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.
VOTED 1ST PLACE BEST WORKING KITCHEN SHOWROOM
VOTED 1ST PLACE BEST APPLIANCE STORE
VOTED 1ST PLACE BEST GAS & ELECTRIC FIREPLACE STORE
VOTED 2ND PLACE BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER
VOTED 3RD PLACE BEST KITCHEN & BATH COUNTERS
VOTED 3RD PLACE BEST KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING
1/3LB burger served on a cheese toast brioche bun
1/3LB burger & crispy bacon served on a cheese toast brioche bun
Once
PUBLISHER/OWNER
Hank Vander Veen
EDITOR
Kristina Hacker
MANAGING EDITOR
Sabra Stafford
WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS
Jeff Benziger
Eva Cluff
Jane Cluff
Christopher Correa
Joe Cortez
Patty Guerra
Matt Johanson
Claudia Newcorn
Sabra Stafford
Frankie Tovar
Dennis Wyatt
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Harold L. George
ARDVERTISING
Chris Castro
Beth Flanagan
Rich Matheson
Karen Olsen
Corey Rogers
Melody Wann
Charles Webber
This is the 10th annual Best of 209 issue, and each year the program has grown — in votes and community support. 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 find a number of ideas to enjoy the last of summer.
The annual Stockton Labor Day Pow Wow, held on the campus of the University of the Pacific, celebrates and acknowledges the rich culture of the region’s indigenous peoples.
California’s newest state park — the 1,600 acres Dos Rios Ranch Preserve — is now officially open to the public. Located at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers near Grayson, the Dios Rios property is the state’s largest publicprivate floodplain restoration project.
The annual Picnic at the Pops event will feature “Dancing in the Streets: The Music of Motown” on Sept. 7 on the Gallo Grounds, so grab a lawn chair and join your neighbors in a final summer music festival.
SCAN this to advertise in 209 Magazine or call Manteca • (209) 249-3500 • Newman • (209) 243-8170 Oakdale • (209) 847-3021 • Turlock • (209) 634-9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year
Mentioned above are just a few of the features that you’ll find in this issue of 209 Magazine. After 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.
Even with the soaring temperatures, summertime fun was in full swing in the 209 region. If you want your event featured in Scene in the 209, email sstafford@209magazine.com.
COUNTY FAIR JUMPING FROG JUBILEE
The annual festival celebrates the Mark Twain story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County” with a four-day festival that offers guests carnival rides and games, exhibits, vendors, tasty treats and lots of jumping frog contests for professionals and newbies alike.
of the
her
some good air underneath
Nolan Moncrief’s frog gets
it during the Calaveras County Fair Jumping Frog Jubilee, held May 16-19, 2024, in Angels Camp.
Alaina Borrelli
Gustine Jumping Frog Team gets
frog to jump during the Calaveras County Fair Jumping Frog Jubilee, held May 16-19, 2024, in Angels Camp.
Frank Borrelli encourages his frog to get far in its jumping at the Calaveras County Fair Jumping Frog Jubilee, held May 16-19, 2024, in Angels Camp.
CALAVERAS
ALL-AMERICAN BASH
Oakdale celebrated the Fourth of July is style with the All-American Bash, which included plenty of family-friendly activities and a patriotic-themed drove show.
Taking the stage as the headliner for the evening concert at the June 29 All American Bash in Oakdale was Kristen Brown of Roseville, a recent contestant on The Voice. She wowed the crowd with a number of tunes and enjoyed interacting with attendees.
Rolling in on a Can-Am Ryker three-wheeled motorcycle for the All-American Bash in Oakdale was Delhi resident Ron Bradley, dressed for the occasion in his best patriotic attire.
Among the entries in the July 4 celebration at Oakdale’s AllAmerican Bash – actually staged in late June – was this group representing Lumberyard Cellars, a wine tasing business in downtown Escalon.
PHOTOS BY MARG JACKSON/ 209 M agazine
Scene in the
LINGUICA RUN 2024
Hundreds filled Henry Miller Park in Gustine for the 43rd annual Linguica Run hosted by the Westside Auto Club. Along with enjoying grilled linguica and Portuguese beans, visitors also got to peruse a display of rare muscle cars, trucks and classic vehicles. The Westside Auto Club is well-known in the community for its philanthropic efforts. From donations to food banks during the holidays to high school scholarships and bicycle donations for kids in need, the club is more than just about their love of classic cars.
STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR
The Stanislaus County Fair opened the gates in Turlock for a ten-day run in July. Even with the heat, crowds still came out to partake in the fun, which included carnival rides and games, livestock shows, concerts and arena events.
PHOTOS BY SARESA SHUTES/ 209 M agazine
COMMUNITY EVENTS
LAO BOAT RACING FESTIVAL
The Vatthanatham Lao Foundation will host their first Merced Lao Boat Racing Festival on Aug. 24.
The boat races will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Yosemite at 5673 N. Lake Road in Merced.
There will be food and merchandise vendors, cultural performances, and live bands.
SPEAKEASY SOIRE
The United Way of Merced will celebrate their 70th anniversary with a Speakeasy Soire starting at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 7.
The night will include heavy hors d’oeuvres, handcrafted libations, auctions, live entertainment and more.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at unitedwaymerced.org/ speakeasy
TASTE OF SOUL
The 4th Annual Taste of Soul is set for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 and 8 at Weber Point Events Center at 221 North Center Street in Stockton.
There will be plenty of delicious food vendors serving up the best fish, chicken, barbecue, gumbo, collard greens, mac ‘n cheese and more.
Music guests include Cameo and Jacquees.
SEP14 2024 SEP14 2024 SEP21 2024
TWAIN HARTE A LA CARTE
Soroptimist International of Twain Harte invites guests to an evening of great food and drinks in the mountains for the 26th Twain Harte a la Carte at Eproson Park on Sept. 14.
The festival is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will offer tastings from more than 20 local restaurants, wineries and breweries, along with live music. There will be a raffle and live auction.
Tickets are $45. For tickets or more information call (209) 586-0757.
OKTOBERFEST
Dust Bowl Brewing Co. is hosting an Oktoberfest on Sept. 14 at their location at 3000 Fulkerth Road.
Entry includes complimentary .5 liter stein, two beer fills, meal ticket, special entertainment, 360 photo booth, and 4pk of Oktoberfest lager (No alcohol for DD attendees). Music will be from Makin’ Noise. There will be prizes for the costume contest and stein hold.
V.I.P. tickets are $85 and includes a 5 p.m. entrance. General admission is $75 and designated drivers get in for $30.
The event is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is for those 21 years and older.
For tickets visit dustbowlbrewing.com/ events.
WINE AND BREW STROLL
The Escalon Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual wine and brew stroll from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at Main Street Park.
In addition to the wine and beer, there will be food, live music and a photo booth.
General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets are $65, which includes a special seating area with air conditioning.
The park is located at 1755 Main St., in Escalon.
For more information or tickets call (209) 838-2793.
SEP27 2024
LIVINGSTON SWEET POTATO FESTIVAL
Celebrate the sweet potato harvest with the City of Livingston and their Sweet Potato Festival Sept. 27 to Sept. 29. There will be a carnival, live entertainment, vendors, a car show, a pie eating contest, Bingo and lots of sweet potato dishes. The event is at the Max Foster Sports Complex and entry is $1. For times and more information call (209) 394-8830.
OCT 5 2024
CALAVERAS GRAPE STOMP
The 31st Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp will be held at Murphys Community Park from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 5.
Hosted by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, the event brings teams together for an exciting day of grape stomping fun and auction - and all for a good cause. Auction proceeds benefit local organizations and the high school scholarship program.
The event started in 1993 and is now the oldest and largest grape stomp in California.
For more information visit calaveraswines.org/grape-stomp.
OCT 5 2024
GARDEN PARTY
The Carnegie Arts Center and Farm truck Catering are hosting a Garden Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at a Turlock residence.
The event, which raises funds for the arts, will include food, live music and art.
Tickets are $60 to $75.
For more information visit carnegieartsturlock.org.
PHOTO BY CRYPTO CROW/Pexels.com
Annual Stockton event honors indigenous peoples of the region
By CHRISTOPHER CORREA
The beat of wooden and hide drums will be heard throughout the Derosa Lawn on the campus of the University of the Pacific on August 31 and September 1 as part of the annual Stockton Labor Day Pow Wow.
Hosted by the Stockton Pow Wow Committee and the University of the Pacific’s El Centro program that focuses on the needs of Latino and Native American campus community members, the community event began in 1980 with the help of Dale Fleming, Caroline Wilson, Chris Rosado and Zeta
Chavez in hopes of celebrating and acknowledging the rich culture of the region’s native peoples.
Destiny Rivas serves as the current chair of the Pow Wow and is also the coordinator of Stockton Unified School District’s Native American Indian Center. She has been involved in organizing the Pow Wow for more than 15 years. As a child, she was a dancer at the event. She explained that the
community festival was put together out of necessity.
“We need to keep the culture alive. And when we do that, it can literally save lives. Native American kids have a higher risk of suicide than every other nationality combined. Kids are joining gangs and going into prison, and all of this is mostly because they have a lost sense of community, especially in urban areas,” she said.
According to a study by the CDC, suicide rates among non-Hispanic Native American persons was 23.9% in 2020. Rivas believes that isolation from indigenous reservations or ranches are a major cause, and that the Native Center and the Pow Wow can build a better sense of community amongst those in Stockton that, as of 2022, has a Native American population of nearly 4,000. It is the urban area with the largest indigenous population that is not on a native reservation or ranch.
“The Indian Relocation Act (1956) moved all the Native Americans to the Bay Area, but with the housing crisis that happened, a large majority of them moved to Stockton, and that’s why you have such a huge community here. And that’s why the Native Center and the Pow Wow is so important,” Rivas explained. “Here, people can share their culture, meet others who are like them when they feel alone, especially in a place like Stockton where we’re not so visible. We don’t have a reservation or ranch area anywhere close by. So, it’s places like this and community events like the Pow Wow that can help people not feel so invisible and so lost and so alone.”
Every year, the free event draws hundreds, including Native Americans representing tribes from across California and other western states.
Dozens of vendors will set up booths for this year, offering everything from artwork, crafts, clothing and jewelry.
“They’re definitely unique, handcrafted gifts,” Rivas said. Our vendors are native, and they create all their merchandise by hand. It’s not something that you can get anywhere else.”
The preservation of the indigenous cultures is the reason why there is policy on when and where attendees will be able to snap photos during the two-day stint.
“They don’t want people to replicate their art or be surprised when it shows
Seeing the dancers in those outfits, not one of those is manufactured anywhere. And it’s about tradition and family. places like the Native Center and these Pow Wows to teach each other.
up at a place like Forever 21,” Rivas explained. “This is something that’s handmade, that’s passed down generation by generation. Seeing the dancers in those outfits, not one of those is manufactured anywhere. And it’s about tradition and family. places like the
Native Center and these Pow Wows to teach each other. We teach each other like family because otherwise they’re not going to learn this and it’s all going to be lost.”
Perhaps the biggest draw to the annual event is the Native food, as vendors offer unique indigenous meals like buffalo burgers, Indian hotdogs wrapped in frybread, Native American tacos that include ground beef and other toppings on frybread, and of course more frybread.
And while the meals are delicious, there will be lessons in each bite, particularly when it comes to the popular frybread.
“It’s a resistance meal,” Rivas said. “When our people were removed from our tribes, we lost our food sources. The ground wasn’t as fertile in the places that we were from. We didn’t have the same hunting that we were used to. So, what they did was they gave us commodity boxes, and in those commodity boxes, kind of like it sometimes is today, there was a lot of rotten food in there and it was all inedible. So, what the families did was they figured out how to make fried bread after scooping out some of the good grease from the bottom… And it’s absolutely freaking delicious, which is also why it’s bad for you. And that leads to another issue where we can’t have too much because our people do have a history of diabetes because we’re not eating our natural food sources. So, we joke about trying to limit it to celebrations only.”
The Pow Wow will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. Festivities will continue from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1.
“We welcome everybody. It’s not just for Native families. It’s for everybody to realize that we’re still here and for them to see part of our culture and learn from us, not from somebody else’s story. We’re telling our own story when we’re dancing.” ●
NATURE’S BOUNTY
DOS RIOS RANCH RESERVE NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
By JOE CORTEZ
California’s newest state park — the 1,600-acre Dos Rios Ranch Preserve — officially opened to the public in June as a kickoff to State Parks Week.
Located at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers near Grayson, the Dos Rios property is the state’s largest public-private floodplain restoration project, according to California State Parks. Dos Rios restores habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife at the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers. It’s the state’s 281st state park and the first to open in nearly a decade.
Guests will be able to use Dos Rios for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching, with plans for bicycling, swimming, and boating in the future.
A crowd of about 300 was on hand for the
WE GET TO GO ON WALKS WITH THIS LITTLE GUY, AND IT FEELS SAFE BECAUSE OF ALL THE RANGERS,
opening, which featured information booths, walking tours, food and beverages … and plenty of free swag.
“It’s great to see a new state park, not only in our back yard, but in my district, and me being able to have bragging rights to have one during my term,” said Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Modesto), whose sons are both Eagle Scouts. “My wife and I actually did a tour of this place last year … and we were excited, my team was excited just to be here. So that’s why some of my team is here today, because they’re looking forward to the hikes and trails and maybe someday camping here.”
Patterson’s Alex Garcia, along with her sister Gaby Garcia and son Maximus Ramos Garcia, are happy to have a state park so close to home.
“We get to go on walks with this little guy, and it feels safe because of all the rangers,” said Gaby. “It feels clean and it’s near the farm where we pick cherries, when it’s open. And blueberries.”
Six-year-old Maxiums proved to be a man of few words. When asked if he would like visiting Dos Rios in the coming years, his reply was succinct.
“Yeah.”
Dos Rios is the second state park to open in Stanislaus County, joining Turlock Lake State Recreation Area in La Grange. However, it’s been closed since 2021 while California State Parks and Turlock Irrigation District search for a new park operator.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom were at the park on April 22 to dedicate California’s first new state park since November 2014 when Onyx Ranch State Vehicular Recreation Area (eastern Kern County) debuted.
“There’s no better way to spend Earth Day than celebrating California’s first new state park in nearly a decade,” Newsom said. “The Golden State’s natural beauty is unmatched
and we’re laser-focused on ensuring every Californian can enjoy these spaces.
“And the benefits don’t just stop at recreation. This park is a key asset to fighting the climate crisis, home to the state’s largest floodplain restoration project. We’re not just protecting these spaces, we’re restoring them for future generations.”
On hand to speak were State Parks Director Armando Quintero, and Julie Rentner, president of River Partners, who, along with the Tuolumne River Trust, was instrumental in the park’s development over the past two decades.
During her remarks, Rentner thanked former Assemblymember Adam Gray for his work on the project.
