209 Magazine - Issue #58

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For the you taking care of your heart, and theirs.

We deliver proactive preventive care that’s proven to keep you healthy, and world-class treatment if you do get sick. Choose Kaiser Permanente, and get high-quality, personalized care, designed to help you spend more healthy years doing more of what you love. Learn more at kp.org/centralvalley

For all that is Central Valley. For all that is you.

6oz sirloin steak & 2 Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Fresh-Grilled CEDAR PLANK SALMON

PUBLISHER/OWNER

Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR

Kristina Hacker

MANAGINGEDITOR

Sabra Stafford

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS

Joe Cortez

Christopher Correa

Teresa Hammond

Marg Jackson

Michelle Kendig

Julie Rose

Dennis Wyatt

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Harold L. George

SALES & MARKETING

Chris Castro

Beth Flanagan

Rich Matheson

Karen Olsen

Corey Rogers

Melody Wann

Charles Webber

SPECIAL CONSULTANT

Larry Dovichi

The robust response we received for our 9th annual Best of 209 contest is a testament to the resiliency of the 209. Just a year a er the end of COVID-19 restrictions and the local economy is already booming.

We hope that you enjoyed nominating and voting for your favorite places to eat, shop, be entertained and stay healthy. Congratulations to all of the nominees and especially this year’s Best of 209 winners! Please support these local businesses throughout the region.

In this issue, you will also nd a number of ideas to enjoy the last of summer.

ere’s nothing better than a lazy summer day at the lake. e 209 is blessed to have a number of amazing lakes from the Sierra down to the Valley that are perfect for shing, boating and just relaxing on the beach.

In the Navigator section, you’ll nd information about the ‘Jewel of Tahoe’s Emerald Bay’ — Vikingsholm. is Scandinavian-inspired dwelling located on Fannette Island is open to visitors.

For those looking to make this summer the time they actually make it to one of the 209’s — and the world’s — most popular natural beauties can nd all the information they need in the article “Yosemite for Newbies” in our e Great Outdoors section.

Mentioned above are just a few of the features that you nd this issue of 209 Magazine. A er reading the magazine, I encourage you to stay engaged by checking out 209magazine.com and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

As always, we at 209 Magazine continue to strive to be the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380

Comments: khacker@209magazine.com 209magazine.com

©Copyright 2023. 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.

Hank Vander Veen

Publisher and Owner

hvanderveen@209magazine.com

Notes

with FRANKIE TOVAR

Granny Basketball: Columbia Gold Diggers

Travel back to the 1920’s and get a taste of old fashioned, hardcourt fun with the Columbia Gold Diggers. Inspired by her Midwest roots, Barbara Trammell brought the rst Granny Basketball team to California a couple years ago and is already taking her team to the National Championships in Iowa.

STUDIO209 is a weekly magazine-style video series lmed in the heart of the Central Valley. Join us every Thursday and enjoy a wide range of coverage from community events to personal pro les and more. ftovar@morrismultimedia.com

Modesto Tattoo Expo

Body art was the main focus of this episode of Studio209 when more than 70 tattoo shops and tattoo artists set their stations up inside Modesto Center Plaza for the two-day Modesto Tattoo Expo. The ink owed like water as thousands of tattoo enthusiasts gathered to receive on-the-spot tattoos from a variety of talented artists.

bit.ly/209PodcastApple

bit.ly/209PodcastSpotify

WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED STUDIO209.TV

Soundcheck209: Sorry Machine

Soundcheck209 is back with Sorry Machine. Meet the Turlock trio Ciara, Colin and Wesley and nd out how the band was formed, what inspires their songwriting and why they’re a must see Valley act. Enjoy a live performance of “Lucy Love” and become an instant fan.

HIRE

• Dell’Osso Family Farm

• Oa�ield MX Park

• Board and Brush

• Ten Pin Fun Center

• Indigeny Reserve

• Nutcher Milk

• Smart Axe

• Escape Modesto

• Bistro 234

• Toscana’s Ristorante

HIRE

• Calaveras Grape Stomp Fes�val

• Modesto American Graffi�

• Santa HQ at Vintage Faire Mall

• UC Merced’s Yosemite in the Park

• Zombie Escape at Snelling’s Ranch of Horror

• 209 Beatdown

• Emanuel Cancer Center Women’s Cancer Night

• Central Valley Brewfest

• StocktonCon

• San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Fest

• Stanislaus County Fair

• Dancing with the Turlock Stars

• Cowchella

• Stockton Greek Food Fes�val

• Rhythm on the Range

• Dust Bowl Oktoberfest

• Turlock Top Chef Compe��on

• Jumping Frog Jubilee

Contact our 209 Mul�media sales representa�ves or our Mul�media Producer to learn more about sponsored content opportuni�es with Studio209!

Scene in the

There were celebrations aplenty in June and July for 209 residents to get out and explore. Want your organization’s event featured in Scene in the 209? Email ssta ord@209magazine.com.

Merced marked Juneteenth with some special festivities, including a parade, car show and the dedication of the Kirk Wright Memorial Playground at McNamara Park.

Organizers of the celebration and the memorial playground were presented with certi cates of appreciation from local leaders.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Merced Mayor Matthew Serrato tests his tossing skills at Merced’s Juneteenth celebration.

LINGUICA RUN

The Westside Auto Club held their annual Linguica Run in July in Gustine to raise money for local scholarships and non-pro t organizations. The Linguica Run includes a classic car show that draws entrants from all over the area and a popular linguica lunch.

SKIES THE LIMIT

The sight of colorful balloons lifting into the skies over Ceres River Blu Regional Park in June dazzled children and adults alike during the rst annual “Skies the Limit” hot air balloon festival. The event, hosted by the city of Ceres, drew several thousand spectators.

A number of colorful balloons launched at Ceres River Blu Regional Park for the rst annual “Skies the Limit” festival in June. Some of the balloons touched down in Keyes streets and a park a bit later.

An out-of-town balloonist took up two others in his gondola hovering about the Ceres River Blu Regional Park on Hatch Road. About 10 balloonists participated in the rst annual event.

Mike Gonzales checks the engine on his 1996 Impala SS.

Steve Medeiros and his 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

Tony Bianchi eyes his 1956 Convertible Corvette.

PHOTO BY EDMOND-DANTÈS/ Pexels

PHOTO BY EDMOND-DANTÈS/ Pexels

COMMUNITY EVENTS

MOONLIGHT AND MARGARITAS

Moonlight and Margaritas, an evening of fun, music, dancing, silent and live auctions that benefit the Salvation Army’s after school program, will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

Tickets for the event are $60 each or $500 for a table of 8. Visit the Turlock Salvation Army for tickets.

PARANORMAL NIGHTS AT KENNEDY GOLD MINE

Join experienced paranormal investigators as they lead guests through this historic property with access to all non-restricted areas during their investigations and see if miners are still at work.

The seven-hour experience is set from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Aug. 19 and Sept. 23.

Tickets are $75 and $50 for residents of Amador and Calaveras counties, with a valid identification. Tickets are non-refundable but may be exchanged for another date. Space is limited to 18 persons per investigation.

A signed waiver must be filled out by each attendee in advance. At the Kennedy Mine, nights are cool, and a warm jacket is recommended.

RIB COOK-OFF

Club Mercedes, the non-profit organization in Merced, is hosting their 10th annual rib cook-off at 12 p.m. on Aug. 19.

The cost to participate is $80 per team. Each team can consist of one chief cook and three assistants.

To sign up for the cook-off, go to the club’s location at 569 West Street in Merced and request a sign-up form.

SEP 9 2023

BARBERA FESTIVAL

The Amador Vintners Association has announced the return of the Barbera Festival, now in its 10th year, to the historic Terra d’Oro winery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 9.

Festival goers can taste Barbera wines from over 50 wineries across California in this beautiful outdoor setting nestled in the Sierra foothills. Along with the grand tasting, festival goers can enjoy gourmet food from top chefs, live music, local artists, and a new premier access area with limo and bus parking.

The festival highlights the popular Italian wine grape varietal, Barbera. Some of the oldest plantings of Barbera are in Amador County at Terra d’Oro winery.

This event is for guests 21 and over. For tickets visit cellarpass.com/events/ barbera-festival-9998.

TACOS AND TEQUILA

SEP 9 2023

The Stockton Ports and Empire Entertainment Group announced that Tacos & Tequila Fest will be making its way to Banner Island Ballpark on Sept. 9.

The event will be headlined by T.I., Rick Ross, and Lil Jon.

“An event like this is guaranteed to excite all fans of tacos, tequila, and throwbacks,” said Gabriel Acevedo, Chief Operating Officer and President of Empire Entertainment Group. “Tacos & Tequila Fest will make downtown Stockton the epicenter of entertainment on September 9 and provide an experience unlike any other for everyone in attendance.”

Alongside the musical entertainment, the event features

tons of local food trucks, the Tequila Tastery with over a dozen vendors, Agave Alley with additional entertainment, and much more.

“By the time the gates open on September 9, Banner Island Ballpark will have been completely transformed into the Tacos & Tequila epicenter of the state,” said Jordan Feneck, General Manager of the Stockton Ports.

“We couldn’t be more excited to put on an event of this caliber for our community here at Banner Island Ballpark.” Tickets for Tacos & Tequila Fest are available at the Banner Island Ballpark Ticket Office or TacosTequilaStockton. com and start at $75 for general admission or on-field VIP tickets for $125.

SEP14 2023

LODI GRAPE FESTIVAL

For over 80 years the people in San Joaquin County have been gathering to celebrate the grape harvest at the annual Lodi Grape Festival. What started out as a small food festival in downtown Lodi has now evolved into a four-day event filled with great entertainment, food, vendors,

grape and commodity murals, competitive exhibits, carnival, wine tasting, and so much more.

The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 14; 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sept. 15 and 16; and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 17.

The festival is held at the fairgrounds at 413 E. Lockeford Street.

FIDDLERS’ JAM

The 72nd annual Fiddlers’ Jam will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Fiddletown Community Center. The event will feature multiple bluegrass bands, open mic, acoustic jam sessions (bring your strings).

Paired with country BBQ, artisan crafts, Fiddletown award-winning wine, microbrew beer, historic gold rush building tours, and more.

The event has free admission. Parking is limited and available one block away.

For more information visit fiddletowncc.org.

49ER FESTIVAL, PARADE AND CHILI/ SALSA COOK-OFF

The family fun event on Sept. 16 in Groveland will start with a parade on Main Street and will be followed by a day of festivities. The festival will have vendors, live music and entertainment, food, a beard contest, old West gunfights, a silent and live auction, a Western costume contest, a live chainsaw carving contest, petting zoo, an archery activity, and a youth art contest.

There also will be a chili and salsa cook-off with attendees voting for the winner.

The festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street and Mary Laveroni Park. For more information call (209) 962-0429.

SEE MOVIE ON THE SCREEN BIG

CENTRAL VALLEY

One of the days that Travis Andre Ross has been preparing for, for years, is nally approaching. e Gustine High 1999 alumni’s rst feature lm “Central Valley” will be playing at the State eatre in Modesto on Aug. 4. e movie has been in the works for many years from rst concep-

tion, to script, to production, post production and nal cut. Since being “put in the can” so to speak, in February, Ross has been busy in the lm festival circuit introducing his movie in Sedona Arizona, Hollywood and Los Angeles California, Dubuque Iowa, St. Petersburg Florida, and Long Beach Island

By JULIE ROSE

New Jersey.

“Central Valley” was awarded Best Actor, Best Young Actor and the Audience Choice Award at First Glance Film Festival in Los Angeles. e lm won the Audience Choice Award at the Lighthouse International Film Festival in New Jersey, also. “ at award

is the highest to me because it comes directly from the people watching the movie,” Ross described.

Being accepted to the lm festivals is no easy feat. Receiving the o cial selection is a distinction in itself and receiving an award is another level, especially for a new-comer in the industry.

e festivals o er opportunities to build contacts, to network, to speak rst hand to others about his movie. He is passionate about the story his lm tells. Being relatively unknown in the industry he has to open his own doors, get his foot in, and do the leg work. He enjoys the work. He believes in the power of his movie and enjoys speaking with people.

At the Lighthouse festival in June, Ross met a woman who has been a lm critic for 30 years. She watched his lm. “I’ve always known it’s a good lm but when she told me she was taken aback by it, that the lm le her at a loss for words initially, that was a di erent level of validation for me,” Ross proudly acknowledged.

So far, since completing the lm in February and having it played in six festivals, Ross has received two o ers for “Central Valley.” He hasn’t accepted either yet but feels positive about making a deal by the end of the year, keeping his options open for a bit longer. He anticipates the movie being eventually shown in select theaters and/or streaming services.

With the lm festivals breaking for the summer, a window of opportunity opened to nd a venue for a special viewing. Ross reached out to the State eatre management, who were thrilled to accommodate. “I was hoping to

bring the lm to the central valley this summer,” Ross mentioned, before the festivals pick up again in the fall.

e chance to bring the lm to the area near where the original story took place and the lm was primarily shot, was important to Ross. “I look forward to sharing the lm with friends and family who are much a part of this story,” Ross expressed. He is grateful to Gabi Guerrini, the General Manager of the State eatre, o ering the special one-time viewing.

Ross wrote, produced and starred in the lm which is based on true events of his own life. e lm was mostly shot in Santa Nella, Gustine, Newman and Patterson where the storyline took place in real life.

e lm’s story is personal to Ross; Moreso the message the lm re ects is personal. e story is based on his own upbringing, the choices he made and the struggles he endured. Viewers will nd there are many layers to be revealed throughout the story but the overall message is simply, learn to love yourself. “ e ending may just surprise people,” Ross told Westside Connect in an

earlier interview.

e lm summary posted online reads, “When his younger brother suddenly passes away, Tim, a 35-year-old drug peddler who has never been able to take care of himself properly, must decide what to do with his 10-year-old nephew: let him go into foster care, or rise to the occasion and straighten his life out.”  Ross credits his co-stars Joseph David Jones and Gabrielle Walsh, their director Niv Klainer and his co-executive/ producer Todd James Myers. “If our lm can help even one person out there, our goal was achieved,” the lm maker stresses.

e movie has not been rated yet but Ross said he doesn’t believe it is appropriate for kids. ere is foul language and drug use. e audience demographic is 18-40 years-old.

Showtime at the State eater is 7 p.m. on August 4th. e run-time is 90 minutes. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased online at thestate.org or in person at the box o ce weekdays 12-3 p.m. Call 209 527-4697 for more information about the State eatre or visit the website. ●

I’VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT’S A GOOD FILM BUT WHEN SHE TOLD ME SHE WAS TAKEN ABACK BY IT, THAT THE FILM LEFT HER AT A LOSS FOR WORDS INITIALLY, THAT WAS A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF VALIDATION FOR ME.

Travis Andre Ross has been receiving accolades at lm festivals for his movie Central Valley. Ross is pictured with Zane Haney, left, who plays his younger brother in the movie.

Ready for a Rock Steady Adventure?

By KRISTINA HACKER

It’s only been one year since John and Trina Seale took over the campgrounds next to Salt Spring Valley Reservoir, but already the couple have transformed the hidden Calaveras County location into a destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and fun.

e Seales renamed the campground Rock Steady Adventures and have not only cleaned up the rustic foothills site, but also hosted a variety of concerts and themed events to draw in more people and o er something di erent.

“We knew that it had potential to really be a good camping destination. If you look at all the campgrounds around here like Lake McSwain, Don Pedro, all those places, they are packed to the gills and you have to make camping reservations months in advance to be able to camp in the summertime. So we knew that the camping side needed to be built up. And one of the things we thought about was we have this somewhat private resort that’s not associated with a state park or national park or anything like that. So we knew we could do events, and that would bring campers for the events,” said Trina.

So far, Rock Steady has held an Earth Day celebration, a June Campout that featured di erent bands over a weekend, tie dye classes and a painting activity, and a Backyard Luau Campout artist retreat in partnership with Creative Copperopolis.

Rock Steady also hosted the 60th annual East Bay Boat Club power boat races in June.

Not only have the Seales brought events to Rock Steady campground,

The Seales renamed the campground Rock

Steady Adventures and have not only cleaned up the rustic foothills site, but also hosted a variety of concerts and themed events to draw in more people

they also o er something unique to the area — a full-service camping experience.

“Full-service camping came about a er our rst Rock Steady Campout in June when a lot of the campers that were coming did not have their supplies so we o ered them some tents and o ered to set them up. We actually had three takers and so we had to buy more tents,” Trina said.

Due to the popularity of the fullservice experience, Rock Steady now o ers the service year-round with different tent sizes — from a four-person teepee to a three-room, 14 person tent — including air mattresses and all the gear needed for camping. ey even have one “glamping” tent.

e upgrades to the campground and campout events have drawn new people to Rock Steady, but the Salt Springs Valley Reservoir has also been a summer family destination for many generations.

While the reservoir is too shallow for large boats, it is perfect for small power

boats, jet skis, kayaking and paddle boarding.

What the reservoir is best known for, however, is trophy shing.

“ ere’s no natural inlet; it doesn’t connect to any of the rivers. It’s all rainwater streams that feed into it, so there wasn’t any sh species that really thrived. During the summer, it’s shallow and the water gets really warm. Obviously, we don’t get any of the snow melts. It’s all rainwater catchment, lling the reservoir. So they stocked it in the ‘70s with Florida native sh because they can tolerate the warm water. So there’s Florida large mouth bass, black crappie, Florida bluegill, red ear perch and yellow tail cat sh,” said Trina.

“They’ve really managed the fish since the 1970s. So it’s kind of become a known trophy bass location. We haven’t seen it this year, but in past years, there’s been double digit or 12 pound bass caught and crappie that are dinner plate size.”

Rock Steady Adventures is a yearround campground, but there are only two months left in their summer ‘Campout’ year. In August, the Seales are planning a Sunshine & Whiskey type of event with country music bands and local whiskey sampling tours. Then, in September, an end of season celebration will have a Goonies & Pirates theme, complete with an ‘80s costume contest, a treasure hunt and pirate paddle boarding.

For more information about Rock Steady Adventures or to book a camping site, visitfacebook.com/rocksteadyadventures4fun or call (209) 785-5267. ●

and offer something different.

HOURS:

OPEN

AUG

377

‘Jersey Boys’

By SABRA STAFFORD

The Gold Rush era streets of Columbia State Historic Park is far from the hard-scrabble New Jersey neighborhoods that gave rise to the Four Seasons but that is exactly where residents in the 209 have the opportunity to see the story unfold.

e Sierra Repertory eatre is staging “Jersey Boys: e Story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons” through Aug. 27 at the Fallon House eatre.

“Jersey Boys” follows the rise of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, “Jersey Boys” is presented documentary style with each of the members taking a season to tell a chapter of the 40-year friendship of the foursome as they worked their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom. Electrifying performances of chart-topping hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes O You,” “Dawn,” and “My Eyes Adored You,” which brought e Four Seasons the highest honor: induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

“ is has been the number one show on my wish list since I started with Sierra Rep,” says SRT’s Artistic Director Jerry Lee. “As a theatre piece, “Jersey Boys,” perfectly blends the disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing. It is infectiously fun and impossible not to love.”

“Jersey Boys” stars Adam Marino, Matt Michael, Bobby Guenther, and Quinn Corcoran as e Four Seasons. e ensemble includes Camryn Elias, Charlie Munday, Greg Parker, Christopher Michael, Sergio Salinas, Alexandra Shephard, Taylor Tveten, Sebastian Rohn, and Kate Henderson.

