Holidays in the 209 - 2022

PUBLISHER/OWNER

Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR

Christopher Correa Joe Cortez

Kristina Hacker

Teresa Hammond

Larry Dovichi

The holidays are here and among all the hustle and bustle, it’s important to remember what makes this time of year so special –time spent with our loved ones.

The season brings with it lots of tasks to get done, but it also brings lots of opportunities for making memories that will be cherished through the years.

This issue of Holidays in the 209 focuses on the many merry making opportunities that the 209 has to offer, from the calendar of holiday events to the uplifting holiday concert from the Rykert Trio.

Each town in the 209 has holiday traditions that are unique and treasured among residents and for this issue we have explored the Cowboy Christmas in Oakdale and the myriad holiday festivities in Turlock.

The 209 Magazine staff is fortunate to get to explore the many towns and shops in the region and they have come up with a holiday gift list that is truly representative of all the aspects that make the 209 a great place to live.

We’ve also got some great holiday how-to stories, like giving homemade food gifts, creating a festive centerpiece and making Christmas tree shopping a memorable occasion.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy this issue of Holidays in the 209.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher/ Owner

lives,

EVENTS CALENDAR

ONGOING THROUGH DEC. 5

Vintners’ holidays at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite.

ONGOING THROUGH JAN. 16

Modesto on Ice opens for all ages in downtown.

NOV. 25

Sonora’s Christmas parade downtown Washington St. starting at 6 p.m.

EVERY WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY UNTIL DEC. 17

Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora begins performances of “Elf the Musical at 13891 Mono Way. Visit www.sierrarep.org for more information.

NOV. 25-DEC. 17

The rail town state historic park in Jamestown will be having their Polar Express train rides departing on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

ONGOING

NOV. 25-DEC. 11 FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS

Hein and Co. Books on Main St. in Jackson presents “Sherlock Holmes and the Night Before Christmas.” Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and $16 for students. Visit www. bakerstreetwest.com for more information.

NOV. 25-DEC 18

San Andreas Metropolitan Theatre presents “A Christmas Story” Fridays and Saturdays tickets costing $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Visit alaverasmet.com for tickets.

The Turlock Police Activities League began operation Blue Santa, which involves collecting donated items to help local children through the holiday season. Call the Turlock Police Department for more questions regarding drop off locations and items most needed.

NOV. 26

Downtown Sutter Creek will kick off their tree lighting at Candy Cane Lane at 6 p.m. and have pictures with Santa to follow.

NOV. 26

The Dorrington hotel in Arnold will host their 30th annual tree lighting at 5 p.m. along with cookies, music, and drinks.

NOV. 29

Escalon will be hosting a hospice tree lighting event from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with more information at escalonchamberofcommerce. org.

NOV. 30

Yosemite Valley’s Tenaya Lodge is hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 6:45 p.m. till 7:45 p.m. The Tenaya’s tree is not only the largest in Central California but also sustainably harvested.

DEC. 1-31

Every night in Sutter Creek for the whole month of December they will host the nightly holiday lights tour from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DEC. 1

From 6:17 p.m. till 9:30 p.m. Lodi will be presenting the annual Parade of Lights down South School Street and West Pine Street. The festive parade will have over 80 floats all covered in lights, and have performances from marching bands, dance groups, and also have themed vehicles.

DEC. 2

Merced will be hosting an Irish Christmas on Main Street in honor of the Merced Theatre Foundation beginning at 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

DEC. 2

Twain Harte will have its winter wonderland parade in their downtown area beginning at 5:30 p.m.

DEC. 2-4

Lodi is having its festival of trees at the County Historical Museum from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It will feature more than 60 decorated trees, children’s activities, crafts, entertainment, and food, photos with Santa, historical exhibits and demonstrations of pioneer handcrafted work.

DEC. 3

The Merced theatre is presenting the Merced Symphony: Holiday Pops at 7:30 p.m., tickets can be found and purchased at eventticketscenter.com/ mercedsymphony.

DEC. 3

In the downtown area of Tracy where the farmers markets are usually held, a holiday light parade and tree lighting ceremony will take place from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

DEC. 3

DEC. 2-3

In all of the downtown shops, Sutter Creek will be having a Christmas open house that includes shopping, refreshments, and holiday cheer all beginning at 5 p.m.

DEC. 2

In downtown Murphys there will be an open house followed by a light parade consisting of treats, music, and an abundance of Christmas lights all beginning at 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

DEC. 2

Downtown Turlock will have their Christmas parade beginning at 6:30 p.m.

DEC. 3

Los Banos’ downtown association will be having a Christmas lights and winter night’s parade and tree lighting ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. at the downtown 6th St. area.

Stockton will be hosting their annual holiday at the point Christmas tree lighting at Weber Point Events Center 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. The evening will consist of caroling, visits from Santa and Frosty the Snowman and following the event at 6 p.m. will be the lighted boat parade where yachts and boats will pass by decorated with Christmas lights.

DEC. 3

On Hughson Ave. in Hughson an open community holiday festival with caroling, hot cocoa, and cookies will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a parade and tree lighting ceremony will follow.

DEC. 3

In Oakdale on First St. there will be a Christmas vendor event full of local businesses hosted by Momma’s Closet from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

DEC. 3

Oakdale Enrichment Society will have the annual Christmas parade through town beginning at 5 p.m. and will have floats and other entries from local businesses and companies spreading holiday cheer.

