Service Company, Provident Salierno Foundation, and JC Lansdowne, Inc. Outside, guests mingled on the deck by the open bar while bagpiper Iain Fisher piped traditional Scottish

Iain Fisher

faire on the green below. Conversation was lively as groups posed with a life-sized image of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and sampled a variety of traditional British Isle hors d’oeuvres.

Soon guests were called to a lavish British sit-down dinner as singer Jamie Hitchcock rolled through many Sinatra favorites. Mary T. Hill -- queen of the event, dressed in an ermine cape and holding a scepter --addressed the crowd reminding all involved that the Bethlehem Center, “welcomes the hungry, the cold, and the poor who are in need of warmth and a smile.”

Monsignor Ray Dreiling led the dinner prayer imploring attendees to pray for the homeless and for those living on the streets. “We are here tonight and the poor are still needing to be fed,” he said, thanking all involved for

their support and the good work done on behalf of the Bethlehem Center.

Attendee Rita Perez, who prepares meals for the Center clients, was glad to see such a large crowd supporting the event because, “there are so many out on the streets that need our help. I consider them all to be my kids. I think we all do.” And Father John Griesbach explained, “The gala allows individuals in this community to do something tangible to help those families who are falling through the cracks through no fault of their own.”

For organizers Mark and Maureen Fisher, the gala has become more than an annual event -- it has become a calling. As Mark explained, “When we became involved with The Good News Center (now the Bethlehem Center) it was losing money and a group of individuals and churches got together

Mary T. Hill

and made a commitment that this place would not be closed down no matter what. With so many demands for services on the place, what we quickly realized was that a big fundraiser would be needed to make the center work.

This evening is our fifth and we have learned a lot over the years making this gala bigger and better than ever.”

After dinner bids came fast and furious for numerous prestigious auction items, including the Priest Dinner donated by David Vartanian of The Vintage Press, a Cigar Night, and a hotel and dinner package in Las Vegas to see superstar Cher.

The auction alone raised $68,000.

According to co-chair Kathleen Remillard, this year’s event was the most successful yet. “We raised over $200,000 that is going to the

general fund. I want readers to know that this is an ecumenical effort in which many churches, individuals of differing faiths and businesses contribute so much of themselves to make the Bethlehem Center a place the poor can rely on for so many basic necessities of life,” said Remillard.

But for Merced as well as all of the attendees, what matters above all is showing kindness and concern while providing hope for others in whatever way they can.

“Someday, I’ll be back on my feet and I will be able to give to others again just like the folks at the Bethlehem Center. If everyone could just plant a little seed of kindness and love we could feed the world,” reflected Merced.

I think all involved with the Bethlehem Center and the fundraWiser would whole-heartedly agree.

Kathleen Remillard and Maureen Fisher

Alisa and Warren Gubler

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KUDOS

A TIP OF THE HAT TO...

BOY SCO UTS O F AM ER I CA HONOR MIKE BOUDREAUX Tulare County Sheriff, Mike Boudreaux, received the “Distinguished Citizen Award” by the Boy Scouts of America Sequoia Council. A special dinner was held on October 17 at the Visalia Convention Center in his honor.

“It’s truly an honor to receive this award,” Boudreaux said.

“I accept it along with the men and women at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office who make my job a success.”

Sheriff Boudreaux’s commitment to the youth of Tulare County is exceptional. Not only does he fully support the Sheriff’s Explorers program, a branch of the Boys Scouts of America as a work-site based program, he created the Pathways Scholarship Program. This program gives his Explorers an opportunity to go to college and, after graduation, to be hired as Deputies in their hometowns for better community policing. Two of the five Pathways Scholarship recipients are now Deputies.

CASA LAS VEGASS Guests attending CASA of Tulare County’s annual CASA Las Vegas enjoyed a fun night of casino-styled games, food, drinks and dancing to live music from the Dirty Poppas at the Visalia Country Club on October 14, 2017. All proceeds go to supporting activities of CASA of Tulare County – speaking up for innocent children who are victims of abuse and neglect by advocating for their safety and well-being by training community volunteers to represent their best interest and be their voice in court. For more information about CASA of Tulare County, visit www.casatulareco.org.

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FASHION

The Soft Side of

Fall Fashion T E X T

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M O S L E Y

W

ith the arrival of fall, our homes are brimming over with scented candles and fuzzy blankets, and now our closets are ready for a dose of friendly comfort, too. Think "hygge". It's the trendy Scandinavian word that's perfect for describing the way we all want to dress when leaves start to fall and fires start crackling.

The Oxford Dictionary defines hygge (pronounced HUE gah) as "a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)." And what better way to snuggle into a new season than to embrace the relaxed spirit of hygge?

Take a cue from Lands' End, the Wisconsin-based retailer who recently launched "The Art of Cozy," a new leisure collection that celebrates the hygge movement and features easy-to-wear clothes in the softest of fabrics.

"As lifestyles continue to evolve, so does fashion," says Chieh Tsai, senior vice president of design for Lands' End. "Today, women want to look stylish while being comfortable and have truly embraced a cozy, carefree approach to getting dressed each day," she adds.