“Jersey Boys” has a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe. e production is directed by Jerry Lee, choreographed/associate directed by Ben Bogen, and music directed by Patrick Burns. Scenic design by Rand Enlow, costumes by Austin Blake Conlee, wigs by George Deavours, lighting by Jonnie Painter, sound by Tatiana Covington-Parra, and stage managed by Maggie Braun. e production sponsor is Micro-Tronics. Sierra Rep’s season sponsors are Sonora Area Foundation and John and June Rogers. Regular performance times are at 12 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 p.m. ursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $35-$48. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, students, veterans, and rst responders. Tickets are available by calling the box o ce at 209.532.3120, visiting SierraRep.org, or emailing tickets@ sierrarep.org. “Jersey Boys” is recommended for audiences 16 and older, the show contains adult language and situations.

e Historic Fallon House eatre is located at 11175 Washington St. in Columbia. ●

strikes the right chord for Sierra Rep

“Jersey Boys” has a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe.

By VIRGINIA STILL

By SABRA STAFFORD

Turlock Community eatre will be bringing to town a line-up for the 2023-2024 season that includes Grammy award-winning artists, popular comedy shows and sought a er tribute performers. Additionally, this summer TCT will be showcasing some classic Alfred Hitchcock lms and some family-fun movies.

“A little bit comedy, a little bit country, and a little bit rock n’ roll,” said TCT Managing Director Kit Casey. “ ese are really the three primary genres of performances that the Central Valley leans towards. Most of the artists booked so far are here for the rst time at the Turlock Community  eatre, with a couple returning shows from Los Lonely Boys and James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash.”

e season of live performances gets underway on Aug. 6 with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band with special guest Ally Venable Band.

Guitarist and songsmith Shepherd found success by making his own twist on the blues of the past. Shepherd has established himself as an immensely popular recording artist, a consistently in-

demand live act and an in uential force in a resurgence of interest in the blues. Tickets are $39, $59, $69, and $99.

John Ondrasik III, also known by his stage name Five for Fighting, is best known for

FAMILY THE CENTER OF THINGS FOR LOS LONELY HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT BOYS. HENRY, JOJO, AND RINGO GARZA HAVE BEEN PLAYING AND TOURING TOGETHER SINCE THEY WERE TEENAGERS.

his piano-based so rock sentimental ballads, such as “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years,” and “ e Riddle.” Five for Fighting will be performing on Sept. 10 with a string quartet. Tickets are $29, $39, $49, and $59.

Rumours, the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show, will perform Sept. 16. Rumours has meticulously put together a show that spares no detail, recreating the band’s legendary persona in their youthful glory from 19751987. From period accurate equipment and costumes to spot on characterizations and musical performances, Rumours takes the audience back to a time when music was still an unbridled cultural experience and bands put on a show. Tickets for Rumours are $22, $29, $39, and $49.

Pi the Magic Dragon: 50 percent comedian; 50 percent magician; and 100 percent dragon. Pi the Magic Dragon broke on to the scene in 2015 on “America’s Got Talent” and since then has been delighting audiences at his Las Vegas residency at the iconic Flamingo Hotel and Casino. In 2019, he was voted one of Variety’s Top Ten Comics to Watch and scooped Best Comedian, Best Magician and Best Headliner at the Best of Las Vegas Awards. In 2020, Pi was crowned the winner of TBS’ Tournament of Laughs, triumphing over his heroes Je Ross, Natasha Leggero and Judah Friedlander. Pi the Magic Dragon hits the road with a brand-new show for 2023 with Mr. Pi es, the World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua, and Jade Simone.

PIFF THE MAGIC DRAGON BROKE ON TO THE SCENE IN 2015 ON “AMERICA’S GOT TALENT” AND SINCE THEN HAS BEEN DELIGHTING AUDIENCES AT HIS LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY AT THE ICONIC FLAMINGO HOTEL AND CASINO.

e show is set for Sept. 22. Tickets are $29, $44, $55, and $65.

Los Lonely Boys will be returning to TCT for a show on Oct. 5. Family has always been at the center of things for Los Lonely Boys. Henry, Jojo, and Ringo Garza have been playing and touring together since they were teenagers. ree years ago, they decided to take a break to focus on their own growing families. But summer 2022 saw them back at it again, returning to life on the road alongside e Who. e Boys have been making music together for 17 years now, and they show no signs of slowing down. Tickets are $39, $49, $59, and $69.

Comedian Paula Poundstone has gained a reputation for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. She is the star of multiple HBO specials including “Cats,” “Cops and Stu ,” and “Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard.” She is a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” She is

heard weekly on her successful comedy podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” Also, an author, her second book, “ e Totally Unscienti c Study of e Search for Human Happiness” was one of eight semi- nalists for e urber Prize for American Humor, the highest recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. e audiobook was one of ve nalists in all genres for the Audio Book of the Year AUDIE award. Her show is set for Oct. 19 and tickets are $29, $39, $49, and $69.

Christopher Cross took the 1980s music scene by storm with his self-titled debut album, winning ve Grammy Awards, including—for the rst time in Grammy history—the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist. In a career spanning more than four decades, Cross has sold over 10 million albums. His music has garnered ve Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, an Emmy nomination and ve Top 10 singles. Cross will come to town on Oct. 22. Tickets are $39, $49, $59, and $69.

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives will perform on Oct. 28. Stuart is a ve-time Grammywinner, Country Music Hall of Famer, platinum recording artist, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Americana Music Association, Grand Ole Opry star, country music archivist, photographer, musician, and songwriter. Since starting out singing gospel as a child, Stuart has spent over

four decades celebrating American roots music. His teenage years on tour with bluegrass legend Lester Flatt in the ’70s were followed by six years in Johnny Cash’s band in the ’80s, and a chart-topping tenure as a solo artist in the ’90s. Recently, e Country Music Association announced the induction of Marty Stuart into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 in the Modern Era Artist category.  In addition, Stuart is raising awareness for e Marty Stuart Congress of Country Music in Philadelphia, Mississippi which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of country music through live musical performance and educational programming. is show has a country music VIP package for $200. Other tickets are $29, $39, $49, and $59.

James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, a popular show in previous years, will be taking the stage on May 18, 2024. His tribute to Johnny Cash celebrates the life and music of the legendary ‘Man in Black’ with strong conviction and stunning accuracy. Garner and his band faithfully recreate Cash’s biggest hits, including stories and personal anecdotes about America’s most beloved singing storyteller. A fun, toe-tapping trip down memory lane honoring Johnny Cash’s life and music,

and the boom-chicka-boom sound of his longtime backing band, the Tennessee ree.

“And these are just the rst set of shows booked so far,” Casey said. “We will most certainly have more performances to come as the season progresses.”

All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

New this season will be a selection of lms shown at TCT in August.

“For many years the Board of Directors for the Turlock Community  eatre has had the idea of showing classic movies in our historic venue,” Casey said. “It is a timeless experience to watch great movies of the past in the setting of a theater originally built in the 1920s and restored in 1999. It took many years for us to raise the funds to purchase a digital projector worthy of showing great movies, and thanks to the donations and support of so many in our community, we have recently acquired that projector.”

TCT will start their lm run with A Summer of Hitchcock. ey’ll be showing “North by Northwest” on Aug. 4; “Rear Window” on Aug. 11; and “Vertigo” on Aug. 11; and “Psycho” on Aug. 25. All shows start at 7 p.m. Family Fun Movies will kick-o with “ e Super Mario Bros. Movie” on Aug. 12 and “Mulan” on Aug. 26. Both movies start at 2 p.m.

All movie tickets are $5

“I should also say we are not limiting it to just old classic lms,” Casey said. “We will be running fun family lms and other themed sets of movies peri-

odically throughout the year.”

TCT also has made some adjustments to their season tickets. Previously, the purchase of season tickets required guests to buy tickets for a certain number of shows, which was typically more than half the season’s line-up, in order for them to have the bene t of picking speci c seats and keep rst right of refusal on them. Now, this bene t is part of TCT’s On Stage Sponsorship.

“We felt that we would be o ering more freedom of choice to patrons with this particular bene t by folding it into our On Stage Sponsorship program at a donation of $250 or more,” Casey said. “With the donation to our 501c(3) non-pro t organization patrons are getting a tax write-o and the option to choose their speci c seats, with rst right of refusal for those seats, with no minimum requirement on the purchase of shows.

“Our other motivation for making the change has to do with changes to the industry itself with regards to booking shows for a set season,” Casey said.  “Without having the season ticket requirement, and thus a series of shows for the entire season all booked at the same time, which more o en than not limited our choices and ability to acquire speci c performers, we now have the exibility to book the shows as the season progresses.  is is something that more and more venues around the country are opting to do.”

For tickets to any of the shows visit www.turlocktheatre.org. ●

“IT IS A TIMELESS EXPERIENCE TO WATCH GREAT MOVIES OF THE PAST IN THE SETTING OF A THEATER ORIGINALLY BUILT IN THE 1920S AND RESTORED IN 1999.”

Life at L’Amore

By CHRISTOPHER CORREA

Ilona Esmaeily of Turlock was one of several individuals who decided to take a leap of faith and start a small business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when she launched L’Amore Charcuterie. e business has been a resounding success, but she had always aspired for more.

“I do what I like to do, which

is decorate food and make food look pretty,” Esmaeily said.

“L’Amore Charcuterie has been a very good business for me and has kept me busy. I mean, we just did a wedding for 600 people. But that’s more like catering. For people who don’t have events, I still wanted to bring them these experiences.”

On May 16, she opened the

I do what I like to do, which is decorate food and make food look pretty.

doors to her new business, L’Amore Wine and Dine at 138 S. Center St. in Turlock. Esmaeily is still offering her classic charcuterie menu, but this time in a sit-down, restaurant environment with a full wine bar.

“My whole thing is cheese and wine. It’s a combination that everybody knows and loves. It’s like, ‘Yeah, let’s have a glass of wine, eat some cheese, just offering shareable plates,” she said.

Previously housed the space at 138 S. Center St. was a similar business – Savor Charcuterie. Savor Charcuterie was tailored more towards takeout and pickup orders. When Esmaeily got word that they were looking to move out of the space and transition their business almost completely online in November, she jumped at the opportunity. By February, the space was hers and construction and design began.

While there are wine lounges that serve charcuterie, Esmaeily wanted to make her restaurant stand out, and she seems to have accomplished that with the unique art. The person behind the large flowery murals throughout the interior is Merced artist Jaden Key. On another wall, there are artificial plants with the L’Amore name in pink, neon lights, which Esmaeily described as a “selfie wall.”

“When I imagined what I wanted my wine bar to look like, it was this,” she said. “I wanted somewhere for the community to go for these special occasions. A place to get dressed up on the weekends, a place to have fun and take pictures. It’s elegant, trendy, but comfortable.”

Once at L’Amore Wine and Dine, guests can browse a menu of nearly 30 wines, including chardonnay, Moscato, rose, pinot noir and cabernet amongst others.

“I’ve been telling people, ‘I’m going to be the one to crack this trend. I’m going to make Turlock like wine,’” Esmaeily said. “A lot of those who like wine in Turlock already have their favorites, but I want to show everyone that there is more. I want to introduce the European wines, wines from New Zealand, wine from Portugal. Even Australia and Germany…”

As for the food menu, it includes five different types of paninis, three variations of cheese boards, four types of salads and six Mediterraneaninspired appetizers. Almost all of her ingredients

are locally sourced. One of the most popular orders during L’Amore’s first month of operation has been the Dolma appetizer, consisting of rice, herbs and spices rolled in grape leaves as well as the Three Meats Charcuterie board with hand selected meats alongside torshi and crackers.

“There’s a little bit of something for everyone here,” said Esmaeily. “Older people love the classic wines, (and) there’s a lot that catches the eye that really appeals to the younger crowd. It’s really good food and really good drinks, and we’re here for everything. Come after work, for your business meetings, for your birthday celebrations, just come here for the good vibes.”

L’Amore plans on hosting wine tasting events in the near future. For more information on the restaurant and future events, follow the restaurant on social media at @lamore_wineanddine on Instagram and at L Amore Charcuterie on Facebook. ●

There’s a little bit of something for everyone here.

By MICHELLE KENDIG

About 10 miles east of Oakdale o Highway 120 sits the small community of Knights Ferry. Located along the Stanislaus River and famous for being the site of the longest covered bridge this side of the Mississippi River, it is also home to the oldest operating general store (circa. 1952) in California. Today that general store also includes Rick’s Saloon/Café run by proprietor Linda Osborne. A bartender for the last 24 years in the Central Valley, she took over the business in February of 2023. Originally owned by Rick Maisel, who purchased the bar in 1985, Osborne hasn’t changed much of the aesthetics inside, even down to the over 300 baseball caps neatly hanging from the ceiling, a collection started by Maisel about 40 years ago.

“Rick had a 200-hat collection so he put them all behind the bar and since, it’s just grown,” said Osborne, who cleans and maintains the array of hats once owned by Maisel and those donated by customers over the years.

O ering a full bar and ice cold beer, two of their most popular

drinks at the saloon include an Orange Tic Tac, a shot that Osborne concocted many years ago made with orange vodka and orange juice, shaken well and topped with a splash of Red Bull. e Lemon Drop Cocktail is a vodka-based drink that is very refreshing and the perfect drink for any hot summer day.

Featuring all types of music from country and folk to ‘80s-‘90s rock, live music can be enjoyed on most Sundays.

“Music is huge here, it’s a huge music venue, there’s so much talent in this area and they really want to play here and I really want them to play here,” Osborne explained. “ at’s been the heartbeat of this entire establishment since long before I was a twinkle in my daddy’s eye. People here just love music.”

Run by Osborne with help from her family and friends and buoyed by community support, Rick’s Saloon has that close knit, Cheers “where everybody knows your name” feeling. Locals are greeted by name with an occasional hug and if you’re lucky you may even get the chance to meet the bar’s namesake, Rick, who when asked if

Run by Osborne with help from her family and friends and buoyed by community support, Rick’s Saloon has that close knit, Cheers “where everybody knows your name” feeling.

PHOTO BY TERESA HAMMOND/ 209 Magazine

he had any favorite memories from the 38 years he owned the bar, replied with a laugh: “Most of those memories you can’t remember.”

Osborne added, “ is would never have been possible without Rick trusting me, caring about me and knowing that I would take care of his baby … he made my dreams come true.”

With a clientele of locals and folks just passing through on their way up to the Sierra Foothills or having just spent the day ra ing down the river, they can come in Tuesday through Sunday and enjoy the weather and a cocktail outside on the newly updated patio area where there are plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas. e family friendly Saloon/Café is also pet friendly. During the colder months, enjoy the re pit and a hot toddy or come inside and rack up the table for a free game of pool and pick out your favorite songs

from the old school compact disc juke box.

Bartender Audra Hogwood said, when asked what’s special about working at Rick’s, “ e people, denitely just very relaxed.”

Tuesdays are “Taco Tuesdays” from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., with your choice of chicken, beef or sh tacos made in house. e regular menu includes many appetizers, burgers, and sandwiches, just to name a few of the delicious options.

For all upcoming events, you can follow them on Facebook at Knights Ferry General Store/Rick’s Saloon & Café and on Instagram at rickssaloonknightsferry. ●

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Rick’s Saloon

WHERE: 17701 Sonora Rd., Knights Ferry

HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday

CONTACT: Facebook at Knights Ferry General Store/Rick’s Saloon & Café and on Instagram at rickssaloonknightsferry.

VIKINGSHOLM

THE JEWEL OF TAHOE’S EMERALD BAY

By TERESA HAMMOND

It may be just roughly a three-hour drive from the Central Valley area, but once one arrives, it’s easy to feel worlds away in Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. A short drive from South Lake Tahoe via Highway 89, Emerald Bay is the only inlet on the lake, as well as home to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island.

Not only does Emerald Bay host the only island, it is also home to what’s known as “Tahoe’s Hidden Castle,” more properly called Vikingsholm. A true hidden gem, Vikingsholm can be accessed by visitors via a one-mile trail o Highway 89 or by boat. e castle is open to visitors, o ering tours in the summer months from June through September. Guides accompany visitors through the exquisite Scandinavianinspired dwelling and tell the story of visionary Lora Knight.

e daughter of a corporate lawyer, Knight was born in Galena, Illinois. In 1915 Knight and her rst husband James Moore purchased a home in Santa Barbara. Moore died in 1916.

In the early 1920s, she remarried Henry French Knight, a stockbroker from St. Louis. e couple divorced prior to the building of Vikingsholm.

It is said that for 16 years, Knight enjoyed spending summers on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. In 1928 she purchased the 239 acres at the head of Emerald Bay from the William Henry Armstrong family for $250,000. Knight then commissioned her nephew and Swedish architect, Lennard Palme to design Vikingsholm. is idea was

inspired by Palme’s home in Rye, New York, as well as the ord-like location of Emerald Bay.

Knight, along with Palme, made a trip to Scandinavia in 1928 for inspiration and construction ideas. e foundation for the 38-room mansion was laid in the summer of 1928. During the spring of 1929 a reported 200 highly skilled workmen were commissioned to work on the Emerald Bay property and were temporarily housed in barracks.

Now just a handful of years shy of a century since the house was constructed, one can’t help but be impressed by the detail, as well as the cra smanship of the home. e woodwork is both intricate as well as solid as one looks at the timbers, as well as the granite boulder exterior of the mansion.

It is said that prior to construction of the home, direction was given that no trees were to be removed for the home’s foundation. Today the home sits among beautiful redwoods with a breathtaking view of Emerald Bay and

Fannette Island.

Inside the mansion much of the interior remains as it was decades ago when Knight entertained summer visitors. e furnishings of the home were carefully selected by Knight to maintain the integrity of the Scandinavian in uence. Antiques were purchased as well as replicated in the instances where Knight would see something in a museum which was not for purchase. She would commission cra smen to duplicate items she fancied which were on display in Norwegian and Swedish museums. Many of the original furnishings still remain in the home.

Knight enjoyed a total of 15 summers at Vikingsholm. She passed away there in 1945 at the age of 82.

Once the estate was settled, the house and property were sold to a rancher from Nevada who maintained the home for just over a year. In early 1950 the nal owner, Harvey West, sold the property to the State of California. e conditions of the sale were that he would donate half of the appraised value of the land if the state would pay him the other half. In 1953 the property was acquired by the State of California and is now a part of Emerald Bay State Park.

Visitors to the area may enjoy taking a picnic lunch and plenty of water to enjoy either before or after the tour. The grounds are shaded and well-groomed for hiking. Not far from Vikingsholm is Lower Eagle Falls, a 2.5-mile out and back hike, which provide views of the only waterfall to empty into Emerald Bay. ●

A true hidden gem, Vikingsholm can be accessed by visitors via a one-mile trail off Highway 89 or by boat.

Officers Quote

Thank you very much, Modesto and surrounding areas! The success of our 27th annual Kidz Day fundraiser once again demonstrates the generosity of this community. We are grateful for the trust and support you continue to show for the work of The Salvation Army. Throughout the year, The Salvation Army provides a safe and fun place where kids can grow, and families can be strengthened. We also serve our neighbors in need, and we are mindful of the fact that we would not be able to do any of this without your support. Please know we truly appreciate you and welcome you to visit the Red Shield Center so you may witness first-hand how your support impacts the lives of girls and boys, women and men in our community.

May God bless you!