DEC. 3

The State Theatre presents doughnuts, coffee and cartoons featuring “The Muppet Christmas Carol” with a tree decorating ceremony to follow. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 10 a.m. Tickets can be found and purchased at thestate.org/films/ themuppetchristmascarol

DEC. 3

Sutter Creek presents Los Posadas candlelight walk where there will be a festive candlelight procession through town starting at 6 p.m.

DEC. 4

Ripon will be having their neighborhood Christmas on Main St. from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

DEC. 4

There will be a Christmas tree lane event in Ceres starting at 7:15 p.m. with pictures with Santa 5 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. all at Smyrna Park.

DEC. 4

Community Hospice will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony on the corner of Coffee and Briggsmore at Sutter Memorial Medical Center in Modesto from 4:40 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. This ceremony offers family, friends, and community members to purchase a symbolic light or personalized ornament to place on the tree in support of the mission of community hospice. For more information on that event and to purchase ornaments call 209-578-6370.

DEC. 8

From 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Ripon will be having a Christmas light parade through the downtown area. Applications for entries can be found at riponchamber.org.

DEC. 10

Down the main streets of Escalon, there will be a Christmas parade to ring in the holiday season.

DEC. 10

From 2:30 p.m. till 7:30 p.m. Waterford will be having a Christmas parade and market.

DEC. 10

Downtown Riverbank on Santa Fe Ave there will be the 53rd annual Christmas parade and craft fair from noon till 8 p.m.

DEC. 10-11, 17-18

There will be a Columbia Miner’s Christmas at the state park on Main St. from noon to 3 p.m. demonstrating what Christmas was like during the Gold Rush in the 1850’s. You can listen to Christmas stories from miners, taste chestnuts roasted over an open fire, and make oldfashioned crafts. Explore the historic buildings of Columbia while sipping on hot cider and coffee.

DEC. 10

Downtown Angels Camp will be hosting a gold country Christmas lighted parade and downtown shopping open house beginning at 5 p.m.

DEC. 12

The whole week will have students k-12 work with the Coulterville Auxiliary at the VFW Thomas Jenkins post to have their own Christmas shopping adventure. The VFW post collects Christmas gifts for all ages’ boy and girl to set up a Santa shop where kids can shop for free gifts for each member of their family and pick something else out for themselves at the end. The parents fill out forms to show the members in the child’s family and their ages, and a volunteer will take the child around to pick out gifts and even have them wrapped then and there. Hot chocolate and treats are also provided.

DEC. 11

Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce will be presenting a Merry Mountain Christmas parade and tree lighting beginning at 5 p.m. on Main St. This year’s theme is Toys, Trains, and Candy Canes, and will be offering pictures with Santa, hot cocoa, hotdogs, popcorn, and ending the evening in front of the bonfire. More information and the application for float entries can be found at mariposachamber.org/ christmasparade.

DEC. 15

At the Oakdale Senior Center, the community dance band will be having a special Christmas concert beginning at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to come and hear the festive sounds of the holidays.

DEC. 17-18

Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11:30 p.m. there will be an ugly Christmas sweater pub crawl until Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4: a.m. meeting at 911 J St. in Modesto and moving on the other locations after that one.

DEC. 21-22

The Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite is hosting a kid’s dinner with Santa for ages 4-12 years old starting at 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

DEC. 24

Mrs. Claus will be reading “Twas the night before Christmas” at the Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite starting at 8:30 p.m. for children of all ages.

DEC. 24

In Merced, there will be a Christmas Eve Fun Run beginning at Applegate Park on the corner of 26th and O Streets and will be a total of 5.3 miles long. The route will go out and back on the bike path along Bear Creek and will start at 10 a.m. There is no registration needed beforehand, just show up at the starting point before 10 a.m. and a map can be found of the route by going to racethread.com/ mercedchristmasevefunrun.

DEC. 18

In Yosemite Valley the Celestial Christmas Countdown will begin at 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. and will be hosted at the Baptist Church.

Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes shortly after Halloween, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree.

There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial Christmas trees that can be stored and taken out each year. Others make a yearly expedition to a tree lot or a Christ mas tree farm to find the perfect fir or spruce. Historians believe a man named W.V. McGallard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings at his Mercer County, New Jersey farm in 1901, essentially establish ing the first commercial Christmas tree farm. By 1908, customers could visit the farm and choose trees for $1 each. McGallard helped create an entirely new industry that now accounts for 350 million trees being grown and sold in the United States every year.

Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for families and other tree shoppers to maximize their time spent looking for a tree.

Bring refreshments. Couple Christ mas tree shopping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other filling treats can keep everyone satisfied and energized while they shop for a tree.

Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting displays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out poten tially scenic spots to view holiday lighting displays nearby. Neighborhood Facebook or other social media groups often tout homes that put up eye-catching displays. Ask around for addresses and plan your own tours.

Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hungry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it’s typically a good idea to wait some time for boughs to open before decorating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occur rence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.

Watch a classic film. Many dif ferent holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. While putting up the tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meager evergreen at the same time?

Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertain ing way to spend time together as a couple or family.

Christmas Eve is viewed differ ently by different people, even those who live under the same Santa-ready roof. Adults may see Christ mas Eve as crunch time when they must prepare food for the next day or set up presents for their children to open in the morning. Children, on the other hand, are focused on Santa’s visit and little else.

