209 Magazine - Issue #51 by 209 Multimedia Publications

JUNE/JULY 2022 - ISSUE 51 - $4.95

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THE CARE YOU NEED, THE WAY YOU WANT IT. Health care should be hassle-free. At Kaiser Permanente, it is. With connected teams and flexible ways to access care, it’s easy to get the support you need to stay healthy — when and where you need it.

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FEATURES After a two-year hiatus, the 209 region is once again celebrating America’s Independence with parades, firework shows and festivals.

4th of July Festivities

Independence Day in Columbia

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JUNE/JULY 2022 – ISSUE 51

DEPARTMENTS IN THE KNOW 12 15 16 18 22

Community Events Calendar Scene in the 209 Tribute to Elvis Living History Graffiti Festival

ARTS & CULTURE 26 28 30

Retired Deputy’s Memoir Little Mermaid Western Fashion

NAVIGATOR 38

Lexington

FLAVORS 50 52 58 62

Hey Bartender Recipes Rainbird Gianelli Vineyards

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 64 68

Sierra Splendor Fishing Success

FULL OF LIFE 72 76

Fitness and Beyond Growth and Gardening

A PLACE CALLED HOME 79 80

Perennial Power Dream Home

MARKETPLACE 82

The Mud Mill

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Vol. 9 No. 51

June/ July 2022

$4.95

PUBLISHER/OWNER Hank Vander Veen

EDITOR Kristina Hacker

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAHERS Jeff Benziger Chris Correa Teresa Hammond Marg Jackson Sarah Lawson Pawan Naidu Sabra Stafford Virigina Still Frankie Tovar

ART DIRECTOR Harold L. George

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sharon Hoffman

SALES & MARKETING Chris Castro Beth Flanagan Rich Matheson Karen Olsen Corey Rogers Melody Wann Charles Webber

SPECIAL CONSULTANT Larry Dovichi

Welcome to the summer edition of 209 Magazine for 2022. The hot weather and hopefully some cool breezes opens up a great time of year for many outdoor activities. The staff at 209 Magazine strives to continue to provide you with information about the region and all it has to offer. We hope you find the stories in this issue informative and entertaining. It is exciting for us to be able to highlight all of the activities and experiences this region has to offer. In this issue we are highlighting many Fourth of July activities. One in particular is the event hosted in Historic Columbia. All of the events are situated in historic downtown Columbia, amidst the businesses and quaint shops, the blacksmith’s area and with the one room schoolhouse on the hill in view. What a better time to do some gardening. As we exit spring and head to summer many flowers are in bloom. Look to our story on Growth in Gardening for some thoughtful insight from Teresa Hammond. She also has a very interesting story on the Elvis Tribute by Rob Ely. Thank you for taking the time to read this and every issue of 209 Magazine. We welcome your comments, calendar events, and stories. We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

Hank Vander Veen Publisher/ Owner hvanderveen@209magazine.com

To advertise in 209 Magazine, call Manteca • (209) 249-3500 • Newman • (209) 243-8170 Oakdale • (209) 847-3021 • Turlock • (209) 634-9141 209 Magazine is published 6 times a year 121 S. Center St., 2nd Floor • Turlock, CA 95380 Comments: khacker@209magazine.com 209magazine.com ©Copyright 2022. 209 Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher of 209 Magazine is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed in 209 Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of 209 Magazine management or owner. 209 Magazine assumes no responsibility and makes no recommendation for claims made by advertisers and shall not be liable for any damages incurred.

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Notes

with FRANKIE TOVAR

Bloodless Bullfights When locals hear about a suicide squad in Turlock, they don’t head to a movie theatre. Instead, they listen for the sounds of traditional Portuguese music and follow the smell of linguica to the San Joaquin Valley Portuguese Festival to enjoy the traditional Bloodless Bullfights.

#318 209 Beatdown XIV: Ethan Krieger

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

From a bull in the ring to a Cougar in a cage – this episode of Studio209 is a certified banger! Tag along with Studio209 as we follow Escalon native Ethan Krieger during 209 Beatdown XIV in Modesto to see if he has what it takes to add another win to his budding Mixed Martial Arts resume.

Frenchie Fest 2022 One French Bulldog is enough to send doglovers intro frenzied adoration, so imagine the scene when more than 400 bulldogs, Frenchie and otherwise, were brought together in one place – the inaugural Frenchie Fest in Modesto. With awards and cash prizes up for grabs across a wide range of categories, there was plenty of competition to compliment the certified levels of cuteness created by these classic canine breeds.

UPCOMING EPISODES

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intheknow

COMMUNITY EVENTS 3

JUN

2022

YOUTH ART SHOW

The Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock is hosting their annual youth art exhibition, “Ready, Set, Show” from June 3 to June 25. Youth in grades K-12 (ages 5-18) from communities throughout the region are invited to present their artwork to the public in the CAC’s Ferrari Gallery, a museum-quality exhibition space. The annual art show will open with a free family night on June 3, and will close on the day of the CAC Block Party on June 25 – a free community festival taking place all along the 200 block of North Broadway in Turlock.

JUN

2022

JUN

PROSPECT THEATER PROJECT FUNDRAISER

2022

‘WIZARD OF OZ’ ON TOUR

Changing Faces Theater Company is performing popup shows of “The Wizard of Oz” in several areas around the 209. There will be public performances on June 6 at the Lodi Public Library; June 10 at the Galt Community Park; and June 22 at Michael David Winery.

Music, great food, and philanthropy join forces at the Modesto Silos from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 5 to support the mission of Prospect Theater Project. Ths fundraiser will feature an open bar, an auction, dinner prepared by Chef Paul Tremayne, Concetta, and live music performed by the Blue Monday Band.

The Lodi Public Library and Galt Community Park are free performances.

Tickets for this event are $85 and can be purchased by visiting prospecttheaterproject.org or calling (209) 549-9341.

For more information visit www.changingfacestheater. org.

Admission to this exhibition is $7 general; $5 seniors/college students; free for Carnegie members and youth 18 and under. For more information visit carnegieartsturlock.org

JUNE

DIAMONDS AND DENIM DINNER

The Lodi Community Art Center will hold their 60th annual spring art show benefit Diamonds and Denim Dinner from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 25 at Durst Winery in Acampo.

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The night will include a silent and live auction, a raffle and dinner prepared by Ignis Provisions. Live music will be provided by the George Townsend Group. For more information and tickets visit www.durstwinery.com/ events by June 14.

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JUN

2022

TRIPLE TAKE AT MISTLIN GALLERY

From June 7 to July 9, the Mistlin Gallery will be presenting a two-part exhibition. In Gallery A there will be Triple Take, Plein Air Artists with Three Views. In Gallery B will be The World Around Us – A collection of landscapes and seascapes to compliment the plein air exhibit. The Mistlin Gallery is at 1015 J Street in downtown Modesto. Gallery hours 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free to the public.

JUN

2022

FESTA ITALIANA

Get into the spirit of Italy at Festa Italiana from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds. Festa Italiana offers delicious Italian food from a dozen Italian chefs, a mercato marketplace, cooking demonstrations, Italian art and history display, bocce ball, salami toss, the automobili show, wine tasting, olive oil and local product tastings, and much more. The “Boss of the Sauce” contest is back, along with pizza pie tossing demonstrations. Entertainment throughout the day features regional and local entertainers. Tickets are $15 at the door, or $10 in advance online. Children 12 and under are admitted free with an adult.

JUN

2022

WINE TASTING BENEFIT

One of the premier wine and beer tasting of the Central Valley will be held in the enchanted forest of Pixie Woods from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 17. The event will feature vintners from Napa, Sonoma, Carneros region, Lodi wine country and local breweries. Sample hors d’oeuvres and be entertained by different musical groups at locations throughout the park. There also will be a silent auction. All proceeds go to improvements and features in Pixie Woods Children’s Park. Tickets are $60 to $70 and are available at Gary J. Long Jewelers, Wine Wizards, Macchia Wineries, and Wine Social; Or call Mary Pannini (209) 403-2942 or Scott Grafius (209) 405-5013.