“For 10 years he represented this region in the Assembly and was foundational in setting up the Problem Solvers Caucus,” said Rentner. “They’ve looked at flood plains here in the Central Valley and really championed investment here. Without leadership like that of former Assemblyman Adam Gray, I don’t know that we would have the political will to invest at this scale and bring parks to these places.”
Gray recalled seeing water standing last year on hundreds of acres, noting the park was doing what it was designed to do — flood. Because Dos Rios flooded, nearby communities such as Grayson and Newman did not. Instead, those floodwaters provided salmon habitat and replenished the region’s aquifers.
“This is more than just another pretty place,” said Gray, in a press release. “This is a template for what our parks can be and should be.”
Modesto native Diana Avalos, a Stanislaus State graduate who works as a senior program manager in the first partner’s office, delivered a speech titled “A Love Letter to Modesto.”
“… Dos Rios Park is the best of our comunidad,” Avalos said in her remarks. “This restoration project is the definition of ‘by community, for community.’ Our community did this. And I want the world to see the hope that lives and breathes in the Central Valley.”
Dos Rios is open Fridays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and entrance to the park, located at 3559 Shiloh Road, near Grayson, is free. Call the park at 209-596-9032 for more information. ●
Firefighting Women’s Empowerment Camp
By EVA CLUFF
Young women and women firefighters from across California will be coming together for the first ever Women’s Empowerment Camp hosted by Modesto Fire in collaboration with Modesto Junior College on Oct. 5. The camp is a one-day experience catering to young women of the region who want to challenge themselves and learn more about a career as a firefighter.
Elizabeth Mullis, a Modesto firefighter of eight years and leading organizer for the camp says the goal is to give participants “more confidence to know that they have no limitations” and to “open the idea of a possible fire career for young ladies and what that would look like.”
The camp will provide participants with the opportunity to experience the duties of a firefighter and to see professional women firefighters in action. The day will start with breakfast and a team building activity and then participants will split off into rotations where they will learn skills like using a fire hose, forcing open doors, using a chainsaw, and ventilating from a roof. During lunch the professional firefighters will demonstrate putting out a live car fire, and after there will be more rotations for the participants.
The camp is run almost entirely by professional women firefighters, and women from all over the state will be traveling to be the
instructors.
“It takes an army of other fire departments to be able to encourage the women that come that day,” Mullis said.
The camp also provides women professional firefighters from different organizations the opportunity to meet one another.
“It is a really exhilarating time to see women teaming together to encourage the next generation.”
The Women’s Empowerment Camp will not be the first of its kind in California, but it is the first to offer such an opportunity to the young women of the Modesto region. Mullis has been able to attend a number of similar camps throughout California and when talking about the impact she has seen them have on participants said, “by the end of the day their whole confidence was different, just because they were able to do something that they never thought they were able to do.”
Mullis attended her first Firefighting Women’s Empowerment Camp six years ago in Sacramento.
“I had been in the fire service about 10 years,” Mullis said, “and I had never been around that many women that were professional firefighters.”
She had gone into the experience with the hope of encouraging the next generation of women but found herself being the one that was “encouraged and inspired.” To Mullis, the camps are a unique opportunity for young women to push their own boundaries and do things they might never have thought themselves capable of.
As an example of the impact these camps can have Mullis told a story from a camp in Fresno which she attended with a co-worker’s daughter who had a fear of heights. One of the skills they learned was rappelling down a building and the young woman was terrified.
“I got to climb up on that ladder with her and walk her through what it was.” Mullis said. “It was a transforming experience.”
The young woman successfully repelled down the building and the moment she hit the ground said, “I want to
“I GOT TO CLIMB UP ON THAT LADDER WITH HER AND WALK HER THROUGH WHAT IT WAS. IT WAS A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE.”
do it again!”
“She did it,” Mullis said with pride when recounting the story, “and whether she pursues a career in firefighting or not, that day she did something she thought she could never do.”
The Women’s Empowerment Camp will take place on Oct. 5 at the MJC Regional Fire Training Center and participants must be between 14 to 21 years of age. Applications will be open from 8 a.m. Aug. 19 to Sept. 20. Breakfast and lunch are provided. For more information, visit: www.modestogov.com/3122/WomensEmpowerment-Camp-2024 ●
The 1889 Lathrop murder that rocked the nation
By JEFF BENZIGER
Oh what a Hollywood blockbuster the events of August 14, 1889 in Lathrop would make.
But perhaps a movie based on the bizarre shooting death of noted jurist David Terry would not seem like a plausible plot.
There had never been a stranger mixture of eccentric characters and coincidences as two judicial foes – a U.S. Supreme Court justice named Stephen Field and former California State Supreme Court chief justice David Terry –faced a dramatic showdown at a train station in an out-of-the-way Valley town.
The Lathrop train depot no longer stands but a historical plaque was once in place across the street at 7th and K streets to recount the story until thieves carried it off.
The shooting rocked Lathrop, a small settlement of a store and schoolhouse prior to construction of the Central Pacific Railroad around 1870. Originally named Wilson’s Station, the town was renamed after railroad financier Leland Stanford declined being the namesake for the railroad stop west of Manteca, and his wife’s maiden name of Lathrop was selected. Lathrop wouldn’t become an incorporated city until 1989 – long after Terry’s murder was forgotten in the Stockton Rural Cemetery.
On August 14, 1889 a train pulled into the station with the two dignitaries aboard. The colorful David Terry and his wife Sarah had a dubious reputation. In his first year of service on the state Supreme Court in 1856 Justice Terry stabbed a person in the neck with his Bowie knife. Three years later the hotheaded Texas native shot to death U.S.
Senator David Broderick in a September 13, 1859 duel prompted by an offensive remark Terry made against Broderick. And while duels were considered an honorable way of settling disputes, Terry answered in court for the shooting but was acquitted of murder. Still, he was deemed a villain by many and resigned from the state’s highest court and
left San Francisco to set up law offices in Stockton and Fresno.
In the 1880s Terry got involved and married a female client that matched his quick temper. Sarah Althea Hill made headlines because of her soured relationship with wealthy Virginia City mine baron and U.S. Senator William Sharon that found its way in court – over money, of course.
At the time of their relationship – Hill was 30 years to Sharon’s 60 – he was making over $100,000 per month. The sugar daddy paid Sarah $500 a month and for her adjoining
room in the San Francisco Grand Hotel where he lived. They enjoyed
companionship for a while but after a year of being together, Senator Sharon wanted to end the relationship, no doubt due to mental instability. She was explosive and known to carry a small-caliber Colt revolver in her purse and did not hesitate to threaten anyone who crossed her.
He finally evicted her from the hotel room by having the carpets ripped up and the door hinges removed and tried to get her to go away with a payment of $7,500 –the equivalent of around $218,000 today.
In a day when stalking wasn’t a crime, Sarah kept showing up at his office and pleaded for him to reconsider his decision.
When Senator Sharon began a relationship with another woman, Hill sued him for adultery, claiming they were married. She hired attorney and former Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court David S. Terry. Sharon countersued, claiming that the marriage contract she produced was fraudulent.
Sharon v. Sharon dragged on in the courts for years and involved 10 state Supreme Court decisions, 10 Circuit Court decisions and two U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen J. Field, a Lincoln appointee, was assigned to assist the California Circuit Court and preside over Sharon vs. Sharon. Ironically, it was Field who replaced Terry on the California Supreme Court following his 1859 resignation following the duel.
The legal fight ramped up after William Sharon died on Nov. 13, 1885. His son Frederick and his son-in-law fought Hill, who produced a spurious handwritten will – it gave her all of Sharon’s estate – which she claimed to have found in his desk.
Meanwhile, Hill and Terry became romantically involved and eventually married.
In January 1886, a circuit judge ruled the marriage contract to be a forgery. The Terrys refused to comply with court orders to hand over the marriage contract, and were
jailed for contempt.
They returned to court in March 1888, seeking further relief. Oral arguments were heard before Justice Field, sitting as Circuit Court Justice, Circuit Court Judge Lorenzo Sawyer, and District Court Judge George Myron Sabin. Months after the hearing, Judge Sawyer encountered the Terrys on an August 14, 1888 train ride between Fresno and San Francisco. Sarah Terry approached Sawyer and threatened to kill him.
On Sept. 3, 1888, as Field ruled that the will was a forgery, pandemonium broke out in his courtroom. Sarah began screaming obscenities at the judge and fumbling in her handbag for the revolver. Marshal John Franks and others attempted to escort her from the courtroom as David Terry rose to defend his wife and went for his Bowie knife. After the hulking Terry struck the marshal and knocked out a tooth, more marshals drew their guns.
Spectators eventually subdued Terry and led him out of the courtroom as he pulled out his Bowie knife again and threatened all around him. One of the marshals present, David Neagle, put his pistol in Terry’s face and both Terrys were arrested. Justice Field later sentenced both to jail for contempt of court – Terry for six months and Sarah Terry for 30 days.
Both Terrys were indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal charges arising from their violent behavior in court.
In July 1889, the California Supreme Court ruled that because Sarah Althea Terry and Sharon had kept their alleged marriage a secret, they were never legally married.
Newspapers reported speculation of a likely attack on Field’s life so Neagle, who had a notable career in law enforcement, was assigned to guard Field.
Neagle previously served as marshal of Tombstone, Arizona after Morgan Earp
I am a United States Marshal and I defy anyone to touch me!”
was wounded in the arm during a March 18, 1882 gunshot.
Terry and Hill were freed from jail and returned to Fresno. As fate would have it, on August 14, 1889, the Terrys boarded a train in Fresno on which Field and Neagle were returning from Los Angeles. At 7:10 a.m., the train pulled into the Lathrop station with the conductor sensing trouble brewing. He sent word for the local Constable Walker to come to the station but he couldn’t be found.
Inside the depot restaurant, Terry spied Field sitting at a table and slowly approached the spectacled
jurist from behind. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Terry slapped Field on the cheek while other accounts reported that Terry only attempted to slap Field, or to grab him by his beard.
Neagle, who was only 5-foot-7 and weighed 145 pounds, was not equally matched to the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Terry. Neagle rose from his chair, shouting, “Stop that! I am an officer!” When Terry drew back his fist, Neagle shot Terry in the heart at point-blank range with a .45 caliber revolver. As Terry reeled backward, Neagle fired again, nicking his ear. Neagle announced to
80 to 100 stunned spectators, “I am a United States Marshal and I defy anyone to touch me!”
Field further explained to onlookers that Terry had assaulted him “and my officer shot him.”
Neagle ushered Field to a rail car and locked themselves inside their cabin. Sarah Terry followed and tried to gain entry, saying she wanted to slap Field but Neagle insisted that she stay away or he’d kill her too.
The satchel she had fetched from the train was searched and a pistol was found within it.
Shortly after the shooting, Con-
stable Walker of Lathrop and Stanislaus County Sheriff Richard Purvis arrived. Neagle produced papers issued by the U.S. Attorney General appointing him as a special marshal to protect Justice Field but Walker locked Neagle up in the county jail in Stockton while an investigation took place.
Trying to sort out the facts, San Joaquin County Sheriff Thomas Cunningham telegraphed authorities to detain Field once his train reached Oakland but it didn’t happen.
Meanwhile, Judge Field telegraphed the marshal’s office in Stockton, who relayed information to the U.S. Attorney General. The U.S. Attorney in San Francisco filed a writ of habeas corpus for Neagle’s release.
Sheriff Cunningham, with the aid of the State of California, appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, questioning if Neagle legally shot Terry. In 1890, the Supreme Court ruled that federal officers are immune from state prosecution for actions taken within the scope of their federal authority.
After the dust settled, Neagle became a bodyguard and gunman for the Southern Pacific Railroad for several years.
Widowed by her husband’s death, Sarah Terry’s mental condition deteriorated and she aimlessly wandered the streets of San Francisco in disheveled fashion. She constantly spoke to her dead husband. The 42-year-old was diagnosed with schizophrenia and committed to the state mental asylum in Stockton on March 2, 1892 where she spent the rest of her 45 years.
When she died she was buried next to her husband and his first wife in the Stockton Rural Cemetery.
Sharon was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in San Francisco later Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma.
Indeed, what a movie it would make. ●
Lift-Off Library
Fundraising effort aims to make Modesto Library a showstopper
By PATTY GUERRA
I was one of those overly active, overly achieving kids and was determined to go to a top 20 theater school.
When Lynn Dickerson was approached to spearhead a $3 million fundraising effort for the Modesto library renovation, she nearly turned down the request.
“I first said no because I didn’t want such a big responsibility,” said Dickerson, a longtime champion of Modesto and the former CEO of the Gallo Center for the Arts. “I offered to find someone to chair. In the end, Katy Menges agreed to co-chair if I would be the other half of the team. So I did it.”
Menges, like Dickerson a community supporter and a fellow Texas native, said she owes her career in communications and the performing arts to the county library.
“I was one of those overly active, overly achieving kids and was determined to go to a top 20 theater school,” Menges said.
But her family couldn’t afford tuition and she didn’t know how to go about applying. “My high school library didn’t have any information for me so I went to the county library and a wonderful librarian helped me!”
Dickerson and Menges are heading up the Friends of the Modesto Library’s A Lifelong Legacy campaign, aimed at raising $3 million to augment a major remodeling project at the main branch of the Stanislaus County Library.
When the Modesto branch of the Stanislaus County Library opened in its current I Street location in November 1971, it was the latest in midcentury
Campaign co-chairs Lynn Dickerson, left, and Katy Menges update the thermometer showing donations
Modernist architecture, offering a much-expanded collection and new services.
But in 1971, Modesto had a population of roughly 61,000 people, and the services included phone calls to reference librarians, searching card catalogs or looking through a periodicals directory to request a microfiche of a magazine article.
More than 50 years later, the city’s population has more than tripled, and the services offered
through the library have evolved as well. Outside of the story times, computer access and workshops, the library is a special place to build community.
“In many ways, this library serves as a cornerstone of our community … a place that has always brought people together,” Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mani Grewal said at this year’s State of the County address, held on the steps of the library. “This library’s
history shows us what’s possible when we commit to building lasting places of growth for all.”
The library will close next year for an $18 million renovation. The money is coming from various public sources, including $4 million from Stanislaus County, a similar amount from the library, and a grant from the state of nearly $10 million.
The work is set to take place next year. The library is scheduled to close for the duration of the work; an auxiliary site, yet to be announced, will offer residents access to books and services. Residents also will be able to visit the library’s other branches in surrounding communities.
The main work will include asbestos abatement; ADA corrections in the Children’s Story Time Room and public restrooms; ceiling tile replacement and LED lighting upgrade; improvements to HVAC system and elevator; security camera installation; upgraded wiring for IT; updated furnishings, fixtures (carpet, paint) and equipment.
