Visalia Lifestyle Magazine — August 2019

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY AUGUST 2019

Home Tour

HOME OF REPURPOSE

Page 22 EPICURE

PEACHY KIND OF SUMMER Page 32 TRAVELER’S TREK

LASSEN NATIONAL PARK Page 38

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22 HOME TOUR

GARY EDDE’S HOME OF REPURPOSE Walking through the orange front door of Gary Edde’s ranch-style home, guests are literally stepping into a world tour in 2,200 square feet, a peaceful enclave despite its proximity to one of Tulare County’s busiest thoroughfares. “It is like a hodge-podge and is probably junk to anyone else,” the longtime Visalian said of his home’s contents. “But I could tell you a story about everything in this house. Everything in here has had a previous life.”

WHAT'S INSIDE 8

Letter from the Executive Editor

10

Word Play

16

Local Adventure

18

Literary Arts

30

Faces & Places

44

Women in Business

54

Happenings

12

32

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN OLD-TIME BUILDING

PEACHY KIND OF SUMMER

38

52

LASSEN NATIONAL PARK

AMY'S JOURNEY NEARS END

REFLECTIONS OF VISALIA

TRAVELER'S TREK

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EPICURE

FITNESS CHALLENGE

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DMI Agency 200 E. Center Ave., Suite A Visalia, CA 93291

Karen Tellalian

Executive Editor

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Assistant Editor

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Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen Taylor Johnson Melinda Brown

Contributing Writers

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Cheryl Dieter David Vartanian Diane Slocum Justin Levine Lisa McEwen Major Rogers Sue Burns Terry L. Ommen

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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 Armstrong Property Management Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Blend WIne Room California Fitness Academy Citizen's Bank Comfort Suites Downtown CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Dale Bruder Law Offices Downtown Visalia Alliance Ed Dena Auto Center, Visalia Exeter Chamber of Commerce Exeter Library

Flow Studios Franey's Design Center Glick's and Co. Holvik Family Health Center ImagineU Children’s Museum International Agri-Center Janeen’s Furniture Gallery Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Marcela's Home Store Max's Cookies Michael's Custom Jewelry Monet’s, Exeter Pacific Treasures Premier Medical Clinic PRO-PT

Salon 525 Sunmed Health & Weight Management The Aesthetic Center Tulare County Library V Medical Spa Vintage Press Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc.

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

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

Circulation of this issue: 15,600 © 2019 DMI Agency

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F rom The

EDITOR

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

Hair by Christina Jordan, CA LOOKS Salon | Makeup by Orlando Molina Gonzales

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ower women in Tulare County — you should not be surprised that there are plenty of them. This month, we are excited to feature of some of the most successful women from across the community. Reading their bios, I was inspired by their unique paths to success, although I could not help but notice a common thread — one of giving back to others and organizations of their choice.

Whether male or female, success takes hard work and determination. Speaking from my own perspective, I do believe that women have a unique set of challenges that our overachieving counterparts do not. You may not recognize it when reading their profiles, but women often fight against preconceived ideas about how we should handle ourselves in the boardroom, an intrinsic lack of confidence, lower wages and struggle with how to get the work-life balance right. I believe that the most successful are those who focus on doing a great job for their clients, but also find a way to pay tender attention to their own hearts and the hearts of others. Nicely done, ladies.

This month’s home feature, a simple ranch style in the Beverly Glen neighborhood, is filled with memories of travels and friendship. Gary Edde, a 1967 graduate of Mt. Whitney High School, describes the home as “a hodge-podge,” but is quick to point out that everything in it has had a previous life. For more about Gary’s travels and stories about his finds, turn to page 22.

If you are about to embark on one last “beat the heat” trip out of town, you might want to pack a great book.

Each month, Lifestyle Magazine brings you “Word Play,” highlighting favorite books and authors of our longtime literary arts contributor, Diane Slocum. For novels, writers and even writing contest info, be sure to see page 10, where Diane will tempt you with her August picks.

As I pound out this month’s Letter from the Editor, I do so on the eve of my birthday. Technically, it is not a milestone birthday, but as the years move swiftly past, it seems that every birthday is a milestone. Doing my best to answer questions from my children about how I’d like to celebrate, the answer is pretty simple. To spend it with them, with my grandchildren on my lap and with spots on my shirt from their chubby, food-stained hands, where peace and love flow freely. There’s not a better way to create the kind of memory that I’ll want to hang onto forever. My guess is that is exactly what will happen, followed by my favorite ice cream cake.

Thank you for being loyal readers and we will be back again in September.

KAREN TELLALIAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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WO R D PLAY

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News on writing, books + the world of publishing

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alley writers often tend to stay close to the soil, but novelists in other parts of the country can harvest stories from the land as well.

One such story is “Stay and Fight” (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, July) by Madeline Fitch. Helen goes to Appalachian Ohio with her boyfriend and his dream of living off the land.

However, he abandons her and the dream as winter approaches and Helen relies on the assistance of her neighbors, Lily and Karen, to make it to spring. As circumstances change, the couple and their son throw in with Helen and all strive to survive as a family and fend off encroaching political threats.

In J. Ryan Stradal’s second novel, “The Lager Queen of Minnesota” (Pamela Dorman Books, July), the younger sister, cold-hearted Helen, inherits the farm, leaving elder sister, big-hearted Edith, struggling. Helen uses the farm’s proceeds to build a successful light brewery, but later finds that she may need a sister’s help, if it’s not too late.

interview, he listed his favorite books as “Moby Dick,” books by poet/essayist Loren Eisley and collected essays of George Bernard Shaw. But it was the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs that had the greatest influence on his career. After being captivated by the “John Carter: Warlord of Mars” series at age 10, he began to write and continued for the rest of his life.

VALLEY WRITERS David Borofka is an award-winning author of more than 50 short stories.

Among his awards are the Missouri Review’s Editors’ Prize and the Carolina Quarterly’s Charles B. Wood Award for Distinguished Writing. His short story collection, “Hints of His Mortality,” won an Iowa Short Fiction Award. His stories concern men struggling with their weaknesses but redeemed by compassion.

His novel, “The Island,” is a coming-ofage story about a 13-year-old boy left by his parents with a family each of whom has quirks of their own. His story

“My Life as a Mystic,” was a finalist for a Flannery O’Connor award. Borofka also has stories in the anthologies “Things in Heaven and Earth” and “Walking on Water.”

Clovis author Barbara Carpenter’s latest children’s picture books are “Life of the Traveling Sun” and “Little Moments,” both illustrated by Matthew Benton and published by Traveling Sun Publishing (self-publishing).

WRITING CONTEST Persea Books commemorates poetactivist Lexi Rudnitsky through two book contests. Entries for the First Book Prize may be submitted between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 via Submittable. The contest is open to women who have not published a full-length book of poems. The winner receives publication by Persea, a $1,000 advance and an all-expensepaid residency at an artist retreat in a 15th-century Italian castle. Details at perseabooks.com/lexi-rudnitskyprize-award.

100 YEARS

WRITERS’ CONFERENCE

J.D. Salinger would have been 100 years old this year. He was best known for his 1951 novel, “The Catcher in the Rye” and for “Franny & Zooey.”

In the former, Holden Caulfield is a sensitive and rebellious teenager with a heightened self-consciousness.

Although intelligent and precocious, he is expelled from his school and goes on an odyssey trying to avoid phoniness. Franny is also intellectually precocious and obsessively against superficiality, so much so that she suffers a breakdown. Zooey is her older brother who tries to heal her.

The Southwest Writers and Military Writers Society of America Joint Writing Conference “Moving Up the Ladder: From Writer to Author” will be held Sept. 12-14 in Albuquerque, N.M. Presenters include poet Nancy Arbuthnot, novelist Joseph Badal, mystery writer Kari Bovée, historical fiction writer Janet K. Brennan, nonfiction author Ruth W. Crocker and at least 22 others. Regular registration is $249. Details at southwestwriters. com/upcoming-conference/jointwriting-conference.

