DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 - ISSUE 48 - $4.95
WILD WORKOUTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
THE ART OF
TRAVEL
WINTER Merriment $4.95US
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WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER. At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. And one that we very much believe in. During this extraordinary time we are especially thankful to the heroism of our frontline workers. And, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our outstanding care teams and individuals who deliver on the Kaiser Permanente mission each day to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are here to help you thrive. Learn more at kp.org.
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SLOWER PACE HIGHER STAKES
IONE, CA | harrahsnorcal.com
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HOLIDAY Gift Giving Family, friends or associates... we have the perfect gifts!
CALIFORNIA ALMONDS
From our Orchards to you!
Visit Our Modesto Company Store in McHenry Village Store Hours: Monday & Tuesday 11am-7pm Wednesday thru Saturday 11am-8pm Nov.: Closed Sunday, Starting Dec. 1 Sunday: 1-5pm
1700 McHenry Avenue, Suite 58 (209) 577-NUTS
CALIFORNIA ALMONDS
1-877-ALMOND-8 • www.StewartandJasper.com
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6FEATURE TOC
FEATURES Every new year, many of us make a resolution to finally get fit. We drag ourselves down to the local gym or vow to run for 30 minutes every morning. These good intentions rarely last longer than Valentine’s Day. This year, don’t make fitness a chore, see it as an adventure and you might just last until Peter Cottontail hops on down the bunny trail and longer. Check out one of these “wild” workouts to get your mind and body started out right in 2022.
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INDOOR CLIMBING: No need to travel to Yosemite to learn the basics of mountain climbing. Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness in Ripon features a 55-foot-high lead wall and other smaller structures to offer both a mental and physical challenge.
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BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: What some historians say is the oldest form of martial mart, Jiu-Jitsu is a system of one-on-one ground fighting, where the objective is to achieve a superior position for joint locks, chokes and strikes.
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GOAT YOGA: Yoga has been around for centuries, but it’s just been in the past several years that yogis of all types have taken up their practice in the farmyard. At Spenker Winery in Lodi, visitors this spring can have the opportunity to commune with goats as they practice their sun salutation pose.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 - ISSUE 48 - $4.95
WILD WORKOUTS FOR THE NEW YEAR
THE ART OF
TRAVEL
WINTER Merriment $4.95US
On the cover Anneke Van Dyk tries out goat yoga at Spenker Winery in Lodi. Photo by Frankie Tovar 209MAGAZINE.COM
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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022 – ISSUE 48
DEPARTMENTS
24
IN THE KNOW
14 Scene in the 209 16 Calendar of Events 20 Winter Merriment 22 Ringing in the Hmong New Year 24 The Modesto Plane Crash that Changed History 30 The World of Wonders Science Museum 32 Kids Discovery Station
ARTS&CULTURE
36 Modesto Symphony Orchestra 2021-22 Season 38 The Art of Travel 42 Books for Change 44 Spirit & Style
22 30
NAVIGATOR
48 A Moon Tree Meets the California Constitution
FLAVORS 56 58 60 64
Straight Off the Vine Hey Bartender Mamas and the Tapas Café Holiday Recipes
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS 68 72
Sierra Splendor Gifts for Golfers
FULL OF LIFE 74 76
Fitness and Beyond Studio V Pilates
A PLACE CALLED HOME 80 82
The Lush Studio Dream Home
MARKETPLACE 86 88
Glas Werks Babylon Cuts
67 209MAGAZINE.COM
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December/ January 2022
Vol. 8 No. 48
$4.95
PUBLISHER/OWNER Hank Vander Veen
EDITOR Kristina Hacker
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Jeff Benziger Dale Butler Sethaniel Clark Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Matt Johanson Angelina Martin Pawan Naidu Claudia Newcorn Vince Rembulat Sabra Stafford Virginia Still Frankie Tovar Doane Yawger
ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman
SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Rich Matheson Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber
SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi
As we celebrate the ending of another year and the start of a new one, it’s a great time to reconnect with our local communities. It’s time to get out and enjoy all the 209 has to offer — from delicious eateries to unique shops and world-renowned natural beauty. Let 209 Magazine be the bridge you need to find those local gems as we enter 2022. I hope you enjoyed our 209 Holidays edition. If you didn’t get a chance to look at the special magazine issue full of ideas to make your holiday celebrations merry and bright, then send us an email or give us a call and we’ll direct you where to find a copy or two. In this issue, we highlight a few inspiring 209 residents, such as Sonora author Sandy Lee who uses her gift for writing to help others heal and Dave Christian, who has overcome multiple physical obstacles to continue creating travel prints of destinations around the 209 and beyond. We also feature children’s museums in the area, where families can have a little fun during the winter break and information on ringing in the Hmong New Year. Thank you for taking the time to read 209 Magazine. We welcome your comments, calendar events, and stories. We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.
Hank Vander Veen Owner/Publisher, 209 Magazine hvanderveen@209magazine.com To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 • Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: khacker@209magazine.com 209magazine.com ©Copyright 2022. 209 Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Magazine is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Magazine management or owner. 209 Magazine assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.
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“46 YEARS A lot of lessons learned. Put our experience to work for YOU”
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/24/2021 11:29:54 AM
Notes
with FRANKIE TOVAR
Jet Rally in the Valley
Want the excitement of an air show but don’t want to leave the 209? The 13th Annual Jet Rally in the Valley is the event for you! On this episode we visited Kingdon Air Park in Lodi to watch as pilots from all over California took turns flying their specialized remote-controlled jets. Don’t be fooled though, these things are not toys. Santa HQ at Vintage Faire Mall: Elf Academy
STUDIO209 is a weekly magazine-style video series filmed in the heart of the Central
#303
Valley. Join us every Thursday and enjoy a wide range of coverage from community events to personal profiles and more. ftovar@morrismultimedia.com
bit.ly/209PodcastApple
Every year around the Holiday season Studio209 visits its favorite local attraction – Santa HQ at Vintage Faire Mall. We’re back as Christmas approaches to give Angelina a first-hand look at what it takes to join the ranks of the highly esteemed Elf Academy. Does she have what it takes to be a herald of spirit and joy?
Stockton’s Lighted Boat Parade bit.ly/209PodcastSpotify
STUDIO209.T V
Holiday parades are a dime a dozen in the 209, but have you ever seen a parade on the water? Neither had we, so driving up t Stockton to cover the 39th Annual Lynn Hahn Memorial Parade on the Delta was an easy decision. Watch this episode to catch a glimpse of this truly unique, family event before clearing your schedule for next year’s parade.
#305
WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED
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#307
#306 Lodi Ballet: The Nutcracker
Volkswagen Light Show Cruise
What’s cooler than illuminated boats? An entire pack of lit up Volkswagens of course! Every year Downtown Modesto welcomes dozens of VW enthusiasts to bring holiday cheer to the streets with a parade of bugs, busses, square backs and more. You definitely do not want to miss this Celebration of Lights Holiday Parade.
Enjoy a holiday classic as performed by the students of the City of Lodi Ballet Program. Complete with new costumes, this rendition of the long-performed ballet will feature all the dancing mice, dolls and soldiers one would come to expect from The Nutcracker.
MORE EPISODES TO WATCH Episode 304: Hiking at Caswell Memorial State Park Episode 309: 209 Beatdown XIII Episode 311: El Rancho Vaquero Roping
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 8:40:43 AM
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intheknow
Scene
in the
W
hether it was for heart health, good wine or fancy cars, people in the 209 were out and about in October and November. Anyone interested in having their organization’s event featured in 209 Magazine’s Scene in 209 can email sstafford@209magazine.com. ●
By SABRA STAFFORD
209 HEART AND STROKE WALK The American Heart Association’s 209 Heart and Stroke Walk in October drew out a large crowd of walkers in Stockton that were eager to support the organization’s healthy living mission. The 209 Heart and Stroke Walk was sponsored by local Healthy for Good sponsors Adventist Health Lodi Memorial and Dameron Hospital and local Hard Hats with Heart sponsor Collins Electric Company, Inc. The 2021 Heart and Stroke Walk raised nearly $300,000. This year’s theme, Heart Walk Here, invited participants to walk on the event path at the University of the Pacific in Stockton or on a path of their own to create maximum flexibility for participants. Walkers were encouraged to share how they got moving on social media using the hashtag #209HasHeart.
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RIVERBANK CHEESE AND WINE EXPOSITION The Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition returned to downtown Riverbank in October with plenty of nibbles and wines to sample. The wine tasting was held at the Antigua Event Center with multiple tasting sessions offered each day. There were more than 10 wineries with varietals in red and white being served along with an assortment of cheeses from Hilmar, Peluso, Fiscalini, Escalon, and a sponsorship from Leprino.
Amber Bisbo (fourth from right and friends take a pause from their chatter for a photo at the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition.
Evelyn and Glenn Kubota were able to test out local wines at the Riverbank Cheese and Wine Exposition on Oct. 9.
CARS AND COFFEE Winton-Ireland, Strom and Green Insurance Agency hosted its 8th Annual Cars and Coffee event in October. Since 2013, the Turlock business has crafted a culture of smooth rides coupled with crisp, morning air and a cup of joe in its very own parking lot — a tradition which has grown from just over 30 cars in its first year to now hosting more than quadruple that number.
The Turlock High School Foods for Change Club served as judges for the Cars and Coffee car show.
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Harold Agresti, Jose Caballero and Charlie Fernandes enjoyed some classic rides at the Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency’s annual Cars and Coffee event in Turlock on Oct. 23.
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intheknow
DECEMBER
COMMUNITY EVENTS
4 11
HOLIDAY WALK-THRU AT MCHENRY MANSION
The public is invited to celebrate the holiday season at the McHenry Mansion in Modesto. On two Saturday afternoons in December walk-thru tours will take place in the splendidly decorated Victorian McHenry Mansion located at 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 906 15th St., Modesto. The walk-thru tours guided by docents in period costume will display the splendor of a Victorian holiday and are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4 and Dec.11. Tours are free and reservations are not required. Tours begin at the McHenry Mansion Visitor Center & Gift Store located at 924 15th Street, in downtown Modesto. Due to COVID-19 restrictions masks are required and entry is limited while COVID regulations remain in force.
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SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA
The Oakdale Rodeo grounds will be turned into a shopper’s paradise on Dec. 11 for the “Santa Claus is Coming to Town Shopping Extravaganza” on Dec. 11. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the grounds at 1624 East F Street in Oakdale will be home to more than 50 small businesses and vendors selling items for the holidays. The first 100 kids at the event will get a free toy. For more information visit bit.ly/3Dkwwo5.
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PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Chemo Crew, a support group for patients and families, will hold their 8th annual pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at Big Valley Grace Church at 4040 Tully Road in Modesto. The breakfast will be a drive-thru event and will feature a menu of pancakes, eggs, sausage and a pastry. Tickets for the breakfast are $10 for adults in advance and $15 at the event; survivors and children under 10 years are $5 in advance and $7 at the event. Chemo Crew also is holding an online auction that opened Dec. 3. Chemo Crew works to provide hope and help to cancer patients and their families by working closely with hospitals and other medical providers who specialize in cancer treatment. Chemo Crew is made up from over 100 volunteers and staff - many of whom are cancer survivors - in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. Tickets can be purchased at ChemoCrew.com/Pancakes or by calling (209) 216-6271.
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STOCKTON HEAT
The Stockton Heat hockey team has returned to the ice in Stockton. The team will be taking on the Bakersfield team at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 15. The team, owned by the NHL’s Calgary Flames, invites fans and newcomers alike to come out to the Stockton Arena to see the exciting, fast-paced, hardhitting action of live hockey. The season opened for the Heat in October and will continue through April 2022. Individual tickets run from $15 to $38 and their area memberships, mini-plans and flexpacks available. Tickets available online or at the Stockton Arena box office. Call (209)-373-1500 to learn more about your ticket options. For the full schedule of games visit stocktonheat.com/ schedule.
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ANGELS CAMP AFTER HOURS
Local makers, artisans, vendors and musicians will be setting up in downtown Angels Camp on the third Thursday - Dec. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include shopping, dining, drinks, music and more. It will be in downtown Angels Camp at 753 South Main Street in Angels Camp.