Those changes are much-needed, and will provide a vast improvement to the experience of visiting the library. The campaign by the Friends is aimed at making additional improvements, such as upgraded furnishings and fixtures (in public areas, including the auditorium) and installation of audio-visual improvements to support programming and public service in multiple spaces. With a recent contribution of $500,000 by the city of Modesto, the campaign
It’s a labor of love for Dickerson, whose late son, Ryan, was a fixture at the Modesto library.
has raised $2.44 million of its $3 million goal.
Said Denise Nordell, president of the Friends of the Modesto Library, “We realize that many people who may seldom visit the library themselves nevertheless understand how important it is to have a vibrant library in the community.”
In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Modesto Library had 221,000 visitors. They checked out 460,000 books and materials. It also connected people to essential services and resources, such as wifi, for those unable to access it at home, helping them create resumes and look for employment. In that same year, 18,525 computer sessions were held.
The library also hosts workshops, story times and events for individuals and families. With the Capital Campaign, supporters hope to make the facility an even more welcoming environment, with a reimagined area for young children, upgrades to the McHenry Room auditorium, and even a gallery featuring the works of local artists.
The campaign is similar to a success-
ful effort by the Friends of the Turlock Library, which raised $1 million in 2020 for furnishings, architectural enhancements and technology upgrades when that facility underwent its own major renovation.
It’s a labor of love for Dickerson, whose late son, Ryan, was a fixture at the Modesto library.
“His very last night in Modesto was spent at the library volunteering for a Harry Potter event for younger kids on July 20, 2007,” Dickerson said. She, her husband Ron and their friends have funded a tree in the children’s library dedicated to Ryan.
“When Ron and I travel these days we often go into the library of the city we are visiting,” she said. “I think the quality of the library says a lot about the quality of the city. That’s why we are working so hard to make sure our downtown library is of the same caliber as the Gallo Center and the (Modesto Children’s Museum) and the new Intermission (a newly opened cocktail lounge and community space next to the State Theatre).
“In a nutshell, I want the library to be something we can be proud of when it reopens,” Dickerson said. “Something that reflects positively on Modesto.”
More information on the fundraising effort, including how to donate, is available on the Friends of the Modesto Library website at modestolibraryfriends.org/legacy. Donations may be sent to PO Box 4565 Modesto, CA 95352-4565. ●
The annual Picnic at the Pops presents “Dancing in the Streets: The Music of Motown.”
The legendary hit-factory of the Motor City will take center stage on Sept. 7 at the Gallo Grounds, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto.
Picnic Pops at the Motown is coming to Motown.
The grounds open at 5 p.m. for picnicking and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $75 for adults and $20 for youth for reserved lawn seating, and $45/$12 for general lawn seating.
In 1959, songwriter and entrepreneur Barry Gordy founded a record label in Detroit that would go on to establish a sound all its own. A sound that became known to the world as the Motown Sound.
And in a town known for its automobile factories, Motown very quickly became a hit factory. The Motown Sound is credited as being a source of inspiration for the Beatles and other “English Invasion” bands of the mid1960s.
The Beatles’ second album “With the Beatles” features covers of three Motown classics: “You Really Got a Hold On Me,” “Money,” and “Please Mr. Postman,” originally performed by the Marvelettes and which went on to become the first Motown record to top the charts. Brian Holland is credited as one of the songwriters of “Please Mr. Postman.” He, along with brother Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier, comprised one of the most produc-
tive songwriting teams of the 1906s. Known collectively as Holland-DozierHolland, the trio’s songs topped the U.S. Billboard chart on 13 separate occasions (“You Keep Me Hangin’ On” was a No. 1 hit for The Supremes in 1966 and for Kim Wilde in 1987). This year’s Picnic at the Pops features 29 well known standards from the Motown catalog: “Dancing in the Street” (Martha Reeves and the Vandellas); “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (Smokey Robinson and the Miracles); “It’s a Man’s World” (James Brown); “Reach Out I’ll Be There” (Four Tops); “Touch Me In the Morning” (Diana Ross); “Just to See Her” (Smokey Robinson); “How Sweet It Is” (Marvin Gaye); “A Song for You” (Donny Hathaway); “Superstition” (Stevie Wonder); “Let’s Groove” (Earth, Wind and Fire); “I Got You” (James Brown); “My Guy” (Mary Wells); “My Girl” (Temptations); “Endless Love” (Lionel Richie, Diana Ross); “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” (Spinners); “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (Thelma Houston); “All Night Long” (Lionel Richie); “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” (Stevie Wonder), and a Jackie Wilson medley featuring pieces of “Higher and Higher,” “I Don’t
By JOE CORTEZ
Need You Around,” “I’ve Lost You,” “Those Heartaches,” “Soulville,” “Open the Door to Your Heart, ”I’m the One to Do It,” “You Can Count on Me,” “I Need Your Loving,” “Somebody Up There Likes You,” and “When Will Our Day Come?”
Picnic at the Pops! presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra is an annual event that is held on the grounds of the E. & J. Gallo Winery and has been a community favorite since it began in 1995. The event attracts thousands of guests from Modesto and the neighboring communities for an evening of orchestral pop music, and dancing.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the outdoor space. Outside alcohol is prohibited; wine and an assortment of beverages are available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the MSO.
For those not wanting to pack their own picnic, patrons may pre-order meals or purchase food on-site from local food trucks and vendors.
For this concert, you will need to bring printed tickets for admission and to enter the ground’s parking lots. It is highly recommended that you pick up your printed tickets from the Gallo Center ticket office prior to the concert. Ticket office hours are Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
Any printed tickets left over will be available at will call at the event. ●
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the outdoor space.
StorieS to tell
By JANE CLUFF
Do you or someone you know capture people’s attention with tales of creative pranks, scary experiences, epic fails, grand romantic gestures and wacky relatives? Those stories aren’t just captivating; they bind us to one another. According to Jimmy Neil Smith, former Director of the International Storytelling Center, “There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.”
If it’s a storytelling community you’re craving, the 209 has one, and their mission statement says it all: “The Mother Lode Storytelling Guild connects people and communities by inspiring storytellers of all ages and abilities, lifting unique voices in the art of storytelling, and building eager audiences across cultures and generations.”
The Mother Lode Storytelling Guild was founded by Colleen Nunn and BZ Smith in 2010 and has been gathering to share stories and promote storytelling ever since. Nunn was inspired by the stories she heard while on a trip to Chile, returned to California and asked her friend, Smith, to help her start a storytelling group. Smith already had a wealth of experience as a professional storyteller with a slew of impressive gigs, recordings and awards under her belt. She grew up listening to her mother sing and tell stories while her father and his Texan family specialized in Tall Tales. “I loved the spoken word. It delighted me,” she said. Children’s theater was a natural fit for her as was becoming a Children’s Librarian in Sonora, which eventually led to telling
stories professionally far and wide.
Kathy Martinez, current Chairperson of the Mother Lode Storytellers, formerly the Mother Lode Storytelling Guild, believes everybody has a story to tell. She has been instrumental in adding Open Tellings at the Jon Trickey Art Gallery in San Andreas on the first Sundays of July, August and September. All are welcome, and “if the spirit moves you, you can tell a story,” says Martinez.
Personal, fairy, folk and tall tales are all commonly told at this type of event and should be seven or eight minutes in length. If you’re a newbie, Martinez recommends listening to NPR’s The Moth for an introduction to personal storytelling and says, “You have to jump in the water and just do it.”
For tellers with a heart for prize money, the Story Slam on Oct. 12, at the Metropolitan Theater in San Andreas is the event for you. The theme of the
evening is Stranger Than Fiction. Just register upon arrival at 6 p.m. and the first 10 entrants will grace the stage with a five-minute tale. Three judges will evaluate the storytelling and award first, second and third place cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25.
For more information, contact Kathy Martinez at thebaskettree67@gmail. com. ●
IF YOU GO
THE MOTHER LODE STORYTELLERS
Join The Mother Lode Storytellers for any of the following upcoming events and prepare to feel connected and inspired.
OPEN TELLING: Jon Trickey Art Gallery, San Andreas, First Sunday of September
OPEN TELLINGS: Little Roots Toy Store, Sonora, Third Saturdays, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
STORY SLAM: Metropolitan Theater, San Andreas, Saturday, October 12th, 6:00 p.m.
Cooking up something special at
Santi’s Mexican Grill
Santi’s Mexican Grill has been offering a rich variety of traditional Mexican dishes.
Under the ownership of Newman resident Veronica Alcauter, the restaurant has flourished, becoming a community staple.
Alcauter originally came to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, in 1989. After spending many years in the restaurant business, she took over the establishment in 2017.
“When I bought the reastaurant, I wanted to keep the name Santi’s because it had a good reputation,” said Alcauter. “The community already loved it, and I wanted to build on that legacy.”
Santi’s Mexican Grill is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, drawing in regulars and newcomers alike with its wholesome and warm atmosphere.
“We’ve made some changes over the years to improve the menu and services,” Alcauter explains. “For example, we expanded our pozole offering from just Fridays to the whole weekend because people loved it so much.”
The menu at Santi’s features a variety of dishes that have become local favorites.
“Our enchiladas are particularly popular,” Alcauter notes. “We also have delicious skillets with chorizo and eggs, and we offer vegetarian options like stuffed peppers with squash and mushrooms.”
Santi’s wet burrito is a consistently popular option with a choice of
meats and red or green sauce on top. The chicken Monterey has proven to be another customer favorite. Tender cuts of chicken are grilled with onions and bell peppers and sautéed in a ranchero sauce and drizzled with cheese.
Mexican food is certainly the specialty at Santi’s, but they also offer big burgers, linguica sandwiches and country fried steaks.
Alcauter emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients in her cooking. She prioritizes customer first notion to better serve them. It keeps her customers coming back and fuels her motivation to provide quality food.
We’re considering opening earlier to offer breakfast. We always want to find new ways to serve our customers better.
“I cook for the people who support us, for our locals,” said Alcauter. “It’s important that they know they’re getting the best quality.”
Running a restaurant is not easy. Alcauter credits her hardworking team and the support of the Newman community for their success.
“Our staff is incredible,” Alcauter says. “Most of our employees are women, and they are very responsible and dedicated.”
Santi’s Mexican Grill isn’t just about great food. It’s about being a part of the community. Alcauter works closely with local organizations and participates in community events.
“We’ve received so much love and support from everyone here,” she says. “It’s important to give back.”
Mariscada Santi’s style is a loaded helping of spicy sautéed seafood with a helping of fresh tomatoes, onions and avocados.
Service starts at 9 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with a hearty breakfast menu that includes breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros and omelets.
Looking to the future, Alcauter hopes to continue evolving and improving the restaurant. Her customer base is quickly growing and is considering a way to accommodate more seats and offerings.
“We’re considering opening earlier to offer breakfast,” she reveals. “We always want to find new ways to serve our customers better.”
Santi’s Mexican Grill remains a cherished part of downtown Newman, a place where the community comes together to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. For Alcauter, it’s not just a business, it’s a labor of love.
“Cooking is my passion,” Alcauter said with a smile. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share that with our wonderful community.”
Santi’s Mexican Grill is located at 1405 Main St in downtown Newman. If you have any questions or would like to order some food, contact them at (209) 8621464. They are open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturdays. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays. ●
Cooking is my passion. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share that with our wonderful community.
CHILLED COCKTAILS AND EVEN CHILLER VIBES IN DOWNTOWN MODESTO
By FRANKIE TOVAR
For the past five years, LoFidelity Laboratories has cultivated a community centered around crafted cocktails, curated sounds, and collective creativity, providing downtown Modesto with a much-needed space for those in search of diverse offerings in a down-toearth environment.
Complete with an everevolving seasonal drink menu, weekly events and showcases, concerts and performances, and an inclusive and collaborative approach to business, Lo-Fi has proven itself to be a beacon of fun in the 209.
“I grew up in Sacramento… so moving here in the beginning was really hard for me, because over there it’s very community driven. There’s stuff to do every day and there are very creative people who have spaces to do those kinds of things,” bar manager and co-owner Shawna Love said.
“I really saw Modesto struggling in that aspect. A lot of things gain momentum at first and then die out. It’s really hard to keep people com-
ing for these return events. People are bored. There’s not a lot to stimulate them.”
Love’s solution to the Central Valley stagnation has been to bring concepts from around the country back to Modesto to share with her bartenders and patrons. Bar camps in New York, distillery tours in Kentucky, and cocktail seminars in New Orleans – these are just a few sources of inspiration that have helped Lo-Fi bolster its profile. The result is a zero-waste, bespoke approach to making drinks that showcases fresh juices, syrups, and tonics all made from scratch.
“I’m creative and artis-
tic and I grew up doing stuff with my hands. That’s why I like cocktails, because that’s another form of art. I’m not a big drinker myself, but I like to make drinks for other people,” Love said.
Not to betray its low-key nature, this elevated approach is balanced by dive bar vibes that include a low-cost menu featuring classic beers like Hamm’s, Coors Original, and Miller Light, Mickey’s malt liquor hand grenades, and Carlo Rossi wine.
The full bar also includes a rare Amaro selection along with a wide range of mocktail options.
“This is the most diverse bar as far as the age range of people that come here and the demographic…I really like the fact that I can look around the room and feel like we’re not catering to one type of group,” Love said. “I think that’s the highlight of my job, being able to do that for people.”
In addition to the drink selection, visitors
can also enjoy themed nights like Dive Bar Mondays and Tiki Tuesdays along with events like Mommy Paint Night, Air Dried Clay classes, Photography Showcases, Write Nights, Friday Night Vibe DJ parties, Poetry Nights, Drag Lab Brunch shows, and much more. The space also caters to underground hip hop fans with past performances from the likes of Equipto, Pep Love, and an array of local artists.
“Lo-Fi Labs is a little bit of everything,” Love said. “Community is really important because some people are here by themselves and they don’t have family or a support system…And so being able to come into a place and feel a sense of community, or meeting people that you can have just a 30-minute conversation over a drink with, I think it’s such a huge relief.”
Crowd Favorite: Clover Club Classic gin, house-made raspberry syrup, egg white, and lemon juice.
“She’s pink and she’s cute. It’s citrusy and balanced with the raspberry, light and easy to drink,” Love said.
“It’s good for both men and women. It’s got a little bit of spice, but that almond syrup also makes it a bit tropical,” Love said.
Fresh Choice: Naked & Famous Mezcal, lemon juice, Amaro Nonino
“It’s a cocktail I’d recommend to people who have never had mezcal because it’s perfectly balanced. It’s light on the palate, it’s lightly smokey and not too heavy.”
Lo-Fi Exclusive: Pretty When You Cry Mezcal, orgeat, lemon juice, Pimm’s Cucumber Liqueur, hibiscus syrup
“It’s a great mezcal cocktail for girls. It’s served over ice, so it’s easier to drink, and the hibiscus syrup and cucumber makes it super palatable.” ●
IF YOU GO
WHERE: 1323 J St. Modesto, CA 95354
HOURS: Wed-Thurs 5pm –12am; Fri & Sat 5pm – 1am
HAPPY HOUR: 5 – 7pm INSTAGRAM: @loficocktails
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW
There is a full food menu available via the adjacent restaurant that should be fully remodeled by Halloween.