KIDZ DAY CORNER VOLUNTEERS

American Chevrolet Bank of Stockton - Dale Road

Bank Of Stockton / 13 @ J

BJ’s Consumer’s Choice Pest Control

Blue Diamond Growers / Modesto

Caruso Shopping Center

Central Catholic Interact Club

Central Valley Community Bank

Ceres Chamber of Commerce

Citizens Business Bank

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC

DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Agency

EXIT Realty Consultants

Golden 1 Credit Union / Modesto

Golden 1 Credit Union / Turlock

Got It All Insurance Agency

ImPossible Moving Services

Jeff Blizzard State Farm Agency

JRP Realty Group

Lending Assets

Lifestyle Realty

Love Modesto

Mocse Credit Union

Modesto Chamber of Commerce

Modesto City Schools Child Development

Program

Nexa Mortgage

Blue Diamond Growers

Blue Diamond Growers prides itself on caring for our community and we are proud to, once again, support the Salvation Army and Kidz Day. Knowing that our resources are going towards helping our young ones enjoy their childhood to the fullest makes it all worth it. We are grateful for the longstanding partnership with noble organizations like the Salvation Army!

“The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary is proud to support the Red Shield Center as they work with at-risk youth in our community. The programs offered by the Red Shield help the youth develop physically, spiritually and emotionally. The addition of a new Senior Program this year has been very well received and helpful to another group of our at-risk citizens.

Thank you to the Salvation Army Red Shield staff who work tirelessly to improve our community.”

- Stephanie Miller, SAWA President

Kidz Day Donations 2023

Presenting Sponsor

$5,000 - Gold Sponsors

Oak Crafts By Jeremiah

O’Brien’s Market

Patty’s Angels

RE/MAX Executive

San Joaquin Valley College

Sign Designs Inc.

Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce

Sunny Grove Preschool and Childcare

Thanks 4 Giving

The Modesto 500 Lions

The Park at Modesto

The Plus Group, Inc

The Salvation Army Modesto

Administration

The Salvation Army Red Shield Center

The Salvation Army Red Shield Center

Senior Program

The Salvation Army Women’s Auxilliary

Valley CAPS ABLE

Valley CAPS Modesto Valley CAPS PLUS

Vocational Coaching & Development Institute, Inc.

Wells Fargo Bank / Oakdale

Westamerica Bank / Modesto

Westamerica Bank / Turlock

The Paul & Sharon Caruso Family / Caruso Shopping Center

We are blessed to have The Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield Center in our community. The Red Shield provides education, enrichment programs, sports and spiritual guidance to local, at-risk children and their families. The staff work tirelessly to create a supportive and welcoming environment. The Red Shield provides priceless opportunities to many youth in need that may otherwise go without.

Dot Foods, Inc. “Dot Foods is a proud supporter of the Salvation Army/Red Shield”

G3 Enterprises, Inc. We are proud to support the Red Shield Center. Every year, G3 and our employees join forces to make a real difference in the community. Contributing to over 50 charities locally and nationwide, we donate our time and financial support in a variety of ways. As a family-owned company, we know the family and community go hand-in-hand.

$2,500 - Silver Sponsors

Ramsin & Denise Ganji

Irene Sink

Bronze Sponsors - $1,500 - $2,000

Acme Construction Company, Inc.

• Beard Land and Investment Co.

Ken & Stacey Elving • McHenry Bowl, Inc. • Mistlin Honda

Kidz Day Sponsors - $1,000

Michael & Ila O’Connor

$500

James & Jean Alexander

Brokers, LLC

• Dr. Robert & Sally Tanaka

• Berliner Cohen LLP

• Duncan Foods

Dr. Gary Nazareno

Company

• Westamerica Bank

• Dennis & Jean Wittchow

• Brewer Family Dentistry

• Kent & Virginia Johnson

• Darrell & Roxanne Nelson

• Bruce & Grace Valentine

$200 - $400

• Jean Lowell

• DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance

• Bill & Sharon Morris

• Oak Valley Community Bank

• Warden’s Office Products

• Pezzoni Engineering

Acura of Modesto • Andrew R. Fletcher, DDS A Professional Dental Corporation • Bank of Stockton

Tim & Lisa Bettencourt • BJ’s Consumer Pest Control

• Lee & Sandra Bucknell • David & Darlene Derby

Marge Derby • Joan Fischer • Dick & Teresa Hagerty • Janice Lucero • O’Brien’s Market • Bette & Richard

Pelphrey • Robert Saunders • Joe & Ann Swain • Tom & Grace Van Groningen • Chick & Lynda Venturini

Jennifer Viss

$100 - $150

Harry & Donna Bakker • Karen Baumbach • Brent & Yolanda Bearden • Raymond & Frances Camagna

Joyce Campbell • Casazza Ranch • Ron & Janice Emerzian • Five Minute Car Wash • Janelle Flint

Louis & Kenni Friedman • Robert Glaserud • Pamela Hall • Marilyn Howell • Shirley Joachim

Evan and Amanda Johnson • Joe Kroeze • Raedine Lillie • Donald & Stephani Locke • Charles E. Lyghtle

• Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation Mercy Maya & Ruben Haro • Marilyn Morton • Elizabeth Murphy

Sandra Nerland Oak Craft by Jeremiah • Michael & Maria O’Brien • Barbara Padmos

Claude & Eva Purkis • Santos Properties • Sandra & Lynne Sanvill • Stewart & Stewart Inc.

Deborah Stone • Robert & Wilda Thompson • TSM Insurance & Financial Services

Larry & Edith Tucci • Nancy Villarreal • Timothy J Warnock

Robert & Jennifer Webber • Wille Electric Supply Co. Inc

Lynn & Sue Zwahlen

Ramsin & Denise Ganji

We support Salvation Army and The Red Shield because of their programs supporting our local at-risk youth to have a place to go for a wholesome environment to play, learn, receive spiritual guidance, and most importantly, a place to gain that sense of self-worth among those who really do care about them BJ’S Consumer Choice Pest

Choice Pest Control is Proud to serve the At-Risk Youth in our community. Sign Designs, Inc.

We whole heartedly support The Salvation Army Red Shield. The fabulous programs that they offer keep At-Risk youth off of the streets, giving them a sense of belonging and self worth. The Red Shield works to keep these children from becoming tomorrow’s Salvation Army clients.

-

Pete Michelini,

Vice President

Ken & Stacey Elving

53 years of service!

Thank You Red Shield for all that you do!

Mistlin Honda of Modesto

Mistlin Honda is proud to be part of this great effort to help the children of Modesto. The beauty of The Salvation Army Red Shield Center is that it’s in an area where it can have a positive effect on the lives of children. The Salvation Army’s reputation speaks for itself, as does all the good work it does in our communities.

- Dennis Lanigan

Westamerica Bank is proud to partner with the Salvation Army Red Shield Center in their efforts to support the families in our community.

Michael & Ila O’Connor

“It is our pleasure to support the Salvation Army Red Shield program and in a small way make a difference in the lives of fellow members of our community.”

Thanks to your support, The Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center will be able to help many children enrolled in our programs. Your generosity is creating a positive change in the lives of many kids.

Majors Harold and Maggie Laubach Captains Ray and Thelma Jimenez

The jewel of Alpine County

By SABRA STAFFORD

When looking for a respite from the summer heat in the 209, it’s hard to nd a better option than Lake Alpine.

Lake Alpine is located in the Stanislaus National Forest o Highway 4 in Alpine County at an elevation of 7,350 feet. It spans 180 surface acres and is lled from the melting snow, keeping the water chilly even in summer.

Summer visitors enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, camping, shing, picnicking, biking, and interpretive programs. In winter, the lake becomes part of the Lake Alpine Sno-Park. Visitors can enjoy snowmobiling, snow-

shoeing, and cross-country skiing.

For those looking to try their luck with rod and reel, Lake Alpine is regularly stocked with trout.

Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle board, shing boats and bikes at the Lake Alpine Resort or Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company.

ere are several hiking options in the area, including the four-mile trail around the lake. e southwest end has a two-mile hike to Duck Lake with views of log cabins, an aspen grove and meadows of wild owers in the late spring

and early summer. ose who want a bit more of a challenge can go for the hike to Inspiration Point, which o ers a rewarding panorama of the lake and the surrounding timberland.

All Lake Alpine Recreation Area campgrounds, including Silver Tip, West Shore, Pine Marten, Silver Valley and Backpackers campgrounds are reservation only. Campsites are $30 per night. Recreation facility use fee is $5 per group. Make reservations through Recreation.gov, 1-877-4446777,  International, 518-8853639, or via their website, www. recreation.gov. ●

By KRISTINA HACKER

Local ski and snowboard enthusiasts are very familiar with the trek up to Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest, as the road to the Sierra Nevada lake is the same to get to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. In the summer months, however, vehicles making their way up the windy mountain road are loaded down with kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards rather than skis and snowboards.

e 300-acre lake, owned and operated by PG&E, sits at 5,600 feet, 30 miles east of Sonora on Highway 108. Pinecrest Lake is located in what was once a meadow surrounded by granite outcroppings and is now the last in a series of dams constructed on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. Originally, Pinecrest Lake was called Strawberry Flat because of the wild strawberries that once grew there. In the 1960s the name was o cially changed to Pinecrest.

e lake is now known for its amazing views and family-friendly activities. In fact, it is a generational tradition for many area families to spend a week or weekend by the shores of the lake, shing, boating or just admiring the views.

Pinecrest is stocked with rainbow trout on a weekly basis, drawing in

those who enjoy shing. e Pinecrest Lake Marina o ers a variety of rentals including paddle boats, kayaks, sailboats, motorboats and party boats. ere is also a dock for those bringing their own boats. e Pinecrest Hub, located next to the general store, o ers mountain bike rentals.

Another popular activity at Pinecrest is hiking the 6.8-mile lake loop trail. It is considered a moderately challenging route and takes an average of 3 hours to complete.

e Stanislaus National Forest Service o ers educational activities throughout the summer months including camp re programs, tall tales and silly songs, Native American cra s and games, yoga, wild ower walks and others. For a schedule of forest service programs, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/ recmain/stanislaus/ Pinecrest Lake Resort (pinecrestlakeresort.com) o ers di erent lodging accommodations from motel rooms to cabins and townhouses. Camping near the lake is o ered through Recreation.gov. e campground is within walking distance of the lake, an amphitheater, visitor center, swimming beach and hiking trails. Pets are welcome, but must be

compliant with Tuolumne County leash laws.

ere are plenty of picnic tables around the lake for those bringing their own food, however, the Steam Donkey Restaurant and Bar is located at Pinecrest Lake Resort for those looking for ner dining at the lake. e Pinecrest Lake Snack Bar is open daily during the summer months from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and o ers nachos, so pretzels, ice cream cones and sodas. Mobile food truck Outpost Deli is also available at Pinecrest o ering breakfast burritos and croissants, along with burgers, tri-tip and chicken sandwiches. ●

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Pinecrest Lake

WHEN: Day use is 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: 30 miles east of Sonora on State Highway 108

COST: There is no fee for parking and visiting the day use area including for the use of a single picnic table and grill. Large-group picnic sites and camping is reserved through Recreation.gov.

INFO: bit.ly/3O5jNNS

YEAR-ROUND ENJOYMENT

AT LAKE CAMANCHE

By SABRA STAFFORD

Fun doesn’t have just one season at Lake Camanche. This reservoir that sits at the junction of three counties in the 209 offers opportunities for amusement all year long.

Lake Camanche falls within Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin counties. It spans 7,700 surface acres and possesses 54 miles of shoreline. The North Shore, which is closer to Ione, sports a year-round café, a summertime ice cream shop and on shore camping. The South Shore, which is closer to Valley Springs, has a stocked trout pond, a summer snack shop and an amphitheater for movies and concerts in the summer,

The lake features family and group camping by the lake shoreline, cottages, RV sites, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, equestrian trails and equestrian camping and bird watching.

Lake Camanche is known as a fantastic spot for bass fishing, with varieties like largemouth, smallmouth and spotted. It’s also a favorite destination for trout anglers. Each year 60,000 pounds of trout are stocked in the lake

from June to October with the sizes ranging from one pound on up to eight pounders.

Accommodations at Lake Camanche run the gamut from tents, and RVs, to one-bedroom cottages and vacation rental homes.

The Lake Camanche Recreational Company also has boat rentals that include fishing motor boats, patio boats and kayaks.

One unique option at Lake Camanche is equestrian camping at Turkey Hill. This area is nestled in 16 acres of mature oak trees adjacent to the Mokelumne Coast to Crest trail staging area at Camanche South Shore. Equestrian campers, with trail permits, will have access to 28 miles of trail. The amenities include a horse wash station.

Birdwatching is another popular activity at the lake with options for self-guided tours and led tours.

Day use rates in the summer run $18 for vehicle and $21 for a vehicle and a boat. Campsites start at $38 per night and go up depending on the type of camping and length. For more information and to make reservations, visit golakecamanche.com. ●

Turkey Hill is nestled in 16 acres of mature oak trees adjacent to the Mokelumne Coast to Crest trail staging area at Camanche South Shore.

By KRISTINA HACKER

City-owned Lodi Lake has been a local favorite since its dedication in June 1934.

e lake originally took shape as the lowlying land lled with water backed up by the rst brush and wood dams built in 1889 and 1891 on the Mokelumne River downstream at Woodbridge. e ood of 1895 also helped create the lakebed. e Woodbridge dam and creation of the same-named water district increased the size of the lake over the years. Today, the lake is best known for its miles and miles of waterways that can be traversed by kayak, with its habitat perfect for birdwatching a close second in popularity.

e Lodi Boathouse o ers kayak and paddle board rentals, kayaking tours including monthly Full Moon Tours, and lessons. For more information on kayak rentals, visit: www.lodiboathouse.com.

e Lodi Lake area is a birdwatcher’s

paradise, boasting everything from waterfowl to cranes to raptors. A few birds that frequent the Lodi Lake area include the Sandhill Crane, Northern Pintail Duck, Tundra Swan, Swainson’s Hawk and Yellow-billed Magpie.

Lodi Lake is part of the Lodi Lake Park, which features picnic areas, nature trails and a separate beach for swimming.

ere is a minimal fee for entry into the park, swim area, and docent-guided group tours.

Individual tent camping is not allowed, but groups with a minimum of 12 RVs are allowed to camp at the lake if booked in advance.

Lodi Lake Beach features a large sandy beach and recreational swim area. From Aug. 5 through Sept. 4 the beach is open from noon to 2:45 p.m. and then 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only. e cost is $3 per person per session to swim. ●

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Lodi Lake

WHERE: 1101 Turner Rd., Lodi

COST: There is a $5 daily parking fee; and $13 daily boat launch fee

INFO: lodi.gov/348/Lodi-Lake

Waves of Modesto!

By JOE CORTEZ

Whatever your interests, Modesto Reservoir Regional Park is the place for you.

Located at 18143 Reservoir Rd., just outside of Waterford on Highway 132, Modesto Reservoir o ers 3,200 acres of land and 2,800 acres of reservoir for camping and recreation. Modesto Reservoir features approximately 150 campsites — available on a rst-come, rst-served basis — with hook-up amenities, and other camping areas with limited amenities.

Recreation opportunities include swimming, shing, boating, water/ jet skiing, bird watching, waterfowl hunting (with a permit during speci ed times of year), radio control airplane ying, and archery.

In partnership with the Modesto Radio Control Club, a radio control air eld now exists near the west boat ramp. Competitions are held, including the popular “Demolition Derby on Wings.” e MRCC o ers monthly gatherings and special

events throughout the year. e facility and the opportunity to y are open to the public.

e Yahi Bowmen Archery Club operates and maintains the reservoir’s archery range, with the club holding weekly shoots during the summer (monthly during other seasons).

Modesto Reservoir showcases a variety of natural wildlife, and is stocked with rainbow trout, red-ear sun sh, largemouth bass, channel cat sh, and bluegill.

To keep the reservoir’s drinking water as pure as possible, there are no pets allowed at this lake. Camping is limited to 50 feet away from the high-water mark. As a preventive measure for gas and oil spills, no fuel containers are allowed in the park. No sh cleaning station is available; sh cleaning is not allowed onsite.

Day-use hours for Modesto Reservoir are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (boat ramps close at 7 p.m.).

Day-use fee is $20 per vehicle ($15 for Stanislaus County residents), and

if you’re towing a boat it’s an additional $15 ($10 for residents) to enter. Campgrounds (accommodating up to two vehicles) are $40 per night ($35 for residents), while campgrounds with hook-ups are $45 per night ($40 for residents).

e picnic shelter use fee is $115 per day, with a $10 reservation fee ($125 total). For residents, it’s $90 per day, with a $10 reservation fee.

An annual day-use permit is $125. Nearby Woodward Reservoir, just north of Oakdale on Highway 120, o ers many of the same amenities as Modesto Reservoir.

“Woodward is similar in that has camping and boating and waterfowl hunting,” said Julie Orona, events and marketing coordinator for Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation. “And the pricing is all the same because it’s also run by the county.”

For more information, visit stancountyparks.com/modesto-reservoir or call 209-525-6750 MondayFriday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). ●

MAKE A WEEKEND AT

LAKE MCSWAIN

BY CHRISTOPHER CORREA

Anew summer season, a new opportunity to soak in the fun at Lake McSwain in Snelling.

While 209 Magazine has documented all the fun on the water with folks over at the Splash-N-Dash in atable water park, the site has plenty of other activities for visitors of all ages.

Prior to the waterpark’s opening in 2018, Lake McSwain was already a popular destination for tourists and community members alike.

e Lake McSwain campground is home to a marina, and is perfect for shing, swimming and picnics. Unlike other lakes, Lake McSwain’s water levels are not a ected by local water conditions, making it easy for swimmers to take a dip.

For the shing a cionados, Lake McSwain is home of Merced’s annual Trout Fishing Derby, which takes place twice a year, rst in April for the spring derby and then in October for the fall derby.

For those not participating in the intense shing competitions, other wranglers can take advantage

of calm 10 mile-per-hour speed limits on the water and take their time trying to bait and reel in the wide variety of trout species.

e Lake McSwain campground also has multiple cabins available for rent if tents and sleeping bags isn’t your thing.

Nearby is e Reel Deal Marina Store and Café.

e store o ers guests shing tackle, camping gear and snacks to accommodate any shing trip, picnics or camp sites. Whether you’re in a tent or have a roof over your head, e Reel Deal’s café gives visitors an opportunity to sit down and order breakfast burritos, burgers, tacos, hot dogs and appetizers.

The grounds also feature fish cleaning stations, kayak rentals, a playground, barbecue grills, event pavilions, horseshoe pits and a rentable barbecue pit.

For more information on Lake McSwain, to view park rates and hours or to purchase passes, head to www.lakemcclure.com/lake-mcswain-campingrecreation. ●

Aer a mild start to the summer, things got cookin’ in late June with arrival of triple-digit temperatures, and triple-digits last until August.

Lake McClure, which lies among the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills and stately oak trees of Mariposa County, provides guests a get-away from the triple-digits of the Central Valley.

Lake McClure is owned and operated by the Merced Irrigation District, which also owns Lake McSwain just a few mile downstream.

Both lakes — technically, reservoirs — are fed by the Merced River, which ows out of Yosemite National Park. A er the historic rains and snowfall of this past winter, the Merced River feeds Lake McClure with plenty of chilly, heat-beating water.

By JOE CORTEZ

With a wide body of open water near the dam, Lake McClure is big enough for boaters to spread out, with plenty of coves and inlets to explore. Water skiers, jet skiers, wakeboarders, kayakers, paddlers, houseboaters are welcome. Anglers are welcome, too. ey’ll enjoy shing for trout, bass and salmon.

Lake McClure is served by Barrett Cove Marina (on the western shore), which o ers a variety of personal watercra to rent.

As for camping, guests have several options.