Please visit festa-italiana.com for further event information.

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intheknow

JUN

2022

JUL

2022

ANNUAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW

BIG BAND DANCE

The cost is $30 for preregistration and $35 for the day of the event.

Come in your everyday wear or get in the mood and dress in 1940s clothing. Prizes are awarded for best ‘40s outfits, best dancers, and much more.

Columbia State Historic Park will celebrate their anniversary with a big band street dance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 16 at the park.

The Modesto Elks Lodge is hosting the Annual Rod and Custom Car Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 26.

The car show is under a covered pation and is airconditioned. The show will feature cars, trucks and motorcycles from all years.

Admission is free, though VIP tables are available for $60. For more information visit friendsofcolumbiashp@ gmail.com.

For more information email bmiller.elks1282@gmail.com.

JUL

2022

‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’

The Shakespeare on the Vine Theatre Company, along with Brice Station Vineyards, will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” from July 28 to Aug. 20. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. All performances are held at Brice Station Vineyards in Murphys. Guests are encouraged to come early with a picnic and enjoy Brice’s award-winning wines before the show starts. For tickets and more information visit www. shakespeareonthevine.org.

AUG

TASTE OF THE DELTA

Sample wines, food, enjoy vendor booths, live music, and silent and live auctions at the Taste of the Delta from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug.6 at the Village West Marina Yacht Club in Stockton. The Taste of The Delta fund-raiser for the California Delta Chambers

2022

showcases Delta Area wineries, restaurants, artists, and artisans. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets include a wine glass. Buy tickets online at: www. tasteofthedelta.com/purchasetickets-2 or by calling (916) 777-4041.

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intheknow

Scene

in the

un times have been happening in the 209 over the last couple months from food bonanzas to the return of the Oakdale Rodeo in April. Anyone interested in having their organization’s event featured in 209 Magazine’s Scene in 209 can email sstafford@209magazine.com.

NEWMAN POLICE K9 CRAB FEED The Newman Police K9 Association was established in 2008 as a means to fund the Newman Police K9 Unit. The Association is solely responsible for the purchase of the K9s, their training, and equipment and provides full medical coverage and purchases food for the retired K9s. The annual crab feed dinner in March is the primary fundraiser for the association and brings in a big crowd eager to eat some crab and help the K9 unit.

Diners were able to eat their fill of crab and then some at the annual Newman Police K9 Association.

PHOTOS BY DAN GOMES & MARG JACKSON/ 209 Magazine

OAKDALE RODEO Parade Mid Cal Members of the Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms group were on board a float in the Oakdale Rodeo Parade and proudly showing photos of their family members in service to this country, riding along the parade route along F Street through the heart of town in April.

Thousands filled the stands for the annual Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo in April and among them, taking a seat in the VIP area, was Oakdale Mayor Cherilyn Bairos, at left.

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Competition in the arena was the main draw but plenty of folks at the Oakdale Rodeo in April also took time out to visit a number of vendors set up on the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds, including this group that featured some wearing newly purchased cowboy hats.

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intheknow

By TERESA HAMMOND

ob Ely has mastered the art of the pivot. A term made popular during the pandemic, Ely has fully embraced it. Currently a junk hauler and Realtor by day, it is his talent as an Elvis tribute performer for which he is known best. Ely owns Junk Hauler, as well as works as a Realtor for ReMax Modesto; careers he pursued as a result of the pandemic. “Before the pandemic I was slammed,” he said of his success as an Elvis performer. “It was full time; all I did was music. I could pay my mortgage, my car payment, support my family.” The performer noted his phone began “blowing up” with cancellations as venues were cancelling any live performances during the height of the COVID shutdown. Ely shared he began brainstorming and researching businesses which were doing well, even thriving. Discovering junk removal as a viable business and with a background in property clean up during the foreclosure years, it seemed a no brainer business for him. At the same time, he also decided to pursue his real estate license. “My wife’s always been in real estate, so I’ve always been around real estate agents,” Ely said. And while the two new ventures may be paying the bills, his love of music and Elvis remain ever present as he antici-

A few years later they found themselves driving to the 209 to perform each Monday night at Red Lobster. pates things beginning to open back up. “Coming out of the pandemic is still a bit hit or miss by way of bookings and events resuming,” he said. Residing with his family in the 209, Ely spent a good number of years providing for them singing about Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dogs. It is a career he fell into with his twin brother Mike back in the mid-‘90s. Simply singing in bar parking lots, knocking back a few beers, the duo gained a following in the San Jose area. At the invitation of their mother, a few years later they found themselves driving to the 209 to perform each Monday night at Red Lobster. Slowly that too grew and in time “Double Take,” the twin brother band was the regular act at the once popular Early Dawn. “I grew up on Elvis, so we threw in some of that. Early Elvis ‘50s stuff,” Ely shared of the Red Lobster days, noting the playlist is a bit different for the club crowd.

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With no formal training, yet bitten by the entertainment bug, Ely aspired to make a living performing music. After a year of fulltime work at Early Dawn, Double Take decided to put a band back together and return its focus to ‘50s and Elvis. Ely said the combination of older band members and the classic music not only had a more popular draw, but also brought in more bookings and more money. Eventually he and his brother brought the Elvis Tribute to the show, with Ely sneaking off stage and returning as Elvis for 15 minutes of the set. In time the brothers found their own individual niche and Ely dove full on into the Elvis World. “I started doing contests and doing really well,” he said. “I was just a novice. I would watch these guys in Branson (Missouri) and a couple of big names on YouTube when I was first starting out. They were doing real well in the contests and making good money, a couple thousand dollars prize for a contest.” Over the course of 16 years, Ely has traveled all over the country both performing, as well as competing in Elvis competitions. One, however, which sparked his interest the most was hosted by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The top tribute performer from contests hosted around the world would be flown to Nashville for Elvis Week and given the

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opportunity to perform/compete in front of their judges. After coming up second in several, Ely earned a First Place nod in 2013 at a Laughlin, Nevada competition and went on to Graceland. He refers to that as his “Banner Year of Elvis.” Nine years later he is still just as committed and passionate about the rock ‘n roll legend. “Great music, first and foremost,” he said when asked what it is that keeps people still drawn to the legendary performer. “His voice was like no other voice. But I think for the older generation it’s because he was the first to do it. The first to come out and rock the stage. The energy, the moving around; for girls it was their first love. It’s like John

Lennon said: Before Elvis there was nothing.” Continuing with his appreciation for the late artist, Ely mentions an Elvis movie which will be released this summer and hopes that it opens the eyes of the younger generation on what a true talent Elvis was. As for performing like the legend himself, Ely said it was a commitment he took seriously from the start. “I really took a lot of pride in preparation. I practiced a lot,” he said. “Strengthened the muscles in my voice and my throat. It was a lot of trial and error.” Now with thousands of events behind him, he gets a little tripped up to name a favorite song. After 16 years his answers

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vary from what he favored in the beginning to what he enjoys now. “People, they really stop when I sing the power ballads,” he said, “like in a theater it just gets quiet, a dead quiet.” As for the venue he enjoys to perform in most, just like the legend, Ely refers to the crowd. “If the crowd is into it, it doesn’t matter where I’m at,” he said. “The ones you get where the people actually buy tickets and they’re coming to see Elvis and an Elvis show, I’ve had full theaters and it just erupts with every song.” To learn more about upcoming events where Ely may be performing visit his Facebook page: Rob Ely-Elvis Tribute Artist. If interested in his business visit junkbattlers.com. ●