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JANUARY
intheknow
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CRAB FEAST
The Lodi Boys and Girls Club will host the annual Crackin’ Crab Feast from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 15. The All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feast is back with lightly marinated (pre-cracked) crab. The night will include a silent auction, a 50-50 raffle and other raffle prizes and door prizes. The event will be held at 275 Poplar St. in Lodi. This event sells out, so order your tickets early at https://www.bgclodi.com/events.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT
The Price is Right Live Stage Show is returning to the Turlock Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Jan, 20. This is an interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car. Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show. Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 14 years, the Price Is Right Live has entertained millions of guests and given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes. For tickets and more information visit https://www.turlocktheatre.org/.
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TANGO ARGENTINA
The dance troupe Tango Argentina is making their inaugural tour of the United States and will perform at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22. Tango Argentina is comprised of 12 of Argentina’s greatest tango dancers and musicians. Since 2016, the troupe has toured extensively throughout China, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, and Central and South America. Tickets range from $29 to $69 and are available at https:// tickets.galloarts.org.
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11/28/2021 8:45:16 AM
Banta School
An Agricultural Science Academy Learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math through the exciting lens of agriculture.
TREE OF LIGHTS
NOW ENROLLING K-8 Charter School
“Light up a light, light up a life”.
TREE OF LIGHTS
• Bussing from three Manteca Locations • Farm Themed Country School • Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Snack and Supper • Advanced Technology (Promethean Interactive Whiteboards in all classrooms)
Ceremonies
Lodi 12/2, 5:30pm Rio Vista 12/4, 5:30pm City Hall City Hall Lockeford 12/4, 5:30pm Bank of the West Manteca 12/2, 5:30pm Tracy 12/8, 5:30pm Doctor’s Hospital of Manteca City Hall
Tree of Lights offers a chance for anyone in the community to recognize the people who have impacted their lives, through a memorial or honorary light dedication. Donations for Tree of Lights begin in October and are accepted through the end of the year. Your donation will light up our Tree of Lights and support Hospice of San Joaquin’s programs for terminally ill patients and their families.
• One to One Devices for all students • Private Preschool on Campus • All Day TK and Kindergarten
To purchase a light, visit www.hospiceSJ.org or call (209) 957-3888
• On-site Before and After School Program until 6 p.m. Contact us at: (209) 229-4650 • Ask for Dr. Jayne, Principal 22345 El Rancho Road, Tracy, CA 95304 bantasd.org
3888 Pacific Avenue Stockton, CA 95204 | (209) 957-3888 | hospicesj.org
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11/24/2021 11:31:26 AM
intheknow
T
By SABRA STAFFORD
he short days and chilly temperatures may prompt an inclination to hibernate away for the winter. But here in the 209 there are plenty of fun activities that will have you inspired to bundle up and get out there and banish away the winter blahs. ●
Snowshoeing at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Take in a showing of “The Nutcracker”
Ice skating at Yosemite
Take a cooking class
Hockey in Stockton
Once the snow starts falling and the ground is covered, the state park offers free guided snowshoe hikes every Saturday. The snowshoe hikes offer visitors the opportunity to explore the Big Trees sequoia grove and surrounding forest in winter and to learn how plants and animals adapt to the cold season. It’s also a great opportunity for photography in a beautiful place. Calaveras Big Trees Association provides about 30 pairs of snowshoes for guests to use, including children’s sizes. The Saturday tours are led by experienced volunteers and usually take about one and one-half hours, depending on the weather. Experience with snowshoeing is not necessary. Visitors are given basic instructions and the group stays together, hiking at an easy pace. Tours start at 1 p.m. at the Warming Hut at the east end of the Visitor Center parking lot. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to start time. For more information and any current advisories, visit bigtrees.org. Delight in the sites and sounds of this ballet that has become a holiday tradition for many. The two-act ballet scored by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky finds Clara and her Nutcracker, who has been transformed into a prince and fights the Rat King, visit an enchanted land of sweet treats brought to life. The holiday season offers several opportunities to see this show in the 209. One option is the Central West Ballet production at Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. The production features more than 150 children and hosts Sugar Plum Fairy parties. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 17; and 2 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19. Tickets range from $23 to $65. For tickets visit galloarts.org. Guests can enjoy the outdoor skating rink at Curry Village while taking in the splendid views of Half Dome. In addition to the ice skating, guests can cozy up around outdoor fire pits. Skating is available from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, as of Nov. 12. It’s open 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The Curry Village Ice Rink is located near the Huff Housing area. Purchase ice skating tickets at the Curry Village Tour and Activity Desk adjacent to the registration office. Each ticket is good for two hours of skating. Ticket sales open 15 minutes prior to each session. Tickets are available on a first-come, firstserve basis. Advance purchases are not available. For more information visit travelyosemite.com.
Wake up your tastebuds and learn how to create a dish that will wow when it comes to the table. Winter is a great time to try out some recipes that inspire comfort and learn some new techniques. One option in the 209 is Yankee Hill Winery and Cooking School in Columbia. Chef Ron Erickson teaches guests how to prepare delicious cuisines from around the globe. Once class is done, it’s time to dig into the culinary creations and sip on some wine. For a list of classes and to make reservations, visit yankeehillwinery.com. The Stockton Heat is back on the ice in the 209 and will be looking to make a run at the American Hockey League championship and claim the Calder Cup. Spend a few hours watching the action-packed game and get swept up in the frenzy of rooting for the local team. Games are scheduled for December and January. For a complete schedule and tickets visit stocktonheat.com.
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 8:50:31 AM
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/24/2021 11:31:36 AM
intheknow
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11/28/2021 8:52:18 AM
ne of Merced’s biggest cultural occasions of the year, the Hmong New Year Celebration, takes place Dec. 18-19 at the Merced County Fairgrounds, keeping alive the heritage of Southeast Asian residents who moved here 40 years ago. Paul Thao, executive director of the Merced Lao Family Community Inc., says about 7,000 people of all ages attend the Hmong New Year events spread out across the fairgrounds. Executive director for two years, he has been attending the celebrations for more than 20 years. Thao said those attending come from all over California and other states. Events run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and between 3,000 and 4,000 people take part. The admission charge is $4 per person. The celebration features a culture show with performers, along with singing of Hmong traditional folk songs. There is the traditional ball-tossing event, which strengthens the bonds between young boys and girls. Soccer, volleyball and tossing of the kator ball are featured. Participants use only their head and feet to move the ball since they are not allowed to touch it. “This event is pretty good for our culture. It celebrates the cultures from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China. We want to make sure younger generations are aware of their ancestry. It’s our only event during the year and this is a big event,” Thao said. There was no event in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the celebration will have a chance to buy clothing, shoes, jewelry and decorative items like quilts. Typically, about 50 vendors offer their
—Paul Thao wares along with another 20 providing traditional Southeast Asian food dishes. Bee Lor is chairman of this year’s Hmong New Year Celebration. He has been going to the annual events since 1982. He says he enjoys the ball culture, along with the clothing, food and sporting events. “We welcome everybody in the community to join our celebration for the 2022 year,” Lor said. Thao said sponsors are being sought to put on the event. In previous years close to two dozen sponsors have supported the events. Merced Lao Family Community Inc. was established in 1981 when thousands of Hmong moved into California expecting to farm. After its inception the organization began to host the New Year celebration for its community. From 1981 to 1984 the New Year celebrations were simple. They were held at a park or on school grounds. Hmong living in Merced contributed $5 per family for the cost of the celebration. Since 1995 things have been changed. Safety and costs were important issues for the celebration, with costs rising more than the community’s families could handle. The celebration would have to be held at a higher secured location and fund-raising activities established.
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The New Year planning committee chose to move the event to the fairgrounds for safety purposes and developed a strategic plan to cover the costs. The community suggested additional activities such as a pageant contest, singing contest and a traditional dance contest. Today more than 100 individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies support and sponsor the Merced Hmong New Year Celebration. More than 200 people have volunteered and over 3,000 people have attended the celebration for three days. This year the traditional pageant for women ages 18 and up will not be held. In past years 6 to 10 women have competed in that event. Keith Vang, chairman of the 2019 event, said his has been an end-ofthe-year celebration for the Hmong people for more than 100 years. “It is a time for family and friends to reunite after 365 days of hard work. It is to reflect on the past year and welcome the upcoming New Year,” Vang said. Vang said this promises to be a wonderful and most memorable event of the year. “We will be overloaded for the next days with rousing speeches, exciting performances delicious foods, beautiful clothes and chances to meet friends and people from all over the country,” Vang said. ●
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intheknow
PHOTOS BY MCHENRY MUSEUM
Bud Coffee was a well-liked Modesto native turned aviator who was known for his wide grin. “Smiling Bud” would die at age 23 in a fiery Modesto plane crash.
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1921
The
Modesto
plane crash
that changed history By JEFF BENZIGER
Coffee became an instructor in San Diego where he earned the rank of second lieutenant in the Army Air Service.
O
Coffee, a native of Modesto. An accomplished and confident pilot, Bud Coffee claimed a number of aviation firsts. A Berkeley ground school graduate during World War I, Coffee became an instructor in San Diego where he earned the rank of second lieutenant in the Army Air Service. After the war he engaged in commercial aviation, making the first-ever passenger flight into Stockton, the first flight into Hetch Hetchy (obviously before it was flooded by the dam’s completion in 1923), and the first to land at the Feather River Inn at Lake Tahoe. In early July 1921 the young aviator made headlines when he flew in a record time of over 12 hours from Laramie, Wyoming to San Francisco to relay photos of the celebrated Jack Dempsey-Georges Carpentier boxing match. Joining Coffee on the flight into Yosemite were aviation writer John Kauke, 28, Jacuzzi plant technician Archibald Duncan MacLeish, 30, and Giocondo Jacuzzi, 26, whose brother Rachele Jacuzzi designed the J-7. Rachele (pronounced ra-kay-lee), was the brainchild of the family aircraft endeavors and had once worked as a mechanic for James McDonnell, co-founder of the McDonnell Douglas aerospace corporation. While examining planes at the 1915 Panama-Pacific World’s Fair in San Francisco, Rachele came up with an idea for an improved propeller. His Jacuzzi Toothpick Propeller was used by the Army Air Corps and famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. The J-7 flew over the Central Valley to Yosemite on July
ver 100 years ago a plane crash in Modesto not only resulted in four young men being cut off from promising futures but forever changed the course of an industrious Italian family who abandoned their quest to become aircraft manufacturers but found success elsewhere. In 1921 the Jacuzzi family had a bright future as plane manufacturers in their Berkeley shop. The family of Italian immigrants scrimped to invest a small fortune in their plane, the J-7, which made aviation history as the first successful, fully enclosed high-wing monoplane built and flown in the United States. Weighing 1,800 pounds, the plane was a family endeavor among the seven Jacuzzi brothers; even their wives helped by stitching together the canvas to cover the wing frames. The plane had successfully flown in and out of the Bay Area for months and the family smelled opportunity to recoup on their investment by exploring passenger service and a contract with the U.S. Mail Service to deliver letters by air. On April 16, 1921 the J-7 flew mail successfully from San Francisco to Reno, Nevada. Confident in the plane’s safety and reliability, postal officials were ready to ink a contract with the Jacuzzis for air delivery. Before they agree, however, they are eager to explore passenger service to Yosemite Valley with a trial run. Chosen to fly the J-7 on its historic flight was a fearless 23-year-old hotshot pilot named Harold Lorenzo “Bud” 209MAGAZINE.COM
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intheknow
12, 1921 and landed in a meadow sprawling before Yosemite’s majestic El Capitan. The monoplane – with its radiator awkwardly protruding atop the cabin – attracted the attention of curiosity seekers and park officials. During the time the J-7 sat in the park, Coffee and a gang of mechanics went over the plane with a fine-toothed comb to pronounce the plane in perfect condition. On the morning of July 14, 1921 the four men climbed aboard the J-7 to return to the Bay Area. Coffee planned to touch down in Modesto at the airfield that would later be abandoned in 1929, now the Modesto Municipal Golf Course south of Tuolumne Boulevard. Coffee intended to see his girlfriend, Ora Jennings and had called her ahead of time to tell her the plane would be landing at about 8 a.m. As the plane swept over Modesto, the engine roar caused some residents to gaze upward at the rare sight. Within moments, spectators on the ground were horrified to see the left wing snap off and the fuselage plunge to the ground. The Oakland Tribune reported that the wings, made of wood struts and covered in canvas, snapped off. Speculation included several theories. One claims Coffee made an ill-timed acrobatic maneuver or hit an air pocket. Investigators suspected a catastrophic design flaw. The plane fell into a death spiral from an altitude of about 600 to 1,000 feet. The gutwrenching sight ended with a fireball and black cloud arising from the intersection of Madison and Linden west of present-day Highway 99. At the time the intersection bordered the western boundary of the Maze Wren Park, which was later abandoned when the state built Highway 99. With no survivors, the crash shattered the families of all four young men. Lon and Emaline Coffee buried their son in the Acacia Memorial Park on Scenic Avenue in Modesto. The family of Giocondo Jacuzzi laid his remains to rest at the adjoining St. Stanislaus Cemetery. The Modesto grave marker of Giocondo Jacuzzi
The plane fell into a death spiral from an altitude of about 600 to 1,000 feet.
