APRIL 2013 | VOL. 4 | ISSUE 4
2 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
>>editor’s note
A Season of High Spirit (and Spear-it)
ADDRESS 94 W. Castle St., Suite #B Stockton, CA 95204 PHONE 209.932.9252 TOLL FREE 1.888.289.0521 FAX 1.866.298.0408 WEB www.LodiMonthly.com PUBLISHER Shawn Crary EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT Mitzi Stites Managing Editor Alan Naditz Staff Writer & Copy Editor Gene Beley Contributing Writer Bernadine Chapman-Cruz Contributing Writer Paul Grant Contributing Writer Kim Horg Contributing Writer Francis Novero Contributing Writer Gayle Romasanta Contributing Writer Keith Wilcox Contributing Writer CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Shawn Crary Art Director Louie Ambriz Junior Graphic Designer, Photographer & Web Development Matt Vincent Web Development SUPPORTING STAFF Cameron Crary and Alec Fielding Circulation MARKETING DEPARTMENT Noel Fielding Advertising Director Rachel Castillo Marketing Consultant Memri Johnson Marketing Consultant Boo Mariano-Junqueiro Marketing Consultant Crystal Salvador Marketing Consultant Annette Soriano Marketing Consultant ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE Ernie Gallardo Office Manager CONTACT US To submit advertisements & artwork artwork@bigmonkeygroup.com To submit press releases editor@bigmonkeygroup.com Advertising inquires advertise@bigmonkeygroup.com
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t’s spring and the weather is absolutely beautiful. It’s one of the reasons I love living in San Joaquin County. It’s also one of the main reasons we haven’t moved outside of California. When I talk to my family in Virginia and they tell me it is raining and 55 degrees, I tell them how sorry I am to hear that when it is 75 with a mild breeze here. Spring is my favorite time of year; I see it as a transition season, between the cold winter and the hot summer. Now that my family is finally getting used to the time change we are embracing all the positives that it has to offer. When the sun stays up longer at night, we can take advantage of that by enjoying dinner on the patio or sitting outside talking and listening to music. You know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers”? Well, my family is spending a lot of time outside planting flowers and working in our garden. It is something that we do every year. There is nothing better than to look outside and see flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors blooming all over the yard. And, nothing tastes better than eating vegetables out of your garden. When the seasons change, so does the variety of fruits and vegetables that show up on our kitchen table. The smells and taste of fresh fruits and vegetables are always a little sweeter when they come from your own backyard. It seems I can never keep enough strawberries in the house; I still need to buy extra, even though we grow our own. Asparagus is a favorite vegetable in our house, too. This is great because San Joaquin is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of asparagus. With the month of April comes the famous Asparagus Festival, which begins Friday, April 26. If you’re unable to attend the festival, you can enjoy asparagus through The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out, where local restaurants create special dishes featuring the tasty green spears. This year, Big Monkey Group will be in charge of the nationally publicized Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Competition. We will weigh out the fried asparagus, set up the eating area with the food and drink, and provide contestants with additional plates as they eat while the 10-minute clock counts down. We’re not only excited to do this but very honored to have been asked by the aspara-staff! Did you know that the Asparagus Festival is the largest charitable festival in the state? In 2012, nearly $315,000 was split among 129 nonprofit groups right here in San Joaquin County. Go I invite you to visit the festival and have a great time while supporting a “bunch” of our local nonprofits! Whatever you do this month, go out and enjoy it! Mitzi Stites | Managing Editor | editor@bigmonkeygroup.com
>>on the cover
Festival highlights include the Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Hole in One, a Farmer’s Market, the Asparagus Eating Competition, The Great Spear-it Run, Velocity Circus, the Skyy Dog Arena and topnotch entertainment such as Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Great White, Night Ranger, Foghat and Gin Blossoms. Not featured on our cover, but certainly not to be missed, is Asparagus Alley, where you can fill up on fried asparagus, asparagus ice cream, and new this year...the asparabery shortcake.
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>>feature story
Back in the Spear-It New look, familiar feel to the 2013 Stockton Asparagus Festival
T
By Alan Naditz | Staff Writer
here’s a circus coming to town – or at least, that’s how Kate Post likes to think of it, whenever it’s time for the annual Stockton Asparagus Festival.
Later this month, for about a week, downtown Stockton will be filled with trucks, people and, literally, tons of asparagus, as preparations begin for the 2013 festival, set for April 26-28. It’s a scene right out of “The Greatest Show on Earth.” “There are trucks everywhere,” said Post, who is the festival’s director. “Our load-in takes all day. We start on April 17 and don’t finish until April 25. It really is like the circus coming to town.” It wasn’t always like this. “In the old days, we asked for 1,000 pounds of asparagus for donation from the California Asparagus Association. And back then, we thought that was an unbelievable amount of asparagus,” Post recalls. “Nowadays, we’re buying 36,000 pounds – from multiple, local growers – for the fair’s run. We used to have only local people attending; now we have people from as far away as New Orleans. They know where the best asparagus is.” It’s a huge event in more ways than one, organizers say. There’s the economic element: According to Wes Rhea, president of the Asparagus Festival Board of Directors and executive director of the Stockton Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, the festival pays out more than $1 million to local vendors to produce the festival each year. Then there are the funds that the festival gives to area nonprofits – which in 2012 totaled nearly $315,000, split among 129 nonprofit groups – which are essential for their annual success. In most cases, this money is the groups’ main fundraiser for the year. “These funds would not necessarily be replaced if the festival was not here,” Rhea said. “[And] of course, there is the money the visitors drop in Stockton when they come to the festival for gas, hotels, dining, shopping. The festival is good business for the county.” Getting Organized Much of the fair’s success stems from the more than 5,000 volunteers who work the festival, handling everything from vendor sales to site organization and cleanup. Volunteers from participating nonprofits are “paid” an
Continued on page 6
Chef of the Fest.