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intheknow

LIVING HISTORY By SABRA STAFFORD

or a spring day, the weather was just warm enough. A few flies were buzzing around and Gustine Police Chief Ruben Chavez was wondering how long it would be that he had to play dead. The battle being fought out at Mahon Ranch in Elk Grove on this May day had gone just as planned, which meant not well for Chavez and his fellow soldiers manning the cannon. They had been overrun and mortally wounded and fallen on the battlefield. At least until about 3 p.m. when they all could pick themselves up, dust off the dirt and head back to their camp. Chavez is a Civil War re-enactor and a member of the James River Squadron, which was part of the Virginia Navy in the Confederate Army. Taking part in re-enacted battles has been an activity Chavez has been do-

ing for more than 30 years. “When my daughters were little, we got them involved in this,” Chavez said. “My wife was homeschooling the children and she wanted to include this as part of their history lesson. So, we joined and they really loved it. I kind of got hooked into it as well, which I obviously didn’t mind because I’m still doing it after all these years. The re-enactments are organized by the National Civil War Association and those interested in participating can join as either part of the Union Army, the Confederate Army or as civilian townsfolk. “A lot of people will walk around and talk to the different units and find out what they experience during the battles,” Chavez explained. “So, when I talked to the James River Squadron, it was a bunch of good

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guys and they told me they were artillery men and all you do is fire the cannons. They didn’t have to buy the long rifles, and they just wear a really nice cotton white shirt and a hat and no warm wool jackets. And I thought that sounded pretty good to me. “Plus, I thought it would be kind of cool to be on the cannon crew.” While Chavez definitely enjoys his time on the cannon crew, he just as much enjoys the times around the campfires swapping stories and experiences. The experiences have also taught Chavez, a self-described history buff, so much more about the Civil War and that period in American history. “You learn what you learn from the history books,” Chavez said. “But out there, you learn so much more about the battles and the people that fought in them and how people lived.” ●

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intheknow

AMERICAN GRAFFITI FESTIVAL By VIRGINIA STILL

he 23rd Annual American Graffiti Festival and Car Show presented by the Kiwanis Club of North Modesto will be held on June 11 and 12 at the Modesto Junior College’s West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. This family friendly event will have rows of classic and vintage cars to explore and will also feature live entertainment, food, and craft vendors. Brent Burnside, chairman of the American Graffiti committee for the past five years, noted that there will be over 15 food vendors and more than 50 craft and car-related vendors at the show. “Folks just want to get out and live life and enjoy our weather here in the Valley and really just get out and enjoy the classic car culture,” said Burnside. “We will have great music with local talent on both days. MJC staff is working with us to pull it off with no glitches and I think if the weather agrees it will be a nice thing for everybody to attend.”

The annual parade and cruise kicks off the weekend festivities at 6 p.m. on June 10 in downtown Modesto and then the classics will cruise down McHenry Avenue.

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The festival begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and ends at 5 p.m. with the fun continuing on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $10 per person at the gate and children 12 and under are free. “To have it back at MJC West campus is great because it is their 100-year anniversary for the campus,” stated Burnside. “It has a lot of remodeling and new administration buildings put in there. We are excited to have a classic car show on newly remodeled grounds of the MJC West campus. There are more sidewalks and nicer grass areas for the show cars to be parked in.” The annual parade and cruise kicks off the weekend festivities at 6 p.m. on June 10 in downtown Modesto and then the classics will cruise down McHenry Avenue. The parade will feature 1,000 classic cars from 1979 and older. Due to traffic congestion and the challenges for law enforcement, spectators, and car owners, organizers put

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a cap on the entries for the parade and they are hoping that 1,000 cars will be a successful number this year. There will be live music on both days from local entertainers like Gary Gervase and Kick Start on Saturday morning; The Triple D classic rock band from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Gotcha Covered from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and the Gathering of the Vibes featuring the area’s top musicians from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The Great Valley Museum and planetarium has moved onto the MJC West campus and will be open on Saturday and Sunday. Growing up in Modesto, Burnside recalls visiting the Great Valley Museum when he was in elementary school. The Grand Marshall of the parade is Modesto City Councilwoman Jenny Kenoyer. She is being honored for her many years of service to the community. The museum will only be charging $1 for those 2 days. “That is a hidden gem,” Burnside said. “We would take a field trip to the Great Valley Museum when it was downtown. It is over the top now for kids to go experience it. That is what makes it even more family friendly. It is quite interesting to see how far they have come.” Judy Herrero with the Marketing Committee for the North Modesto Kiwanis Club has been with the club for about eight years. Herrero shared that new to the festival this year, John D’Agostino, a well-known car customizer will be attending the parade and will have a booth at the car show. “D’Agostino has numerous ‘kustoms’ at the Petersen Automotive Museum and has been inducted into the Academy Awards of

Automobile Excellence in Branson, Missouri,” said Herrero. Another highlight is that actress Candy Clark from the 1973 movie “American Graffiti” will be back for the parade and show, added Herrero. On Sunday at the car show, Modesto’s Cars and Coffee group will have modern muscle cars and exotic vehicles on display. “We think young people, in particular, will enjoy these vehicles,” Burnside said. The festival and car show will wrap with Classic Car Awards at 2 p.m. on Sunday. “The thing I repeat every year and I think back about it, is just a reflection back in time when things were simpler,” shared Burnside. “The challenges in life were nothing more than work and family.” For the past four years the festival and car show has been held at the Modesto Municipal Golf Course; however, prior to that it was held at MJC. Since the golf course is no longer being

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maintained they moved it back to MJC. “Car owners put a lot of effort into their cars and do not like them to get dirty,” said Herrero. “You can’t just have a car show this size anywhere. It needs a lot of space. We approached MJC about coming back to the West campus and it is working out well.” There will be shade and music so guests are invited to bring a camp chair and hang out during the event. Late in-person car registrations will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 10 at the MJC Ag Building at College and Coldwell avenues. (The parade slots may all be filled by then, however.) The Kiwanis Club of North Modesto is a non-profit 501(c) (3) with volunteers that serve the community. “We are blessed that the city has worked with us over the years,” remarked Burnside. “Be patient, stay optimistic and come out and enjoy the best event that Modesto has to offer.” ●

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5/31/2022 7:20:13 AM

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arts&culture

Retired 209 police officer pens memoir By TERESA HAMMOND

ome might call Jim Waddell a simple man and more than likely he’d not disagree. Yet simple men may have interesting stories and Waddell has a few to tell. The Escalon native who’s resided in Oakdale the majority of his adult life recently had his story published by reputable publisher Covenant Books. Waddell’s biography, “A Kid, His Guns, and His Badge,” was released in late 2021 and is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as Apple. “I didn’t actually decide to write a book in the beginning,” Waddell shared of his 400-page memoir, which depicts life at a much simpler time in the Central Valley. “I had a lot of fun and really good childhood memories living the first 12 years of my life in the town of Escalon,” he continued, likening the town at the time to Mayberry. A time when no one locked their doors and everyone knew one another. A father of two and grandfather to seven, Waddell shared he wanted his grandkids to know the stories and what life was like then. But that wasn’t the start of the book. That was quite simply the start of some bedtime stories when his grandchildren would spend the night

with him and his wife Rhonda. “They just loved my bedtime stories,” he said. “Some of them were about what it was like growing up in the small town of Escalon and all that goes with that. A lot of them turned into my law enforcement, police stories.” As the grandkids became older, their interest in grandpa’s stories seemed to grow. Overhearing a few on occasion, Waddell shared both his wife and daughter Jamie Waddell-Humble encouraged him to start writing the stories down to save for sharing later. “It was actually kind of fun. I enjoyed composing stories,” the retired law enforcement officer shared, mentioning his days of writing reports as a pastime he never dreaded. “I was never good at composing anything that was fictitious.” Over the course of time, Waddell followed the wisdom of the two ladies in his life and began gathering stories via word documents on his computer. A process which morphed and continued over the past seven years. “It sat there for a while, before I started writing others,” he shared of the process. “I did not write it sequentially. Every chapter is its own little story.” Yet Waddell shared he had never actually set his sights or goals on actually being published. He said that it was more for his family and envisioned, if anything, one day he’d put it in some type of print via a self-published memoir. As an avid reader himself, however, he began making inquiries to a few publishing houses of books he had personally read. Inquiries which eventually led him to Covenant Books, which after 10 days