Parents naturally want to make Christmastime as special as possible for their children, and that may involve ensuring that Christmas Eve is just as memorable as Christmas Day. The fol lowing are some ways to impart more magic into Christmas Eve celebrations.

Attend Mass at midnight

Practicing Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, churches often hold celebrations that may include late-evening or midnight masses that celebrate the birth of Christ when the

calendar switches over to December 25. While it does make for a late night, it can be thought-provoking for kids and a unique experience unlike any other.

Bake fresh cookies

Children like to leave out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. That makes Christmas Eve a perfect time to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. Explore different recipes to come up with a unique offering each year.

Read a Christmas story

Watching television or looking at a tablet or mobile phone before bed can be too stimulating when it’s time for children to wind down for bed. Choose a holiday tale or tales that can be read as a Christmas Eve bedtime story. Reciting the poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“Twas the Night Before Christmas”) is a great way to set the Christmas Eve mood.

Make a batch of “reindeer dust”

Why should Santa’s reindeer be left out when it comes to receiving treats? Reindeer dust, made from a combination of oatmeal, rice cereal, dried fruits, and glitter (if desired), is purported to attract Santa’s reindeer and provide them a nibble at the same time. Plus, it’s generally safe for other animals in the yard to eat.

Go caroling

Caroling may not be the norm, but some families may want to revive it. Close-knit communities can organize family-centric caroling opportunities and roam the cul-de-sacs and other pedestrian-friendly areas singing popu lar songs.

Christmas Eve is a great time to embrace various traditions that help to make the season even more special.

The holiday spirit is alive and well in the 209 and while it may be small, the spirit is mighty in the Cowboy Capital of Oakdale.

Kicking off the season in true fashion to its heritage is the 29th An nual Cowboy Christmas event which is hosted each year the first two days following Thanksgiving.

Hosted at the Gene Bianchi Com munity Center, 110 South Second Ave., Oakdale, the festivities will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 25 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 26.

More than 65 vendors will be onsite

By TERESA HAMMOND

both in the community center, as well as in the courtyard. Shoppers will be treated to a variety of offerings includ ing: western home goods, candles, clothing, jewelry, confections, house wares, food, craft items and more.

“This year we have some really great vendors coming,” Oakdale Cowboy Museum Manager Bambi Porter said of the annual event.

Porter further stated that the mu seum loves bringing the event to the community each year and kicking off the holidays with a western flare.

“You don’t need to buy anything. Maybe you’re just coming to capture

the holiday spirit,” she said. “It kind of launches the holiday season. And you know we do it in Western style at Cowboy Christmas.”

In the true spirit of a western Christmas, Cowboy Santa will arrive to the courtyard at 11 a.m. for photos with all the good girls and boys.

“Seeing kids who are now bringing their kids, that’s pretty special,” Porter said of the event’s 29th year, “and our community really rallies around Cowboy Christmas and supporting the museum.”

Additional information on the Cowboy Museum or the Christmas

event can be found at www.thecowboy museum.org

Keeping tradition alive, Oakdale Downtown Merchants also enjoy shar ing the spirit as they present Oakdale’s 14th Annual Downtown Christmas, or ganized and planned by Foxy Designs Clothing.

The event will be hosted from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 3, along North Second and North Third avenues, Oakdale.

According to Event Coordinator McKaela Golding, close to 110 vendors will line the streets throughout the downtown corridor.

“We have a lot of new vendors this year, which is awesome,” Golding said.

One of the most exciting facts, which the coordinator felt it important to share, is that Oakdale’s Downtown Christmas is a fundraising event for charity.

All vendor fees collected are donated to a charity. The three charities benefit ting from the fees include: Toys for Tots, Oakdale Lions Club and ASTRO Foundation.

“With the booth fees and the raffle, we’re hoping to raise over $10,000 for local charities in Oakdale,” Golding said.

In addition to extended store hours and a variety of vendors, Santa Claus will also be in attendance. Photos with the ‘jolly old soul’ will be at Integrity

co-founder Lisa Ballard

Air on North Third from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and pictures with the Grinch will be hosted in the Second Avenue park ing lot from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Toys for Tots drop off and raffle location will also be located there.

“All of the downtown businesses and restaurants will also have Toys for Tots drop off boxes,” Golding noted.

As the date for the event draws nearer, the anticipation is growing.

“We’re just really excited. We have a lot of new vendors this year and a lot of returning vendors,” Golding stated. “Everyone is just really excited. We’re all going to be open late and are work ing together to make sure it’s a really good year.”

While shopping may be at the top of the list for many this holiday season, there’s even more fun happening downtown on Dec. 3 as the Oakdale

Enrichment Society hosts its Sixth Annual Christmas Parade beginning at 5 p.m.

The parade will travel eastbound from Oak Street down Poplar, conclud ing at E and Second. Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs and set up early to take in the frolic and fun of 50some entries in the annual event.

Individuals interested in entering a float may do so by submitting the entry form found on the non-profit’s website, oakdaleoes.com. Volunteers are also needed for the day of and day following for clean-up.

“It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside to see all the people’s faces of happiness,” OES co-founder Lisa Ballard shared. “It brings me so much joy and fills my heart.”

A variety of entries from clubs, to Boy Scouts, the marching band and regular appearance of “The Jingle La dies” are just some of the fun spectators will find. Not to be outdone, Cowboy Santa will also be on hand for all the little cowpokes attending the parade.

“Everyone comes out to have a great family fun event,” Oakdale Mayor and fellow OES co-founder Cher Bairos said, when asked what she enjoys most about the annual parade.