AUGUST AUTHOR’S FAVORITE BOOKS

“I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature.”

— Paulo Coelho (1947- ) L

Ray Bradbury, born Aug. 22, 1920, is the author of dystopian, science fiction and horror novels such as “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Martian Chronicles,” “The Illustrated Man” and “I Sing the Body Electric.” In a 2003 10 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN OLD-TIME BUILDING T E X T

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San Francisco. During the early 1900s, Visalia Mayor Albert R. Cutler lived there.

By 1922, although some sources say it was as early as 1917, the Brooks family bought the house from the Cutlers, and Albert Ellis Brooks, a Visalia undertaker, took up residency. Then in about 1925, Brooks, cramped for space at his Court Street funeral parlor, moved his under-taking business to this Church Street property.

The house-turned-business went through several remodels and expansions during Brooks’ ownership, including one in 1929 when a 240-seat funeral chapel was added to the north side of the residence. In 1931, Albert’s son, Roy, joined the business and the name became A.E. Brooks & Son. Four years later, the family made more building changes by upgrading the inside and outside of the main building to match the more modern chapel addition.

While Roy and his father operated the mortuary business, both became

isalia is fortunate to have many interesting old buildings still standing. These throwbacks to an earlier time are tangible links to our past and help us explore our rich, 167-year history. One of these buildings stands on the southwest corner of Church and School streets and is now in the midst of a major facelift.

This relic of Visalia’s pioneer days has been home to a number of prominent families and most recently was the meeting hall for a building trade union.

But of all the occupants, historically, the old-timer is probably best known as the property of one of Visalia’s leading families and their mortuary business — the Brooks family funeral home. Over the building’s 144-year history, it has undergone a number of makeovers and now that it’s in the midst of another, it seems appropriate to take a peek at the building’s history and mention at least some of the people who have been connected to it.

According to longtime residents, the building had its start in about 1876 as a two-story home. The boards used to build it came from a Sierra sawmill east of Visalia, all hauled down from the mountains in lumber wagons pulled by six-horse or mule teams.

Visalia attorney Wheaton A. Gray was one of the first, if not the first, to occupy the building. In 1882, he married Marietta Rice, a Tulare County native, and the couple resided in the beautiful home.

Gray was a well-respected young lawyer who practiced civil and criminal law in Visalia courts. In 1891, his talent was recognized by California Gov. Henry Markham, who appointed him a Tulare County Superior Court judge. Eight years later, Gray caught the attention of California Gov. Henry Gage, who appointed him to fill a vacant seat as a California Supreme Court commissioner.

As a result, the Gray family sold their Church Street home to the Cutler family and left town to establish a new home in

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Top: The funeral home as it appeared in 1929 after building of the chapel. Albert Brooks is on the far right next to the Brooks hearse.

interested in politics and each served as Tulare County coroner and public administrator. After Albert served, Roy was elected and held the position for 16 years until the office was eliminated and the duties were incorporated into the Sheriff’s Department and the office of the district attorney. Roy Brooks was the last to ever hold the office of coroner and public administrator.

In 1935, the senior Brooks died and his son changed the business name to Brooks Funeral Home. The next year, Walter A. Foor, a King City undertaker, bought a half interest in the Visalia concern and it became Brooks & Foor, then, for a time, another partner came on the scene and the business became Brooks & Hale.

The mortuary at 319 N. Church operated with the Brooks name until 1955, when on Jan. 16, the business officially opened at a new location on Goshen Avenue next to the Visalia Cemetery. The business was later sold to Sam Miller and today still carries that family name – Miller Memorial Chapel.

The Church Street property was sold and in 1956, the building served as the American Federation of Labor temple.

The union hall stayed for many years and, recently, the building was sold again, this time to a company that is converting it

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into an office building.

Although at the time he had no financial interest in the property, Roy Brooks recognized the historical value of his old Church Street address. In February 1979, he typed up some notes about the building that he knew so well. Exactly why he did it is unclear, but presumably because of his love for history, this civic-minded man, who had been the 1955-56 Tulare County Historical Society president, left his memories for us and future generations. Here are a few of his random thoughts regarding his former property: • A big room was added on the south side of the house and it was used for casket displays and funeral merchandise.

• At one time, there were several detached apartments behind the house were used by domestic workers for both the Gray and Cutler families.

• There was an apartment upstairs

where occasionally domestic workers lived. For many years, Roy’s parents lived in the apartment and, at one point, it was rented to Tulare County Sheriff Ben Gurr. It was convenient for him as his office was less than a block away.

• At one time Roy used the upstairs for his office when he served as coroner and public administrator.

• There were Australian fern trees on the east and north sides of the home at one time. When they bloomed, they “would drip a sticky syrup” on cars parked at the curb. So he was not surprised that they were removed.

On Aug. 23, 1981, Roy Brooks died in a Visalia hospital at the age of 92.

Soon, we will see the new rendition of 319 N. Church St. Based on over-the-fence observations, the building is sure to be a beauty as it begins a new chapter and takes its place among the other architectural charmers in the neighborhood. L

Above left: A 1934 campaign card for Roy Brooks. Above right: An early hearse belonging to Albert Brooks. It is shown parked on Court Street in front of the Tulare County Courthouse. It is believed to be the first motorized hearse used in Tulare County. Circa 1914. Below left: Wheaton Gray on the far left was an occupant of the home.

Circa 1890. Below: The Brooks mortuary building as it appears now while being remodeled.

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DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK! T E X T

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e’ve all admired the night sky at some point in our lives, ruminating on the beauty of the constellations and wondering if perhaps we share this vast universe with other beings somewhere up there.

Whether we’re lying on the grass in our backyard or gazing up from a mountain cabin, desert campsite or beach blanket, the stars never fail to awe and inspire.

Did you also know, though, that the darkness is important to the health of wildlife and the environment? It’s true — especially in this age of ever-increasing artificial light pollution.

How lucky we are that we have the annual Dark Sky Festival right here

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in our aforementioned backyard.

With more than 30 programs in 2019 — tours, stargazing, guest speakers, movies and music among them — the sixth annual event on Aug. 23-24 “aims to educate people about the importance of preserving natural darkness and inspire them to take action in their own communities.”

As the largest night sky festival in Central California, the Dark Sky Festival will offer activities throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including the foothills, Mineral King, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Cedar Grove, and Lake Kaweah in Three Rivers.

The festival is brought to you by

R E I N H A R D T

Sequoia Parks Conservancy and National Park Service with sponsor support from Bank of the Sierra, National Park Geek and Buckeye Tree Lodge.

A kick-off event is planned at REI in Fresno on Aug. 23, featuring a silent auction, park information and keynote speech by Dr. Jena Meinecke, well-known plasma physicist and advocate for women in the physics field. She will share how she is using “the largest lasers on Earth to better understand the origins of our universe.”

Attendance at the Dark Sky Festival has grown every year, with more than 5,000 in attendance in 2018, so plan ahead if you want to be part of the fun. L

For more information on programs and locations, visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org/darkskyfestival.html.

Advance reservations are required for the keynote event in Fresno and can be made at tinyurl.com/DSF-REI. Overnight accommodations are strongly encouraged; visit recreation.gov or visitsequoia.com for information.

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VALLEY HEAT, GRIT, SEARCH FOR IDENTITY INSPIRE RECENT FRESNO POET LAUREATE T E X T

"A

lot of poetry slows us down in a way that recalibrates our attention in a very important way, that allows us to re-see the world or to re-envision ourselves and honor relationships with the people and the things around us.” — Lee Herrick Lee Herrick was Fresno’s poet laureate from 2015 to 2017. His signature project in this capacity was the LitHop that ran for three years, took this year off and is expected to resume in April 2020.