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After many years of compiling stories, retired law enforcement officer Jim Waddell has seen his book published by Covenant Books and it can be purchased through outlets including Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

with his manuscript offered him a book deal in early March of 2021. With much freedom granted by his publisher, the author shared there were certain attributes of the book, which for him were non-negotiable. One being the language and the way his story was told. He describes his writing style as kind of “oakieish”, sharing the publisher wanted certain language changed to Chicago Manual Style. Waddell didn’t feel that represented the story he was trying to tell and didn’t feel editing the language would get the story across the way he wanted it told. And so it remained. During the course of his professional career Waddell spent the bulk of it in law enforcement. He first was a Sheriff ’s Department Explorer in 1966 and ultimately retired his badge in July 2005. Throughout his tenure in law enforcement he had two breaks from the badge, one of three years, when he battled personal issues, and another which was eight years. “God led me out of law enforcement for that three-year period, so I wouldn’t totally screw up everything,” he said. “You don’t get rich in law enforcement, but it’s a living ... a decent living.” Of all the positions held behind the badge, Waddell said he enjoyed being on patrol the most. The unexpected of each day and the unknowing was what brought him the most joy in the profession. “I had a real fun time, recalling a lot of these things that I wrote about,” Waddell said of his book. “So much so, that I would often times go back and re-read them just for my own entertainment.” Now that the book is out, Waddell

said that while most of his feedback has come from family and people that he knows, it has equally been rewarding to hear thoughts from readers. He was recently contacted by a former Oakdale Hershey employee, who also happened to be a U.S. Navy veteran. “What he really liked about it, was nobody gets to know what happens around here,” the author said of the reader’s feedback, in relation to some of his behind-the-scenes law enforcement stories. “He said what you put in this book is just normal police stuff, but some of it is just so interesting.” But the author shared it’s not a book for someone looking for a serious read. While some of the stories and topics might be serious by nature, Waddell has a way of delivering the stories in a light-hearted manner with a little bit of humor. Waddell’s wife Rhonda said she read it for the first time once the book was completed. It had been six years since she last read any of the stories, noting she didn’t want to interfere in any way with the overall process. Upon reading it the author’s wife shared there were stories which were new to her and gave her new insight

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GOD LED ME OUT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR THAT THREE YEAR PERIOD, SO I WOULDN’T TOTALLY SCREW UP EVERYTHING. into her husband of 48 years. Yet the final draft did not disappoint. “I thought this is good stuff. People need to read it,” Rhonda said. “I just wanted to tell my story and anybody who gets enjoyment out of it, I’m happy for them,” Waddell stated. “The whole time I was unsure. I never really thought it could go to that point (published). Other than maybe something I would have to do at a local printer. I never envisioned it being a book that would be actually published.” Now that it is published, the retired police officer said he does have a sense of pride for completing such an endeavor. “That I persevered. Went the whole distance and got it done,” he said when asked what he was most proud of. “That it was good enough for an actual professional publishing company to accept it. That’s what I’m most proud of.” ●

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5/31/2022 7:21:58 AM

arts&culture

By SABRA STAFFORD

he Sierra Repertory Theatre is taking a summer dive into the depth’s of the ocean and the secret world that lies beneath with their upcoming production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” The musical is based off of Disney’s version of the story originally written by Hans Christian Anderson. The story of Ariel, a mermaid and King Triton’s youngest daughter and her pursuit of the human Prince Eric in the world above, has become a well-known classic. The stage production features all of the beloved characters like Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab and some not so beloved like sea witch, Ursula. It features song’s like Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” “Sierra Rep is well known for endowing each production with high quality production values,”

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Our goal from the beginning has been to delight the kids and adults who love the story just as much.

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Sincee J. Daniels

Abigail Campbell

Brenda O’Brien

said Jerry Lee, Sierra Rep’s Associate Artistic Director, and director of the show. “This show is a dream to work on with designers. We all know the film so well and each of us has our own artistic stamp that we would like to press onto this production. Our goal from the beginning has been to delight the kids and adults who love the story just as much. “I think audiences come to ‘Mermaid’ and feel like they are catching up with a best friend,” Lee continued. “The story is funny, scary, romantic. There’s new material that is just delightful. It all just fits together perfectly. It’s terrific family entertainment.” The acting company of Disney’s

The Little Mermaid includes Abigail Campbell, Justin Burr, Brenda O’Brien, Sincée J. Daniels, Kaylene Howard, Kevin Heath, Alex Alansalon, Asher Berg, Charlie Munday, Thaddeus Piett, Kabir Gandhi, Fiona Mowbray, Jackie Thompson, Olivia Marie Jones, Mia Mekjian, Marlee Tierney, Katia Burke, Bree Igoe, Quinn Igoe, Alice James, Ruby E. James. The show is choreographed by Charlie Munday, and music directed by Scott Michaelsen. Scenic design by Tijana Bjelajac, costume design by Lukas Pirmin Wassmann, lighting design by William Brown, video design by Julian Kelley, hair and make-up design by Brenda O’Brien, and sound

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Justin Burr

design by Tatiana Covington-Parra. The dialect coach is Kimily Conkle, and the stage manager is Alicia Lerner. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” previews at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Historic Park at 6:30 p.m. on June 2, and 2 p.m. on June 4. The show opens at 7 p.m. June 4 and will be followed by an opening night celebration at Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp. Regular performance times are at 12 p.m. Wednesdays, 2 p.m. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays through July 17. For tickets please visit www.SierraRep.org or call the Box Office at (209) 532-3120. ●

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5/31/2022 7:22:59 AM

arts&culture

By SABRA STAFFORD

estled on Main Street in Escalon, Patched Pumpkins Boutique is bringing a new take on Western style to the 209. “I call it modern Western,” said boutique owner Heather McLain. “It’s not so many pearl snaps and button downs. It’s more everyday attire. The motto here is “For the Western Side of Life.” McLain first launched her foray into fashion in 2019 when she opened a baby boutique, doing pop-up shops and online sells. As time went by McLain decided to rebrand as a women’s clothing shop and recently added men’s fashion. “When I rebranded into women’s clothing, I wanted to be able to provide affordable every day attire to your modern-day western woman,” McLain said. Everything in the shop has been hand-picked by McLain with an eye towards wearability and versatility. When it comes to summer fashion, McLain looks for pieces that have some bright colors and she can’t resist a good graphic T-shirt. “I mean graphic tees are my daily go to,” said McLain. “You can always dress up or down a good graphic.” Patched Pumpkins Boutique is located at 2001 Main St., in Escalon. The store is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Follow them on Instagram @patchedpumpkinsboutique or visit them online at patched-pumpkins-boutique.myshopify.com. ●

PHOTOS BY AIMEE HAMILTON

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COW It’s not so many pearl snaps and button downs. It’s more everyday attire. The motto here is “For the Western Side of Life.”

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navigator

LEXINGTON T

he Minute Man stands ever at the ready, musket in hand, poised to defend his rights. Behind him flaps the American flag, a summary of all he fought and died for in the American Revolution. It is here at the triangular-shaped Battle Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, that our nation’s fight for independence began.