The parade, as well as Downtown Christmas are both free and open to all in search of some holiday fun.

“It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside to see all the people’s faces of happiness. It brings me so much joy and fills my heart.”

—OES

ights galore, a downtown parade and “Twisted Nutcracker” are just a few ways that the community of Turlock will celebrate the holiday season.

Turlock will start the holiday season by brighten ing the night with the Festival of Lights on Nov. 25. The longtime Turlock event and community Christmas tree

lighting will be held the day after Thanksgiving in down town on Main Street, with the tree lighting at Central Park on the corner of Main Street and Golden State Boulevard. The festival will feature kidfriendly entertainment and a vendor street fair making for a night that will surely get Turlockers in the Christmas spirit. Annually, nearly 20,000

visitors from both Turlock and the surrounding commu nities attend the event.

“This event brings the community together to light up the downtown and kick off the holiday season. We high light the small business com munity within our downtown in preparation for the biggest time of the year,” said Molly Amant with the Downtown

Property Owners’ Association.

The following week will see the return of Turlock’s annual Christ mas parade.

The 43rd annual Turlock Downtown Christmas Parade will be held starting at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2. The parade route will start at Main Street and Canal Drive and travel west through down town to Broadway and end at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. This year’s theme is Sweets & Treats.

The City of Turlock’s Recreation Department and the Turlock Fire fighters Local 2434 will once again sponsor the parade that brings in hundreds of residents and visitors alike to line the streets of West Main to “ooh” and “ahh” as schools, community groups, busi nesses, scout troops and churches display their holiday spirit in the form of lights and wonder.

Those looking to enjoy the bright lights and decorations of the season any day of the week

can visit Turlock’s own Christmas Tree Lane.

Christmas Tree Lane, an estab lished source of reliable holiday glow for several years, is located on Michael Way and Weller man Way in Turlock. Residents often inherit lights from previous owners and many families look forward to driving or walking by their favorite home each year. From snowmen families to angels and peppermint lollipops, Christ mas Tree Lane does not disap point the young at heart.

Local groups will also be celebrating the season with song and dance.

Turlock’s own Center for Urban Performance & Service and Westside Ministries will present “Barber Shop Christmas” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Turlock Community Theatre. Inspired by actual events, Anthony’s Barber shop provided more than just a haircut in Modesto in the 1990s. Witness the incredible story of

reconciliation that brought hope to an entire community. From bal let, hip hop and tap, to folklorico and aerial arts, this is a show that has it all.

Admission is $10 and tickets are available at westsideministries. com or by calling 209-667-9020.

Backstage Academy of Dance is once again putting a spin on the classic Christmas tale of Clara and her nutcracker with their perfor mance of “Twisted Nutcracker.”

“Twisted Nutcracker” still tells the story of Clara’s Christmas Eve journey through the Land of Sweets, but the Academy has expanded the ballet to include all styles of dance — jazz, tap, hip hop and others.

The Turlock dance troupe will be performing “Twisted Nut cracker” at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16, 11 a.m. Dec. 17 and 3 p.m. Dec. 17. All shows are at the Turlock Com munity Theatre at 1574 E. Canal Drive. Tickets will be sold at the door at by calling 209-667-8511.

209 Staff Picks

California Gold Olive Oil

When I think of gift ideas for the holidays, one of the things I like to do the most is give ‘local baskets’ by putting together items from our specific region. It’s a wonderful way to personalize a gift and showcase what the 209 has to offer. One must-have for me in any gift basket is a bottle (or two) of California Gold Olive Oil. Located on Claribel Road in Oakdale, the locally produced olive oil comes in a wide variety of flavors, from rosemary to basil, lemon to garlic, even hot jalapeño. It’s a good feeling to know that this is a fresh and healthy gift option, not to mention versatile. You can use it to sauté vegetables, brush it on fish for grilling, or simply use it as a dip for bread. No matter how you choose to use it, you can’t really go wrong. California Gold Olive Oil is available at californiagoldoliveoil.com

Marg Jackson Editor

Sparks Fly Candle Co.

I love to keep it local, so Sparks Fly Candle Co. is my go to for those perfect gifts. It is a veteran owned candle company and they bring the sass to the 209. Every season they come out with new scents and catchy slogans that bring a little laughter to the holiday season. Their candles can be found on their website sparksflycandle.com and they even do candle making parties creating a fun Christmas party idea. They are soy candles made with essential oils and have a double-sided wood wick that creates a visual and audio crackling while it burns for over 50 hours.

Sarah Lawson Writer

Yosemite Annual Pass

Give the gift of Yosemite year-round with an annual pass. It’s $70 and good for 12 months. It can be ordered usparkpass.com. It is activated by the recipient’s name. It is a gift of iconic rushing waterfalls in early spring, stunning granite vistas, imposing giant sequoias, inspiring hikes, tranquil lakes, and winter wonderland when the snow falls. See what brings more than 4 million visitors annual from around the globe to spend time in the national park that sis overall in the 209’s backyard.