McClure Point Camping and Recreation Area — located seven miles from neighboring Lake McSwain on Lake McClure Road — o ers more views of the water than any other campground.

Barrett Cove is the largest of the lake’s recreation areas, with more than 200

campsites. Horseshoe Bend Camping and Recreation Area is a few miles west of Coulterville on Highway 132. e Bagby Camping and Recreation area is located just below the Merced River at the inlet of Lake McClure. And, of course, there’s always the campsites at nearby Lake McSwain.

Day-use fee is $10 per vehicle ($3 for motorcycles, maximum two persons), plus $9 with a boat. An annual day-use pass is $125, and $100 to add a boat.

It costs $75 to rent the small picnic pavilion, and $125 for the large. A barbecue pit and wagon can be rented for $45, only at Barrett Cove.

e daily campground site fee is $30, with a second-vehicle fee of $12 (maximum eight persons per site).

For more information, visit lakemcclure.com, or call 209-354-2955. ●

New Melones

The supersized 209 reservoir

By DENNIS WYATT

New Melones is the largest reservoir is the 209 and the fourth largest in California,

As such, the reservoir accessed by taking Highway 49 out of Sonora has the largest surface area of any lake in 209 with 12,500 acres making it ideal for robust water recreation.

New Melones’ elevation is at 1,100 feet. at means in the summer you can expect temperatures to essentially mirror those in the Northern San Joaquín Valley.

ere are 100 plus miles of shoreline with the quintessential lower Sierra foothill summer scenery of scattered oaks with endless golden brush.

New Melones’s smooth “glasslike surface” makes it ideal for waterskiing, using personal watercra , sailing, kayaking and such.

It is considered one of the top reservoirs for shing. e lake features bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, redeye bass, kokanee, black crappie, channel cat sh, and bluegill.

New Melones’s gem is Natural Bridges, a unique series of caves with

Coyote Creek running through them.  e trailhead are located on Parrott’s Ferry Road approximately three miles north of Columbia.

ere is limited parking available at the trailhead. ere are vault toilets at the parking area, but no drinking water. It’s a moderate 0.7 mile hike to Natural Bridges that you can tube or walk through.

ere are two day use areas.

Tuttletown Recreation Area is a le turn o of northbound Highway 49 just a er passing Jackass Hill Road (on the right) that takes you to Mark Twain’s preserved cabin from the Gold Rush days.

Tuttletown Recreation Area is on a peninsula.

It o ers three campgrounds (Acorn, Chamise, and Manzanita) with 161 campsites, two day-use areas, a boat launch ramp with parking lot, an RV dump station, and sh cleaning station. Two group campgrounds are available by reservation only.

Beyond the turno to Tuttletown Recreation Area and to the right just before reaching the Highway 49 bridge

spanning the reservoir is the turno for the year-round visitor center/museum. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It features a variety of exhibits highlighting the area’s history, the Gold Rush era of the “submerged town” of Melones, water management, and conservation. Ranger-guided nature hikes and visitor center programs are provided year round. ere are evening campground programs in the summer.

Gloryhole Recreation Area is a le turn a bit north of the bridge.

It has two campgrounds (Big Oak and Ironhorse) with 144 campsites, three day-use areas, 30 miles of hiking/ biking trails, a sh cleaning station, a swim beach, and 2 boat launch ramps with parking lots. A full service marina and store complete with fuel and boat rentals are available.

Marina rentals include houseboats, party boats, sport boats, watersport cra as well as patio and platoon boats. e marina’s website is at newmeloneslakemarina.com. e contact number is 209-885-3300. ●

By JOE CORTEZ

Not many will look back on the COVID-19 pandemic and see a silver lining, but Zach Wagner does.

e pandemic provided the 20-year-old Catheys Valley resident with an idea for a bike rental delivery business — California Quests — that came to fruition last fall.

“I’d been working on it for a few years,” said Wagner, who said he’d noticed that the bikes available to rent in Yosemite National Park were not in the best shape. “During COVID, I wondered what would be a good way to get people high-quality bikes without physical contact. California Quests was created so tourists and locals alike could have a bike delivered straight to their door without any contact.”

Here’s how it works: Visit CaliforniaQuests.com to order a bike. Right now, the company has a eet of 10 premium mountain bikes — six adult bikes, two for teens and two for kids. Additionally, you can rent racks to haul the bikes to your destinations — more than likely that’s Yosemite National Park.

Adult bikes can be rented for $100 per day. A er the third day, that rate

drops to $80 per day for the remainder of the rental contract. Youth bikes start out at $75 per day, dropping to $60 a er the third day, and kids’ bikes start out at $45 per day, dropping to $36. Racks can be rented for $15 at rate, and helmets are always free.

If you live in the speci ed delivery radius — within 10 miles of Mariposa — California Quests will deliver the bikes/racks/helmets to your door at no charge. If you live within 20 miles of Mariposa (10 miles beyond the radius), you can have your bikes delivered for a fee of $30. If you live still farther away, California Quests will arrange a meeting point within the boundaries where you can pick up your equipment.

Business is picking up with the warmer weather.

“It was a little slow at the start because people don’t usually bike in the cold,” said Wagner. “It started picking up in the spring, and then summer a good bit more. But with tra c so unbelievably bad right now, biking would be the quickest way into the park.”

Before starting California Quests, Wagner worked for his parents, Jerry and Courtney Wagner, doing groundskeeping for their three Airbnb properties — Midpines House, Black Bear Lodge, and Main Street Boarding House — all near Mariposa.

“Now that things have picked up this summer, I’m looking at adding a bike every two weeks, eventually adding a new bike every week,” said Wagner. “ e thing I’m most excited about is getting electric bikes in the future. For now, the

most positive feedback I’m getting is about the contactless delivery. It’s really popular. People wanted contactless during the pandemic for health reasons, now it’s all about the convenience.”

In addition to increasing the size of the eet, Wagner has designs on expanding California Quests’ realm of operations to other regions of the state and, perhaps, the nation.

“Who knows?” said Wagner. “We might have to call it ‘Outside-California Quests.” ●

YOSEMITE FOR NEWBIES

By DENNIS WYATT

There are six words when uttered by anyone who has lived in the Northern San Joaquin Valley for at least a year that never cease to amaze me — “I have never been to Yosemite.”

I nd it unfathomable that someone within 150 minutes travel time of arguably one of the world’s most incredible and accessible natural wonders have never taken the opportunity to check it out.

I’m sure that the 3 million plus annual visitors to Yosemite— many who came from Europe and Asia — would probably think the same thing.

I’ll be the rst to admit even in the year I racked up 10 trips to Yosemite that I avoided Yosemite Valley — the place where perhaps 95 percent of the visitors are drawn for obvious reasons — like the plague between May and October except when I want to hike out of the valley to the rim. at’s when 75 percent of the annual visitors descend on Yosemite.

Although the national park has 747,956 square miles, almost every one of those visitors’ heads to the main attractions within the walls of the six square miles that make up Yosemite Valley. ere is a reason why Yosemite’s o cial site o en warns visitors this time of year expect twoto-three-hour delays in tra c once

you reach Yosemite’s boundaries as well as enter the valley on weekends or a ernoons on week days.

Now that you’ve heard my reservations for going this time of year, ignore them. e reason is because of the record snowfall that has created a unique summer opportunity in Yosemite Valley.

e waterfalls are running like it is still early spring.

In the past ve years, only two would continue owing over the rim to the valley this time of year — the falls known as Yosemite and Bridal Veil — and they weren’t exactly robust. Today they’re roaring strong.

e Glacier Point Road — that leads to what would literally be breathtaking views of Half Dome if you had to hike there up the Four Mile Trail — opened today (July 1) while working around road work.

Hours are limited through July 4 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. It closes again July 5-7 and reopens July 8 with the same hours. en starting every day on July 15, it is open with 30-minute delays.

e path to the high country via Tioga Road (Highway 120) as of July 1 still hasn’t been opened for the season. All of that said, this is arguably the best summer in decades for newbies to Yosemite due to the snowpacks that has given the valley a spring-like feel when it comes to waterfalls minus the seriously cold weather at time.

is is arguably the best time to take a day trip as the weather is warm and the days longer.

What you’re about to read is basically a one-day whirlwind tour of the top draws of Yosemite that can be done with mostly at walking and driving or catching the free trams.

e only suggestion — a walk at least part ways up the Mist Trail to see Vernal Fall from a footbridge across the Merced River or climb the stone steps to the top where you are likely to see a rainbow along the way or going all the way to Nevada Fall — is included even though it requires a bit of exertion.

e reason is even a er 14 trips up it primarily to show Yosemite newbies its beauty, it never loses its charm. It helps of course that I fell in love while being sprayed with mist from the crashing water over Vernal Fall and a rainbow was arching across the Merced.

Before you go make sure you wear comfortable clothes and shoes meant for walking, a change of clothes (or at least socks) if you decide you want to get wet walking near a waterfall, and water that you can carry.

You’re better o packing a lunch and bringing in your own ice chest of drinks. If you have a backpack, bring it along especially if you end up taking the tram or heading o to take more of a hike as you will need to carry extra water, snacks and such. ere are a few concessions but between the crowds and the price means bringing your own makes sense. Also make sure you have a full tank of gas as there is none available in the valley although you can gas up at Crane Flat if you enter the park on Highway 120.

e quickest way from Manteca is Highway 120 as it takes you directly to the park. From Turlock it is going to be Highway 140 out of Merced. Itinerary for whirlwind one day Yosemite visit

e entrance fee is $35 for a sevenday pass. If you have an inkling you may need to go to the bathroom in the

next four to six hours, I’d advise using the ones right a er you get past the pay stations. e rangers will provide a map that you can use to reference stops that I’m suggesting.

A er you emerge from the second of three tunnels as you head to the valley via the Highway 120 entrance you will be tempted to pull over to get a picture of the rst dramatic granite views. A er going through Yosemite, the view from this point will look mundane but it is still worth the stop. e rst stop once you are in the valley is Bridal Veil Falls. It may take a while to nd a parking space in the lot or along the road leading up to the world-famous Tunnel View but it’s worth the wait. It is about a quarter mile hike to the falls.

From there I would go straight to the dirt parking lot at Curry Village. You can access the tram from here

THE REASON IS EVEN AFTER 14 TRIPS UP IT PRIMARILY TO SHOW

YOSEMITE NEWBIES ITS BEAUTY, IT NEVER LOSES ITS CHARM.

or walk a little over a half mile to Mirror Lake. It’s called Mirror Lake for obvious reasons. You are also below Half Dome. is is the way to head up Snow Creek Trail to the southern rim but if you stay in the valley the walk to the lakes and the surrounding meadows is fairly at.

Walk back to the valley loop road and catch a tram to Yosemite Falls. Hiking to the lower falls is a treat. Heading to the top takes an e ort but it is worth it, especially being able to hold your smartphone over the granite edge — there is railing — and snapping video as Yosemite Creek plunges from 6,936 feet down to the valley 3,000 feet below.

You can take the tram back to Curry Village.

Once there you can do two things. Try the Mist Trail hike that starts about a half mile away or get in the

car and drive toward the western end of the valley to near El Capitan. is is a perfect stop for a picnic lunch. You can head toward the Merced River and nd a spot suitable to enjoy both the water and searching the granite walls of El Capitan for climbers. Be sure not to enter areas that are cordoned o due to fragile eco-systems or restoration e orts. e imposing El Capitan is a vertical gain of 3,000 feet from base to top. It is the world’s eighth largest monolithic (single) rock.

From there, get in the car and head back as if you’re going to Bridal Veil Falls. Instead head up to the Tunnel View. Parking is a challenge but it’s worth seeing the view that Kodak in its heyday said was one of the most photographed in the world. Doing this later in the day puts the sun in the right place.

From there continue onto Glacier Point Road.

You will run into snow along the way with many of the trails accessed from here still covered in snow, especially as you work your way from roadways. Don’t even think about trying to hike them unless you know what you’re doing.

Once you reach Glacier Point you will be treated to views of the glaciercarved valley from 3,100 feet up and a stunning view of Half Dome. While the views from North Dome are probably the absolute best and similar lo y vistas from Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls are in the same league as Glacier Point, it is the only one you can reach without seven to 16 miles of hiking with lots of elevation gain.

On the way out near Crane Flat there are two smaller groves of giant

ONCE YOU REACH GLACIER POINT YOU WILL BE TREATED TO VIEWS OF THE GLACIERCARVED VALLEY FROM 3,100 FEET UP AND A STUNNING VIEW OF HALF DOME.

sequoias if you are so inclined to see and have the time. e Merced and Tuolumne groves — depending upon the one you choose — involves between two to three miles round trip hiking and gain in elevation of less than 500 feet.

Hetch Hetchy is an option as well

You could also say no to the crowds at Yosemite Valley and head instead to Hetch Hetchy Valley for a 2.5-to-fourhour roundtrip hike to Wapama Falls that covers 5.5 miles round trip.

Your turn o Highway 120 is before reaching the Yosemite Valley entrance station. e road takes you past the Evergreen Resort and San Francisco’s Camp Mather. You will go through a Yosemite entrance. Day users this time of year have to be out by 9 p.m.

You drive to the edge of O’Shaughnessy Dam and walk across the dam face and connect with a trail

that has a total elevation gain of 200 feet to reach Wapama Falls. e fall once plunged 1,800 feet to the Tuolumne River. But even with Hetch Hetchy Reservoir covering the last 400 feet, it is still impressive. ere are a series of short bridges that takes the trail across the waterfalls. ey were a little dicey still due to the heavy run-o so last month on a trip there I only crossed the rst one. Another guy braved the second bridge but turned back as the space between the next bridge was a heavy downward spray making it treacherous — and stupid — to try and navigate the slippery rock trail especially without bene t of railing.

I have been to Hetch Hetchy spring, summer, winter, and fall and it never disappoints.

How impressive is it? My rst trip there was in March of 2016. I’ve been

back ve times and plan a sixth trip in August to show it to some friends. ere are essentially no crowds plus plenty of places to be lazy along the trail on granite outcroppings overlooking the reservoir.

As an added bonus, this year you can probably make a trip to Tuolumne Meadows once Tioga Road is reopened and see conditions and owers that resemble early spring in July or the rst few weeks of August. e subalpine meadow is at 8,619 feet. e only meadows I’ve been to that are more stunning are above 10,000 feet in the eastern Sierra requiring a half day of hiking to reach.

Take my word, if you haven’t been to Yosemite you need to go before you die.

at way you can make sure you caught a glimpse of heaven on earth to use as a comparison. ●

EASY ON THE SERVINGS

By TERESA HAMMOND

We are living in a funny world.

Keeping with the theme on which this column space was founded: I am constantly reading, watching and altering my tness journey. Yet as a woman in her middle stage of life, I am “beyond,” with a topic which is just not talked about enough.

Personally speaking, the past few years have been rough, from a physical standpoint. A body altered by a cancer diagnosis and eight surgeries (including a double mastectomy), throw in countless treatments and medications which I’m pretty sure has my body saying ... what the heck.

Yet here we are and despite all of this, which some might throw their arms up and say, ‘Hey, I’m still here, who cares!’ I can honestly say, I do.

Over 12 years ago I lost close to 100 pounds not because it was trendy, but because I was unhappy being physically heavy. It sucked. Big bellies are uncomfortable, as is cha ng and being short of breath when climbing stairs.

e weight stayed o because I love being active, I’m not a huge foodie, so a modest diet was easy and I like cute clothes, so that served as constant motivation.

However, as I’ve battled cancer, with each year the number on the scale has climbed. It’s frustrating on a level which is honestly at times more painful than cancer.

Why? One might say. How vain is she? Another might ponder. Aren’t you happy to still be here?

e answer to all of this is simple. It’s hard work to get healthy and maintain it. To have it stripped from you as you’re trying to stay above ground can simply feel defeating at times. But wait, this is about more than cancer, it’s about stage of life. A topic which I swear if was covered half as much as the “health coach entrepreneurs” on social media we would all be doing so much better.

Recently as I scrolled and scrolled my trusty Google Doctor (yes I know critics, this girl is desperate), I stumbled upon a paragraph which shi ed this journey and frustration onto a whole new axis.

Quite simply put, the paragraph shared that as we age, our metabolism slows requiring less calorie intake for optimal health.

What?

Now don’t misunderstand, I’m well aware that post menopause (which also happened during cancer) my metabolism slowed down. However, this girl has been walking miles at a time and spinning hours at a time to try and speed it up. So while my food has not changed drastically, the reality is, it needs to.

A visit with my OB earlier this summer found me in tears as we recapped the past three years of my life and “how I’m doing.” Frustrated and defeated by the new 40 pounds I lug around, I broke into tears. My doctor shook her head, handed me a tissue and uttered words I needed to hear.

She shared she had recently turned 50. She had packed on 15 pounds literally with no changes to her daily routine. Her solution, her servings got smaller.

“ e amount of food on my plate is so little it’s almost silly,” she said. “But you

know what? It worked and I’m healthy again.”

“ ank you!” I exclaimed as she shared this, noting I had read this, yet no one talks about this simple thing which makes so much sense.

“If you ate now like you did when you were 30 you would de nitely gain

weight, regardless of exercise,” she said. I went on to share how a er I stumbled upon this info, I thought back to my grandmother and my great aunt and how little they seemed to always eat on a daily basis. My doctor nodded, acknowledging the body requires less, however nutrient dense becomes more important for our brain and our bones.

So back to Google I went because I just knew I had to share this in this column space for the ladies like me. In my ndings I discovered MyPlatePlan, a site which can help one gure out what their calorie intake should be based on their age, gender, height, weight and activity level.

In the search it was also noted on multiple sites, including the Mayo Clinic, that 150 minutes of brisk walking per week coupled with two to three days of strength training are best to help maintain weight, as well as shed some extra pounds.

Forget the fads and stop beating yourself up (as I did), most especially those of us who now know the word FUPA (Fatty Upper Pubic Area) and are thoroughly confused as to where this came from. Look around; we’re not alone and as odd as it is, it’s truly not uncommon in us midlife ladies.

is is where the strength training and nutrient rich diet comes in. We’ve just gotta work, errrr, re-work those muscles that we aren’t using as much any longer. Mostly and mainly, hey I get it, us ladies have traveled some miles. Our bodies have served us and possibly some children well. But this midlife chapter, is our chapter. is is our time to go live our best life and a whole next level and wouldn’t it be great to do that in a body which served you versus sapped you of all energy and motivation.

So, here’s to gaining some knowledge; understanding that our portions must shrink not to be skinny but to be well and mostly for caring for the one thing we need to keep going — our health. ●

This is where the strength training and nutrient rich diet comes in. We’ve just gotta work, errrr, re-work those muscles that we aren’t using as much any longer.

Splashdown in McCovey Cove

By TERESA HAMMOND

Grass isn’t growing under the feet of Bertha Riggs, at least not if she can help it.

Now well into her golden years, this soon-to-be 100-year-old is taking the opportunity to do as much as she possibly can.

Most recently the Oakdale senior was seen on the Jumbotron of Oracle Park in San Francisco as well as on the evening news. Why? Well, it all began with an adventure and a few friends.

“Bertha and I have been good friends for many years,” longtime community member and adventure seeker Steve Cooper shared. “She and my wife are really good friends and I knew what a baseball fan she was.”

According to Cooper, he knew of Riggs’ love for her hometown baseball team, the San Francisco Giants.

“My dad used to take me, it wasn’t the Giants it was the Seals,” Riggs said of the early days of going to baseball games with her dad as a child. “I was born and raised in San Francisco, so he would take me to the ball game with him.”