THE BIRTHPLACE OF AMERICAN LIBERTY By CLAUDIA NEWCORN

Who Fired First? On the morning of April 19, 1775, 77 militia under the leadership of Captain John Parker defiantly faced 700 redcoated British Regulars under the command of Major John Pitcairn on Lexington Common (later renamed Lexington Battle Green). Each town in what was known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony, had a volunteer militia company, comprised of men age 16-60. In 1774, the Provincial Congress, led by John Hancock, recommended every town form “minute companies” that would be ready to march at a moment’s notice. The term Minute Men was often used interchangeably with militia.

Capt. Parker did not intend to fight, according to historians, but to only make a display of patriotic resolve. He famously declared, “Stand your ground, don’t fire unless fired upon, but if there means to be a war, let it begin here.” At Maj. Pitcairn’s orders to disperse, the Minute Men slowly obeyed. Then a shot rang out, followed by a fusillade as the British soldiers, ignoring commands to stop, began firing at the fleeing Minute Men. When the battle was done, eight of them lay dead, 10 were wounded. Nobody ever determined who actually fired

209MAGAZINE.COM

NAVIGATOR.indd 38

that first shot, but it triggered a war that would last more than eight years, and cost over 45,000 people their lives. 300 Years of History Originally settled in 1642, Lexington, just 14 miles Northwest of Boston, was incorporated in 1713. Proud of their role in the

Revolutionary War, the town has preserved much of its heritage through the restoration and maintenance of sites and original 18th Century historic homes that witnessed the battle and hosted such famous patriots as John Hancock and Samuel Adams; some are open to the public on a seasonal basis.

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Battle Green itself is a National Historic Landmark. Each year in April, a living history event emerges at 5:45AM on Patriot’s Day. The Lexington Minute Men Company and British Tenth Regiment of Foot reenact the battle in great detail, thrilling large crowds. Each Minute Man in the company is required to research and portray one of the original militia members in order

IT IS HERE AT THE TRIANGULAR-SHAPED BATTLE GREEN IN LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, THAT OUR NATION’S FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE BEGAN.

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to preserve the memory of those who answered that long-ago morning’s call to arms. The first known re-enactment took place on April 19, 1822. The American flag flies over Battle Green 24 hours a day by an Act of Congress. Completed on July 4, 1799, America’s oldest war memorial is also there, where seven of the eight Minute Men who died are buried. Interestingly, this is not

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navigator

their original resting site. They were first buried in the common grave at Ye Olde Burying Ground, and exhumed and reburied in 1835. The names of the men who took part in the battle are inscribed on the rear of the monument. Those killed have a star engraved beside their name; those wounded, a small heart. A special monument is dedicated to Prince Estabrook, the first AfricanAmerican solider to fight in the Revolution. Wounded in the battle, the 35-year-old slave served in the militia, and later served in the Continental Army for much of the war. He died at age 90 in 1830, a free man, as

THE NAMES OF THE MEN WHO TOOK PART IN THE BATTLE ARE INSCRIBED ON THE REAR OF THE MONUMENT.

slavery was abolished in Massachusetts in 1783. The Minute Man Statue is a (relatively) new addition to the historic site. Erected in 1900, and sculpted by Henry Hudson Kitson, it is said to be a likeness of Captain Parker. Facing the direction from with the British Regulars approached, it stands on what was originally a drinking fountain

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for horses. Parker’s musket is on display in the Senate Chamber at the Massachusetts State House. In 2025, Lexington will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle. The nearby Lexington Visitors Center is a must-stop place. It offers a wealth of historic information and guided tours (www. tourlexington.us). Today, what was once largely open farmland is dotted with houses is a bustling community of tree-lined streets, shops and homes. Yet as you stand looking up at the stern gaze of Capt. Parker’s statue, you can glimpse the determination of purpose which would lead people to fight for a Constitution in which “all men are created equal,” and lay the foundation for the United State of America. ●

J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 2

5/31/2022 7:31:27 AM

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feature

FEATURE - Fourth of July in 209.indd 44

5/31/2022 7:33:02 AM

By SABRA STAFFORD

he 209 will be donning their red, white and blue on the Fourth of July, with the region offering plenty of options to mark the patriotic celebration - from parades to fireworks to chili cook offs and runs.

ALL DAY AND NIGHT FESTIVITIES

The City of Galt is hosting an all day and night Independence celebration on July 2. The day will start at 7:30 a.m. at City hall with the Officer Tonn Memorial 5K run/walk. Registration is $15 for youth and $35 for adults. The Independence Parade will start at 9:30 a.m. at C Street and continue to Fourth Street and then E Street. A family fun festival with live music will be at Veteran’s Field at 6 p.m. with an admission cost of $5. The Gora Aquatic Center will offer swimming from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are available at www.cityofgalt.org. The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Soccer Field. The City of Atwater is celebrating their 100th year with a Fourth of July festival that starts at 9:30 a.m. with a parade. Parade begins at the corner of Elm and Winton Way, turns left onto Broadway, turns left onto 3rd Street and ends at the corner of Juniper and 3rd Street. A festival

will follow the parade at Ralston Park with vendors, food, live music and games. Fireworks will close out the night. The Gustine Chamber of Commerce invites people to experience a bit of small town Americana with their July 4th Celebration. The festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. on 5th Street in downtown Gustine. Following the parade is a party in Henry Miller Park with vendors, music, games and food. Bullfights are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the Gustine Museum is open for tours from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fireworks start around dusk and seats are available at Gustine High School stadium. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

City of Modesto will hold the annual Fourth of July parade at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Modesto. Visit https:// modestojulyparade.com for parade route.

PARADES

FOOD

The United Veterans Council of San Joaquin County is hosting a 4th of July parade in downtown Stockton at the Civic Auditorium at 525 N. El Dorado St., at 10 a.m. The Modesto Kiwanis Club and the

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FIREWORKS

A fireworks show will start at 7 p.m. July 4 at Tracy High Stadium at 315 E. 11th St. The cost is $4. The City of Stockton will hold a fireworks show at Weber Point. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. with entertainment and food. The fireworks will start around 9:30 p.m.

The VFW Post 8254 and DAV California Chapter 118 are hosting the first 4th of July Chili Cook Off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4 at 215 S. Amador St. in Ione. ●

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feature

By MARG JACKSON

There’s sure to be at least one – and probably more – clowns in the Fourth of July parade in Columbia on Monday, July 4, bringing smiles to the faces of parade watchers.

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t’s an event not to be missed. The annual Fourth of July celebration hosted in historic Columbia is gearing up for a banner year. “It is small town America at its best,” explained Jo Rodefer, treasurer for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the once-a-yearparty, officially known as Columbia’s Glorious Fourth of July Celebration. This year, the Fourth of July falls on a Monday. “Everything is free except for the barbecue,” Rodefer added of the day’s activities, which include something for everyone in the family. “There are games for kids and adults and one of the highlights is a greased pole competition.” Aimed primarily at the younger set, there is a ‘starter’ pole for the youngest participants and a slightly taller pole for the older kids. Rodefer said many people returning to the Fourth of July festivities as adults fondly remember their time trying to reach the top of the greased pole as children. “We lube that thing up,” she said, “and there’s money at the top.” The goal, of course, is to be the one that conquers the greased pole and earns the prize money. “It’s a little goofy,” Rodefer admitted, “but it’s a blast.” All of the events are situated in historic downtown Columbia, amidst the businesses and quaint shops, the blacksmith’s area and with the one room schoolhouse on the hill in view. Official events start with a band playing at 11 a.m. and the parade starts at noon. As people arrive and start to settle