Dennis Wyatt Editor

Stewart & Jasper Gift Card

Living in the 209 for the holiday season boasts many opportunities to find such unique and heartfelt gifts from many of the local businesses in our area. My favorite gift to give for Christmas is a gift card to Stewart & Jasper. Their wine bar in Modesto is fabulous and has many delicious treats. The atmosphere is relaxed and definitely carries the holiday spirit. For gift cards and more information visit stewartandjasper.com

Kaylee Inman Legals Coordinator

Roberts Ferry Gourmet

One of my favorite stops during the Holiday Season is Roberts Ferry Gourmet in downtown Oakdale. Whether it be stopping in for a hostess gift for a holiday party, grabbing some flavored nuts to have out for holiday visitors in our home or a custom gift basket for that person that has everything I can never go wrong at this stop. Of my list of “favorite finds” at Roberts Ferry Gourmet, my top five would include: Dark Chocolate Bomb Pecan Carmel Popcorn, Valley Veggie Almonds, Sweet and Spicy Trail Mix, Chocolate Cherries and Chocolate Dipped Apricots. Visit robertsferrygourmet.com for ordering and more shopping options.

Teresa Hammond Writer

Sparrow Lane

Sparrow Lane is definitely my “go to” gift for friends and family, especially at Christmas. They often have a holiday event showcasing their vinegars and oils along with lots of kitchen goodies and serving pieces. Stocking stuffers are readily available on any visit, but the seasonal events provide even more items to choose from. My favorite vinegars are the Cabernet, Champagne, California Citrus and Quatro Pepe/ garlic flavors, but there are lots more to choose from and usually tastings are available.

Sharon Hoffman Graphic Designer

Butler’s Pantry

Christmas is the season of giving and when I am looking for something special for family and friends, I know there are treasures to be found at the Butler’s Pantry. There is a large selection of home décor, pillows, throws, wall décor, kitchen gadgets, tools, linens, dinner and drink ware, oils, vinegars, sauces, spreads, herbs, seasonings, and so much more. The Butler’s Pantry is located at 1730 Main Street in Escalon.

Virginia Still Writer and Photographer

I Love Paris

I love to shop at I Love Paris. It has a great selection of gifts for everyone in the family, even that hard to buy for person. If you don’t know what to buy, they also have gift certificates. This time of year, they are stocking the shelves with holiday ornaments, and goodies from all over the world. They also have soaps, lotions, perfumes, ladies clothing, baby clothes, plants, home decor and jewelry. I Love Paris is located in Oakdale at 325 East F St. or call at (209) 847-4783 and their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

Melody Wann Sales Representative

Hobby Shops

As a huge fan of sports and collecting, I believe that all of us in the 209 are fortunate to have a multitude of sports card and memorabilia shops in the region. For the fanatics in your family or friend group, collectibles are almost always a hit.

Modesto is home to two hobby jobs, Teammates Sports Cards and Collectibles at 2900 Standiford Ave. and the Baseball Fan-Attic at 3025 McHenry Ave. While both locations specialize in trading cards and sealed boxes, their walls are filled with autographed photos and jerseys of superstars and icons like Stephen Curry, Joe Montana, John Madden, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and more. Up in Sonora, you can find another shop, B-J’S Cards & Collectibles at 45 S Washington St. B-J’s has a wide selection of ungraded singles while also having several memorabilia pieces on display and for sale.

Whether it be a rare rookie card, an autographed ball or a game-used jersey, these local hobby shops can help you win Christmas.

Christopher Correa Writer

Sciabica Family Gift Shop and Tasting Room

Looking for a holiday gift item that has wide appeal? Look no further than Sciabica’s Olive Oil, manufactured in Modesto. Sciabica offers a variety of extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oils, which can be used for everything from spaghetti sauce to salad dressing … or just as a dip for bread. Since 1936, the Sciabica family has been cold-pressing olive oil in California, a process that has been passed on for four generations. Visit the Sciabica Family Gift Shop and Tasting Room at 2150 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Or call 209-577-5067.

Joe Cortez Writer

Stewart & Jasper Almonds

No one needs more than one “Somebody in California Loves Me” t-shirt. That is why I send my out-of-state friends and family something a little more local for the holidays. California produces 80% of the world’s almonds, with most of the grown in the 209. Sending locally grown and produced almond products from Stewart & Jasper Orchards is my way of gifting a little bit of the Central Valley to my native Hoosier state family. Almonds are shipping-friendly and the there’s a variety of sweet and savory products to suit everyone’s tastes. A few of my favorite S&J products are: Jake’s Nut Roasters — these almond snacks have bold flavors like Bleu Cheese, Bloody Mary and Mesquite Smoked; Apricot Explosion Glazed Almonds — this sweet treat combines two locally grown products in almonds and apricots; Vanilla Almond Butter — there’s nothing better than an almond butter and honey sandwich.

You can purchase Stewart & Jasper products at their three local retail stores 3500 Shiells Rd., Newman; 2985 Renzo Lane, Patterson; 1700 McHenry Ave. Suite 58, Modesto; or online at stewartandjasper.com.

Kristina Hacker Editor

Yankee Hill Winery and Cooking School

The 209 has a bounty of locally produced food and wine, so why not give a gift that teaches how to best use all those ingredients, like a gift card to Yankee Hill Winery and Cooking School in Columbia, led by Chef Ron Erickson.

Erickson’s culinary skills encompass the globe and his style of teaching melds his quick wit and clear-cut directions and tips into a smooth banter that makes for an enjoyable time in the kitchen.

Classes are offered year-round and usually cost $40, with the size typically around 16 students.

For a list of upcoming classes or to purchase a gift card, visit yankeehillwinery.com or call (209) 532-3015 for reservations.