Giocondo Jacuzzi was one of the brothers who built the J-7, which later carried him to his death. He is buried in Modesto.
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notes that he was a “martyr of the Aviation, loved Science, Music and Pictorial Art. His motto was: “Coeli Navigare Necessit Est” and in flying high over mountains and valleys he constantly demonstrated how man is able to conquer the air. His name and work shall remain forever.” “Coeli Navigare Necessit Est” was a phrase used by Pompey which translates to: “We have to sail, we do not have to live.” Bud Coffee’s marker at Acacia Memorial Park reads: “‘Smiling Bud’ In aviation at the cost of his own life has demonstrated what can be done by courage, faith and perseverance. He is not dead, life’s flag is never furled; his body sleeps, but in some nobler land, his spirit marches to a new command.” Plunged into mourning, the Jacuzzis abandoned their dreams of manufacturing planes. Giocondo Jacuzzi’s father, Giovanni Jacuzzi, vowed that no more of his sons would die in the cursed contraptions. Financially devastated, the Jacuzzis changed directions and eventually developed machine designs, creating a variety of fans, submersible pumps, furnaces, and different wind machines that kept frost off fruit orchards. In the 19490s brother Candido brought the family into riches and fame with the invention of the whirlpool bath. ●
Holding a cigar, pilot Harold “Bud” Coffee (right) posed with an unknown man in front of one of the planes we flew.
Giocondo Jacuzzi, John Kauke, Archibald Duncan MacLeish and Bud Coffee had no idea of the fate that would be befall them when they boarded the J-7 in Yosemite Valley on July 14, 1921. The plane ended up crashing into a Modesto neighborhood, killing all four men.
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intheknow
Where
children
and
science can
collide By PAWAN NAIDU
209MAGAZINE.COM
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Colored ShadowsRed, blue and green spotlights shine on a wall while your body casts 3 different colored shadows. By moving your body, complimentary colors are produced.
—World of Wonder museum employee Jennifer Smith
t can be difficult to find activities during the weekend or school breaks where kids can have fun but learn something at the same time. That’s where children’s museums help fill the gap. Local museums offer kids a fun time while also stimulating their minds. In 2004, Dan Ingrum realized that the Central Valley needed an Exploratorium-type of museum for families and the community as a whole. A group of volunteers raised over $600,000 just from the local communities to make the museum a reality. In May of 2008, tenant improvements commenced on an empty 9,000 sq. ft. building in Lodi and by September of that year, the building was ready to be filled with hands-on exhibits. Today, the World of Wonders Science Museum is home to over 70
WHAT: World of Wonders WHERE: 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday (closed from 1
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school and every teacher was pushing a book, and the funny thing was I hated science, anything dealing with a book I failed. I have learned so much more working here than I did growing up and I’m a firm believer that science needs to be hands-on,” said museum employee Jennifer Smith. A Modesto children’s museum is currently in the works and hopes to be welcoming visitors in the near future. The museum has a capital campaign to raise $7.5 million and once they accomplish that, they could start making their dreams a reality. The museum plans to offer interactive exhibits and innovative programming for children. They will be partnering with local school districts and community organizations to complement school curricula and support learning
p.m. to 2 p.m. for cleaning daily) ADMISSION: 2 years and under and teachers with ID, free; $6 for ages 2 to 17 and military; $8 for
31
outcomes, while ensuring that families of all means and backgrounds are able to enjoy and benefit from the museum. “The Modesto Children’s Museum will foster creativity, excitement about new ideas, a love of learning and the confidence to try new things. There is truly no experience like this in Stanislaus County; we want to give our community’s children the chance to learn and grow in this type of environment, right in their own backyard,” it says on the museum’s website. They have secured a property in downtown Modesto and “are working hard to design one of the best Children’s Museum experiences in California.” ● For more information about the Modesto Children’s Museum or to donate, visit modestochildrensmuseum. org.
adults; $7 for seniors and adult students CONTACT: www.wowsciencemuseum.org
PHOTOS BY PAWAN NAIDU/ 209 Magazine
if you go
hands-on science exhibits. Many of the exhibits in the museum have been donated by local supporters or built by the resident exhibit engineer, Jim Pyers. The WOW, which opened its doors in March 2009, also provides immersive science programming such as field study trips, WOW on Wheels, WOW University, science summer camps, science-themed birthday parties, special event days at the museum and a WOW science store. Adjacent to the handson museum, the WOW’s new 1700 sq. ft. educational science classroom is now in operation. Some of the more popular exhibits are the moonwalk where visitors can feel what it feels like to walk on the moon, a plasma ball to learn about electrodes and a turntable to learn about Newton’s first law of motion. “I remember being in
Young science enthusiast visit WOW on field trips and WOW on Wheels takes the fun to their schools.
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11/28/2021 9:02:57 AM
intheknow
R E YAWGE By DOAN
P
eople think most museums are places where you can’t touch anything. Merced’s new Kids Discovery Station is the opposite of that. Pretending is fine. Dr. Mayya Tokman, executive director and president of the eight-member board for the new children’s museum, gets animated when she describes the mission of the museum located at 350 W. Yosemite Ave., directly across from Merced College. “We insist on you touching everything, exploring and playing with everything. This is an opportunity to learn new things, discover and play. The focus is on the kids and their families,” Tokman said. She is a professor of applied mathematics at the University of California, Merced who has been in education for nearly 30 years. At the Kids Discovery Station, children up to 12 years of age are encouraged to pretend. Students are welcome to play with most exhibits by themselves or with their families. “Our goal is to inspire kids, have them learn when they may not notice they are learning. Research in education shows a majority of education happens informally and a majority of things they learn are outside school in an informal environment. We want to inspire curiosity and imagination. The kids think they are playing,” Tokman says. Informal education is no less important than formal education. Children are inspired but they are learning in the process. It’s where imagination can soar and creativity is fostered and nurtured, she says. Kids Discovery Station was launched on Sept. 25. It is housed in a complex owned by the Merced County Office of Education. The property originally belonged to St. Luke’s Epis-
Our goal is to inspire kids, have them learn when they may not notice they are learning. —Dr. Mayya Tokman
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copal Church and its private school. “Our educational activities are more like games. They are engaging kids who are in the process of learning something. Our place is for everybody in Merced County,” Tokman says. The museum includes an illuminated topographical map fashioned with sand, a coding exhibit, flight simulator, kaleidoscope, health center, arts and crafts area, agricultural exhibits including “Maggie” the cow and a kitchen area for food preparation. Scheduled educational programs and guided activities in agriculture, art, mathematics, science, engineering and technology are offered, in collaboration with educational institutions in this area. Museum staff members try to let children know what professional opportunities are available in the subject areas. Field trips aligned to current educational standards are available for schools, groups or individuals. Jim Fagan of Merced brings his three grandchildren ages 4 to 7 to the museum most every day. A retired fourth and fifth grade teacher at St. Luke’s School, Fagan says he is glad to see something useful taking place on this site. “It’s amazing. They can play with stuff you wouldn’t think they would play with. It’s amazing while I am sitting at this desk the kids are bouncing from one station to another,” Fagan says. A staff of five people, led by operations manager Karrie Moua, runs the Kids Discovery Station. She said they
all are young and passionate about what they are doing. Some of the employees are pursuing degrees in the medical field or in child development careers. Children of all abilities and walks of life are welcome at the Kids Discovery Station. Tokman said the average stay for youthful visitors and their families is about two hours. Tears often result when children learn they have to leave the museum for the day. Tokman said her 9-year-old son Kiki was the inspiration for the museum. “He was the inspiration for creating this. I realized we absolutely need a place like this,” Tokman says. “We are equal opportunity; we want kids to explore the world
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The Kids Discovery Station is basically anything that’s fun and is interesting in the world. and its diversity. They are building skills you don’t have in a classroom setting.” Moua was born and raised in Merced. She has five younger siblings. She echoes Tokman’s thoughts about the value of play. “This was designed for kids to learn, play and explore, with everything in between,” Moua says. When Moua was hired, Tokman says they ended up with a whole family of eager volunteers. The Kids Discovery Station is basically anything that’s fun and is interesting in the world. The guiding principle is discovery and exploration and the museum is constantly looking for ways to create a hub for learning, according to Tokman. Children are the best sales people for the Kids Discovery Station. The museum’s board is looking for partners to help develop an outdoor area outside the MCOE buildings. The group is focusing on fund-raising activities and is working on being affordable and accessible to everybody. “What we really need is community support. We are looking for individuals, clubs, organizations, businesses and agencies to help us build this up,” Tokman says. The Kids Discovery Station has been in development three years. Typically it takes four or five years for something like this to open and this was accomplished in only three years, in the midst of a pandemic, Tokman says. ●
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11/24/2021 11:32:26 AM
arts&culture
LET THE MUSIC RING MODESTO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OPENS 2021-22 SEASON By SABRA STAFFORD
PHOTO BY COTTONBRO/ Pexels
T
he Modesto Symphony Orchestra will launch their 91st season in December with a fan-favorite holiday show and will be followed in the coming months by concerts highlighting the talents of the organization’s four candidates for music director and a pop series that will conclude with “Star Wars: A New Hope” concert. “We are thrilled to present our new season and to see everyone again in-person,” said Caroline Nickel, President and CEO of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra Association. “We have always been so grateful for the support of our community, but this past year really showed the importance of staying connected as a community. We were grateful to be able to stay connected through our virtual concerts last season and we are so excited to be able to safely bring the orchestra back to the stage to perform for our audiences in-person again.” The 2021-22 season gets underway with the Holiday Pops concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Dec. 4. The show, which will be led by Associate Conductor Ryan Murray, is an opportunity to bask in some
holiday spirit as the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform some holiday classics. The Holiday Candlelight Concert at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church will be held at 8 p.m. Dec. 21. MSO Chorus Director Dr. Daniel R. Afonso Jr. once again leads the Modesto Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, plus the Opus Handbell Ensemble performing traditional Christmas hymns and carols in a special concert that has become a treasured community tradition. The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is currently looking to hire the organization’s next musical director. After an overwhelming response that saw 200 applicants, the organization has narrowed it down to four finalists: Delta David Gier, Paul Haas, Keitaro Harada, and Dirk Meyer. The candidates will each conduct one of the Classics concerts, where they will showcase their skill, personality, and musical taste. Opening the Classics Series at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 and 8, is a program lead by Music Director Candidate Delta David Gier and features cellist Francisco Vila-Haas performing Márquez’s Espejos en la Arena and the
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The Modesto Symphony Orchestra is currently looking to hire the organization’s next musical director. After an overwhelming response that saw 200 applicants, the organization has narrowed it down to four finalists...