Back for a second year is Chef Mark Berkner, owner of Plymouth, Calif.’s renowned Taste restaurant. Berkner, along with San Joaquin Delta College Culinary Arts Program students, will coordinate a series of cooking demonstrations, as well as open competitions between professional chefs and students for cash prizes. The volunteer hours and dividend earned by the culinary students helps support Delta’s culinary arts program.
“I feel really good about the 2013 festival. We have such a great lineup of entertainment, and a new asparagus dessert dish, and 5,000 dedicated volunteers that make each year so much fun! With great weather and an improving economy, we could break records!” — Wes Rhea, president of the Asparagus Festival Board of Directors
Deep Fried Asparagus Eating Competition.
Eight-time winner Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will be back to defend his title. Chestnut ate 8.1 pounds of deep-friend asparagus spears in a mere 10 minutes in 2012. He also holds the world record, set in Stockton in 2011 (9.3 pounds in the same 10 minutes). “This event was Joey’s first eating competition,” Post said. “That year (2003), we probably had 12 people watching. Now that he’s a national icon, he’s become a fair favorite…more than 6,000 people came to see him last year. They really love to watch him compete.” And compete, and eat, he does: The San Jose resident has only lost the asparagus competition once, finishing second in 2009 – and he’s since claimed world titles in eating competitions for hot dogs, chicken wings, pizza slices, hamburgers, pork ribs, corned beef sandwiches and matzo balls, among others.
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>>feature story Continued from page 5 hourly rate, which is later awarded to the nonprofit in a lump sum, according to Post. In 2012, volunteers logged in 33,218 hours, resulting in an hourly rate of $9.48 per hour per volunteer, she said. This effectively makes the festival the county’s largest employer during the fair’s run, and is also the state’s largest charitable food festival, officials note. Since the event’s launch in 1986, more than $5.8 million has been contributed to participating charities. Not surprisingly, many of the charities involved in the festival return every year. There’s actually a waiting list to join, according to Leslie Snyder, the event’s volunteer coordinator. “The main reason for local nonprofits to become involved is to raise funds for their organization,” Snyder said. “But it is also a wonderful way to get involved in a great community event.” The best way to get on the waiting list is to send a request letter on nonprofit letterhead to the Stockton Asparagus Festival office, she said. Snyder will go to the group requests on the list to fill new spots as they become available. Interested persons may contact Snyder at lsnyder@dsbeverage.com. Some of the existing groups are also looking for help. For example, Stockton’s Emergency Food Bank
The Great Spear-it Run.
Same event, new date: The festival’s annual 5K to 5-mile marathon through downtown Stockton is back to a Sunday start, after several years on Saturday. “Saturday is just too big of a day, with the eating competition and other events at the fair going on,” Post said. “The race got lost in the shuffle. We think the event can better stand alone on a Sunday morning.” Registration forms are available at www.asparagusfest.com or www.active.com, and may be submitted online, by mail, or at Fleet Feet Stockton, 277 Lincoln Center North, Stockton. Online deadline is Wednesday, April 24; later registrants must apply in person at a Fleet Fleet store or on race day. More information is available at www.asparagusfest.com.
and Family Services seeks volunteers to help with its participation in the festival, primarily in preparing deep-fried asparagus. Interested persons should contact Angela King at (209) 464-7369 or aking@stocktonfoodbank.org. “We never want for volunteer organizations,” Post said. “And every year, we try to stay true to the purpose of the festival – to assist nonprofit associations – while making it new and exciting to the people who attend it.” New to Town – Sort of Several new items will be part of the Asparagus Festival this year, although they’ll have a familiar ring to them. In one case, people may think they’ve just seen him in Stockton – and they’d be right. For Chris “The Stunt Dog Guy”
Velocity Circus.
An all-new acrobatic exhibition featuring a Mongolian contortionist, an aerial “tissue” artist, a suspended hoop artist, an expert in rope manipulation, and more.
A complete rundown of the festival can be found at www.asparagusfest.com 6 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
Go to the festival for FREE!
15 lucky readers will receive 2 tickets: visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/BigMonkeyGroup and click “LIKE,” then post what your favorite part of the festival is. Winners will be chosen at random.