Sabra Stafford Editor

Toast to good health with traditional wassail

TRADITIONAL WASSAIL

The practice of wassailing is a time-honored tradition that has spanned centuries. When wassailing, people go door-to-door, singing and offering a sip of drink from something called a wassail bowl. Most do it to spread holiday cheer and wish good health on their neighbors.

The word “wassail” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase “waes hael,” which loosely translates to “good health” or “be whole.” Wassailing remains popular in some communities, though caroling has overtaken it as a way to spread cheer through singing.

Wassail drink was originally made from mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and sugar, according to the holiday customs and traditions resource WhyChristmas. Most wassails are now mulled ciders, which are popular in late fall Ñ notably around Thanksgiving. Wassail was traditionally enjoyed on Twelfth Night (January 5 or 6), but it can be used to toast to good health and merriment at any time during the holiday season. There are many versions of wassail beverages, including this “Traditional Wassail,” courtesy of “The Farmer’s Almanac.”

5 to 6 large baking apples, peeled and cored (such as Baldwin, Gravenstein, McIntosh, or Stayman Winesap)

1 cup sugar

2 quarts beer or ale

2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger Zest of 1 lemon

11/2 cups sherry or sweet red wine

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut the apples into thick slices, and arrange in layers in a covered casserole dish, sprinkling a few teaspoons of sugar over each layer. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. (The apples will get puffy and soft.)

While the apples bake, combine the beer, spices, lemon zest, and remaining sugar in a large saucepan. Heat slowly, bringing just to a simmer. (DonÕt let the mixture boil.) When it is hot, add the sherry and keep heating until the mixture reaches a simmer again, still not boiling. Place the hot baked apples in a punch bowl, and pour the hot wassail over them. Serve hot.

A Christmas twist on a classic

ROSEMARY CRANBERRY WHISKEY SOUR

People indulge just a little bit more when the holidays arrive. That may translate into enjoying an extra meal at a favorite neighborhood restaurant, buying one or two additional gifts to stash under the tree or hosting a gathering with close friends that stretches into the wee hours of the morning.

Some choose to indulge by sipping a cocktail while watching the snowflakes fall. A whiskey sour is a classic that can be given a makeover with some ingredients that are tailor-made for the holiday season. In this recipe for Rosemary Cranberry Whiskey Sour, courtesy of the editors of “American Lifestyle,” fragrant and flavorful fruit and herbs blend well with the tartness of the drink.

DIRECTIONS

In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, water and rosemary. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, creating a syrup. Remove from the heat, strain to remove the rosemary, and refrigerate.

Fill a shaker with ice, and pour in the whiskey, sour mix, simple syrup, and cranberry juice. Shake, and pour into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary before serving.

Tip: This recipe is great without the whiskey, as a classy, adult zero proof drink. You can make a big batch as a lovely punch & leave some cranberries and rosemary on the side for garnish.

A century-old aperitivo is trendy again

APEROL SPRITZ

Various tried and true drinks have withstood the test of time. Hosts may want to offer these traditional favorites at special occasions where alcohol will be served, especially if the beverages are once again trending in the right direction.

Although Aperol has been a popular product across Italy since its inception in 1919, it is enjoying newfound fame more than 100 years later.

By 1950, the Aperol Spritz became the drink du jour of movers and shakers, and in recent years has enjoyed a resurgence of that popularity. Aperol does for orange what limoncello has done for lemons. It has a zesty orange flavor with herbal notes and a touch of vanilla. Lightly alcoholic, an Aperol Spritz is refreshing and suitable for most occasions. Perhaps the biggest feather in the cap of an Aperol Spritz is that it can be paired with a variety of small bites, making it a very host-friendly cocktail.

Enjoy this classic Aperol Spritz, courtesy of Aperol, at your next gathering.

3 parts Prosecco 2 parts Aperol 1 splash of soda

Orange slice for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a stemmed balloon glass full of ice, pour the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol, and then add the splash of soda. Garnish with an orange slice.

Cheers to a literary-inspired cocktail

CHARLES DICKENS’ SHERRY COBBLER

Come the holidays, many people engage in various customs and rituals that make the season even more special. Reading familiar stories and watching classic Christmas movies also are part and parcel of many celebrations. For example, “A Christmas Carol,” a novella by Charles Dickens that was published in 1843, is a must-read and mustsee for many people each holiday season. The story is the tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by various ghosts, each of whom teaches Scrooge an important lesson about living life to its fullest. Many local theater companies put on productions of the classic Dickens tale around the holiday season.

Holiday celebrants and fans of “A Christmas Carol” can raise a toast to Charles Dickens by enjoying one of his favorite cocktails, the “Sherry Cobbler,” courtesy of Margaret Kaplan’s “How to Drink Like a Writer: Recipes for the Cocktails and Libations that Inspired 100 Literary Greats” (Apollo Publishing). While Dickens did not mention the Sherry Cobbler in “A Christmas Carol,” the beverage does make an appearance in another of his works, “The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit.”

DIRECTIONS

Muddle orange slices and sugar at the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add sherry and ice and shake. Strain ingredients into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with seasonal berries, maraschino cherries and a lemon wheel. Serve with a generosity of spirit.

for Grateful You!

ank you to our loyal customers and friends for your continued trust and patronage. When we opened our doors in 1867, our goal was to provide the highest level of service and innovation for our customers. at commitment remains today.

We are grateful for the relationships we’ve built and are committed to providing you with the tools, convenience and service to help families and businesses grow, succeed and ourish throughout the many communities we have the pleasure of serving.

ank you for being a part of our Bank of Stockton family. Happy holiday season!