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mysterious and triumphant Symphony No. 5 by Shostakovich. The second concert in the Pops Series will be at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, and will feature an evening of the greatest love songs. Guest conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead the MSO in a Valentine’s themed concert, With Love from the MSO. Music Director Candidate Keitaro Harada will lead the MSO at 7:30 p.m. on March 4 and 5. Harada’s program will feature violinist Charles Yang performing Korngold’s Concert in D Major for Violin and will conclude with the enchanting Symphony No. 4 by Yoshimatsu. The MSO will feature pianist Marika Bournaki as she performs Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Music Director Candidate Dirk Meyer leading the Modesto Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. April 1 and 2. The program will conclude with Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C Minor. The MSO will conclude its Classics Series at 7:30 p.m. on May 6 and 7, with a program led by Music Director Candidate Paul Haas. The program will feature Silk Road Ensemble member and Grammy Award-winner Sandeep Das as he performs Wijeratne’s Concerto for Tabla. That weekend’s program will conclude with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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The Pops Series will close with the groundbreaking movie “Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert lead by Associate Conductor Ryan Murray. Fans will be able to experience the full movie with the MSO performing the full score live to film at 7:30 p.m. on June 3 and 2 p.m. June 4. The Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra will perform three concerts during the 202122 season. Led by MSO Conductor Wayland Whitney and Associate Conductor Ryan Murray, the MYSO is comprised of a diverse group of 120 outstanding young musicians from around the region ranging in age from 10 - 18. The MSYO consists of two ensembles, the Concert Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, and both perform three times per season at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Concert dates for the 2019-20 Season include: 2 p.m. Nov. 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 12; and 2 p.m. May 7. All concerts, unless otherwise stated, are held in the Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto. Subscription packages and single tickets for the MSO’s 2021-22 Season are on sale now, online, by phone, and at the Gallo Center for the Arts Ticket Office. Visit ModestoSymphony.org for full details. ●
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11/28/2021 9:19:39 AM
arts&culture
By SABRA STAFFORD
A
rt and the act of putting pen to paper or paintbrush to canvas has always called to Dave Christian. That and a desire to roam the globe. When the Arnold resident found a way to combine the two loves it seemed like life had laid out a brand new path for him. Christian creates travel prints of destinations around the 209 area and beyond. His creations have become so popular that he was able to turn it into his full-time profession. His art has also served as a physical and mental retreat as he first battled a brain tumor and then rehabilitation after a life-threatening collision. Since childhood, Christian has loved to draw and had what he describes as “an incessant pursuit of excellent penmanship.” That pursuit was honed during the trips he and his wife, Annalisa, would take and Christian would create detailed ink drawings in his travel journal of the sites they were seeing, along with a location title that resembled vintage travel posters. “In 2011, we went on a long three-month trip to Europe and South America and on this trip I was keeping a journal with drawings of the places we visited,” Christian said. “And at the same time, we had collected a few of those vintage travel posters of the Swiss Alps. When we went to South America, I wanted to find something similar of the Patagonia region but couldn’t find any. And so, I told my wife that I wanted to make my own and I did when we got home. I made three of my own posters and later when a friend saw them, he suggested I should do some of Yosemite.” Travel posters were originally created for advertising purposes for travel agencies that
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wanted eye-catching visuals of exotic locales and awaiting adventures that would inspire people to book trips. Since then, travel posters have become vacation momentous and pieces of collectible art. That initial Patagonia travel series sparked Christian’s imagination. “I realized there was a need for a new generation of travel prints depicting local scenes of our iconic area in the Sierra and beyond,” Christian said. Christian typically works off of photographs he takes of a particular area because a single painting can take 50 to 60 hours to complete. He starts with a sketch and once he is satisfied with it, he moves on to the watercolors. “My goal is to create a travel print with a vintage yet contemporary feel, combining a scene with hand drawn lettering,” Christian said. “Although I didn’t realize it as a child, lettering has become one of my main forms
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of art which goes hand in hand with my paintings.” His works were shown at area galleries and art spots and they started to sell at regional fairs and festivals. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, so they set up an online shop to meet the growing demand. As the art business was thriving, Christian’s health was beginning to decline. The headaches that had long been a part of his life were becoming more frequent and growing in intensity. The pain and symptoms were severe and kept Christian away from his family, work and art. On Jan. 29, 2016, Annalisa had to rush him to the hospital with what looked like stroke symptoms - loss of speech and sensation on one side of his body. A CT scan showed a large mass on the left side of his brain. One ambulance ride to UCSF later and an MRI revealed a softball size tumor. Within days he underwent a craniotomy and surgeons removed the tumor. “The doctors believe that the tumor had been slow growing for as long as a decade of my life, allowing my body to adapt to its presence except for the occasional ‘episode’ or bizarre symptom that
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arts&culture
“MY GOAL IS TO CREATE A TRAVEL PRINT WITH A VINTAGE YET CONTEMPORARY FEEL, COMBINING A SCENE WITH HAND DRAWN LETTERING. ALTHOUGH
I DIDN’T REALIZE IT AS A
CHILD, LETTERING HAS BECOME
ONE OF MY MAIN FORMS
OF ART WHICH GOES HAND IN
HAND WITH MY PAINTINGS.”
would preclude a migraine headache,” Christian said. “Then over the year and a half before my brain surgery, the bizarre symptoms went from occasional (every three or four months) to monthly, to then almost weekly.” The recovery process began for Christian and his family and by the following year it seemed like all his health issues had been resolved. He had experienced one seizure after undergoing radiation therapy, but had not had any other episodes. Then on Oct. 14, 2017, Christian had another seizure and this time he was driving to Southern California for a wedding. “Due to the trauma of his brain surgery and radiation in 2016, Dave was on a maximum dose of anti-seizure medication,” Annalisa said. “His seizures were well controlled and there was no reason to be concerned. He had resumed most of his regular activities and had been doing well.” Christian was transported to a hospital in Fresno and was diagnosed with two fractured vertebrae in his neck and a dissection in his vertebral artery. He and Annalisa were told neither required surgery, but days after being released Christian was in extreme pain and was eventually taken to UCSF again. Imaging showed a bone
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fragment impinging a nerve, in addition to the cervical fractures. Surgery stabilized the neck fractures, removed the agonizing pain and improved the weakness and numbness on his right side. Once again, Christian’s days were busy focusing on the business of recovery and it wasn’t long before his art was playing an important role in that recovery. “It didn’t come easy, especially at first,” Christian said. “It was mentally taxing to concentrate the way I needed to. And so doing a painting that takes 50 to 60 hours was incredibly difficult. It was something that I just had to throw myself back into. I needed that creative outlet.” It may have been a struggle, but Christian persisted and now he is once again capturing the natural beauty in the 209 and beyond. “Over these past four years my family and I have had to endure disappointments, trials and hardships of many kinds,” Christian wrote on his blog. “We have also experienced times of joy and God’s blessings, provision and favor in our life and over our family.” To view Christian’s art, visit: www. davechristianart.com. ●
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Pet friendly, complimentary valet, meeting & event spaces, fitness center, & more! Hungry? Make sure you visit our onsite restaurants and market! Native Son, Courtyard, Bobby's Market. Limited time offer! Book a room and for $1 more receive a $15 credit to any of our restaurants Use code: DOLLAR under special offer code when searching the dates of your booking.
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arts&culture
Sonora resident’s life experiences inspire charitable books By ANGELINA MARTIN
L
ike any person, Sandy Lee has experienced a myriad of emotions throughout her lifetime. The happiness, love and heartbreak she’s felt over the years has led the Sonora resident to a new passion, where her gift of writing helped her author books which help others heal. From poetry and stories for children to novels about the people most important to her, Lee has written six books with the proceeds from each going to a different charity. “I just like the thought of helping somebody else and making good out of all the bad,” Lee said. Lee was inspired to write her first book, “No Unturned Stone: A Mother’s Quest,” shortly after her 36-year-old son went missing in 2010 to tell the story of her search. Since it was originally published in 2014, the book’s proceeds have provided scholarships to Sonora High School seniors looking to go into law enforcement. From there, Lee had the writing bug. She’s gone on to publish five more books; “Hermie the Bug” is a children’s book and proceeds go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “Live, Love and Loss” sees Lee share 40 personally-written poems with proceeds going to the National Organization of Parents of
Murdered Children, and Alzheimer’s research benefits from her book “Remembering Grandma,” another children’s book where a young boy shares memories of his grandmother. She’s also written another children’s book about her Dachshund, and the proceeds from that go to the American Cancer Society in honor of its illustrator, who was diagnosed with cancer. Her latest work, “My Heart Remembers,” tells happy memories with her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. From dealing with the pain of losing her son to remembering heartfelt memories with her mother, Lee hopes her experiences can impact others while also making a difference for the various charities they support. “I don’t know if it helped me because it’s always going to be in my heart, but I just want to get the stories out,” she said. Lee said she plans on releasing another poetry book in the near future, she said, as well as a book showing the positive side of foster care. One day she also hopes to tell the story of her family and where she grew up in North Dakota. Lee’s current and future books can be found at her website, www.amothersquest.com. ●
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 9:24:10 AM
Thank you to our wonderful staff and loyal customers for a great year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2225 Geer Rd., Turlock
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www.otpastries.com
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arts&culture
By SABRA STAFFORD
S
ome people just have an innate ability to look at different items of clothing and just know how to piece them together to create an outfit that looks effortlessly chic. Kady Pometta is one such person. Fashion has long been a part of Pometta’s life in one form or another. When the wife and mother of two young boys found herself missing her days in retail, she decided it was time to follow an idea that had been forming her head and open her own store. She started selling active wear out of her home, and soon expanded to online with a larger inventory. As her sales grew she set up inside a salon, before eventually opening her own storefront - 1403 Pom - which takes its name from the street address of where she first started her business and a nickname. 1403 Pom caters to a woman with a classic and chic Bohemian style. “I want to put out effortless, affordable styles that you can recreate at home to help you look and feel your best,” Pometta said. “One thing that I have learned over the years is that when I look and feel my best I’m better suited to take care of the ones I love.”
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I want to put out effortless, affordable styles that you can recreate at home to help you look and feel your best. The shop’s selections range from comfortable and flattering jeans and sweaters to the ubiquitous Little Black Dress. The shop also carries accessories and home decor items like devine smelling candles. “I try and have something for every shopper,” Pometta said. For the holidays, Pometta has added some items that bring a dash of spirit to the season without going overboard. “My favorite thing about holiday fashion is that it helps to put you in the holiday spirit,” Pometta said. “When you dress in something festive you feel excited for the season to come. Dressing up in your favorite holiday inspired pieces can help instantly bring joy and help lift your spirits. It helps bring the holiday season to life.” 1403 Pom is located at 1020 Fresno St., in Newman. The shop is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information call (209) 895-0501 or visit online at 1403pom.com or on Instagram @1403pom.
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My favorite thing about holiday fashion is that it helps to put you in the holiday spirit.
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navigator
A
Moon
TREE meets the
California Constitution By CLAUDIA NEWCORN
T
o the casual passerby of Friendly Plaza in old town Monterey, it’s just a large pine tree. But the tall redwood is actually a “moon tree” one of nearly 500 seeds from five species carried by Apollo astronaut Stuart Roosa on the 1971 Apollo 14 mission. Adjacent to Colton Hall Museum, where the California Constitution was conceived and signed more than 150 years ago, the two points of history combine to make a perfect “hidden gem” that few people know about.
It’s just a large pine tree. But the tall redwood is actually a “moon tree”.
PHOTOS BY CLAUDIA NEWCORN/ 209 Magazine
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Seeds in Space
Roosa was orbiting the moon in the command module while Alan Shepard was on the surface, and spent 33 hours alone, completing 34 orbits. One of his goals was to determine if seeds exposed to cosmic radiation would grow differently on earth. Subsequently, some of the seeds were germinated side by side with normal earth-bound seeds; no differences were seen. But the mystique remains that the seed was “out of this world,” albeit a little known part of lunar science history. Most of the seeds were given away between 1975 and 1976, corresponding to the nation’s bicentennial. Today Roosa’s “moon trees” are growing all over the United States, including the White House, as well as Japan, Brazil, and Switzerland. The first moon tree planted was a Sycamore seedling near Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 6, 1975. Where all the seeds were planted is not known, but a partial list is available at nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/moon_tree.html. A commemorative brass plaque identifies the Moon tree, one of a variety of trees and plants living in Friendly Plaza, in itself a pleasant place to sit and relax. The tree is surprisingly short (for a redwood). As I gazed up through the bushy dark-needled branches, I confess I wondered if that’s due to its space trip. Perhaps the differences engendered by space travel take time to manifest themselves?