LitHop showcased about 150 poets and writers of the most diversity possible in all respects. It gives audiences an opportunity to see how much talent exists in this valley, which has been a hotbed of poetry at least since Phil Levine, Peter Everwine and Chuck Hanzlicek came to Fresno State around 1960, drawing in and drawing out the poets and poetry from the fields, orchards and city streets.

When asked about how his own writing is influenced by the Central Valley, Herrick said he thinks first about the heat and the grit.

“And the work ethic here aligns with my sense of work ethic,” he said. “And those things — the heat, the grit, the work, Fresno and the valley — makes its way into a lot of Fresno poets’ work.”

He added, hesitating for the right words: “The strangeness of it? I don’t think I’ve ever said that in an interview, but there’s a strangeness that is conducive to the imagination and to creating. I think there is also a real hunger and desire for history and identity, but also of aspiration and hope that I feel in Fresno that resonates with me.”

Herrick was born in South Korea and adopted into a Danville family when he was 10 months old. His father was a banker and his mother an artist.

The family moved to Modesto when Lee was 8 years old. He graduated from high school there and attended Modesto Community College for

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two years before transferring to CSU Stanislaus in Turlock, where he received a master’s degree in English composition and rhetoric. At 26, he was hired to teach at Fresno City College and has been there since.

As a child, he always enjoyed writing little stories and making lists on all kinds of topics. He was a voracious reader.

“My mom would take us to the library and let us check out as many books as we could carry,” he said. “My parents were also big readers, so I grew up around language and books.”

Even the family games leaned toward Scrabble and crossword puzzles.

“I always gravitated toward English in school,” he said. “I loved spelling

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and grammar. Probably in high school was when my interest in poetry was really piqued. In college, that world of imagination, other worlds, identity, emotions, voices really opened up for me.”

Herrick has three books of poetry published. His earliest is “This Many Miles from Desire,” published in 2007. The poems were written over a 10-year period, mostly in Asia and Latin America, and many are related to a search for identity.

“When I wrote that book, I had not yet done a birth-family search,” he said.

He had only been back to Korea for a few days en route to China.

“I hadn’t really done a lot of exploration of myself, my Korean adopted identity,” he said.

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Although it deals with searching and loss, he said, it is a hopeful book, somewhat wide-eyed and imaginative.

“I was creating a lot of potential parts of my life, which I think can be one of the great parts of art — filling those spaces and recreating things,” he said.

His second book is “Gardening Secrets of the Dead,” published in 2012. This book is more political and sure of itself, he said.

By then, he had unsuccessfully looked for his birth family and had become a father. Adoption plays a smaller role in these poems.

They are “very much about other political aspects of my life and my community. The poem “My California” is in that book, and it felt like it was the start of some of my sociopolitical concerns.”

“Scar and Flower,” his third book, was published in January this year. This book is divided into two parts. The first deals with American gun violence — Sandy Hook, the Pulse Nightclub, police­involved shootings — suicide, trauma and the Korean adoption community.

“It was very heavy writing,” he said.

“It was difficult to write some of those poems. It’s dealing with some of the difficult parts of our culture. I really couldn’t stop thinking about them. They were very disturbing to me.

“The second part of the book is my idea about how you and I can navigate that trauma,” he said. “I’m very interested in survival and perseverance. The second part deals with everything from reading with my daughter to the people you meet and some of the more restorative, joyful experiences of my life.”

Herrick is currently co-editing a book titled “The World I Leave You: Asian American Poets of Faith and Spirit” that is scheduled for publication next spring.

He is working with Leah Silvieus, a talented poet who was also adopted from South Korea as an infant and currently lives on the East Coast. Poetry in the book speaks of faith and spirit by categories such as social justice, the natural world, and ancestry or culture. One section relates to doubt or rejection of faith.

“It’s just a very exciting, diverse collection of some of the most incredible contemporary Asian American poets writing today, also a lot of new voices we discovered,” he said. “That’s been one of the fun parts about editing this book — reading from these new works.”

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Also exciting for Herrick is the anthology “Here: Poems for the Planet” published in April by Copper Canyon Press and edited by Elizabeth J. Coleman, with an introduction by the Dalai Lama.

The book is described as a love song to a planet in crisis and, besides the poems, includes a guide to activism by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

It represents more than 125 poets imparting a sense of urgency over the impending crisis, yet also a sense of hope.

Herrick’s poem in the book is “A Thousand Saxophones,” which was published in “This Many Miles from Desire” and was written after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“It still feels surreal,” he said. “The anthology has Nobel Prize winners and Pulitzer recipients and a lot of wonderful

“It was difficult to write some of those poems. It’s dealing with some of the difficult parts of our culture.

I really couldn’t stop thinking about them."

— Lee Herrick

poets. And it also has a section for youth poets. It’s just a beautiful book.”

Herrick’s work has appeared in numerous anthologies and publications such as “Highway 99: A Literary Journey Through California’s Great Central Valley” and “The Poetry Foundation.” In general, his poetry is influenced by music, the auditory world, the natural world, the sensory world. He is interested in struggle, perseverance and survival, and adoption related to all of those.

“It’s such a formative part of my life,” he said. “It’s a complex, multilayered experience. That’s also the subject of a memoir that I’ve started writing. Just meeting adoptees from other countries around the world has really been one of the greatest surprises and joys about my writing life.” L

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TRAVEL MEMENTOS, FURNITURE AND ARTWORK FILL

GARY EDDE’S HOME OF REPURPOSE T E X T

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he simple and stately exterior of Gary Edde’s Visalia home, which anchors a large corner lot just a stone’s throw from Mooney Boulevard, belies the treasures inside.

Walking through the orange front door of the ranchstyle home, with its wide and inviting elevation, guests are literally stepping into a world tour in 2,200 square feet, completely narrated by Edde, a longtime Visalian.

Built in 1952, the three-bedroom, two-bath home is a peaceful enclave despite its proximity to one of Tulare County’s busiest thoroughfares. Edde, a 1967 graduate of Mt. Whitney High School, has lived here for nearly 20 years and espouses the comfortable surroundings and excellent neighborhood.

“I was thankful when this home came up for purchase, and we were lucky to be able to buy it,” Edde said. “It was a fixer-upper, and we put a lot of work into it, including tearing out a lot of wallpaper.”

Edde bought the home after moving from rural Visalia with his former partner of 11 years, Mike Chedester. Edde remained in the home after they parted ways, putting a vast collection of original art on display, adding unique furniture finds and mementos from his global travels.

“It is like a hodge-podge and is probably junk to anyone else,” he said. “But I could tell you a story about everything in this house. Everything in here has had a previous life.”

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COMFORTABLE CONVERSATION On an L-shaped leather couch plumped with throw pillows, in what is called the “Rumpus Room” per the original architectural drawings, Edde sits down to converse with Lifestyle Magazine about his home. On his lap is his sweet Chihuahua companion, Chi Chi Girl, who settles in for a nap.

Edde has worked for more than 43 years for the Tulare County Assessor’s Office as an appraiser and has seen Visalia grow immensely during that time. Because of his job and propensity for investing in rental homes, he is also intensely familiar with the city and its properties. When this home came on the market, he knew that it was a gem.

“I love this neighborhood because it has a lot of diversity,” he said. “The homes are not cookie-cutter. Each house has a different floor plan. And I love my neighbors. We talk regularly and everyone watches out for each other.”

The Rumpus Room features a handsome fireplace and plenty of relaxing areas to spend the day reading, watching television or simply cuddling with Chi Chi Girl.

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his interests, including several medals from the Visalia Senior Games, where he has taken top honors as a pickleball player. On another wall, a portion of Edde’s collection of landscapes and still life artwork is expertly hung and illuminated. Many of these paintings were purchased during his travels or given to him by friends.

One of the features of ranch-style homes is wide picture windows, which bring in much-desired natural light.

Edde’s home is no different. However, ornate window treatments and draperies soften the edges of those windows throughout the home.

Edde explains that his friends’ home decor business, Fabric Walls, regularly updates clients’ homes with new draperies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Still useful in some way, the old ones have found their way into Edde’s home. Some are embroidered, others bedecked with jade elephants and still others feature ornate tassels. “There is nothing wrong with these, and they have found a new life here in my home,” he said.

Other pieces in the home that have been born again include a chair and ottoman combination that Edde found

Your Home. Your Look.

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

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while in San Francisco.

“A lady had put the chair out on the street, and she said I could have the ottoman if I came back the next day,” he said. “All I did was reupholster them.”

The ensemble now fits perfectly in the living room.

Also in the living room are several family heirlooms, paintings and a rug that has special meaning.

“I call it my cancer rug,” he said, pointing to a small Chinese silk rug.

“I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and underwent six months of chemotherapy. My sister was traveling

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in China with her softball team and found this rug while I was in treatment.”

From the living room, one’s eyes are drawn to the warmly lit hallway, which features a dark wooden picture rail running the length of each wall. Identically framed yet varying in size, lithograph prints of churches, skylines and monuments line the rails and take guests on a journey around the world, all previous stops in Edde’s travels: Peru, Budapest, Copenhagen, Madrid, Sydney, Cambodia and Vietnam, to name a few.

“This was the best suggestion ever for this house,” he said.

KITCHEN MAGNET As is the case for many homes, Edde’s kitchen is the room where guests love to gather. To that end, he decided to remodel the space in 2014 to not only remove the 1970s’ vibe but to also make room for guests to linger, as well as to improve the traffic flow in the home during parties.

“It is the congregation point. It’s where everyone wants to be,” he said.

He removed a wall that had previously separated the living room from the kitchen and dining areas, which also allowed for easier conversations even when in different rooms of the house.

The recessed ceiling is loaded with five can lights, which, when turned on, illuminate the work space perfectly. A kitchen window, which looks out onto the spacious backyard and pool, also filters in natural light. Cherry cabinetry stabilizes the granite countertops, offering contrasting tones.

Ironically, Edde does not cook and estimates that he dines out for about 90 percent of his meals. But some of his favorite memories of using his kitchen revolve around a late family friend, Bud Erickson, a pillar citizen of Visalia.

“Bud’s daughters would gather here to prepare meals for their father every few weeks in his final years because they had more fun cooking in my kitchen

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more than their own,” he said. “We have a lot of great memories together. He was such a great guy and a really nice man.”

Bud passed away May 6, 2018. A photo of him is displayed prominently on a side table in Edde’s home. Meals with Bud and family were enjoyed together at Edde’s six-person dining room table, situated next to two wide windows that take in the view of a large patio and mature citrus trees in the backyard. Natural light floods the dining room, bringing the outdoors in. In the evening, a crystal chandelier that Edde said isn’t gaudy enough illuminates the space.

Long before television shows and home improvement networks flooded the populace with ideas of repurposing and reimagining objects, Edde was collecting, reusing and creatively arranging items in his Visalia home.

Sitting in the elegant living room during a photo shoot, he even jokes that sweet little Chi Chi Girl, snuggled contently on his lap, had a previous life.

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Peachy

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his month's recipes are packing a peachy punch, and we're giving you every excuse (not that you need one) to go to the farmer's market or local roadside stand to pick up some of the season's most popular produce.

Whether you like this sweet stone fruit with a savory seaside flair or prefer it in a sweet, sparkly cocktail, the peach is sure to please your palate during these hot summer months.

HALIBUT WITH PEACH SALSA Serves 6 INGREDIENTS 6 6-ounce halibut fillets Salt and pepper Butter for basting SALSA INGREDIENTS 2 peaches 1 small red onion 1 small red pepper 1 small bunch of cilantro Juice of 2 limes 1/4 cup olive oil 1 small jalapeño Salt and fresh ground pepper

HALIBUT DIRECTIONS Season fillets with salt and pepper.

Baste with butter.

Pan sear 3-4 minutes on each side.

SALSA DIRECTIONS For the salsa, cut the peaches, red onion and red pepper into quarter-inch pieces.

Chop the cilantro and add it to the fruit in a mixing bowl.

Squeeze the lime juice over the fruit.

Split the jalapeño in half and remove the seeds.

Mince the jalapeño and add it to the fruit.

Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

PLATING Place a halibut fillet on each of six plates and spoon the fresh fruit salsa over the top.

Did you make these tasty dishes?

Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram.

We look forward to seeing you online!

/LifestyleMag

@visalialifestyle

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GRILLED PEACHES WITH BALSAMIC SYRUP

BALSAMIC DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Pour vinegar into small saucepan over low heat.

Reduce to one-third.

Allow to cool.

2 peaches, slightly firm, cut in half Olive oil 2 cups arugula 4 ounces prosciutto, sliced thin 4 4-ounce burrata Balsamic syrup Salt and pepper BALSAMIC SYRUP 1 cup balsamic vinegar

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DIRECTIONS Brush the peaches with olive oil.

Place on the grill, cut side down.

Grill for about 2 minutes; turn over and grill for another 2 minutes.

Let cool.

Place half a grilled peach on a plate.

Place half a cup of arugula next to the peach.

Place burrata on arugula.

Place 1 ounce of sliced prosciutto on the plate.

Drizzle with balsamic syrup and olive oil.

Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Garnish with fresh basil.

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PEACH MELBA Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 10 ounces fresh raspberries 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 1/2 cups water 1 vanilla bean, split lengthways 2 firm, ripe peaches Vanilla ice cream, for serving DIRECTIONS PurĂŠe raspberries and powdered sugar together in a food processor.

Pass through a strainer and discard the seeds.

Stir the sugar, vanilla bean and water in a pan over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring the sugar syrup to a boil and add the peaches, making sure that they are covered with syrup.

Simmer for 5 minutes or until tender.

Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and carefully remove the skin.

Cut the peaches in half and discard the pit.

Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a plate, add peach half, then spoon the purĂŠe over the top.

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FRESH PEACH BELLINI WOO WOO

FRESH PEACH BELLINI

WOO WOO

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

2 ripe peaches, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon sugar 1 bottle chilled Prosecco sparkling wine

1.5 ounces vodka 1 ounce peach schnapps 4 ounces cranberry juice Ice

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

Place the peaches, lemon juice and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until smooth.

Press the mixture through a sieve and discard the peach solids in the sieve.

Place 2 tablespoons of the peach purĂŠe into each champagne glass and fill with cold Prosecco.

Serve immediately.

Add all ingredients to shaker with ice.

Shake until mixed and cold.

Strain into sugar-rimmed short-stemmed martini glass.

Garnish with fresh peach slices and mint. L

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FUELING FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

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he haze slowly lifts and deep ocean-blue skies appear as I climb Highway 32 from the valley up toward my destination: Lassen National Volcanic Park. It is a unique ecosystem and one of the few places on Earth that contains all four types of volcanos, with Lassen peak being the largest plug dome volcano in the world.

Thirty-five years ago, I remember one of my patients telling me about the huge volcanic eruption that occurred in May 1915. His family lived 30 miles away and when the top blew away, they were sure that the end of time had come.

He described a deep rumble followed by a fierce shaking. Then the ash began to fall. Today, the park serves as a reminder that mother earth never slumbers and that life is ever-changing.

As I climb higher along the highway, vast swaths of virgin timber pace up and down the mountainsides, hiding lumbering black bears and the elusive mountain lion. I arrive at the bridge at Deer Creek, where I step out of my car

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and start climbing along the rocky shores.

I feel like a tightrope walker, for if I lose my precarious balance, into the creek’s chilly water I will go. Soon I spot a rather portly man, pole in the water, who acts as surprised to see me as I am to see him. Seems that I have stumbled upon his secret fishing hole, which is hidden away from prying eyes just like the prized gold panning spots of yesteryear.

I watch him warily as I go back from whence I came.

Back alongside a nearby trail, who should I stumble across but Ted, a cross between Grizzly Adams and an Eagle Scout carrying a small backpack anchored around his waist. Ted is a forest ranger and he is going out for the day to check out the area. He informs me that in the Almanor district, three creeks (Antelope, Deer and Mill) are catch-and-release areas for prize steelhead and salmon.

If you are a die-hard fisherman, it turns out that above the falls, you can keep your fish. Ted tells me that he loves his job out here deep in the wilds of Northern California.

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I pass by campgrounds with whimsical names like Potato Patch and Elam, both of which sit along the creek. Families splash in the water with their dogs lapping at disappearing bubbles, which pop as they hit the rocks. Kids ride their bikes along well-worn paths, and summer is visible on the campers’ sunburned faces.

Everyone I see is laughing and smiling … how could you not be happy in a place of such natural beauty?

Shortly after I take a left onto CA-36, split-rail fences begin to divide the land between the pines and meadow. I get my first good look at majestic Mount Lassen, its snow glistening against the brilliant blue of the sky. I pull up alongside North Deer Creek and head over to some men who are fly-fishing while standing in their waders against a backdrop of greenery and skunk cabbage. They are from Susanville and are on an annual pilgrimage to catch the trout that ply these waters. One pulls out a decent 3-pounder from his basket. They tell me that they are staying at a rental cabin a few miles up the road. I drive farther to check it out and come across the Highlands Ranch Resort. It’s a place that can only be described as rustic elegance consisting of a beautiful high-beamed restaurant surrounded by private cottages with amazing wedding vistas. It is lunchtime, and I finally settle on a 20-year tawny port and spicy chipotle honey prawns. I am not disappointed by the food or the show put on by the local hummingbirds as I gawk at the meadow and mountains beyond. Weekends, you will find live entertainment, and there are horses for rent every day of the week.

Across the street, the less-pretentious Village at Childs Meadow offers up standard fare lodging with an RV park and store to boot.

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Just a bit farther up the road, I arrive

Huge sweeping vistas of the park

at Mill Creek Resort and am greeted by

opened up as I came upon the Kohm

one- and two-bedroom rustic cabins

Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. The name

nestled in the trees. While not as fancy

is from the language of the indigenous

as the Highlands with on-site dining and

mountain Maidu people, which translates

cabin kitchenettes, it is a place where

to “snow mountain.” It is a beautiful

families gather for a bounty of rest,

building designed to capture the magni-

relaxation and checkers.

ficent views of the park. Inside, you will

Finally, I arrive at the CA-89, where

find a gift shop, a small cafe, and many

just down the road is the turnoff for

interactive and informative exhibits. But

Lassen Volcanic National Park and the

the main attraction is a small auditorium,

nearby snowmobile trail. While park

which runs a film on the half-hour about

entrance fees these days are steep

the park. The vivid colors, photos and nar-

($30), there are different pass options

ration make it a must-see in order to get

that can bring the cost down significantly,

an understanding of the sweeping vistas

especially if you are planning to visit

of the park and just how it was created.

several different national parks during

The four types of volcanoes — shield,

the year. Ask the ranger at the gate

composite, cinder cone and plug dome

about what passes are available and also

– are discussed in great detail so that

what ranger-led programs are available

each visitor can scan the area and easily

during the days of your visit.

determine which type of volcano they

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are viewing. Rangers are readily accessible and were willing to provide answers to any questions that I had. For the non-visitor, the park’s webcam can be found at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center webcam Webcam (U.S. National Park Service) Through word of mouth, I found that one of the most popular events at the park is the Lassen Dark Sky Festival, usually held over several days in August.

NASA scientists, astrobiologists, park rangers and astronomers come together to put on special programs and presentations for guests during the evening.

To view the online event schedule, visit go.nps.gov/darksky.

From the visitor center, it is a spectacular ride past brilliant layers of wildflowers, trilling birds and views that astound. The pullouts were busy as

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people stopped to take pictures of their families playing in the snow while temperatures hovered in the high 70s. With cool breezes sliding down the mountains, it made for a day that will be remembered forever.

Upon arriving at Sulphur Works, the first thing I heard upon shutting the door to my car was “Gross!!! It smells like giant monster farts here!!!!” spewing out of the mouth of a Dennis the Menace clone.

And, truthfully, the kid was right … as a powerful sulfur stench suddenly assaulted my nostrils. The scenery here looks otherworldly. Steam vents, called fumaroles, open up from the earth spewing sulfur clouds, and the plopping sound of boiling mud hisses and rises up from deep inside the Earth. Minerals the color of Sedona brick, burnt amber and brownish-reds splash across the landscape, while a

strange bluish-colored stream meanders down the hill. It’s hard to imagine that back in the 1940s, this site consisted of a bathhouse, restaurant and gas station before the park itself was born.

After leaving the “rotten egg” smell behind, I head up the mountain, where millions of bright yellow and purple flowers bubbled up from the mountainsides. Trees tipped over from winter’s heavy 40-foot snowfall try in vain to stand upright against their jails of the still frozen icy snow. Soon I arrived at Emerald Lake, the ice on the top of which is just opening up, giving the lake a greenish-blue cast, hence the name.

This small lake sits on top of a glacial bowl about half a mile west of the larger cirque, Lake Helen, whose elevation stands at 8,200 feet.

From there, I rode over to Bumpass

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Hill. I was excited to see this “other world” as the trailhead was closed when I visited last year. Needless to say, I was disappointed to find the area still off-limits to tourists as the site is renovated.

The ranger told me that because of last year’s heavy snowfall, access has been limited and that work will not continue until August. Whenever it re-opens, this three-mile trail is one of the highlights of the park and must not be missed.

For those who are into roughing it, it is recommended that reservations are made ahead of time for any of the numerous campgrounds that dot the area, but especially the one at Manzanita Lake.

Here you will also find 20 brand-new rustic cabins that sleep from two to eight and are available for a little under $100 per night. A camper amenities pack is available for an additional cost, and guided fly-fishing services are available in the area. Kayaking, boat rentals and hiking are favorite pastimes at Manzanita Lake, while nearby Drakesbad Guest Ranch offers horseback riding, massages, archery and swimming in the warm waters of the natural mineral springs. For a look at Manzanita Lake’s webcam, go to Manzanita Lake webcam Webcam (U.S. National Park Service) It’s been a long, astounding day and as I head back down into the valley,

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I reflect upon the beauty of this largely undiscovered area of the state. Striking vistas, immense forests and stark imagines combine to make Lassen Volcanic National Park a unique place to visit.

And just as I think that I have seen the last of what this amazing place offers, out of the trees steps a mother bear and her two cubs. They were too far off for a decent photo, so I vow to burn this imagine in my brain and, as I do so, I celebrate all the beauty that mother earth has to offer. For there is nothing that matches the quiet volcanic majesty that the northern part of the state has to offer its guests.

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n the tradition of featuring community members who are part of Visalia’s unique and local ambiance, Lifestyle is delighted to introduce you to seven women entrepreneurs who are leading the way in leadership and business.

Each has her own journey and skills that contribute to her success, which translates into success for our community as a whole.

We’re proud to share their extraordinary examples of creativity and perseverance.

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DANI BLAIN DANI BLAIN REAL ESTATE TEAM

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ike many in California’s Central Valley, Dani Blain has deep roots in family, faith and community. These roots not only define her outlook on life, but strongly influence the way she leads her nationally acclaimed real estate company, the Dani Blain Real Estate Team.

Blain’s training and love for sales and marketing began early while working in the family business, having grown up with an entrepreneur mother. After her mother retired, Blain ran the business with her sister. She continued to build her experience working in a variety of industries, including serving as regional sales manager for a staffing agency.

“I built strong relationships with different employers and found I had a knack for matching different people to jobs based on their skills and personality types," Blain said. "I use this knack today in recruiting agents and hiring support staff. I know how important it is to attract people of integrity with the same common goal to bring great culture 46 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

to the workplace.”

In 2014, with the encouragement of her late husband Kevin (Kevin Blain Real Estate Team), Blain chose to get her real estate license and began applying her sales and marketing skills. In her first year, she sold an impressive 46 homes.

She also made use of her recruiting background to help bring on more support staff and agents, helping build the Blain mega team at Keller Williams to 20 support staff and 50 sales agents.

As is often the case, great success can be followed by great difficulty. In 2018, Dani suffered the tragic loss of her husband. “I knew I couldn’t just give up and quit,” she said. “I continued to work really hard, grieving the death of my husband, while at the same time showing that I had the skills and knowledge to run our top-rated team with the leaders we had in place. I believe God has great plans for my future, and I give him all the glory for every success and for bringing me through each day.”

She certainly did not give up. In 2018, she led the now Dani Blain Real Estate Team to a record-breaking number of more than 1,400 homes sold, the team’s highest sales rate ever. If that wasn’t enough, Blain also earned her broker’s license while doing speaking engagements and sharing her story, hoping to help others.

Dani has two biological children and one unofficially adopted child from her marriage to Kevin. She is excited to become a grandma this November.

She wants to continue to do speaking engagements to help others overcome obstacles and to discover who they are and the great things they are capable of while continuing her career as a real estate broker.

“I hope to leave a lasting mark on this world of what kindness looks like,” Blain said. “Giving back to others is so important. If it weren’t for God and the people in my life who believed in me, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

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ERIKA RASCON MEDEROS SOARES ORMONDE & RASCON

he law firm of Mederos, Soares, Ormonde & Rascon (and its predecessors) has existed since 1954.

Based in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, the firm emphasizes legal matters in the dairy and agricultural field, as well as the general practice of law.

Areas of emphasis include civil, criminal, and bankruptcy litigation, agricultural law, transactional matters, real estate transactions, collections, probate and estate planning. Members of the firm pride themselves on being longestablished residents in the community.

They also are committed to playing an active role in the surrounding community with family, friends and clients.

This firm is committed to its clients and the community, and looks forward to serving both for many years to come.

In 2014, Erika Rascon became a law clerk at Horswill, Mederos & Soares (predecessor of Horswill, Mederos, Soares & Ormonde). In 2015, Erika graduated from San Joaquin College

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TAMRYN TANIMOTO KUMON MATHEMATICS

amryn Tanimoto was born in Seoul, South Korea, and adopted into a loving family in Laguna Niguel.

She attended California State University Fullerton and received her bachelor’s in psychology. She also met her fiancé in her final year as an undergrad. Not ready to finish furthering her education, she attended Azusa Pacific University and received her master’s in education and teaching credential in mathematics.

While attending school, she held a manager position at the Kumon Center of Anaheim Hills. Kumon is an educational network created by Toru Kumon and uses his Kumon method to teach mathematics and reading to young students. The Anaheim Hills center happens to be the only one run by an actual Kumon family member, Lina Kumon, who mentored Tamryn through the company and encouraged her to open her own Kumon business.

Tamryn and her fiancé decided to

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of Law and received her juris doctor degree. Erika was admitted to practice law in the State of California and the Eastern District of California United States District Court.

Immediately upon admission to the State Bar, Erika was hired as an associate attorney and in January 2019, Erika was named the first female partner of Mederos, Soares, Ormonde & Rascon.

Erika participates in the general practice of law. Her practice areas include employment law, civil litigation, criminal law, contract law, transaction work, probate and bankruptcy.

Erika currently lives in Visalia with her husband Matthew and their two daughters.

This firm and its predecessors has been in existence for more than 60 years serving its clients and the Central Valley community. This firm has always and will continue to take pride in the legal service provided to its clientele.

Erika can be reached at (559) 686-3861.

relocate to Hanford so he could work for his family’s farming business. Part of the move was determined by whether she could find a good location to open her own Kumon, which she decided to open in Visalia.

Tamryn has a strong passion for education and developing students’ academic success. She strives to become the top after-school education program for students in Visalia, Tulare and neighboring cities to attend.

Tamryn hopes to not only to become the No. 1 after-school program, but to also get involved in the community. She desires to become a prominent member of the Visalia business world and hopes to become more involved within the Chamber of Commerce.

Tamryn will continue to grow and nurture her new Kumon center and welcome any student, young or old, to grow into their academic success.

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DR. MARIE M. PINTO PROYOUTH

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arie M. Pinto was born in Tulare and raised in Tipton at her family’s dairy. She is the oldest child of Joe and Inez Simoes.

Marie began her career in the retail field, working in small boutiques. While attending college, she garnered a sales associate position at Gottschalks department store in Visalia. She soon became a department manager and later training manager. Upon graduating, Marie was promoted to the Gottschalks corporate offices as an assistant buyer.

Marie was involved in the purchasing and merchandising at all stores and assisted in opening numerous stores as the company grew. Three years later, Marie was named assistant store manager of merchandising for the Gottschalks store in Santa Maria.

In her next chapter, Marie resigned at Gottschalks to move back to Visalia; she then married Joe Pinto and helped raise their four sons. During this time, Marie began her career in education at College of the Sequoias in the Corporate and Community Education Department.

Utilizing her experience as a corporate

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trainer and marketer, she was quickly recruited to teach a retail sales program at the Tulare Adult School. The program soon expanded to include high school students.

Upon receiving her master’s degree in educational leadership and her administrative credential, Marie was named the work-based learning coordinator for the adult school. Her titles consisted of assistant director and director of the Tulare Adult School, where she served for five years. Marie was then promoted to the Tulare Joint Union High District administration as director of state and federal projects; she later transitioned to assistant superintendent of student services.

After 20 years in education, Marie recently retired from Tulare Joint Union High School District. Immediately after her retirement, but still wanting to serve in the education field, Marie became a consultant for ProYouth. She was then called upon to serve as interim CEO. On June 26, the board of ProYouth offered Marie the CEO position.

In addition to her work in education,

Marie has been involved in community service in both Tulare and Visalia as well as throughout Tulare County. She currently serves on the California Afterschool Network (CAN) Leadership Team.

Marie’s educational background consists of a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne, and a master’s in educational leadership and supervision, a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in business management, all from Fresno State.

She also attended Tipton Elementary School, Tulare Union High School and College of the Sequoias.

Marie has been married to Joe for 24 years; they are the parents of Jon and girlfriend Katie, Jameson, Andrew and fiancé Julie, and Jordan and wife Callie. They are also grandparents to Maverick and Madison.

Marie’s view of her career life: “I have been so fortunate to work with supportive individuals and organizations that helped me to learn and grow personally and in my career. I feel now it is my turn to pay it forward. My true joy comes from the success of others.”

W O M E N

I N

B U S I N E S S

WENDY SIMPSON-LITTLE WENDY LITTLE PROPERTIES

O

nce upon a time, a girl grew up in a sleepy, lovely farming town in Central California and loved the people and life so much, she decided to build her family and career right where she was. And she now finds herself incredibly privileged to be surrounded by eight other women who decided to do the same.

My name is Wendy Simpson-Little and I would love to tell you a few reasons why I love serving the people of Visalia alongside these amazing women each and every day at Wendy Little Properties.