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in for the music and pageantry of the parade, Rodefer said they offer a ‘Needle in the Haystack’ game for kids to keep them entertained, with a bale of straw scattered around and plastic crochet hooks hid in the straw. “The kids scramble around to find them,” Rodefer said. At 11 a.m., the American flag is raised, those in attendance are asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance and there is an Honor Guard, then music by the band. The parade forms up and steps off at noon; there is no charge to be in the parade and the sign-ups start at 10:30 a.m. on July 4 to make sure people get a spot in the parade. Rodefer described the parade as having some of the “goofiest and funniest” entries, the more colorful the better. “Put your grandkids in the parade, put your dogs in the parade,” she said. All the businesses in town are open for the day so besides taking in the wide varsity of special activities, Rodefer said it’s “just fun” to walk around the historic community. Other special features for July 4 include: A demonstration of Papeete, which was a state-of-the-art piece of firefighting equipment in the 1800s, a hand pump that takes a lot of volunteers to operate. A cake walk, played like musical chairs, with a cake the ultimate prize. A watermelon eating contest. An egg relay race for youngsters where they have to run with an egg on a spoon and be the first to complete the course without breaking the egg. An adult egg toss, with teams of

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feature Smiling for the camera, these two were dressed up and ready to enjoy a previous Glorious Fourth of July Celebration in Columbia State Historic Park.

two tossing the egg back and forth, getting farther apart after each successful toss. Last team standing with an unbroken egg wins. A ‘five-way’ tug of war that can feature different team scenarios, whether it’s 2 vs. 3, 4 vs. 1 or everyone for themselves, played with a specially made rope. “We try to keep the games very historic,” Rodefer noted. Also planned is a Bucket Brigade demonstration of how fires used to be fought, with the buckets of water passed from one team member to the next, and the Blacksmith’s Shop hosts a nail pounding contest. Rodefer said she particularly enjoys watching the various egg races. “Some grown-ups practice all year (for the egg toss) and with the kids, we end up with broken eggs all over the place,” she said. “It’s such great fun, there is wild cheering.” And don’t worry about the mess, as the hand-pump fire apparatus can be used to not only shower the crowd with cool water but also can help clear away the egg debris. The barbecue meal details will be worked out by the date of the event, including cost, but Rodefer said it is always a good, filling meal perfect for a holiday gathering. The Fourth of July celebration in Columbia was not held in 2020 but made a return last year and Rodefer anticipates an even bigger and better event for 2022. “My husband and I came up here from Southern California and I was originally a history major,” she explained of embracing the historic standing of Columbia. “We have what might have been going on 100 years ago,” she added of the Independence Day fun. “People come from all over the place; we have thousands here. It is the busiest day of the year for all the businesses in town.” Columbia State Historic Park is at 22708 Broadway St., Columbia, three miles north of Sonora off Highway 49. For more information about the Glorious Fourth of July Celebration, visit the website: www.visitcolumbiacalifornia. com or call the Columbia Chamber of Commerce at 888488-1850. ●

SOME GROWNUPS PRACTICE ALL YEAR (FOR THE EGG TOSS) AND WITH THE KIDS, WE END UP WITH BROKEN EGGS ALL OVER THE PLACE.

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One of the games of years past draws plenty of young competitors and a crowd to cheer them on at the greased pole contest.

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ner specials served Thursday through Saturday. Bottle service is available nightly, bringing that big city VIP vibe to the 209. Guests will be entertained with something different each night from the DJ spinning beats at Latin Nights, or Throwback Thursdays to live music on Fridays and themed karaoke on Wednesdays. They have a new cocktail menu that includes the crowd favorites like the Tiffany, Old Fashioned, martinis and lots of shots. Janelle makes a special creation called the Ave 75 which is a twist on the French 75 made with Empress Gin, St. Germain, and fresh lemon juice that is topped off with a sparkling wine. This pretty cocktail is perfect for summer

as it is light, tasty and very refreshing. The Tiffany is a favorite among the ladies and is Tiffany blue in color and has Malibu passion, pineapple juice, blue curacao that is shaken and topped with whipped cream. During their Sunday brunch guests can get a tasty bite and wash it down with bartender Stacy Vallar’s signature Bloody Mary that is a specialty made from scratch beverage and is a guest favorite and top seller. “We try to keep it fun,” remarked Janelle. “We try to keep it classy and a little of everything. We want people to enjoy their experience here. As long as we see cocktails in people’s hands, we are happy.”

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IF YOU GO WHAT: The Ave on the Mile WHERE: 2333 Pacific Ave., Stockton HOURS: 3:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 3:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday CONTACT : (209) 462-5283 info@ aveonthemile.com www.aveonthemile.com

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flavors

Power your day

THAI CHICKEN AND PORK SKEWERS Recipe courtesy of the Georgia Peanut Commission

Adding a nutrient-rich powerhouse like peanuts as a key ingredient in meals throughout the day makes it easier to zero in on health goals. In fact, peanuts rise to superfood status by delivering 19 vitamins and minerals plus 7 grams of protein per serving. When it’s time for fueling up the family at the dinner table, try Thai Chicken and Pork Skewers.

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon minced ginger 6 cloves garlic, crushed 2 cups creamy peanut butter 1 cup chicken broth 2 tablespoons light soy sauce 1 tablespoon chili oil 1/2 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin

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DIRECTIONS In mixing bowl, combine ginger, garlic, peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, chili oil, lime juice, honey and cilantro. Mix well and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cut chicken and pork into strips and thread onto skewers. In non-metal container, marinate meat in half of peanut butter sauce 1-2 hours in refrigerator. Reserve remaining sauce for dipping. Heat oven to broil. Broil skewered meats until done, turning once. In pot, bring remaining sauce to boil and serve warm as dipping sauce.

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For your next cookout with loved ones, enjoy all the flavor and none of the hassle with Grilled Quinoa Paella. If you’re the kind of person who struggles deciding between proteins, this recipe is for you as it’s loaded with chicken, chorizo sausage and shrimp. Combined with an array of veggies, it’s ideal for sharing with family and friends.

Get to the grill for fresh, homemade flavor GRILLED QUINOA PAELLA PREP TIME 20 minutes

COOK TIME 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS 2 bags Success Tri-Color Quinoa 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup canned diced tomatoes 1 cup frozen peas 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon paprika 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 onion, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 1 red bell pepper, halved 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 cured chorizo sausages 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 3 tablespoons lemon juice

SERVINGS 6

DIRECTIONS Preheat grill to medium-high heat; grease grates well. Prepare quinoa according to package directions, substituting chicken broth for water. Drain, reserving 1 cup chicken broth. In large saucepan, stir diced tomatoes with reserved chicken broth; bring to boil. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Stir in quinoa, peas and smoked paprika. Cook 1 minute. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. In small bowl, stir olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Brush marinade over onion and red pepper. Toss half of remaining marinade with chicken and remaining marinade with shrimp. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side, or until well-marked and internal temperature reaches 165 F. Grill sausages, turning occasionally, 6-8 minutes, or until well-marked and heated through. Grill shrimp 2-3 minutes per side, or until well-marked and cooked through. Grill red pepper and onion 2-3 minutes per side, or until well-marked and tender. Chop chicken, sausage, red pepper and onion into bite-size pieces. Stir into quinoa mixture. Stir in shrimp, parsley and lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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flavors

A brunch surprise BRUNCH FRUIT TART

Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to any brunch menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your favorites and decorate the top however you please.

CRUST 4 cups granola mixture 1/2 cup butter, softened 4 1/2 tablespoons honey nonstick cooking spray

DIRECTIONS To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.

FILLING 2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package gelatin TOPPINGS strawberries, sliced blueberries kiwis, sliced

Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely. To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely. Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.

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It’s when weekend warrior woes can’t wait until Monday. When you need to see a doctor today, the Turlock Care Center Urgent Care is nearby. Urgent care treats injuries and illnesses that require same-day care but aren’t emergencies. It’s a thousand things, big and small. 3100 West Christoffersen Parkway, Turlock 209-632-3909 | sutterhealth.org/turlock-uc If you have a life-threatening condition, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. A service of Sutter Gould Medical Foundation.