Perondi, the festival represents a homecoming. The Stockton native, Brookside Christian High School graduate and Delta College alum is thrilled to be back at the place where he got his start as a dog trainer. “I was involved in the first two years of the (downtown-based) festival with Ray (‘Skyy Dogs’) Masel,” Perondi said. “I did shows with him, then I was full-time on my own, traveling across the nation. This year, Ray called me up and asked if I was interested in teaming up for old time’s sake. As it turned out, I have my wedding to plan this year, and I wanted to be able to spend more time at home. So I thought coming back here to do a show would be fun.” Perondi’s shows feature 10 of his athletic canines who high-jump, Frisbee-catch, and perform other extreme stunts and tricks. “Rocking Ray” and his “Amazing Skyy Dogs” are also on hand, performing daily at Skyy Dog Arena. Now a French Camp resident, Perondi regularly spends almost half a year on tour with his dogs – all of which are rescues from area animal shelters – visiting venues such as state fairs, national parks and charity fundraisers. But he did recently perform a one-hour show at the Bob Hope Theater earlier in the year, which served as a warm-up to his return this month. He’s amazed at how the popularity of canine stunt shows has grown over the years. “The first year I was [at the Asparagus Festival], we only had 1-2 dogs,” Perondi recalls. “This year, I’ll be there with all my dogs, coordinating the show, interacting with the audience. That’s my thing, I enjoy it. And the audience – which is giant now compared to back then – definitely loves it.” Asparagus Alley, the festival’s main eating area, will feature a “new” item
as well: “Asparaberry shortcake,” a combination of asparagus tips, strawberries, whipped cream and bananas. This item actually made the rounds at the fair a number of years ago, according to Post. Need something to wash that shortcake down with? Try the “lime strawmarita,” which is basically a lime and strawberry margarita. “And we have our classic festival margarita, which we sell thousands of every year,” Post said. “After all, it’s all about the food and the beverage offered, you know.” Meanwhile, the Arts and Wine Show will feature product from a few new wineries, via the Lodi Winegrape Commission. Watts Winery and Van Ruiten Family Winery have already committed to the festival; at press time at least two more exhibitors were being sought. Interested persons can contact Asparagus Festival Arts and Wine Show Director Nick Elliott at (209) 644-3747 or nick@asparagusfest.com, or visit www.asparagusfest.com. All the various attractions are expected to help the festival top the 100,000 mark in attendance for a 10th year since its move to downtown in 2004. The 2012 event drew 104,000; the all-time record is 110,000 in 2008. Post expects the 2013 total to fall somewhere in-between. “We’re hoping for some pleasantly mild weather, probably in the 70s to 80s,” she said. “That should really bring people out here to have a great time.” Rhea agrees. “I feel really good about the 2013 festival,” he said. “We have such a great lineup of entertainment, and a new asparagus dessert dish, and 5,000 dedicated volunteers that make each year so much fun! With great weather and an improving economy, we could break records!”
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>>around lodi
Travel Back in Time through Music The Arts at St. John’s presents “Hasten to the Sea: A Journey through Medieval Iberia and Occitania,” on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. In an exciting new collaboration, multi-instrumentalist Tim Rayborn and vocalist Rita Lilly present secular songs of medieval Portugal, northern Spain, and southern France from the 12th and 13th centuries. Western Europe was undergoing a “renaissance” at that time, with the rise of the universities (in Paris, Bologna, and Oxford), the rediscovery of Aristotle’s philosophy via the Spanish Muslim philosopher Averroes, cultural exchanges with the Arab and Moorish worlds, the birth of courtly love through the patronage of Eleanor of Aquitaine and others, and the flowering of exquisite secular poetry in France and Spain. This program will feature Martin
This year’s Philanthropic Educational Organization fashion show will take you more than 100 years through time.
One Hundred Years of Fashion The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Chapter IM of Lodi, presents “The Goodwill Bags, The Way We Were Luncheon and Fashion Show” on Saturday, April 20, at 11:30 a.m., at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club. Tickets are $35 per person and it is an open seating call. Please no denim; dress code enforced. Proceeds support local scholarships. PEO is raising funds for local scholarships to give to graduating senior girls at local high schools. Chapter IM of Lodi is part of an international PEO organization that helps women with educational endeavors. For more information, visit www.peointernational.org.
Reptile Roundup Returns Round up your family and slither down to the World of Wonders (WOW) on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the fourth annual Reptile Roundup. The WOW museum will be teaming up with local reptile stores and museums to bring you a hands-on day of reptile fun. The museum will be filled with arts and crafts, and all of your favorite scaly friends. You even have the chance to hold your favorite reptile or pick a new favorite. Cost is included in the regular museum admission price of $6 for adults and $4 for children; WOW members are free. For more information, call (209) 368-0969 or visit www.wowsciencemuseum.org.
Codax’s magnificent “Cantigas de Amigo” song cycle, from the mid-13th century. This seven-song collection is the oldest such cycle surviving with music, miraculously recovered in the early 20th century, when the manuscript page was discovered in the binding of the later book. The concert will also feature the secular Portuguese cantigas instrumental realizations, and songs of the troubadours and trobairitz (female troubadours). Performed with voices, symphonic, persussion, citole, and harp, this concert will present a unique window into the music from the time of the earliest stirrings of modern world. The performance is at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road in Lodi. Tickets are $10 to $15 per person and are available at the door. For more information, call (209) 369-3381.
San Joaquin County Regional Science Olympiad Winners More than 600 San Joaquin County students participated in the 27th annual San Joaquin County Office of Education Science Olympiad Competition for Division B (middle school) and Division C (high school) at the University of the Pacific on Saturday, March 2. The awards ceremony immediately followed at Blanchard Gym at San Joaquin Delta College. Nineteen Division B teams and 22 Division C teams nationwide participated in this 23-event, one-day competition. Medals and plaques were awarded to top scoring teams. Here’s how area schools placed: Division B (middle school) First: Elkhorn Gold, Lodi Unified School District Third: Elkhorn Blue, Lodi Unified School District Division C (high school) First: Tokay High Purple, Lodi Unified School District Fourth: Bear Creek Silver, Lodi Unified School District Eight teams representing San Joaquin County will compete at the state competition in Tulare County in April. Only one team per school can represent San Joaquin County at the state competition: Division B (middle school) Elkhorn Gold, Lodi Unified School District Sierra Middle Blue, Lincoln Unified School District Division C (high School) Tokay High Purple, Lodi Unified School District Bear Creek Silver, Lodi Unified School District
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>>around lodi
These “hot” ladies have fun in “Menopause: The Musical.” Clockwise from top, Kimberly Ann Harris, Kathy St. George, Margot Moreland and Liz Hyde.
