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HEALTHY ALL OVER. Your health needs don’t follow a schedule, so why should you? With the KP mobile app and website, you’re able to make routine appointments, email your doctor, refill most prescriptions and even view most test results. So you can stay closer to everything you need. Visit kp.org today because together we thrive.
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FEATURES Pageants have changed a lot over the almost 100-year history of the Miss America contest. Today, contestants have to display true beauty — intelligence, integrity and compassion — in their quest to wear the crown. Miss California MacKenzie Freed is all of those things and more.
On the Cover Miss California MacKenzie Freed visits her hometown of Lodi before the holidays and reminisces about her early pageant days.
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 - ISSUE 30 - $4.95
NYE Fashion BRUNCH TO MIDNIGHT
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Lodi native MacKenzie Freed shares her journey from growing up in wine country and participating in her very first pageant — Miss San Joaquin County — to winning the title of Miss California.
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Photo by Candy Padilla/
FREED 209 Magazine Miss California
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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2019 – ISSUE 30
DEPARTMENTS
34
IN THE KNOW 12 16 18 20 23 28 32
Calendar of Events Holiday Calendar Magic Wheelchair Python Ron McGee NYE Fashion Ceres Centennial Celebration Scene in the 209
18
ARTS&CULTURE 34 36
Comedian Ron White 209 Magazine Cover Photo Contest
NAVIGATOR 38
SnowGlobe Fest 2018
THE GREAT OUTDOORS 46 50
28
Sierra Splendor Hook, Line and Sinker
46
FLAVORS 54 56 60 62
M Sushi Bistro Hey Bartender Perfect Pairing Holiday Recipes
38
FULL OF LIFE 66 68
Fitness and Beyond Modesto Marathon
54
PLACE CALLED HOME 70 74
Dream Home Winter Gardening
MARKETPLACE 76 80
The Butler’s Pantry Making Chocolate in the 209
68 209MAGAZINE.COM
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Vol. 3 No. 30 ■ December/ January 2019 ■ $4.95 PUBLISHER Hank Vander Veen
GENERAL MANAGER Drew Savage
EDITOR Kristina Hacker
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Jarod Ballardo Jeff Benziger Dennis D. Cruz Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Matt Johanson Angelina Martin Candy Padilla Sabra Stafford Virginia Still Frankie Tovar
ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman Jaime Ramirez
ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Chuck Higgs
SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Dawn Hamilton Rich Matheson Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber Jennifer Webber
SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi
The silver bells are ringing, downtown streets are aglow with twinkling lights and in the mountains a winter wonderland awaits. It must be holiday time in the 209. In this issue, we offer a few ideas on how to celebrate the end-of-year holidays with calendar events, recipes and New Year’s Eve fashion advice for both brunch and late-night parties. There are also tips on planting a winter garden and profiles on local chocolatiers. Those seeking a head start on 2019 should check out our winter fishing guide and a guide to buying the perfect fitness tracking watch. A first for 209 Magazine is our Cover Photo Contest. We are asking readers to submit their best photos shot in the 209 for a chance to be featured in the February/March issue — and win a little prize money. No matter how you choose to spend the holidays this year, we hope that you include 209 Magazine and support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home in 2019.
Hank Vander Veen Publisher hvanderveen@209magazine.com To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • 209.249.3500 • Oakdale • 209.847.3021 Turlock • 209.634.9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 138 S. Center St. • Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: khacker@209magazine.com www.209magazine.com ©Copyright 2018. 209 Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Magazine is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Magazine management or owner. 209 Magazine assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.
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Notes
By FRANKIE TOVAR
200TH EPISODE APPROACHES
T
ime flies is an overused cliché, but as Studio209 approaches a new year that will bring our 200th episode it’s a cliché that is appropriate. It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was on the road to Ripon to cover the Almond Blossom Festival — the first segment of the first episode of the show. Fast forward four years and episode 200 is set to hit the web on Jan. 17, 2019.
the form of a new partnership with Studio40 Live, a daytime lifestyle show that airs daily on Fox40. With our Studio40 friends sharing our content, the scope of our show has grown as our reach expands further across the Central Valley and beyond.
But quantity is irrelevant unless there’s quality involved and lasting-power means nothing unless there is also growth. I’m confident in saying the 209 family has managed to cover both those bases, especially the latter. Our latest measure of growth comes in
We hope you continue to enjoy Studio209 as we continue to grow and do our best to showcase this special region of California. Email Frankie at ftovar@209magazine.com with episode suggestions, comments or questions about advertising.
STUDIO209 is a weekly magazine-style video series filmed in the heart of the Central Valley. Join us every Thursday and enjoy a wide range of coverage from community events to personal profiles and more. ftovar@morrismultimedia.com
Episode Guide
189: Murp hy’s Witch Walk 190: Youth In Motion : Football 191: Stock ton Hmon g New Year 192: Soun dcheck20 9: Callbox 193: Santa HQ 194: Miss California Cover Sho ot
Fun Fact ing the Episode #191 featur w Year Ne g on Hm on Stockt aired on e was the first episod e Liv 40 Studio
STUDIO209.T V
WE’VE GOT THE 209 COVERED
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Opens Dec. 15, 2018 - Jan. 5, 2019 Snow Tubing Tickets Now Available On-Line! www.SNOWONTHEFARM.COM No General Admission Buy tickets for each attraction
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Let’s Invest in Each Other.
Auto LoAns • PersonAL LoAns • Home equity LoAns A Mocse membership means you get all the advantages of a local credit union. Mocse offers a variety of lending alternatives designed to meet the needs of our members. At the same time, our long standing tradition of community support benefits all. When we invest in each other everyone wins! Keeping it local builds a better community. Call or stop by today to find out more. Modesto: 3600 Coffee Road | 1400 J Street • Turlock: 1401 Geer Road • 800-44-Mocse
209MAGAZINE.COM
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
DECEMBER
POETRY SLAM INVITATIONAL The Ill List 14: A Poetry Slam Invitational will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at The State Theatre in Modesto. The poetry slam will feature a line-up of renowned spoken word artists, and national and international slam poetry champions. Through three rounds of original spoken word poetry, witness poets match metaphors and battle rhyme for rhyme on their quest for $1,500 in cash prizes and the right to be crowned “ILL LIST Champion.” Randomly selected judges from the audience will award points to poets based on the strength of their poems and the quality of their performance. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and can be purchased at www.thestate.org The State Theatre is located at 1307 J Street in Modesto.
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WINTER WHISKEY AND CIGAR EXPERIENCE
Taste America is hosting a whiskey tasting and cigar experience on Dec. 8 in Merced. The event, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., will be at the Bear Creek Inn in Merced. There will be eight to ten varieties of whiskey, plus two full cocktails. Cigars will be provided by Cigar Monkey in Merced. Tickets are $15 to $45 and are available at: bit.ly/WinterWhiskey
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ASTRONOMY NIGHT
Oak Grove Nature Center presents “Astronomy in the Park” hosted by the Stockton Astronomical Society on Dec. 15. SAS members will provide telescopes for stargazing in the park. SAS members will point a large telescope at a featured object during the last hour of the evening for a better view. The stargazing will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Rain or overcast skies will cancel the event. Activities are free. The park has a $6 entrance fee per vehicle. The park is located at 4520 W Eight Mile Road.
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JANUARY
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CRAB FEED FOR A CAUSE
The Merced FFA will host their 6th annual crab feed on Jan. 12, with the proceeds benefiting local students. The doors for the all you can eat crab feed will open at 5 p.m. and dinner starts at 6 p.m. The crab feed will be at the Merced Fairgrounds Yosemite Hall at 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced. The event will include a no host bar, a raffle and an auction. Tickets are $55 and table reservations are available. For more information or to get tickets email ncecil@ muhsd.org.
BURNS SUPPER
A Burns Supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns. Burns Suppers may be formal or informal. Both typically include haggis, a traditional Scottish sausage celebrated by Burns in “Address to A Haggis”, Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns’ poetry. The Mother Lode Scots evening ends with pipers playing and attendees singing Auld Lang Syne, which was written by Burns in 1788. The event will be on Jan. 12 at Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. For more information and tickets visit www.MotherLodeScots.com.
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QUILT AND TEXTILE SHOW
The Modesto Quilt and Textile Arts Show will be at the Centre Plaza on Jan. 19 and 20. The show will feature quilts, demonstrations, vendors, an opportunity quilt and raffle baskets. The featured quilters are Barbara Grandon and Anita Hay. The show will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 20. Admission is $8 and children 12 and under are free. Visit www.countrycrossroadsquilters.com for more information or tickets. The Centre Plaza is at 10th and K streets in Modesto.
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JANUARY
intheknow
24 VTC AWARDS
The Volcano Theatre Company will hold their annual awards ceremony on Jan. 24. The awards ceremony honors the best performances from the year in the region. The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. at the Volcano Armory Hall. For more information call 209-296-7711.
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TROPICS IN JANUARY
Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads will welcome guests to the tropics with their recreation of the Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reef Band concert on Jan. 27. The show will be at the Charlene Powers Lange Theatre in Hutchins Street Square at 125 S. Hutchins in Lodi. The show will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. For tickets email johnjzurf.com.
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Gift Certificates Available! 4101 Tully Rd., Suite 302 www.andreas-skincare-bodytherapy.com Online booking available • 209-765-4967 209MAGAZINE.COM
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intheknow
holiday
calendar December 7-9 & 14-16
Zoo Lights Micke Grove Zoo will be Santa’s headquarters in December. Families can have snowball fights and play snow games in the Faux Snow Play Dome. Children will be able to tell Santa their Christmas wish list and take a picture with him. Guests can also enjoy crafts, games, activities, hot beverages, raffle, and more at the zoo. The festivities are slated for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. For more information call 331-2010.
December 8-9 & 15-16 December 8 Ornament stroll The Tracy City Center Association will host the Downtown Tracy Holiday Ornament Stroll from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Event attendees will receive an ornament from each of up to 30 participating downtown businesses. There will be free horse carriage rides. For those wanting to collect the ornaments, a ticket is required. The tickets are $30 and are available at www.tracycitycenter.com. For those just wanting to stroll downtown and take in the festivities, no ticket is required.
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A Miner’s Christmas Sit around a campfire drinking hot cider or coffee and join in conversations with miners as they roast chestnuts. Children can make some favorite crafts of the 1850s and keep an eye out for Father Christmas as he wanders the streets looking for good boys and girls. The event is held Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16 at Columbia State Historic Park. The event is from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day and admission is free. Columbia State Historic Park is located at 11255 Jackson St. in Columbia.