It’s tradition to take selfies in the bathroom and post them to the @lofi.selfies Instagram page.
in a crack in the mountain
By CLAUDIA NEWCORN
As our vintage train rumbles up to the old station, a Victorianera town ‘suddenly’ appears, brick buildings crowding up a narrow steep-sloped crack in eastern Pennsylvania’s scenic Lehigh Gorge Mountains. Elegant restored coal barons’ mansions glow in the sunlight, a gray fortress prison bears witness to the coal-mining era, and shops, restaurants and museums beckon visitors to trek upslope to enjoy each new discovery. Welcome to the historic town of Jim Thorpe.
Mauch Chunk
A company town founded in 1818 it was built by Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company after anthracite coal was discovered in nearby Summit Hill in 1791. Until 1953 the town was known as Mauch Chunk, the Native Americans’ name for the area – Bear Mountain. FYI, it’s also why there are no public trash cans on the streets – because the bears are still very active.
Pennsylvania was a key source of our young nation’s ‘clean-burning’ anthracite coal that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution. Located in the aptly named Carbon County, Mauch Chunk grew rapidly in the ensuing decades to become a major regional commercial center with of a network of coal mines, railroads, canals and stone quarries. Money poured in and by the mid-1880s, opulent mansions arose along the narrow main street of Broadway in what became known as Millionaires Row.
Not only is the town a visual feast, with diverse architectural styles and intricate details that make walking a must, but there’s a myriad of activities as well.
Coal-mining came to an end in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression, and the town sank into neglect and disrepair. In 1954, the East and West parts of the town on either side of the Lehigh River voted to unite and rename the town Jim Thorpe, after a Cherokee gold-medal winning athlete of the 1912 Olympics. After his death his widow had approached town officials who were anxious to attract attention given the ongoing decline of local industry. Mauch Chunk agreed to have Thorpe buried there, to build a mausoleum and change the town’s name to Jim Thorpe. His grave, a 20-ton granite mausoleum, is across the bridge on the east side of town along State Route 903. Through town-wide initiatives and
individual property owners’ restoration efforts, the town went from blighted to beautiful. The downtown area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and in 2013, Broadway was named by the American Planning Association as one of the “Great Places In America: Streets.”
Every Step, Something to See Not only is the town a visual feast, with diverse architectural styles and intricate details that make walking a must, but there’s a myriad of activities as well. So much that you can’t do them all in one day; several B&Bs and historic hotels are available. Do note there are no big-name franchises in town. According to local historian Betty Lou McBride, this was intentional so as to give small business owners and restaurants the opportunity to thrive and help retain the hometown character so wonderfully unique to Jim Thorpe. The town’s historic hub is Hazard Square next to the Jersey Central Railroad Station (1888) which also serves as a visitors’ center and museum and makes a good first stop. You can drive or, if you want to visit by train, there are multiple scenic train rides managed by the Reading & Northern railroad (https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ ) that make Jim Thorpe a destination. From Hazard Square, you can catch a guided tour on the Jim Thorpe Trolley, or take a short steep walk to the 1860s golden-hued Asa Packer Mansion, built
by one of the state’s wealthiest men, and along the way visit an imposing marble war monument honoring veterans.
Broadway weaves its way uphill hugged by several museums and attractions, as well as mansions (all at least 5,000 square feet) with marvelous details and décor on their facades. There’s an assortment of shops from eclectic to artistic to mystic to pop into, as well as restaurants (I recommend Molly Maguire’s Irish Pub). Check out the Opera House, Museum & Cultural Center and the Stabin Art Museum at all of which you can easily spend an hour or more.
A tour at the Old Jail Museum is a must (theoldjailmuseum.com). Built in 1871, it was used as a County Jail until 1995, and has a dungeon and the gallows on which seven Irish coal miners known as the Molly Maguires were hung for so-called “crimes”. McBride, who bought and restored the jail with her husband Thomas, shared that the Maguires were a secret organization of Irishmen who opposed the oppressive working and living conditions in the coal fields. Hollywood used the downtown district as the location for the 1970 movie, ‘’The Molly Maguires.’’ Stand beside the wrought iron stairs facing the gallows and imagine the echoes of prisoners’ voices.
I found walking up one side of Broadway and down the other an ideal way to check out everything. Peeking down skinny alleys, I observed grassy flat areas cut into the mountainside, later learning from McBride these were the vegetable gardens of the Victorian era. I inspected antique cars and the old firehouse. And this was all just for starters. The town’s location in the Lehigh Gorge State Park invites people to bike, hike, white water raft, and explore Nature and more. Jim Thorpe is a true hidden gem that offers something for everyone.
I observed grassy flat areas cut into the mountainside, later learning from McBride these were the vegetable gardens of the Victorian era.
At the end of my hike, I stopped at the decades-old Wood’s Ice Cream just off of Hazard Square, situated in an old gas station. Savoring my oldfashioned ice cream sundae, gazing back up Broadway, watching the smiles of people listening to street musicians in Hazard Square, it made the perfect end to an unexpectedly delightful visit.
You can learn more about Jim Thorpe at poconomountains.com/jimthorpe/attractions. ●
Walk back in time among ancient bristlecone pines
By MATT JOHANSON
Bristlecone pines grow only in a few highelevation of California.
Agreat attraction of touring the mountains is their sense of timeless beauty, offering visitors a window into the land’s distant past. California’s peaks and valleys have changed little since the United States annexed the future state from Mexico in 1848, or even since the nation’s founding in 1776.
Nowhere does that ageless wonder feel stronger than the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Here the journey of Columbus is a current event and the Great Wall of China is a recent construction project. Some of these marvels, aged but still growing, have stood longer than the great pyramids of Egypt.
Bristlecone pines in Inyo National Forest rank as the world’s oldest trees, some more than 4,000 years in age. Anyone with an appreciation of geography or natural history will appreciate hiking through a part of the world largely unchanged since 2,000 B.C. The experience is certainly worth a detour for those already traveling east of the
CONSIDER THE WEATHER AND ELEVATION BEFORE CHOOSING A HIKE.
Sierra Nevada mountains.
Two hikes from Schulman Grove enthrall visitors. The one-mile Discovery Trail tours an impressive area of bristlecones in a short and easy loop. Those who are physically able, though, may prefer the 4.5-mile Methuselah Walk through the largest and densest concentration of pines in the forest. This two-hour hike also features Methuselah, believed to be the world’s oldest tree at 4,844 years young, in an area called the Forest of the Ancients.
How do the trees survive and reproduce in such a high and arid environment? Why do they thrive in some parts of the forest but not in others? What finally kills the pines, and what happens next? Interpretive booklets and trail markers answer these and many other questions.
Consider the weather and elevation before choosing a hike. Schulman Grove stands at 10,000 feet above sea level, where thunderstorms erupt suddenly and many find the air thin and dry.
Another attraction of the forest is White Mountain Peak, the state’s third-highest summit at 14,246 feet. This is California’s most easily-attained 14er, with a rocky dirt road leading to the summit and a high-elevation trailhead. But hikers, especially those inexperienced at high altitudes, should still proceed cautiously.
From Schulman Grove, drive 16 miles north on a mostly-unpaved forest road to White Mountain Peak Trailhead. This bumpy ride will take at least an hour, but delivers riders to an uncommonly-high launching point at 11,680 feet. Many camp at the trailhead, where there’s a parking area and pit toilet. Be sure to take time to enjoy the stars; they’re big, bright and countless at this elevation.
From here to the summit is a seven-mile trek which gains 2,566 feet. The ascent is gradual until the last hour, when climbers reach the mountain’s switchbacks. Along the way, hikers pass by a University of California research station. They will also probably see scores of marmots and may even spot a herd of wild bighorn sheep.
At the summit, an awesome view of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west rewards trekkers on clear days. Many consider this the best panorama of the Range of Light anywhere. To the east, one can see deep and far into the Nevada desert and the Great Basin. To the south, Death Valley looms. Those who start early enough to enjoy a sunrise here will not be disappointed.
Most hikers will double back and finish the trip in a day, because there are few attractive camping spots on the route. More importantly, there’s no water. Be sure to bring an adequate supply for a long hike without shade.
On the drive back, those hungry for more can hit the Patriarch Grove for two more short and rewarding hikes, and probably few other hikers enjoying them. Both the Timberline Ancients Nature
thegreatoutdoors
WHATEVER AWAITS US IN THE CENTURIES OR EVEN MILLENNIA TO COME, THESE ENDURING WONDERS COULD STILL BE HERE.
IF YOU GO
Bristlecone pines can survive with even a small amount of bark covering their trunks.
GETTING THERE: From Highway 395 in the town of Big Pine, drive east on Highway 168 for 12 miles. Then turn north on White Mountain Road, driving 11 miles to Schulman Grove where the visitor center, Discovery Walk and Methuselah Walk are located. Continue north on the road – from here it’s mostly unpaved – to reach Patriarch Grove or White Mountain Peak Trailhead. Drivers should not attempt to take trailers or large vehicles like motor homes on the unpaved portion of White Mountain Road. The road is usually open from mid-May through November. For current road conditions, call 760-873-2500.
SUPPLIES: Bring a generous supply of food and especially water. Neither is available at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are all indispensable.
CAMPING: The Grandview Campground, a few miles south of Schulman Grove, has no-reservation sites available on a firstcome, first-served basis.
ALTITUDE: Because of the forest’s high elevation, visitors coming from sea level should hydrate well and avoid undue exertion. Those hiking to the summit of White Mountain Peak should consider spending at least one night at altitude in advance of the trek.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www. fs.fed.us/r5/inyo.
The Patriarch, largest of the bristlecone pines, dwarfs a much younger neighbor.
Trail and Cottonwood Basin Overlook Trail are favorites of photographers, especially in the sunrise hours. At this 11,000-foot perch lives The Patriarch, the largest known bristlecone pine, gnarled and knotted from centuries of growth.
As I admired it, I noticed a nearby sapling only a few feet tall, just beginning its own growth and journey through time. Examining the young tree, I realized that the bristlecone pines are more than a bridge to the past. They also connect us to our future. Whatever awaits us in the centuries or even millennia to come, these enduring wonders could still be here. ●
Sierra Bighorn sheep dwell near the base of White Mountain.
Summer sky silhouettes the ancient trees in the Schulman Grove.
PHOTO BY MIKHAIL NILOV/Pexels.com
DONATING PLATELETS
By DENNIS WYATT
A way to motivate yourself to get healthier while helping others fight cancer and more
Irarely miss a day without stepping on the scale.
For the past 38 years. I have dutifully marked down the weight that pops up on a calendar.
My obsession — it is fair to call if that — started when I turned 30.
And it was after I had gone from 320 pounds down to 180 pounds.
Doctors will tell you that weighing yourself every day can be counterproductive as various factors can impact weight.
Fair enough.
But based on my personal experience from a previous weight loss that didn’t stick — as well as similar experiences shared by others who have gone through a weight loss only to gain it back before getting to a better point in their life — it is a daily barometer, if you will, of how things are going.
I weigh myself when I first get up.
I’m keeping the number on the scales between 175 and 180. I’ve done so for the past 19 years.
Not bad for myself at age 68 given I weighed 240 at the end of the seventh grade, 320 as I previously mentioned before I turned 30, and 220 at age 49.
But weight is not the number(s) I obsess over.
It’s resting heart rate and blood pressure.
And while it is not the original or the main reason I have been donating platelets every two to three weeks since 2006, the mini-health screening done by a trained Red Cross phlebotomists prior to each dona-
tion plays a role in keeping me focused on the need to exercise.
They check your heart rate, blood pressure, and hemoglobin. They also screen donations for nine communicable diseases.
And while it doesn’t take the place of a physical per se, it is a great way to have the effectiveness of your exercise and healthy living strategies monitored by using the readings of trained professions.
And after COVID eliminated three or four trips a week to the gym for group exercise classes, caused workloads to change that cut into my other exercise time, and a heredity leg issue becoming more of a pain, I have been able to use the Red Cross’ mini-healthy screening to effectively adjust my exercise routine.
For years, the Red Cross heart rate readings had been consistently between 58 and 64. Average for someone over 65 years of age is 70 to 73.
This might sound a tad crazy, but I use the Red Cross mini health screening as a barometer of how effective my exercise
regimen is in terms of my health.
Back in my early 30s when I had a physical or gave whole blood — which you can do every 56 days — I was able to get the heart rate down to 50 or below.
But that happened in two back-to-back years of racking up 10,000 miles plus annually on a racing bicycle and a third year of stopping 45 miles short of another 10,000-mile year when I decided on Dec. 31 in 1989 that bicycling in pouring rain while coming down with the flu wasn’t healthy but certifiably nuts.
During that time I was also hitting four plus Jazzercise classes a week.
I figured I needed to hit aerobic-based group exercise classes four times a week plus run or fast jog for 3 to 5 miles a day to again see 50 a resting heart rate.
I was wrong.
For the past year, I adjusted my aerobic workout to 20 minutes of a fast jog punctured with short stretches of walking five times a week to work
around the leg issue.
In addition, I do a minimum of 300 reps with light weights plus three times a week using either a water rowing machine or a spartan-style stair climber for 20 minutes before going to bed.
It’s a long way from putting more miles on a bicycle than I now put on my car in a year.
I’d also be remiss not to mention during my “dinner break”, I jog in the hallway at the office building for 5 minutes. You can make most anything do io get in exercise.
That said, for the past two platelet donations I have come in at 50 in terms of my heart rate.
It has been something that concerns the phlebotomists.
The reason is simple.
If I come in below 50 beats — which happened about 10 years ago when I managed a 48 — they have to call the charge nurse.
Low heart rates can be indicative of a health problem making donating risky just as a heart rate that is way above average.
What happens when your heart rate is below 50, the charge nurse needs to ask some questions. The answer they need to hear to clear my donation is that I exercise extensively.
I find it amusing that a heart rate between 50 and 55 for someone who is 68 years old is described by the American Heart Association as “athletic.”
“Athletic” is something I’m not.
Growing up I was ridiculed for throwing a baseball like a “girl” and to be honest if I could throw as good as the girls did back in my pre-teen years I would have been happy.
I’m even worse shooting baskets, my mile time is anything but impressive, and my general hand-eye coordination is horrible.
And let’s be clear. My body type, which is endomorph, plus generics means if I ever get a one pack or even look semi-muscular it would be a major miracle.
I do qualify as “well-conditioned” which is the bottom-line.
Your goal shouldn’t be to look like some social media influencer or those gracing health and fitness magazine covers.
Using exercise to be healthy with the hand DNA dealt you should be.
And you can go a long ways toward that simply by walking.
Years ago when I thought it would be good exercise to run with my two Dalmatians at the time — Cruella and de Vil — I came across a woman walking
her Dalmatian.