IN TURLOCK, 134 S. Golden State Blvd.

By VIRGINIA STILL

There are many things to look forward to during the holiday season like spending time with family, celebrations, and live music. This holiday season folks may want to spend Christmas with The Rykert Trio that will be bringing their family harmonies to the Gallo Center for the Arts stage at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 16.

The Rykert Trio are local artists based out of Modesto and consists of father Joe Rykert, daughter Noel Rykert-LaRo sa, and son Joseph Paul Rykert. The three are individual soloists that joined forces in 2016 to bring their contempo rary, southern gospel, power anthems, and classical hymns to the masses.

“I know for a fact that this Christmas show this December is going to be a highlight on the books for us because well for one we will have a live band and that is a big first for us to have live music,” said Joseph. “So, I know this one is going down in the record books.”

The Rykert Trio has performed Christmas concerts in years past but this will be their first Christmas concert at the Gallo. They have performed other shows at the Gallo Center.

When asked what guests can expect at the Christmas Concert in Decem

ber, Noel remarked, “Variety. The full first half is a combination of classical Christmas music and songs that people definitely want to hear this time of year. Lots of Christmas carols that they can sing along with and lots of variety with all over the board Christmas music. The second half will be with a live band and will be more gospel centered Christmas music.”

They have two albums “Sometimes It Takes a Mountain” in 2017 and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” in 2018. They were inducted as new members to the West ern States Gospel Music Association in 2018. The trio won the grand prize and audience favorite awards at the Valley Talent Project hosted by the Gallo Cen ter for the Arts in 2016.

“It was very humbling and a true blessing,” stated Noel on winning the grand prize. “We had been through a lot as a family and it really brought us together and showed us what God can do just through us.”

They have performed at the Great Western Fan Festival for a few years where they were invited to the special evening program on the big stage.

“I am sure the others would say so as well, we got to sing with a lot of great

southern gospel artists and we go to this annual event called the Great Western Fan Festival in Visalia, California - all the biggest southern gospel groups are there and they have invited us to sing on the evening program,” Joseph said. He said it is one of their highlights of their musical career together. “There are different stages you can perform on and one of the biggest stages is in the evening program. They have invited us three years now to be a part of that so that has been a huge highlight for us.”

The trio was brought together after Joe was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma and with divine interven tion enlisted the assistance of Noel and Joseph for future concert engagements.

“I couldn’t see it,” added Joe. “I had to go through the affliction of a diagnosis like stage four lymphoma. God gave me the idea to ask the kids to come back me up for a singing gig that I had coming up and that is how the trio was born.”

Before COVID hit the group was touring throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. They have their own musical tastes and interests, which has influenced their music that has included a little bit of opera, a little country, clas

sical music, and even a little jazz.

Noel has been singing since she was 6 years old and through the years she has been in several musicals and operas. She is a mother of three and married to Michael LaRosa.

“There are so many,” shared Noel about some of her favorite moments singing in the trio. “We have done sev eral trips up to Oregon and Washington on tours with all three of my childrenjust hours in the car driving to different churches performing. Those are some sweet, sweet moments with rehearsals in the car and getting from one small church to the next not knowing how many people will be there to listen.”

Joseph is a classically trained tenor and he toured worldwide with Broad way’s “Phantom of the Opera” with Jeremy Stolle. Along with opera, Joseph has performed in several musical the ater productions.

Joe is classically trained and has per formed for over 30 years in churches, operas, and musical theater. He has sung for President George Bush and other dignitaries. He is father to five girls and one son and married to Tammy.

“Cancer for me - I am grateful because it allowed me to bless people,” said Joe. “I couldn’t see it before, and I missed a lot of years. I am grateful now. So, I was diagnosed almost two years ago with congestive heart failure. So that has kind of curtailed some of my activity. I am dealing with it and God gives me strength day to day. That is what I rely on. For whatever reason seven years later, I am still here.”

“Momager” and wife Tammy is a crucial part of the group behind the scenes that manages their schedule, merchandise booth of CDs and T-shirts, and other duties.

“I get a thrill out of the people that come up to me during the concert or after the concert and just express how blessed they were by Joe, Joseph and Noel and that just really warms my heart,” added Tammy. “It could be any size concert from five people to 500you always have someone that is blessed that day and goes home in a better spirit. It is awesome to see.”

The family trio will hit the road once again to share their God given talents with others with a few upcoming per formances.

“This holiday season is probably going to be different compared to the past two years for a lot of people,” noted Noel. “We are just excited to shine some light on Christ the real true meaning of Christmas. There is hope in Jesus.”

For more information on the trio or their schedule visit www.therykerttrio. com.

easy ideas centerpiece holiday

The holiday season is a great time to make any home a bit more merry and bright. Most individuals let their personalities show through their home decor, and holiday decorating is just as personal as decorating throughout the rest of the year. Holiday hosts and hostesses should not neglect the dining

table when they decorate. Festive centerpieces can be handmade without much effort on the part of hosts.

The main living areas of a home get the most decorat ing attention, with a Christ mas tree or menorah taking a prominent position in the front window. Garlands, candles and other accoutre ments also may dress up spaces. However, when it

comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table Ñ which can benefit from a festive centerpiece.

Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit and become a family tradi tion. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

1 3

Frosted pine cones

Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to venture into a forest or park that is rich with evergreen trees. Gather pine cones from the forest floor and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or even white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table. Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

Magical forest

Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.