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December 8 & 9
Chorale Concert The Stockton Chorale will present “December All Over the World” on Dec. 8 and 9. The concert will feature music from “Carols and Lullabies” by Conrad Susa. The Stockton Chorale draws singers from all over the region and features a variety of voices. The first show will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Central United Methodist Church at 3700 Pacific Ave. in Stockton. The second show will be at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial at 14165 Beckman Road in Lodi. Tickets are $25 for chorale members and $26 for advance orders. Tickets will be available at the door at $30. Full-time students and children have free entry. For more information or for tickets call 209-951-6494.
December 12-16
December 14 & 16 Candlelight tours The McHenry Mansion in Modesto will host candlelight tours of the Victorian mansion on Dec. 14 and 16. Tours begin at 5:30 p.m., with the last tour starting at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Tours of the house feature a roomby-room visual experience of activities and settings that were common to all families in a bygone era, and docents will be dressed in period attire and stationed around the mansion to answer any questions. Musicians will be playing holiday music and dessert will be served. Admission is $5 per person and can be paid at the Mansion Gift Store. No advance reservations are needed. The McHenry Mansion is located at the corner of I and 15th streets in Modesto.
‘A Christmas Carol’ on Baker Street Scrooge will roam the halls of Baker Street West when the Baker Street Players perform the holiday classic. Baker Street West is a detailed imaging of Sherlock Holmes’ neighborhood, and for this production it will take on a festive mood for the Charles Dickens story, which has been adapted for the stage by Baker Street Player and Director Beth Barnard. Shows are set for 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 14, 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Tickets are $27.50 and can be purchased by calling 209-223-2215 or email info@bakerstreetwest.com. Baker Street West is located above Hein and Co. Bookstore at 204 Main Street in Jackson.
December 31 New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball Viaggio Estate and Winery in Acampo is hosting a masquerade ball to ring in the new year. The winery will serve a threecourse meal with unlimited wine and beer. Check-in for the event is at 6:30 p.m. and dinner is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $150 to $1,400 depending on the package. Visit viaggiowinery.com for tickets and more information.
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intheknow
Magic
Scott Myer took some inspiration from “Mythbusters” when he started sketching out the plans for Cash’s Magic Wheelchair.
C
Wheelchair
ash Goeppert’s condition makes speech not always forthcoming or understandable, but on the morning of Oct. 21 he had a clear directive for his dad Cameron: “Go faster.” That was the first day Cash and his Turlock family got to take his new wheelchair — a replica of a remote-controlled Bigfoot truck — out for a spin and the experience was an overwhelming success. “My mind is blown away right now,” said Cameron Goeppert. “This is way above and beyond what we were thinking.” Cash has spinal muscular atrophy, which is a neuromuscular disease that causes muscle atrophy and weakness. It’s caused by a defect in
AFFORD By SABRA ST
the Survival Motor Neuron 1 gene. As a result of SMA, muscle movements are drastically limited. SMA has two types and in Cash’s case of Type 1, tasks such as swallowing, breathing and holding his head up are met with extreme difficulty. Cash got his new ride from Magic Wheelchair, a nonprofit organization that has the goal of putting “a smile on the face of every child in a wheelchair by transforming their wheelchairs into awesomeness created by our hands and their imaginations.” The organization funds the entire build and relies on volunteers to get the project completed. The nonprofit was founded by Ryan Weimer, who has a son — Keaton — with Spinal Muscular 209MAGAZINE.COM
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Atrophy. Keaton decided he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween one year and Weimer was struck with inspiration that Keaton’s wheelchair could become a part of the costume with a bit of creativity and tinkering. “I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew it could be done somehow,” Weimer stated on the organization’s website. “I don’t believe that there are any goals, dreams, or aspirations in life that can’t be achieved. And besides, I was only building a pirate ship, not finishing a PhD in engineering. I drew out some rough plans, and had to start over once or twice, but in the end we came out with a pretty awesome pirate ship for Keaton to sail around
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The Myers and Goepperts met in October for the official unveiling of Cash’s Bigfoot wheelchair made possible by the nonprofit Magic Wheelchair.
Cameron Goeppert shows his son all the features of his new Bigfoot wheelchair, including working lights.
It was great that we were able to take the tools here and the skills we have and create something special for a family that really deserves it. — Scott Myers
mask-making class as part of the be.next video design academy at the Lathrop High School campus. The academy is part of the be.tech charter. The project instantly appealed to Myers’ creative side and he joined the organization in August. By September he was partnered with the Goepperts and sketching out the design. Five of Myers’ students would spend two hours after school every Friday helping on the project. All total about 220 hours went into the project. It weighs about 40 pounds and is capable of being folded down for easy transport. The giant tires are made of a special foam with a resin painted over it to 209MAGAZINE.COM
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give it the look of real tires. This last week the students were on vacation, so Myers’ wife Jennifer and their three children — Porter, Evan and Caden stepped in to make sure it was all done by Sunday morning. The process of making it proved to be much more meaningful for Myers and his students than any other they had undertaken in the classroom. “What we did here was bigger than me or the program,” Myers said. “It was great that we were able to take the tools here and the skills we have and create something special for a family that really deserves it. And he’s going to have the best costume on his block.” ■
PHOTOS BY SABRA STAFFORD/ 209 Magazine
in for Halloween.” Cash’s mom Ashley saw a news item about the organization and set about seeing if it would work for her son. “When I first asked Cash about it, he said he wanted a pirate ship, Santa’s sleigh or a Bigfoot truck. In the end it was the Bigfoot that really captured Cash’s interest.” He also had two requests: he wanted it to be blue and orange and have working lights. Both requests were met. Actually making the wheelchair was the task of teacher Scott Myers and his family and students. Myers heard about the Magic Wheelchair program while speaking at a conference about his
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
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intheknow
lithering fun
in the 209 By DENNIS D. CRUZ
PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine
S
nakes, lizards and spiders; oh my! Those are just a few of the exotic reptiles and insects that can be found at Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom: A Traveling Educational Adventure. Ron McGee – better known as “Python Ron” – has been educating folks of all ages about “creepy” animals since presenting his first show in 1981. McGee grew up in Snelling and has been handling animals from a very early age. “My mom always joked that I was chasing critters since I was in diapers. I would wake up in the morning and spend my entire day capturing bugs in jars as a kid. I guess I’ve never really quit,” explained McGee. During the spring and summer, McGee typically travels to several local libraries throughout Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Merced counties to educate kids on the facts about reptiles of all kinds. During his shows he cautions the parents they should do their research before purchasing any reptile, and also informs them that reptiles are more scared of humans then we are of them.
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“The best thing you can do is cover your bases and do the research. Do not take on a reptile that is potentially dangerous or will grow bigger and not have the correct habitat for them,” advised McGee. McGee is not limited to libraries, as he offers his traveling show at schools, children’s parties, offices and even weddings. “I’m not officially in their weddings,” McGee said, laughing, “but I have gotten calls to put on shows during weddings for the kids.” Over the years, McGee’s show has been in high demand not just locally but into the Bay Area as well. McGee has over 30 different reptiles and critters included in his repertoire. At his shows he is known to bring a variety of reptiles and insects. These include a Madagascar hissing cockroach, tarantulas, black throat monitor, black and white tegu, ball pythons, corn snakes, Burmese pythons, tortoises and more. The newest addition to his show is a black throat monitor lizard named Alfred. “I have the best job in the world. When I look out to the crowd and see their reactions and hear the ‘oohs and aahs’ it’s the best feeling in the world.” For more information on Python Ron’s Reptile Kingdom: A Traveling Educational Adventure or to book a show, visit his website at www.pythonron.com or email at ppythonron@aol.com. ■
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COMFORT AND JOY
Finest Freshest local goodness!
Let Us Cater Your Next Party... Breakfast and Lunch Mon.-Fri. 8am-3pm 1410 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354
577-1486 WOMEN’S STORE 577-1484 MEN’S STORE
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WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS
The fellowship you’ll find at Bethany Home is part of what makes this community so special. People look out for one another and join together for exercise and celebration. With a variety of living options, you’re sure to find just the right fit. Come and visit our campus; you may even find your new exercise buddy! 209MAGAZINE.COM
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Request information or schedule a tour at: bethanyripon.org 209-599-4221 930 W. Main Street, Ripon
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
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NIGHT &DAY By SABRA STAFFORD
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PHOTOS BY CANDY PADILLA/ 209 Magazine
f your celebration plans include going out to ring in the New Year, whether it be for a night on the town or a brunch to start the new day, make sure you do it with some flair. Prét and Stella Mitchell are two boutiques in downtown Lodi that can help celebrants close out or welcome the year with style.
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11/29/2018 10:27:37 AM
intheknow
Maya Denise Gaskin Miss Central California Outstanding Teen 2018
Maya attends California High School and is a member of the varsity dance team. She will continue competing in pageants in 2019 and dancing. “My fashion resolution is to create a wardrobe that’s cute, but cozy at the same time. I also want to lean towards wearing more bold colors on a daily basis. “My favorite brunch food would have to be anything that’s healthy and fuels me for the rest of the day. But I do love waffles.” Maya’s evening look from Prét is a pair of black lace pants by M. Rena; a black lace crop top and cami by Sympli; and jewelry by Brighton. Maya is wearing red jeans by Frame; a Michael Stars sweater vest in ash; red plaid blouse by Bailey; and jewelry by Chan Luu, all from Stella Mitchell.
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Lexie is a senior at Tracy High School and plans on majoring in biology when she moves on to college. She’ll also be competing in the upcoming year for the title of Miss Central California Outstanding Teen. “My New Year’s fashion resolution is to step outside of my comfort zone and try wearing outfits that I wouldn’t normally think of wearing. “My favorite brunch food is fresh fruit because it is a sweet treat and a healthy choice.” Lexie is wearing a V neck scallop hem ruched red lace overlay Karen Kane dress and jewelry by Brighton, all of which are available at Prét. For day, Lexie is wearing an outfit from Stella Mitchell featuring a black and white animal print blouse by Fifteen Twenty; Mauritius ox red leather moto jacket; 7 for all mankind black jeans; and necklace by Chan Luu.
Lexie Van Os Miss San Joaquin County Outstanding Teen 2018
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Kayla Schmidig Miss Delta Valley 2018
Kayla is studying Early Childhood Education and Deaf Studies at California State University, Sacramento with the plans to become an elementary/middle school teacher for deaf and hard of hearing children. “I would have to say my fashion resolution is getting more use of the 25-plus pairs of heels I own and really owning my own style; dressing my age but always staying true to my own personal style with bold colors and heels that catch attention from far away. “My favorite brunch food is definitely French toast with mixed berries and a mimosa on the side.” Kayla’s New Year’s Eve look is a black velvet Karen Kane dress and jewelry by Brighton, all from Prét. For New Year’s Day, Kayla dons black denim pants by Adriano Goldschmied; floral blouse by Chan Luu; pink faux fur coat by Lavender Brown; and jewelry by Virgin Saints & Angels, all from Stella Mitchell.