A Constitution Ahead of Its Time
Extremely close by sits Colton Hall Museum, a white stone building guarded by a statue of a grizzly mother and her cubs. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the preeminent architectural buildings in California. It’s named after the Reverend Walter Colton, appointed as the first American Alcalde or Chief Magistrate of the Monterey district. It was originally built during the ‘Early America’ period as both a town meeting hall and public school in what was once California’s capitol. Then, in 1849, during the height of the Gold Rush, a convention was called to craft a Constitution that set some surprising precedents. The massive influx of people and disruption of the old way of life for existing residents raised great concern. Nobody knew how long the Gold Rush would last, but forwardthinking people knew clearly defined parameters were needed, and met to lay the groundwork for concepts still in effect today. The Museum has carefully recreated the meeting room and the Convention with artifacts, documents, maps and paintings that pull visitors back in time – while revealing the humanity of creating such a document. Inkwells and quill pens and parchments, old books and more lay upon the long tables. Spittoons squat near the fireplace. Chandeliers that once held candles dangle overhead. In one case you can see the original ‘registration in’ list, where all delegates signed in – the
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penmanship is superb. According to the very knowledgeable docent that answered my barrage of questions, the replica painting of George Washington had been put in the Hall because the delegates felt that having the nation’s first president overlooking the proceedings brought a sense of history and gravitas. Between September 1 and October 13, 48 delegates elected from 10 districts met and debated a host of issues, ranging from determining California’s eastern boundary and its new capitol (San Jose), to forbidding slavery and putting into place rights for women. Our docent shared that the Constitution was bilingual, and also addressed issues pertaining to Mexican landowners and Native Americans – all concepts well ahead of their time. Right next to the Museum is the Old Monterey Jail, well worth a visit. Constructed in 1854, it was used for over a century, shuttering in 1956. The iron-girded tiny cells and history placards reveal intriguing period insights – and a shiver at imagining being stuck inside them for years. On your next visit to Monterey, take a detour to enjoy this little slice of history. The museum is currently open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and is free of charge; donations are accepted. A museum attendant is available for tours and information. Learn more at www. monterey.org/city_facilities/museums/ discover_museums/colton_hall_museum.php. ●
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 9:33:12 AM
Distinctively Delicious Since 1983 we have used the art of blending to create balanced and elegant wines. Our classic Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are crafted to showcase the standard characteristics of each varietal. Savor a bottle tonight. Marketed by Bronco Wine Company (855) 874-2394 www.broncowine.com
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feature
By VINCE REMBULAT
V
anessa Silveira and Nathan Tipton travel near and far to scale the walls at Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness. That’s the indoor steel-framed rock-climbing gym at 1450 Garrison Way in Ripon. “We’re here four or five times a week,” said Tipton, who lives in Stockton. Silveira resides nearby in Manteca. They used to belong to one of the conventional gyms but changed their memberships over to Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness. “This is all we do now,” said Silveira, who challenges her mental and physical levels on the towering WallTopia structure. Tony Levy, who is the general manager of the climbing gym since its opening earlier in the year, points out that the 19,335-square-foot facility is dedicated to climbing. The facility features a 55-foot-high lead wall, a 15-meter speed wall, a 16-foot bouldering structure, and a beginner’s wall, all of which can be both a mental and physical challenge. For Emily Lewis, her workouts can provide more of a mental release. “If I’m having a bad day, I need this gym. I’ll climb and forget about my problems,” said the Ripon resident. Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness can provide a full body workout, including “toes to fingers,” says Levy, who has nine years of experience in the field. This unique gym also has free weights, cardio equipment, TRX, benches, medicine balls, mobility equipment and high-intensity interval and cross-fitness classes. Regulars like Silveira and Tipton mentioned that it’s worth making those daily trips to Ripon. The reason -there’s very few climbing gyms in the 209. The once-shy Lewis added that she enjoys the environment. “It’s like a community where everyone knows everyone,” she said. Levy and his knowledgeable staff are available to answer questions and provide instructions and share their knowhow. “It’s like climbing a ladder,” Levy said. Alpine Climbing Adventure Fitness was made possible by local owner Jonathan Meeks. In addition, the Ripon gym offers “Sky Walk” for youngsters, who wear strapped in a safety harness in order to climb and soar high atop the towering play stacks. ● For more information, log on to www.climbatalpine.com.
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11/28/2021 9:35:58 AM
By PAWAN NAIDU
C
harles Gracie and his son Ruiry provide community members of all ages Brazilian Jit-Jitsu classes at the Charles Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Tracy. Jiu-Jitsu is a system of one-on-one ground fighting, where the objective is to achieve a superior position for joint locks, chokes and strikes. “Our environment here at the academy is one we’ve been long recognized for. A couple things our students say stand out to them is the warm, welcoming environment and the cleanness of the facility,” said Ruiry Gracie. Some historians say that Jiu-Jitsu is the oldest form of martial art, having originated in India more than 2,000 years before Christ. It was originally thought to have been developed by Buddhist monks. Concerned with selfdefense, these monks created techniques based upon principles of balance and leverage, and a system of manipulating the body in a manner where one could avoid relying upon strength or weapons. Gracie Jit-Jitsu offers classes for kids and adults of all ages. For kids it is broken down into three age groups:
One of the biggest differences of Jit-Jitsu is that it’s technique based and leverage based versus strength based. 4-6, 7-9 and 10-15. 16 and up classes are reserved for adults. The classes focus on classic Jit-Jitsu. That includes selfdefense for kids, self-defense for adults and learning Jit-Jitsu as a sport. Students can not only learn selfdefense techniques, but they also have an opportunity to participate in tournaments throughout the year including the World Championship Tournament. Gracie Jit Jitsu also hosts a tournament every year in October. “One of the biggest differences of Jit-Jitsu is that it’s technique based and leverage based versus strength based. The technique and leverage you learn to apply make it so effective for, not only for self-defense, but it’s a phenomenal workout,” said Ruiry Gracie. Brazilian gives people the self-defense 209MAGAZINE.COM
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techniques they need when put in situations where they have to act, and the classes offer hands training to prepare for those moments. “It causes people to be comfortable in positions they would normally be uncomfortable,” said Ruiry Gracie. “If you’re a woman and you’re mounted by a man that’s much larger, that’s a very threatening and dangerous position, here they learn how to control themselves and how to apply the techniques correctly. They practice daily and with partners, compared to other martials where they’re practicing their form by themselves a lot of the time.” Interested community members can attend a free introductory class. They can schedule an appointment by stopping by at the facility at 1005 E. Pescadero Ave. Ste. 149, calling (209) 832-9996 or emailing at introclass@ charlesgracie.com. The intro class is a one-time 30 minute class outlining the basic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. This class serves as a preparatory class to those interested in seriously enrolling at the Academy and training at least twice a week. ●
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11/28/2021 9:37:44 AM
feature
on the farm
By KRISTINA HACKER
…while it’s not as introspective because, obviously, you want to pet all the animals around you, it brings you this joy, and the joy is what relaxes you. —Sarah Spenker Pratt
Y
oga, the ancient practice of calming the mind while strengthening the body — and petting adorable goats. Yes, at Spenker Winery goats are an integral part of the farm’s seasonal yoga classes. Spenker Winery in Lodi, already known for its production of goat cheese, starting getting requests about six years ago when goat yoga became a national trend to open the farm up for a more hands-on goat experience. The winery and creamery decided to give goat yoga a try, with resounding success. “We sold out in 24 hours,” said Sarah Spenker Pratt of the farm’s first
goat yoga class. “So, it’s like, oh, people do want to do goat yoga. And we just kept adding classes. And we kept going. I think 2022 will be our seventh year of doing go yoga.” The goat yoga classes at Spenker Winery run from March through June, generally every other weekend. Participants sign up ahead of time for each class, with classes filling up quickly. Spenker Pratt said she thinks the classes are so popular because goats are a relatable animal. “They’re super smart. You can train them like a dog. The more attention you give them, the more dog-like they
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become,” she said. Spenker Pratt also thinks using the goats as a distraction, helps people clear their minds of other stressors while practicing yoga. “I think as Americans, we got to get wrapped up with the fast pace, and so nothing calms us down better than animals. And so, while it’s not as introspective because, obviously, you want to pet all the animals around you, it brings you this joy, and the joy is what relaxes you. And it’s a great excuse that you could go pet an animal,” she said. To sign-up for a goat yoga class at Spenker Winery, visit: spenkerwinery. com. ●
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 9:38:34 AM
From our family to Yours Wishing you a Happy 2022
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flavors
Spenker Family Farm &
S
penker Winery in Lodi has been owned and farmed by the Spenker family since 1902. In the beginning, the farm’s focus was on growing wine grapes. In the early 1990s Chuck Spenker got into home winemaking and would host crush parties with friends and family, which is where he met Bettyann and fell in love. “She got invited to one of his parties,” said Sarah Spenker Pratt about her parents. “She was a high school chemistry teacher at Lodi High, so it was a match made in heaven — a chemistry person which after a few batches of wine found out that she was actually the better winemaker. So, she took over that part and he does the farming.” They started a winery in 1994 to
highlight the quality of their Zinfandel grapes. As Lodi’s reputation for wine tourism grew, Spenker opened their own tasting room to the public. A few years later, the farm expanded to include goats and the production of 100% goat cheese. “The goats came about because my sister and I went off to college and my mom replaced her kids with kids and got a couple of goats,” said Spenker Pratt. “She just started doing cheesemaking because she loved the similarity in the chemistry, it’s another fermentation process. She was just making it for fun and she had always wanted farm animals on a farm… People were really loving our cheese, and so it’s like, well, you can’t make wine and have this cheese hidden on 209MAGAZINE.COM
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the side.” Spenker became the first creamery in Lodi and got their license in 2019. They offer fresh cheese, like ricotta, as well as soft-ripened cheeses and aged cheeses. Spenker also sells other products like fresh eggs, bottled milk and frozen yogurt. “That was just a little side thing that my mom would always make for us. But then all of our inspectors were like, ‘oh, that sounds way too good, you need to keep that’,” said Spenker Pratt about the frozen yogurt made from goat milk. The winery offers a wine and cheese tasting at their tasting room. The tasting room is open from noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Curbside pickup of wine and cheese is also available. ●
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Spenker Winery 2018 Evening Prim Rose Evening Prim Rose is a cheery blend of Syrah and Zinfandel grapes. It has a bright character, with strawberry and cherry undertones. It is paired with Spenker’s Diablo’s Sunset, a Tomme-style aged cheese rubbed with a combination of cocoa and chili powder. It has a firm texture, buttery flavor and earthy aroma.
Spenker Winery 2014 Zinfandel
This Zinfandel is fruit forward with a feel of cinnamon spice, black cherry and black pepper. It is paired with Spenker’s Goat with a Pearl aged cheese, a hickory smoked Goudastyle cheese that is semi-hard, smooth and savory.