People often ask each of us why we returned here or settled and stayed after college. The answer is resoundingly the same: the people. After attending college on the East Coast and traveling extensively around the world, I can truly say there is no place or people therein like the Central Valley. Honest, full of integrity,

kind, compassionate, happy, fair, hardworking, loyal … these are just a few of the many words that come to mind to describe the people I have known all my life in Visalia.

I wanted to raise my two children, now both teenagers, around people who embodied the best of what I believe we can truly be as people. Visalia has given them the roots, examples and the accountability they need to be kind and discerning adults. Each of the amazing women at Wendy Little Properties would say the same about hopes and goals for their children. In our office, we prioritize family.

There are 22 children whose moms call Wendy Little Properties their work- place.

If one of them has a need, a game, a performance (or anything!), our office is full of first-responders ready to step in and help. I absolutely love that about

our team. We also have a policy of treating clients as if they, too, were family.

Our advice, representation, attention and transparency must be that with which we would offer any one in our inner circles who would depend on us for guidance and help in real estate matters. We take that very seriously. We believe in going the extra mile, examining priorities with our clients, talking some out of a sale or purchase, and also having the thrill of being party to some of the most exciting and important moments in our clients’ lives. THAT is a privilege. We do not take it nor those who entrust us with it lightly.

We love Visalia. I am so proud to be a part and a partner with this community.

Thank you to our community for all that you have done to make us all continue to feel loved. We truly serve Visalia’s finest clients…YOU!

Photo by Lynn Learned From left, Fran Hipskind, Kate Black, Brenna Keck, Wendy Little, Leslie Ritchie, Merilee Hobbs, Robyn Batchman. Not photographed, Jessica Cavale.

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W O M E N

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ROBYN ICENHOWER ROBYN ICENHOWER & ASSOCIATES

R

obyn Icenhower owns and operates Tulare County’s second highest-producing real estate team as ranked by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends. As a licensed California real estate broker, Robyn and her growing team of professionals not only consists of the most agents in the top 3 percent of sales production in the county, but also leads the luxury market with the most homes sold.

Born and raised in Visalia, Robyn earned her business administration degree at Fresno State University before starting her career in real estate. Now, after more than 13 years in the industry, she attributes most of her success to the 50 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

high level of services that she and her team members are able to provide to their clients: “Whether it be through our extensive marketing efforts or our dedicated customer service experts, we make sure that our clients are our No. 1 priority in everything we do.”

It seems to be working too, with more than 90 percent of the team’s business coming from referral and repeat business.

Robyn also takes pride in the many ways that she has been able to give back to the community through her career.

Over the years, Robyn has served and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club and the H.E.A.R.T. program.

Robyn has also been active within her

industry by serving on various committees of the Tulare County Association of Realtors®, and as a trainer, coach and mentor for agents at Keller Williams Realty Tulare & Kings Counties.

Most importantly, Robyn is a loving wife and mother of two children who serve as her central motivation for everything she does or accomplishes. In fact, she coaches her daughter’s South Valley United 8-9-year-old club soccer team.

So whether it be with the members of her team, clients, other real estate agents, youth soccer players or members of the community in general, Robyn Icenhower is committed to giving back to help others grow and reach their goals.

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F I T N E S S

C H A L L E N G E

AMY'S JOURNEY NEARS END T E X T

B Y

J U S T I N

L E V I N E

W

orking out has many benefits.

It helps decrease stress, tension and negative thinking. It will release endorphins throughout the body, which will improve our mood and give us more confidence. When done consistently, it will improve our stamina, strength and coordination. When combined with a healthy nutrition plan, maintaining a healthy weight can be achieved.

Working out is not just about what we look like on the outside, but a big part of it is how it makes us feel and function on the inside. That is why we need a small dosage just about every day. It should |be connected to our life. Think of it as daily medicine. A small amount can have a big return on investment.

It has been just a little more than 12 months since Amy started training.

I told her in our last workout together, "You being here today is a success."

Sometimes a fitness plan is just about sustainability and consistency. Showing up is half the battle. Sure, Amy still has weight loss goals. But those goals are not achieved if she stops her workout routine. That is the catalyst to making small adjustments throughout the rest of her lifestyle.

I always say, "When in doubt, go work out." This mindset is needed to create the consistent routine to get to the gym, to get those walks in and just to focus on overall activity and movement.

Let us celebrate Amy's longevity to stick with her fitness plan. It has not been perfect, but that is not what fitness is about. It is about finding the routine that an individual can stick with and build from to achieve the goal.

Sometimes that goal is just to be consistent and not give up. Commit to not quit. This alone can take someone pretty far in the fitness journey.

As we come to the conclusion with Amy's program at California Fitness Academy, let us congratulate her success this far.

Keep going Amy, we support you! L 52 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

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200 E. Center Avenue. • Suite A • Visalia, CA 93291 559 739 1747 • Karen@DMIAgency.com • DMIAgency.com AU G U S T 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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HAPPENINGS

AUGUST ‘Young at Art’ Arts Visalia will present its annual “Young at Art” exhibition, showcasing artwork from the Young at Art Children’s Summer Program, as well as the Goshen Art Program in partnership with Family Services. The Young at Art program hosts six weeks of classes for children age 5-17. This year’s focus is on the emotional connection that art brings.

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

Where: Arts Visalia Visual Art Gallery, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: artsvisalia.org or (559) 739-0905 ‘Prince Caspian’ auditions The Enchanted Playhouse Theatre Company has entered into an agreement with the C.S. Lewis Company Ltd. to perform “Prince Caspian,” the sequel to “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Auditions for people ages 10 to adult will be held in August, with performances at the Enchanted Playhouse’s new home at the Visalia Fox Theatre in October.

Kelly Ventura will direct.

When: Auditions Aug. 19-20, 6:30 p.m.; callbacks Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Gateway Church of Visalia, Room 67, 1100 S. Sowell St., Visalia Contact: enchantedplayhouse.org Dark Sky Festival Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Lake Kaweah, will hold the sixth annual Dark Sky Festival, the largest night sky festival in Central California. It takes place in various locations throughout the parks, including the foothills, Mineral King, Giant Forest, Lodgepole, Grant Grove, Cedar Grove and Lake Kaweah. More than 50 programs will be offered, including tours, stargazing, guest speakers, movies and musical performances. Accommodations: recreation.gov or visit sequoia.com When: Aug. 23-24 Where: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Lake Kaweah Contact: (559) 561-4813 54 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

Pub Crawl There will be games, prizes, raffle and specials at downtown Visalia’s Prohibition Pub Crawl, which will take participants back to the 1920s. There is no cover charge with a wristband, and food specials are available at participating vendors.

Tickets only sold online. Must be 21 or older to participate. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Valley Oak SPCA. When: Aug. 24, 4:30-9 p.m.

Where: Main Street, Visalia Contact: dothecrawl.com/Visalia

‘Night at the Museum’ On the last Friday of the month, ImagineU Children’s Museum holds “Night at the Museum” for its imagineers. Children can be dropped off for a night of fun, crafts, games and imagination. Members $20, guests $25.

When: Aug. 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: (559) 733-5975, imagineumsueum.org

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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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SEPTEMBER Teen Idol Contest The 16th annual Visalia Teen Idol contest returns. Audition packets are available at the Anthony Community Center, 345 N. Jacob St., Visalia. Contestants must be between 13 and 19 years of age and reside within the Visalia Unified School District.

There is no cost to audition, but contestants must schedule an audition time prior to the contest.

When: Sept. 7, 5 p.m.

Where: L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 713-4365 Model Artist Exhibition Arts Visalia will present the “Model Artist Exhibition,” showcasing artwork featuring the same model, but by various artists. The model will be Visalia native Hazel Vellichor, who is also part of Arts Visalia’s monthly figure drawing workshops. Artists featured will be David Cain, Blake Dieters, Ryan Mayo, Brandon Rather, Johnny Lopez, Troy Newland, Cris Rodarte, Marty McKee, Tony Avila, Rudy Castillo, Michael Alvarez and Marcos Dorado.