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11/29/2018 10:28:30 AM
Open enrollment begins October 15, 2018
600 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Turlock, CA 209-634-9031 • www.westernvalley.com Lic #0649647
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intheknow
CERES LOOKS BACK WITH PRIDE ON
100 YEARS By JEFF BENZIGER
I
n 1867 the 209 region of the San Joaquin Valley was known for growing one thing – wheat. It was the one crop able to survive from what little rainfall dropped on the arid plains qualifying as a desert. Water from gravity flow irrigation canal systems would not come until 1901 when a Ceres farm on Hatch Road was first connected to Tuolumne River water through the La Grange Dam and its gravity-flow canal system. Wheat was the sole reason that Daniel Whitmore (1816-93) left the Stockton area in 1867 to build a home and farm 7,000 acres of wheat in what would become Ceres – so named for the Roman goddess of grain crops, or agriculture. Whitmore’s abode – the first house built in Ceres – is beautifully preserved on Fifth Street and has presided over the last century of progress since the city was incorporated 100 years ago.
A century ago Ceres – like many small Valley towns – was served by a private water company. But the need for fire and police protection prompted the town to form a city government on March 4, 1918.
All this year Ceres, home to about 48,000 people, has been celebrating the centennial of the founding of its city government. Still boasting the small town feel it had when the town had 1,000 residents and became a city in 1918, the community has come together – true to its motto of “Ceres, Together We Achieve” – to enjoy a number of celebrations throughout the year. Together they achieved a special Centennial logo, commemorative coins and wine glasses, and a gala in March. A special committee headed up by former Stanislaus County supervisor Paul Caruso has raised about $15,000 to allow the city to build a more permanent tribute in Centennial Plaza in
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front of the Ceres Community Center in downtown Ceres. Ceres was a growing settlement during the four decades before incorporation. The first recorded subdivision map of Ceres was filed Feb. 20, 1875. The triangle-shaped town site stretched for a whole four blocks with North Street being the more northern street. Today Ceres stretches virtually to the Tuolumne River where it meets Modesto; and branches out to Ustick Road on the west; and to Faith Home Road on the east. A devout Baptist, Whitmore inserted a temperance clause into deeds with buyers of lots pledging not to drink booze. Things are more relaxed in Ceres today with the city’s embrace of Blaker Brewing, a craft beer brewery that opened last year, not to mention a medical marijuana manufacturing plant and two pot dispensaries that bring in hefty revenue to city coffers. A century ago Ceres – like many small Valley towns – was served by a private water company. But the need for fire and police protection prompted the town to form a city government on March 4, 1918. Local doctor S.W. Cartwright served as the first mayor just one month and nine days until the first city election could be held on April 8, 1918. Vaughn Daniel Whitmore collected 28 votes to defeat Cartwright by a single vote to become Ceres’ first elected mayor. Whitmore, son of real estate developer Clinton Whitmore and Maria Whitmore and grandson of Daniel Whitmore, presided over the new city government for 12 years – from 1918 to 1930. Serving with him on that first City Council were C.T. Haynes, lumber yard manager J.U. Gartin and C.H. Sikes. Vaughn helped manage the Whitmore Ranch for a while and helped establish the Bank of Ceres with his brother Charles Whitmore, along with Arthur Harris, Fred Moffet and
the Service family. Whitmore later moved up to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors for 24 years. Twenty-four men and two women have served as mayor of Ceres over the past century. Two of them, Eric Ingwerson and Louis Arrollo, served two non-consecutive terms. Three mayors had the distinction of serving in the California State Legislature and one became a U.S. congressman. For a time the mayor’s job was thrown around from businessman to businessman out of a sense of civic obligation in true Mayberry fashion. Town druggist
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Claude McKnight served in 1938 and 1939. Gas station owner S.M. Christiansen served from 1939 to 1942. The strict school principal and superintendent Walter White served as mayor from 1956 to 1964. Plumber Brian Carlin served 1983 to 1985. Furniture store owner Jim Delhart served from 1985 to 1987. Former Ceres police officer and Ceres High School truancy officer Louis Arrollo served as mayor from 1987 to 1990 and again from 1999 to 2001. Sal Cannella was in power when the 1980s started out. He first ran for council in 1976 because he didn’t like the way the city had
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planned several duplex housing and apartment projects along Whitmore Avenue. Cannella later moved up to county supervisor and state assemblyman, succeeding former Mayor Gary Condit who was elected to Congress. “I’m just damned proud to be from Ceres,” said Cannella. “When I was in the Assembly I didn’t go as a member from Modesto. I was a member from Ceres so everybody had an opportunity to know where Ceres was. I really am pleased and proud to live in Ceres.” Cannella’s son, Anthony Cannella, served as mayor of Ceres from 2005 to 2010 before his election to the state Senate. Politics in Ceres hit a zenith of controversy and turn-over in the 1990s. Five persons occupied the office of mayor from 1990 to 2000. The decade started out with Richard McBride, a trucking company dispatcher and member of the Lions Club, as mayor. Barbara Hinton became the first woman mayor of Ceres in 1993. Hinton was most frustrated when Memorial Hospital officials announced plans to close Ceres’ only hospital. She is known for having started the Ceres Concerts in the Park tradition which is going strong today. One of the more popular mayors in Ceres’ past was Arrollo, who was known as a police officer for many years until he became a school resource officer. He was elected as mayor in November 1987 and served out a full term, deciding not to run because of health issues. He left in Dec. 1989, turning the reins of the council over to Richard McBride, mayor during an explosive period of population growth created by commuters priced out of Bay Area housing. Arrollo
Still boasting the small town feel it had when the town had 1,000 residents and became a city in 1918, the community has come together – true to its motto of “Ceres, Together We Achieve” – to enjoy a number of celebrations throughout the year.
later returned to be elected in 1999 and served out a full term. Much was accomplished under Arrollo’s administrations. He helped enact the creation of the Department of Public Safety which cross-trained police and fire and administered police and fire agencies under one roof. At the time it proved cost effective, plus there was a continuity of command and supervision of all public safety personnel. Later the city reverted back to the traditional police and fire departments. Under his leadership the city expanded and upgraded of the Wastewater Treatment plant, and created the Mitchell Road Corridor Specific Plan to established design standards along one of Ceres’ main thoroughfares. He also helped spur the building of Ceres Fire Station #1 in downtown, the skate park in Smyrna Park and the building of the $20,000 gazebo in Whitmore Park in 1988 through private funding. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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Ceres’ current mayor, Chris Vierra, took over in 2010 when Anthony Cannella resigned to become a state senator. Anticipating the prideful year of celebration, a year ago the city wrapped up its makeover of Fourth Street, the main focus of the downtown business district. The $3.1 million effort was designed to entice business and property owners to invest in façade makeovers and build on vacant lots. Brimming with optimism, Steve Hallam, the city’s economic development manager, sees bright days for downtown Ceres. He points to the coming of a train station for the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) line that should drive more traffic into downtown.
Still, the city has not found the occasion yet to implement its Downtown Specific Plan, adopted in 2011 at a cost of about $350,000. It calls for development of a “destination downtown” with a movie theater, mixed uses of professional offices and retail spaces, eateries to offer nightlife atmosphere, additional parking, an expanded civic center and inviting streetscapes. An ingredient of that plan is to infuse 495 more residential units and 1,678 corresponding downtown dwellers in the downtown area. When the plan was adopted seven years ago, Mayor Vierra commented the blueprint would probably take 30 to 50 years to come to fruition. With redevelopment funding a thing of the past in California, downtown dreams will have to rely on private investment – a process that takes time. “You have to look long term,” said Ceres City Manager Toby Wells. “A private owner has to decide what’s the best use of their property. We set the framework with the Specific Plan of showing what they can do; they make the decision on what is the best fit for what they want to do with their property.” Community spirit is also reflected in an ambitious group of citizens who are trying to brush aside scoffers and raise enough funds to help the city – which doesn’t have the money – refurbish and paint Ceres’ iconic water tower that has been part of the skyscape since 1934. The city has given its blessings to the herculean task but acknowledge coming up with $450,000 to $500,000 may be too formidable. ■
Anticipating the prideful year of celebration, a year ago the city wrapped up its makeover of Fourth Street, the main focus of the downtown business district. The $3.1 million effort was designed to entice business and property owners to invest in façade makeovers and build on vacant lots. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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Scene in the 209
The 209 area was a bevy of fundraisers, festivals, and celebrations in September, October, and November and the 209 Magazine team was on hand to capture some of the fun. Dancing with the Turlock Stars
Sierra Vista Hearts for Children 2018
2018 Business Women’s Symposium
Sierra Vista Hearts for Children 2018
Murphys’ Witch Walk
209 Magazine Women’s Leadership Forum 2018
Hilmar Covenant Church Swedish Pancake Fundraiser Stanislaus Heart and Stroke Walk 2018
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:17:39 AM
TETER’S OAKDALE
JEWELRY 74th Anniversary Sale Starting November 14 Christmas
10-50% off
The Teter Family on Third Avenue Hours Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday - Friday Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Closed Sunday
(209) 847-7071
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arts&culture
Laughter so good it hurts By VIRGINIA STILL
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fter the holiday season some people may be ready for a little laughter, the kind that brings tears to your eyes and makes your face hurt; the kind that will be brought to the Bob Hope Theatre on Jan. 26 featuring comedian Ron White. The comedian also known as “Tater Salad” has been doing standup comedy for 32 years and it all began when he stepped on the stage in 1986 for a four-minute set. Although he never had any dreams or aspirations that he would have such a successful career as a comedian, it worked out after all. “I was very, very, nervous and halfway through that four-minute set so, I get two minutes into it and I said to myself, ‘oh I’m a comedian,’” said White. “That is what I am. So I knew that the first time on stage that I would never stop doing it.” Growing up in a small town in Texas, White did not really get exposure to the arts. He said he learned most of his skill from his uncle, Dr. Charles Pollard, who was a Baptist preacher. “I loved to go to church when I was a kid and my uncle was the preacher,” added White. “I went to go live with them in the summer in Farmington, New Mexico. I just loved to watch him preach. He was very dynamic and amazing and interesting. So I know that is where I got this wicked pace, rhythm and timing thing by going out there and I learned that as a kid.” He didn’t know then that what he was learning as a kid, watching his uncle on stage, would be extremely beneficial to his career when he got older. White was also a fan of all things comedy and would watch shows or listen to records from Monty Python, Andy Griffith, Cosby, Carlin, and Pryor to name a few. A bit later on Bill Hicks was a big influence to him, however, all the comics he said had some impact on who he is as a comedian today.