IF YOU GO WHAT: Spenker Family Farm Winery and Creamery WHERE: 17291 N. DeVries Rd., Lodi WHEN: Tasting room is open noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday CONTACT: s penkerwinery.com 209-367-0467
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TIMEto get
TOASTED By VIRGINIA STILL
PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine
T
he holidays are a good time to visit Get Toasted but the brunch and mimosa bar in downtown Riverbank has something for everyone year-round. With topped toasts, small bites, salads, baked goods, specialty drinks, wine, beer, and the featured assortment of mimosas, that makes the best time to Get Toasted right now. Celebrating tends to include a pop of bubbly and that is exactly what they are doing at the mimosa bar with a variety of about 14 flavors. Lead bartender Amber Hunt is serving up mimosa flights and specialty drinks with top tier presentation and thirstquenching bursts of flavor. Some guest favorites are the Pineapple Chamoy mimosa, Watermelon Cucumber refresher with fresh basil, Watermelon Mint mimosa and the Blue Raspberry. For the winter season they have a Caramel Apple mimosa that has been a real crowd pleaser. They also have wine slushies and a GT Jumbo Mimosa, which is a fresh fruit slushy that comes in a fish bowl with fruit skewers and a small La Marca bottle. “Everyone is a huge fan of
anything with Chamoy in it,” said Hunt. “There will be wintry and festive drinks. We have gained so much popularity since (we opened) we want to do a lot of Christmas drinks that will involve peppermint somehow and a candy cane rim or chocolate.” The MANmosa may be an option for those who want a little something different that has Shock Top, Champagne and orange. For those who want a tasty mouthwatering michelada Get Toasted has their very own house made michelada mix that has a lot of 209MAGAZINE.COM
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There will be wintry and festive drinks. We have gained so much popularity since (we opened) we want to do a lot of Christmas drinks that will involve peppermint somehow and a candy cane rim or chocolate. —Amber Hunt
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IF YOU GO WHAT: Get Toasted, featuring brunch and mimosas
flavor and seasoned up to par served with Dos Equis or your preferred beer. “I am very proud of our micheladas,” shared business owner Jaclyn Lininger. “It has a kick but not too spicy. We make them really pretty; they have fresh fruit and a lollipop that goes on top. Everything is very presentable. It is that perfect mix.” They have monthly wine tasting events, holiday themed tasting events and other special events like Botox parties. For the non-drinkers they offer coffee flights and virgin mimosas. The establish-
ment is family-friendly and owners’ daughter Harper is usually on scene. Ricky and Jaclyn Lininger along with mom Maria have been in business for a year — and a tough year it has been. They pushed through and are ecstatic to be open for business. “We are super invested,” said Jaclyn. “We gutted it completely. So, it was a lot of work for us and we knew that going into it and then on top of that COVID hit. We had come so far at that point that we were not going to let anything stop us.” ●
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WHERE: 3308 Santa Fe St., Riverbank WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday CONTACT: 209-502-7687
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flavors
PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine
By VIRGINIA STILL
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W
orking their way up from a food truck to their very own restaurant has been a challenge and a dream come true for mother-daughter team Christine Louie and Ashley Hasse at the Mamas and the Tapas Café. With family recipes that have their special flare creating a fusion of flavors from the Caribbean, visiting this unique restaurant is a trip worth taking. Before they opened the restaurant at 1317 Historical Plaza Way in Manteca, Christine and husband Doug owned the Mamas and the Tapas food truck where they gained a following and a number of regulars. They participated in a variety of different events throughout the 209 as well as did home catering from 2012 to 2017. “People would hire us to bring the truck to their house,” said Christine. “That was really fun.” Ashley worked on the food truck for a couple years and then ventured off to pursue other things within the restaurant industry. She also spent some time in culinary school and honed her craft. Christine has spent many years in the restaurant industry beginning when she was a junior in high school, which is where she met her husband Doug. They had the idea to start a food truck and came up with the name that was a spin on the Mamas and the Papas American folk rock group. After five years of serving guests through the food truck, Christine was ready to retire but then she stumbled onto the location at Historical Plaza Way. Christine and Ashley took a look at the place and Doug crunched the numbers and the Mamas and the Tapas restaurant came to fruition in 2017. COVID changed everything for them as they went from a full-time booming restaurant with live music and events to a crew of five and limited hours. “We are lucky to have made it through this,” expressed Christine. “We were so busy before this thing hit. We were going to the next level. We were doing really well. We had 16 employees and I had to lay every single person off. It was just me and her; then slowly we brought back a couple cooks and a server. No one wants to work anymore. It is sad.” Fortunately their loyal customers and
take-out helped keep them alive during the hard times. They perfected their “to go” business out of necessity, since originally they were primarily dine-in. These days due to a shortage of employees and cooks, their hours are limited and they suggest calling ahead or checking their social media pages like Instagram or Facebook. “We are doing whatever we have to do to survive and stay open and serve our guests. Our priority is to get everyone served and have happy customers,” said Christine. Christine is half Puerto Rican from her mom’s side that was the youngest in a family of 12. With love for the culture and cooking she learned how to make Puerto Rican dishes but they did not want to settle only on that, which is where the Caribbean fusion was created. The cuisine has a melding of flavors from Puerto Rico, Cuba and Jamaica. The mother-daughter duo created the menu and they wanted to bring something unique to the 209 with their spin on the Cubano sandwich, tostones, cannon balls, jerk chicken tacos, empanadas, chicken flautas, and ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’ fries to name a few. They have some options for those with food restrictions like the vegan empanada or the jerk chicken tacos without the sauce and only the dry rub to make it gluten free. “We give our own little flare to things,” said Christine. “People really like our food. It is very flavorful food. It is truly a mixture, a fusion.” The Mamas Combo is a customer favorite that has an empanada, chicken flautas served with Puerto Rican rice, beans, and a side salad which gives diners a variety of items and flavors. The Cubano Sandwich is another popular item on the menu that is slow roasted pork shoulder, thinly sliced ham with melted Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and garlic sriracha aioli served on a soft French roll with a side of tostones, sweet plantains, french fries, a side salad, or rice and beans. The Cannon Ball is another top seller that is a Yuca Relleno made from buttery yuca balls stuffed with chorizo, beef, and cheese then rolled in panko and fried that is topped with their signature sriracha garlic aioli. Their Empanadas come in three flavors, beef, pork, and vegan.
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We give our own little flare to things. People really like our food. It is very flavorful food. It is truly a mixture, a fusion. —Christine Louie
IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: MAMAS AND THE TAPAS 1317 Historical Plaza Way Manteca, CA 95336 CONTACT: (209) 239-4867 https://mamas-and-thetapas-cafe.business.site/ HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday & Monday - CLOSED
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flavors
The Jerk Chicken Tacos are stuffed with Jamaican Jerk Chicken in a soft corn tortilla that is topped with cabbage cilantro lime aioli and mango salsa. They make everything from scratch and sell their sauces by the jar including cilantro vinaigrette for salads, a cilantro lime aioli and a garlic sriracha. For dessert the ladies make a bread pudding that is a family recipe with their twist that is a guest favorite. Christine explained that she has turned people that do not like bread pudding into a fan of her bread pudding that is served hot with a buttery rum sauce on top. Breakfast is served until 11:30 a.m. where guests can try the breakfast burrito, breakfast sandwich, Puerto Rican hash or a breakfast quesadilla. The café offers Cuban coffee and other options. During the Christmas season Christine usually makes a pastele, which she described as a Puerto Rican tamale that is a huge process and a lot of work but a guest favorite. This holiday season they are offering people their restaurant to rent out for holiday parties. Family is a big deal to them and it can be seen on the walls and felt when you talk to Christine or Ashley. “It has worked out really well,” stated Ashley about the mom and daughter team and business venture. “With our combined experience it has helped us do really well. We make things by hand and everything is homemade from scratch. We are about family. We do get a lot of people that pass through going to Yosemite and really people stop in here from all over. The people that have come in here are so nice and so impressed with the food. That is what makes it worth it.” ●
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DON’T MISS ALL THE FUN! Move into a Cogir of Manteca today and spend the holidays and ring in the New Year with us! Offering 3 Chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities for every individual, and independent, assisted and memory care services make Cogir of Manteca your new home.
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• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care
(209) 823-0164 CogirSeniorLiving.com
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11/24/2021 11:33:14 AM
flavors
PEANUT BUTTER SALTINE CANDY YIELD 45 pieces
Among the decorations, gifts and gatherings of loved ones, there’s perhaps nothing quite like family favorite foods that call to mind the joy of the holidays. Whether your loved ones relish building gingerbread houses or dining on an all-in feast, looking forward to annual traditions is part of what makes the season so special.
Nonstick cooking spray (butter flavor) 1 sleeve (4 ounces) regular saltine crackers 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup peanut butter chips 1/2 cup rough chopped, dry roasted peanuts
In heavy duty, 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, peanut butter and sugar. Stir constantly until butter and sugar are melted, bringing mixture to boil. Boil 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour cooked mixture over saltines and bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips over saltines. Let cool 3 minutes then spread melted chocolate completely over saltines.
This year, you can add to the fun with a new annual activity by creating a delightful dessert with the help of little ones and adults alike. With an easy recipe like Peanut Butter Saltine Candy that calls for just a handful of ingredients, you can get the whole family involved in the kitchen.
Sprinkle peanut butter chips evenly over chocolate. Return pan to oven 1 minute to soften chips. Pull pointed tines of fork through softened peanut butter chips to partially cover chocolate. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top, gently pressing into candy. Let cool on rack about 15 minutes then place in freezer 3 minutes. Remove from freezer and break into pieces. Store in airtight container.
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DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400 F. Line 10-by-15-by-1-inch pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray then lay saltines flat in single layer on prepared pan. Set aside.
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A PERFECTLY LAYERED PIE The star of your next spread can be hidden away in the refrigerator for a surprise delight for your guests. It’s topped with chocolate syrup and chopped pecans, and your loved ones just may vote it to be their favorite dish. It’s an Arkansas Possum Pie, made with three delicious layers and crunchy toppings for a show-stopping dessert. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday or reunion, this pie is a perfect conversation starter. It’s sweet, crunchy and filled with creamy, delightful layers of goodness. Find more unique dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
DIRECTIONS Heat oven to 350 F.
CRUST 3/4 cup butter 11/2 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 11/2 cups pecans, crushed
To make crust: In saucepan, melt butter; add flour, brown sugar and crushed pecans. Stir until combined. Press into 9 1/2-inch deep pie plate.
C R E A M C H E E S E L AY E R 12 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 4 tablespoons heavy cream
Bake 15-20 minutes until crust begins to brown. Cool completely. To make cream cheese layer: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar and heavy cream; mix until smooth. Spread over cooled pecan crust. Refrigerate.
P U D D I N G L AY E R 3 egg yolks 2 cups whole milk 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To make pudding layer: In medium bowl, whisk egg yolks. Add milk; whisk until combined. Set aside. In separate medium bowl, whisk sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, flour and salt until combined.
WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING 1 cup heavy whipping cream 4 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract chocolate syrup 1/2 cup chopped pecans
In saucepan over medium heat, add egg yolk mixture and flour mixture. Whisk constantly until pudding begins to thicken and bubble. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until butter is melted. Pour chocolate pudding in shallow bowl. Cover with plastic wrap touching pudding to keep it from forming skin. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Cover pie with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. To make whipped cream topping: In stand mixer bowl, add heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pudding layer. Drizzle pie with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
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RUM AND COLA HOLIDAY HAM Recipe courtesy of Omaha Steaks EXECUTIVE CHEF DAVID ROSE PREP TIME 30 minutes
Few things bring family and friends together quite like the holidays, and serving up an elegant, seasonal meal centered around a mouthwatering main dish is a recipe for creating lasting memories with the ones you love.
COOK TIME 80 minutes
SERVINGS 10-12
HAM 1 Omaha Steaks Spiral-Sliced Ham (8 pounds) GLAZE 1 cup cherry fruit spread 3/4 cup dark spiced rum 3/4 cup cola 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
DIRECTIONS Thaw frozen ham in refrigerator 24-48 hours. Remove from refrigerator and let ham come to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 F. Remove ham from foil and film. Return ham to foil wrapping and place in oven-safe roasting pan. Roll foil down leaving 2 inches of foil around bottom of ham. Place roasting pan with ham in oven on lower rack and heat uncovered 60-75 minutes, until ham starts to brown. While ham cooks, make glaze. To make glaze: In medium saucepot, whisk fruit spread, rum, cola, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard and salt until well incorporated. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium. Simmer over medium heat 10 minutes then remove from heat. Cool to room temperature. During last 15 minutes of cooking, glaze ham every 5 minutes.
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 9:51:42 AM
thegreatoutdoors
By MATT JOHANSON
S T HIS IS WHAT IT ’S A BOUT, GET T ING PE O PL E PSYCHE D ON BEING OU TSI DE AND CONNEC TI NG WIT H E A CH OT HER T HR OUGH T HE VEHIC L E OF CLIM B I NG
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’lacio Bankston struggled on the icy pitch, lost his footing and backed off. Later, the 20-year-old refocused and invoked Mohammed Ali to pump himself up: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!” Bankston sent the frozen waterfall on his second effort as his friends erupted in cheers. If Black climbers are rare, African American ice climbers are especially so, but trying to change that are a group of alpinists featured in “Black Ice,” a new 40-minute Reel Rock film. Californian Manoah Ainuu helped lead the athletes from Memphis, Tennessee on their first ice climbing experience. A North Face-sponsored athlete with Yosemite credentials on Half Dome and El Capitan, Ainuu gracefully led a pitch up the jagged ice. Then the Compton native and other trip leaders helped the Memphis climbers follow suit with their ice axes and crampons. “This is what it’s about, getting people psyched on being outside and connecting with each other through the vehicle of climbing,” said Ainuu. Despite bone-chilling cold, the group experienced a heartwarming journey of discovery and growth. Famed mountaineer Conrad Anker, another California native, assisted the group as its only white member. “This trip is a great opportunity to learn more about people and in the process hopefully become a better person,” said Anker.
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GROUPS PROMOTING DIVERSITY
Ainuu and Anker aren’t the only Californians trying to diversify the outdoors. Throughout the Golden State, groups are trying to make outdoors recreation more inclusive and welcoming. Outdoor Afro organizes frequent outings in California and beyond. Participants this year enjoyed paddle boarding in San Francisco Bay, bird watching in Oakland, kayaking in Richmond’s Marina Bay, and visits to Tomales Bay, Point Pinole and Redwood Regional Park. Group members celebrated Juneteenth with a trek to Etiwanda Falls near Rancho Cucamonga. “Outdoor Afro is important because it provides a refuge for Black folks to come together in community and build some Black joy in nature. Nature makes me feel at peace, at home in my body, in my mind and spirit, and just feel free,” said group leader Julius Hampton. Find more information at outdoorafro.com.