One Hot Show The international hit show “Menopause: The Musical” has selected Lodi as a “hot” national market and will play the Charlene Powers Lange Theatre for two performances on Sunday, April 14, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Take note: Lodi’s popularity with this production doesn’t necessarily mean women in Lodi are more prone to symptoms of “The Change.” It does mean they will find joy in sharing their experiences. Tickets can be purchased at www.loditickets.com or by calling (209) 333-5550. Group discounts of 10 or more are available by calling (888) 686-8587 ext. 3. Set in a department store, four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. A sisterhood is created between these diverse women as they realize that menopause is no longer “The Silent Passage.” It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal. “Menopause: The Musical” is produced by GFour Productions and is the work of writer Jeanie Linders, director Seth Greenleaf, and choreographer Daria Melendez. The laughter-filled 90-minute production includes parodies from the classics of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. It is estimated that nearly 11 million women have attended a performance since the 2001 opening in Orlando, Fla. Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer Jeanie Linders created the show as a celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have survived “The Change.” For more information, visit www.gfourproductions.com. 10 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
>>around lodi
Happenings at Lodi Schools Lodi Unified School District Wednesday, April 17 is a Common Planning Day. All students will have a minimum day. Lodi High School As you may be aware, the City of Lodi is in the process of refurbishing the Grape Bowl, where LHS has traditionally held its graduation ceremony. City officials are unable to guarantee that the work will be completed in time for graduation; therefore Lodi Unified School District has secured the Alex G. Spanos Center at University of the Pacific for the Lodi High School Graduation on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m. A considerable amount of time and effort goes into the planning of graduation in order to make it the best possible experience for our graduates and their families. This includes the ability to firmly establish an adequate, available venue, and that deadline has passed. Drill Team tryouts are Tuesday, April 16 through Friday, April 19. Please contact Drill Advisor Mrs. West at nikkiwst@ yahoo.com for more information. Cheer tryouts are Tuesday, April 9 through Friday, April 12. For more information, email lodicheer@gmail.com. Welcome Mrs. Wold and Mrs. Hinkle as the new cheer advisors for the 2013-14 school year. On Saturday, May 11 the Lodi High School Band presents its annual Jazz and Dessert Social, featuring the Lodi High Jazz Band. There will be no-host cocktails. This event is at 8889 E. Acampo Road in Acampo. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the door. For tickets and
information, call Paul or Laurie Churchill at (209) 334-3340. Presentation Elementary School Shrimp Feed 2013 is Saturday, April 20, in the Presentation Parish Community Center. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with barbecue oysters, appetizers, wine tasting and specialty drinks. Dinner is at 7 p.m. and includes shrimp, pesto pasta, salad, bread and dessert. There will also be a raffle, silent and live auctions. Ticket are $50 per person and you need to RSVP by Tuesday, April 14. To purchase tickets and for more information, call Roger Slingerman at (209) 403-8878. All proceeds will benefit Presentation Parish School. Tokay High School The Senior vs. Staff Basketball Game is Friday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the gym. STAR testing is on three minimum days: Wednesday, April 10, April 17 and April 24. Students will test in their third period class groups. You can support your student’s achievements by encouraging good test preparation and support strong performance on those Wednesdays. Please make sure that the students get a good night sleep and a good breakfast so they can be ready for the STAR test. Reese Elementary School Explorit Science Amazing Animals for third grade is Friday, April 5. There is a Parent’s Club meeting on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. and a Student Council meeting on Friday, April 12 at 7:40 a.m. Talent Show rehearsals are Tuesday, April 16, April 23 and April 30. No spectators, including siblings or parents, are permitted in the cafeteria during rehearsals.
GarageApalooza This community event on Saturday, May 11, sponsored by the Lodi Rotary Club, needs garage sale items to help benefit community service projects and local charities. To donate items and clean out your garage at the same time, call (209) 649-6911 or (209) 642-0837. Drop off or Lodi Rotary can pick up. For more information, visit www.garageapalooza.com. lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 11
>>community briefs How to Get Your Garden to Grow The California Native Plant Society and the Oak Grove Nature Center are sponsoring a native gardening day on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Drop in to see, learn, and perhaps purchase native California flora. Need tips on how to plan your California native garden? Come see a presentation by local landscape designer Nadia Zane. Topics include site evaluation, plant grouping by water, light, and soil requirements, and examples of native plant gardens. Presentations are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. A limited number of easy-togrow plants will be available for purchase. For more information about this event and plant pre-orders, phone (209) 477-3966. Admission is free to the public, but there is a $6 per vehicle parking fee. Lodi Housing Market on the Rise For the month of February, 17 active single family homes were for sale, 38 were pending, 41 sold, and 5 were expired, withdrew or cancelled. For properties sold, the average days on the market were 35, median square footage price was $115.70, median sold price was $153,000, and median size was 1,550 square feet. Active listings consist of traditional listings, bank-owned properties and short sales. Numbers of sold properties from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28 were a total of 41. The Lodi area has less than a one-month inventory of homes given the current sale rate. Properties currently available are priced from $75,000 to $1.7 million. Current market data is taken from Metrolist courtesy of Kathy Wooton, real estate agent with Sherman and Associates, (209) 327-8181. Have a Taste for Education Since 1999 Vincent Shalvey Academy (VSA) has provided an unsurpassed education to San Joaquin County students. VSA is ranked among the top 10 California Charter Schools by the Center on Educational Governance at the USC Rossier School of Education. On Friday, April 19, the academy will hold its spring fundraiser at Hutchins Street Square Community Center, Kirst Hall, 125 S. Hutchins St. in Lodi. There will be 12 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