YOU HAVE PROBABLY NEVER LAUGHED AS HARD AS I CAN MAKE YOU LAUGH. I AM REALLY GOOD AT THAT. I BEAT CROWDS TO DEATH. IT IS A VERY PHYSICAL THING. YOU WILL FEEL IT IN YOUR FACE, IN YOUR STOMACH; IT IS GOOD FOR YOU. The Blue Collar Comedy tour really launched White’s comedy career which has led him to several specials on television, DVDs/CDs, writing books, creating a comedy benefit and acting roles on movies. There are no plans for a reunion tour, however, White is very grateful for the opportunity that he got to tour with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy. “We already did that. It was great and fun and great memories,” stated White. “It did for all of our careers what Jeff had already done for his own career. It was Jeff ’s generosity to share a stage with his friends that made me who I am today.” His fans matter a great deal to him and he gives them credit for putting him in a position financially where he can be extremely particular on the jobs that he accepts — whether it be saying no to a role, sitcom or not being a spokesperson for something that he does not believe in. This has also allowed him to stay true to his storytelling style of comedy that is not so familyfriendly. “I do what I think is funny and 209MAGAZINE.COM
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put it on stage and I really give no thought to who might or might not like it because it has all worked so well so far,” expressed White. “I know that not everybody does like it and some people find it horribly offensive and I don’t find it offensive at all. But people are going to perceive things different ways and I just don’t listen to them.” White is known to take the stage with a cigar or cigarette and a beverage. The beverage was once scotch but in the last few years he switched to tequila, Number Juan tequila, as a matter of fact. Number Juan tequila is his company and, according to White, it is exceptional. As a huge supporter of the military, White created a comedy benefit for the troops in 2008 with proceeds going to the Armed Forces Foundation to assist injured soldiers and their families. PTSD is something that he takes very seriously; with friends that have family members who served in combat, he knows it is a very real thing and to this day would like people to be informed about the programs that are out there that can help. But don’t take Tater Salad too seriously; although he has dabbled in several different things he could not see doing anything else but comedy. If you are looking for really clean comedy, then this is probably not the show for you. But if you are looking for funny stories told the Ron White way, grab your tickets and head to the January show at the Bob Hope. “I really still love doing stand-up,” said White. “I have done stand-up forever. That is what I am and that is who I am. It is so ingrained in me that I can’t even imagine ever stopping. You have probably never laughed as hard as I can make you laugh. I am really good at that. I beat crowds to death. It is a very physical thing. You will feel it in your face, in your stomach; it is good for you.” ■
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:20:23 AM
arts&culture
COVER PHOTO CONTEST 209 Magazine is looking for your perspective on this amazing region of California that we call home. Send us your best photos taken in the 209 for a chance to have your shot on the cover of the February/March issue of 209 Magazine. The winner will have his or her photo on the cover of 209 Magazine, be featured in a story and take home
$250. The top four photos submitted will also be published inside the February/March issue as “honorable mentions� and each of those photographers will win $50. The cover photo contest is open only to residents who live in the 209 area code of California and the photos submitted must have been taken in the 209.
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HOW TO ENTER
The promotion begins on Nov. 30, 2018 and ends on Dec. 31, 2018. To enter, visit 209magazine.com go to the Contests page and the Cover Photo entry link, and follow the online instructions to submit a digital photo and complete the entry process.
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11/29/2018 10:31:59 AM
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navigator
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SNOWGLOBE FESTIVAL
By MARG JACKSON
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More than three dozen groups will be involved in the festival, performing for the crowds, with the focus on ringing in the New Year with great music, food, friends, fun and memories to last a lifetime.
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t could be the ultimate New Year’s party destination – with great music, postcardperfect scenery and the chance to make a difference. SnowGlobe 2018 is on the schedule in South Lake Tahoe, featuring three stages packed with musical variety, stunning artwork, the aerial beauty of professional skiers and snowboarders, all taking place in late December. Dates for the show are Dec. 29 through 31 and this year marks the eighth annual SnowGlobe Festival. Headlining the stages are Above & Beyond, Diplo, RL Grime, Eric Prydz, Sofi Tukker, Big Gigantic, Said The Sky, Chelsea Cutler, Medasin, Party Favor, Justin Jay and Rezz, just to name a few, with electronic, hip hop, jazz and more among the musical styles being offered. It was also announced in midNovember that MTV has acquired SnowGlobe and will add the festival to its offering of live musical events across the globe. Organizers point to the Sierra Nevada mountain surroundings as being part of what makes the annual SnowGlobe Festival a unique hit; when not listening to music you can do some sightseeing around Tahoe, go for a hike or hit the slopes, even stop in to one of the many casinos at nearby Stateline, Nevada to try your luck. Attendees will tell you the festival is one of the best ways to close out the year and get ready to welcome in a new one, whether you enjoy one day or all three caught up in the music. The show is staged at the South Lake Tahoe Community Playfields, 1 College Way, South Lake Tahoe with single-day and threeday tickets available. Upwards of 20,000 fans are anticipated to attend each day of the festival. For ticket information, visit www. snowglobemusicfestival.com. Billed as the ‘music and mountains’ festival, the outdoor show could feature crystal clear skies or some bone-chilling cold and 209MAGAZINE.COM
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snow, so those planning to attend are advised to plan for anything and everything. There is no camping allowed at the site but plenty of hotels are available nearby for utilizing as home base during the festival weekend. Continuing a partnership it started last year, the 2018 SnowGlobe (#SG18) Festival will once again seek to benefit the environment – something the Tahoe area is known for through its ‘Keep Tahoe Blue’ and similar initiatives. Working in cooperation with The Sugar Pine Foundation, SnowGlobe is sponsoring the planting of 400 sugar pine seedlings in the Tahoe Forest and festival attendees can add $5 to the purchase price of their ticket to benefit the Foundation and support future plantings. SnowGlobe also partners with WasteFree Earth, a sustainability program, to encourage festival attendees to get involved with greening efforts through contests, D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
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Music is virtually non-stop, with three stages in action, and at the mainstage, enjoy the ‘Big Air’ activation, a SnowGlobe tradition, that brings snowboard and skiing demonstrations to the audience in between the performances.
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plastic pledges and educational efforts on site. According to the SnowGlobe website, the “ultimate goal with SnowGlobe is to transition into a completely sustainable event – a dream inspired both by the South Lake Tahoe community’s culture of environmentalism and our festival’s personal belief in the importance of conscientious and ethical event planning.” To that end, organizers note that the food, flatware and cups being used at this year’s festival by vendors are 100 percent compostable and will not add anything to landfills. Figures from the 2017 fest show a full 66 percent of the waste generated was diverted away from landfills. Music is virtually non-stop, with three stages in action, and at the mainstage, enjoy the ‘Big Air’ activation, a SnowGlobe tradition, that brings snowboard and skiing demonstrations to the audience in between the performances. There’s also another humanitarian side to the show – the Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club will benefit from a SnowGlobe partnership with Hotels for Hope – as a portion of lodging fees paid by festival attendees will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club in the local area. More than three dozen groups will be involved in the festival, performing for the crowds, with the focus on ringing in the New Year with great music, food, friends, fun and memories to last a lifetime. 40
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feature
California
ROYALTY
PHOTO BY DOUG HIKAWA PRODUCTIONS
By KRISTINA HACKER
T
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY FREDDIE FREED
he northern San Joaquin County city of Lodi has a lot to be proud of— awardwinning winegrapes, beautiful nature preserves, a thriving downtown scene — and it now can add the distinction of being the hometown of the 2018 Miss California title holder, Mackenzie Freed. Freed, who was crowned Miss California in July, looks like a stereotypical “beauty queen.” With her slender form, long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, it’s easy to picture her walking the pageant runway in an elegant gown and crown. But it only takes a few minutes of talking with Freed to find out that her beauty isn’t just skin-deep. “Everybody thinks that girls who compete are airheads, they don’t have a lot going on upstairs. But I graduated with a 3.99 GPA from a fouryear university with a degree in philosophy and communications studies. So, one girl at a time we are destigmatizing pageantry and I think that’s a reason to give the organization a lot more credit,” she said. Freed was the last Miss California winner to compete in a swimsuit competition, and was among the first group of contestants in the new Miss America 2.0. Starting in 2018, Miss America candidates were no longer judged on outward appearance.
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“It’s really impossible to get together with 50 of the most incredible women that the country has to offer and not feel empowered and uplifted.”
PHOTOS BY DOUG HIKAWA PRODUCTIONS
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PHOTO BY STEPHANIE HART/Hart Photogaphy
The choice of wardrobe was opened up and throughout the competition candidates had opportunities to advocate for their social initiatives. Freed’s personal initiative is gender equality in the workplace. “I encourage young girls and women to break through the barriers in their paths to achieving their goals. I give women practical tips to excel in the workplace while boosting their selfconfidence. I am currently partnered with two organizations that focus on professional development for women. Building Brave is a non-profit that fosters a community of women that come together and encourage each other to step outside of their comfort zones in the workplace. Dress for Success is a worldwide organization that provides professional tools for women to prepare them for the workplace, including wardrobe, financial planning, resume writing and more,” she said. Freed wasn’t keen on entering the pageant world at first, she said. Her mom “nagged” her until she finally gave it a try, she said, and they went to Elizabeth’s Bridal in downtown Lodi 43
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to buy her first pageant dress. From being crowned Miss San Joaquin County to winning the Miss California title and competing in the Miss America contest, Freed said the town of Lodi has been supporting her all along the way. “The town has really rallied along with me on this journey to Miss America and beyond. They’ve been extremely supportive and I feel very blessed to be part of such a strong community that has really built me. I am who I am today because of Lodi,” she said. Being involved in pageants has been rewarding for Freed, both financially and in experiences. “As Miss California, I was awarded over $23,000 in scholarships, bringing my total over five years of involvement in the organization to $35,000. And as such, I am officially no longer in debt for my undergraduate degree as of July 2018 and that is the most liberating feeling,” Freed said. Freed said one of the best things about being in the pageants was the relationships she formed along the way. “When the organization talks about #TheSisterhoodisReal they are not kidding. These are the women you are going to form lifelong friendships with. These are the women who are going to be in my wedding. These are the women who are 209MAGAZINE.COM
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going to be alongside me for the rest of my life journey, far beyond my experiences as Miss California and for that I am extremely grateful,” she said. Freed expanded her new “sisterhood” when she traveled to Atlantic City, New Jersey in September to compete for the Miss America crown. While she didn’t earn the coveted national title, Freed said the experience was life-changing. “It’s really impossible to get together with 50 of the most incredible women that the country has to offer and not feel empowered and uplifted,” said Freed. Over the next several months, Freed will continue her work as Miss California: advocating for the organization’s charity, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and making public appearances to support the Miss California scholarship program. When her one-year term as Miss California is over, Freed will take up a new challenge — law school. “My ultimate goal is to become an attorney in the state of California…The skills that I’ve learned competing over the last five years — being able to interview, being able to write a resume, being able to form an opinion and support it, which is literally exactly what I’m going to be doing as an attorney — I couldn’t think of better preparation,” said Freed. 44
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:49:17 AM
thegreatoutdoors
s e i v o m g n i b m i l Yosemite c By MATT JOHANSON
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climber risks his dream to help a friend. Another risks his life for hard-to-fathom reasons. Yosemite big wall climbing comes alive on the big screen like never before in two new adrenaline-pumping films. Brilliantly filmed and produced, both stories will leave audiences awestruck and breathless. “Dawn Wall” shares the life of Tommy Caldwell, a rock climbing standout since he won a national competition as a 17-year-old in 1995. Caldwell’s career since then has included multiple first ascents in Yosemite and elsewhere that rank among the hardest in climbing history, earning him countless endorsements and magazine covers. Caldwell has also overcome mountains of adversity: while he and companions climbed in Kyrgyzstan in 2000, rebels kidnapped them for six days in a grueling ordeal. He severed his left index fingertip with a table saw in a grisly 2001 accident. Then his marriage to his sweetheart and climbing partner Beth Rodden ended painfully in 2010. Heartbroken, Caldwell threw himself into climbing with even greater fervor, focusing on a nearly-impossible goal: free climbing Dawn Wall. This 3,000-foot aspect of El Capitan presents such sheer granite that no one had ever attempted to climb it without gear to assist upward progress, or “direct aid” as climbers say. Caldwell and his partner Kevin Jorgeson labored to climb the wall “free,” using ropes and gear only for safety. Together they pioneered 32 pitches (or rope lengths) with difficulty up to 5.14d, a level near the top of the scale. The effort to map the route and learn its preposterously-hard moves took seven years, culminating in 2015. Caldwell, friendly and humble, has lived a fascinating life that will captivate viewers, but it’s the remarkable climbing scenes that make “Dawn Wall” an unforgettable visual spectacle. Camera op46
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For those who fantasize about challenging themselves on Yosemite’s granite walls, as well as non-climbers who enjoy vicarious adventure, there have never been films like these before, and they will be hard to top.