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Spanish speakers enjoy magical experiences like exploring Yosemite, kayaking on the Russian River and spotting bald eagles through the Vamos Afuera (Let’s Go Outside) program of the Sonoma County nonprofit LandPaths. Vamos Afuera leads at least a dozen outings per year for hundreds of Spanish speakers, and LandPaths delivers monthly information to some 10,000 households about the outdoors, provides youth education and runs a summer camp. Helping families who have never camped nor visited Yosemite discover those pleasures provides joyful memories for Guadalupe Casco, a bilingual field specialist and trip leader. “We are committed in truly fostering a love of the land for everyone,” she said. Learn more at landpaths.org. More than 3,000 people new to the outdoors are getting inspiration from Bewilder, a new venture by Yvonne Leow of June Lake. Bewilder publishes free camping and backpacking trip itineraries along with guidance for how readers can reserve campgrounds, backcountry permits and enjoy their outdoor experiences. Bewilder’s newsletter promotes beginner-friendly outings to places like Angel Island, Mount San Jacinto, Morro Bay and Pinnacles National Park.
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Most of Bewilder’s subscribers are women and people of color, though Leow offers her information and services to anyone for free. “Everyone should have a chance to experience the beauty and freedom of the outdoors,” she said. For more information, visit bewilder. camp. Gateay Mountain Center began a new effort to introduce the outdoors to underresourced youth in the South Lake Tahoe area, with a focus on engagement with the Latinx community. Youth, Ecology and Adventure (YEA!) Camps exposed kids to camping, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing and more at no cost thanks to community donations. Based in Truckee and Donner Summit, Gateway Mountain Center offers enviro-literacy and outdoor adventure experiences to school groups from all over Northern California, including many Title One Schools. Gateway also runs a robust nature-based therapeutic program for youth in their region suffering from serious emotional disturbance, complex trauma and substance use disorder. Before Covid, the different programs supported around 2,000 young people per year. “Every kid can benefit by having their hearts and minds opened to the natural world,” said Peter Mayfield, the center’s founder and executive director. To learn more, visit sierraexperience.org. Two years after Scouting BSA began admitting girls into its troops, nearly 1,000 girls nationwide have earned the program’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. Boy Scouts of America began allowing gay youth in 2013, lifted its ban on gay adult leaders in 2015 and changed its name to Scouting BSA in 2018. The group endorsed Black Lives Matter and introduced a diversity and inclusion merit badge, required for Eagle Scouts, last year. “All Californians outdoors” is the vision of California Outdoor Engagement Coalition, an association of businesses, advocacy groups, land agencies, and other groups which share that goal. Participants share information about job openings, funding opportunities, workshops and other events.
E VE RY ONE S HOUL D HAVE A CHANCE TO E XPE R I E NC E THE BE A UTY A ND F RE E DOM O F TH E O UTD OORS
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“We serve as an umbrella that can help bring people together,” said organizer Jenny Mulholland-Beahrs. Visit inclusionoutdoors.com to find out more. Rounding out this far-from-complete list, the Black Folks Camp Too company and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics aim to promote inclusion with a unity blaze patch and message. The symbol represents community, welcome and equality. Earl Hunter, who founded Black Folks Camp Too, hopes to encourage more African Americans to enjoy outdoor recreation and find employment in the industry. “Enthusiasts want to see more diversity in the outdoors,” Hunter said. “We’re going to change the world.” Find more information at lnt.org/unityblaze or www.blackfolkscamptoo.com/unityblaze. ● Matt Johanson authored the new guidebook “California Summits,” available at sierrasplendor. com/books.
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The Humphreys University Drivon School of Law offers a professional program of education leading to a Juris Doctor degree. Our admissions process is easy and our knowledgeable instructors and curriculum are dedicated to prepare students for the California Bar examination and the practice of law. Accredited by the State Bar of California.
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11/24/2021 11:33:36 AM
thegreatoutdoors
Golfer’s
holiday gift guide By SETHANIEL CLARK
T
he holiday season is upon us once again and everyone is scrambling to check off their loved ones’ wish lists. While many courses around the world close down due to cold weather, us lucky residents of the 209 get to enjoy golf year-round. Whether you’re shopping for someone who has played for years or a player barely getting into the game, I’ve compiled a holiday shopping list for the golfer in your life. Golf is notorious for being pricey, but this list includes great items for every budget. ●
TAYLORMADE SIM 2 DRIVER
dickssportinggoods.com
$529 TOP FLITE 2021 XL 13-PIECE COMPLETE SET dickssportinggoods.com
$300 If you know someone who is interested in getting into golf but you don’t know where to start, buying a cheap full set of clubs is a good beginning. Top Flite is the company I chose to go with when I first got into the game years ago. They offer great deals on full sets ranging from $150 to $300 depending on which year, model, gender and age you’re buying for. This is a great option for parents who are thinking of getting their children into the game for the first time.
This next item is for the more serious golfer and someone with a higher budget. The new TaylorMade Sim 2 Driver is one of the hottest new drivers out on the market. It’s retailed at a whopping $529, but from personal experience I can say that it does not disappoint. This is the driver I keep in my bag and I absolutely love hitting this thing. If it’s out of your price range, check out some secondhand sporting goods stores in your town to see if you can snag a lightly-used club at a cheaper price.
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DRIVER DRINK DISPENSER
sharperimage.com
$70 This next gift idea for the golfer who likes to get loose and just go have a good time on the course. They’re not looking to lower their handicap, but to make sure the group has a great day out on the course. The Driver Drink Dispenser is the easiest way to keep cool out on the greens. Priced at $70, this is a hilarious gift that is sure to turn some heads. Simply fill the insulated beverage tank with your drink of choice and you’re well on your way to having a fun round.
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SOUND CADDY GOLF SPEAKER
soundcaddygolf.com
$69 For the golfer that loves to have fun and be the life of the party, the Sound Caddy golf club speaker is the perfect gift. Priced at $69, this fun Bluetooth speaker will the get the round started in style. Throw it in your bag and bring the tunes with you to every round.
PERFECT PRACTICE PUTTING MAT
Perfectpractice.golf
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$15-$50
$190 Looking for the perfect gift for your golfer to use at home? The Perfect Putting Mat is a great tool to help any golfer of any level improve their game by honing in their putting skills. These mats start off around $190 and are the perfect addition to any man cave, garage or practice facility. With three different sizes to choose from including compact, standard, and extra-large, these mats are perfect for any golfer.
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GOLF BALLS Anywhere!
The safest and cheapest bet for anyone shopping for a golfer is obviously golf balls. It’s hard to choose to a certain brand because there seems to be an endless number of suppliers, so there really is no wrong choice. The biggest names to look out for would be Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade. Balls can vary in price starting at around $15 for a pack of 12, or all the way up to $50 for higher-end balls.
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I
At the time, I was training for a marathon and he was preparing for the season to start. He also had a big trip planned several weeks post my marathon so our priorities were well intact. I share this because what I recognized in the relationship was something I hadn’t had prior; we each needed our “own thing.” I remember saying to him early on, I thought it was great that he had something he enjoyed. I had dated other runners; it didn’t suit me. Personally, I enjoy taking a break from everyday life to spend time with my “runner peeps,” no different than he and his “hunting buddies.” While relationships are indeed complex and this hardly means we have it all figured out, I do feel it’s important to give space to one another. Not to be confused, early on the life of a duck hunter’s girl was tough. My guy doesn’t just go a couple times a year; he’s all in. When I say all in, I mean a Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday hunt week is not uncommon a couple times a month during season. Our first holiday season, I pouted my fair share. Yet like most things in a relationship, it was temporary and I adjusted. Fall and winter are actually great times to run in the Valley, not to mention train for spring races – it was actually quite perfect. This season, my guy invited me along for a late afternoon hunt. He shot birds and I shot my camera. In truth there wasn’t much to document that night, other than the two of us sitting and waiting with his trusty Labrador. Looking out at the stillness he said to me, “Pretty boring right? Just sitting here in quiet, staring out at nothing.” In turn, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “It’s a lot like running,” I replied, “except I’m moving forward. But think about it, it’s just me and a bunch of nothing sometimes for a few hours on end and I love it. I totally get this.” I’d be lying if I didn’t share I asked to go again and I did. Just the two of us and a dog. Here’s the lesson, for those still scratching their heads, wondering what this is all about … space is a good thing. It’s not just good. It’s healthy. We appreciate each other more, when there’s space. While there is much in our dynamic which can improve, at the end of the day I’m grateful that we have our “own thing,” it sure does relieve a lot of pressure and stress for us both. ●
t’s time to talk relationships. Looking toward the current issue, I found myself challenged as to what seemed most fitting for the issue which welcomes a new year and for many new beginnings. I’m not a ‘resolutions’ person; I’ve penned plenty of pieces on this in the past. I am, however, a goal setter and more commonly begin my new year reflecting, recapping and regrouping. So many publications, blogs and influencers turn the focus to the physical self in their New Year issues. Lots of talk about workouts, meal plans, the do’s and don’ts for the ‘New You’ in the New Year. What about mental health? The balance of who we are and what keeps us going. Mind, body, spirit … three simple buzz words I learned to truly embrace close to a decade ago. Words which ultimately impact our relationships as well. Not to be confused, I’m not a licensed or trained relationship therapist. I also have plenty to learn on this very topic. Personal growth, ring a bell to anyone? Yeah, equally important in life and relationships. I have, however, lived a little bit of life and like most of you learned a few lessons on what works and, well, what doesn’t when it comes to a healthy relationship. To be clear, I feel it’s important to be reflective in all relationships. Friendships, partnerships, family all deserve attention, as well as reflection. I fell in love with a duck hunter. That’s how I initially planned to start this column. It’s the true springboard of where this piece should begin. Dedication to our craft (aka hobbies) was one of the things which drew us to one another. I’ve been intentional in not writing on my personal relationship with my partner. Some things I do feel should be kept sacred; this is one of them. What I realized in the fall, however, was the importance of his duck hunting to our relationship, no different than my passion for running. When we first met, our hobbies were something we spoke about openly. Both being frank about the importance we each felt about what we did for fun and its overall effect on our happiness.
I feel it’s important to be reflective in all relationships. Friendships, partnerships, family all deserve attention, as well as reflection.
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11/28/2021 10:01:01 AM
fulloflife
POPOFF
ON PILATES NEW YEAR, NEW YOU By TERESA HAMMOND
L
ooking into the new year, one might want to consider a kinder, gentler approach for taking the body from flab to fab. For those burnt out by bootcamps, not feeling the weight lifting vibe or just ready to try something less strenuous, Pilates may be the answer. This whole-body exercise was first founded by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The idea of using exercises which coordinate movement and breath together with an emphasis on core work. “He worked with injured people first to rehabilitate them,” Studio V Pilates owner Victoria Popoff shared. “So, it was definitely the mind body connection. Getting muscles to contract and control a little bit more.” A seasoned Pilates student, with 16plus years of reaping the benefits of the exercise, Popoff also recently celebrated 10 years of business in her Modesto-based Pilates studio at 4459 Spyres Way, Suite A.
You just feel happier when you’re done, and the longevity of it, you could do this every day and not do the same exercise ever. — Victoria Popoff Popoff shared that the 209 Pilates studio is the largest of its kind within a 100-mile radius. The 7,000 square foot area hosts separate fitness space, as well as a designated space filled with reformer machines. “We do have 10 machines now,” Popoff said of the 209 studio. “Now we have space. Everyone’s eight feet apart 209MAGAZINE.COM
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and actually they like this better.” Changes which were prompted by the COVID pandemic have proven to be perfect for the clients, as well as the practice of Pilates using the reformer machines. “Pilates is focused practice on control, concentration, centering precision, and your breathing is inhale exhale,” explained Popoff. Pilates is a practice which can be done by individuals of all ages, sizes and physical ability. While it can be done on a mat, in a chair, just about anywhere, it is most known for the Pilates reformer. This is the most used piece of Pilates equipment which is adaptable for a full variety of users, from beginner to challenging for the fitness enthusiast. “A lot of things in yoga you might hold, you might stay in a position for a long time,” the studio owner said of the commonly compared practice. “There’s different types of yoga, and I would say that’s more related to a spiritual prac-
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tice; that’s where that came from. This doesn’t have any religious ties … Pilates, it’s really the healing of the body and creating symmetry through the body is really what they want. “Symmetry is the biggest thing and people don’t think, why does my hip hurt so bad,” she continued. “Well, there’s an imbalance somewhere in the body.” Popoff ’s classes have been modified to 45 minutes to allow for proper cleaning of the studio in between sessions. Yet given the resistance of the machines and the type of movements, that time frame is more than enough for a client to get in a good and effective workout. “In 45 minutes you’re still getting a warm up, you’re still getting a total body workout, and a cool down,” she said. “Working with resistance and no impact, the body can do this every day.” For weight loss, the fitness expert recommends following a proper nutrition plan, as well as combining their Pilates practice with another activity,
such as walking. “It’s nice to have something else to combine this with,” Popoff noted. “You are going to get strength, flexibility coordination control, but if you have a lot that you really want to lose, pairing it with healthy foods, more walking and Pilates, you’re going to have better results.” With over two decades in the fitness business, Popoff confided that Pilates and the positive effects it has on the body was a pleasant surprise. Admitting to being an endorphin junkie early on, the practice of Pilates was a welcome surprise. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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“I’ll tell you in the beginning, I really didn’t think it was going to be that hard. I was like what is this stretching, like what am I doing on this thing, this isn’t anything,” she said. “You don’t know until you get going and then you get on the machine and you’re like, Oh! “The next day is when you really feel like what muscles are these?” she continued. “So, you definitely notice different things in your body you never have. You become very aware of how you’re sitting, how you’re standing, because it puts those muscles back where they belong.” The studio owner further shared, it was the success of a client 16 years ago, which not only kept her going in her personal practice, but professional dedication as well. “He lost over 100 pounds,” she said of her inspiration. “He was trying to work out, to eat well, drink more water, lower his stress levels, walk more and I thought, you can’t lose weight on this thing.