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flavors

elevates downtown Merced dining

**PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA STILL/ 209 Magazine

By VIRGINIA STILL

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ainbird is bringing a new dining experience inside the historic El Capitan Hotel to downtown Merced. Executive Chef Quentin Garcia brings guests a fivecourse tasting menu that celebrates the flavors in the 209 and offers new and unique creations. “Rainbird is a fun concept that will always change,” said Garcia. “Even in its infancy I’ve watched the team as a whole grow better, walk better, evolve better. Dishes have improved, changed, presentations become even sharper and the same with the service staff. They’ve adapted so well and adapt to changes with hyperfocus and sensitivity on the importance of the detail they will be expected to uphold.” The quaint restaurant has complimentary valet parking and seats about 60 guests. The natural elements, earthy tones and relaxing atmosphere is very inviting to sit and stay for a bit as you indulge in the tasting menu. They are open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday brunch. The full bar may be small but the drinks served up are big in flavor and presentation. Garcia has been in the kitchen since he was 11, making classic French dishes and making sure everything was in place for the chefs and cooks he was working with at that time. He has also worked in a variety of upscale restaurants through the years. “I would say Claus Henrikson, Carlos Salgado, and Christopher Sorenson,” remarked Garcia of who inspired him. “These chefs taught me a lot of knowledge and still to this day are constantly pushing themselves into new territories that show me continu-

ous evolvement and shaping of their own unique styles.” The five-course tasting menu is created by Chef Garcia and features a variety of items that inspire him and are drawn from his experiences as well as the seasonal harvest from the surrounding agricultural area. He has built relationships with local farmers in the 209.

While the idea of a grand 10- to 12-course tasting menu sounds like a lot of fun, the cost of doing such and the length of experience may not have been the right way to go right out of the gate.

“A concept like this in the Central Valley is a first,” stated Garcia. “While the idea of a grand 10- to 12-course tasting menu sounds like a lot of fun, the cost of doing such and the length of experience may not have been the right way to go right out of the gate. With this price point for a five-course tasting menu, we found that we were able to capture a lot of people that were curious about a tasting menu and a

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dining experience like this. We’ve been able to capture repeat guests and begin to help define a new Central Valley upscale dining experience.” The embarkation of the courses is the amuse bouche, which is a French term in translation is “mouth amuser” or in English a small appetizer like the White Onion Macaron or the Potato. The White Onion Macaron is pork pate, chicken skin, lingonberry jam, and shiso that is served straight out of the forest on a bark slab. “Some dishes, like the macaron come from my time foraging with Ben Halley at fish camp,” shared Garcia. “I came across this collapsed tree and noticed that it was shedding its bark. I thought that this would have been even more of an interesting service piece for the beginning of the menu more than any traditional plate would have been.” The Potato is a fermented potato mousse, brown butter, pestled nasturtium, and topped with trout roe. The next starter or second course on the menu is the Japanese Amberjack Crudo, Superfino Carnaroli Risotto, and the Smoked Cauliflower Custard. The Japanese Amberjack Crudo is a petite salad with avocado mousse, pine roasted cucumbers, spruce tips, mandarin, and coriander. When asked what kind of cuisine Rainbird offers, Chef Garcia explained that it is “Modern American with Nordic influence. On a bit of a fun note the past few dishes have found themselves kissed with some Japanese technique.” The third course is their artisan bread which was a Rye and Farro Country loaf that was baked golden brown with just the right crunch and delicious flavor that was served up with three spreadable options including

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flavors

the cultured sunflower butter, golden raisin marmite and honeycomb that could be used alone or mixed. The entrée is the fourth course on the tasting menu and will have three options like the Burroughs Lamb, the Rainbird, which is a coriander-cured Muscovy duck breast, or the Sauterne Poached Cod. The Burroughs Lamb loin has poached apricot, lamb sausage, grilled spring onion and lamb jus. “I wouldn’t define Rainbird as fine dining,” added Garcia. “I think that Rainbird is defining itself as an approachable new luxurious dining experience for the Central Valley but the term as simple as fine dining doesn’t come to mind when I talk about Rainbird. I believe that the more we dive into what this Valley has to offer the farther we can uphold ourselves to a new standard of dining experience.” The final course is the dessert that

has two options like the Pistachio Gelato or the Black Walnut Cake. The Pistachio Gelato has coffee roasted sweet potato, black apple caramel, and preserved blueberries. The Black Walnut Cake has burnt chocolate gelato, caramelized walnut mousse, and toasted meringue. “I love the idea of being able to express creative freedom through cooking, and even more so being able to create an experience for diners,” explained Garcia about his passion on being a chef. “Besides making

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something delicious, some of my most memorable moments feeding others have been when a dish reminded them of something comforting, or even better, when I created a moment between diners that they deem as an unforgettable experience. It feels powerful and it’s a euphoric sensation to help deliver our version of hospitality to guests successfully.” There is time between each course, which allows for the servers to explain what each course is and be attentive to the diners. “This restaurant is a celebration of the bounty we have in one of the most exciting ways to experience it,” expressed Garcia. “It’s an adventurous dining experience being cultivated and serviced to you by locals within the community who have a huge sense of pride for the treasures that Merced has to offer. We look forward to serving you if given the chance.” ●

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www.ovcb.com 5/31/2022 7:07:09 AM

flavors

Jamestown home to Gianelli Vineyards By PAWAN NAIDU

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WE HAVE 15 OR 16 DIFFERENT VARIETALS PLANTED AND WITH THE BLENDS AND THE CHAMPAGNES, IT’S LIKE 20 DIFFERENT WINES TO TRY.

s you drive on Highway 108 you start to enjoy the scenic views of hills and little streams along the highway. You imagine what it would be like to escape the city and nature as it was intended, without the unnecessary noise and concrete jungles. Once you get to Jamestown, you might see winemaker Cody LePretche riding his four-wheeler between the winery and tasting of Gianelli Vineyards. It all started with Giovani Rocca, who married into the Gianelli family in the late 1800s. After his marriage, Giovani purchased a large amount of acreage just outside Jamestown – land which today is used in part for the Gianelli vineyards. In Giovani’s day his property was the site for a working cattle ranch, gold mining camp, and was a major stagecoach stop for supplies coming into Jamestown. Giovani was quite a character, and was even reported to give food and aid to the infamous Joaquin Murrieta when he passed through town. It was passed down for generations and eventually sold to new wine lovers. The current owners are Brett and Amy Noon who closed in the summer of 2018. LePretche looks after the vineyard and makes a large assortment of wine. “My running joke is that we have so many wines here that I will have something that you will like,” he said. “We have 15 or 16 different varietals planted and with the blends and the champagnes, it’s like 20 different wines to try. We’re also one of the only vine to bottle estates around here, so we grow our grapes and bottle our own wine here.” Currently Gianelli has 18 different estate grown varietals. From Vermentino to Fiano, Primitivo to Agliancio, the vineyard has varietals that are not only uncommon in the United States, but some have never been produced before outside of Italy.