erators who captured the action sequences (during both days and nights, up and down the vertical mountain and sometimes just inches from the climbers) must have labored nearly as hard as Caldwell and Jorgeson. Only such a herculean effort allowed filmmakers to capture Caldwell’s tears (shed high on the route and in pitch darkness) when he realized that while he was close to finishing the hardest climb in the world, Jorgenson might never do so. Caldwell’s decision to stop, descend and support his partner jeopardized his long-sought goal but proved his devotion to his friend, adding to the film a heart-warming quality. That emotion eludes “Free Solo,” but the film about Alex Honnold making the first ropeless ascent of El Capitan features no lack of heart-pounding action and sometimes heartbreaking interactions between the climber and his girlfriend, Sanni McCandless. Honnold began long free solos (climbing without a rope) in Yosemite in 2007, making the first ascent of the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome in that style the following year. He repeated the ascent for a camera crew in 2012, when a “60 Minutes” interview made him nationally known. Honnold’s daring and the extreme risk of such feats shocked the public and other climbers alike. Not all of his breakthrough climbs were
Tommy Caldwell in “Dawn Wall.”
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free solos. In his 2015 book, Honnold downplayed the danger of his ropeless exploits and emphasized his other accomplishments, like completing the Fitz Traverse in Patagonia with Caldwell in 2014. Then again, he did title the book “Alone on the Wall,” and moviegoers bought tickets to see a death-defying thriller, which “Free Solo” delivers. No other climber has dared attempt El Capitan without a rope. In fact, several other noted free solo climbers eventually fell and died attempting far easier climbs, including John Bachar. Honnold trained for years on the 3,000-foot route called Freerider, 5.13a, in preparation for his 2017 effort. “I’ve thought about El Cap for years...I’ll never be content unless I at least put in the effort,” Honnold said. “It’s really hard for me to grasp why he wants this,” said McCandless. “What if something happens?” she asks through tears. The film’s depiction of the Honnold-McCandless relationship comes as a surprise in an otherwise action-oriented film. Living together in a van, the two show affection for each other, but the issue of Honnold’s ropeless climbing divides them. “I tell Alex that I love him all the time, and he shows me that he loves me all the time,” McCandless says. Honnold flatly refuses to compromise his risk-taking to address his girlfriend’s concern. “I in no way feel obligated to maximize lifetime,” he says. “I could walk away, but it’s like, I don’t want to.” One wonders how long this relationship can survive, but the footage of Honnold’s inevitable El Cap attempt provides even greater suspense. As in “Dawn Wall,” the makers of “Free Solo” spare no effort to capture close-up and unprecedented shots of Honnold climbing ropeless and thousands of feet off the ground. Audience members can expect to experience vertigo and white knuckles in the final sequence. Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer directed “Dawn Wall,” which had a brief theatrical release and becomes available at iTunes on Nov. 20. Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi directed “Free Solo,” which plays in theaters. For those who fantasize about challenging themselves on Yosemite’s granite walls, as well as non-climbers who enjoy vicarious adventure, there have never been films like these before, and they will be hard to top. If you enjoy Sierra Splendor, you can find more of it at sierrasplendor.com, facebook.com/sierrasplendor and instagram.com/sierrasplendor. ■
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Alex Honnold in “Free Solo.”
D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:36:46 AM
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:49:19 AM
thegreatoutdoors
By JAROD BALLARDO
W
hen I think about fishing during the months of December through January, I can’t help to not think about how cold it’s going to be. Over the years I’ve learned that what keeps me the most comfortable during the winter months may be different than someone else. I remember a fishing partner of mine talking about how his new boots were perfect for the cold weather. I immediately went out and bought a pair. Although they were comfortable, my feet were still freezing by the end of the day. It wasn’t until I was issued a pair of rubber boots referred to as “Mickey Mouse Boots” while in the Army, that I found a
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boot that kept my feet warm and dry during the coldest of days. Up until that point, I spent hundreds of dollars on trying to keep my feet warm. That experience opened my eyes to the individual differences we may have in staying warm and comfortable during the colder months. I prefer to be a little on the colder side than too warm. One of the most expensive pieces of cold weather clothing I ever purchased was a set of insulated jacket and bibs. They’re very comfortable, but unless it’s below 50 degrees all day long, they’re not something that I would be able to wear all day. I prefer the uninsulated bibs and jackets. I’d much rather wear an extra layer underneath that I can remove once the sun comes up than to be too hot. My friend on the other hand wears his insulated bibs, boots, and jacket without ever overheating. ■
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Fishing the Delta during the winter can be surprisingly great.
The Lakes Winter fishing in our local lakes is for the truly dedicated angler. Fortunately, most of our local lakes are planted with trout beginning in November. One of the biggest mistakes an angler makes when going after trout is to overthink things. Planter trout have been raised their entire life in a controlled environment designed for them to grow as big and as fast as possible. They’ve never learned how to survive in the wild. If you’ve ever been to a lake on the day it’s being planted, it’s not uncommon to see trout trying to swim up on the bank, or out in the middle of the lake all by themselves. If they do survive the first couple of days, they’re most likely to eat anything that resembles what they’ve been raised on. That’s why I believe Power Bait or any other dough bait product continues to be one of the most productive baits for trout in our local lakes. One of the simplest and most effective methods of fishing for catching trout is to used Power Bait that’s floated off the bottom. It’s important after packing your hook with Power Bait to make sure that it’s got enough bait in it so that it floats. Another less fished species during the winter in our lakes is the bass. Smallmouth and spotted bass are more active in cold water than Largemouth Bass. All three species of bass can be caught during winter, but spotted bass are the easier of the three to target. They like to school up during the winter and can be found around points, humps, and ditches during this time. One of the best lakes around for fishing during the winter for bass is Lake Camanche. Anglers do well while fishing A-Rigs or G-Rigs. There are plenty of videos on YouTube of anglers catching multiple fish one cast. The bass on Lake Camanche like to school up tight during the winter, making for some great fishing once the school is found and fired up. A favorite bait is a drop shotted worm, nail head worm, Ned Rig, or a Spider Jig. All the baits can be fished off the bottom and when pulled slowly through schools of fish, they can be hard to resist for spotted bass. For the biggest bass in the lake, experienced swimbait anglers take advantage of all the planting of trout and toss out their favorite trout imitating baits in hope of catching a giant. Some of the biggest bass in the lake have been known to hang out in areas where the trout are habitually planted. Some have even become conditioned to the sound of the truck pulling up to the shoreline. Anglers who know this target those areas. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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thegreatoutdoors
The Delta
Fishing the Delta during the winter can be surprisingly great. One of the biggest perks is that you’re not going to have to wait in line to launch your boat. During the week, the Delta can be almost eerily quiet, making it a place that I’d want to bring a partner with me. Most anglers still fish for Striped Bass during this time. Some will troll for them while others prefer to fish with live bait. I prefer the live bait approach. The problem that I have with live bait during the winter is having to reach down into a live well full of freezing cold water to get my bait. Because of that, I have a little dip net that I keep in my boat. For bait, mudsuckers, shad and bluegill are hard to beat. Bluegill are my favorite, since they are easy to catch and are free. They can be drifted of fished off the bottom for Striped Bass. Those trolling are trolling with broken back Rebels or Yo Zuri lures. Depending on the area you’re fishing you may have to use the shallow diver over the deep diving version. The toughest part about trolling for Striped Bass during the winter is having to deal with all the floating debris from decaying vegetation. Some days are better then others but if there’s a big outgoing tide there is definitely going to be some debris. For largemouth bass, a slow presentation is the key. Winter is the time that a lot of anglers will get out their jigs and drop shot rigs. One of the best jig fishermen I’ve ever known told me that he preferred a black and blue jig during the winter when it was a cloudy day and a red and black jig when the sun came up. I’m not sure if it made a difference or not. Fishing a jig is something that anglers have moved away from in a lot of ways but remains very effective. One of my favorite and consistent patterns during the winter is fishing around the irrigation pipes that pump and pull water from the Delta. They don’t necessarily have to be on, for some reason the fish like to hang out near those pipes during the winter making them a high percentage stop for me. As for the drop shot, fish can be caught just about anywhere, ditches and bends in the river are the places that I like to target. Winter fishing on the Delta can be a slow grind but with patience and persistence you’d be surprised at what you can catch. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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flavors
M Sushi Bistro is ready to r ll
PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine
By VIRGINIA STILL
209MAGAZINE.COM