She shared her story.
At one point she was carrying 200 pounds on her 5-foot-5 frame. Then she decided she’d start walking an hour a day. She got a dog to force her to do so.
Over the course of a year, she shed 60 pounds. Then she kept if off by walking.
And, as happened with me and others I know of, her exercising prompted changes in her eating and other habits.
It was the decision back when I was 29 to not go forward after losing weight by dieting but by exercising that got me off the weight yo-yo.
Equally important, as far as I’m concerned, is considering the opportunity to help others with a whole blood or platelet donation.
Between the former Delta Blood Bank and Red Cross I’ve now surpassed 370 platelets donations.
It is roughly three hours from screening to departure.
You can pass the time watching Netflix.
Even if you do it just a couple of times a year, you can help others.
And you can even use the “mini” health screening as motivation to work on lowering the number that count — your heart rate and blood pressure.
There are Red Cross blood bank donation centers in Stockton, Modesto, and Turlock. For more information call 1-800-733-2767.
As for the “mini:” health screening, they can be a carrot of sorts to keep you focused on exercise.
They helped me understand after a number of years of trying to push myself seven days a week and 52 weeks a year exercising, that being much less intense while staying consistent can keep you healthy.
And that is the real reason you should exercise — the health benefits.
Not because you want to look buff or harbor athletic fantasies. ●
Direct
Appliance
HELPING MAKE A HOUSE A HOME
By SABRA STAFFORD
When the people at Direct Appliance say they have loyal customers those are not just empty words. They have the receipts to prove it. Or, actually their customers do.
It wasn’t too long ago that a customer came in looking to replace all the appliances in her kitchen and she knew exactly what she wanted. It was all listed on the handwritten receipt she had kept from when she bought the kitchen wares originally in 1998 from Direct Appliance.
You don’t get to ask them to come into your store. They come to you and tell you that you would be a good fit for their line.
Giving superior customer service is a hallmark of Direct Appliance’s outlook and one way they do that is to let the customers get a real feel for how the appliances operate. The store has multiple live kitchen vignettes of high-end brands like SubZero, Wolf, Monogram, Thermador, Viking, Dacor, Jenn Air and Gaggenau, an exclusive line that is very particular about the stores they go into.
“You don’t get to ask them to come into your store,” said Colleen Winter, one of the owners. “They come to you and tell you that you would be a good fit for their line.”
“The show kitchens really give people a hands-on experience and the opportunity to see how it works,” said Ron Winter, one of the owners. “Especially with some of the newer appliances live induction ranges and steam ovens.”
In addition to the kitchen vignettes Direct Appliance has a showcase kitchen that is used for cooking classes and a variety of special events. It has proven to be a fun and sought-after gathering spot for the community. Some of the upcoming classes include a flexible eating cooking class with a licensed nutrionist
Direct Appliance also operates its own service department for their customers, because as they explain it, it is important for them to truly care for their customers, even after the sale.
Direct Appliance opened in 1995 at the corner of McHenry and Floyd avenues as a Maytag centered store under the ownership of Jack and Cyl Ugar. The business thrived in the community and expanded to carry more brands and options. The store had to briefly close in 2001 upon the passing of Cyl but reopened in 2002 as a corporation under the ownership of Melvin Heller and Ron Winter, who started at the store doing sales, service and delivery. In 2007, Heller retired and Winter and his wife Colleen remained the owners.
In 2009, Winter formed a partnership with Samuel Garrett to form Direct Flooring & Home. It operates as a separate entity within the store and offers complete kitchen remodels.
Over the last six years the store has been phasing in an ownership change to Garrett and Kris Winter. Under this leadership they have opened a location in Jamestown. ●
with catmint GARDEN A VIBRANT
By PERENNIAL POWER
Catmint is an easy-going, extremely versatile perennial. The flowers of most varieties range from blue to purple, although pink and white varieties are also available. With their generous abundance of nectar, they attract bees and butterflies to your garden.
FLOWERS ALL SUMMER LONG
Catmint, Latin name Nepeta, works really well in borders. You could also turn it into a nice edge planting, for example in combination with boxwood or spindle tree (Euonymus ‘Green Spire’ = buxus substitute) and Japanese holly (Ilex crenata). Catmint also thrives in pots. It will flower all summer long. Bumblebees and other wild bees will visit the flowers and butterflies also like to snack on the nectar. There are more than 250 different catmint varieties.
A SELECTION OF THE VARIETIES
Nepeta x faassenii (garden catmint): the best-known variety, with lavender-blue flowers and compact growth. Trim this variety hand-high after flowering, and a new flowering period will follow after about six weeks.
Nepeta govaniana (yellow catmint): this unusual variety prefers a humid spot in the shade. Light-yellow flowers.
Most cats adore this plant. This is due to nepetalactone, a substance found in the leaves of many varieties.
Nepeta kubanica: a variety with a sturdy growth habit and violet-blue flowers.
Nepeta sibirica (Siberian catmint): purple-blue flowers and loose growth habit.
ABOUT THE NAME
Catmint gets its name from the fact that most cats adore this plant. This is due to nepetalactone, a substance found in the leaves of many varieties. Some cats love it so much that they start rolling around in the plant, as if madly in love. The dried leaves of the plant are sometimes added to cat toys.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Remove wilted flowers, so as to encourage new flowering.
Plant catmint in a well-drained location that provides either sun or
partial shade.
Prune high-growing varieties in May, and cut the plant back by half if you want more compact growth.
Trim the plants back slightly after flowering to encourage a second flowering.
Prune catmint back only after winter. The dead plant parts above the soil are a good hiding place for ladybirds, among others.
Trim the dead leaves and stems and turn these into a mulch layer on the ground.
INTERESTING FACTS
Catmint is native to Europe, Asia and Africa and belongs to the lipped flower family. It is very resistant to heat and drought, especially varieties with silver-grey leaves. The flowers look lovely in a mixed garden bouquet; you can also dry them. ●
What’s All the Hype?
Hype Room 209 brings streetwear to Turlock
By CHRISTOPHER CORREA
The former home of the Greyhound Bus Lines on South Golden State Boulevard in Turlock has undergone a dramatic transformation into a high-end streetwear boutique and sneaker shop.
Friends Noe Reyna, 31, of Turlock and Christian Alvarez, 18, of Livingston opened the doors to Hype Room 209. Inside the renovated space are shelves full of sneakers from brands like Jordan, Nike and Adidas, racks of clothing from the likes of Supreme, Bathing Ape and Fear of God, and showcases full of accessories from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Off-White and Chrome Hearts.
“It’s amazing to be able to turn this place around and finally open and bring a spot like this to Turlock,” Reyna said. “Especially near the downtown area where it’s predominantly women’s clothing stores, which are all wonderful, but we needed something like this.”
The business partners have each spent a handful of years in the sneaker and streetwear reselling business, whether it was online or as employees at other locally owned shops in Modesto and Riverbank. Reyna has been buying, selling and trading sneakers since he was 19 while Alvarez has been involved in the market for the past three years.
“I’ve always been into fashion, and before you know it, I just started reselling. I was winging it, to be honest,” Alvarez said with a laugh. “But it just came naturally. It was fun. It wasn’t really much about the money, but it was about being able to appreciate the pieces that you see from afar and to make others happy with getting their grails.”
Reyna described opening their shop as a “leap of faith.” They did a test-run of a sneaker shop at a small space on Service Road in Ceres for nearly four months. And although they loved the city and the camaraderie of the local customers, Reyna’s
end goal was to open a shop in his hometown.
“It truly was the end goal,” he said. “That space was great, but it was just about getting a feel. Especially in this economy, we weren’t sure how things would work out. But we were successful, and when I saw this space, I just jumped on it. I applied and applied, over and over. We finally got approved, and me and Christian went to work. Only took about two months to completely flip this place. We have to thank a lot of our family members, too.”
The space, which shares a building with Caddy’s Barber Shop, had been
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
products can be out of reach for many people.
“Me and Noe have been there,” Alvarez said. “Growing up, I always wanted the latest drops, but I didn’t have the money like that. Any chance I could, I would get Jordans or try to put (outfits) together, even if it wasn’t the latest and greatest, you know. I really couldn’t afford some of the things I wanted, so I get it. So, this place can be like a museum for people. Little kids can come in here and say, ‘Oh look, these were the kicks Lil Baby was wearing the other day. I saw Drake wear this.’ It’s fun to look at what’s on the floor.”
“I never want anybody to feel obli-
gated or pressured to buy something or spend a ton of money when they walk in here,” Reyna added. “I get it. It can be intimidating to see these pieces that you only see on social media or on celebrities, but instead of it being like that, you can come in here and appreciate the art that we showcase. I think that the culture is a lot more than just retail therapy. I definitely love seeing when the customers come in, and they’re able to see the rare items that we have here.”
Among their extensive inventory are rare Yeezys, retro Jordans and seemingly endless Nike Dunk colorways. The shop tries to have multiple sizes of each shoe on their shelves. While the most common sizes produced of certain sneakers and clothing are for men, the shop also carries a handful for women and children.
Hype Room 209 is the second sneaker shop to open in Turlock since the start of the year, though the other,
Shoe Palace at 1800-1810 Countryside Drive, is a national chain that only sells new releases up to a certain price point. The guys at Hype Room 209 are stocked with literally hundreds of shoes released from up to 20 years back, which can run for significant money.
“But again, it’s not about the money. We’re here to provide information and not just sell things to you. We want you to feel comfortable and know what you’re looking at so that you have better knowledge, overall,” Reyna said. “I feel like every one of these items in here has a story behind it, whether it’s that Virgil Abloh or Kanye West designed it, or that this color is rarer than the other… That’s what we live for. We live for interaction and for the appreciation of this art. Because that’s what this all is, whether it’s the shoes or the designer clothes or the Supreme toys, it’s art.”
Hype Room 209 can be found on Instagram at @HypeRoom209. ●
High-end sneakers and
243 S. Golden State Blvd.,
Monday
YourOasisAwaits!Discover.
162 fully renovated guest rooms
On property restaurant and lounge
Hotel Mission de Oro has transformed into a breathtaking oasis, offering an elegant retreat in a secluded sanctuary. Capturing the essence of Spanish Architecture, this mission-style hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of California. The ultimate destination for travelers, locals, meetings, and celebrations.
We invite you to stay, celebrate, dine, and make the most of your every moment at Hotel Mission de Oro.
Outdoor pool and spa
24 hr fitness center and sauna
Over 17,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space
Celebratory event space available for all group sizes
Open to the public!
Winners
Academics Winners
ADULT SCHOOL
BAY VALLEY TECH GOLD
STOCKTON ADULT SCHOOL SILVER
CERES ADULT SCHOOL BRONZE
ART SCHOOL STUFF N’ THINGS ART STUDIO GOLD
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE SILVER
STANISLAUS STATE BRONZE
CHARTER SCHOOL
E CADEMY CHARTER AT CRANE SCHOOL GOLD
CONNECTING WATERS CHARTER SCHOOL SILVER
GREAT VALLEY ACADEMY BRONZE
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL GOLD
ST STANISLAUS PARISH SCHOOL SILVER
TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BRONZE
COLLEGE
STANISLAUS STATE GOLD
SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE SILVER
UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC BRONZE
CONTINUING EDUCATION
STANISLAUS STATE GOLD
DELTA COLLEGE SILVER
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE BRONZE
HIGH SCHOOL
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, MODESTO GOLD
OAKDALE HIGH SCHOOL SILVER
E CADEMY CHARTER AT CRANE SCHOOL BRONZE
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
STANISLAUS STATE GOLD
TURLOCK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL SILVER
TUTELAGE EDUCATION GROUP BRONZE
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION
MERAFUENTES TAE KWON DO ACADEMY GOLD
OAKDALE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SILVER
DYNAMIC MIXED MARTIAL ARTS BRONZE
MUSIC STORE/LESSONS
GOTTSCHALK’S MUSIC GOLD
BARKER’S MUSIC SILVER
HUTTON’S HAMLET MUSIC BRONZE
NURSING SCHOOL
MODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE GOLD
STANISLAUS STATE SILVER
SAN JOAQUIN DELTA COLLEGE BRONZE
PRESCHOOL
ST. STANISLAUS PRE-SCHOOL GOLD
RIPON GRACE CHRISTIAN CHILDREN’S CENTER SILVER
SMALL WORLD BRONZE
PRIVATE SCHOOL
LEARNING INSTITUTE FOR FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION GOLD
OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL SILVER
ST. STANISLAUS PARISH SCHOOL BRONZE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SYLVAN UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOLD
TURLOCK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SILVER
MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS BRONZE
TECHNICAL SCHOOL
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, MODESTO GOLD
CENTRAL VALLEY BARBER COLLEGE SILVER
INSTITUTE
TRUCKING SCHOOL
WESTERN PACIFIC TRUCK SCHOOL GOLD
J&R TRUCKING SILVER GREEN
TUTORING
SYLVAN
“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.
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.
Categories
First Place: College Continuing Education International Education
Second Place: Nursing School
Third Place: Art School
Animals and Farm Services Winners
AGRICULTURAL LENDER
YOSEMITE FARM CREDIT GOLD
BAC COMMUNITY BANK SILVER
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ALMONDS
STEWART & JASPER GOLD
ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET SILVER
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SYLVAN VETERINARY HOSPITAL GOLD
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TOP NOTCH KENNELS GOLD
TANGO KENNELS SILVER
BARK BUSTERS HOME DOG TRAINING BRONZE
FARM TO FORK COMPANY
SONS FARM FRESH GOLD
NUTCHER MILK COMPANY SILVER
STEWART & JASPER BRONZE
GROOMER
ALLEGRO’S PET SPA GOLD
BUBBLES & BOWS PET SPA SILVER
COUNTRY CLIPPERS BRONZE
LARGE ANIMAL SUPPLIES
LEES’ FEED GOLD
ASSOCIATED FEED AND SUPPLY SILVER
ESCALON FEED & SUPPLY BRONZE
Animals and Farm Services Winners
NUT SERVICES & SUPPLIES
STEWART & JASPER GOLD
ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET SILVER
SKITTONE ALMOND SHELLER BRONZE
PET ADOPTION
PUPZ N PALZ GOLD
KATE’S FURREKA RESCUE SILVER
COUNTRY CLIPPERS BRONZE
PET BOARDING
TOP NOTCH KENNELS GOLD
CR RANCH PET-O-TEL SILVER
ALL GOD’S CREATURES BRONZE
PET SITTING / DAYCARE
SHAREBEAR PET CARE GOLD
TOP NOTCH KENNELS SILVER
CR RANCH PET-O-TEL BRONZE
PET STORE
CARTER’S PET MART GOLD
CALDRON’S PETS CHOICE SILVER
LEES’ FEED BRONZE
TACK / SADDLES
LEES’ FEED GOLD
TACK ROOM SILVER
CONLIN SUPPLY COMPANY BRONZE
TANNERY
GOLDEN STATE TANNERY, INC. GOLD
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TRACTOR SALES & SERVICE
JOHN DEERE GOLD
GARTON TRACTOR SILVER
JMC AG WELDING & FABRICATION BRONZE
VETERINARY OFFICE
BECKWITH VETERINARY HOSPITAL, MODESTO GOLD
OAKDALE VETERINARIAN GROUP SILVER
ESCALON SMALL ANIMAL CLINIC BRONZE
Stewart & Jasper
A family run business since 1948 and located in California’s Central Valley, our philosophy is to give our customers the finest quality products by controlling every aspect of production, from the Orchard to the Marketplace - from the ground up. We specialize in gourmet California almond products for every occasion including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gifts, welcome bags, VIP gifts and so much more.