a tasting event featuring wine tasting, beer tasting, olive oil tasting, appetizers and desserts donated by local companies. Tickets are $35 per person until Friday, April 12 and $45 per person at the door. Individuals who do not wish to participate in wine or beer tasting may buy “non-alcoholic” tickets for $20 per person until Friday, April 12 and $30 per person at the door. The event will also have a live auction, silent auction and raffle. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tasting takes place from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The auctions and raffle will commence at 9:30 p.m. Anniversary Celebration The DOVES Guidance Program presents the Fifth Annual Anniversary Event & Open Ranch Day on April 27, at the Oxford Ranch, 13749 E. Kettleman Lane, in Lodi. This free family and kid-friendly day of fun is from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy free hot dogs and lemonade, horseshoe decorating, while supplies last, farm wagon rides. There will be live pony painting, riding demos and a performance by the DOVES Drill Team. Meet and greet their amazing horses and volunteers. There will be a raffle and bake sale, and a campfire fellowship and jam session from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your voice or your instrument. For more information, contact Gayle Oxford at (209) 329–7034, or visit www.thedovesprogram.com. Play Fore the Animals The Eighth Annual Harvey Kessel Memorial Golf Tournament will be at the Micke Grove Golf Course on Friday, May 3. This event is a major fundraiser for the Micke Grove Zoological Society. Last year several hundred thousand visitors benefitted from educational opportunities at Micke Grove Zoo. Please consider becoming a sponsor, donating a raffle prize, and coming out for a fun day of golf, food and prizes. For cost and more information, call (209) 331-2010. Kids Peddle for St. Jude The Happy Hours Preschool will have its Trike-A-Thon for St. Jude on Friday, April 12. This fun program exposes preschoolers to proper tricycle and riding-toy safety habits. It educates parents
>>community briefs and also serves as a fundraiser for St. Jude. Each year, thousands of other preschools and daycare centers participate to help raise money for the patients of St. Jude. Since its inception, St. Jude has helped push overall survival rates for childhood cancers from less than 20 percent to 80 percent. The funds raised with Trike–AThon help make it possible for St. Jude to treat patients. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. If you wish to participate or donate, call Happy Hours Preschool, (209) 369-8462, email happyhours. preschool@yahoo.com, visit www.happyhourspreschool.net, or friend the school on Facebook. A Fundraiser to Flip Over There will be a Senior Center Pool Flap Jack Fundraiser on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s, 242 W. Kettleman Lane, Lodi. Cost is $8 per person and is for dine-in only. For more information and tickets, call Krista or Courtney at the Senior Center, (209) 369-6921. April in Paris Join Knowlton Gallery for an exclusive trip on Saturday, April 20, to the home and studio of Charles Waldman in Columbia, Calif., to see his newest collection of paintings of Paris. Waldman returns to Paris whenever he has the opportunity, and his street paintings are highly sought after and affordable. There will be ample opportunity to view and purchase paintings at his home. Afterwards, the trips shifts to Yankee Hill Winery & Cooking School for a 10-course French Bistro luncheon. Participants will cook the meal themselves, with instruction from chef Ron Erickson. Erickson is former manager of the City Hotel in Columbia and director of the Culinary Arts Program at Columbia College. He travels extensively to expand his cooking knowledge and is enthusiastic about sharing his love of food. Cost is $135 per person and includes chauffeured van transportation, studio tour, luncheon/cooking class, wine and snacks. This trip is limited to 20 guests. Participants will leave Lodi at 8:30 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. To register, call (209) 368-5123 or email robin@knowltongallery.com.
Fun Will Spill Into the Streets The Lodi Street Faire is a Lodi District Chamber of Commercesponsored event that will be held on
Sunday, May 5. About 700 vendors will be on hand, selling antiques, arts and crafts, and commercial items. There are also approximately 20 to 25 food vendors who sell everything from hamburgers to Philippine food. You can also get ice cream, soft drinks, and coffee. The faire goes from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Street Faire takes up a 10-square block area, which can accommodate 25,000 to 30,000 potential buyers. To get to the faire, From Interstate 5 or Highway 99, take the Lodi exit Kettleman Lane/Highway 12. Go to Church Street and go north. You will run into the faire. For more information, call (209) 367-7840 ext. 105. Science on the Green The World of Wonders Science Museum is asking for your support in the sixth annual Science on the Green Golf Tournament. All proceeds raised go directly to the World of Wonders Science Museum. Contributions are greatly appreciated. Lend support by becoming a tournament sponsor, gifting a raffle prize(s), or just enjoying a wonderful day of golf on April 8 at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club. Price is $150 per player and includes green fees, carts, lunch and dinner. For more information, call Jen Young at (209) 368-0969. Lodi Lions Host Golf The Lodi Lions Club will be holding its annual Charity Golf Tournament Friday, May 17, at the Lockeford Springs Golf Course. Registration opens at 11 a.m.; there is a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Enjoy golf, lunch, dinner with wine for only $125 each. Course games and prizes include a 2013 Chevy Tahoe (courtesy of Sanborn Chevrolet) for a hole in one; closest to the pin on three holes; a long drive contest; a putting contest; and prizes, prizes, and more prizes. For more information, call Joe at (209) 367-4800 or Dennis at (209) 334-5000. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds from this event will help fund the Lodi Lions’ Medical Equipment Loan Program, Rest Home Visitation, Youth Exchange Program and the Scholarship and Student Speakers contests. The Lodi Lions Club is an active participant in the local community, providing physical work in addition to providing funds. lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 13