Here's how you can get comfy and put some hygge into your own wardrobe this fall:

Add a lightweight jacket. Yes, even outerwear has gone soft this fall. French terry hoodies and bomber jackets are cozy favorites for men; and for women, the latest pea coats feature brushed wool fabrics that have a velvety feel to them. In mint green, they're a delicious treat for the lighter side of fall.

Sweater "coats" are other third-layer alternatives to heavy jackets — the longer the better this fall.

In luxurious cashmere, these kimono-inspired knits will provide plenty of those special hygge moments from the minute you put them on.

Pull on your pajama pants. But not just any pajama pants. This fall, the comfort factor extends to all kinds of easy-to-wear pants that are anything but sloppy. Meant-to-be-seen joggers, sweatpants, jeggings, and of course, leggings, are all basic must-haves in the cozy hygge wardrobe.

Dress to impress. You don't have to worry about leaving the plush life behind at home, either. Slip into a merino wool cable knit sweater dress that you can rock day and night. Then wrap up in an oversized plaid blanket scarf for even more style out on the street. When you get to the office, light a pumpkin spice candle, relax, and breathe in all the comfort of a new fall day.

Start at the top. The plush life begins with soft sweaters. The hottest fashion statements are the chunky turtlenecks, but cowl neck pullovers, tunics, and long cable-knit cardigans are all vying for attention. These knit tops can be the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe, easily mixing with casual jeans, leggings, and even tailored trousers for the office. Swap out a traditional blazer for a boucle drape front "waterfall" cardigan to bring a little hygge to your workplace.

Invest in a fleece vest. The down "puffer" vest is still a fall favorite that warms up the coldest of days without the bulk of a coat. But this fall, the softer side to take is the soft quilted fleece vest. A little lighter, but much more comfortable, especially on those autumn days when chilly mornings turn into warmer afternoons. Fleece pullovers are a cozy option that can be layered under down vests when extra warmth is needed.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

T H E AT R E & A R T S The Nutcracker Presented By Valley Performing Arts Council Experience the magic, wonder and beauty of The Nutcracker, performed by the Sacramento Ballet, and featuring local young dancers from throughout the Valley. It’s a feast for the eyes, ears, and the heart. Tickets start at $34.25.

When: Nov. 25-26, 1 p.m.

Where: Saroyan Theatre 700 M St., Fresno Contact: www.fresnoconventioncenter.com

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A Night of Comedy at Central Valley Christian Come for an evening of laughs as CVC students present two one-act plays and several hilarious sketches. Great for the whole family! Student tickets $5; adult tickets $10.

When: Nov. 30, Dec. 1-2, 7 p.m.

Where: Central Valley Christian School Chapel, 5600 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia Contact: www.cvc.org, (559) 734-9481

The Nutcracker Presented By Lively Arts Foundation Central California Ballet’s highly entertaining The Nutcracker is coming to the Saroyan Theatre. The whole family will enjoy the festive Party Scene, the Battle of the Nutcracker General and Mouse King, and the lovely Waltzing Flowers! Tickets start at $30. After the Sunday Matinee, there will be refreshments and favors ($12 per child with no fee for accompanying parents).

When: Dec. 9, 2 p.m. and 7:30 pm.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m.

Where: Saroyan Theatre 700 M Street, Fresno Contact: www.fresnoconventioncenter.com

THE PARTY SHOULD BE THE ONLY SURPRISE THAT COMES AT RETIREMENT

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Chamber Holiday Festival Concert 2017 Featuring the choirs of Redwood, Mt. Whitney, El Diamante, Golden West, University Preparatory, and Central Valley Christian high schools and the COS COS Chamber Singers.

All proceeds Chamber Singers.

All proceeds go togo the to the schools’ music programs. schools’ music programs.

Tickets $6.

6; 7 p.m.

When: Dec. 6, Where: LJ Williams Theatre 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: American Legion Sierra Post 785 American LegionorSierra Post 785 (559) 303-8787 bcmcnabb@aol.com (559) 303-8787 or bcmcnabb@aol.com

Winter Dance Party Winter Dance Party is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper's final tour. It is the ONLY show endorsed by the Holly, Richardson, and Valens estate. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50s era: That'll Be The Day; Peggy Sue; Oh, Boy; Rave on; La Bamba; Chantilly Lace; and many, many more. Tickets start at $26.

When: Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 625-1369 www.visaliafox.org

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Holiday Madness One of the Central Valley’s most popular holiday traditions, this Tulare County Symphony concert features more than 300 performers and launches the season of celebration with a spirit of song. Come and share the joy. Join the community in experiencing all our holiday favorites -- old and new!

When: Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 732-8600 www.tularecountysymphony.com

DIVERSIONS & EXCU R S I O N S

An Irish Christmas Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing and Irish traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season!

When: Dec. 2, 7 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 625-1369 www.foxvisalia.org

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Visalia Race Against Hunger Join more than 5,000 community members for the 13th annual Race Against Hunger, the largest 5k in the Central Valley, benefiting Visalia Emergency Aid Council (VEAC). The Race Against Hunger provides critical funding for food assistance to more than 1,100 families in need each month. Race includes a 5k run, two-mile walk, and 1/4-mile kid’s race. Register online by November 19.