2

Holiday thanks

Cut many strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for. Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later in the evening, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

Glass baubles

Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

Freshly cut

Select attractive flowers in vibrant holiday hues from a florist or even the supermarket floral section. Cut the stems and place them into an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

Birch wood

The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

Fruit and vegetables

If guests are coming over and the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears, or pomegranates look festive in a bowl interspersed with some greenery and baby’s breath.

Cornucopia

The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery, or even painted gourds or miniature pumpkins.

Gifts from the heart are among the most coveted and appreciated come the holiday season. Hobbyists from all walks of life can turn their passions into handmade gifts, but few gifts may be as welcomed as those that can be eaten.

Cooking and baking ramps up during the holiday season. People can turn extra time in the kitchen into opportunities to create festive treats that are ideal for gifting. But which items are the best of the best? Even though tastes are singu lar, these items will appeal to most foodies and others on your gift list.

Jams and preserves

Fruit jams and preserves are versatile foods. They are as at home on toast and biscuits as they are as fillings in cookies and tarts. Jams and preserves can be made with relatively few ingredients and work well with seasonal fruits.

Pancakes (or cookies) in a jar

If you have a fantastic recipe that you can’t resist sharing, try turning it into a gift. Measure and package the ingredients into mason jars, tie with ribbons and include directions for preparation and cooking.

Mini bundt cakes

Fruit cakes may be a holiday standard, but bundt cakes make for great and traditional offerings as well. Miniature bundts filled with chocolate chips, dried fruits or even those soaked in a favorite boozy-butter glaze can be moist and delicious.

Festive cookie pops

Cookie pops can be made by mixing homemade or prepurchased crumbled cake with frosting or softened cream cheese and formed into balls. Insert a lollipop stick and dip the balls into melted chocolate or candy melts. Sprinkles, nonpareils or luster dust can be used to enhance the covered pops.

Shortbread cookie ornaments

Circular shortbread cookies can be decorated with royal icing to look like Christmas ornaments. They can be eaten or even placed on trees to complete holiday decor.

Cinnamon rolls

Warm, sticky and full of aromatic spice, cinnamon rolls are the perfect comfort foods. These rolls do not typically have a long shelf life, so be sure to present them promptly before they get stale.

Chocolate barks or fudges

Seasonal flavors can come to life in chocolate treats. White chocolate filled with peppermint pieces or dark chocolate and cherry chunks are tasty pairings. Break apart portions of the bark or cut the fudge with cookie cutters and gift inside cello bags tied with ribbons or in cardboard candy boxes.

Cocktail syrups

Create spicy or sweet syrups that are tailor-made for enhancing cocktails. Anyone on your gift list can then become a master mixologist.

Food gifts are perfect for the holiday season. Handmade treats from the heart show loved ones how just much you care.

For Fred Schoppet being jolly is a job requirement and cookies are a regular bonus. The white hair and beard help too.

For 42 years Schoppet has been delighting the young, old and those in between as Santa Claus. Now, the Newman resident is reflecting on those times, be they heartwarming, humor ous or inspirational, in his recently published book “Santa CONFREDENTIAL.”

Told through an assortment of short stories, Schoppet shares the details of what goes on behind the scenes at the North Pole, and how he began to play Santa Claus professionally.

“The tall tales in this storybook are factual,” said Schoppet. “They’re a compilation of over four decades (geez, can that be right?), during which I’ve cheerily represented the jolly ol’ elf himself. My hope is that these pages of actual anecdotes (a.k.a. Schoppet’s Snippets) will harken you back to the heavenly innocence of your own childhood—when Santa was indeed very, very real. Who knows? Maybe this’ll give you cause for pause to rethink your position today. Come join me; together, we can skip on down memory lane. It may be paved now, but

Stepping into

Santa’s shoes

By SABRA STAFFORD

it’s still the best place to meander.”

Schoppet’s foray as Santa began when he was approached by a Christian youth group to play Santa for a visit they would be making to seniors.

“I said yes, but I didn’t have any idea how to be Santa,” Schoppet recalled. “I did what you did back then when you didn’t know something - I went to the library and got some books on how to be Santa.”

The books worked and Schoppet found that he really en joyed the experience. When Christmas rolled around again, he was ready to don the red suit and spread some holiday cheer.

“I learned to never promise a child a particular gift,”Schoppet said. “I listen, react and pay attention. I also have an uncanny sense of being able to tell if a child has been a little rascal or if they’ve been doing good in school.”

Word of mouth has led to a lot of repeat customers for Schoppet. He also has several organizations close to his heart that he always pencils in to his holiday schedule like those helping veterans and military personnel and those aiding individuals with autism.

Early on Schoppet started jotting a few lines here and there about his Santa experiences and it soon became apparent that there was a book waiting to be written.

“I had a lot of great stories to share,” Schoppet said. “It’s a way of leaving a legacy.”

Schoppet will be doing a book signing and an appearance as

Santa at the Gustine Old Fashioned Christmas at Home on Nov. 26. He’ll also be participating in a Toys for Tots drive at Crostini’s Restaurant at 811 W. Hawkeye Ave., in Turlock from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 18.

Readers who wish to experience this irreverent work can purchase “Santa CONFREDENTIAL” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iBooks Store, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

I also have an uncanny sense of being able to tell if a child has been a little rascal or if they’ve been doing good in school.