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owntown Lodi, with all its charm and culture, a week. Chef Johnson, Chef Vu and Chef Anthony are has a lot to offer those seeking wine tasting sushi chefs and Chef Nancy is the head kitchen chef. rooms, ice cream, breweries, art, museums Family member Julie Dinh manages the front of the and of course, food. There is a new restaurant that has house at the restaurant. There are plans to begin serving opened its doors on School Street bringing a big city lunch in January. vibe and creative cuisine to Lodi in M Sushi Bistro. “I wouldn’t say it is my own place,” added Minh. “If it Owner and Chef Minh Nguyen, along with his wife wasn’t for my team there would not be me. It is not me Hong Dinh, want their restaurant to be a staple in Lodi building this place, it is us building it together. A lot of and plan to take the restaurant to a new level. With these individuals here I have worked with them before over 20 years in the restaurant industry and experience and trained them and such and once they knew I was at multiple restaurants, Chef Minh is very passionate opening up my own place they dropped everything and about the food he and his team create and focuses on we are back together.” his own style of cooking making fresh flavorful concocThe restaurant was gutted and rebuilt from the tions with homemade sauces. ground up, which took about a year and a half. With “Sushi can be very wide,” said Minh. “I am influenchelp from friends, John Nguyen and Nhut Ly with ing different cuisines into Japanese food like Italian and Landen Builders, they designed, laid out and renovated French so you get a little twist of everything the restaurant including the plumbing, elechere, a fusion within a sushi world. We trical and HVAC. There are future plans are new and this menu I developed for a banquet room, outdoor patio is kind of like a trial and error but and roof top with vegetation. Chef so far it is working really well. Minh also has plans to build So far everything has been live holding tanks in the back working, non-cook items and of the kitchen for lobsters, cooked items.” crabs and shrimp to continue The packed house offers to bring fresh selections to guests tasty options like the guests. Blistered Shishito Peppers Growing up in the Lodi/ that are dusted with a little bit Stockton area, Minh knew of salt, pepper and Japanese that he wanted to open his spices tossed in a sesame, grape restaurant in Lodi and he very — Owner and seed oil blend that is made in much supports local business Chef Minh Nguyen house. The peppers are roasted on including the wineries and farmthe grill and it is served with wakame ers. The restaurant has a clear glass salad and a kimchi base soy vinaigrette display of wines from local wineries that dipping sauce topped with micro cilantro. The guests can pair with their meal. flavors blend really well; there is not too much spici“The products we provide here, we are not skimpness, but with a dipping sauce that gives it an extra ing out on anything. I think our prices are very fair for boost of flavor. the quality that we put out. It is all fresh stuff, from fish Another option is the Alaskan King Crab legs that to meat, it is all good quality. Fresh is best,” explained are brushed with a house made compound butter and Minh. charred on the grill then topped with a house cream One option for guests to sample what M Sushi Bistro sauce. The sauce and crab blend with a light squeeze has to offer is the Omakase which is a five to seven from the charred lemon wedge makes this dish very course meal that ranges from $75 to $100 per person. tasty. Chef Minh explained that Omakase in Japanese means The business’ name is a combination: M represents trust your chef. Reservations must be made in advance Minh and Sushi because that is their specialty, adding and the freshest meat and produce will be served along Bistro to the name to be able to bring more to the table. with some wine pairings. Wanting to open his own business for quite some time There are several different options on the menu from and after graduating from Sacramento State with a steaks, chicken, soups, and salads, to noodles, Sashimi business degree and a little push from loved ones, that and specialty rolls. The pasta dishes are made with dream of restaurant ownership has finally came to fruiUdon which are Japanese noodles served hot. tion. Chef Minh has over 20 people assisting with the For more information call 209-400-7505 or visit M success of the business that serves dinner seven days Sushi Bistro at 212 S. School St., Lodi. ■
THE PRODUCTS WE PROVIDE HERE, WE ARE NOT SKIMPING OUT ON ANYTHING. I THINK OUR PRICES ARE VERY FAIR FOR THE QUALITY THAT WE PUT OUT. IT IS ALL FRESH STUFF, FROM FISH TO MEAT, IT IS ALL GOOD QUALITY. FRESH IS BEST.”
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flavors
Have a drink at Pete’s By VIRGINIA STILL
PHOTOS BY VIRGITNA STILL/ 209 Magazine
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artender Lupe Jacobs is serving up signature cocktails, premium wines and a variety of beers at Pete’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in the Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley in Manteca. Located next to Bass Pro Shops and AMC Showplace movie theatre, Pete’s has been satisfying palates and quenching thirsts for the past four years. “I love the location,” said Jacobs. “It is easy to get here and we always have foot traffic. We are usually really busy on the weekends and at night.” The restaurant began in midtown Sacramento in 1987 where Pete created his very own pizza sauce and hand tossed dough. This original recipe is still served up at the restau209MAGAZINE.COM
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rant 30 years later. To whet your whistle, Pete’s offers five custom craft beers, Pete’s Outlaw, Golden Stallion, Red Hound, Half-Time, and Night Rider that are brewed at Dust Bowl specifically for Pete’s Brewhouse. They have 24 brews on tap ranging from Samuel Adams Octoberfest, Blue Moon, 805, Stella Artois, Anchor Steam, Lagunitas, Ballast Point, a few Firestone options as well as a few Dust Bowl favorites and some domestics. For those that may not be able to decide what beers to taste they offer a flight of your choice that comes in four 3.5 oz. servings. One sampling may be the Angry Orchard, Red Hound, Butte Porter and the Hops of Wrath. There are a few specialty cocktails that are guest favorites at Pete’s like the Blueberry Mule that is served in the standard copper mug with Blueberry Absolut vodka, ginger beer, a splash of lime juice, garnished with mint, a lime wedge, and of course fresh blueberries. The refreshing cocktail with the mint and blueberries gives this mule a little something extra. Another patron favorite is the French Martini which Jacobs explained is fun to make with the two layers of vodka, pineapple juice that is shaken and topped off with a layer of raspberry liqueur that gives it a frothy top that is not only delightful but also very pretty. “It is a very fun upbeat place to come and enjoy good pizza and a nice beer or a cocktail,” said Jacobs. “Come see me at Pete’s.” 209MAGAZINE.COM
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IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: PETE’S RESTAURANT & BREWHOUSE 881 Lifestyle St., Manteca CONTACT: 209-825-4200 or petesrandb.com HOURS: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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D E C E M B E R/J A N UA RY 2019
11/29/2018 10:49:26 AM
209 MAGAZINE REALLY WORKS! I used 209 magazine to promote a beach property in Aptos, a cabin in Pinecrest and another cabin in Strawberry. All three ads brought in measurable results - I could not be happier! 209 magazine has been my best advertising source and I will continue using it for my unique listings. I highly recommend 209 magazine for reaching upper scale, educated adults!
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PHOTOS BY CANDY PADILLA/ 209 Magazine
ilmar Cheese Company’s research and development team has created a delicious new cheese, Artisan Cookables. The Mediterraneanstyle cheese can be grilled and deep-fried. It doesn’t melt and naturally develops a golden brown coating. Hilmar’s Artisan Cookables can be cut into sticks to deep fry, it’s a replacement for a Mozzarella stick with no breading needed. It can also be sliced to grill on a barbeque. For dessert, cube and pan fry it, then roll in cinnamon sugar and it tastes better than a churro. Artisan Cookables, however, is not a table cheese and needs to be cooked. The wine to pair with Artisan Cookables would vary depending on how it is served. As a hot, pan-fried appetizer like cheese sticks, Rombauer Chardonnay, Carneros wine pairs nicely to enhance the flavors in both.
209MAGAZINE.COM
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Hilmar Cheese Company’s Colby Jack pairs well with many wines. For a special holiday wine bottle that says it all, Jeremy Wine Company’s “Joy” is a spectacular blend of Merlot and Petite Sirah. “Joy” is local Lodi wine, developed by boutique winery owners Jeremy and Choral Trettevik.
Hilmar Cheese Company’s Vintage Sharp Cheddar pairs well with Alicante Bouschet from local Silkwood Wines in Modesto. A cross between Grenache and Petite Alicante, it is smooth on the palate. Owner John and Judie Monnich are proud that Silkwood Wines is the most awarded winery in the Central Valley. The Alicante Boushet compliments Hilmar’s sharp and full-bodied Vintage Cheddar.
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Where can you find local Hilmar Cheese Company labeled cheese? Hilmar Cheese Company is a wholesale processor and only places private Hilmar Cheese Company labels on cheese for sale in the company’s Visitor Center. You can only purchase this cheese in the Visitor Center or online. The Visitor Center also carries an extensive selection of California farmstead cheeses and international cheeses along with a broad selection of wines sure to compliment your cheese selection. Visit www.hilmarcheese.com to learn more. ■
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flavors
Take your holiday pumpkin dessert to a whole new level with this decadent cheesecake that features pumpkin spice flavor.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Servings: 16 Crumb Crust: 5 oz graham cracker, finely ground 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 2 tbsp sugar Filling: 16 oz cream cheese, softened 1 ½ cups sugar 2 cups pumpkin puree ½ tsp cinnamon ½ tsp allspice ¼ tsp powdered ginger 2 Tbsp bourbon ½ pound candied ginger root, chopped fine (optional) 6 large eggs Topping: 16 oz sour cream 4 Tbsp sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Combine all crust ingredients. Press onto bottom and 1 inch up the side of a 10-inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Scrape walls of bowl. Beat on low speed, add sugar and blend thoroughly for another 2 minutes. Scrape bowl. Add the pumpkin, spices, bourbon and candied ginger (optional); mix for 2 minutes more. Scrape the walls of the bowl. Add eggs one at a time until incorporated. Scrape the walls between each addition of the eggs. Pour filling into the crust and bake for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until set about 1/3 of the way in from the outside. (The center will be a little wobbly when gently shaken.) Remove from oven and let cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Mix sour cream, sugar and vanilla extract. Gently pour over the top of the cake; spread and smooth evenly. Bake another 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen. Cool completely in springform pan on a rack. Chill cake and cover loosely for at least 6 hours. Transfer for cutting. Recipe courtesy of Justin Hacker, 209 Magazine
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Swangy Cider Punch Servings: 10 (8 ounces each) Ingredients: 1 bottle (64 oz) Tree Top 100% Pure Pressed Sweet & Tart Apple Cider 16 ounces ginger beer 2 oranges, juice only 1 lime, juice only 1 lemon, juice only 1 cup vodka or light rum (optional) 1 sliced Granny Smith apple 6 star anise pieces, plus additional for garnish (optional) 6 whole cloves 3 cinnamon sticks frozen cranberries, for garnish (optional) colored sugars or ginger crystals, for garnish (optional)
Directions: In punch container, combine apple cider, ginger beer, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice and vodka or rum, if desired, for an alcoholic version. Decorate container with apple slices, star anise pieces, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Personalize each serving with additional star anise pieces, frozen cranberries and sugars or ginger crystals, as desired. Serve cold.
209MAGAZINE.COM
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We are proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of more than 1,800 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.