When: Nov. 23, 8 a.m.

Where: E. Main St. & N. Garden St., Downtown Visalia Contact: www.veac.org/turkey-trot1

Candy Cane Lane Parade Come celebrate the holiday spirit at Visalia’s 72nd Candy Cane Lane Parade!

The 1.5-mile route proceeds West on Main Street from Liberty to Conyer.

When: Nov. 27, 7 p.m.

Where: Main St., Downtown Visalia Contact: (559) 732-7737 or info@ downtownvisalia.com

Spirit of the Holidays Exeter Kiwanis invites you to our 26th Annual "Spirit of the Holidays" — the premier wine tasting event in the Central Valley. Join us for premium wines, whiskey tasting, hors d’oeuvres, raffle, and silent and live auctions. Semi-formal dress requested. Tickets $60.

When: Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Contact: www.exeterkiwanis.com

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Tulare FFA Tinsel Toy Run at Tulare Outlets The Tulare FFA and Tulare Outlet Center welcome you to participate the 2017 Tinsel Run/Walk! This run 5k run, 5k walk, and one-mile walk will start at the Nike Store in the Tulare Outlet Center and run the course throughout the center and local area. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped present to be donated to the Salvation Army in Tulare County to support children in our surrounding community.

Cost is $25.

When: Dec. 2, 8 a.m.

Where: Tulare Outlet Center, 1407 Retherford St. Contact: Jared Castle (559) 920-2925, or register at www.active.com

25th ZONTA Club Christmas Home Tour and Artisan Boutique Head east to tour four of Porterville’s most festive holiday homes. Also, be sure to visit the artisan boutique either before or after the tour. Tour to benefit the ZONTA Club of Porterville -- an organization with programs that benefit women and girls both internationally and locally.

When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (artisan boutique); noon – 4 p.m. (home tour) Where: Various locations, Porterville Contact: Giovanna DePaoli (559) 361-0640

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Ice Skate Visalia Ice Skate Visalia offers the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience in Visalia. We offer a unique and fun skating experience on our synthetic ice surface, which makes skating easier and safer for all ages. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a day or evening of fun!

When: Dec. 2 – Jan. 7 (dates and times vary; check schedule online) Where: Garden Street Plaza, Downtown Visalia Contact: (559) 713-4365 www.iceskatevisalia.com

Old Fashioned Christmas Open House Come and join us at the Springville Historical Museum to kick off the Christmas season the Old Fashioned way. Patty Torrey and friends will be making music throughout the afternoon, and blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking, butter churning and cider pressing will be a few of the day’s activities. The backcountry cookers will be serving up a variety of their specialty foods, refreshments, hot cider, and much more. Admission is free.

When: Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Springville Historical Museum, 34902 Highway 190 Contact: (559) 539-6314

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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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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

It’s A Model Railroad Christmas!

Celebrate the holidays with the excitement of model trains in the Christmas spirit! There will be several layouts and club members from Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society to answer questions. This event is free of charge.

When: Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Sequoia Mall, 3303 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Cheryl Peterson, (559) 733-7742, kpsprinklers@att.net

Exeter Woman’s Club Home Tour Come tour four beautiful homes dressed up for the holidays in Exeter this season. Hosted by the Exeter Woman’s Club, hot cocoa and snacks will be served at the clubhouse, as well as entertainment by pianist Frankie Magnano. Event benefits its historic clubhouse and Exeter’s youth. Tickets are available for purchase at Franey’s in Visalia and Antiques by the Water Tower in Exeter; $20, or $25 day-of.

When: Dec. 8, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Various locations, Exeter Contact: www.exeterwomansclub.com

Fee Free Day At Sequoia National Park Take a hike to the Nation's Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree, and celebrate the holidays among the snow and trees, all free of charge!

When: Dec. 10 Where: Sequoia National Park Contact: (559) 565-3341 or www.nps.gov/seki

C H A R I TA B L E E V E N T S

chef elaine dakessian 559.936.1260 elaine_ds@hotmail.com elainestresbien.com

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Masquerade Ball Christmas Tree Auction In its 37th year, this black-tie gala has been the premiere annual holiday event for local charities, raising more than one million dollars. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is proud and honored to host this beautiful formal event that gives back to our community in so many real and important ways. Join us to enjoy fine wines, locally crafted microbrews, culinary delights and bid on exquisitely decorated opulent Christmas trees and unique silent auction items. Must be 21 and over. Tickets are $70.

When: Dec. 8, 7-11:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave. Contact: www.visaliachamber.org/christmastree

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Tile & grout cleaning

Window washing

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 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 7

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Breast Augmentation

Breast Reduction

Trust your body-sculpting goals to Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Alex Lechtman, MD, FACS.

DrLechtman.com 5530 AVENIDA DE LOS ROBLES VISALIA

559.738.7572

His standards for excellence are as high as yours.

ALEX LECHTMAN,

MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon