Visalia Lifestyle Magazine - November 2019

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

HOME TOUR

THE NICKEL HOME Page 32 EPICURE

A LATIN NOVEMBER Page 40 TRAVELER’S TREK

A FAIR SHARE OF FUN IN DALLAS Page 48

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From Our Family to Yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

917 N. American St. Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 651-2925 www.vctile.com map not to scale

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32 HOME TOUR

THE NICKEL HOME Gene and Carol Nickel, who have been married 35 years, devised an “80-year plan” for a home that could accommodate them as they aged. Hence the move from Three Rivers to a newly built single-story home enveloped by persimmon trees in Exeter.

WHAT'S INSIDE 8 From The Editor 10 Word Play 12 Sequoia Symphony 18 Business Profile: Adventist Health

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CREATING THE VISALIA TIMES-DELTA

RODEO FASHION QUEEN PLACES HER BRAND

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A LATIN NOVEMBER

A FAIR SHARE OF FUN IN DALLAS

REFLECTIONS OF VISALIA

NEXT GEN

26 Charity: Christmas Tree Auction 28 Community: Taste the Arts 44 Art Now: Field of Light 54 Downtown Scene: Fun Ride 58 Fashion 60 Happenings

Correction The August issue of Lifestyle magazine inadvertently omitted the credit for the photograph of Lee Herrick, who was featured in Diane Slocum’s Literary Arts article. The photographer who took the picture is Marcos Dorado.

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EPICURE

TRAVELER'S TREK

Published By

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

Karen Tellalian

Executive Editor

Creative Director

Art Director

Senior Designer Web Designer/Designer

Text Editor

Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen Melinda Brown

Contributing Writers

Operations Manager

Aaron Collins Diane Slocum Dixie Lobmeyer Fernando Gonzalez Joshua Banda Lisa McEwen Major Rogers Pam Pietroforte Terry L. Ommen

Sales@DMIAgency.com

Advertising Sales

Maria Gaston

Sales Office 200 E. Center Ave., Suite A Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747

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 Bistro di Bufala Evolutions Fitness Center, Tulare Exeter Chamber of Commerce

International Agri-Center The Lifestyle Center Tulare Chamber of Commerce Tulare County Library

Visalia Chamber of Commerce Visalia Convention Center

COUNTERTOP LOCATIONS 210 Cafe AMCC Armstrong Property Management Arts Visalia Ashoori & Co. Jewelers Anderson Real Estate Group Blend WIne Room Citizen's Bank Comfort Suites Downtown CreekSide Day Spa Skin & Laser Center Downtown Visalia Alliance Exeter Library Four Creeks Coffee Shop

Franey's Design Center Fugazzis (Downtown Visalia) Glick's and Co. Holvik Family Health Center ImagineU Children’s Museum 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 Sequoia Dental Sunmed Health & Weight Management The Aesthetic Center The Planing Mill V Medical Spa Vintage Press Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Veggie Garden Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law

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

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t is November, which means we are in the season of thankfulness and time to unleash gratitude. I love Thanksgiving and the fact that we devote one day a year to recount everything we are thankful for. Although this has been a particularly difficult year for me, I believe that gratitude is an invincible energy that can turn darkness into light.

Whether we do this daily, or only annually, there is always something to be thankful for. It helps me to write these things down.

Like most of you, I am immeasurably thankful for my children and grandchildren who have brought me more joy than I ever imagined. I am grateful for my health, my home and for working in a business that I love. What stands out to me each year is my gratitude for my friends, especially those I consider my “tribe,” you know, those friends who will answer your call at 2 a.m. If you find yourself without a handful of these, I highly recommend that you make that a priority very soon.

I am even thankful for social media, albeit it is intermingled with disdain. Social media has allowed me to connect with and stay in touch with people I have known since as far back as elementary school who now live in places far away; relatives I would otherwise have lost track of, and to see all of the places they travel and to be able to watch their families grow. Through social media, I have reconnected with the neighbor whose brother was my first love, until he was tragically killed in an automobile accident when we were teenagers. All reminders of how we are not meant to go through life alone, and only through relationship are we made whole.

Once again, this issue is filled with home tours, recipes and stories of the next generation, and I am so very thankful for each writer, photographer and guest chef that graces our pages every month. I thank you.

As we close out this issue, I cannot think of a better message than this:

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

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.… It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” — Melody Beattie

KAREN TELLALIAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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W O R D

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NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS + THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING T E X T

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ou probably wouldn’t be eating turkey if you were a guest for dinner in any of these picture books, but there is a feast of turkey stories for children.

Wendi Silvano (along with illustrator Lee Harper) has a series of turkey books, “Turkey Trick or Treat,” “Turkey Claus,” “Turkey Trouble” and her latest, “Turkey’s Eggcellent Easter.” Adam Wallace has a “How to Catch” seasonal series, which includes “How to Catch a Turkey” (illustrated by Andy Elkerton). “Gobble Gobble Mr. Wobble” by Becky Cummings, illustrated by Zuzana Svobodova, tells about the turkey who thought that he would be a dinner guest.

Not to forget the stuffing, Riddleland has “The Try Not to Laugh Challenge: Joke Book for Kids and Family: Thanksgiving — Turkey Stuffing Edition: A Fun and Interactive Joke Book for Boys and Girls.”

To get down to dessert with real food, there is “Sister Pie” by Lisa Ludwinski, with fall-themed recipes for buttermilk pumpkin streusel pie, sweet potato coconut pie and almost any other pies that you could think of and many that you couldn’t. How about some strawberry pistachio crumble pie or sweet corn nectarine streusel pie? Not only are there mouth-watering recipes and photos, but there is the inspiring and fun story of Ludwinski’s Detroit bakery, Sister Pie. VALLEY WRITER Manuel Munoz was born and raised in Dinuba and is an associate professor and director of the Master of Fine Arts Program in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

“Zigzagger,” his first collection of stories, is set mostly in the Central Valley. His characters struggle against their surroundings but hold onto hope. His second collection is “The Faith Healer of Olive Avenue.” In these stories of diverse characters in a Central Valley Mexican American community, their paths cross 10 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

in ways that show how the community supports, yet can be unforgiving. He is also featured in “Glimmer Train Stories, #33.”

“What You See in the Dark” is his first novel. It tells a sinister story of murder in 1950s' Bakersfield while a famous director and actress are scouting and filming locations for a movie about murder at a roadside motel. The scenes revolve mostly around three women: the actress, who is filled with self-doubt; the victim, a young Mexican girl who is a dreamer and envied by the town, and an older single mother, who is disappointed in how her life has turned out.

BORING CHARACTERS The Writer online offers suggestions by novelist Yi Shun Lai on how to round out your characters so that they aren’t static, simplistic or stereotypes. Her suggestions include: Don’t define them by singular characteristics, realize that they might have contradictory traits, ask your characters questions and don’t try to make them go against their nature.

Lai’s novel is “Not a Self-Help Book: The

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S L O C U M

Misadventures of Marty Wu.“ Details: writermag.com/improve-your-writing/ fiction/boring-characters/ WRITERS’ CONFERENCE The Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway will be held Jan. 11-20, 2020, at the Seaview Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. Special guests will be Yusef Komunyakaa and Denise Duhamel, who will lead special feedback sessions of advanced poetry writing.

Other workshops cover novels, nonfiction and memoirs. Michelle Cameron and Roberta Clipper are among the prose writers leading workshops. Registration is open to everyone, but workshops fill quickly. Tuition of $525 includes a 15-hour workshop, Friday reception, Saturday and Sunday lunch, and activities. Early bird discount before Nov. 20.

WRITING CONTESTS The Iowa Review accepts submissions for its awards during January. Up to 10 pages of poetry or 25 pages of fiction and creative nonfiction may be submitted through submittable.com.

Entries must be unpublished. Details: iowareview.org/rules.

The Ohio State University Press magazine, The Journal, will accept book-length manuscripts of short prose for its Non/Fiction Prize from Feb. 1 to March 1. The winner will receive a standard publication contract for the Mad Creek Books Imprint plus a $1,500 advance. Details: ohiostatepress.org/ books/series/OSUShortFiction.htm.

THE LAST WORD “Once, at Thanksgiving, a neighbor wandered in while my cousin Lisa worked on a turkey, shearing meat off its frame and sliding the steaming slices onto a big flowered plate. 'Hey, that's the man's job,' she yelped, in between slurps of her Big Gulp. No one even paused to acknowledge the comment; everyone just laughed and laughed.” – Jenna Wortham (1981- ). L

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S E Q U O I A

S Y M P H O N Y

sometimes briefly introduces the pieces.

If you want to get the best experience, we encourage you to attend the preconcert talk at 6:45 p.m. with the maestro.

During the talk, he covers topics such as why he programmed the particular pieces on that concert, things you should listen for during the performance and information about the composer.

HOW LONG IS A CONCERT? Concerts vary in length depending on how long each piece is in the program, but usually range from about 100-120 minutes.

SYMPHONY 101:

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED TEXT BY JOSHUA BANDA | PHOTO BY BANDA BROS. PHOTOGRAPHY

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he Sequoia Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 60 years of bringing classical music to Tulare County and has a lot to celebrate. Not only did it launch a summer jazz series, it also started a podcast (Backstage Pass with the Sequoia Symphony), performed at the hospital with Music Medicine, kicked off this year with a major film concert and have a limited number of tickets to every concert that cost what they did 60 years ago: $1.

The whole theme for the year, however, is that this is only the beginning and we’re just getting started. We care a lot about growing our audience and making sure that people who are newer to classical music and/or orchestra concerts have a great experience so they come back.

We’re hoping that you join us for a concert soon, and we thought that it might be helpful to answer your questions about the Sequoia Symphony experience.

WHERE DO YOU PERFORM, EXACTLY? The Sequoia Symphony performs throughout the year at the Visalia Fox Theatre downtown and, this season, we expanded our footprint to include performances at Cellar Door and Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

WHAT’S A GOOD SEAT? Truly, there really is no bad seat in the house. That said, the best locations are in the center, not too close to the front

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as that helps the sound blend a little better by the time it hits your ears (plus you can see more of the players when you’re not up by the stage), and the lower balcony, so you have better sight lines to see the entire orchestra from an aerial perspective. Lastly, if there’s a piano soloist performing, people like to sit more toward the left side so they can see the pianist’s hands as he plays.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR PRICE? Prices range from $25-$50. Student tickets are only $10 all season long, and we do have a limited number of $1 tickets to each concert. You can also save big by bundling and getting “3 concerts for $99.”

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR!?

More than anything, we want you to be comfortable, so dress in a way that works for you. Some people love dressing up and going out — if that’s you, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise.

If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one either.

In short, you do you, and we’re just glad that you’re joining us.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CLASSICAL MUSIC? We try to make concerts self-containing, meaning that at the performance itself, you will learn a little from your program book as well as from the maestro as he

WHEN DO I APPLAUD? This can be a controversial question, and here’s why: In the early days of classical music, the audience was rather rowdy — clapping, talking and even shouting during the performance. Then, at some point during the 20th century, this changed, and the social norm became to only applaud at the end of a piece and not between movements. The trouble is for people who don’t know this unwritten rule about when to applaud. At every concert, someone inevitably claps after the first movement and then feels weird because they’re the only one, or one of a few who somehow missed the secret memo. We decided that’s kind of awkward, and not even true to the origins of classical music, so our policy is that when you have an emotional reaction to the music and you want to express it, do so. If you love a movement and want to cheer for the performance you just heard, do it!

DO YOU HATE PHONES? No! What we don’t like are phones ringing or making other noises during the performance, or when your phone is blowing up so much that it practically looks like a strobe light. What we do like is people having fun and sharing that experience with others; take your selfies, share your stories and tag the symphony.

Just make sure that your phone is on silent out of consideration for the performers.

So the next time you’re at a concert, post about it and tag us! Subscribe to the podcast and share content with your friends. Invite others to the concerts and take advantage of our Legacy, Student or 3 for 99 pricing.

After all, experiences like the ones we provide are best when shared with others.

Brilliant Senior Living!

The first Visalia Times-Delta building at 214 W. Acequia Ave. was occupied in December 1929 and torn down in September 1969. Circa 1944

OLD RIVALS UNITE, CREATING THE VISALIA TIMES-DELTA T E X T

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ewspapers have been an important part of American life for many years. Mark Twain once wrote, “All I know is what I read in the papers.” Although his comment is an obvious exaggeration, clearly the newspaper has been a primary source of information for many over the years, including Visalians.

Although Visalia cannot lay claim to having the first newspaper in California, it had the first in the southern San Joaquin Valley. On June 25, 1859, the inaugural issue of the Tulare County Record & Fresno Examiner was printed by Isaac W. Carpenter in the basement of the Tulare County Courthouse. The edition was a big 14 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

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deal for the isolated little town of slightly more than 500, and its kickoff even made news statewide. The Sacramento Daily Union, for example, acknowledged it and complimented the Visalia paper for being “well printed and filled with good original … matter.”

In October the same year, the long and cumbersome newspaper name was changed to the Visalia Weekly Delta.

Commenting on the name change, the Delta explained in its Oct. 8, 1859, issue: “As to the name, we chose it both for its beauty and the adaptation to the place where the paper is published, this section of the country being precisely similar to (only on a smaller scale) the

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country watered by the River Nile in Egypt, and to which the word Delta was originally applied.”

In the years that followed, many other newspapers joined Visalia’s journalistic lineup with names like the Visalia Sun, Equal Rights Expositor, Courier, Tulare County News, Visalia Post, Visalia Star, Spread Eagle, Valley Voice and Tulare County Times. Many went out of business, consolidated or changed ownership.

So why were there so many papers?

Back in the day, it was not uncommon for newspapers to align with a political party or social movement, so competing newspapers were published at the same time — a condition, by the way, that led

to some interesting editorial exchanges, some that would occasionally result in violent or even deadly confrontation.

Probably the most famous local newspaper squabble occurred in 1860 when the Union-supporting Visalia Sun engaged in pre-Civil War editorial battles with the South-supporting Visalia Weekly Delta. Harsh words in newsprint escalated to a violent shootout on Visalia streets, and when the affray was over, John Shannon, owner and publisher of the Delta, was dead.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, the Visalia Delta, under new ownership, became a strong Union-supporting newspaper. To counter the Delta, the Equal Rights Expositor began publishing, and the hostility between these rival papers was regularly on display. In 1863, the owners of the Expositor were arrested on treason-related charges and their newspaper office destroyed.

But probably the longest-running newspaper rivalry was between the Delta and the Times, a publication that began in 1865. Although the two newspapers frequently disagreed, they were usually civil, and both were well-respected. Each had loyal subscribers and was favorably recognized in journalistic circles. In 1889, for example, the San Francisco Examiner commented on both. “The Times,” it said, “has developed into a reliable and enterprising newspaper and enjoys a large circulation.” About the Delta, it complimented George W. Stewart and J.J. McMillan, owners of the Delta, by

saying, “Both gentlemen have been connected with the paper for a long time and are popular in their community — their paper attests their ability as journalists.”

Both papers published for many years with ownership changes from time to time. The most recognized owner of the Delta was probably Stewart. In 1876, he started working for the paper as associate editor and, a decade later, he became a partner. By the late 1880s, he was the sole owner and, in 1899, he sold it Alonzo Melville Doty.

Probably the most well-known name associated with the Times was Ben Maddox, who became editor in 1890.

Eventually, the Georgia native took over the newspaper and ran it until 1910, then turned it over to his son, Morley.

For many years, these two established newspapers reported the news. On Feb. 13, 1928, Charles A. Whitmore, owner of the Delta since 1909, announced that after several months of discussion with Morley M. Maddox, publisher of the Times, an agreement had been reached to combine their papers into one starting on March 1. The new name would be the Visalia Times-Delta. Whitmore assured readers that the new afternoon paper would be “independent and non-partisan in politics.” He further explained that mergers of newspapers had become a common practice, and that consolidation cuts production cost and would help to bring the community together.

In the last issue of the Times published

One of the early locations of the Delta on South Court Street. Owners J.J. McMillan is second from the left and George W. Stewart is second from the right. Circa 1888

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on Feb. 29, Morley Maddox made his parting comments, writing: “The Visalia Daily Times ends its existence today under such name and starting tomorrow will be merged with the Visalia Morning Delta, the newspaper to be called the Visalia Times-Delta.” He assured readers “that they will have a better paper” and that it “will meet with approval of readers and advertisers alike.” Whitmore became president and Maddox vice president and manager. On March 1, 1928, the first Visalia Times-Delta hit the newsstands.

The newspaper obviously caught the eye of Visalians, but it also attracted statewide attention. The Hanford Sentinel headlined its story with “Partisanship passes and ancient enemies wed” and noted “thus two of the oldest newspapers in the valley have pooled their interests, forgotten their differences, and united under a common non-partisan and independent banner.”

The Bakersfield Californian noted, “Last week two of the oldest newspapers of the state, the Visalia Times and the Visalia Delta coalesced on the theory that one good newspaper in that city would suffice for all purposes....”

For the past 91 years, the Visalia TimesDelta has been the major journalistic voice for Visalia. But as might be expected, those years did not pass without other significant changes, including the buyout of the Tulare Advance-Register in 1993.

Undoubtedly, in this fast-paced digital age, more newspaper changes are inevitable for the Visalia Times-Delta/ Tulare Advance-Register. L

One of the early locations for the Tulare Times was on Main Street near Church Street. Circa 1880 [Courtesy Tulare County Library, History Room]

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SIGNS OF LIFE Motion and growth are on display at Adventist Health Tulare

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wo-day-old Daniel Garcia was not at all interested in having his photo taken on Oct. 16 in the newly reopened Adventist Health Tulare Birth Center. He fussed and wriggled and let out a few healthy wails, while his parents alternated between giggling and groaning that the photos may not happen. But in no time at all, Daniel was completely calm after being expertly swaddled by his doting nurse, dozing peacefully in her arms while the photographer snapped away.

Squirmy babies and healthy wails are the sights and sounds of new life once again emanating from the halls of the Tulare hospital, sounds that the team had waited patiently for almost a year to hear.

Perhaps the most welcome sound of all was the lullaby chime that played the morning of Aug. 19 announcing the arrival of Adventist Health Tulare’s first baby, Alayah Rene Valdez. At 7 pounds, Alayah ushered in a joyous return to birthing for Tulare.

“I’m delighted and very happy,” Tulare obstetrician Abraham Betre, DO, said after delivering Alayah. “The staff was great, and the family is very happy. We have all been waiting to restore birthing service for a long time, and now it’s back.”

EMERGENCY CARE WAS INITIAL FOCUS By the time the hospital reopened Oct. 15, 2018, the community had gone almost a year without a new baby. No hospital meant that patients had to travel to neighboring cities for care. Not having an emergency department put their health in jeopardy when time was critical.

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Addressing the urgent-care needs of the community had to be the first order of business, insisted directors of the Tulare Local Health Care District, from which Adventist Health leases the property.

Just 18 minutes into the ribbon-cutting ceremony on opening day, as if to punctuate that request with an exclamation point, an ambulance rolled in to deliver the first patient to the Emergency Department.

The hospital has grown steadily busier since then.

Early on, many patients were transferred

to other Adventist Health hospitals in the Central Valley, or elsewhere, depending on the treatment needed, and services and equipment initially available at Tulare. The depth of resources within the Adventist Health network gave Tulare patients access to care not previously available.

Today, more than half of the patients admitted can receive further treatment in Tulare without having to leave town.

“It’s important for patients to be able to remain in their community for care whenever possible, and it’s satisfying

REGIONAL GROWTH, NETWORK STRENGTH

to see that we’ve been able to deliver on our promise of providing care in this community,” said Sonja Reyna, vice president of business development for Adventist Health in the Central Valley.

In the past year, the Emergency Department team has cared for more than 25,000 patients, and more than 1,000 patients have been admitted for care.

MORE SERVICES, SITES TO COME Those early days spent caring for patients gave the staff the chance to assess the community's needs so hospital leaders could establish priorities and decide which services to provide and when.

After an initial loan of close to $10 million to the district to reopen the hospital, Adventist Health provided an additional

$10 million for upgrades, improvements and new services spanning the first two years.

Adventist Health has already completed a rollout of new services that include nuclear medicine, cardiology care, a forensic toxicology laboratory and a physician liaison program. A sleep center and major investment in the imaging department, including mammography services, are slated for completion before the end of the year.

The first Adventist Health Physicians Network medical office opened in August, providing general and thoracic surgical services, and a major rural health center is expected to open in 2020. Additional patient care sites are in development, also expected to be completed in 2020.

The Tulare hospital is part of Adventist Health in the Central Valley, a network that has grown to four hospitals with the addition of Tulare in 2018.

In addition to the hospitals, there are medical offices providing primary care in rural communities, as well as myriad specialty services — joint replacement, diabetes management programs, complex care, a sleep diagnostic center, hospice care and much more — giving teams in each hospital access to the expertise and resources they need to keep their patients healthy.

Delano Regional Medical Center is expected to become an Adventist Health hospital before the end of the year.

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BIRTH CENTER BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO COMMUNITY The community helped celebrate the Birth Center's opening at an Aug. 9 open house that resembled a giant baby shower, sharing stories of family members who had been born at the hospital, as well as those who didn’t have that chance because the hospital had closed.

The team showed off the $1 million in upgrades in the new center — spacious rooms and new equipment — by giving tours and describing what new moms could expect from their experience at Adventist Health Tulare.

“It’s said that a baby brings love to the world, it makes the days shorter and the nights longer, the savings a little bit lighter, and it fills our homes with love,” said Randy Dodd, Adventist Health

Tulare president. “And we’re just very excited to have that begin here again in this Tulare community.”

Once the first babies started to arrive, the team could not get enough, stealing up to the Birth Center on their breaks to peek through the nursery windows at the new lives while the nurses cared for them.

“I have grandchildren, but they don’t live nearby,” said Monica Yancy, an IT support technician at the hospital, who saw the activity in the Birth Center as she completed work for the department.

“Seeing these babies reminds me how much I miss being around mine, and how special it is to this community to have them being born here again. They’re not my babies, but, in a way, they do belong to all of us.” L

BEYOND OUR WALLS There is an aspect of care that Adventist Health provides that happens outside the hospital, with little fanfare and in areas of the community where need often goes unmet.

In partnership with Life Hope Centers, a humanitarian service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Central California, volunteer doctors, optometrists, dentists, nurses and other health-care providers work alongside community volunteers to provide basic health and dental services to people with few options and limited means.

Local church partners identify families in need, and hundreds of people receive services.

Most patients leave with new glasses and a new vision prescription, or long-overdue dental problems fully resolved.

The services are free.

The Tulare hospital hosted a clinic in May and provided services to 350 people.

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RODEO FASHION QUEEN PLACES HER BRAND TEXT BY DIXIE LOBMEYER | PHOTOS BY SHANA BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY

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odeo fashion queen Quincy (Freeman) Eldridge sews together her western lifestyle, Spanish roots and love for the rodeo world to form her brand, Rodeo Quincy.

Raised on a cattle ranch in Reedley, the up-and-coming rodeo fashionista struggled academically throughout school. “You’re going to have to work harder than others,” Quincy remembers her father telling her as he positioned toy horses on a pillow, one far behind the others. “But with hard work, you’ll catch up,'' he reassured her as he walked the stray toy to the others. She carried this can-do attitude through school and into everyday life, never afraid to put in the extra work. Finding herself excelling in art class her senior year, she began to take her ideas home, where she would transfer them onto the belts and boots she later wore to rodeo competitions.

She was captain of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo women’s rodeo team, and her personalized style stood out in arenas among the neutral trends of traditional rodeo wear. Her custom-painted belts and tack caught the eye of representatives from Ariat International, a popular manufacturer known for its western apparel and accessories. The company quickly recruited Quincy to collaborate, birthing her first line of boots and apparel, the Quincy Collection, as well as her start into the western fashion industry.

“Working with Ariat gave me behindthe-scenes industry experience, without which I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Quincy admits.

After four collections of boots and apparel with Ariat and encouragement from a professor, Quincy went on to win the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization's National Elevator Pitch competitions.

“In addition to my family and friends, I now had support from business leaders and other entrepreneurs. Until then, I never saw this as a potential career option.

I couldn’t let them down, so I decided to give it a try,” she says.

Photo by Taylor Karr Photography

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Shortly after graduating with a degree in agricultural communications, Quincy returned home to begin Rodeo Quincy, a brand that she would describe as loud, western and unique. The Rodeo Quincy launch was followed by two collaborations with Wrangler, the iconic western apparel brand.

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Quincy attributes her entrepreneurial attitude to her parents. “I couldn’t have started without them. From day one, they have supported my dream, and I’ve worked closely with them each day since.”

each new idea and design by her,” Quincy says. “That woman showed me you could dress like a lady and do anything a man could do and would do it without messing up her lipstick.”

Quincy’s father and fellow Cal Poly alumus, Bill, led by example in making his own mark on the western world when he created one of the first online livestock trading companies. He volunteered his office as space for his daughter to create Rodeo Quincy, then shortly moved her to a remodeled cargo train when the brand needed more space.

Token red lipstick is just one family trend from which Quincy grabs inspiration.

The bold, Wild West designs that can now be found in nearly 500 stores are created with her heritage and passion for the rodeo industry. “Denim will never go out of style,” Quincy says. “If I had to wear one thing for the rest of my life, dress me in denim.” Quincy attributes most of her style, gilded with screen-printed rodeo designs, fringe and embroidered denim, to her grandmother, the sole influence for Rodeo Quincy's popular “Rosita” line.

Quincy’s mother, Sally, a classy cowgirl from one of the first ranching families in Nevada, briefly held her own, more traditional western fashion line. “I run

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Her late grandmother’s influence stretches far past fashion as the 28-year-old recently followed in her footsteps when she married a Nevada cowboy. Professional steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge and Quincy tied the knot at Camarillo’s St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, built

by Quincy’s great-great-grandfather, the same place, same altar and the same day that her grandparents were married in 1945. The rodeo couple shared their vows alongside 13 bridesmaids, nine groomsmen, 15 flower girls and five ring bearers.

Growing their family and their business, Quincy compliments her new husband for his support of the RQ dream. “He’s always giving clothes away or giving

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people a discount,” she says. “Everyone knows if you want a good deal on Rodeo Quincy items, Dakota will take care of you.” While the business adds more items to its to-do list, it is often what brings the couple together away from home. While her husband is competing at rodeos, Quincy can be found at a Rodeo Quincy pop-up booth nearby, showcasing the latest collection and the season's must-haves.

When she is not at rodeos, Quincy is looking for ways to grow the RQ brand in other directions. Recently, western fashion has taken over with trends such as fringe, boots, western hats and denim.

Quincy admits that while this has helped RQ goals, the mainstream fashion industry can be harder to please than the traditional western crowd. “Still, popular brands are hesitant to be the first to showcase new styles outside of what is deemed trendy,” 24 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

she says. Earlier this year, ABC Bachelor contestant-now-influencer Hannah Godwin was photographed in an RQ shirt, bringing more attention to the brand.

To rope in new clientele or social media influencers, Quincy is on the lookout for new trends that she can blend into the RQ style. She is most excited about this winter’s collection for more than her love of layers: the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas. Some exclusive pieces are ready to be released that capture the fun attitude of this “Super Bowl of Rodeo” event, including some must-haves for everyone’s closet, featuring sequins, studded denim, cheetah print, fringe and flair. Thankfully in this case, what happens or, dare I say, what is worn in Vegas, doesn’t have to stay in Vegas.

“I love the feeling that I can be a part of someone feeling better about themselves,” Quincy says. The entrepreneur says her

biggest successes are when she spots RQ attire on someone she doesn’t know.

“Sometimes I’ll introduce myself and thank them for wearing my brand; other times I’ll just compliment what they’re wearing or just smile to myself.”

The clothing company that quickly outgrew her father’s office has now become somewhat of a family business. Rodeo Quincy's new designs are reviewed by family members through group chats, and models featured on the RQ website and socials are relatives of Quincy and Dakota’s. Quincy mentioned the idea of releasing a “Dakota Collection,” or a baby clothing line to incorporate both her husband into the RQ brand and what may be soon to come for the newlyweds.

Coming soon to the Rodeo Quincy shop, along with a winter collection, will be new lines for everyone; high-end, low-end and more denim, of course. L

C H A R I T Y

PUTTING ON THE GLITZ TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY TEXT BY SUE BURNS PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ecember is almost here, and that means that the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Tree Auction is, too. The black-tie gala was created by the chamber 39 years ago to allow many local charities to raise money together at one event, rather than challenging the community to support competing events during the busy holiday season.

With beautiful-themed trees decorated by the nonprofits, a festive array of foods, silent auction items and dancing, the event has become a beloved annual tradition among guests and agencies alike. “People have a special place in their hearts for Christmas Tree — we get calls from all over the country asking for the blueprint for the event,” chamber CEO Gail Zurek said.

Since its inception, the auction has raised more than $4 million for community agencies that provide critical services throughout the year. Indeed, some of the agencies are able to meet their annual fundraising goals through the event.

This year’s gala is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, at the Visalia Convention Center and, in keeping with tradition, attendees

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will arrive dressed to the nines and ready to savor delicacies from local restaurants as they bid on decorated trees and silent auction items.

Several agencies are repeat participants (as many of the guests are). Each year, they submit applications to participate on a first-come, first-served basis. If more applications than openings are received, the chamber holds a lottery.

The organizations work with their respective boards and donors to determine a theme and secure one or two Christmas trees to decorate. (The themes do not need to match that of the event, which this year is “Putting on the Glitz.”).

Here are this year’s participants: AmVets, El Diamante High School, Family Services of Tulare County, Hands in the Community, Kaweah Delta Hospice, Students International and Trinity Ministries Group are each providing a decorated large tree (as high as 8 feet).

Alzheimer’s Association of California Southland Chapter, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center, ImagineU, Kaweah Delta Lifeline Foundation,

My Father’s House, Visalia Music School, Visalia Police Explorer Post #32, Visalia Police Officers’ Foundation and Vision Visalia Foundation will each provide a decorated small tree (less than 4 feet).

Celebrate Recovery, Kaweah Delta Hospice, Love in the Name of Christ and Visalia Rescue Mission are providing both large and small trees.

In addition, each organization may contribute a maximum of two items for the silent auction. This year, there are 35 packages.

The 39th auction enters the technology age, with all bidding to be done online through BidPal. The auction will open on Bidding Tuesday (Dec. 3); anyone can bid from anywhere in the country, which means that folks who are not able to attend can still support their favorite charity. The public can preview the trees from 2-5 p.m. the day of the event, and now they will be able to bid on them if they wish.

Although the live auction for the trees will be online, an auctioneer will be at the event to publicize each tree and keep guests involved and updated on the bidding. Both auctions will close at

the same time; winners will be notified immediately. Christmas trees will be delivered to winners the day after the auction, so there’s no need to worry about fitting that 8-foot decorated tree into the back of a sports car.

Amanda Arreola, events and marketing coordinator, works with a committee of chamber members to pull the event together. Chair Barbara Mayeda, who has been involved with the auction for 30 years, has seen the event evolve.

Joining her in the planning and execution are Brett Taylor, David Lemon, Barbara

Strong, Melissa Neely, Marina Rojas and Samantha Mendoza, and chamber representative Sue Summers.

Quality Meats, Quesadilla Gorilla, Ryan’s

VIP guests will have access to hors d’oeuvres provided by the Marriott Hotel. Each charity is responsible for securing a caterer to donate appetizers or dessert to be served at their tree during the event for guests to enjoy.

This year’s local restaurants participating include Black Bear Diner, Chapala Grill, Elderwood, Javi’s Taco Shack, Koetsier Ranch Catering, Lamp Liter Inn, Mache, Maverick’s Coffee, Nothing Bundt Cakes,

Wyndham Visalia’s Café California.*

Place, Tahoe Joe’s, the River Steakhouse, the Vintage Press, Valhalla’s and

Also new at the auction this year will be a performance by the jazz quartet from the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra.

It’s sure to be an evening that sparkles with the spirit of the season and the joy of supporting the agencies that support our community. For more information to sponsor or purchase tickets, visit visaliachamber.org/christmastree.

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* Listings are current as of publication date.

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TASTE THE ARTS – A FEAST FOR THE SOUL TEXT BY PAM PIETROFORTE P H OTOS BY JAM E S STAR K

G

arden Street in downtown Visalia became the center of the universe on a recent Saturday in October — ordered chaos filled with beauty and wonder, a whirlwind of images and sound. More than 125 local artists, both recognized and emerging, lined the street with tents, creating a sea of white canvas tops. Beneath the canopies, their booths were filled with art to share with an overflowing crowd. On three stages, performers gave the audience a “taste” of the variety of entertainment found in the valley. Tempting smells from the trucks of local food vendors called out to passersby in a way that only a great slice of pizza, steaming hot coffee or BBQ ribs can. There’s a time to put away the cellphones, forget the unpaid bills, leave stress behind.... And what better time than at annual Taste the Arts street fair.

Taste the Arts is the largest art fair in the San Joaquin Valley, presented each year by the Arts Consortium, the official arts council of Tulare County. This year was the 10th anniversary celebration, with more than 7,000 in attendance – much larger than in previous years. What began a decade ago as a no-frills, seven-booth art show has become a major affair in the region. The event’s success can be attributed not only to the creative and diverse blend of talented artists who exhibit and sell their work, but also to the people of Tulare County who love art, community and the chance to submerge themselves in a world of artistic expression unmatched anywhere in the Central Valley.

From the gray shadow of the Garden Street Plaza building to the south to the historical landmark of the Old Lumberyard to the north, attendees took in the sights and sounds along the street. Artists exhibited a range of work, from handmade jewelry and woodcarvings to art

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ESTABLISHED 1946

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vessels and ceramics. “This area is known for the diverse crops it produces,” said Ampelio Mejia Perez, director of Taste the Arts. “This agricultural diversity also attracts a broad spectrum of cultures to our region. In the same respect, Taste the Arts creates a platform for artists to share their culture through their work.”

THE ARTISTS …

Graphic designer and watercolor painter Tamara Elliot, winner of the 2019 Arts Consortium’s Watermark magazine cover contest, participated in the event. Her eye-catching cover explores the thematic images related to our geographical location in the state.

Mark Robinson’s carvings in granite won Best in Show. Statues reminiscent of ancient Tiki gods stood watch over his booth.

Tulare-Kings Writers represented the literary world with original books by local authors — every genre from mysteries and thrillers to books for children and young adults.

For those interested in experiencing making art for themselves, there were live demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on interaction.

THE DEMONSTRATIONS …

Arts Consortium’s Artist of the Year, Andrew Kenefick, offered an “instrument petting zoo.” Here, adults and children alike could handle and learn about various musical instruments. Andrew started his music studio, Grace Note, to provide lessons to children and adults who aspire to be musicians.

Halonnah Sutton, a local art instructor and facilitator at the Arts Consortium’s My Voice Media Center, gave children demonstrations on making clay pinch pots that she later glazed and fired in the kiln at her studio. “When kids can put their hands in the clay, it’s a whole new experience for them — it gets their minds thinking what is art?” she said.

My Voice Media Center and Visalia Wellness Center encouraged attendees to take part in wellness activities at their Task Party booth.

Visalia Farmers Market had a food sculpture challenge. This is the one time you’re allowed to play with your food … and get away with it. Produce came alive with wild creations — from googly eyed 30 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

eggplant insects to crocodiles with toothpick smiles. Like some dream-like metamorphosis, they grew hands and legs and tentacles and antennae. You’ll never look at salad the same way again.

THE PERFORMERS …

As if that wasn’t enough, three performance stages showcased local talent.

On the West Stage, headliner Andrew Kenefick’s band, Bigfoot and the Moon, performed original songs. Other acts showcased musical numbers that included Taiko Japanese-style drumming, bluegrass and mariachi.

The East Stage offered a variety of acts

by Tulare County youth. Dance styles included hip-hop, tap and ballet, while vocal groups performed pop and rock.

Taste the Arts volunteer Judy Burnett emceed the event and was impressed.

“The kids were off the charts!” she said.

Over at the Lumberyard, the Urbanist Collective created its bold, urban art, painting the walls with colorful illustrations. Natalie Williams, one of the attendees, said the Urbanists were a favorite of her two teenagers. An artist

herself, Natalie was grateful for “the opportunity to talk to local artists and hear the inspiration behind the art. It’s also a way to connect to the community in a really personal way.”

A fashion show created by students attending COS had an ’80s theme.

Their entire semester of study leads up to designs made specifically for Taste the Arts.

THE FOOD …

The food vendors were out in full force.

So many choices to pick from! Four Seasons BBQ, Big Kahuna Hawaiian Shave Ice, Sequoia Brewing Company and more used only the best homegrown ingredients for delicious meals and snacks.

Garden Street has been released from its annual duty — it’s empty now, except for the cars and pedestrians. But once every year during October, it becomes the place to be — a portal to step through and find yourself lost in art, culture and the thriving community that is our valley.

In the words of writer Thomas Merton, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” L

Your Home. Your Look.

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ENJOYING THE SEASONS OF LIFE

THE NICKELS TAKE A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO AGING WITH HOME DESIGN TEXT BY LISA MCEWEN | PHOTOS BY FRANK MIRAMONTES, DMI AGENCY

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I

f there is ever a season of the year that befits a home, autumn is that time for the Nickel home. Simply said, fall’s warm hues and softer sunlight look good on this shining piece of new construction.

Late last month, Lifestyle magazine arrived on the doorstep of the 3,000square-foot Craftsman beauty owned

by Gene and Carol Nickel. With the exterior’s earthy tones absorbing the final rays of sunlight, this Exeter abode was literally having its moment of glory.

As the sun began to sink, illuminating Homer’s Nose and Sierra Nevada foothills to the east, the home beckoned visitors inside, promising a warm welcome. Nine acres of Hachiya persimmon trees, preparing to reveal their fall colors and orange fruit, enveloped the property.

With giant homegrown pumpkins and rust-colored chrysanthemums flanking the expansive front patio, stepping into the Nickels' new house is essentially stepping in to their forever home as they enter a new season of life.

Readers may recall Lifestyle’s 2017 feature on their previous home, a Three Rivers gem that brought natural foothill beauty inside its rustic cabin architecture, the rushing sounds of the Kaweah River a constant backdrop for more than 30 years.

“It could have been a forever home,” Carol said.

But Carol, a retired hospice nurse who admits to having a strong dose of practicality in everything she does, also knew that their home could not accommodate them as they aged. They devised what they call “The 80-Year Plan,” referring to where they should be living as they near 80 years of age.

The Nickels, who have been married 35 years, built their new home with the intention of spending their last days here, and that practical approach is evident in the design of the single-level home, from placement of the microwave to the smooth flooring and wide doorways.

“I told Gene we needed to be kind to our family,” she said. “I saw too many people in housing that made life too difficult.”

With an eye to the future, Carol set about designing the home with the help of an architect, going through more than seven

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Compassionate in-house staff 24/7 Innovative technology & activity programs Restaurant-style dining Cutting-edge fitness programs Wide array of daily activities & classes

Call today to schedule a tour of our newly renovated community!

a Carefield Living community

3939 West Walnut Ave • Visalia, CA 93277

559-625-3388

www.ParkVisalia.com

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renditions before settling on the final layout.

The result is a modern take on a classic American architectural style that incorporates easy-to-access spaces for greatgrandchildren’s books and toys, and an endless pool that helps the couple stay fit.

INSIDE AND OUT True to its Craftsman style, the home features a gabled roof and deep eaves.

Square columns support the roof as guests enter through the handsome front door. A palette of earth tones in green and brown is established throughout the home’s interior and exterior, with a deep red trim offering a contrasting color on the roof and windows. The partially paned windows, in either a 6-over-1 or 3-over-1 pattern, bring the rural surroundings inside for a nearly unobstructed view of the orchards and mountains to the east.

Inside, guests will find a wide-open interior with a split floor plan. From the front door, they can choose to go into the great room or head down the hallway to the guest bedroom and Gene’s home office.

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The tour began in the great room, which is a prime gathering spot for guests with its comfortable seating arrangement and clear view to the kitchen.

Carol designed this portion of the home so that they could take all of their favorite furniture from Three Rivers and move it right in.

One of Carol’s favorite stories to share is the day that her great-grandson, Baylor, came over to the home for the first time.

“How do you like Grammy’s new home?” asked his mom, Brittany Wolfe. “It’s all the same,” he said, as the adults realized that at his eye level, everything did look the same.

All the familiar items — family heirlooms, children’s books, the Oriental rug and the furniture — made the trip down the hill to the new great room. Maybe moving wasn’t such a big deal after all.

As those who have built a home can understand, Carol spent hundreds of hours focused on details to keep the Craftsman style consistent throughout the home. One trait of the Craftsman style, which has its roots in the American

arts and crafts period of the late 19th century, is the focus on handmade items rather than mass-produced items. A trip to the Pasadena Heritage Craftsman weekend in November 2017 connected her with many area craftsmen and artists.

It was here that she contacted Cha-Rie Tang, founder of Pasadena Craftsman Tile, who assisted with their fireplace’s design. The tiles were hand made to the fireplace’s specifications and are a beautiful blend of muted earth tones, enhancing the fireplace’s center stage status. A Tree of Life tile rests front and center under the simple yet stately mantle.

As fall advances, the Nickels anticipate enjoying evenings in the great room with a toasty fire. The great room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, and the couple’s love of entertaining and family gatherings is evident. A small table set for two complements a larger, oval table set for eight (and can easily squeeze up to 12).

This is one of the best developments in their lives since relocating to Exeter: impromptu family gatherings and Sunday dinners.

601 N. Willis Street. Visalia, Ca.93291

P: 559-734-1455 F:559-734-3236 www.sequoiaplazaflowers.com

Sequoiaplazaflowers&more @sequoiaplazaflowershop

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“I love this,” Carol said. “Before, we had to really plan with everyone when to have dinner. Now I can send a text that says, ‘We’re having ribs,’ and everyone will reply with what they can bring. It’s much more spur-of-the-moment.” The couple has a blended family of five children, “Brady Bunch-style,” Carol says, most of whom live nearby.

In designing the kitchen, the couple incorporated ideas from their travels as well as a trip to The Galleria in San Francisco. Neolith countertops in a dark slate gray create a sturdy surface that will survive any manner of culinary abuse. “There’s nothing that will hurt these,” Carol said.

Three Blanco sinks serve the purposes of dish washing, vegetable washing and tending the bar. A quick push with a hip on one cabinet opens the sliding garbage can, while another push opens a hidden knife rack and cutting board storage.

Midway during the construction process, Carol said she walked in the kitchen and realized that the double ovens, which would have been stacked on top of each other, needed to move. She knew that removing a hot dish at that level would be difficult and, even worse, the controls landed above her head — not exactly practical.

So the second oven was placed in the 38 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

small pantry (which makes baking on a summer day possible because the heat stays there) and, in its place, there are simple storage slots for pretty but awkwardly shaped serving trays.

The view through the large windows often yields scenes of grandchildren and great-granchildren playing on the grass, scaling some of the 100 river rocks that the couple hauled from the Three Rivers property to their landscaping in Exeter.

Also in the mix, their two dogs, Henna and Renny (short for Renegade).

WORK FROM HOME Just off the kitchen is Carol’s office, with a westward view of the home’s circular driveway and another view of the front door. In a cute nod to their love for each other, their home offices also share a view to each other’s space, although they’re on opposite wings of the home.

“An office of his own was one thing that Gene did not have in Three Rivers, so we made sure he had that here. I like that I can be working in here and look over and see what he’s up to,” Carol said.

Gene said he loves working in his office while also keeping an eye on the chicken coop just outside his south window, where 12 hens are growing up and will soon yield fresh eggs. The area also features two giant raised garden beds.

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This is where Gene grew the pumpkins that dot the landscape.

owner of Nickel’s Payless grocery stores.

Although she is retired, Carol stays as busy as any woman working full-time.

She is president of the board of the Ruth Woods Open Arms House and is involved in many additional charitable causes. Recently, though, she has explored the hobby of watercolor painting and likes her semi-private office where she can set up her paints and leave projects out to dry without worrying about having to clean up.

There is a huge butcher block in her studio, a remnant of Gene’s days as

of avocados plus pecans and citrus near

Today, he stays busy farming 40 acres Ivanhoe and working in his shop near the home.

Their master bedroom contains the only

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her office, the laundry room and the endless pool, which is just outside the door.

“After living here for a year, I can say that there is nothing I would change,” Carol said. “We are very happy with how everything turned out.” L

new furniture, with matching side tables for evening reading. The master bathroom features dual vanities and a shower that, if necessary, can accommodate a rolling entrance with a walker or wheelchair.

The laundry room is located in this wing of the home, so Carol easily can bounce between her work areas — the kitchen,

The Nickel home will be a featured stop on the Exeter Woman’s Club Spring Home Tour, set for March 21, 2020.

For more information, go to exeterwomansclub.com.

E P I C U R E

MOM’S CHICKEN MOLE INGREDIENTS 10 chicken legs 1 small onion chopped 2 bay leaves 2 teaspoons salt SAUCE INGREDIENTS 3 guajillo chile pods 3 chile de arbol 4 garlic cloves 1 small onion 3 roma tomatoes Pinch of cumin Pinch of black pepper 6 bay leaves 2 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup flour DIRECTIONS Boil chicken legs, chopped onion, bay leaves and salt over medium heat about 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Drain and save broth for sauce and rice.

Boil dried guajillo and chile de arbol until soft.

Remove from liquid and add all sauce ingredients except the broth to a food processor and purée.

In a saucepan, take 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup flour and cook until you form a roux.

Strain the puréed ingredients into the roux and add chicken broth.

Add salt to taste and whisk until blended.

Pour sauce over chicken legs and enjoy.

RICE INGREDIENTS 2 cups rice 4 cups chicken broth 1/4 cup corn 1/4 cup carrots, diced 2 or 3 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoons butter DIRECTIONS Reduce heat and cover 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

R E C I P E S B Y F E R N A N D 0 G O N Z A L E Z , C R A W D A D D Y ' S P H O T O S B Y F R A N K M I R A M O N T E S , D M I A G E N C Y

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A Latin November November is here with its slight change in weather, beckoning gatherings in cozy homes and meals shared around the family table. Namely, Thanksgiving! This month Chef Fernando Gonzalez of Crawdaddy's gives us a glimpse into what his family table might look like during the holidays, sharing the spice of his Latin heritage, including his mom's chicken mole. We hope you enjoy this ethnic twist on the Thanksgiving tradition we all know and love!

Did you make these tasty dishes? Share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to seeing you online!

Use #LifestyleVisaliaEpicure

/LifestyleMag

@visalialifestyle

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CRAB CAKES WITH TABASCO VINAIGRETTE SLAW INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound crabmeat 1 cup onion 1/2 cup bell pepper 1/2 cup celery 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 1 cup bread crumbs 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 2 eggs, beaten Flour Panko bread crumbs Olive oil Butter

Incorporate the crabmeat.

DIRECTIONS Sautée onion, bell peppers, celery and Cajun seasoning in olive oil and a touch of butter until softened and remove from heat.

TABASCO VINAIGRETTE

Mix in 1 cup of bread crumbs and mayonnaise.

Portion into 2-ounce crab cakes.

Dip in the beaten eggs and lightly coat in flour.

Roll crab cakes in Panko bread crumbs.

Fry in olive oil over medium heat 1 1/2 minutes on each side until a golden brown.

For slaw, julienne onion, bell pepper and carrots.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning Several dashes of Tabasco to taste Salt and pepper to taste

NEW ORLEANS DREAM INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces Ciroc Pineapple vodka 1 ounce pineapple juice 1/2 ounce simple syrup Squeeze of lime 4 mint leaves, muddled Top with soda water

BASIL LEMONDROP INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka Juice of 1 lemon 1/2 ounce simple syrup 2 basil leaves, crushed Sugar rim

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A Timeless Classic LOBSTER THERMIDOR INGREDIENTS 1 pound lobster tail Flour Drawn butter 4 mushrooms, sliced 1 tablespoons lemon juice 1/8 cup white wine 1 cup heavy cream Shredded Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS Split lobster tail and remove lobster meat.

Boil lobster shell and set aside.

Cut lobster meat into chunks and coat lightly in flour.

In a preheated pan, add drawn butter and sautĂŠe lobster until golden brown.

Add mushrooms, lemon juice and white wine; pan cook over low heat until liquid is reduced.

Add heavy cream to cook and reduce until you have a creamy sauce.

Stuff lobster and sauce back into shell and top with Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 500 degrees for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly brown. L

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NIGHT VISION: T E X T

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re the world’s troubles getting you down? Can’t seem to shake the latest cable news-fanned disaster or political bombshell? Is climate change jacking up your anxiety levels?

The good news is this: There is relief.

Fortunately, it’s not a pill. Not a cult. It has only a relatively modest fee. Wine and food trucks may be involved. Think of it as a pasture fit for unicorns and you’re almost there. With so much bad environmental news every day, you might be greatly in need of a few curative hours of wonder.

Internationally known artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light, a trippy, candy-colored landscape-scale art installation on view at the new Sensorio art venue near Paso Robles, offers that rare high without a comedown, a trip without the hangover.

From Australia’s Ayers Rock, where it was first conceived, to its current — and largest yet — incarnation in Central

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BRUCE MUNRO RE-IMAGINES THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE

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California via numerous other installations of the piece around the world, the artist‘s 15-acre vision creates a spectacle and transfixes throngs of locals and international pilgrims who trek from afar for what is a rarity in this part of the state despite the wide open spaces: land-based art.

It’s been decades since Christo and Jeanne-Claude brought Running Fence to the hills of Marin County. But in Central California, perhaps only their early '90s piece entitled The Umbrellas at Tejon Ranch offers precedent for such a major land-based artwork. Munro continues that tradition on a much more modest scale, but with a punch that is just as memorable in its own transformative way. And it is stunning.

Like Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms unleashed on the land, Field of Light mesmerizes and delights. Even before the sun sets, the work allures. The nearly

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59,000 translucent bulbs appear as though a late summer frost has fallen on the camel-hued, semi-arid land, an occurrence about as likely as the aforementioned unicorns considering the Central Coast’s warm (and warming) climate. The amber glow of the golden hour shape shifts them again into a spectacular field of as-if flowers with all but the '70s-era poster slogan. When the sun finally sets and the work fully alights, a hush falls in unison as 800 people from around the world share a giddy semi-awestruck state. A few hours without politics or any thought can be quite therapeutic. This work of art is medicine for over-thinkers.

The strength of the piece is that it makes viewers feel viscerally and think less critically. The camaraderie of strangers is unlike any museum-going experience where attendees clamor for space to view art. Field of Light triggers a forgivably easy suspension of disbelief as it unites viewers while inspiring a new kind of

All images courtesy of photographer Jorge Garcia; ©2019, all rights reserved.

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gaze onto the contours of the land as it interacts with the natural light, its various atmospheres. Above all, as with Christo, the grand scale of this luminous terrain inspires pure joy while forgetting all about the folly of such an enormous undertaking.

While the 1960s saw the genesis of today’s contemporary Land Art, whose prominent practitioners include Andy Goldsworthy and Maya Lin (Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake, Michael Heizer’s monoliths, James Turrell’s Roden Crater and Walter DeMaria’s Lightning Field come to mind), the genre’s roots are ancient.

Geoglyphs such as the Nazca Lines in the Peruvian desert, the Serpent Mound in Ohio and others reflect all manner of cultures’ impulses to commune with the gods or at least leave a mark at landscape scale that says: We were here.

Whereas earlier Modern artists like Dan Flavin, Robert Irwin and Keith Sonnier used light as their primary medium, and

the others mentioned above used the landscape (as did Dale Chihuly’s sitespecific glass installations, whose eye candy dismissals might be tempting to art snobs viewing Field of Light), Munro combines the two genres into one. That and his use of the latest technology are perhaps the key features that locate his art in the current moment as fiber-optic lighting systems powered by solar energy enable the large-scale installation that spans the dell at Sensorio, a new arts venue slated for official opening in 2021.

But despite the technological aspect of the work, the Wiltshire, U.K.-based Munro was inspired to create Field of Light by something as old as the earth itself: the world-renowned Ayers Rock — Uluru — one of Australia’s most notable features and a sacred site to its aboriginal people.

As Munro told Sotheby’s in 2016, when the first Field of Light was installed there, “In April, I was very kindly taken by a ranger to the indigenous area close to the rock that I’d been to some 25 years

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ago. I realized (it) was two-thirds into my life, and it made me think about how quickly time passes. I stood and stared at this rock and thought: 'My god — you haven’t changed at all, have you? And here I am withering in front of you.'

And what I learnt is that the indigenous Australians have this wonderful sense of time, which we don’t have in our culture.

They have a true holistic view of time.

We like to take a scalpel to time to delineate it. Their past, present and future are woven — bound together, not separated.

The landscape tells you the past, exists with you in the present and moves it into the future. Time is the constant currency, it is infinity.”

With hours changing according to the season and daylight saving time, you’ll want to arrive early and get tickets in advance. See the installation in the waning daylight; it’s well worth it to witness the fascinating progression of lighting effects on what appears to be a field of flowering weeds seeded from outer space. Wear

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comfortable shoes, as you will want to ramble along the half-mile of easily accessible paths to get diverse views of the lights and silhouetted coast live oaks dotting the landscape. For shutterbugs, the best time to shoot is during sunset, when the skies become an unwitting accomplice to the artist’s obsession with light. The northwest end of the field is prime real estate for viewing, as is the $110-a-ticket VIP experience at the top of the installation, where artgoers can catch the best sightlines as they enjoy a custom picnic dinner with choice of entrée, side dish, vegetable and dessert.

And, of course, beer and wine, Paso’s primary claim to fame before Bruce Munro put it on the art world map.

General admission ticket prices vary according to date. If you’ve maxed out

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on the light spectacle, there are live musicians, cornhole and a taco truck to add to the festive ambience.

With many sold-out nights Wednesdays through Sundays as the show’s once-ina-lifetime run nears its January end, the endeavor is off to an auspicious start before it even launches. San Joaquin Valley tourism boosters and arts champions might consider our dearth of contemporary art of a stature for which people will travel far and wide and come up with a plan. If contemporary art doesn’t turn you on, at least do the math of 800 people times an average of $29 a ticket — nightly.

To leave the grounds of Field of Light is to head back to a much duller, less magical nocturnal world. The occasional

neon bangle or fluorescent torment pale after one senses the zap of Munro’s piece. Even the great mystery of the stars remains mostly obscured by light pollution these days. But perhaps the letdown also reminds us of the possibility that art means the world needn’t be quite so dull.

Art does many things: We have art so that truth will not kill us (Neitzsche). Art shakes off the dust of every day life (Picasso). And in an era of environmental degradation and an uncertain future, this experience reminds us that — with a boost from an artist — art can still instill childlike wonder if we’ll only allow it. At present, there may be more conceptually complex currents than Field of Light in contemporary art, but this is the art we need right now. L

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A FAIR SHARE OF FUN IN DALLAS T E X T

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am constantly inspired by the fact that we can travel through America to different states and cities and feel like we’re almost in completely different countries. From Boston, where I’m immersed in our nation’s historic beginnings, to the bustling, honking streets of New York City to San Francisco, with its famous fog, steep streets and gingerbread houses, across the U.S., adventure awaits!

I guess I’d better clarify — when I say adventure, I don’t mean bungee jumping or white water rafting, although I admire those who dare. For me, the adventure is in exploring a new city: people watching, learning about the culture, tasting the foods and seeing the things that make it unique — in other words, being surrounded and taking in the environment around me.

When my son moved to Dallas after college, I couldn’t wait to visit, and have spent a few weekends there over the last couple of years. From Fresno, it’s just over a three-hour flight, a relatively quick jaunt. Of course, I haven’t seen nearly all there is to see there, but I have truly enjoyed everything I’ve experienced. To me, Dallas embodies juxtaposition: chaotic streets and freeways and the charming Uptown Trolley; modern and historic buildings sitting side-by-side; quirky places like a park with a giant eyeball sculpture, and places of sober reflection — the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza — in the midst of downtown skyscrapers.

There are several neighborhoods within Dallas County, and all have their distinct personalities. In Highland Park, you’ll find elegant homes, upscale shopping and restaurants. In close proximity is University Park and Southern Methodist University. Uptown Dallas is a hip place to live and hang out, a prime area for young professionals and grad students.

Cool designs, trendy shops, restaurants and bars, and entertainment are in walking distance for residents.

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They say everything’s bigger in Texas.

That goes for the food as well. You can find any cuisine that your heart and stomach desire (although BBQ does rule!). The Rustic, a restaurant and bar in the West Village, offers a large selection of Texas beers on draft and creates tasty fare using locally sourced products.

Gloria’s offers a combination of authentic and updated Tex-Mex and Salvadoran dishes; Village Burger Bar will recharge you after a day of sightseeing, and Velvet Taco will make choosing a challenge with innovative flavors like falafel, shrimp and grits, and chicken and waffles.

Diverse and artsy Deep Ellum is characterized by brick buildings dressed up in graffiti murals, funky galleries and collectible shops and, of course, restaurants.

Voted among the best BBQ in the country, Pecan Lodge is as popular as it is delicious.

The line forms before the doors open and remains until they are sold out of beef and pork ribs, pulled pork, handmade sausages and brisket. You can walk off your meal browsing in the shops that line Main Street, where the restaurant is located.

Getting around Dallas is easy. Walking is the ideal choice, as it allows you to take everything in at your own pace. Lyft is a popular option, a great way to get to locations of choice without having to worry about finding your way through the traffic and parking, which is at a premium. You can also wind your way to your destination on scooters that are available for rent on almost any street. During my first weekend trip, we took a Lyft from Uptown to John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza in the West End Historic District, and then strolled through downtown to the Dallas Farmers Market.

At JFK Memorial Plaza, there is a simple but imposing structure where you can walk inside and reflect. Architect Philip Johnson designed the memorial, an open tomb with no roof, as “a place of quiet refuge, an enclosed place of thought

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Despite the hum of traffic and tall buildings visible above, the air is hushed inside, inviting all to pause for at least a moment to remember the former president.

- Sue Burns

and contemplation separated from the city around, but near the sky and earth.”

As we approached, we could hear the somber strains of a lone violin and found the musician inside, quietly playing in a corner. Despite the hum of traffic and tall buildings visible above, the air is hushed inside, inviting all to pause for at least a moment to remember the former president.

A couple of blocks away is the actual site of the assassination, where Xs in the street mark the shots that were fired into the president’s motorcade on Nov. 22, 1963. There are always people at the site who will discuss the conspiracy theories and where the shots came from. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza, within the former Texas School Book Depository Building, is one of those sites; the grassy knoll is the other. It is a bit eerie to see cars driving along the street, but although time and traffic march on, this space is another one of reflection and remembrance.

As we walked to the site of the assassination, we found the Old Red Courthouse, originally the Dallas County Courthouse.

It was built in 1892 of red sandstone with marble accents. There is a spectacular iron and wood staircase inside, along with a museum that houses many Dallas artifacts (fittingly among them J.R. Ewing’s hat from the television show Dallas).

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is just up from the JFK site and opened its three-story, 55,000-squarefoot building this year. Its mission is to “advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference.” Exhibits start with the Holocaust and progress to other genocides that have happened throughout history. The museum displays an actual Nazi boxcar used for freight that is similar to what brought Jews to the labor and death camps.

About a mile away, we encountered the Statler Hotel, originally the Statler Hilton Dallas, built in 1956. The curved building was an architectural marvel at the time, and the hotel featured a number of firsts, including Westinghouse televisions in every room, elevator music and a helicopter-landing pad on the roof.

A recent remodel has created a hip and distinctive space, with 159 guestrooms and 219 private apartments on the upper floors.

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After leaving the Statler, we passed a building with six flags flying, and my son explained that each flag — Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America and the United States of America — represents a nation that has at some point had control over Texas.

“In the middle of everything but away from it all,” as its website says, the Dallas Farmers Market has been offering the best in local produce, meats and crafts since 1941. You’ll find a 26,000-squarefoot food hall that includes restaurants, artisan shops and a butcher. There’s also an open-air pavilion where fresh local produce, honey, nuts, baked goods, hot sauces and more abound. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, and I tried (sort of) not to overfill my souvenir tote bag. Luckily, it was a short walk to a park where we caught the Uptown Trolley back home.

Free to ride and an intrinsic part of Dallas scenery, it’s a great way to give your feet a break while you enjoy the city.

On another weekend, we visited the Dallas World Aquarium (also in the West End Historic District). This is one of the more unique aquariums that I’ve seen — situated in the city, there isn’t room for sprawling buildings and tanks. Visitors start at the top floor and wind their way down a path through a tropical jungle as they get up close and personal with several bird species — including the most neon-pink flamingos I’ve ever seen — and view alligators, sharks and stingrays from a safer distance. Protecting wildlife and conservation are key messages every step of the way.

We also ventured to Fort Worth to visit the Historic Stockyards and Water Gardens.

The stockyards began in the mid-1800s as a “civilized” stop for cowboys driving cattle to market and evolved over the next century into the largest trading center for cattle in the country. Today, you can walk down Exchange Street (home of the Stock — as in cattle — Exchange) and take in historic saloons, bars and offices, and visit a museum chock full of fascinating artifacts.

The Water Gardens — another Philip Johnson creation — were built as an oasis in the middle of the city, providing a cool respite from the summer heat and humidity. Meandering through the fountains, which at points completely surround you, is indeed a peaceful and relaxing walk.

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This October, more fun awaited as we ventured to Dallas again. I love a good fair, and you’d better believe there’s one in Texas! Every autumn, the State Fair of Texas, one of the largest in the country, is held in the heart of the city. Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall cowboy who has become the icon of the fair and Texas, greets more than 2 million visitors in Fair Park each year. Opened in 1886 for the Dallas State Fair, Fair Park is the only complete and unchanged pre-1950s world’s fair site in the U.S., and a national historic landmark.

The gorgeous art deco buildings added in the 1930s provide a beautiful backdrop for the event’s competitions, themed exhibits, crafts and artisan foods for sale.

The fair also hosts a huge auto show and the annual Red River Showdown between Oklahoma and the University of Texas at the Cotton Bowl, right in the middle of the festivities. There’s something for everyone, and this year’s theme of “Celebrating Texas Creativity” put the focus on all things Texas, from wines

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to locally grown produce and livestock to all of the entries in the 1,100 creative arts competitions.

There are all the usual games on the Midway, carnival rides, concerts and shows that you find at every fair. And let’s not forget about the food — far and away the widest variety of fair foods I’ve seen.

Think beyond fried Oreos and Nutter Butters to Fried Thanksgiving Dinner, Cajun Crab Cake Bombs, deep-fried Chicken Cordon Bleu Stuffed Waffles and Loaded Baked Potato Funnel Cake.

Up for the annual Big Tex Choice Awards were Fried Burnt End Burritos, Texas Cream Corn Casserole Fritters and Big Red Chicken Bread (a fried chicken wing sitting inside a glazed red velvet donut).

I wasn’t sure whether to drool or groan, and opted for a brisket sandwich.

Arts, culture, sightseeing, history … food, fun and adventure … whether you have a weekend or a week, you will find your fill in Dallas, Texas! L

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RIDING FOR FUN AND FUNDS T E X T

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n Oct. 13, roughly 180 area residents pioneered something in Visalia and, as a result, the

lives of other residents will be improved.

What these people did was show up in front of the downtown Boling's Barber Shop with their bikes.

The event was the brainchild of Evan Boling, downtown barber and inadvertent community activist (although this

is going to slightly agitate him when he sees that I wrote that). Last year, Evan created the Fun Ride. A group of about 50 showed up and we rode our bikes 54 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

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to Azul’s for drinks and afternoon lunch.

The ride took us through downtown and the lush landscapes of the Green Acres area. The ride ended at Main Street's BarrelHouse Brewing.

This year's ride took us through the north side, and we parked our bikes at Tacos Lucha. Chris Gonzales, owner, community activist and ride participant, welcomed the group. “It's all about community,” Chris says when I ask about the Fun Ride.

“North, south, east, west, Visalians are here together having a good time.”

Which highlights the initial reason for the

event. From Taco Lucha, we rode south on Encina Street, past some of Visalia's historic and most beautiful homes, places that give pride about our hometown.

The next destination was Blain Park on Court Street.

It was an impressive group of all ages, families and friends. Traffic seemed to gladly wait as the bikes passed by at the stop signs and even traffic lights; people waved and gawked at the procession.

Once at Blain Park, the group parked their bikes and gathered around the arbor for more fellowship.

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New Belgium supplied donated beer for the riders. Pop and water were also available.

I came across rider Anthony Torres, who works at Costco and does real estate at Bloom Group, and found out that he quietly donated the funds required for the liquor license and rental space at the park. “That way, more money can go to the cause,” he said.

Oh, did I mention along the way of planning the day, it turned into an underground type of fundraiser that benefitted the Boys & Girls Club in Ivanhoe. Anthony tells the importance for kids to have after-school opportunities as he explains that he was part of the foster system for a while. “I didn't always have it easy, so I like to help when I can.”

Evan had been talking to his friend Dustin Stewart, who serves on the youth club's board. The dayroom after school fills up daily with children who seek the fun and refuge that the Boys & Girls Club provides. Evan set the unofficial goal to $2,500. Along with people just pitching in, he included a raffle for a customized low-rider bike that was quietly donated

by Aaron Ashford, a barber at Boling's and former area football standout.

When I asked Aaron, a man of action, not words, about his contribution, he just said, “It was fun,” and smiles big.

After about 45 minutes at Blain Park, the group rode back toward downtown, where we ended up at BarrelHouse to conclude the day. Once there, the attendees continued to eat and enjoy beer in the beautiful autumn weather. Nick Miller, of Miller Brothers Screenprinting, set up shop within the brewhouse and printed T-shirts to commemorate the day. L

Traffic seemed to gladly wait as the bikes passed by at the stop signs and even traffic lights; people waved and gawked at the procession.

-Major Rogers

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SHARON JANSMA: THE PROFESSIONAL’S PROFESSIONAL 1320 W. CE NTE R ST. , VISALIA , CA 93292 T E X T

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haron Jansma believes that customer service should be a top priority. This is evident as she welcomes you into her new office at 1320 W. Center St. The “new old house,” as she describes it, has been refurbished with light colors, clean lines and warm touches like built-in bookshelves and a fireplace, that add up to a relaxed and at home atmosphere. This is exactly how Sharon wants her clients to feel as she gets to know and help them structure financial goals and investments for their future.

Sharon didn’t start out in the insurance and financial industry. After majoring in food science at Cal Poly SLO, she worked in the lab at food processing company Real Fresh in Visalia. When she became pregnant with her first child, Sharon decided she wanted to start a career that would allow her more control over her time so that she could be available to her family first and foremost. Her brother,

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Troy, connected her for an interview with the Farmers Insurance district manager.

Shortly after that meeting, Sharon started working in the Farmers Insurance program; pregnant and still working her full-time job, she knocked on doors selling renters and life insurance.

After the baby was born (and with the support of her husband, Mike), she returned to work as a full-time independent agent with Farmers Insurance.

While many people would treat this as strictly a sales job, Sharon put her focus on unparalleled customer service and building relationships with her clients, strategically adding people to her team who would support her philosophy and efforts.

Sharon is lauded by industry colleagues for her professionalism and reputation for exemplary service, Troy has complemented her: “To be successful, it’s about balance and lifestyle … she is a wellrounded leader, and she just happens to

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be a woman who is very successful. She does so much for the community; she’s someone who is a real rock star.” Sharon has indeed been extremely involved in the community, evidenced by her longtime membership and leadership roles in Visalia First Church, Visalia Breakfast Rotary, the Executives’ Association of Tulare County, and her active support of local schools.

So what prompted her to branch out from the successful office on Walnut Street?

“After 30 years of loving what I was doing, I was ready to make a change. This new chapter is very exciting — I’m learning so much as I adjust to a different pace, where I can really spend time planning and working with customers and their goals, focusing on what’s important to them. I love our new business neighbors and being able to open the windows; it’s so nice to be able to feel the fresh air and see and hear the sights and sounds of Visalia just outside. I love coming to work!”

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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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F A S H I O N

REBOOTING FALL FOOTWEAR: TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE T E X T

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f you can only add one thing to your fall wardrobe, make it a new pair of shoes ... or boots. Footwear this fall is an exciting way to change up anything you wear ... even that trusty little black suit or dress you wear year after year. So get ready to take a walk on the wild side this season with these trends.

First, fall is all about the new boots. Tall boots make the biggest fashion statement.

Boots that hit right around the knee — or even higher — are the perfect accessory for fall's shorter skirt lengths. And you don't have to stick to basic black. These boots are disco-ready in bright colors, patchwork leathers and animal prints.

Pick your heels in spikey stilettos or chunky platforms.

Ankle boots are still a must-have in fall's shoe closet, but this year, designers are making strides in laced-up versions that reflect a new era of Victorian chic when updated with floral patterns and rubber lug soles that give them a touch of combat-ready style.

And if you'd rather stick to the classics, the always popular Chelsea boot is still a favorite that pairs with both casual and dressed-up looks. In colorful suede and leathers, as well as animal prints, this ankle boot silhouette will be a go-to in your fall wardrobe. Western boots are always a fashion basic, but this fall, why not try them in white?

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But boots aren't the only footwear getting a reboot this year. Loafers are anything but old school. Loafers even get Gucci-fied. Tod's shines up its loafers with jewel-toned metallics. Michael Kors does his slip-ons croc-style. Roger Vivier goes the way of the “Pilgrim” look with big square buckles. And Chanel gives its loafers a sturdy, thick rubber sole. If you want to treat your feet to a little love this fall, opt for a pair of loafers for comfort at its best.

Kitten heels are another way to ease into fall this year. Also called "micro-stilettos," these new mid-heels are retro-inspired in strappy Mary Jane silhouettes, spectators and Oxford brogues. Schoolgirl looks are complemented with delicate ankle socks.

For more of a wow factor, look for colorful (sometimes neon) mules and pumps embellished with artistic geometric heels and decorative jeweled details.

Sneakers have never been more of a comfort factor when it comes to footwear.

The tall stiletto boots may be our Saturday night favorite, but when it comes to hiking around in our everyday lives, sneakers are lifesavers. The wedge sneaker is fall's trendiest go-to. Platforms are still rising to the style-setting occasion in the athletic shoe category. Watch for the cozy hybrid "sneaker-boot" to step out this winter for the ultimate in sporty style. L

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H A P P E N I N G S

NOVEMBER Equine Dreams When: Through Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. Sundays

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15th annual Race Against Hunger When: Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m.

Where: Main Street at Garden Plaza, downtown Visalia

Where: Exeter Courthouse Gallery, 125 South B St., Exeter

Contact: (559) 732-0101, VisaliaTurkeyTrot.com, veac,org Cost: Adults $30, children 12 and under $15

Contact: (559) 592-5900 Cost: Free

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Visalia Veterans Committee 2nd annual Poker Run

Contact: (559) 733-5975, imagineumsueum.org Cost: $20 members, $25 guests

Contact: VisaliaVetCom@gmail.com. (559) 568-6397, (559) 586-1300

DECEMBER

Cost: $20 per vehicle with $10 buy-in Holiday Show, Sale When: Nov. 20-Dec. 14, noon-5:30 p.m.; opening reception, Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.

When: Nov. 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia

When: Nov. 16, 9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. kickstands up Where: Visalia World War II Memorial Mural, Mooney Boulevard between Mooney Grove Park and Avenue 264

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‘Night at the Museum’

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Exeter Country Craft Fair When: Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia Visual Art Gallery, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia

Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter

Contact: artsvisalia.org or (559) 739-0905

Contact: (559) 804-9669 or American Legion Auxiliary #94

Cost: Free

Cost: Free

21

Soup, Sip and Shop When: Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Shopping Bazaar

Where: Jon Ginsberg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia

When: Dec. 1, 1-6 p.m.

Where: Wyndham Visalia, 9000 W. Airport Drive, Visalia

Contact: The Creative Center (559) 733-9329, thecreativecenter-visalia.org

Contact: (559) 651-5000 Cost: Free admission

Cost: Free

23

‘Of Sound Mind and Dead Body’ When: Nov. 23, 4:45 p.m. doors, 5:30 p.m. mystery starts

2

74th annual Candy Cane Lane Parade When: Dec. 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Main Street, Downtown Visalia Contact: info@downtownvisalia.com

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

Cost: Free

Contact: visaliarotaryevents.org, (559) 802-8645 Cost: $100 general admission (evening attire), $150 VIP; dinner included

4

Wine, Dine and Design When: Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m.

Christmas Wonderland Festival of Trees

Where: Strings Restaurant, 1971 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia

When: Nov. 23, 6-10 p.m.

Contact: (559) 723-3869

Where: Tulare Veterans Memorial Building, 1771 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare

Cost: $30

Contact: Tulare Hospital Foundation, (559) 685-3438 Cost: $100 dinner, auction, dancing

6

‘Putting on the Glitz’ 39th Christmas Tree Auction When: Dec. 6, 6 p.m. VIP, 7 p.m. general admission; 2-4 p.m. public preview Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Contact: Visalia Chamber of Commerce, (559) 734-5876 Cost: $85 ($10 off limited time), $150 VIP; sponsorships available

60 L I F E S T Y L E | N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 9

H A P P E N I N G S

First Friday When: Dec. 6, 6-8 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: (559) 739-0905; artsvisalia.org Cost: Free

7

s r e t i d r e W ant W

1st Saturday When: Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Map at Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Drive, or Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive Contact: (559) 561-3463 or 1stsaturdaytr.com Cost: Free 28th annual Spirit of the Holidays Wine Tasting When: Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m.

Where: Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: Exeter Kiwanis Club, exeterkiwanis.org Cost: $60

8

5th annual Rockin’ Rudolph 5K Run, Kids Fun Run When: Dec. 8, 8:20 a.m. kids run, 8:30 a.m. 5K Where: 325 N. Douty St., Hanford Contact: RunHanford.com, (559) 537-0760 (Central Valley Health Foundation) Cost: $15 kids run, $30 5K run/walk

13

Mighty Oak Chorus Christmas Concert When: Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Fountain Christian Church, 1023 N. Chinowth St., Visalia Contact: (559) 280-5715, (559) 901-4615

We are expanding our feature story and event coverage writer’s pool for Lifestyle Magazine.

Please submit inquiries with sample of writing to: Karen@DmiAgency.com

Cost: $10 adults, free to children 12 and younger

14

Holiday Home Tour When: Dec. 14, noon-5 p.m.

Where: Starts at Quail Park on Cypress, 4520 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia Contact: rhshhometour@gmail.com, Redwood High School Ranger Band and Color Guard Cost: $20 presale at White’s Music, Quail Park, Pet Envy, Pacific Treasures & Gourmet It’s a Model Railroad Christmas When: Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Sequoia Mall, 3303 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society, (559) 733-7742 Cost: Free

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