Automotive Winners
AUTO BODY / COLLISION REPAIR
BURNSIDE BODY SHOP GOLD
DAN’S AUTO BODY SILVER
BROOK’S BODY SHOP BRONZE
AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW / DOMESTIC)
SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD
STEVES CHEVROLET - BUICK SILVER
CENTRAL VALLEY HYUNDAI VOLKSWAGEN BRONZE
AUTO DEALERSHIP (NEW / FOREIGN)
MODESTO TOYOTA GOLD
ACURA OF MODESTO SILVER
MERCEDES BENZ OF MODESTO BRONZE
AUTO DEALERSHIP (USED)
SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD
ROBERTS AUTO SALES SILVER
STEVES CHEVROLET - BUICK BRONZE
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
WALKERS AUTOMOTIVE GOLD
SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK SILVER
BALSWICK’S TIRE AND AUTO SERVICE BRONZE
CAR DETAILING
VINTAGE CAR WASH INC GOLD
CAR PRETTY SILVER
FIVE MINUTE CAR WASH BRONZE
CAR STEREO
CAR AUDIO DEPOT, MODESTO GOLD
AUDIO PROS, MODESTO SILVER
REY’S WINDOW TINTING BRONZE
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VINTAGE CAR WASH INC GOLD
FIVE MINUTE CAR WASH SILVER
CLEAR DROP CAR WASH, MANTECA BRONZE
LUXURY AUTO ACURA OF MODESTO GOLD
VALLEY LEXUS, MODESTO SILVER
MERCEDES BENZ OF MODESTO BRONZE
MOTORCYCLE SHOP
MITCHELL’S MODESTO
HARLEY-DAVIDSON GOLD
BROKEN WHEEL CUSTOM CYCLES, OAKDALE SILVER
HONDA KAWASAKI AND KTM OF MODESTO BRONZE
OIL CHANGE
AA SMOG STAR CERTIFIED GOLD
NORTHERN TIRE & WHEEL SILVER
VALVOLINE INSTANT OIL CHANGE BRONZE
RV DEALER
DON’S RV CENTER GOLD
BEST RV, TURLOCK SILVER
REFERRAL AUTO GROUP, ESCALON BRONZE
SMOG
AA SMOG STAR CERTIFIED GOLD
BALSWICK’S QUICK SMOG SILVER
AMERICAN SMOG, OAKDALE BRONZE
TOWING SERVICE
TOW GUYS INC GOLD
FOUR STAR RECOVERY INC SILVER
AAA BRONZE
WHEELS / TIRES
NORTHERN TIRE & WHEEL GOLD
A&M TIRES SILVER
MANTECA TIRE BRONZE
WINDOW TINTING THE TINT HOUSE GOLD
OAKDALE WINDOW TINT SILVER
209 TINT SHOP BRONZE
Beverages Winners
BAR / PUB
RIVETS AMERICAN GRILL GOLD
DYING BREED BREWERY SILVER
BRETHREN BREWING COMPANY BRONZE
BARTENDER
ANGEL @ SKEWERS KABOB HOUSE GOLD
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BEER TAP ROOM
DYING BREED BREWERY GOLD
BRETHREN BREWING COMPANY SILVER
DUST BOWL BREWING CO. BRONZE
COCKTAILS
FALCON’S LAIR GOLD
BISTRO 234 SILVER
LO-FIDELITY LABORATORIES BRONZE
COFFEE HOUSE
GIACOMO’S ESPRESSO GOLD
PURE GRIND COFFEE & JUICE BAR SILVER
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PURE GRIND COFFEE & JUICE BAR BRONZE
GASTROPUB
DYING BREED BREWERY GOLD
BAUHAUS SILVER
FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER BRONZE
LOCAL CRAFT BEER
DUST BOWL BREWING CO. GOLD
DYING BREED BREWERY SILVER
BRETHREN BREWING COMPANY BRONZE
MARGARITA
AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR GOLD
LA MORENITA SILVER
CAFÉ BRAVO BRONZE
ROBERTS
LUCCA
COCHE
WINERY
BISTRO
Community Winners
ANNUAL FESTIVAL OR EVENT
DENTISTRY FROM THE HEART, TURLOCK GOLD
APRICOT FIESTA, PATTERSON SILVER
TURLOCK EXPO BRONZE
BEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLD
RIPON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SILVER
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COMMUNITY INVOLVED BUSINESS
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD
COREY STIGAR BASEBALL TRAINING SILVER
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SECOND HARVEST OF THE GREATER VALLEY SILVER
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION
COUNCIL, STOCKTON BRONZE
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PAGEO LAVENDER FARM GOLD
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THE CENTURY BRONZE
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MRPS SOCIAL HALL GOLD
THE GRAND OAK SILVER
AMERICAN EVENT CENTER BRONZE
LOCALLY-OWNED BUSINESS
SMITH CHEVROLET OF TURLOCK GOLD
WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY SILVER
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE BRONZE
MEMORY CARE FACILITY
EL RIO MEMORY CARE GOLD
BRENDA’S SENIOR CARE HOME SILVER
BETHANY HOME BRONZE MUSEUM MCHENRY MANSION GOLD
CASTLE AIR MUSEUM SILVER
TURLOCK HISTORICAL MUSEUM BRONZE
NON-PROFIT
HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN GOLD
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY OF STANISLAUS COUNTY SILVER
STANISLAUS SENIOR FOUNDATION BRONZE
NON-PROFIT FOR YOUTH
YOUTH FOR CHRIST GOLD
GIVE EVERY CHILD A CHANCE SILVER
WESTSIDE MINISTRIES BRONZE
PLACE OF WORSHIP / CHURCH
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH, RIPON/ ESCALON GOLD
THE SPIRITUAL CENTER OF TURLOCK SILVER
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER BRONZE
Community Winners
PLACE TO WORK
TURLOCK MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME GOLD
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE SILVER
NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT BRONZE
RADIO PERSONALITY
DJ WALKER, KAT KOUNTRY 103 GOLD
MADDEN AND RILEY- KHOP SILVER
ROMAN ON THE RIVER - KRVR 105.5 BRONZE
RADIO STATION
KAT COUNTRY 103 GOLD
KRVR 105.5 SILVER
104.1 THE HAWK BRONZE
SENIOR ASSISTED CARE
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PRESTIGE ASSISTED LIVING AT MANTECA SILVER
BELMARE SENIOR LIVING BRONZE
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY THE STRATFORD AT BEYER PARK GOLD
BELMARE SENIOR LIVING SILVER
THE COMMONS AT UNION RANCH BRONZE
SENIOR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY THE PARK AT MODESTO GOLD
COGIR OF MANTECA SILVER
DALE COMMONS BRONZE
WEDDING VENUE
AMERICAN EVENT CENTER GOLD
THE GRAND OAK SILVER
CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER BRONZE
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OUR NEW LOCATION
Dr. Robert A. McCulla, DDS
Dr. Emma Carpenter, DMD
Dr. Bhupinder Bahia, DMD
Dining Winners
AMBIENCE
FALCON’S LAIR GOLD
THE BOATHOUSE AT RIVER ISLANDS SILVER
BAKESHOP BRONZE
ASIAN RESTAURANT
DAVE WONG’S RESTAURANT & DELI GOLD
RAW SUSHI BISTRO SILVER
KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI BRONZE
BAKERY
OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD
BRADBURY BAKE HOUSE SILVER
BAKESHOP BRONZE
BARBECUE
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EAST MEATS WEST SILVER
FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER BRONZE
BREAKFAST SPOT SQUEEZE IN GOLD
MY GARDEN CAFÉ SILVER
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TOSCANA’S AT THE TOWER SILVER
DANCING FOX WINERY & BREWERY BRONZE
CAKE / CUPCAKE SHOP
NOTHING BUNDT CAKES - 2100 STANDIFORD AVE SUITE E17-18, MODESTO, CA 95350 GOLD
BAKESHOP SILVER
OLDE TYME PASTRIES BRONZE
CATERER EAST MEATS WEST GOLD
FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER SILVER
TOSCANA’S AT THE TOWER BRONZE
CHARCUTERIE
CAMP 4 WINE CAFÉ GOLD
THE GRAZING GIRL SILVER
HILMAR CHEESE COMPANY VISITOR CENTER BRONZE
CHEF
NESTOR @ FIRST & MAIN GOLD
ZAC @ JAMS@209 SPORTS BAR & GRILL SILVER
JUSTIN MARSHALL - HARVEST MOON BRONZE
CHINESE CUISINE
DAVE WONG’S RESTAURANT & DELI GOLD
DYNASTY GARDEN RESTAURANT SILVER
EAST MEATS WEST BRONZE
CREPES THE CRÈPERIE GOLD
LOZA WINE & CREPES SILVER PALO SANTO CAFÉ BRONZE
DELI
VILLAGE FRESH MARKET GOLD
FERRARESE’S SILVER
FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER BRONZE
DESSERTS
OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD
BLOOMINGCAMP RANCH BAKE SHOP SILVER
CHEESECAKE KITCHEN BRONZE
DINNER
BISTRO 234 GOLD
MARKET TAVERN SILVER
BURLY’S CALIFORNIA BISTRO BRONZE
FOOD TRUCK
EAST MEATS WEST GOLD
FOOD FIX TRUCK SILVER
SPANKY’S WIENERS BRONZE
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FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER SILVER
FARMER BOYS BRONZE
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OLDE TYME PASTRIES SILVER
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FROZEN YOGURT
TWISTED TULIP FROZEN YOGURT GOLD
SUPERMOMS FROZEN YOGURT & MORE SILVER
YOGURT MILL BRONZE
GREEK RESTAURANT
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SKEWERS KABOB HOUSE SILVER
PAPACHINOS BRONZE
HAMBURGER
BACKWOODS BURGERS GOLD
LULU’S ICE CREAM PARLOR & TREATERY SILVER
BURLY’S CALIFORNIA BISTRO BRONZE
HOT DOG
MAIN STREET FOOTERS GOLD
SPANKY’S WIENERS SILVER
KREPE DOG BRONZE
HOT WINGS WING STOP GOLD
WILLIE’S PIZZA & WINGS SILVER
WINGS AND RINGS BRONZE
ICE CREAM
ICE CREAM EMPORIUM GOLD
HOUSE OF RANDOM SILVER
LULU’S ICE CREAM PARLOR & TREATERY BRONZE
INDIAN CUISINE
TANDOORI GRILL GOLD
FIRST & MAIN SILVER
TANDOORI FLAME BRONZE
ITALIAN CUISINE
TOSCANA’S AT THE TOWER GOLD
FIRENZE SILVER
BELLA ITALIA BRONZE
JAPANESE CUISINE KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI GOLD
OSAKA SUSHI SILVER
FIRST AND MAIN BRONZE
LUNCH SIZZLER GOLD
HARVEST MOON RESTAURANT SILVER
50’S ROADHOUSE BRONZE
MEXICAN CUISINE
AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR GOLD
Dining Winners
LA MORENITA SILVER
EL JARDIN, TURLOCK BRONZE
OUTDOOR DINING
GALLETTO RISTORANTE GOLD
DUST BOWL BREWING CO. SILVER
AGAVE AZUL KITCHEN & TEQUILA BAR BRONZE
PIZZA GOLD DUST PIZZA RIPON GOLD
SANCTUARY PIZZA SILVER
HELLA PIE PIZZA COMPANY BRONZE
ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
REDWOOD CAFÉ GOLD
TRESETTI’S WORLD CAFFE SILVER
BISTRO 234 BRONZE
SALAD BAR SIZZLER GOLD
THE FRUIT YARD SILVER
MEDLEN’S HOUSE OF BEEF BRONZE
SANDWICH
FERRARESE’S GOLD
FOOD FIX BUTCHER & BAKER SILVER
TOSCANA’S AT THE TOWER BRONZE
SEAFOOD BISTRO 234 GOLD
OHANA SEAFOOD SILVER
LONDON FISH & CHIPS BRONZE
STEAKHOUSE
ERNIE’S FOOD & SPIRITS GOLD
PRIME TABLE, STOCKTON SILVER
CUTS STEAKHOUSE BRONZE
SUSHI FIRST AND MAIN GOLD
RAW SUSHI BISTRO SILVER
KIMOTO SAKE AND SUSHI BRONZE
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VEGAN / VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT THE FARMACY GOLD BAUHAUS SILVER
TNK VEGAN CAFE BRONZE
WEDDING CAKE
OLDE TYME PASTRIES GOLD
ALYX’S HOMEMADE GOODS SILVER
SWEETARTS BAKERY BRONZE
And now in Ripon at 1402 W. Colony Rd. Ste. D (209) 253-0139 (Next To Panda Express). 11a - 9:30p 7 Days a week.