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>>tips from the pro
Three Ways to Practice Your Best ‘Wedi-Quette’ Don’t let matters like remarried parents, reception details derail your big day
By Emily Reynolds
W
eddings traditions are not what they used to be. While some still remain timeless, today’s modern bride and groom are presented with a new onslaught of evolving etiquette dilemmas. Here at The Reserve at Spanos Park, we believe in having your big day your way! To steer through the confusion and answer your most-pressing “wediquette” questions, check these quick tips:
My parents are remarried; who sits where? Pleasing all members of a blended family while following “proper etiquette” can be tricky. Typically the first row is reserved for parents, second row for grandparents or next of kin. If remarried parents get along, escort the bride’s stepmother first. Next, escort the groom’s stepmother, with the groom’s father following behind her. The groom’s mother then proceeds, with usher and step-father behind. Lastly, the bride’s mother is escorted by the usher, with stepfather following
behind. After escorting her down the aisle, the bride’s father then seats himself next to his wife. If they can’t set aside their differences, consider separating mothers and stepfathers on the first row, and fathers and stepmothers on the second row. Grandparents would then occupy the ends of the first two rows or rows three and four (depending upon the amount of grandparents and number of chairs). How can I incorporate my deceased parent into my ceremony? I have been privileged to see some wonderful ideas honoring loved ones in past weddings. You can place a portrait or favorite photo in the chair they would have been seated. To keep them closer to you, take an old article of their clothing, cut a swatch (maybe a heart symbolizing love and blue
to complete your “borrowed” and “blue” tradition) and sew it to the inside of your wedding dress, or wrap it around your bouquet stems. Is it acceptable to only serve cocktails and desserts at my reception? Definitely! There are a few stipulations I would suggest, but a dessert reception can be a wonderful way to save on cost. First, a dessert reception is not as long as a traditional reception – which means less money on entertainment, rentals, and staffing. A dinner reception will last upwards of five-plus hours. Dessert receptions will be an average of three hours, beginning early afternoon or late evening. Good news: You can still take part in all of the traditions like first dance, cake cutting, bouquet/ garter toss and dancing. It will
just happen in a more-expedited fashion. Also consider only hosting punch and champagne. Open bars are typically one of your most expensive ticket items – although if it’s in the budget, it can be a nice touch! For more “wedi-quette” tips, visit www.countryclubreceptions. com and read the article, “Your top 10 most-pressing ‘wedi-quette’ questions,’ answered!” Emily Reynolds graduated from Missouri State University with a Bachelor’s degree in event planning. She has been an event manager for six years and for the past two years she has been a private event manager with The Reserve at Spanos Park. For more information on “wedi-quette,” contact her at The Reserve at Spanos Park, 6301 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton, (209) 477-4653, ext. 28. lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 15
>>best eats
You’ll Flip for Flip’s!
All of our custom crafted burgers and hot dogs are made to order using fresh, never frozen, local ingredients. Burgers are 1/3 lb with fresh ground beef patties. Home of the fried Oreos...gotta try em’! OPEN Monday-Saturday from 11am-8pm, Sundays 11am-3pm. FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
BRING IN THIS AD FOR ONE FREE KID’S ICE CREAM! Now featuring fresh homemade strawberry ice cream, so don’t forget to save room for dessert! From homemade daily specials to American classics like meatloaf, our menu is loaded with over 100 mouth-watering selections.
Come see our great 2nd location in Galt at 400 Fourth Street!
2503 Waterloo Rd. | Stockton 209.943.5477 | www.flipsburger.com 230 S. Cherokee Ln. | Lodi | 209.334.3199
1431 S. Ham Lane | Lodi 209.369.8231
FEATURES
FEATURES
Children’s Menu • To Go Available
To Go Available • Breakfast Served All Day
YOUR CHOICE BENTO BOX LUNCH FOR JUST $8 Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30am-2:30pm Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. & Sat. 5:30pm-11pm Fri. 5:30pm-12am Sun. 5pm-9pm
Krispy Kreme Shopping Center | Brookside 2819 W. March Ln. A3 | 209.473.1255
FEATURES
Beer & Wine • To Go Available Facebook
WE’RE HIRING! The Lodi Monthly—the premier magazine for the city of Lodi — is seeking one ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE to prospect, build relationships and sell advertising programs to help local businesses grow. Candidates with advertising sales experience can step to the front of the line! We offer 50% commission for the first 60 days, then a generous commission structure and quarterly bonuses and the ability to sell advertising in all 6 of BMG’s magazines. Resumes can be sent to Advertising Director Noel Fielding at
info@bigmonkeygroup.com
16 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
NEW HAPPY HOUR
Come and enjoy the Best Happy Hour in Lodi! Monday-Wednesday from 3-8pm. All beer $2, Margaritas $4, Guacamole $5. Thursday FREE corkage. Lunch Specials • Catering • Delivery for Special Events. Check our new mobile website. Follow us on facebook & Twitter.
We believe dining should be fun with freshness and surprises in the menu, and warmth and knowledge in the dining room service. We are committed to creating fresh, natural, and innovative dishes featuring the highest quality seasonal and regionally sourced ingredients. We look forward to inspiring the joys of food and sharing our passion with you! For restaurant reservations: (209) 371-6160 or restreservations@winerose.com.
10 W. Oak Street | Lodi 209.368.1831 | www.alebrijesbistro.com
2505 West Turner Road | Lodi 209.371.6160 | www.winerose.com
FEATURES
Cockails • Beer & Wine • To Go Available Chilren’s Menu
FEATURES
Beer & Extensive Lodi Wine Catering • Private Dining
lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 17
18 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
>>grape escapes
Riaza Wines – A Taste of Spain in Downtown Lodi Old World charm meets local determination By Francis Novero Contributing Writer
I
f you thought the Old World Spanish influences in San Joaquin County was relegated to names of places and in the history books, try looking again. In downtown Lodi, Riaza Wines has dedicated itself to creating hand crafted wines that are traditional and authentic to Spain. Why Spanish wines? When contemplating starting their own winery, Riaza Wines owners Rick and Erin Taylor kept coming back to their travels in Spain. What made the idea even more intriguing was the similar weather and growing conditions that make the Lodi Appellation and surrounding areas ideal for growing grape varietals known to Spain. The Taylors fashioned their downtown Lodi tasting room to reflect the “comfortable, fun, and welcoming environment” they experienced travelling the Iberian Peninsula. The bright and buoyant space is attractively tied together with wood floors and décor, with a back wall splashed with Spanish red paint to add warmth. With the Tempranillo grape originating from Spain, it is only natural for Riaza Wines to offer several different styles of Tempranillo wine. According to winemaker Rick Taylor, “If you like red wine, you are going to like Tempranillo.” The Tempranillos of Riaza Wines originated from different vineyards but each was harvested and crafted in similar conditions that allow you to taste the distinct characteristics of each terroir. The 2010 Clements Hills-Lodi Tempranillo has nice cherry and tobacco aromas, and is lighter and more restrained on the palate. The 2010 Clarksburg Tempranillo has fruit
Riaza Wines 20 West Elm St. | Lodi | 209.625.1103 www.riazawines.com
Riaza Wines’ tasting room creates a fun and welcoming environment. PHOTO BY: RICK TAYLOR, RIAZA WINES
Riaza Wines focuses on traditional Spanish varietals. PHOTO BY RICK TAYLOR, RIAZA WINES
notes of cherry and plum with hints spice, tobacco, and leather. The Clarksburg is big and bright with nice structure and oak finish. The 2010 Amador County Tempranillo has very nice garnet coloring, with cherry and blueberry fruit aromas. On the tongue, the Amador County varietal displays an earthy flavor that makes a memorable impression and helps
Rick and Erin Taylor of Riaza Wines. you appreciate the terroir from which the grapes came. While all of the wines were very good, my favorite from the flight was the 2010 Clements HillsLodi Graciano. It has an excellent nose bursting with fruit, cocoa, tobacco, and oak. On the palate, the Graciano was refined and displayed several sensations that
were smooth and substantial. It also had deep flavors of fruit, spice and earth. Visitors can sample the wines on the flight menu at the bar or buy a bottle to enjoy in the outdoor seating area. In any case you can comfortably explore the nuances of Riaza Wines’ offerings in a fun and welcoming space. lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 19
20 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
>>buzz on bizz
If It Involves Paper and Ink – They Do It! Five Generations of Printing
Abrahamson Printing 15 W. Pine St. (downstairs) | Lodi | 209.369.4391 Open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday Facebook: Abrahamson Printing
Abrahamson Printing owner John Atwood, with daughter June Atwood Aaker, keeps customers coming back with quality and service. PHOTOS BY LOUIE AMBRIZ
By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz
P
rinting has been part of the Atwood family’s heritage since 1882, when Leroy S. Atwood started Atwood Printing in Stockton. Today, five generations later, John Atwood, sole proprietor, and his daughter, June Atwood Aaker, operate Abrahamson Printing in Lodi. A full-service printing business, Abrahamson Printing specializes in business cards, letterhead, envelopes, multi-part forms, laser checks, labels, brochures, presentation folders, directories, flyers, foiling, embossing, and booklets. However, “if it’s on paper and ink, we do it,” John said. When it comes to customer service, “It’s just like the good old days,” June said. “If a customer can’t come to us, we go to the customer. It is actually more convenient, promotes bonding, and saves time. We bring paper samples, ink choices, and assist customers in making their selections.” The print shop is also meticulous when it comes to proofing before the final printing. “We take the time to make as many alterations to a final draft as the customer needs before we go to press,” June said.
June, a fifth-generation Atwood, is her father’s right and left hand in daily operations. She not only runs the office, but does bookkeeping, design, purchasing, sales, and even delivery. When selecting a printer, price is not always the determining factor. “Quality and trust is what our business is based on,” June said, “and we have repeat clients who have been with the company for over 40 years.” Many longtime businesses have not survived the economy, but Abrahamson Printing is
still going strong. “I believe it’s our history and knowledge,” June said. The business has also adapted to the times. Free pickup and delivery is offered to every customer for in-house orders. “I like to meet and greet customers,” June said. “We do our best to make our customers happy.” In addition to running the family business, June also owns and operates “Invitations for All Occasions by Elegant Weddings,” helping brides plan, select and organize the printed part of their wedding day. lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 21
>>411 in 209
WHEN
Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21 Lodi Community Center’s 53rd Annual Spring Art Show
Win up to $1,000 at this open national juried art show at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Acampo near Lodi. The theme is “Art is a Cabernet” and the artwork will hang from wine barrels. For more information, contact Chairperson Janet Hayden at (209) 6080955 or at www.lodiartcenter.org. Robert Mondavi Winery is at 5959 E. Woodbridge Road, Acampo. For more winery details, call (209) 369-5861.
HOW
To Take Care of the Earth Victory Park, Pershing Avenue and Argonne Drive, Stockton
This free family fun event is at Stockton’s Victory Park on Sunday, April 21. It starts with yoga on the park green at 10 a.m. Then, hundreds of cyclists will have a Family Fun Bike Ride and Parade; registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The festival, “To Take Care of the Earth,” starts at 11 a.m. and features ethic dance groups and great area bands, as well as dozens of informative, interactive booths, displays and exhibits. Be sure to attend San Joaquin County’s premiere environmental event – you will leave knowing more about how to take care of natural resources of the earth, air and water.