When: Sept. 4-27, noon-5:30 p.m.; opening reception, Sept. 6, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia Visual Art Gallery, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: artsvisalia.org or (559) 739-0905 First Friday Arts Visalia showcases a monthly rotation of regionally, nationally and internationally recognized artists. Join us every First Friday during the Art Walk for an opening reception honoring each month’s artists.

When: Sept. 6, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 739-0905; artsvisalia.org Bounty of the County The Tulare County Farm Bureau will celebrate local agriculture at its annual Bounty of the County, featuring food, wine. beer and music. Tickets: $50 in advance, $70 at the door.

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

Where: Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, 32988 Road 164, Ivanhoe Contact: (559) 732-8301 or tulcofb.org 56 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

HAPPENINGS

Fundraiser Market There will be more than 30 vendors at the annual Relay for Life fundraiser Market. There will also be a raffle booth, luminaries, shaved ice, Quesadilla Gorilla and performances by Dancers Edge T3s.

Free.

When: Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: shopping center at Court Street and Caldwell Avenue, Visalia Contact: thelookingglassvisalia@gmail. com or facebook.com/ TheLookingGlassVisalia

1st Saturday Artists, restaurants and merchants of Three Rivers invite the public to join in a town-wide celebration. Pick up a map at the Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Drive, or Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive. Cost to participate is $10, with deadline the 15th of the previous month.

When: Sept. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Three Rivers Contact: (559) 561-3463 or 1stsaturdaytr.com

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6910 Pershing Ave. Visalia, CA 93291 AU G U S T 2 0 1 9 | L I F E S T Y L E

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HAPPENINGS

Moonlight & Music The Sequoia Symphony Orchestra will hold a fundraiser to mark its 60th season.

There will be a live auction, performance by the Sequoia Symphony String Orchestra and wine tasting. Tickets: $150.

When: Sept. 7, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner Where: Visalia home of Barry and Donna Sommer Contact: (559) 732-8600 ‘Loud Krazy Love’ “Loud Krazy Love” showing, live meet and greet, and testimony with Brian “Head” Welch and Jennea. The true story of Korn’s Brian “Head” Welch and the little girl that rocked his world.

When: Sept. 9, meet and greet 4:30 p.m., doors 5 p.m., show 6 p.m.

Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: VisaliaFirst.com/lkl ProYouth Gala ProYouth, a partner of the Visalia Unified School District, will celebrate its 25th anniversary of creating hope, changing lives and building futures.

When: Sept. 14, reception 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.

Where: Marriott Hotel, 300 S. Court St., Visalia Contact: (559) 374-2030 or email tramos@pyheart.org ‘Garden Party Wine Affair’ The Green Acres Little Theatre Foundation will present its 15th annual fundraising “Garden Party Wine Affair,” with wine tasting hosted by Torch Cellars, MCV Wines and San Joaquin Wineries. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be from Jack and Charlie’s, Rosa’s, Sue Sa’s Creative Catering, the Vintage Press, Tommy’s Restaurant, Pita Kabob, El Rosal and other Valley restaurants. The Redwood High School Jazz Band will perform. There will be a silent auction, 50-50 drawing, and drawing for a diamond and pearl pendant donated by Quality Jewelers.

Admission, 21 and older, is $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

When: Sept. 15, 4-7 p.m.

Where: Home of Chuck and Susie Nichols Contact: (559) 739-1449 or email galtfoundationvisalia@gmail.com 58 L I F E S T Y L E | AU G U S T 2 0 1 9

Visalia Home EXPO The 18th annual Visalia Home EXPO returns with more than 250 exhibits to help enhance your home for fall. The featured Street of Dreams returns to showcase room displays with the latest trends in remodeling, redecorating and home automation systems. Need help with falling leaves? Check out LeafFilter.

Have home repair questions? Go to the Home Depot Help Center. Great food and a $2,500 grand prize provided by sponsor Coulter’s Flooring America in Tulare. General admission $3 Friday and $5 Saturday and Sunday. Seniors admitted free Friday and $3 Saturday and Sunday.

When: Sept. 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: VisaliaHomeShows.com or (559) 713-4000 Saucy September Visalia’s 10th annual pasta sauce contest will benefit the Source Community Center LGBT+ Center and Congregation B’Nai David. It will include pasta tasting, dinner, raffle and silent auction. Tickets: $50 or $350 for a table of eight.

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

Where: 1039 S. Chinowth St., Visalia Contact: (559) 732-3600

Rusty Roots Show More than 100 vendors will come together to sell antiques, vintage items, crafts, shabby chic, repurposed items, furniture, art, metal art, garden art, junk and salvaged items, and food. Early bird $10, general $5; children 15 and under admitted free. Bring three cans of food to donate to Tulare County FoodLink for $2 off admission (one per person).

Free parking.

When: Sept. 21-22, early bird Saturday 8-9 a.m., general both days 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: International Agri-Center Building C, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: rustyrootsshow.com, rustyrootsshow@gmail.com, (559) 805-7976

Congratulations!

Cardiologist Reza Rafie, MD, has returned to Visalia Medical Clinic after completing a Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Rafie is now trained to deliver non-surgical procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stenting, in addition to general cardiology.

He is Board certified by the Reza RaďŹ e, MD American Board of Internal Medicine, the Board of Echocardiography and the Board of Cardiology, among other professional organizations.

Dr. Rafie is now accepting new patients.

Jason Mihalcin, DO

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www.vmchealth.com 559-739-2000

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HAPPENINGS

Right to Life Banquet Dinesh D'Souza, a best-selling author and filmmaker, will be the guest speaker at the Tulare-Kings Right to Life's Making a Difference for Life banquet. Table sponsors will receive an invitation to a private reception with D’Souza. A gift of $525 underwrites a table of eight.

Individual tickets $70.

When: Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 732-5000, or tkrl.org Car Show The 11th annual Calvary Chapel Motorsports Show is a fundraiser for Calvary Kids Bible Clubs’ after-school program.

There will be trophies for custom and original cars, custom and original trucks, motorcycle, big rig (no trailers), low-rider, rat-rod and specialty vehicle; 50/50 raffle, vintage Coke machine raffle, car parts swap meet, music and shopping boutique. Free.

When: Sept. 28, car show 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (gates open 6 a.m.); shopping 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Calvary Chapel, 11720 Ave. 264, Visalia Contact: calvaryvisalia.org or (559) 687-0220 (car show); Jim at (559) 679-6062 (swap meet); calvaryvisaliacraftfair@gmail.com or calvaryvisalia.org (shopping boutique)

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OCTOBER A Cultural Exhibition Arts Visalia will present culture through art, inviting viewers into a culturally diverse Visalia through the work of four artists.

When: Oct. 2-25, noon-5:30 p.m.; opening reception, Oct. 4, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia Visual Art Gallery, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: artsvisalia.org or (559) 739-0905 Annual Fundraiser The Tulare County Historical Society will present “Plowing Through Time,” its annual fundraiser and barbecue benefiting restoration and preservation of historic farm equipment. Entertainment will be provided by Run4Cover. Tickets: $50.

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

Where: Tulare County Museum, Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: (559) 280-3142. Tickets: tularecountyhistoricalsociety.org or (559) 786-4972 LOSS Team Conference A Community of Hope is the theme of the ninth annual national LOSS Team conference that explores the public health crisis of suicide. It will include community engagement, nationally recognized experts and strategic conference topics.

When: Oct. 8-9 Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: bit.ly/nltc2019

Please join our GALA

CELEBRATION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 RECEPTION 6 P.M. • DINNER 7 P.M.

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Enjoy a look back at the history of ProYouth, a look ahead at exciting plans and encouraging testimonials of lives changed.

25

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