Entertainment Winners
ART GALLERY
CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER GOLD
GLITTER COVEN CABARET SILVER
MISTLIN GALLERY BRONZE
BANQUET FACILITY
SPRING CREEK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB GOLD
GREENS ON TENTH SILVER
PAGEO LAVENDER FARM 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
TURLOCK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB BRONZE
ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS GOLD
DYING BREED BREWERY SILVER
THE FRUIT YARD BRONZE
FAMILY FUN VENUE
AXHOLES - AXE THROWING & BAR GOLD
QUANTUM ESCAPES SILVER
FANTOZZI FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH BRONZE
GUN RANGE
BARNWOOD ARMS GOLD
CALIFORNIA SHOOTING SPORTS SILVER
LINDEN GUN RANGE BRONZE
KID’S BIRTHDAY
ABOUT FACE - FACE PAINTING GOLD
TEN PIN FUN CENTER SILVER
DUTCH HOLLOW FARMS BRONZE
KID’S FUN
BOOMERS MODESTO GOLD
FANTOZZI FARMS CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH SILVER
DUTCH HOLLOW FARMS BRONZE
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
DYING BREED BREWERY GOLD
GLITTER COVEN CABARET SILVER
THE FRUIT YARD BRONZE
LIVE THEATER
GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS GOLD
PROSPECT THEATER PROJECT SILVER
THE BOB HOPE THEATRE BRONZE
OUTDOOR EVENT
ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL, STOCKTON GOLD
STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR SILVER
TURLOCK HOLISTIC EXPO BRONZE
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SERENDIPITY WORKSHOPS SILVER
KAT’S PAINT PARTIES BRONZE
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
ST. STANISLAUS GOLF COURSE GOLD
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SUNSHINE RAFTING ADVENTURES KNIGHTS FERRY GOLD
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LA BELLE MEDICAL SPA: ALIREZA MAHMOUDIEH, M.D. BRONZE
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CANNABIS DISPENSARY
ZEN GARDEN WELLNESS GOLD
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PROM CHIROPRACTIC SILVER
ROMO CHIROPRACTIC BRONZE
COSMETIC / PLASTIC SURGEON
DR. JAMES HOYT GOLD
JAMES R. PAYNE, MD, MODESTO SILVER
LARS ENEVOLDSEN, MD BRONZE
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VARANISMILE GOLD
DR. ALEXANDRA HEBERT SILVER
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE BRONZE
DANCE STUDIO
TRINITY DANCE CENTER, PATTERSON GOLD
ON YOUR TOES DANCE STUDIO SILVER
EIGHT COUNT DANCE COMPANY BRONZE
DAY SPA
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NATURAL PATH WELLNESS CENTER SILVER
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DENTAL IMPLANTS
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TURLOCK DENTAL CARE SILVER
DR. GLEN HEBERT BRONZE
DENTIST
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VARANISMILE SILVER
DR. ALEXANDRA HEBERT BRONZE
DERMATOLOGIST
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ACCESS WELLNESS SERVICES SILVER
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FITNESS / HEALTH CENTER
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1OAK HEALTH CLUB SILVER
AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO BRONZE
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR
COREY STIGAR @ COREY STIGAR BASEBALL TRAINING GOLD
SONIA BROWN, CROSSFIT RAPID FIRE SILVER
DELIA KELLY, AGAPE FIT YOGI FITNESS BRONZE
FOOT CARE
TOLBOE FOOT & ANKLE, MODESTO GOLD
Health & Fitness Winners
ADVANCED FOOT CARE
TECHNOLOGY, LLC SILVER
DR. PATINO BRONZE
GRIEF SUPPORT
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HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN SILVER
JESSICA’S HOUSE BRONZE
GYMNASTICS
SHABAH CHOREOGRAPHY GOLD
VICTORIOUS ELITE ALLSTARS SILVER
GYMNASTICS UNLIMITED BRONZE
HEALTH CLUB / GYM
1OAK HEALTH CLUB GOLD
CROSSFIT RAPIDFIRE SILVER
FIT YOGI FITNESS BRONZE
HEARING AID
WESSON HEARING CENTER GOLD
TOWER CENTER FOR BETTER HEARING, TURLOCK SILVER
CENTRAL VALLEY HEARING AID HEALTHCARE BRONZE
HOSPICE / PALLIATIVE CARE
HOSPICE OF SAN JOAQUIN GOLD
SEVA HOPSICE SILVER
COMMUNITY HOSPICE BRONZE
HOSPITAL FACILITY
DOCTORS MEDICAL CENTER, MODESTO GOLD
KAISER PERMANENTE, MODESTO SILVER
MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER, MODESTO BRONZE
INVISALIGN
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD
VARANISMILE SILVER
DR. HEINER, MODESTO BRONZE
KID’S DENTIST
VARANISMILE GOLD
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE SILVER
CHILDREN’S DENTAL FUN ZONE, DR. BORRERO BRONZE
LASER & COSMETIC CENTER
SURGICAL ARTISTRY GOLD
TAILORED AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA SILVER
LA BELLE MEDICAL SPA: ALIREZA MAHMOUDIEH, M.D. BRONZE
MASSAGE THERAPY
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BALANCE & TRANQUILITY WELLNESS SILVER
CURVED BY CHARLI BRONZE
MENTAL HEALTH CARE
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TURLOCK FAMILY COUNSELING BRONZE
MOHS SURGERY
LUX DERMATOLOGY GOLD
BERMAN SKIN INSTITUTE | MEDICAL & COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY SILVER
CALIFORNIA SKIN AND LASER CENTER BRONZE
NUTRITION
FLIGHT NUTRITION GOLD
JEM JUICERY SILVER
RIDE209 BRONZE
OPTOMETRIST
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GENERATIONS FAMILY OPTOMETRY SILVER
PLETT OPTOMETRY, TURLOCK BRONZE
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ORTHODONTIST
DR. BRAD PEZOLDT GOLD
DR. HYER, TURLOCK SILVER
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE BRONZE
PEDIATRIC FACILITY
SUTTER GOULD MEDICAL FOUNDATION GOLD
KAISER PERMANENTE, MODESTO SILVER
VALLEY OAK PEDIATRICS BRONZE
PERIODONTIST
DR. JANICE KAELEY, DDS GOLD
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PHARMACY
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PATTERSON FAMILY PHARMACY SILVER
TOWER PHARMACY, TURLOCK BRONZE
PHYSICAL THERAPY
GOLDEN BEAR PHYSICAL THERAPY
REHABILITATION & WELLNESS GOLD
CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE SILVER
BIO SPORT PHYSICAL THERAPY BRONZE
PRIMARY CARE FACILITY
PATHWAY HEALTHCARE GOLD
SUTTER GOULD MEDICAL FOUNDATION SILVER
KAISER PERMANENTE BRONZE
SAME DAY DENTAL IMPLANTS
VARANISMILE GOLD
BREWER FAMILY DENTISTRY SILVER
MODERN DENTAL AND IMPLANTS BRONZE
SEDATION DENTISTRY
TURLOCK DENTAL CARE GOLD
DR. DAVID PAXMAN DMD SILVER
Health & Fitness Winners
HILLOCK FAMILY DENTAL BRONZE
SLEEP APNEA SOLUTIONS
TURLOCK PULMONARY AND SLEEP SPECIALISTS @ THE TOWER GOLD
DR. JODI SCEVILLE SILVER
STANISLAUS SLEEP CENTER BRONZE
SPORTS MEDICINE
STANISLAUS ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE GOLD
CALIFORNIA REHABILITATION AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE SILVER
SUTTER URGENT CARE TURLOCK BRONZE
URGENT CARE
MODESTO URGENT CARE GOLD
CALIFORNIA URGENT CARE CENTER SILVER
PREMIER URGENT CARE BRONZE
WELLNESS CENTER
NATURAL PATH WELLNESS CENTER GOLD
AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO SILVER
RIDE209 BRONZE
YOGA STUDIO AGAPÉ FLOW STUDIO GOLD
ELEVATE COMMUNITY YOGA SILVER
BIKRAM YOGA TRACY BRONZE
Find your Zen at Zen Garden Wellness, conveniently located on Pacific Ave in the north side of Stockton. We’re committed to enhancing your wellness journey with topquality cannabis, expert guidance, and attentive care, providing a premier dispensary experience that prioritizes your needs.
We are thrilled to announce that readers of the 209 have voted us the “Best Cannabis Dispensary” for 2024. This recognition is a testament to our dedication to excellence and
our strong ties within the community we serve. At Zen Garden Wellness, we believe in not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of our customers through comprehensive support and personalized service.
Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or are an experienced consumer, our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through our extensive selection and help you find the products that best suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Thank you for trusting us with your wellness needs and for making us your top choice in the 209 area. We look forward to continuing to serve our community with integrity and commitment.
Exceptional care never stops.
At Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, your health is our focus, every day and in every way. We’re honored 209 Magazine’s Best of 209 recognized us for:
• Best Pediatric Facility, Gold
• Best Primary Care Facility, Silver
sutterhealth.org/sgmf
Mariam Amin, MD
Mihn Dang, MD
Amin Esfahani, MD
Christian Jones, MD
Kyle Herbold, MD
Abdallah Khourdaji, MD
Renee Lucero, DO
David M. Pilkington, MD
Joselyn Johnson, NP
Payal Pardiwala, FNP-C
Lam Le, PA-C
Jordan Jepson, PA-C
Jill McLeod, FNP, PA-C
Donna Pryor, PA-C
Christine Sung, PA-C
—Tracy Patient
Home Winners
CARPET/TILE/UPHOLSTERY
CLEANING
ASAP CARPET CLEANING GOLD
ADVANCE CARPET CLEANING SILVER
BLACK DIAMOND SERVICES BRONZE
CONCRETE FLOOR COATINGS
LANCASTER PAINTING GOLD
JOAQUIN PAINTING SILVER
VILCHIS BROTHERS UPHOLSTERY BRONZE
FENCE CONTRACTOR
RICHTER FENCE GOLD
WIGGINS FENCING SILVER
OAKDALE FENCE COMPANY BRONZE
FIREPLACES, GAS/ELECTRIC
DIRECT APPLIANCE GOLD
VALLEY FIRE PLACE INC SILVER
FLOORING / CARPET
ABBEY CARPET & INTERIORS GOLD
A STEP ABOVE FLOORING SILVER
PREMIER TILE & STONE BRONZE
FLOORING / HARDWOOD
TRI COUNTY FLOORING GOLD
PREMIER TILE & STONE SILVER
A STEP ABOVE FLOORING BRONZE
FLOORING / LUXURY VINYL
PCC FLOORING GOLD
TRICOUNTY FLOORING SILVER
A STEP ABOVE FLOORING BRONZE
FLOORING / TILE
PREMIER TILE & STONE GOLD
UNITED TILE & STONE SILVER
A STEP ABOVE FLOORING BRONZE
FOUNTAINS / GARDEN DECOR
CREATIVE WATER GARDENS GOLD
THOMPSON BUILDING MATERIALS SILVER
MORRIS NURSERY BRONZE
GARAGE DOOR INSTALL / REPAIR VALLEY GARAGE DOORS GOLD
BARTON OVERHEAD DOOR, INC. SILVER
WILFREDO’S GARAGE DOOR INC. BRONZE
GLASS AND MIRROR COMPANY
DON’S MOBILE GLASS GOLD
ROAD RUNNER GLASS SILVER
OAKDALE GLASS BRONZE
HEATING & AIR
CENCAL MECHANICAL
HEATING & AIR GOLD
WARREN’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SILVER
HONEY’S AIR & SOLAR BRONZE
HOME AUTOMATION
KIRKES ELECTRIC INC. GOLD
1ST SECURITY AND SOUND SILVER
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HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPANY
ADRIAN CONSTRUCTION GOLD
DIRECT APPLIANCE SILVER
ZACH BISHOP MASONRY BRONZE
HOME SECURITY
1ST SECURITY AND SOUND GOLD
ADT SECURITY SERVICES SILVER
Home Winners
ALARM CO OF MODESTO BRONZE
HOME THEATER
ARVIN HOME SYSTEMS, INC. GOLD
SOUNDSCAPES ELECTRIC, SECURITY & AUDIO VIDEO SILVER
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING DAY OF DISCOVERY AND HANDS-ON PALEONTOLOGY ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
JOIN US FOR AN EXCITING DAY OF DISCOVERY AND HANDS-ON PALEONTOLOGY ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Miocene Epoch with EBMUD Ranger Greg Francek, and learn about his prehistoric fossil discovery in the Mokelumne Watershed.
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Miocene Epoch with EBMUD Ranger Greg Francek, and learn about his prehistoric fossil discovery in the Mokelumne Watershed. Special guest paleontologists: Dr. Jeanette Pirlo, Professor Charles Dailey, and Professor Dick Hilton.
Special guest paleontologists: Dr. Jeanette Pirlo, Professor Charles Dailey, and Professor Dick Hilton.
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Miocene Epoch with EBMUD Ranger Greg Francek, and learn about his prehistoric fossil discovery in the Mokelumne Watershed.
Regular museum admission grants access to all museum and event activities. Upgrade to a special $25 ticket (WOW Members $22) for an exclusive paleontology presentation by Greg Francek, including museum entry and a meet and greet! wowsciencemuseum.org World of Wonders Science Museum 209.368.0969
Special guest paleontologists: Dr. Jeanette Pirlo, Professor Charles Dailey, and Professor Dick Hilton.
Uncover the ancient secrets of the Miocene Epoch with EBMUD Ranger Greg Francek, and learn about his prehistoric fossil discovery in the Mokelumne Watershed. Special guest paleontologists: Dr. Jeanette Pirlo, Professor Charles Dailey, and Professor Dick Hilton.
Consecutive Years
There is a reason we have consistently been voted as the best and air service provider!
Thank you 209 for voting for us!
HVAC SERVICES
Whether you need a repair, replacement, or a brandnew installation, our skilled team is here to deliver excellence from start to finish.