WHAT
WHERE Grand Theatre Center for the Arts
Vaudeville Festival, April 19-21, the Grand Theater, 715 Central Ave., Tracy The Grand Theater, along with Greg Frisbee and his troupe, will bring a family oriented festival vaudeville variety show for all ages. Show goers will enjoy juggling, illusion, physical comedy, live music, and more. The first Friday evening performance will also include acrobatics and physical comedy designed for the entire family. Saturday daytime is for children but the evening is for adults, featuring a classic burlesque show with sensuous dance numbers. Festival schedule: Friday, April 19: 7 p.m., Magic Motion & Mischief, $9-$50. Saturday, April 20: 11 a.m., Street Fair; 11:30 a.m., Clowning workshop; 12:30 p.m., Juggling Workshop; 1 p.m., Animal Show; 3:30 p.m., Kids Magic Workshop; 8 p.m., Burlesque show (adults only), $16-$50. Sunday, April 21: Movies at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 22 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
The Great Stockton Asparagus Dine Out —Farm to Fork!
Asparagus is king in Stockton, and local restaurants are devoting April 1-14 to showcase farm-to-fork locally grown asparagus and its use in their local cuisine. Choose from appetizers, entrees, desserts and drinks in various restaurants throughout Stockton. This is just the lead-in to the big event, the Stockton Asparagus Festival on April 26-28, which drew more than 104,000 people last year. The downtown city marina gets booked a year in advance with people who want to dock at the festival. However, if you’re a boater, check with the marina at (209) 462-4200 to see if there are cancellations. For more information, go to www.visitstockton.org/dining/asparagus-dine-out.
lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 23
Thank You! I AM HONORED TO ONCE AGAIN BE CHOSEN AS LODI’S
BEST OPTOMETRIST!
Dr. Peter Hetzner
Dr. Hetzner has enjoyed practicing at Lodi Optometry for 36 years and is looking forward to servicing the Lodi community for many years to come. 421 S. Ham Ln, Ste B Lodi, CA 95242 Make an appointment today! Email: info@zeitereye.com
(209) 368-5352 24 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
>>beyond 209
Ecotouring – An Exciting Way to Experience the Outdoors Outdoor Family Fun in and Around Morro Bay
Central Coast Outdoors P.O. Box 6893 | Los Osos, CA 93412 805.528.1080 | Open all year www.centralcoastoutdoors.com
By Bernadine Chapman-Cruz | Contributing Writer
E
xplore the beautiful areas of the Pacific coastline on a Central Coast Outdoors adventure. Choose from kayaking in the estuary on Morro Bay, hiking trails in Big Sur, or biking the Pacific Coast Highway. Central Coast Outdoors owners (experienced recreational guides and world travelers) John and Virginia Flaherty decided to share their love of outdoor adventures when they chose the picturesque coastal regions between San Francisco and Los Angeles for their business.
There’s a great view of the water awaiting people in Morro Bay — on the other side of this sand dune.
Since 2003, Central Coast Outdoors has hosted more than 10,000 satisfied recreationists. “We want people not only to have a good time, but to enrich our guests’ lives through an incredible experience in the outdoor world of the central coast,” John said. Central Coast Outdoors offers a variety of activities suited for family fun. “Our Morro Bay morning kayak tours are some of the most popular,” John said. The Half-Day Classic Tour is perfect for first time kayakers. Paddling the protected estuary at Morro Bay, guests have fantastic views of the dramatic geological rock formation on the north side, as well as surrounding sand dunes. “It is a very forgiving area,” John said, “even families with young children can paddle the calm water with confidence.” The kayak portion of the trip is approximately two hours, providing exceptional scenery and wildlife sightings including harbor seals, sea otters, pelicans, shore birds, egrets, and herons. There is a stop at the sand dunes, where guests are free to explore the grass-dotted plains before an optional picnic lunch. A kayaking-only version of the tour is also available. Continued on page 26 lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 25
>>beyond 209
“Explore our different guided full- and half-day tours – it’s an experience your family will never forget.” John Flaherty, owner, Central Coast Outdoors
If you need a place for some cycling-based exercise, you’ll find miles of it here.
Continued from page 25 If your family likes to hike, Estero Bluffs Hike is the easiest hiking tour, ideal for all age groups. Hikers traverse trails through Estero Bluffs, viewing the spectacular coastline as well as Morro Rock on the north side of the bay. For seasoned hikers, Big Sur Eco Tour is a full day trip, including transportation to Julia PfeifferBurns State Park and Lime Kiln State Park. Guests hike along 4-5 miles of coastal trails scattered with waterfalls; historical structures and even whale sightings during whale migration season. The tour ranges from 6-8 hours, with easy access to and from transportation. Parents can carry young children in infants’ backpack carriers. Gourmet lunch included. An absolute must for families
26 | APRIL 2013 | lodi monthly magazine
who love to bike, take Central Coast Outdoors Avila Beach See Canyon Tour, a short drive from Morro Bay. Bikers ride along the Bob Jones Trail near Avila Beach. The route follows less-traveled roads with good shoulders through amazing landscapes. Guests visit Harford Pier at Avila Beach and explore See Canyon, an apple orchard area inland from the beach. Gourmet lunch included. California Coast Outdoors provides all equipment and safety gear particular to each activity, as well as gourmet lunch when included as part of the tour package. Check website for open dates, adult prices and sliding scale for children discounts (from 10-75 percent depending on age and specific tour). Phone calls welcome or book online.
lodi monthly magazine | APRIL 2013 | 27
LODI MONTHLY MAGAZINE Big Monkey Group LLC 94 W. Castle St. #B Stockton CA 95204