202 East F Street Oakdale, CA 95361 209-848-4496 www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
900 Santa Fe Avenue 209-883-0411 Hughson, CA 95326 www.lakewoodhughson.com
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fulloflife
Tracking time is the season of what to get or what do I want. It’s also the time when many will begin rethinking movement, their physical health and setting new goals. I’ve always loved watches. That may seem a bit of an odd transition coming off of that lead, but I’m speaking of the fanciness with which one adorns their wrist. Better yet, at one point in my life I even owned a watch ring. A watch has been and continues to be an ideal gift for yours truly. Well, until last year. Last year I received an Apple Watch as a birthday gift and since then, my other watches/fitness trackers have now found their way to a drawer. In all honesty, I never saw this coming and I’ve never really been one to “count steps” or participate in such challenges. Up until about a year ago I found it a bit silly that people found joy each day in sharing how many steps they had taken with one another. I guess I was old school in that way. You either get up and work out several days a week or you don’t, but counting steps (aka walking)? This notion simply puzzled me. What did once puzzle me was brought into perspective one day as I overheard an older couple walking past our office. Both walking at a bit of an accelerated pace, one asking the other how their 209MAGAZINE.COM
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“steps” were for the day. As I listened, I heard one share with the other how the steps they were once proud of, they now needed to increase. It seemed they were a part of a family “step challenge” and were seeking the coveted lead position. Okay, so as a person who believes in the positive effects of movement on not only the body, but the mind and spirit, this caught my attention and quite literally changed my outlook. In short, I’m converted. It was truly that simple. So, looking to this issue it seemed fitting to share what I have learned through my network of friends, everyday people, on what they use and how they like it. I should also note here that there is no endorsement deal with any manufacturer of any of the varying brands. Prior to receiving my Apple Watch I was/am a faithful Garmin user. While I rely mostly on my Apple Watch, my Garmin Forerunner 235 is my hands down go to when training for an upcoming marathon or half marathon. Using the
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Strava App on my smart phone helps me store all the info and stats regardless of which tracker I use to train. In summary from all which I learned, the Fitbit still seems to hold a large corner of the market by way of use, affordability and functionality. While many of my friends were also Garmin, as well as Apple Watch users, the price point of the Fitbit seemed to be a true determining factor overall. Size was also noted as a contributing factor for some. The Garmin Vivofit, as well as the Fitbit Alta were both given a thumbs up for their slim size. Other notable features which people deemed important were heart rate, battery life, accuracy of distance, challenge capability, calorie count, as well as communication ability (i.e.: phone calls and text messages). All three of the brands mentioned offer a series which offer these options. Personally, all of my Garmins have the communication ability, typically speaking when using any of the three to workout, especially on a long run, that feature is disabled. Fortunately, that’s at the discretion of the operator. In the way of battery life, something important to note for the novice is no two seem to be the same. I purchased the Vivofit for both my partner, as well as my daughter. The battery on those runs for one year and then we replace, whereas my Garmins are charged by way of USB port, as is my Apple Watch. Battery life on those depends on length of use in terms of activity or running multiple programs. Things to consider if gifting to someone who will not want to take the time to charge or re-charge a tracker. Lastly, I’d be remiss if I did not address the topic of style, as it seems to matter just as much as the rest of it. Many of the traditional watchband-type trackers offer band options, which aid the flexibility by way of style. Apple would be the winner in this category, personally speaking. As a watch lover, I have multiple bands taking the watch from sporty to stylish, given any occasion. The Garmin as well as Fitbit lines also offer band options, while the Garmins seem a bit more on the sporty side (unless you’re looking Vivomove), the Fitbit seems to have more of the middle of the road/neutral band style. In short, my advice is pretty simple. Before making the investment, know what matters most to you or the person you’re gifting. How will the tracker be used and how much are you willing to spend? The good news is, this is not a passing trend. The fitness tracker market continues to grow and as it does more information, as well as options are available. Also, keep in mind that with the holiday season comes the “newest/ greatest” model. There is nothing wrong with the series before it and likely it can save you a bit of money, so consider it. In the end, the benefits of this gift that keeps on giving will outweigh all else, both physically and figuratively. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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“…as a person who believes in the positive effects of movement on not only the body, but the mind and spirit, this caught my attention and quite literally changed my outlook. In short, I’m converted. It was truly that simple.”
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fulloflife
Ten years
thousands of miles By TERESA HAMMOND
T
his coming March will mark one decade since a running club had a not so crazy idea — at least not to them. On March 31, 2019 the city of Modesto, along with ShadowChase Running Club, will celebrate the 10th Annual Modesto Marathon. An idea which was founded on a simple principle, creating a training group and a race for kids. As odd as this notion might seem now for the avid runner, the inception of the race came by way of the club looking to model a program out of Los Angeles, known as Students Run LA. The 209 version founded by ShadowChase would be known as Teens Run Modesto (TRM). The program works with and trains area youth to run a marathon or half marathon. “We had a meeting at Round Table Pizza and we wanted to create this teens running program,” Race Director Vickie Chu-Hermis stated, noting that at the time there wasn’t a local marathon (logistically speaking) to have the students train for. “We didn’t have the funds of a marathon for these students to run,” she continued. “Once we really started talking about it we said, let’s just put on a marathon so the kids can run and then we’ll open it to the public.” And so they did. All proceeds from the Modesto Marathon go toward sustaining the TRM program. Now, in its 10th year, the Modesto Marathon has grown in popularity among the running world. Known for both its fast and flat course, as well as being a Boston Qualifier event, many travel to the 209 in early spring to try their luck on the Valley course. According to Chu-Hermis, it also happens to be at
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PHOTOS COURTESY CAPTIVATING PHOTOS
the lower end of pricing in terms of registration fees and remained the same; chosen mainly for the mild Valley the cooperation of the City of Modesto, as well as the weather in early spring. 800 volunteers, make it a race that many return for each “The biggest change has got to be the support we have year. received from the community and local businesses,” she The race director also shared that while the event stated. “In the beginning, no one knew what to think continues to grow, the popularity is of our event that we were bringing at a sustainable rate which makes to Modesto. As the years progressed it still manageable. Close to 4,000 and they see how much participation runners, walkers and run/walkand excitement it brings, the more ers toed the line in 2018 for either people are comfortable to stepping the 5k, Half Marathon Relay, Half up and supporting our race.” Marathon or Full Marathon. Most notably, the race director As a former tri-athlete turned shared the support and understandmarathon runner, the volunteer ing of residents in the Wood Colony, shared being a mentor to the young as well as the college area of Modesto runners is a true highlight of her has been tremendous and much apoverall experience. Acknowledgpreciated. ing the commitment it takes to “The people in those areas are so properly train, as well as the mental supportive. It’s really great to see,” she strength necessary to complete said. the 26.2-mile distance in less than Organizers also appreciate those seven hours. who turn out to run each March. “I think participating in it you “We have participants of all ages,” have to dig deep,” she said of Chu-Hermis added. “Being at the running the marathon. “It’s more start line you get to see all of the pasmental than physical. You’ve done sion and emotions that have led up the training so you know your body —— Modesto Marathon Race to being there and at the finish you can do it. I cry every year when I Director Vickie Chu-Hermis get to witness and share in each one’s see the kids come in.” personal achievements.” During the course of the past 10 For additional information on paryears Chu-Hermis said there has been little change in ticipating in or volunteering for the Modesto Marathon the course or event details. Even the time of year has visit www.modestomarathon.com. ■
Being at the start line you get to see all of the passion and emotions that have led up to being there and at the finish you get to witness and share in each one’s personal achievements.
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placecalledhome
By ANGELINA MARTIN
C
PHOTOS BY KEN HELMS
larissa and Chris Nichols moved into their Turlock house in 2015 and have since turned it into an entertainer’s dream, all while throwing in some personal touches along the way. The Georgianstyle colonial home was constructed in 1989 and brings a little bit of the East Coast to the 209, providing a perfect backdrop for the couple to enjoy their “forever home.” “There was just immediately this warmth about the home,” Clarissa said. “We’ve really enjoyed having our families have a place that’s kind of the meeting spot.” ■
Front View/Entryway Clarissa and Chris were instantly drawn to their home’s curb appeal, which features brick work and tall columns reminiscent of New England. As an alumna of Clark University in Massachusetts, the home reminds Clarissa of her graduate school days, she said, and the bright red bricks also pay homage to Stanislaus State, where both Clarissa and Chris completed their undergraduate degrees. A custom chandelier welcomes guests into the home’s grand entryway, complete with a winding staircase that even a princess would envy. 209MAGAZINE.COM
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placecalledhome Bar Space Clarissa and Chris originally planned on removing their home’s built-in bar, but after staining the light oak a deep, rich color, the pair decided it would be a great addition. While the bar does hold a wide selection of wine as well as a margarita mixer, there are also non-alcoholic options for guests courtesy of a milkshake machine and a soda maker. The bar is the perfect place to lay out appetizers for guests, Clarissa added, and a more informal snack can be made for guests using the popcorn maker that also graces the bar’s countertop. “It’s turned into a really fun space for everyone to hang out together,” she said.
PHOTOS BY KEN HELMS
Dining/Sitting Room Known as “the blue room,” Clarissa worked with Turlock interior designer Sharon Jaureguy to create a space where family, friends and coworkers can mingle when they come to visit. Guests are often treated to tunes performed by Chris on the baby grand piano, and they can sit on a sapphire blue couch that is near and dear to Clarissa’s heart, as the color represents her college sorority. “That’s our favorite room because Chris is so talented with playing the piano, and the fabrics and colors are so peaceful,” Clarissa said. “It’s like a mini sanctuary.”
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209 MAGAZINE AND THE FRUIT YARD AMPHITHEATER PRESENT:
OF THE
Save the Date!
Sunday, April 28th, 2019 1:00-5:00pm
Spend an afternoon sampling food, wine and craft beers from the 209’s finest restaurants, wineries and breweries in the beautiful new outdoor amphitheater venue at the Fruit Yard. Live music will be performed by well-known local artist Alex Lucero. Raffle prizes and premier silent auction all benefit United Cerebral Palsy.
For Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities
call Taste of the 209 Coordinator Jennifer Webber at (209) 249-3550
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placecalledhome
WinterSend is coming in the flowers By SABRA STAFFORD
P
oinsettias get all the attention during the holiday season, but if you’ve ever left them outdoors when the temperature starts to fall, you know they are not exactly winter-friendly. But lucky for gardeners in the 209 region there are some flowers that not only hold up well when the cold settles in, but also look pretty to boot.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen plants are excellent winter flowers that bring in bright pops of color to the dull landscape. The heart-shaped leaves are dark green and have a marbleized detailing. The petals come in shades of pink, red, and white and have the look of butterfly wings. Cyclamen is a plant that likes the sunlight, but also needs the cooler temperatures to bloom and remain flowering for a couple of months. Unlike most plants, Cyclamen actually prefers the soil to get a bit dry in between waterings, but not to the point of wilting.