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fulloflife
“Watching his progress over a year, and he was able to lose 100 pounds, and he combined it with a lot of other exercises too but I could see his entire posture change, and I was like, this is like magic,” Popoff said. “You’ve just got to get on it. You’ve just got to do it at least twice, three times a week. You can feel it in your muscles but it’s not like I can’t walk.” And those coming to the studio for a workout can be sure of the focus. “It’s not like you’re going to do burpees in here, we’re not going to run around the building,” she continued. “We’re going to do Pilates, and we’re going to work in a different way, it’s a little slower paced sometimes but it makes your mind have to focus and pull and contract and lengthen through your body, once you get on (a reformer) you totally feel it.” In addition to the physical benefits, the Pilates studio owner shared the mental benefits for the individual are just as noticeable. “It’s their persona, it opens up,” she said, noting clients have been known to build friendships post class. “Their social network grows, their community, they feel welcome somewhere, they feel accepted somewhere. That’s when I was like oh gosh this is more than just a workout.” For more specific information on classes
It’s how you feel when you’re done. You’re taller; you feel happier. — Victoria Popoff
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and services offered at Studio V Pilates visit studiovpilates.com. “It’s how you feel when you’re done,” Popoff summarized of what she loves most about the practice of Pilates. “You’re taller; you feel happier, and I don’t know how to explain that. Maybe just the endorphins, but your body feels better, everywhere, your muscles feel engaged, the blood is flowing through your body. You just feel happier when you’re done, and the longevity of it, you could do this every day and not do the same exercise ever. I mean there’s tens of thousands of exercises on this machine. So, the workouts are never the same. I just became addicted to that feeling.” ●
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
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241 W Main 209.633.2850
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2935 W March Lane 209.320.7850
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Cathy Ghan 320.7867
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Lynette Fletcher Rafael Martinez 844.7552 633.2859
Rob Gildea 320.7864
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Michael Stevens Victoria Gaffney 320.7860 343.7601
Kim Parco 320.7860
Greg Mulder 844.7587
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11/24/2021 11:33:46 AM
placecalledhome
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LUSH STUDIO
By MARG JACKSON
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t’s part addiction, part therapy. And it can help transform your home into an indoor oasis, a breath of fresh air. The Lush Studio, a plant and gardening shop along Stockton’s Miracle Mile, specializes in rare and exotic house plants and also carries a full line of gardening items.
the shop’s plant inventory consists of indoor plants, ranging from such unique items as the tropical plant anthurium – also known as flamingo flower or laceleaf – to a wide selection of begonias, which are always in stock. “Most of our rare plants are imported,” Phon added. “Many of them are hard to find; in the plant community it’s
Owner Tina Phon said the shop originally opened in March 2021 in a small storefront off March Lane. But this fall, they were able to make the move to a much larger venue. “We just relocated to the Miracle Mile and had our grand opening in September,” Phon said of moving to 2218 Pacific Ave., Stockton. “It was a big move.” She said they are “in the heart” of the Miracle Mile and are enjoying the fast-paced, brisk business climate of the area. “I love plants; it was a hobby of mine,” Phon explained. “I was fortunate enough to turn a hobby into a business.” She said that roughly 90 percent of
a big thing to have them.” Outdoor plants they offer are mainly cactus and succulents. “They thrive on neglect,” Phon noted of the succulents available, perfect for that person without a green thumb. As for the plants themselves, she said many people got involved in the indoor houseplant routine during the pandemic, when more time was spent at home. “It’s kind of an addiction,” she admitted of keeping your house filled with plants. “But plants are also therapy.” They can add color, help purify the air naturally and there is something both relaxing and re209MAGAZINE.COM
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warding about tending to the greenery and seeing plants grow and thrive. “We also help with plant care; we have soil, fertilizer, watering cans,” Phon added. They offer gifts cards as well and if you purchase a plant and a pot there, they do the potting for you. “We re-stock on new plants every one to two weeks so there is always something new,” Phon said. The more traditional indoor houseplants are always in ample supply, as Phon said she works with local nurseries to make sure she has a variety. With shipping and trucking issues, however, sometimes it is a little harder to get those imported plants. So far, she said, she has been lucky in both areas, able to maintain a wide variety for customers to peruse and choose from as they look to start their indoor hobby or expand it. Phon and her two employees are also willing to share information, as the care needs for plants fluctuates during the year. “They need less care in the winter, less water,” she said. “Plant needs change as the seasons change.” Some people come in to the Pacific Avenue shop with their list already in hand of items they want; others are just “excited to see the variety,” Phon noted. Hours for The Lush Shop are: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, call (209)451-0538. Phon said she is excited to be part of the Stockton business scene, especially along the Miracle Mile. “I love the whole vibe,” she said. ●
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 10:02:38 AM
placecalledhome
By SABRA STAFFORD
W
hen the Hillman-Kay family started looking for a home that would serve as a respite from their active lives in the Bay Area, they looked at places along the Mendocino coast and the Russian River area, but it was one home in particular — which they named Grey Pine — nestled among the forests and hills in Tuolumne County that kept drawing their attention. “Prior to 2020, we had been looking for a special place for our family to gather outside the Bay Area, one that could host special memories no matter where we or our five children move as they grow older,” said Sally Hillman-Kay. “We watched this home on the market for months, dreaming about it and wondering if it was the right place for us as we explored other areas such as the Mendocino coast and the Russian River. Ultimately, Gold Country’s charm and lack of crowds, outdoor beauty, and proximity to boating, skiing, and wine tasting won the day.” Built in 1993, the Hillman-Kay family became the third owners of Grey Pine in 2020. “We purchased the home during the COVID pandemic as a place to share with friends and family in 2020, when ‘home’ took on an entirely new importance,” Hillman-Kay said. “We treasure our time here on the mountain and the way it brings us together. We slow down, we cook large meals, we laugh, watch sunsets, and play games. We love taking our boat out to nearby New Melones, skiing at Dodge Ridge, wine tasting in Murphys, and boutique shopping in downtown Sonora.” From the stunning vistas, to the stately architecture and all the surprises and features inside the home, Grey Pine was designed to be breathtaking and it succeeds. ●
Enter through the ornate double doors and step into a foyer lit by two gorgeous twin chandeliers. At the entrance is a library that the family has turned into a game room and a parlor that includes an apres-ski bar and seating arranged for warming by the fire with adult conversation.
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SPECTACULAR VIEW “As you enter the circle drive, the windows align so you can already glimpse the view from the back terrace — it was one of the first things I noticed when we visited for the first time,” Hillman-Kay said.
The real star of Grey Pine is the myriad of views available. The house is in a private setting on a mountain, with many rooms and the outdoor terrace offering picturesque views of the scenery, sunsets and a distant view of Yosemite on a clear day.
A formal dining room with seating for 10 is off the foyer and offers beautiful views of the terrace.
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placecalledhome
UPSTAIRS ELEGANCE Grey Pine has four bedrooms and four baths. The owner’s suite has a king bed, a fireplace and a large soaking tub. Upstairs, are the three bedrooms. A sweet second floor snow porch with fountain views has room for two to sip cocoa cuddled in a cozy blanket,” Hillman-Kay said. “When the snow is falling, and all is quiet, it can feel like you are in a snow globe.
The stately backyard terrace offers expansive views from the stone outdoor dining table or daybed to enjoy morning coffee.
Grey Pine is not just for the Hillman-Kay family to enjoy. The home is listed on Airbnb by searching @greypinecountry or by searching in the Sonora, Murphys region. It can accommodate up to nine guests. Follow Grey Pines on Instagram @ greypinecountry. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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11/24/2021 11:34:24 AM
marketplace
By VINCE REMBULAT
K
eri Pinnatore looks forward to Christmas. She’s the owner of German Glas Werks. This unique gift emporium located at 109 E. Yosemite Ave., Manteca, specializes in stained glass, European crystal, hand-crafted jewelry, stained glass lamp shades, custom cabinet inserts, and cremation urns. When it comes to the holidays, German Glas Werks goes all out, says Pinnatore, who took over from original owners Larry Lenschmidt and Paul Yonker in 2015. The two had groomed Pinnatore, who was their employee since 2000, over the years towards taking over the business. She’s kept much of the same throughout the year while transforming German Glas Werks into a Winter Wonderland during this time of year. “We’ll feature 12 different themes in our display of Christmas trees,” said Pinnatore, who will do glass engraving on any of the merchandise for that personal touch. Since 1986, German Glas Werks has providing customers with that one-of-a-kind shopping experience. “We create all the stained-glass pieces in the store, and work with each customer on custom orders to make sure they are getting just what they envisioned,” said Pinnatore. It’s here that merchandise and the interior will see changes based on the season, making each visit a new shopping experience. “Many of our pieces are of museum quality and offer the discriminating connoisseur, the general collector and the gift fiver a unique and large selection from which to choose at all price points,” said Pinnatore. German Glas Werks is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (209) 825-4527. ●
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11/28/2021 10:06:46 AM
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In today’s mobile world, it’s more important than ever for companies to have instant, In today’s mobile world, it’s more important than ever for companies to have instant, mobile-friendly information available as easily as possible, or else people tend to move on mobile-friendly information available as easily as possible, or else people tend to move on to someone who does. Life moves too quickly to look for hard-to-find stuff. to someone who does. Life moves too quickly to look for hard-to-find stuff.
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marketplace
Babylon barbers rooted in family history By DALE BU T
LER
PHOTOS BY DALE BUTLER/ 209 Magazine
D
anny Oshana has been a barber for the past 16 years and doesn’t plan on changing professions any time soon. “I’m doing this until I die,” said Oshana, 36. “It’s something I enjoy doing. It reflects who I am. When people are happy, I’m happy.” Oshana has spent the past seven years working at Babylon Cuts, formerly Magic Cuts, which is located at 2531 E. Whitmore Avenue in Ceres. He rented a station for five years before taking over full ownership on Jan. 1, 2019. “I’ve always wanted to have my own business,” he said. “I can’t see myself working for other people.” “You have to be very talkative,” he added. “You meet all kinds of people. You got to get along with everyone.” Oshana’s brothers Sargon, George
and Pierre are also barbers. They followed in their father’s footsteps. “We are the second generation,” Oshana said. “Dad (Yakhnis) taught us all. It’s a family thing.” “I do fades and beards,” he said. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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“I use a straight razor when I line up people. That’s my specialty. Not a lot of barbers do that around here.” Peter Isho, 32, of Modesto, has been a loyal customer since 2015. “He takes his time,” Isho said. “He knows his haircut is a reflection of his work.” Oshana charges $30 for full service, which consists of a haircut and shave. Cost for seniors is $20 for full service or $15 for just a haircut. Babylon Cuts has three full-time employees and one part-time worker. Cheryl Weeks is the barber shop’s stylist/colorist. Babylon Cuts is open six days a week. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. To book an appointment, call (209) 531-2887. Walk-ins are also welcome. ●
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2022
11/28/2021 10:09:06 AM
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Business Insurance • Workers Compensation Employment Liability Auto • Cyber Protection
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