Professional Services Winners
ACCOUNTING & TAX PREPARATION
GALLAGHER GATEWOOD, A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION GOLD
FS TAX SERVICE INC. SILVER
EVIDENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS BRONZE
ASPHALT PAVING / GRADING UNITED PAVING, CERES GOLD
209PAVEMENT SILVER
GEORGE REED, INC. 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
TATAJE LAW SILVER
LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG BRONZE
ATTORNEY - ACCIDENT SILVA INJURY LAW, INC. GOLD
ANGUIANO LAW, APLC (ANGELICA ANGUIANO) SILVER
KENNETH HEDBERG, ESQ. BRONZE
ATTORNEY - FAMILY LAW
LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG GOLD
CHRISTINE PARRAZ SILVER
TATAJE LAW BRONZE
ATTORNEY - PERSONAL INJURY ARATA, SWINGLE, VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER GOLD
MARK S. NELSON SILVER
THE BOGAN LAW FIRM BRONZE
BAIL BONDS
JOANNA’S BAIL BONDS GOLD
ADRIAN’S BAIL BONDS SILVER
BAD BOYS BAIL BONDS BRONZE
BANK F&M BANK GOLD
BANK OF STOCKTON SILVER
BAC COMMUNITY BANK BRONZE
BANNERS & SIGNS ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN GOLD
TRACY SIGNS SILVER
LIFE’S A STITCH CUSTOM EMBROIDERY BRONZE
BARBER
PRAISE THE RAZOR BARBERING GOLD
BLEND BARBERSHOP SILVER
LOS ORIGINALS BRONZE
BOOKKEEPING
BALANCED BOOKS, LLP GOLD
BOURN BOOKKEEPING LLC SILVER
A+ BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE 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
SISBRO INNOVATION SILVER
MAKE WAVES DESIGN BRONZE
ELECTRICAL SERVICE / REPAIR KIRKES ELECTRIC INC. GOLD
WARREN’S HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SILVER
NOEL’S ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING BRONZE
ESTATE PLANNING
COLLEEN VAN EGMOND, ARATA
SWINGLE VAN EGMOND & HEITLINGER GOLD
EDINGTON LAW FIRM, INC. SILVER
BORTON PETRINI, LLP BRONZE
ESTATE SALE COMPANY
ESTATE OF AFFAIRS GOLD
GRASONS CO OF STANISLAUS COUNTY SILVER
ESTHETICIAN / SKIN CARE
BRONZED SUGAR BEAUTY BAR GOLD
SACRED SKIN STUDIO SILVER
STUDIO BAE ESTHETICS BRONZE
FETAL ULTRASOUND STUDIO
HELLO BABY TURLOCK GOLD
BELLA BABY ULTRASOUND STUDIO SILVER
PEEK-A-BABY BRONZE
FINANCIAL PLANNING
BOB DALY AT BAC COMMUNITY BANK GOLD
DWAYNE ALPERS @ MORGAN STANLEY SILVER
JEFF SUTTON, STIFEL BRONZE
FUNERAL HOME
ALLEN MORTUARY GOLD
LAKEWOOD MEMORIAL PARK & FUNERAL HOME SILVER
DEEGAN FUNERAL CHAPEL BRONZE
GOLF CARTS
GOLF CARS UNLIMITED GOLD
JJ’S GOLF CARTS SILVER
WOODY’S GOLF & INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES, DENAIR BRONZE
HAIR SALON
DAHL HAUS SALON GOLD
LIQUID GOLD STUDIOS SILVER
NUEVO LOOK SALON BRONZE
HEAVY EQUIPMENT HAULING
ALEX ANGEL LOWBED GOLD
LOPES TRUCKING SERVICES SILVER
JP’S TRAILER RENTALS BRONZE
HOTEL
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES TURLOCK GOLD
BLACK OAK CASINO SILVER
WINE & ROSES BRONZE
HOUSE CLEANING
KC SCRUBBING LLC GOLD
BLACK DIAMOND SERVICES SILVER
DELAINA’S DUST BUNNIESDELAINA BOWMAN BRONZE
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES
CONLIN SUPPLY COMPANY GOLD
KW SOLUTIONS SILVER
PIPELINE SUPPLY & SERVICE, LLC BRONZE
Professional Services Winners
INSURANCE AGENCY
RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. GOLD
WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY SILVER
SOUSA INSURANCE SERVICES BRONZE
INSURANCE AGENCYCOMMERCIAL
RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. GOLD
OMEGA PACIFIC INSURANCE SOLUTIONS SILVER
WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY BRONZE
INSURANCE AGENCY - CROP WESTERN VALLEY INSURANCE GOLD
GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE SILVER
CROMWELL & NEY INSURANCE AGENCY INC BRONZE
INSURANCE AGENCY - HEALTH
WINTON-IRELAND, STROM & GREEN INSURANCE AGENCY GOLD
RICO, PFITZER, PIRES & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
SILVER
GORDON LITTLE AGENCY, FARMERS INSURANCE BRONZE
INSURANCE AGENT
LEROY ROCHA - RICO PFITZER PIRES & ASSOCS GOLD
CLAUDIA DUCHENEAUX - STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT SILVER
VELMA FARINHA BRONZE
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER AYERA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. GOLD
AT&T SILVER XFINITY BRONZE
INVESTMENT COMPANY
SHARON AMICK- EDWARD JONES GOLD
BANK OF STOCKTON SILVER
STIFEL MODESTO BRONZE
JUNK REMOVAL
KLEAN SLATE JUNK REMOVAL GOLD
BIG BLUE JUNK REMOVAL SILVER
SHANE’S JUNK ELIMINATION BRONZE
LAW FIRM
LAW OFFICE OF KENNETH R. HEDBERG GOLD
LAW OFFICE OF FLOR A. TATAJE SILVER
BORTON PETRINI, LLP BRONZE
LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANT
1ST CHOICE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GOLD
A LEGAL PLACE, LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANCE SILVER
LIGHTING INSTALLATION
THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT GUY GOLD
JERRY HILL ELECTRIC SILVER
SOUNDSCAPES ELECTRIC, SECURITY & AUDIO VIDEO BRONZE
MARKETING SERVICES
ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN GOLD
EVIDENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SILVER
LEVEL UP GROUP BRONZE
MERCHANT PROCESSING SERVICES
EVIDENT PAYMENTS GOLD
HEARTLAND PAYMENTS - DEANNA STROUP SILVER
AMERICAN MERCHANT SERVICES BRONZE
NAIL SALON/MANICURIST 209 NAILS LOUNGE GOLD
BEAUTIFULLY ENTISE’D SALON SILVER
GALAXY NAILS BRONZE
NOTARY PUBLIC JOANNA R SMITH BAIL BONDS GOLD
MY EXPRESS NOTARY SILVER
MARINE VETERAN NOTARY BRONZE
Professional Services Winners
PHOTOGRAPHER
ANGELS PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD
CRYSTAL B RAMOS PHOTOGRAPHY SILVER
CAPTURED BY ALEENA PHOTOGRAPHY BRONZE
PRINT / COPY SHOP DITTOS GOLD
ONE ELEVEN WEB DESIGN SILVER
HARDER’S PRINT SHOP INC BRONZE
PRIVATE SECURITY
RANK SECURITY GOLD
ALPINE PROTECTIVE SOLUTIONS SILVER
CRIMETEK, TURLOCK BRONZE
PROCESS SERVER
1ST CHOICE LEGAL ASSISTANCE GOLD
A LEGAL PLACE, LEGAL DOCUMENT ASSISTANCE SILVER
SBA LENDER
VALLEY FIRST CREDIT UNION GOLD
SUCCESS CAPITAL SILVER
BAC COMMUNITY BANK BRONZE
SHIPPING & MAILING
DOWNTOWN BEAR POSTAL, MODESTO GOLD
PAK MAIL SILVER
AIM MAIL CENTER BRONZE
SHIRT
PRINTING / EMBROIDERY
LIFE’S A STITCH CUSTOM EMBROIDERY GOLD
SPRAY TAN
GODDESS GLOW BY BEE GOLD
SUGAR GLOW SPRAY TANNING SILVER
BRONZED SUGAR BEAUTY BAR BRONZE
STORAGE FACILITY
TURLOCK SELF STORAGE GOLD
AAA CERES SELF STORAGE SILVER
MONTE VISTA MINI STORAGES BRONZE
SUGARING
BRONZED SUGAR BEAUTY BAR GOLD
JULIE’S SKIN AND SUGARING SPA SILVER
SUGAR BABE WAX STUDIO BRONZE
TATTOO PARLOR
INKED UP BY DUSTIN STACY GOLD
BORN 2 LOSE TATTOOS SILVER
SHOOT THE MOON TATTOO STUDIO BRONZE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PENGUIN GOLD
SERV3 NETWORKS SILVER
ITSOLUTIONS|CURRIE BRONZE
TRAVEL AGENCY
CANDY’S CAREFREE TRAVEL INC GOLD
TRAVEL IN GOOD COMPANY SILVER
SEGALE TRAVEL SERVICE BRONZE
WAXING STUDIO
BIZZY BRE’S WAX GOLD
SKINTASTIC SILVER
THE WAX’D BEAUTY LLC BRONZE
We’re honored to be recognized as the BEST BANK
We have been trusted for generations in the communities we serve and extend our sincere gratitude to our customers, employees and communities for their ongoing support of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California.
We proudly maintain the highest rating possible for Community Reinvestment – an “Outstanding” from the Federal Government, only 19% of all California banks examined by the FDIC received an “Outstanding” rating1
Since 2010, our employees have contributed over 43,000 volunteer hours in our communities. We’ve supported more than 600 non-profits, donated over $3.3 million, invested over $134 million and provided more than $744 million in community development loans.
To support the mission and services in different counties of United Way, our employees have spent over 7,500 hours and donated a record total of over $1.3 million2.
F&M Bank is the 14th largest bank lender to agriculture in the United States4.
F&M Bank was inducted into the National Agriculture Science Center’s “Ag Hall of Fame” at the end of 2021 for providing resources, financial advice, guidance, and support to the agribusiness communities as well as to students in the next generation of agribusiness workforce. F&M Bank is dedicated to helping California remain the premier agricultural region in the world and will continue to work with the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and processors. F&M Bank remains committed to servicing the needs of agribusiness in California as has been the case since its founding 108 years ago.
Safe & Secure for 108 years, F&M Bank is rated as one of the nation’s safest banks by nationally recognized bank rating firms3:
BauerFinancial, Inc. – "5-Star, Superior Bank" & "Best of Bauer"3
The Findley Reports – "Super Premier Performer"3
Bradley J. Swingle
Colleen F. Van Egmond
Amanda J. Heitlinger
Michelle L. Morelli
Graham Scott Richard D. Moths
Laura McGee
Holly Strickland
Nancy Ochoa Bilingual Arrangement Counselor
Morgan Fleming Crematory Operator
Jay Hayworth
Megan Mulgado On-Call Family Attendant
Morri Elliott On-Call Family Attendant
Sarah Reed Embalmer
Michael Allen President Alison Allen Vice President, Funeral Director
Melody Eddings Preparation Room Manager/Embalmer
Jacob Ward Crematory Manager
Ben Sivils Assistant Manager/ Funeral Director
Laurie Walters Systems Analyst
1st Choice Legal Assistance
• State-of-the-art digital video surveillance
• Personalized gate access code linked to your specific unit
Richard
Real Estate Winners
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
RENEE LEDBETTER, EXIT REALTY GOLD
SHERI YAGI AND LEEANN BETTENCOURT SILVER
HOMESMART PV & ASSOCIATES BRONZE
ESCROW COMPANY MONUMENT ESCROW GOLD
FIRST AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY SILVER DOMA BRONZE
HOME INSPECTION J BIXLER INSPECTIONS GOLD
EZ HOME INSPECTIONS SILVER
GROUND 2 GABLES BRONZE
HOME STAGING THE STAGING STUDIO GOLD
SELLER’S HELPER SILVER
FIB HOME STAGING & INTERIOR DESIGN BRONZE
LOAN OFFICER
SARA TUBERA, NEXA MORTGAGE GOLD
KIMBERLY DAVIS SILVER
CSI MORTGAGE BRONZE
MORTGAGE BANKER
BIG VALLEY MORTGAGE, RENEE RIVERA GOLD
ABILITY MORTGAGE/AMBECK MORTGAGE SILVER
BAC COMMUNITY BANK BRONZE
NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT BRIGHT HOMES GOLD
FLORSHEIM HOMES SILVER
JKB LIVING, INC. BRONZE
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT NEW BRIDGE MANAGEMENT GOLD
STEPHENS & BORRELLI INC. SILVER
PRIME PROPERTY MANAGEMENT BRONZE
REAL ESTATE BROKER LIFESTYLE REALTY GOLD
EMILY PARKER, RIPON SILVER
HOMESMART PV & ASSOCIATES BRONZE
REAL ESTATE COMPANY
EXIT REALTY TURLOCK GOLD
HOMESMART PV & ASSOCIATES SILVER
ATLANTIC REALTY BRONZE
REAL ESTATE TEAM LEEANN BETTENCOURT & SHERI YAGI GOLD
RANDY’S CUSTOM CREATIONS AT THE OLD MILL, ESCALON BRONZE
CUSTOM JEWELRY
THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS GOLD
OAK VALLEY JEWELERS SILVER
TERRY’S TOUCH OF GOLD BRONZE
CUSTOM RECLAIMED FURNITURE
RUSTIC ROOTS
GOLD
REMEMBER WHEN GIFTS & COLLECTIBLES SILVER
BACK HOME FURNITURE & DECOR BRONZE
FINE JEWELRY
CICCARELLI JEWELERS
GOLD
OAK VALLEY JEWELERS SILVER
THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS BRONZE
FLORIST
BLOOM AND FORAGE FARM GOLD
YONAN’S FLORAL SILVER
MANTECA FLORAL BRONZE
FURNITURE STORE
BACK HOME FURNITURE & DECOR GOLD
RUSTIC ROOTS SILVER
BORDONA’S OAKDALE FURNITURE
MATTRESS & APPLIANCE BRONZE
GIFT BASKETS
ROBERTS FERRY GOURMET GOLD
STEWART & JASPER SILVER
BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO BRONZE
GIFT SHOP
BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO GOLD
MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY SILVER
COTTON & SAGE BRONZE
GROCERY STORE
VILLAGE FRESH MARKET GOLD
TRADER JOE’S SILVER
GROCERY OUTLET, OAKDALE BRONZE
GUN DEALER
ALQUIST ARMS GOLD
BARNWOOD ARMS SILVER
KIWI’S CUSTOM GUNS BRONZE
HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY
THE MASTER’S TOUCH JEWELERS GOLD
MAMTA HARRIS SILVER
TERRY’S TOUCH OF GOLD BRONZE
HARDWARE STORE
STRAND ACE HARDWARE GOLD
ACE HARDWARE OF TURLOCK SILVER
LOWE’S BRONZE
HOME / GARDEN STORE
THE GREENERY NURSERY AND GARDEN SHOP GOLD
MORRIS NURSERY SILVER
STRAND ACE HARDWARE BRONZE
HOME DECOR
BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO GOLD
OLIVA DAWN CANDLE CO SILVER
JONES CANDLE CO. BRONZE
HOME LIGHTING
MANTECA LIGHTING GOLD
PHILLIPS LIGHTING & HOME SILVER
RUSTIC ROOTS BRONZE
MATTRESS / BEDDING
BORDONA’S OAKDALE FURNITURE
MATTRESS & APPLIANCE GOLD
LACY’S FURNITURE SILVER
DUNHILL FURNITURE BRONZE
OLIVE OIL BUSINESS
SCIABICA’S GOLD
Winners
OLIVE OIL PANTRY SILVER
CALIFORNIA GOLD OLIVE OIL CO. BRONZE
ONLINE STOREFRONT
BLAME THE FLAME CANDLE CO GOLD
MAZZELTOV FARMS SOAP COMPANY SILVER
CACTUS WRANGLER BRONZE
PLACE TO BUY ART THE GALLERY FINESSE GOLD
HOME GOODS SILVER
DRAGONFLY ART FOR LIFE BRONZE
PRODUCE DEPARTMENT SPROUTS GOLD
TRADER JOE’S SILVER
VILLAGE FRESH BRONZE
SHOE STORE
COTTON & SAGE GOLD
SHOES THAT FIT SILVER
BUCKSWORTH WESTERN WEAR BRONZE
SHOPPING MALL / CENTER VINTAGE FAIRE MALL GOLD
RIVERBANK CROSSROADS SILVER
MCHENRY VILLAGE, MODESTO BRONZE
SPORTING GOODS PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS GOLD
BASS PRO SHOPS SILVER
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS BRONZE
THRIFT STORE
HOPE CHEST, MODESTO GOLD
THREADS CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE SILVER
GOOD SAMARITAN, MODESTO BRONZE
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOP
THE PARCHED GOAT GOLD
MAIN STREET ANTIQUES SILVER
MISS POTTS’ ATTIC BRONZE
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 Nine years - 2015 thru 2024! And 10 time winner of READER’S CHOICE 2014 thru 2023 that covers Turlock, Hilmar, Denair, Hughson and Delhi
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