Cooper further explained that one day as he and Riggs spoke of her favorite team, she shared that she’d love nothing more than for them to win another pennant for her 100th birthday. Riggs will turn 100 on Sept. 16 of this year. Knowing his limitations and hopeful that this might happen, Cooper proposed another idea. A oat around McCovey Cove.

“I brought it up to her daughter Nina and Nina said ‘great, let’s go,’” Cooper shared of his conversation with Riggs’ daughter, Nina Wright.

Bertha Riggs was the star of all the selfies with kayakers as she floated and celebrated her upcoming 100th birthday in McCovey Cove during a recent San Francisco Giants game.

A souvenir baseball, a sign with her birthday wish and great friend Steve Cooper were a few of the birthday highlights for Oakdale resident Bertha Riggs recently in McCovey Cove.

Retired firefighter Don Amario, left, was on hand to help Steve Cooper, right, on land and sea as they floated McCovey Cove with Giants fan, Oakdale resident Bertha Riggs.

“I called her our Cruise Director. She kept everything in line and kept Bertha comfortable.”

“I said I could swim,” Riggs chuckled as she recalled the initial conversation about being in a kayak instead of the stands. “It was fun. It was so different. I’ve been to the games so many times and looked out and saw everybody out there (in the cove) and thought how crazy. They should come up here and have a seat.”

But now she would be one of that “crazy” group, though it would take some planning and additional support for Cooper to feel completely comfortable taking her out into the bay.

Cooper enlisted the help of his friend and retired firefighter Don Amario to accompany them in a second kayak on the bay.

“He’s an ex-firefighter, so that’s what made me comfortable,” Wright said of her mother’s adventure with her friends. “That the two of them could handle mom. She said, “I could swim.” She was game right from the get go.”

“He was our support,” Cooper added of his friend’s involvement.

For Amario, the opportunity was a no brainer and he too was all in from the start.

“Steve Cooper’s always been involved, helping different people with different things,” Amario said of his friend. “So when he asked me, would you be interested in helping us, hey … anything you wanna do Steve, I’m good.”

And so the planning began. A Saturday day game was in order to make the birthday plan come to fruition. On Saturday, June 24 the trio of Cooper, Amario and Wright set out to give Riggs the birthday adventure of a lifetime –even if it came a few months early.

“The day turned out better than any of us could imagine,” Amario said, mentioning a fan who spends every game in McCovey Cove. “He just wanted pictures with her. She got on the big screen; she got on television. That day was perfect. It was beautiful.”

Once the two men loaded Riggs into a tandem kayak, they were good to go.

“She was solid in the kayak. No hesitation at all. She was comfortable,” Cooper said.

The trio chuckled as they recalled the day and the very quick celebrity status Riggs gained among the others in the Cove. As kayakers discovered the soonto-be centenarian and her mission, they surrounded her for selfies and some ‘Atta girl’ kudos.

“Surrounded by love and kind people. It was just a fun time,” Riggs said.

“We were celebrities out there,” Cooper confirmed. “It was incredible. What a thrill to be a part of it.”

As the two men toured the birthday girl around the water, proud daughter Wright, watched from the shore declaring, “That’s my mom!” to passersby.

“The Ambassador of Fun, that’s my job,” Wright said of sharing these later years with her mom. The two women live together in Oakdale, so Wright can help care for her mom’s daily needs.

“Just being part of that whole thing. I knew it was going to be pretty neat for her,” Amario said, “it was neat for all of us. I mean it was so rewarding. When she was in the cove, everybody wanted to get a picture with her. Everybody sang happy birthday to her.”

Listening to the trio recount the day, Riggs beams with joy, sharing she threw kisses to everyone as she floated by.

“We had a lovely time,” Riggs said, beaming. “I just love everybody. I do, I really do.”

And for as much as she loves people, she also loves baseball. She shared fond memories of going to games and getting ice cream with her father as a child. She also shared her love for the team now and following their progress from her Oakdale home.

“It’s a clean, fun game. It’s just great,” she shared.

But sometimes, she admitted, she wishes they would take her advice.

“He’s okay,” Riggs stated of Manager Gabe Kapler. “He doesn’t take ‘em out when I say … Bring in another pitcher!”

But her support trio may have a solution to her criticism of the Giants manager.

“I’d like to see her throw out a first pitch at a game,” Amario stated. “Maybe for her 101st birthday she’ll get to throw out a first pitch.”

For now, though, the memories of their McCovey Cove trip will have to do.

“I find joy in helping you find joy in life. In adventure, in the spirit of adventure,” Cooper concluded. ●

It was fun. It was so different. I’ve been to the games so many times and looked out and saw everybody out there (in the cove) and thought how crazy. They should come up here and have a seat.

—Bertha Riggs

FAMILY FEATURES

Award-winning outdoor space inspiration

Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational bene ts. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project.

For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of di culty, these National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading your outdoor spaces. Find the complete list at nari.org/cotywinners. ●

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $100,000

The clients wanted to upgrade a poorly draining, impractical backyard into an attractive, functional outdoor entertainment space that owed from the renovated basement. The project included an outdoor area for entertaining, outdoor kitchen, spacious patio with a custom concrete re pit, oversized ceiling fans, ample storage and landscaping complete with native plants around the perimeter. “By working on this project, we learned how important it is to take a holistic look at what clients are trying to accomplish with their renovations,” said Thomas Boyce, president of Boyce Design & Contracting. “Often with outdoor living projects, designers and contractors look at the exterior of the home in isolation. We learned to look at how the interior and exterior of the home connect to each other to make sure the features and oor plan ow and work well together. By taking this approach, we were able to achieve a better nished product that is more functional and attractive for our clients.”

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living

$100,000-$250,000

A young, active family was looking to create a distinct outdoor living space with multiple entertainment spaces that tied in with the existing aesthetic and elevated the home amongst its neighbors. The low-maintenance backyard

now features an outdoor dining area, sunken living room, entertainment area and additional storage space built with the home’s current architectural features while also maintaining a large enough yard for the kids and their friends to play.

“The aesthetic of the outdoor areas was designed not only for

function but also to re ect the interiors and keep the insideoutside living feeling continuous,” said Tim Johnson, owner and founder of Livit Site + Structure. “For example, the shiplap used on the re table is the same shiplap featured inside the home. Likewise, the Douglas r timbers used on the pergola are the same as the interior ceiling beams.”

Residential Landscape Design/Outdoor Living

Over $250,000

A 4,000-square-foot project built at four di erent elevations, this client wanted to include a safe way to move from the upper level to the backyard without coming through the house, a structure for shade and protection from mosquitoes and a pool with features that re ected the home. Adding a covered screen room with individually controlled wall panels, see-through replace, fountain, pool with sheer

descent waterfalls, recycled rock walls and staircase from the upper elevation while enclosing it all within a stone wall met those expectations.

“A sound piece of advice for anyone building anything in the backyard: get a plan,” said Ken DePratt, owner of KD Poolscapes, Ltd. “Have it match your expectations list. Then, and only then, will you know if it matches your budget. We would recommend doing your research when taking on a pool project of any size. It’s hard to push that hole around once it’s dug.”

Growing community gardens

By MARG JACKSON

It’s far from a new idea, but it is one that is enjoying a bit of a resurgence.

Community gardens – those that o er up plots for residents to rent out and grow vegetables, fruit or owers – are themselves growing in popularity.

For those living in apartments or homes that don’t provide enough outdoor space for putting in a small garden, there are many groups and organizations around the 209 that are working to ll that need.

One of them is the Oakdale Garden Club, which has a number of planter boxes and beds available, putting them in during the past year and now having several of them rented out.

From tomatoes – and lots of them – to succulents, sweet corn to strawberries, residents can work on their gardening skills and share their love of the hobby with like-

This is just a small piece of the mural that runs along the length of the Oakdale Community Garden o East A Street; the brightly colored mural was painted this past spring during the Love Oakdale event.

Gary Jones is an active member of the Oakdale Garden Club; he and fellow member Rachel Bond are co-chairs of the committee overseeing the Oakdale Community Garden.

Longtime Oakdale Garden Club member Gary Jones helps oversee the Oakdale Community Garden, where several residents are renting out space to grow vegetables, owers, succulents and more.

Tomatoes are growing in abundance this season at the Oakdale Community Garden, with several of the plots featuring the popular plant.

minded people.

Gary Jones is an active member of the Oakdale Garden Club; he and fellow member Rachel Bond are co-chairs of the committee overseeing the Oakdale Community Garden. Jones said he is pleased by the response the organization’s garden-plot-for-rent program has received.

“We rent from March 1 to March 1 and we only have two empty in ground spots,” he said of the garden space nearly selling out this first year.

You can actually rent space at any time, as long as it is available, and the cost is $60 per year, with senior citizens age 65 and over getting a substantial price break, paying just $20 per year.

There are 20 large in ground beds along with nine boxes; the boxes come in two sizes, are raised to allow easier access for seniors but can also be used by anyone wishing to rent them out.

“One of the boxes and one of the in-ground beds, a local Girl Scout troop has,” Jones said of appealing to a wide audience for the garden effort. “What’s nice is we have some families in there, some single people, some seniors … and people are talking, comparing what they’re growing.”

In that regard, he said, it truly is a ‘community’ garden, as it is bringing residents of the community together for some outdoor time, exercise through gardening, and reaping rewards for the work done.

“Eventually we’d like to do some classes and they would be open to everybody,” Jones added of future plans for the Oakdale Garden Club at its community garden site. “We also planted an orchard; we have some nectarines, peaches and pears, apples, apricots, a cherry tree … we put 12 trees in and they’re looking good.”

No fruit is anticipated until next year, but the trees are planted at the north

end of the Community Garden which is off East A Street in Oakdale, close to the Oak Haven Senior Apartment complex and the Gladys L. Lemmons Senior Community Center.

“Most of the boxes are rented by seniors and I think all but one come from the senior apartments here,” Jones said, noting the proximity of the garden to the apartment complex.

A garden shed on the property provides ample room for storage of garden tools and it was constructed by Riverbank High School students as part of a class.

Jones said the shed is a perfect storage area and said the club was very appreciative of the craftsmanship and dedication of the students in putting it together.

Gardeners have access to their garden plots seven days a week; the garden gate is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Another goal of the club is to add more faucets in the near future, so there is one faucet available for each two

garden plots, helping cut down on the need for carrying water to sites or using hoses to reach them.

“We have a ‘share box’ and people have put stuff in there,” Jones said, with gardeners spreading the bounty, putting vegetables they won’t utilize into the share box.

Some of the extra produce, he added, will also be passed along to Oakdale Community Food Sharing, which helps provide food to those in need in the community.

Jones said that many of the garden beds and boxes have been personalized by those that have rented them, one with a sign indicating it is the ‘Miller Family Garden’ while the plot rented by the Girls Scout has brightly colored decorative rocks interspersed among the plants. Another garden bed is being used to grow succulents … there are many ways to make it uniquely your own.

And that, Jones said, seems to be part of the appeal.

The backdrop wall of the garden was brightly painted with a colorful mural during the Love Oakdale community work day at the end of April this past spring and Jones said it really has helped to make the garden a bright and inviting place.

The club is definitely interested in getting more beds and boxes put in; they also will be adding a rose garden area and a pollinator garden, where they will feature some native plants in the hopes of attracting butterflies and bees.

“This is our first year but some of these have really taken off,” Jones said, surveying the wide variety of garden spaces. “Some of the people are still learning but it’s nice to see everyone enjoying it.”

For more information, visit the Garden website at www.OakdaleCommunityGarden.org. ●

Pure Paws

By MARG JACKSON

As many people continue to deal with food allergies and turn increasingly to more natural products, the same can be said for pets.

And while it may feel like pampering, for many dogs around the region, natural treats are a wholesome alternative to commercially produced, full-of- ller products.

Among those in the business of o ering fresh treats is Sara Bulygo of Riverbank, owner of Pure Paws Biscuit Bar. She creates colorful ‘pup’cakes, avored cookies, bone-shaped treats, ‘pup’ tarts and other items perfect for your canine companion. She said getting involved in the small-scale production of natural treats was an easy path to choose.

“I was working at a dog grooming salon in Modesto and I realized there were so many dogs with so many skin issues that come from the food they’re eating,” Bulygo explained. “So, I came up with all-natural dog treats and they’ve been a hit; it has taken o so much faster than I had ever anticipated.”

She has been producing the treats for a little under a year and has taken advantage of the variety of outdoor venues for selling the product over the last several months.

“I do the Oakdale Morning Market every Saturday, the Turlock Market on Sundays, Escalon on every third Wednesday of the month; and then any

other ones that come up,” she said.

Bulygo is also on Instagram at @ purepawsbiscuitbar and enjoys the creative process as she transforms ingredients into fun and avorful dog treats.

“I really like the pupcakes and the donuts,” she said of her favorite items to prepare, with both mini and full-size decorated donuts o ered. “I really like the big donuts, actually.”

Some treats are plain, others are decorated with all-natural dog safe sugar free frosting and sprinkles, including some with peanuts, coconut and the sprinkles she gets from another

company.

“ ey’re good for all dogs, all dog breeds, they’re all natural ingredients, no preservatives, additives, all human grade, no sugar, nothing like that,” she noted of the treats. “Everything is sugar free, dog safe.”

ere isn’t any one speci c item she can pinpoint as the top seller, however.

“Actually, every single market, every single event is di erent,” Bulygo said.

“Every time, something di erent sells out. I would say all the peanut butter ones are the most popular; however, the apple cinnamon pupcakes and donuts sell just as well.”

For her donuts and pupcakes,

“They’re good for all dogs, all dog breeds, they’re all natural ingredients, no preservatives, additives, all human grade, no sugar, nothing like that. Everything is sugar free, dog safe.”

—Sara Bulygo

Owner of Pure Paws Biscuit Bar, Sara Bulygo of Riverbank has carved out a niche business with her all-natural dog treats.

ingredients include whole wheat our, cinnamon, baking powder and unsweetened applesauce. Key ingredients in the parmesan pretzels are whole wheat our, eggs, oat bran, chicken broth, baking powder, parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. e poplar s’mores, pup tarts and dipped bones are made with a combination of whole wheat our, natural peanut butter, baking powder and cinnamon.

One of the treats that gets a lot of attention is the dog-shaped bones, which come in a variety of breeds, Bulygo utilizing dog cookie cutters to o er up several di erent breeds.

“I try to have all of the most popular breed of dog faces so everyone can nd their breed,” she added of the peanut butter avored cookies.

Her slogan is “Because Your Pup

Deserves Real Food” and the reasonable prices and all-natural ingredients can make owners feel good about that special treat they are o ering to their pet. She can also create specialty birthday cakes for your dog; contact Bulygo at purepawsbb@yahoo.com for more information.

“I love that they’re safe for all dogs. People love them; people say how cute they are and I just love it,” Bulygo added

of the joy she has in the process. “I get to be creative with them, every week is something di erent, I can decorate them in di erent colors, di erent sprinkles … every week can be di erent.”

e businesswoman added that she had been involved in the same type of e ort several years ago but has found the marketplace much more interested in the products now.

“Many years ago, before I had kids, probably about 15 years ago I had tried dog treats and dogs weren’t as important to people as they are now,” she pointed out. “ ey weren’t like their babies, like they are now. But people will always spend money on their dogs and their kids, you know, and so I tried it again and it has taken o so fast, faster than I could have imagined it would.” ●

Colorful frosting and sprinkles, sugar free and dog safe, help create colorful, tasty treats for your favorite canine companion.

Wonderment

By TERESA HAMMOND

Things are starting to shape up in a whole new way for business owner Pam Benziger. e master cra er and wood worker has taken her gi from home parties and corporate events to a brick-and-mortar location at 1275 E. F St., Suite 9A, Oakdale. What started as a labor of love to assist her husband, Realtor Kevin Benziger, with client gifts quickly morphed into something more nearly six years ago. She originally began with learning to make porch signs for her husband’s clients.

“I did some research, figured out how to do it and I love it,” she said of making the signs. “So, I started getting really into it.”

Quickly learning she enjoyed working with wood and the memories it sparked from her childhood, Benziger shared that, growing up with a father who was a “hobby carpenter,” the smell of the wood took her back to a “happy place” filled with nice memories.

“I watched a ton of YouTube videos and really enjoyed learning how to build things,” she added.

Benziger shared when she first started the business, she wanted to offer something different beyond the typical paint parties which were growing in popularity.

“Anything can be painted any way, in any style to go with their home,” the crafter said of creating wood working items which are transformed into home decor. “I know how to teach people all the techniques.

“I use stencils, I’m not an artist,” she continued. “The only thing I can paint by hand is sunflowers because I love them. So, I can’t teach someone how to paint on a canvas, but I can teach them this.”

Recognizing a niche for both products as well as a potential business, Handmade Blessings and Handmade by You was launched. Initially she did host paint parties and sold some custom items on Amazon. As the paint parties began to take off, Benziger created partnerships with others in the business which resulted in contract work with larger companies.

“Things were just starting to take off and then COVID happened,” she shared of her in home crafting business.

Continuing to host parties less frequently during that time, Benziger shared as things began to open up, she noticed people being more hesitant in hosting events in their homes as they were prior to the pandemic.

“It’s so funny, I had been praying about the space and I had not verbalized it at all to him,” Benziger explained of having thoughts of opening a space to host workshops in town but not discussing it with her husband initially. She did share her thoughts and dreams with a close friend, but still had not mentioned it to her husband Kevin.

“I was definitely praying about it,” she said.

Through conversation, the idea for her location in town was prompted by her husband, who offered space within his own office for her to grow the business. Proving to be a full circle moment and a bit surreal, the space which now hosts the workshop was also the location of her first job many years ago, formerly Oakdale Village Drug.

“The idea behind this business is to come and have a fun experience with your friends or just by yourself and meet people you’ll become friends with,” Benziger said. “Then go home with something you’re proud to display in your home or give as a gift. Creating family heirlooms even.”

“People have even said that to me,” she added of the heirloom comment, noting the fun of making something the family will be left with that they personally made.

The classroom seats 12 and classes are currently scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Price varies by project and class time is blocked out for three hours per project. Registration and payment for classes may be done on her website: handmadeblessings.com.

“They’re normally three-hour classes,” she said. “I don’t know if it will fully take three hours but I’m scheduling it that way because I know that it could,

depending how things go.”

Currently Benziger pre-cuts the projects, then instructs the class on assembly. All materials, as well as paint and stencil (if needed) are provided in the class.

“If you like to craft, you’re going to love it,” she said of Handmade Blessings and Handmade by You. “If you’re not sure about it but you like what the project is, I promise you you’ll be surprised by how much you’ll enjoy the process and be proud of what you made.”

As for the “why” behind her passion for the business and bringing it to a storefront, Benziger keeps it simple.

“Honestly just showing people what they can do,” she said of what excites her most. “When a client comes in and says they’re not crafty and leaves with something amazing.” ●

Academics Winners

ADULT SCHOOL

BAY VALLEY TECH

GOLD

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SILVER

STANISLAUS STATE BRONZE

ART SCHOOL

THE CHARTREUSE MUSE GOLD

CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER SILVER

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE BRONZE

CHARTER SCHOOL

E CADEMY CHARTER AT CRANE SCHOOL

GOLD

GREAT VALLEY ACADEMY SILVER

KEYES TO LEARNING BRONZE

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL

GOLD

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SILVER

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC SCHOOL, TURLOCK BRONZE

COLLEGE

STANISLAUS STATE GOLD

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE SILVER

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MODESTO BRONZE

CONTINUING EDUCATION

STANISLAUS STATE

GOLD

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE SILVER

BAY VALLEY TECH BRONZE

HIGH SCHOOL

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GOLD

CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, MODESTO SILVER

TURLOCK HIGH SCHOOL BRONZE

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

STANISLAUS STATE GOLD

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SILVER

MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION

MERAFUENTES TAE KWON DO ACADEMY GOLD

OAKDALE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SILVER

CERES KARATE BRONZE

MUSIC STORE/LESSONS

GOTTSCHALK’S MUSIC GOLD

HUTTON’S HAMLET MUSIC SILVER

MODESTO ACADEMY OF MUSIC & DESIGN BRONZE

NURSING SCHOOL

MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE

GOLD

STANISLAUS STATE SILVER

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MODESTO BRONZE

PRESCHOOL

HERITAGE SCHOOL OF DISCOVERY GOLD

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL SILVER

MAGNOLIA ACADEMY BRONZE

PRIVATE SCHOOL

LEARNING INSTITUTE FOR FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION

GOLD

OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL SILVER

TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BRONZE

SCHOOL DISTRICT

TURLOCK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

GOLD

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS SILVER

CERES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BRONZE

Academics Winners

TECHNICAL SCHOOL

BAY VALLEY TECH GOLD

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MODESTO SILVER

CENTRAL VALLEY BARBER COLLEGE BRONZE

TRADE SCHOOL

BAY VALLEY TECH GOLD

CALIFORNIA TINT ACADEMY SILVER

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MODESTO BRONZE

TRUCKING SCHOOL

WESTERN PACIFIC TRUCK SCHOOL GOLD

J&R TRUCKING SILVER

GREEN VALLEY TRUCK SCHOOL BRONZE

TUTORING CENTER

MATHNASIUM GOLD

SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER, MODESTO SILVER

GIVE EVERY CHILD A CHANCE BRONZE

Thank You For Your Votes!

“The Learning Institute for Functional Education seeks to increase the quality of life for every client it serves in a systematic fashion based on empirically based methodology. Our focus is on increasing our client’s developmental skills (i.e., adaptive skills, communication, attending skills, etc.) and decreasing maladaptive behaviors (e.g., stereotypy, tantrums, aggression, etc.) by teaching appropriate replacement behaviors.

L.I.F.E. is dedicated to providing quality and cutting-edge services designed to facilitate the acquisition of functional skills in individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our services include evidence-based techniques built on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are specifically tailored to the needs of each individual client. L.I.F.E.’s goals are achieved through close collaboration of parents, care-givers, and professionals.

Employment Opportunities Available. Call us for more information.

Client Intake: Terra Oehler - Owner - (209) 900-3722

Staff Recruitment: Brittany Capps - (209) 988-5141 www.life4autism.com

Share this opportunity with friends & family!

Free Digital Skills Training

We are grateful to be selected by our community as a “Best of 209” winner. This honor recognizes our strong commitment to provide our students with a high-quality education and University experience that will serve them for life.

Learn more about our commitment to student success at www.csustan.edu.

Animals and Farm Services Winners

AGRICULTURAL LENDER

F&M BANK

GOLD

BAC COMMUNITY BANK SILVER

AMERICAN AGCREDIT BRONZE

ALMONDS

STEWART & JASPER GOLD

BLUE DIAMOND SILVER

ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET, WATERFORD BRONZE

ANIMAL DENTAL

MONTE VISTA SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL GOLD

PAWFECT GROOM SILVER

ESCALON SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC BRONZE

DOG TRAINING

TOP NOTCH KENNELS GOLD

BONE-A-FIDE DOG TRAINING SILVER

TANGO KENNELS BRONZE

FARM TO FORK COMPANY

NUTCHER MILK COMPANY GOLD

SONS FARM FRESH SILVER

STEWART & JASPER BRONZE

GROOMER

ALLEGRO’S PET SPA

GOLD

TOP NOTCH KENNELS SILVER

TANGO KENNELS BRONZE

LARGE ANIMAL SUPPLIES

OAKDALE FEED & SEED GOLD

ESCALON FEED & SUPPLY SILVER

CONLIN SUPPLY COMPANY BRONZE

NUT SERVICES & SUPPLIES

STEWART & JASPER GOLD

ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET, WATERFORD SILVER

SKITTONE ALMOND SHELLER BRONZE

PET ADOPTION

STANISLAUS ANIMAL SERVICES

GOLD

PUPZ N PALZ SILVER

ASTRO FOUNDATION BRONZE

PET BOARDING

TOP NOTCH KENNELS GOLD

ESCALON SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC SILVER

TANGO KENNELS BRONZE

PET SITTING / DAYCARE

TOP NOTCH KENNELS GOLD

ESCALON SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC SILVER

TANGO KENNELS BRONZE

PET STORE

CALDRON’S PETS CHOICE GOLD

CARTER’S PET MART SILVER

OAKDALE FEED & SEED BRONZE

TACK / SADDLES

OAKDALE FEED & SEED GOLD

DIAMOND K SADDLERY, OAKDALE SILVER

HILMAR FEED & SUPPLY STORE BRONZE

Thank you for voting Top Notch Kennels

Best of 209 Winner

BEST Dog Training

BEST Pet Boarding BEST pet Sitting/ Daycare

BEST Groomer

“Where dogs come to stay and play!”

Happy cows. Fun Flavors.

At Nutcher Milk Taste matters. We feed our cows a balance daily ration, that our nutritionist puts together. We pick ingredients that don’t change the flavor of the cow’s milk.

When we milk our cows, their milk comes out about 98 degrees and we chill it to 38 degrees within 5 minutes of leaving the cow, saving flavor and preventing bacteria growth. This is above and beyond the Grade A standard.

We pump the milk to the processing plant 20 feet away during milking. We then do antibiotic testing to ensure antibiotic free milk. We then pasteurize and homogenize, making it ready to go to the bottle.

From cow to bottle in just a few hours and it is only milk from our cows.

We offer Whole milk, 2%, Half and Half and Lactose free whole milk.

Fun flavors for young and old. Chocolate, Strawberry, Cotton Candy, Root beer, Orange cream, Mocha, Cold brew Coffee, Banana, Eggnog, Pumpkin spice, and always trying new ones.

2020 has been a unique year all around.

In May we ran a limited run of Horchata Flavor Milk. Then we celebrated our 5yr Anniversary in June with a Limited Edition Bottle and Birthday Cake Flavor Milk. Keep a lookout for other fun flavors in the future.

We deliver directly to stores near you.

Truly Farm to Fridge for you.

Why glass bottle?

Our cows make great tasting milk, so we wanted a package that didn’t change the flavor.

Glass bottles keep the milk colder, there is no taste changing residue from glass.

We reuse the bottles over and over so no milk containers in the landfill.

A $2.00 deposit exchange for every bottle.

RETURN CLEAN BOTTLES TO ANY STORE THAT SELLS NUTCHER MILK FOR YOUR DEPOSIT BACK!!!!

Automotive Winners

ATVS

HONDA KAWASAKI AND KTM OF MODESTO GOLD

STOCKTON POWERSPORTS SILVER

MERCED POWERSPORTS BRONZE

AUTO BODY / COLLISION REPAIR

BURNSIDE BODY SHOP GOLD

BUCK’S BODY SHOP SILVER

CONCEPT AUTOBODY BRONZE

AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW / DOMESTIC)

SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD

ACURA OF MODESTO SILVER

STEVES CHEVROLET - BUICK BRONZE

AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW / FOREIGN)

MISTLIN HONDA GOLD

ACURA OF MODESTO SILVER

MODESTO TOYOTA BRONZE

AUTO DEALERSHIP (USED)

SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD

ROBERTS AUTO SALES SILVER

ACURA OF MODESTO BRONZE

AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR

SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD

NORTHERN TIRE & WHEEL SILVER

BALSWICK’S TIRE AND AUTO SERVICE BRONZE

CAR DETAILING

DAVIS FAMILY SHINES GOLD

VINTAGE CAR WASH INC SILVER

CEN-CAL DETAILING BRONZE

CAR STEREO

CAR AUDIO DEPOT, MODESTO GOLD

AUDIO PROS, MODESTO SILVER

CAR AUDIO OUTLAWS BRONZE

CAR WASH

CLEAR DROP CAR WASH, MANTECA GOLD

VINTAGE CAR WASH INC SILVER

CEN-CAL DETAILING BRONZE

LUXURY AUTO

ACURA OF MODESTO GOLD

MERCEDES BENZ OF MODESTO SILVER

VALLEY LEXUS, MODESTO BRONZE

MOTORCYCLE SHOP

MITCHELL’S MODESTO HARLEYDAVIDSON GOLD

HONDA KAWASAKI AND KTM OF MODESTO SILVER

MODESTO CYCLE SERVICE BRONZE

OIL CHANGE 10 MINUTE LUBE’N OIL GOLD

JIFFY LUBE SILVER

TOYOTECH BRONZE

RV DEALER

DON’S RV CENTER GOLD

BEST RV, TURLOCK SILVER

REFERRAL AUTO GROUP, ESCALON BRONZE

SMOG

BALSWICK’S QUICK SMOG GOLD

PERFORMANCE SMOG INC. SILVER

STANISLAUS SMOG 2, INC BRONZE

TOWING SERVICE

FRANCISCO’S TOWING, INC. GOLD AAA SILVER

FOUR STAR RECOVERY INC BRONZE

WHEELS / TIRES

NORTHERN TIRE & WHEEL GOLD

MANTECA TIRE SILVER

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WINDOW TINTING

MODESTO WINDOW TINT BY YOURTINTGIRL GOLD

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OAKDALE WINDOW TINT BRONZE

Beverages

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TAPPED APPLE CIDER SILVER

RIVETS AMERICAN GRILL BRONZE

BARTENDER

TONI LOPEZ @ TORI GOLD

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AUSTYN @ RIVETS BRONZE

BEER TAP ROOM

THE PUB AND TAPHOUSE GOLD

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GIACOMO’S ESPRESSO GOLD

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GIACOMO’S ESPRESSO GOLD

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GASTROPUB

DYING BREED BREWERY

GOLD

DUST BOWL BREWING CO.

SILVER

BAUHAUS BRONZE

LOCAL CRAFT BEER

DUST BOWL BREWING CO.

GOLD

DYING BREED BREWERY

SILVER

BRETHREN BREWING COMPANY BRONZE

MARGARITA

AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR

GOLD

MEMO’S COCINA & TEQUILA BAR

SILVER

CAFÉ BRAVO BRONZE

MILKSHAKES

ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET, OAKDALE

GOLD

YOGURT MILL SILVER

KNIGHTS FERRY OLD FASHIONED

CREAMERY

BRONZE

SPORTS BAR

JAMS@209 SPORTS BAR AND GRILL

GOLD

DUST BOWL BREWING CO.

SILVER

108 SPORTS LOUNGE BRONZE

WINE BAR

CAMP 4 WINE CAFÉ

GOLD

STEWART & JASPER

SILVER

MOST WANTED WINE COMPANY BRONZE

WINE LIST

CAMP 4 WINE CAFÉ

GOLD

STEWART & JASPER

SILVER

BISTRO 234 BRONZE

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DELICATO FAMILY VINEYARDS

GOLD

STEWART & JASPER

SILVER

IRONSTONE VINEYARDS

BRONZE

WINERY

E. & J. GALLO WINERY

GOLD

MILLIAIRE WINERY

SILVER

OAK FARM VINEYARDS BRONZE

Community Winners

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OR EVENT

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CENTRAL VALLEY BREWFEST SILVER

HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN - TREE OF LIGHTS BRONZE

COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS

TRACY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLD

NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT SILVER

CHEMO CREW BRONZE

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

SECOND HARVEST OF THE GREATER VALLEY GOLD

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL, STOCKTON SILVER

ST. MATTHEW ASSYRIANCHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH BRONZE

EVENT VENUE

THE CENTURY GOLD

DYING BREED BREWERY SILVER

AMERICAN EVENT CENTER BRONZE

FARMERS’ MARKET

OAKDALE FARMERS MARKET GOLD

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MODESTO FARMERS MARKET BRONZE

FAVORITE LOCAL HERO

JEREMY RENNER GOLD

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ASSYRIAN AMERICAN CIVIC CLUB SILVER

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LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS

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THE PARK AT MODESTO GOLD

COGIR OF MANTECA SILVER

DALE COMMONS BRONZE

WEDDING VENUE

THE CENTURY GOLD

AMERICAN EVENT CENTER SILVER

WINE & ROSES BRONZE

LIVE THE RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE OF YOUR DREAMS AT COGIR OF MANTECA!

With our attention to resident care, premium amenities, spacious apartments, delicious cuisine, and a variety of activities, we strive to enable our residents to enjoy the retirement lifestyle of their dreams.

From independent living, assisted living, to memory care, Cogir of Manteca is here for you now and as your care needs change.

Call to schedule your tour today & ask about our move-in specials!

OUR NEW LOCATION

Dr. Robert A. McCulla, DDS

Dr. Emma Carpenter, DMD

Dr. Bhupinder Bahia, DMD

AMBIENCE

THE FALCON’S LAIR GOLD

THE BOATHOUSE AT RIVER ISLANDS SILVER

BAUHAUS BRONZE

ASIAN RESTAURANT

KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI GOLD

DAVE WONG’S RESTAURANT & DELI SILVER

EAST MEATS WEST BRONZE

BAKERY

OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD

MR T’S DELICATE DONUT SHOP SILVER

GIABELLA SWEET BOUTIQUE BRONZE

BARBECUE BIG VIC’S BBQ GOLD

SLICK FORK, HUGHSON SILVER

THE VILLAGE BUTCHER BRONZE

BREAKFAST SPOT

CAHOOTS CORNER CAFÉ GOLD

MY GARDEN CAFÉ SILVER

LA MO BRONZE

BRUNCH GET TOASTED GOLD

AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR SILVER

LOZA WINE & CREPES BRONZE

CAKE / CUPCAKE SHOP

OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD

ALYX’S HOMEMADE GOODS SILVER

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES BRONZE

CATERER

FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER GOLD

BRAULIO’S BISTRO SILVER

TACOS DE NIEVE BRONZE

CHARCUTERIE

CAMP 4 WINE CAFÉ GOLD

BURLY’S CALIFORNIA BISTRO SILVER

THE GRAZING GIRL BRONZE

CHEF

HANK OLSON @ FOOD FIX TRUCK GOLD

CHEF MIKE ORTIZ @ BURLY’S CALIFORNIA BISTRO SILVER

CHEF BRAULIO @ BRAULIO’S BISTRO BRONZE

CHINESE CUISINE

DAVE WONG’S RESTAURANT & DELI GOLD

GOLDEN BOWL SILVER

DYNASTY GARDEN RESTAURANT BRONZE

CREPES THE CRÈPERIE GOLD

LOZA WINE & CREPES SILVER

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FERRARESE’S BRONZE

DESSERTS CRUST & CRUMB GOLD

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FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER BRONZE

DINNER BISTRO 234 GOLD

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FRENCH FRIES

FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER GOLD

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YOGURT MILL - ROSEBURG GOLD

YOGURT MILL - 2591 GEER RD, TURLOCK, CA 95382 SILVER

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SKEWERS KABOB HOUSE SILVER

GYROS AND MORE BRONZE

HAMBURGER

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CHAPTER 2 SILVER

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ICE CREAM

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TANDOORI GRILL GOLD

DHABA, TRACY SILVER

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BELLA ITALIA SILVER

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KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI GOLD

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LUNCH BISTRO 234 GOLD

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MEXICAN CUISINE

AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR GOLD

EL JARDÍN SILVER

LA MORENITA, HATCH RD BRONZE

OUTDOOR DINING

FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER GOLD

DUST BOWL BREWING CO. SILVER

AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR BRONZE

PIZZA GOLD DUST PIZZA RIPON GOLD

GOLD DUST PIZZA, OAKDALE SILVER

HELLA PIE PIZZA COMPANY BRONZE

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT BISTRO 234 GOLD

REDWOOD CAFÉ SILVER

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SALAD BAR SIZZLER GOLD

THE FRUIT YARD SILVER

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FERRARESE’S SILVER

THE VILLAGE BUTCHER BRONZE

SEAFOOD OHANA SEAFOOD GOLD

BISTRO 135 SILVER

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TEXAS ROADHOUSE SILVER

EL RANCHO INN BRONZE

SUSHI

KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI GOLD

RAW SUSHI BISTRO SILVER

KATANA SUSHI BRONZE

THAI CUISINE

THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT GOLD

THAILAND RESTAURANT, MODESTO SILVER

TASTY THAI BRONZE

VEGAN / VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

THE FARMACY GOLD

BAUHAUS SILVER

GREEN GRUB BRONZE

Transport back to all things old Hollywood…

Enjoy conversation with one another over one of our craft cocktails & small bite offerings.

Enjoy lively music, fine cocktails, food offerings galore, and the company of one another at Falcon’s Lair - Ripon’s newest restaurant/lounge with an old Hollywood flair.

Entertainment Winners

ART GALLERY

THE CHARTREUSE MUSE GOLD

BUNGALOW BUNNIES BURLESQUE SILVER

GLITTER COVEN CABARET BRONZE

BANQUET FACILITY

SPRING CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB GOLD

PAGEO LAVENDER FARM SILVER

GREENS ON TENTH BRONZE

BOWLING ALLEY

TEN PIN FUN CENTER GOLD

MCHENRY BOWL SILVER

YOSEMITE LANES BRONZE

CASINO

BLACK OAK CASINO GOLD

CHICKEN RANCH CASINO SILVER

JACKSON RANCHERIA CASINO RESORT BRONZE

COUNTRY CLUB

SPRING CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB GOLD

DEL RIO COUNTRY CLUB SILVER

OAKDALE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB BRONZE

ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS GOLD

DYING BREED BREWERY SILVER

SPLASH BAR MODESTO BRONZE

FAMILY FUN VENUE

DUTCH HOLLOW FARMS GOLD

QUANTUM ESCAPES SILVER

BOOMERS MODESTO BRONZE

GUN RANGE

CALIFORNIA SHOOTING SPORTS GOLD

BARNWOOD ARMS SILVER

STAGE STOP GUN SHOP & INDOOR RANGE BRONZE

KID’S BIRTHDAY

COLORZ FACE PAINTING GOLD

VIVID FACE ART- FACE PAINTING & BALLOON TWISTING SILVER

ABOUT FACE FACE PAINTING BRONZE

KID’S FUN

COLORZ FACE PAINTING GOLD

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BOOMERS MODESTO BRONZE

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

DYING BREED BREWERY GOLD

GLITTER COVEN CABARET SILVER

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LIVE THEATER

GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS GOLD

SIERRA REPERTORY THEATRE SILVER

THE BOB HOPE THEATRE BRONZE

OUTDOOR EVENT

PRCA OAKDALE RODEO GOLD

STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR SILVER

RHYTHM ON THE RANGE @ SPRING CREEK G&CC BRONZE

PAINT & SIP PARTIES

BOARD & BRUSH CREATIVE STUDIO - MODESTO GOLD

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REMBRANDT & ROSÉ BRONZE

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ESCALON GOLF COURSE GOLD

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CREEKSIDE GOLF COURSE BRONZE

RIVER RAFTING

SUNSHINE RAFTING ADVENTURES

KNIGHTS FERRY GOLD

RIVER JOURNEY ADVENTURES

CALIFORNIA RAFTING SILVER

TOURIST ATTRACTION

COLUMBIA STATE PARK GOLD

DUTCH HOLLOW FARMS SILVER

OAKDALE RODEO BRONZE

Some businesses are content to have no other online presence than a Facebook page, and never think of how that looks to customers. While Facebook is a wonderful complement to a company website, it is by no means a realistic replacement. And not everybody has a Facebook account anymore.

Health & Fitness Winners

BOOTCAMP

THE PERFORMANCE LAB

GOLD

1OAK HEALTH CLUB

SILVER

AGAPÉ FIT YOGI FITNESS BRONZE

CHIROPRACTOR

BAKER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

GOLD

PROM CHIROPRACTIC SILVER

DR. BRUCE TURLEY, OAKDALE BRONZE

COSMETIC / PLASTIC SURGEON

LARS ENEVOLDSEN, MD

GOLD

THEODORE STAAHL, MD - MD LASER CENTER

SILVER

DR. JAMES HOYT BRONZE

COSMETIC DENTIST

VARANISMILE

GOLD

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE SILVER

SEAN MULLINS, DDS BRONZE

DANCE STUDIO ON YOUR TOES DANCE STUDIO GOLD

POWERS PRODUCTIONS DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY

SILVER

EIGHT COUNT DANCE COMPANY

BRONZE

DAY SPA

SKINTASTIC

GOLD

NATURAL PATH WELLNESS CENTER

SILVER

LUX LOUNGE BRONZE

DENTAL IMPLANTS

VARANISMILE

GOLD

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE SILVER

DR. JANICE KAELEY, DDS BRONZE

DENTIST

VARANISMILE

GOLD

DR. FILIPE LIMA SILVER

ROBERT MCCULLA, DDS BRONZE

DERMATOLOGIST

GOLDEN STATE DERMATOLOGY

GOLD

LUX DERMATOLOGY SILVER

TURLOCK DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER BRONZE

FACIALS

TAILORED AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA GOLD

SKINTASTIC SILVER

BE LOVE SKIN SPA BRONZE

FITNESS / HEALTH CENTER

1OAK HEALTH CLUB GOLD

AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO SILVER

R6 CROSSFIT BRONZE

FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

ALYX LOPEZ - ALTAMONT PERFORMANCE LAB GOLD

TONY MERAFUENTES @ MERAFUENTES TAE KWON DO ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS SILVER

DELIA KELLY, AGAPE FIT YOGI FITNESS BRONZE

FOOT CARE

ADVANCED FOOT CARE TECHNOLOGY, LLC GOLD

TOLBOE FOOT & ANKLE, MODESTO SILVER

DR. RONALD JENSEN BRONZE

GRIEF SUPPORT COMMUNITY HOSPICE GOLD

HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN SILVER

GLOBAL HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE INC.

BRONZE

GYMNASTICS

GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED GOLD

ANDREW ACROBATICS SILVER

WEN GYMNASTICS, OAKDALE BRONZE

HEALTH CLUB / GYM

1OAK HEALTH CLUB GOLD

ALTAMONT PERFORMANCE LAB SILVER

R6 CROSSFIT BRONZE

HEARING AID

WESSON HEARING CENTER GOLD

COSTCO SILVER

POSEY’S HEARING AID CENTER BRONZE

HOSPICE / PALLIATIVE CARE

HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN GOLD

COMMUNITY HOSPICE SILVER

BLOSSOM RIDGE HOME HEALTH AND HOSPICE

BRONZE

HOSPITAL FACILITY

KAISER PERMANENTE, MODESTO GOLD

DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER, MODESTO SILVER

MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, MODESTO BRONZE

INVISALIGN

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD

VARANISMILE SILVER

WEST ORTHODONTICS BRONZE

KID’S DENTIST

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD

VARANISMILE SILVER

SEAN MULLINS, DDS BRONZE

LASER & COSMETIC CENTER

TAILORED AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA GOLD

EGO BEAUTY SILVER

LA LASER, MODESTO DERMATOLOGY, MODESTO BRONZE

MASSAGE THERAPY

NATURAL PATH WELLNESS CENTER GOLD

BALANCE & TRANQUILITY WELLNESS SILVER

MASSAGE BY MORGAN BRONZE

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

KAISER PERMANENTE GOLD

CENTRAL STAR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SILVER

MINDPATH HEALTH BRONZE

MOHS SURGERY

LUX DERMATOLOGY GOLD

CALIFORNIA SKIN AND LASER CENTER SILVER

BERMAN SKIN INSTITUTE | MEDICAL & COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY BRONZE

NECK LIFT

TAMMY WU, MD - SURGICAL ARTISTRY GOLD

TOWER COSMETIC SURGERY SILVER

NUTRITION

FLIGHT NUTRITION GOLD

COACHED BY GET FIT SILVER

OAKDALE FIT NUTRITION BRONZE

OPTOMETRIST

VALLEY VIEW OPTOMETRY GOLD

GENERATIONS FAMILY OPTOMETRY SILVER

PLETT OPTOMETRY, TURLOCK BRONZE

OPTOMETRY - CHILDREN’S GENERATIONS FAMILY OPTOMETRY GOLD

Health & Fitness Winners

VALLEY VIEW OPTOMETRY SILVER

PLETT FAMILY OPTOMETRY BRONZE

ORTHODONTIST

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD

CHAMPION ORTHODONTICS SILVER

KOLODY ORTHODONTICS BRONZE

PEDIATRIC FACILITY

KAISER PERMANENTE, MODESTO GOLD

SUTTER GOULD MEDICAL FOUNDATION

SILVER

DENA LENSER, MD BRONZE

PERIODONTIST

DR. JANICE KAELEY, DDS GOLD

CLARKE V. FILIPPI, DDS SILVER

PHARMACY

PATTERSON FAMILY PHARMACY GOLD

RIVER OAK PHARMACY SILVER

FLORIDA AVENUE PRESCRIPTIONS, INC

BRONZE

PHYSICAL THERAPY

CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE GOLD

GOLDEN BEAR PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION & WELLNESS SILVER

BIO SPORT PHYSICAL THERAPY BRONZE

PRIMARY CARE FACILITY

SUTTER GOULD MEDICAL FOUNDATION

GOLD

PATHWAY HEALTHCARE SILVER

FAMILY HEALTH CARE MEDICAL GROUP OF MODESTO BRONZE

SAME DAY DENTAL IMPLANTS VARANISMILE GOLD

BREWER FAMILY DENTISTRY SILVER

QUAIL LAKES DENTAL CARE BRONZE

SEDATION DENTISTRY

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD

DR. DAVID PAXMAN DMD SILVER

HILLOCK FAMILY DENTAL BRONZE

SKIN TIGHTENING

DR. CALVIN LEE, SURGICAL ARTISTRY, MODESTO GOLD

TAILORED AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA SILVER

DR. WILLIAM ANDERSON, MD BRONZE

SLEEP APNEA SOLUTIONS

TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD

STANISLAUS SLEEP CENTER SILVER

DR. JODI SCEVILLE BRONZE

SPORTS MEDICINE

YORK ORTHOPEDIC RECOVERY GOLD

CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE SILVER

STANISLAUS ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE BRONZE

URGENT CARE

MODESTO URGENT CARE GOLD

CALIFORNIA URGENT CARE CENTER SILVER

PREMIER URGENT CARE BRONZE

WELLNESS CENTER

NATURAL PATH WELLNESS CENTER GOLD

OSMOSIS LOUNGE SILVER

AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO BRONZE

YOGA STUDIO

WARRIOR YOGA GOLD

AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO SILVER

I AM YOGA WELLNESS STUDIO BRONZE

VOTED BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

VOTED BEST DENTAL IMPLANTS

VOTED BEST DENTIST

VOTED #1

BEST DENTAL IMPLANTS

5 YEARS IN A ROW – READERS CHOICE

VOTED #1

BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

2 YEARS IN A ROW –READERS CHOCIE

VOTED #1

BEST DENTIST

7 YEARS IN A ROW –READERS CHOICE

VOTED #1

BEST DENTIST

5 YEARS IN A ROW –BEST OF 209

VOTED #1

BEST COSMETIC DENTIST

8 YEARS IN A ROW –BEST OF 209

VOTED #1

BEST DENTAL IMPLANTS

5 YEARS IN A ROW – BEST OF 209

VOTED # BEST INVISALIGN –BEST OF 209

MEET OUR PROVIDERS

Robert Leposavic, MD

Robert Leposavic, MD, is a board certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon. He currently sees surgical patients at LUX Dermatology locations across California and Nevada. In addition to practicing surgical dermatology, Dr. Leposavic has given presentations and multiple lectures on a variety of topics, such as mast cells and Basophil, the molecular mechanisms of cell signaling and dermatology. He was also a Principal Investigator for the Enbrel EASE Study from 2004 to 2005. Dr. Leposavic is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Society, and Santa Barbara Medical Society.

Stephen Doggett, MD

Stephen Doggett, M.D. completed his Medical Degree at the University of South Florida College of Medicine (1980) and completed an internal medicine internship at Richland Memorial Hospital at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Doggett’s interest in Radiation Oncology led him to complete the residency program at St. Mary’s Medical Center in San Francisco (1986) and to complete a Fellowship in Brachytherapy and Hyperthermic Oncology at the City of Hope National Medical Center (1987). Dr. Doggett has since focused his Private Practice in the area of Radiation Oncology and Brachytherapy. Dr. Doggett continues to publish and teach physicians.

Joselyn Johnson, MSN, FNP

Joselyn received her degree from San Jose State University in 2007. She is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner and has worked in Clinical Dermatology for over eight years all in the Manteca area. She is experienced in the latest cosmetic procedures and offers both these services in Manteca and Stockton

Niki Ramirez, NP - F

Niki graduated from Sonoma State University with a Masters degree in Nursing and received her board-certification through AANP as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She provides general and cosmetic dermatology services to her patients. Niki began her healthcare career as a firefighter/ paramedic, then spent 10 years in the Emergency Department as a Nurse at a San Francisco trauma center. While studying for her Masters, she developed a love for dermatology. Niki is the newest member of the Lux Dermatology team. She sees patients in both Manteca and Stockton.

What Being Number One Means To Us

At LUX Dermatology, our physicians have made it their mission to provide our community with exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic care. Our team is comprised of several boardcertified dermatologists and certified physicians assistants. With decades of combined experience, we understand each patients need for indivualized treatment plans. The staff at LUX Dermatology is dedicated to your needs and works hard to reassure and explain any diagnosis or procedure in a manner that is easily understood.

We pride ourselves on offering cutting edge, high quality treatments for our community; the most advanced skin cancer removal surgeries in our state-of-the art facility. Additionally, we offer Electronic Brachytherapy, an alternative non-invasive treatment for certain types of skin cancers.

If you desire a brighter, fresher appearance, the providers at LUX Dermatology are ready to help. We have several lines of skin treatments and products. Botox® and Juvéderm® help mitigate the appearance of facial lines. We also carry a wide array of Skinceuticals® and Elta MD® products to enhance and recondition your skin.

From the moment the patient enters our office, they feel welcomed and heard. The friendly staff will greet them and lead them from check-in to check-out. The team can also assist when it comes to any insurance questions and concerns that they may have. Call today and schedule your appointment.

Home Winners

CARPET/TILE/UPHOLSTERY

CLEANING

ASAP CARPET CLEANING

GOLD

MENDOZA’S CLEANER CONCEPTS

SILVER

ADVANCE CARPET CLEANING BRONZE

CONCRETE FLOOR COATINGS

LANCASTER PAINTING

GOLD

JOAQUIN PAINTING SILVER

INFINITE CREATIONS CUSTOM PAINTING

BRONZE

FENCE CONTRACTOR

RICHTER FENCE

GOLD

WIGGINS FENCING SILVER

MIKE HALLETT FENCING BRONZE

FLOORING / CARPET

SHELTON LEE FLOORING

GOLD

PREMIER TILE & STONE SILVER

FLOORING LIQUIDATORS BRONZE

FLOORING / HARDWOOD

TRI COUNTY FLOORING GOLD

PREMIER TILE & STONE SILVER

FLOORING LIQUIDATORS

BRONZE

FLOORING / TILE

PREMIER TILE & STONE

GOLD

FLOORING LIQUIDATORS

SILVER

UNITED TILE & STONE BRONZE

FOUNTAINS / GARDEN DECOR

CREATIVE WATER GARDENS GOLD

RAINFOREST NURSERY, MANTECA SILVER

MORRIS NURSERY BRONZE

GARAGE DOOR INSTALL / REPAIR

BARTON OVERHEAD DOOR, INC.

GOLD

VALLEY GARAGE DOORS SILVER

A PROFESSIONAL GARAGE DOOR SERVICE BRONZE

GLASS AND MIRROR COMPANY

DON’S MOBILE GLASS GOLD

ROAD RUNNER GLASS SILVER

A-1 GLASS BRONZE

HEATING & AIR

CENCAL MECHANICAL HEATING & AIR

GOLD

HONEY’S AIR & SOLAR SILVER

AIRVENGERS LLC HEATING & AIR BRONZE

HOME AUTOMATION

KIRKES ELECTRIC INC. GOLD

SOUNDSCAPES ELECTRIC, SECURITY & AUDIO VIDEO SILVER

1ST SECURITY AND SOUND BRONZE

HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY

ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION GOLD

LANCASTER PAINTING SILVER

KHB CONSTRUCTION KITCHEN AND BATHROOM REMODELING BRONZE

HOME SECURITY

SOUNDSCAPES ELECTRIC, SECURITY & AUDIO VIDEO GOLD

1ST SECURITY AND SOUND SILVER

ARVIN HOME SYSTEMS, INC. BRONZE

HOME THEATER

SOUNDSCAPES ELECTRIC, SECURITY & AUDIO VIDEO GOLD

KIRKES ELECTRIC INC. SILVER

ARVIN HOME SYSTEMS, INC. BRONZE

INTERIOR DESIGN

WENDY GLAISTER INTERIORS

GOLD

PREMIER TILE & STONE SILVER

SUITE LIVING 52 BRONZE

KITCHEN / BATH CABINETS

ALL ABOUT KITCHENS

GOLD

PREMIER TILE & STONE SILVER

ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION BRONZE

KITCHEN / BATH COUNTERS

PREMIER TILE & STONE

GOLD

ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION SILVER

UNITED TILE & STONE BRONZE

KITCHEN / BATH REMODELING

DIRECT APPLIANCE

GOLD

WENDY GLAISTER INTERIORS SILVER

ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION BRONZE

KITCHEN / BATH TILE STORE

PREMIER TILE & STONE

GOLD

FLOORING LIQUIDATORS

SILVER

UNITED TILE & STONE BRONZE

LANDSCAPING

FOOTHILL LANDSCAPE, INC.

GOLD

WESTURF NURSERY

SILVER

GROVER LANDSCAPE SERVICES BRONZE

LIGHTING - INDOOR / OUTDOOR

MANTECA LIGHTING

GOLD

PHILLIPS LIGHTING & HOME

SILVER

TYMCO ELECTRIC & SOLAR BRONZE

NURSERY / GARDENING

THOMPSON BUILDING MATERIALS

GOLD

MORRIS NURSERY SILVER

CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE SUPPLY BRONZE

PAINTING SERVICE

LANCASTER PAINTING

GOLD

JOAQUIN PAINTING SILVER

SCOTTY’S PAINTING BRONZE

PEST CONTROL NEXT GENERATION PEST CONTROL GOLD

RELIABLE TERMITE SOLUTIONS SILVER

ALLPRO PEST SERVICES BRONZE

PLUMBING

WARREN’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING GOLD

WESTERN PLUMBING SILVER

APPLEGATE TEEPLES DRILLING CO., INC. BRONZE

POOL SERVICE/REPAIR

SHANDEL’S POOL SERVICE GOLD

TRADEMARK POOL AND SPA SILVER

GORDO’S POOL CITY BRONZE

ROOFING COMPANY

AMERICAN ROOFING SERVICES INC. GOLD

TRUE ROOF SILVER

DEHART ROOFING BRONZE

SOLAR COMPANY

LOVE’S HEATING, AIR AND SOLAR GOLD

RADIUS ENERGY SILVER

SIG - SOLAR INSTALLATION GROUP BRONZE

SOLAR PANEL / WINDOW CLEANING

PROVOST POWER WASHING GOLD

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW SERVICES SILVER

Home Winners

PROSOL SOLAR PANEL CLEANING BRONZE

SPA / HOT TUBS

SPA DOCTOR

GOLD

COUNTRY COMFORT SILVER

GORDO’S POOL CITY BRONZE

SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR AQUOS POOLS GOLD

BURKETT’S POOL PLASTERING, INC. SILVER

TRADEMARK POOL AND SPA BRONZE

TERMITE INSPECTIONS

RELIABLE TERMITE SOLUTIONS

GOLD

NEXT GENERATION PEST CONTROL SILVER

TAKE CARE TERMITE & PEST CONTROL BRONZE

WINDOW COVERINGS - BLINDS ELITE SHUTTERS & SHADINGS

GOLD

1ST CLASS BLINDS AND SHUTTERS SILVER

INFINITY SHUTTERS AND BLINDS BRONZE

WINDOW COVERINGSDRAPERIES ELITE SHUTTERS & SHADINGS

GOLD

PURSLEY’S SILVER

WINDOW GLASS DEALER ROAD RUNNER GLASS GOLD

DON’S MOBILE GLASS SILVER

A1 GLASS CO. BRONZE

WORKING KITCHEN SHOWROOM DIRECT APPLIANCE GOLD

BORDONA’S OAKDALE FURNITURE MATTRESS & APPLIANCE SILVER

D & M KITCHEN AND BATH SUPPLY INC BRONZE

VOTED BEST WORKING KITCHEN SHOWROOM

VOTED BEST APPLIANCE STORE

VOTED BEST KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING

Professional Services Winners

ACCOUNTING & TAX PREPARATION

FS TAX SERVICE INC.

GOLD

PETER HOLTZ, CPA

SILVER

EVIDENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS BRONZE

ASPHALT PAVING / GRADING MACHADO & SONS CONSTRUCTION

GOLD

UNITED PAVING, CERES SILVER

M4 CONCRETE BRONZE

ASPHALT SEALING / STRIPING 209PAVEMENT

GOLD

D L CATHCART ASPHALT SEALCOAT

SILVER

M. CARROLL BLACK TOP SERVICE BRONZE

ATTORNEY

LAW OFFICE OF EDDIE TORRES

GOLD

LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG

SILVER

TATAJE LAW

BRONZE

ATTORNEY - ACCIDENT

ARATA, SWINGLE, VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER

GOLD

KENNETH HEDBERG, ESQ.

SILVER

LAW OFFICE OF EDDIE C. TORRES BRONZE

ATTORNEY - FAMILY LAW

COENENBERG FAMILY LAW.

GOLD

LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG

SILVER

CHRISTINE PARRAZ

BRONZE

BAIL BONDS

JOANNA’S BAIL BONDS

GOLD

ADRIAN’S BAIL BONDS

SILVER

BAD BOYS BAIL BONDS BRONZE

BANK

BANK OF STOCKTON

GOLD

F&M BANK

SILVER

BAC COMMUNITY BANK BRONZE

BANNERS & SIGNS

ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN

GOLD

EVIDENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SILVER

THE CRAFT ROOM BRONZE

BARBER

PRAISE THE RAZOR BARBERING GOLD

WELL BLENDED BARBER SHOP

SILVER

GODSPEED BARBERSHOP BRONZE

BOOKKEEPING

BALANCED BOOKS, LLP

GOLD

BOURN BOOKKEEPING LLC

SILVER

FS TAX SERVICE INC.

BRONZE

CREDIT UNION

VALLEY FIRST CREDIT UNION

GOLD

MOCSE CREDIT UNION

SILVER

GOLDEN 1 CREDIT UNION

BRONZE

DAMAGE RESTORATION

RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL RESTORATION OF MODESTO

GOLD

COIT CLEANERS

SILVER

HUFF CONSTRUCTION / DKI

BRONZE

DIGITAL MARKETING

ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN

GOLD

EVIDENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

SILVER

LEVEL UP GROUP

BRONZE

ELECTRICAL SERVICE / REPAIR

KIRKES ELECTRIC INC.

GOLD

SOLAR INSTALLATION GROUP, INC.

SILVER

WARREN’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

BRONZE

ESTATE PLANNING

COLLEEN VAN EGMOND, ARATA

SWINGLE VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER

GOLD

EDINGTON LAW FIRM, INC.

SILVER

STRATEGIC LEGAL GROUP

BRONZE

ESTATE SALE COMPANY

ESTATE OF AFFAIRS

GOLD

NEW & AGAIN CONSIGNMENT

FURNITURE GALLERY & ESTATE SALES

SILVER

SULLIVAN ANTIQUES AND ESTATE SALES

BRONZE

FINANCIAL PLANNING

DWAYNE ALPERS @ MORGAN STANLEY GOLD

BOB DALY AT BAC COMMUNITY BANK

SILVER

HILLBERG CAPITAL MANAGEMENT BRONZE

FUNERAL HOME

ALLEN MORTUARY GOLD

TURLOCK MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME

SILVER

PL FRY BRONZE

GOLF CARTS

JJ’S GOLF CARTS GOLD

GOLF CARS UNLIMITED SILVER

WOODY’S GOLF & INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES, DENAIR BRONZE

HAIR SALON

SALON TWO ZERO NINE GOLD

GLOSS SALON - MORGAN VAN DUYN

SILVER

BEAUTIFULLY ENTISE’D SALON BRONZE

HEAVY EQUIPMENT HAULING

ALEX ANGEL LOWBED

GOLD

LOPES TRUCKING SERVICES

SILVER

REEVE TRUCKING COMPANY

BRONZE

HOTEL

WINE & ROSES

GOLD

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES TURLOCK SILVER

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, TURLOCK BRONZE

HOUSE CLEANING

BLACK DIAMOND SERVICES

GOLD

ULTIMATE JANITORIAL SILVER

GIBBS MAINTENANCE BRONZE

INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES

CONLIN SUPPLY COMPANY

GOLD

BARNES WELDING SUPPLY

SILVER

CERES PIPE & METAL BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

GOLD

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

SILVER

RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

BRONZE

Professional Services Winners

INSURANCE AGENCYCOMMERCIAL

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

GOLD

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

SILVER

RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY - CROP

DIBUDUO & DEFENDIS INSURANCE BROKERS LLC

GOLD

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SILVER

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY - HEALTH

GEORGE MAURICIO AGENCY

GOLD

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SILVER

BENEFITS DIVISION OF RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY - HOME & AUTO

RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

GOLD

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SILVER

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY - LIFE

BENEFITS DIVISION OF RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY

GOLD

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SILVER

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENCY - WORKER’S COMP

RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

GOLD

WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY

SILVER

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE

BRONZE

INSURANCE AGENT

LEROY ROCHA - RICO PFITZER

PIRES & ASSOCS

GOLD

MICHAEL IRELAND, JR. - WINTONIRELAND STROM & GREEN SILVER

GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE BRONZE

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

AYERA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. GOLD

AT&T SILVER

XFINITY BRONZE

INVESTMENT COMPANY

MORGAN STANLEY GOLD

FARMERS FINANCIAL SOLUTIONSGEORGE MAURICIO

SILVER

CHARLES SCHWAB, MODESTO BRONZE

JUNK REMOVAL

KLEAN SLATE JUNK REMOVAL GOLD

VINCE HARO HAULING AND YARD CLEAN UP SILVER

BIG BLUE JUNK REMOVAL BRONZE

LAW FIRM

ARATA, SWINGLE, VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER GOLD

LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG SILVER

TATAJE LAW BRONZE

LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANT 1ST CHOICE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GOLD

A LEGAL PLACE, LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANCE SILVER

LEGAL FORMS & MORE BRONZE

LIGHTING INSTALLATION

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT GUY GOLD

KIRKES ELECTRIC INC. SILVER

FOWZER ELECTRIC BRONZE

MERCHANT PROCESSING SERVICES

EVIDENT PAYMENTS GOLD

AMERICAN MERCHANT SERVICES SILVER

MERIDIAN PAYMENT SERVICES BRONZE

NAIL SALON/MANICURIST

NEWMAN NAILS AND SPA GOLD

BEAUTIFULLY ENTISE’D SALON SILVER

NAILS BY MARY RANA TOLEDO BRONZE

NOTARY PUBLIC

JOANNA’S BAIL BONDS GOLD

1ST CHOICE LEGAL ASSISTANCE, LLC SILVER

ADRIAN’S BAIL BONDS BRONZE

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

SILVA INJURY LAW, INC. GOLD

ARATA, SWINGLE, VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER SILVER

THE BOGAN LAW FIRM BRONZE

PHOTOGRAPHER

ALY INCARDONA PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD

CRYSTAL B RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY SILVER

CAPTURED BY ALEENA PHOTOGRAPHY BRONZE

PRINT / COPY SHOP

J & J PRINTING, MANTECA GOLD

DITTOS SILVER

ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN BRONZE

PRIVATE SECURITY

SECURITY FORCE ONE, MANTECA GOLD

DIRECT SECURITY & SOUND SILVER

CRIMETEK, TURLOCK BRONZE

SBA LENDER

SUCCESS CAPITAL GOLD

F&M BANK SILVER

BAC COMMUNITY BANK BRONZE

SHIPPING & MAILING

DOWNTOWN BEAR POSTAL, MODESTO GOLD

PAK MAIL SILVER

UPS STORE BRONZE

SPRAY TAN

GODDESS GLOW BY BEE GOLD

BRONZED SUGAR BEAUTY BAR SILVER

BRONZE BEAUTY BAR BRONZE

STORAGE FACILITY

DERREL’S MINI STORAGE GOLD

AAA CERES SELF STORAGE SILVER

SECURITY PUBLIC STORAGE BRONZE

TATTOO PARLOR

INKED UP BY DUSTIN STACY GOLD

PAINTED APE SILVER

INK DISCIPLES TATTOO PARLOR BRONZE

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

PENGUIN GOLD

MOJI TECHNOLOGIES SILVER

SKYELAR COMMUNICATIONS BRONZE

TRAVEL AGENCY

TRAVEL IN GOOD COMPANY GOLD

AAA, MODESTO SILVER

PIN-IT TRAVEL TWINS BRONZE

WAXING STUDIO SKINTASTIC GOLD

BIZZY BRE’S WAX SILVER

BE LOVE SKIN SPA BRONZE

WEDDING CAKE

OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD

SWEETARTS BAKERY SILVER

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES BRONZE

Joanna R. Smith is respected in the Bail Bonds business by her clients and colleagues

WE ARE ON CALL 24/7

“People Trust me, and it means the world to me that I can help so many doing what I love,” says Joanna, who has been in the profession for 32 years.

• I findjoyinhelpingpeople

• Iampersonallyinvestedineachcase

• Iamdedicatedtobothmyemployees andmycustomers

• Ifindfulfillmentinbeingasmall businessandinsupportingothersmall businessesinourcommunity

• Ibelieveinhonesthardworkand excellentcustomerservice

• Iambilingual

I am pleased, honored, and humbled to accept this award, especially against several other bail agencies I have long admired and respected. A very special thanks to all those who voted for my business for the third year in a row. We at Joanna’s try very hard to provide a service for our clients that is beyond mediocre. I would also like to thank my staff, friends and family that have supported me and my dream to be a successful business owner throughout the years. This is my 32nd year in the bail industry and I still have a passion for helping people, and that will never change.

As an Independent Agency, our Agents are dedicated to what matters most, our clients. Since 1968 and for many more years to come, we continue to appreciate your trust in us to provide outstanding service alongside the Insurance policies you need and deserve. We are honored to represent the 209 as your best Insurance Agency!

At Estate of Affairs, we recognize the importance of our success is directly tied to the relationships we build with our clients and customers. We deeply appreciate the trust our clients place in us and take pride in helping our customers find cherished treasures. From our family to yours, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for nominating and choosing Estate of Affairs.

Estate of Affairs is a comprehensive partner. As a fullservice asset liquidation company,

we specialize in devising and executing customized plans to alleviate overwhelming burdens while ensuring you receive maximum returns on your assets.

At Estate of Affairs, we cater to life transitions, providing a range of valuable services. Whether you are in need of an estate sale, a divorce liquidation, a business consolidation, have relocation challenges, or a real estate clean out, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Count on us to navigate these transitions seamlessly and professionally, ensuring a smooth and stress free experience.

Entrust Your Asset Liquidation Needs to

Count on Estate of Affairs to take charge of every aspect of your sale with the utmost care, dignity, and efficiency. Our meticulous approach involves organization, conducting thorough research, setting appropriate prices, and executing extensive advertising efforts, resulting in well- attended sales.

Throughout the sale we provide a reliable POS tracking system, ensuring smooth transactions. Once the sale is concluded we collaborate with our clients to distribute the remaining items as desired, leaving the location empty and ready for its next chapter.

We understand that some of life’s transitions can be challenging. We aim to be a shoulder you can lean on. Our commitment to superior customer service is guided by our core values: Compassion, Dedication, Integrity, and Accountability.

We further understand each sale is a unique experience, deserving our undivided attention. As a result we foster a transparent partnership with our clients, delivering efficient and responsive representation when they need us most.

Estate of Affairs works towards finding

fair

and equitable

resolutions without compromising our clients’ core interests. Please consider entrusting your family’s asset liquidation needs to us. Rest assured we’ll handle the entire process professionally from the beginning to the end with care, dignity, and efficiency.

1st Choice Legal Assistance, LLC

Cheryl N. Garey

Stan. Co. LDA # 17-002 Not an Attorney

CHERYL@1STCLA.COM - 1STCLA.COM

802 14th Street, Suite A, Modesto, CA 95354

600 N. Second St., Suite 2, Patterson, CA 95363

We are honored to be the recipients of the Best of the 209 Gold Award for the second year in a row. I would like to personally thank my family, friends, colleagues, clients, and all that have been a crucial part of our success in the last 6 years. We are thankful to be able to serve our community with all their document needs in English and Spanish. We strive to go above and beyond the client's needs to provide a service that is quality, affordable and like no other. Thank you for allowing 1st Choice Legal Assistance to be your choice for your document needs.

Voted Best

Funeral Home 6 Years in a Row

The Allen Family is proud to be the only family-owned funeral home in the Turlock area.

Dan Johnson On-Call Family Attendant

Stan Gustafson In Loving Memory

Ken Freeby On-Call Family Attendant

Morri Elliott On-Call Family

Keith Richardson On-Call Family Attendant

Morgan Fleming Crematory Operator

Laurie Walters Systems Analyst

Veronica Munoz Bilingual Arrangement Counselor

Matthew Testo Funeral Director

Holly Strickland Advance Planning Specialist & Receptionist

Sarah Reed Embalmer

Jacob Ward Crematory Manager

Michael Allen

Melody Eddings Preparation Room Manager

Ben Sivils Assistant Manager

Attendant

Real Estate Winners

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

ANOKEEN VARANI GOLD

ADRIAN HARRELL - NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT

SILVER

AMANDA FIGUEROA, WEST COAST MARKETING GROUP BRONZE

ESCROW COMPANY

MONUMENT ESCROW GOLD

FIRST AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY SILVER

DOMA BRONZE

HOME INSPECTION

J BIXLER INSPECTIONS

GOLD

EZ HOME INSPECTIONS

SILVER

NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT TURLOCK

BRONZE

HOME STAGING

THE STAGING STUDIO GOLD

SELLER’S HELPER SILVER

FIB HOME STAGING & INTERIOR DESIGN BRONZE

LOAN OFFICER

FERNANDO ZAPIAIN - CHURCHILL

MORTGAGE GOLD

ANDREW NARSI SILVER

BIG VALLEY MORTGAGE, RENEE RIVERA BRONZE

MORTGAGE BANKER

BIG VALLEY MORTGAGE, RENEE RIVERA GOLD

ABILITY MORTGAGE / AMBECK MORTGAGE ASSOCIATES SILVER

GREAT CENTRAL MORTGAGE BRONZE

NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT BRIGHT HOMES GOLD

JKB LIVING, INC. SILVER

WINDWARD PACIFIC BUILDERS, INC. BRONZE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT GOLD

CORE FOUR REALTY SILVER

SUCCESS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BRONZE

REAL ESTATE BROKER EMILY PARKER, RIPON GOLD

ACCESSORIES - HOME

OLIVA DAWN CANDLES

GOLD

BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO SILVER

BLOOM AND FORAGE FARM BRONZE

ACCESSORIES - WOMEN’S

PATCHED PUMPKINS BOUTIQUE GOLD

COTTON & SAGE SILVER

WYNFULL + WONDER BRONZE

ANTIQUE STORE

MAIN STREET ANTIQUES GOLD

MAGPIE ANTIQUES SILVER

ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE BRONZE

APPLIANCE STORE

DIRECT APPLIANCE GOLD

ACE HARDWARE, OAKDALE SILVER

CENTER APPLIANCE BRONZE

BARGAIN / DISCOUNT STORE

COMMUNITY HOSPICE HOPE CHEST THRIFT STORE GOLD

THREADS CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE SILVER

TJ MAXX BRONZE

BIKE STORE

OAKDALE BICYCLE SHOP

GOLD

ANDERSON’S MOWER & BIKE SILVER

WORLD OF WHEELS BICYCLES BRONZE

BOOKSTORE

INVINCIBLE COMICS, MODESTO GOLD

BARNES AND NOBLE SILVER

THE BOOK EXCHANGE, MANTECA BRONZE

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE THE BRIDAL VAULT GOLD

KC BRIDAL CO SILVER

MIRA BRIDAL COUTURE BRONZE

CHILDREN’S SHOE STORE

STRIDE RITE GOLD

ENVY FINE CLOTHING SILVER

FAMOUS FOOTWEAR BRONZE

CHRISTMAS DECOR FARM HOUSE GOLD

RUSTIC ROOTS SILVER

HOBBY LOBBY BRONZE

CLOTHES - MEN’S PATCHED PUMPKINS BOUTIQUE GOLD

COTTON & SAGE SILVER

OAKDALE FEED & SEED BRONZE

CLOTHES - WOMEN’S KRISTINE’S DESIGNER CLOTHING GOLD

PATCHED PUMPKINS BOUTIQUE SILVER

COTTON & SAGE BRONZE

CLOTHING - CHILDREN’S PENCIE AND GINGER GOLD

PATCHED PUMPKIN BOUTIQUE, OAKDALE SILVER

TINY BIRDS TINY BEES BRONZE

CONSIGNMENT STORE

THREADS CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE GOLD

COMMUNITY HOSPICE HOPE CHEST THRIFT STORE

SILVER

HOME DECOR & MORE BRONZE

CUSTOM FURNITURE

BACK HOME FURNITURE & DECOR GOLD

SUITE 52 LIVING - PORTICO FOR HOME & GARDEN SILVER

RUSTIC ROOTS BRONZE

CUSTOM JEWELRY

THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS GOLD

OAK VALLEY JEWELERS SILVER

YONAN’S JEWELERS BRONZE

CUSTOM RECLAIMED FURNITURE

BACK HOME FURNITURE & DECOR GOLD

EARLES WOOD AND METAL WORKS SILVER

Shopping Winners

RUSTIC ROOTS

BRONZE

FINE JEWELRY

CICCARELLI JEWELERS

GOLD

YONAN’S JEWELERS SILVER

THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS BRONZE

FLORIST

BLOOM AND FORAGE FARM GOLD

MANTECA FLORAL SILVER

YONAN’S FLORAL BRONZE

FURNITURE STORE

BACK HOME FURNITURE & DECOR GOLD

RUSTIC ROOTS

SILVER

BORDONA’S OAKDALE FURNITURE MATTRESS & APPLIANCE BRONZE

GIFT BASKETS

ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET, OAKDALE

GOLD

MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY

SILVER

HILMAR CHEESE COMPANY BRONZE

GIFT SHOP

MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY

GOLD

BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO SILVER

COTTON & SAGE BRONZE

GROCERY STORE

VILLAGE FRESH MARKET

GOLD

WINCO

SILVER

SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET BRONZE

GUN DEALER

NORCAL FIREARM SUPPLY

GOLD

BARNWOOD ARMS SILVER

FRED’S FIREARMS BRONZE

HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY

THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS

GOLD

OAK VALLEY JEWELERS SILVER

YONAN’S JEWELERS BRONZE

HARDWARE STORE

STRAND ACE HARDWARE, INC. GOLD

TRUE VALUE, MODESTO SILVER

ACE HARDWARE, OAKDALE BRONZE

HOME / GARDEN STORE

MORRIS NURSERY GOLD

THE GREENERY NURSERY AND GARDEN SHOP SILVER

RAINFOREST NURSERY, MANTECA BRONZE

HOME DECOR

THE BUNKHOUSE DESIGN GOLD

BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO SILVER

MISS POTTS’ ATTIC BRONZE

HOME LIGHTING

MANTECA LIGHTING GOLD

PHILLIPS LIGHTING & HOME SILVER

RUSTIC ROOTS BRONZE

MATTRESS / BEDDING

MANTECA BEDQUARTERS GOLD

BORDONA’S OAKDALE FURNITURE MATTRESS & APPLIANCE SILVER

WOODS FURNITURE BRONZE

OLIVE OIL BUSINESS SCIABICA’S GOLD

OLIVE OIL PANTRY SILVER

CALIFORNIA GOLD OLIVE OIL CO. BRONZE

ONLINE STOREFRONT

MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY GOLD

PATCHED PUMPKINS BOUTIQUE SILVER

ELEGANT BRIDAL & QUINCEAÑERA BRONZE

PLACE TO BUY ART

ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE GOLD

CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER SILVER

DRAGONFLY ART FOR LIFE BRONZE

SHOE STORE

COTTON & SAGE

GOLD

ENVY FINE CLOTHING SILVER

DSW DESIGNER SHOE WAREHOUSE BRONZE

SHOPPING MALL / CENTER

MCHENRY VILLAGE, MODESTO GOLD

VINTAGE FAIRE MALL SILVER

RIVERBANK CROSSROADS BRONZE

SPORTING GOODS

BASS PRO SHOPS GOLD

ANDERSON’S MOWER & BIKE SILVER

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS BRONZE

THRIFT STORE

THREADS CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE GOLD

HOPE CHEST, MODESTO SILVER

COMMUNITY HOSPICE HOPE CHEST THRIFT STORE BRONZE

UNIQUE LOCAL SHOP

MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY GOLD

COTTON & SAGE SILVER

MISS POTTS’ ATTIC BRONZE

WESTERN CLOTHING

OAKDALE FEED & SEED GOLD

PATCHED PUMPKINS BOUTIQUE SILVER

BUCKSWORTH WESTERN WEAR BRONZE

Village Fresh Market

Voted

Best Grocery Store & Best Deli

BEST of 209 covers 7 counties; Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne so it is a huge honor to have won the BEST of 209 for Eight years - 2015 thru 2023!

And 9 time winner of READER’S CHOICE 2014 thru 2022 that covers Turlock, Hilmar, Denair, Hughson and Delhi