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English Primrose
Gardeners would be hard-pressed to find a flower that is pretty as the primrose and as hardy. The flowers bloom in a range of stunning colors from vibrant violets to soft yellows and pinks. They can take the full sun in the cooler months or a partially shaded area when spring arrives. They do well with regular watering and fertilizing with an organic compound. Dead flowers can be clipped off and new ones will continue to bloom and add color to the garden.
Ring in the upcoming new year with a brand new beautiful floor!
Pansy
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat-Sun by appt only
It’s hard to believe that a flower that looks so delicate could withstand the temperature drop. Even the name is deceiving. Pansies are hardy flowers that do well in containers and in the ground during the winter months. The five petal flowers come in a wide array of color combinations. Pansies will continue to bloom throughout the winter in well-drained soil with a fair amount of sunlight.
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marketplace
The
butleris in By TERESA HAMMOND
I
t is a foodie’s dream and a gift giver’s paradise, but more than that it is a true gem of the 209. Located at 1730 Main St. in Escalon, Jamie Butler has created a wonderland of kitchen gadgets, service ware and everything in between in her storefront known as The Butler’s Pantry. The business, which now occupies an old butcher shop, got its humble beginnings in a mobile truck turned storefront five and a half short years ago. “The Central Valley didn’t really have kitchen stores,” Butler said of her desire to bring her passion to the 209 following a career as a home and kitchen buyer in the Pacific Northwest. At the encouragement of her brother who was developing a mobile truck for a clothing company at 209MAGAZINE.COM
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the time, Butler reached out to some heavy hitters in the kitchen world that she wished to feature in her own mobile truck. Higher end product names such as Scanpan, Good Grips, Tovolo and others loved the idea. “Once I got their okay, all the other brands seemed to follow,” she shared of the early onset of the business and the now well-known Butler’s Pantry truck. Early on much of her truck business was done attending weekly events in San Francisco, which led to teaming up with fruit stands in the 209. “Fruit stands were great for demos with the produce,” Butler shared. With a passion for design and a void felt for retail, Butler partnered with another Escalon shop owner 76
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The store’s not frightening to walk into if you’re not a cook. I learned once you have good things, cooking becomes so much easier. — Jamie Butler
and tried her hand at shop space. A short time later she opened her current space, which has already expanded since moving in. “What I was finding was that there aren’t a lot of people cooking,” Butler noted. “They don’t know how to cook.” This discovery would be one of a number of things which makes Butler a savvy businesswoman and her shop more than just a kitchen store. In addition to its boutique feel and variety of wares, she also hosts multiple classes from meal prep, to hosting tips and crafts inspired classes. “My idea was to create this kitchen that was not overwhelming,” she said of a space created when the store expanded. A sleek open bar feel lends itself to seat 17 comfortably for any and all of the classes. Butler partners with Get Fit Modesto hosting quarterly classes on meal planning/prep, as well as enlisting the help of area farmers providing classes on educating customers on incorporating locally grown food in their meals. “They sell out every time,” she said of the classes. “Although if you have a set number of people, we’ll do private workshops for you.” The shop also offers personal, as well as a unique spin on Bridal Registry. “We get all the gadgets out and talk about how they cook,” Butler said of her brides to be. “How their mom cooked and we let them try
everything.” Aside from the top notch product selection, service ware and accessories, it is Butler’s personalization and connection with her customers which makes the shop so unique. Any service offered by Butler seems to go one step higher than what one might expect. If a bride desires to have her registry items on hand for a Bridal Shower, not a problem. Butler arrives with the truck, the actual items from the guests’ registry and sets up for family and friends to peruse prior to attending the event. While the shower is being hosted the gifts are being wrapped – by Butler. “My passion is not for cooking,” the shop owner admits, “it’s for getting gadgets into people’s hands so they’ll start cooking. My husband is the cook in our family.” Now over five years later, the kitchen and cooking expert shared she’s evolving her space to suit her faithful clientele. “The store’s not frightening to walk into if you’re not a cook,” she said. “I learned once you have good things, cooking becomes so much easier.” From selecting the right gadget, pairing together the perfect hostess gift, to complimentary wrapping at the front counter, it’s all for the people – the driving force behind the owner’s passion. “The people,” she said of the best part of her job. “I love it. I love finding that perfect gift. I do it for the people. I have to.”
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THOMAS ALLEN SELECTIONS
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marketplace
I N T H E 2 0 9 By ANGELINA MARTIN
T
he holidays just aren’t complete without something sweet, and luckily for 209 residents there are plenty of stops throughout the area code where gourmet chocolate treats can be picked up just in time for any celebration. Whether it’s fudge with a tasty twist, custom-crafted candies or dipped apples, these chocolate artists have every avenue covered when it comes to the tasty dessert. ■
NEWMAN www.crfudgeco.com / 209-862-1867 Carol Blackwell first began making fudge at age six with her grandmother, but when her mentor passed away the recipe was lost. At age 16 Blackwell recreated her grandmother’s recipe, making fudge for just family and friends at Christmas time. Immediately, the treat was a hit. “More and more people wanted to buy it year-round, and next thing you know we were opening a shop,” Blackwell said. C.R. Fudge Company was born in 2011, and originally Blackwell operated in a friend’s bakery before opening up a storefront of her own in Newman. Today, however, C.R. Fudge operates out of Blackwell’s home, deals totally in online sales and is carried in a few storefronts, like Pea Soup Anderson’s in Santa Nella. While the shop’s location and method of sale have changed over the years, its fudge’s popularity has not waned. “Our fudge is different than traditional fudge,” Blackwell said. “Our fudge is very creamy and very soft, and it’s not grainy. It just melts in your mouth.”
Blackwell handmakes and hand packages all of her fudge, which comes in flavors like rocky road and sea salt caramel — the bestsellers — as well as unique favorites like the red-hot apricot, which features the Patterson-famous fruit along with chili peppers. Other traditional flavors include vanilla walnut and chocolate walnut, and all of the fudge is sold and packaged in the customer’s choice of a quarter-pound, half-pound or pound box. “I try to make fudge that has my signature, are different and that they’re not going to get anywhere else,” Blackwell said. “It’s just whatever I think of or whatever I try to create.” During the holidays, C.R. Fudge offers treats that can only be described as Christmas-flavored, such as peppermint mocha, eggnog and gingerbread varieties. No matter the season, Blackwell takes pride in what she does. “This is my life. This is what I live for. I never get tired of it,” she said. “I love to see people’s faces when they try it because it’s different. We get a lot of compliments and I think that truly keeps me going.”
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319 W. MAIN ST., MERCED www.chocolatedipper.com / 209-626-5650 The Chocolate Dipper came to Merced in June, providing the community with not just chocolate, but a way to fundraise as well. When co-owner Brittany Lowe’s mother Tina Vanderpluym purchased the first Chocolate Dipper store in Salinas back in 2006, the shop made it through the Great Recession by allowing organizations to fundraise with their famous caramel apples. Today, Merced is now home to its own Chocolate Dipper store which has brought with it not only apples, but custom chocolates, gift baskets and more — 90 percent of which is made right in the store. “My uncle lived in Merced and he told us, ‘Merced doesn’t have anything like you guys. It would be something different and the community could definitely use your help with the fundraisers,’” Lowe said. “So, we took a leap of faith.” From blueberry truffles and chocolate cherries to handdipped chocolate apricots and chocolate frogs, The Chocolate Dipper is a sweet lover’s dream come true. All of the recipes are traditional, dating back to the Salinas store’s original opening in 1983. “Some of it’s also just things we do as trial and error,” Lowe said. “We practice in the kitchen and give it a run with people, and if they seem to keep coming back for it then it’s a product that we usually keep.” Lowe said that the sea salt caramels are currently flying off the shelves at The Chocolate Dipper, as well as the shop’s English toffee and made-to-order custom chocolate boxes. With varieties like Oreo, peanut butter, rocky road and toffee, the store’s caramel apples are also big sellers. Organizations like local high school sports teams and nonprofits using the apples for fundraisers have contributed to the shop in Salinas dipping as many as 17,000 apples per month. Lowe hopes that the new location in Merced can soon match those numbers, but in the meantime is content with watching her customers’ smiling faces as they enjoy their treats. “It means a lot, especially right now when this world seems to be in a lot of turmoil,” she said. “It makes you feel really good knowing maybe for just that moment you’re going to sweeten someone’s day.”
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marketplace
COLUMBIA, MURPHYS AND SONORA www.columbiacandykitchen.com 532-7886,728-2820 and 588-1898 With three locations throughout the 209, Nelson’s Candy Kitchen may be one of the longest-running candy shops in the state. The candy kitchen in Columbia originally opened in the late 1800s and after four generations, the Nelson family still produces candies from original recipes.
We have customers that have been coming back for 60 or 70 years, if not longer. It’s really nice to hear people are still happy with the product we make.
“We all take a lot of pride in it,” Jennifer McMahon said. McMahon is part of the Nelson family — her great grandparents first ran the business, then passed it down to the family’s next generations. Her husband, Mike McMahon, serves as the business’ candy maker. Using Guittard chocolate, the crew at Nelson’s handmakes all of their own centers for their candies, stuffing each treat with sweets like Danish cream and different types of caramels, as well as almonds and walnuts collected from Ronald Martella Farms in Hughson. The kitchen also makes its own marshmallow in-shop for its rocky road treats in addition to different types of fudge. Homemade kitchen specialties at Nelson’s include almond bark, in white, milk or dark chocolate, pecan caramel logs and peanut butter fudge, to name a few, while their handdipped chocolates can be enjoyed in flavors such as opera chocolate caramel (a rich, dark chocolate), honey nougat and molasses-walnut. “The Danish cream centers were brought over from my great grandfather from Denmark, and we still use the same recipe exactly the same way,” McMahon said. One thing that’s remained as constant as the centuries-old recipes used at Nelson’s? The kitchen’s loyal customers. “We have customers that have been coming back for 60 or 70 years, if not longer,” McMahon said. “It’s really nice to hear people are still happy with the product we make.” At the Columbia location, an employee works in the same shop her great grandmother once worked at. The Columbia kitchen is the largest location, and is where all of the three stores’ manufacturing takes place. All three candy shops are in prime spots for tourists and community member alike to stop by: in Columbia’s Historic State Park, on Main Street in Murphys and in the Junction Shopping Center in Sonora. During the holidays, Nelson’s employees craft their own handmade ribbon candy and candy canes starting the day after Thanksgiving. Candy makers lovingly craft the old-fashioned candy canes, and visitors can watch through the window in Columbia every Saturday and Sunday at noon and 1 p.m. through the weekend before Christmas.
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Turlock Christian The Difference is
Life Changing
Now Enrolling | Infant Through 12th Grade
Call to schedule a tour or a shadow day A Legacy of Excellence Since 1969
Preschool 209.669.2192 Elementary 209.632.6250 | JH/HS 209.427.2733 www.TurlockChristian.com Facebook.com/TurlockChristianSchools
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