Since the pandemic, the vineyards have become not as much of a secret because people are looking for a place to come and escape, according to LePretche. One of the biggest selling points of the vineyard is the view from the tasting room. The room sits at one of the highest points of the vineyard and there is a breathtaking view of the vineyard, mountains and more. “That was a surprise to me,” said LePretche. “Being a winemaker you think people would come for the wine, but I realized it’s more for the experience. You still have to have good wine, but people are looking for more than that.” Another thing that has been a revelation is the interest young people have in wine. When LePretche first started in the business he was catering to an older crowd, but lately young adults have been frequent visitors to the winery. “It used to be the more established drinkers, but in the last five years, we have been seeing the millennials and Gen Z coming in,” he said. “For years we would have a lot of the same faces and that’s awesome, but the last few years we’ve been seeing all these new faces and that’s awesome.” For LePretche, he doesn’t want people to feel like they’re an expert in wine to come and enjoy. “People don’t want to feel like they’re stupid,” he said. “You don’t need to know all the terminology to come here, and I find people are curious to learn and they ask questions when they feel more comfortable.” Some of their best sellers are the Montepulico and Nino. With the sum-

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mer coming, the vineyard is expecting high demand for whites and champagne, including their pomegranate champagne. Currently the tasting room is open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. In the summer Gianelli is expected to be open seven days. The vineyard is located at 12581 Algerine Road in Jamestown. Visit gianellivineyards.com for more information. ●

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thegreatoutdoors

More than

MOUNT WHITNEY INYO COUNTY OFFERS MODERATE MAJESTY

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ramatic extremes fill Inyo County. The large rural community on California’s eastern border boasts the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, the lowest and hottest point in North America, and the oldest trees in the world. Mount Whitney, Death Valley and the Ancient Bristlecone Pines Forest all deserve attention. Yet one need not climb high mountains, trek through arid desert or even venture far off Highway 395 to discover rewarding and accessible adventures. Consider these outings on public land of Inyo National Forest or Bureau of Land Management, all easily reached in summer and fall and free to visit.

Sierra Nevada mountains and the Owens Valley desert come together in Inyo County.

“…ONE NEED NOT CLIMB HIGH MOUNTAINS, TREK THROUGH ARID DESERT OR EVEN VENTURE FAR OFF HIGHWAY 395 TO DISCOVER REWARDING AND ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURES.”

A visitor takes in the view of Fossil Falls and the Sierra Nevada.

FOSSIL FALLS

A short walk leads to a fascinating area of sculpted rock. Owens River, which flowed at far greater volume during the last ice age than it does today, carved volcanic basalt into smooth and interesting shapes. How different this area must have been during the Pleistocene Period when volcanoes erupted often and giant lakes filled this now-dry valley. Look for a Fossil Falls sign on Highway 395

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thegreatoutdoors

north, about 40 miles south of Lone Pine, and follow a dirt road to a parking area with picnic tables and an outhouse. Fossil Falls is just a quarter-mile walk away on a marked trail.

ALABAMA HILLS

Wind erosion created the curiously shaped arches and formations of granite in this 30,000-acre area between the highest Sierra Nevada peak and the Owens Valley. Hikers, climbers and photographers enjoy exploring the landscape which became a National Scenic Area in 2019. Civil War-era miners sympathetic to the South named the hills for a Confederate battleship. An effort to rename the area began in 2020, but the government hasn’t done so yet. Multiple short hikes lead through the Alabama Hills. If you only do one, make it the 1.5-mile Arch Loop, which leads by the photogenic Mobius Arch. The “money shot” looks west through the arch at dawn to capture morning light on Lone Pine Peak and Mount Whitney. From Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road west for 2.7 miles and turn right onto Movie Road.

HAPPY BOULDERS

These stones live up to their name. House-sized boulders consisting of volcanic tuff rock have tumbled into narrow canyons, creating happy hiking and climbing for visitors. If you’re more of a hiker, you can still scramble low on the rocks for fun, carefully. The trail extends about a mile to the canyon’s end. From Bishop, drive north on Highway 395 and turn onto northbound Highway 6 for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Five Bridges Road for 2.4 miles and then turn left onto unpaved Chalk Bluff Road for 2.3 miles to the parking area. The trail to the boulders leads to the north.

Outdoors writer Matt Johanson found that the Happy Boulders live up to their name.

SOME 500 BOULDERING PROBLEMS ATTRACT CLIMBERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. BUTTERMILK BOULDERS

Named for the dairy farming that was once common here, Buttermilk Boulders consists of massive glacial boulders (consisting of quartz monzonite and closer in size to mansions than houses) in close proximity to Mount Tom and neighboring High Sierra peaks. Some 500 bouldering problems attract climbers from around the world, but you don’t have to be a climber to walk around and appreciate the unique and inspiring scenery. Multiple trails lead through the area so pick one and explore. From Bishop, take Highway 168 west to Buttermilk Road, turn right and drive 3.4 miles on a dirt road to a parking area.

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Buttermilk Boulders and Mount Tom combine for a memorable landscape.

HORSESHOE MEADOW

If you’ve come this close to the High Sierra, you really should try some high-elevation outings. A fourmile loop leads around scenic Horseshoe Meadow, by streaming creeks and past foxtail pines. Swimming in the creeks are small and beautiful fish which inspired the name of this Golden Trout Wilderness. Those rare foxtails grow only in the Southern Sierra and can live more than 2,000 years. Save this one for after you’ve acclimatized a while because the trail, while fairly flat, stands around 10,000 feet above sea level. To make a loop, connect the Cottonwood Pass, Trail Pass, and Mulkey Pass trails.

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Mobius Arch frames its granite neighbors in the Alabama Hills.

Indigenous people of Inyo County call the area Payahuunadü, which means “land of flowing water.”

Hurd who made the first known ascent in 1906. From Bishop, drive southwest on Highway 168 for about 15 miles. Then turn left onto South Lake Road and drive another six miles to South Lake. Park in the day use area.

ONION VALLEY, KEARSARGE PASS AREA From Lone Pine, turn west onto Whitney Portal Road. After 3 miles, turn left onto Horseshoe Meadows Road. Drive about 20 steep, curvy and adventurous miles to the road’s end at Horseshoe Meadow trailhead.

TREASURE LAKES

A half-day outing leads to dreamy alpine lakes beside a striking mountain which may inspire climbers. From South Lake, take the Bishop Pass Trail to the south and turn right toward Treasure Lakes at the junction. Our route meanders westward before turning south and climbing to the lakes. A round trip involves about six miles between 9,800 feet and 10,700 feet. Treasure Lakes offer good swimming and fishing. Neighboring Hurd Peak, a strenuous class 3 climb, was named for engineer H.C.

If you’re annoyed that the Alabama Hills are named for a Confederate battleship, here’s a good remedy. Visit the Kearsarge Pass area, named for the Union ship which sank the Alabama in 1864. A five-mile round trip trek takes hikers to Little Pothole, Gilbert and Flower lakes, which offer good swimming and fishing. Ambitious hikers can continue to Kearsarge Pass which delivers broad and grand views of Kings Canyon National Park. That extends the trip to nine miles round trip. From Independence, drive west on Onion Valley Road for 13 miles to a large parking area. Kearsarge Pass trailhead stands

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at 9,200 feet, the lakes at about 10,500 feet and Kearsarge Pass at 11,700 feet, so take your time and take it easy. In these parts, white settlers’ removal of the Paiute and other tribes to distant reservations was the main event of the 19th century. Los Angeles’ securing rights to water and building an aqueduct to deliver it to Southern California transformed the 20th century. Signs of both conflicts remain in the 21st century, as the Paiute regrouped on a reservation in Bishop and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power signs mark the landscape throughout the region. The name Inyo comes from a Paiute word meaning “Dwelling place of the Great Spirit,” but one need not be Indigenous to feel spiritually moved by the grand scenery. These warm-ups may inspire you to return for more ambitious outings, like the Ancient Bristlecone Pines Forest, Death Valley and Mount Whitney. Inyo County deserves your time. ●

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5/31/2022 7:49:12 AM

thegreatoutdoors

Love of fishing turns into successful business

PHOTOS BY CHRIS CORREA/ 209 Magazine

By CHRISTOPHER CORREA

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By XXXXX XXXXXXX

5/31/2022 7:52:08 AM

I never really imagined that this business would keep me so busy.

oward Real of Hilmar has fished for as long as he can remember. His favorite hobby has allowed him to compete in fishing tournaments throughout the state of California and make incredible memories with his family and friends along the way. Nearly six years ago, Real’s love for fishing took a unique turn when he began making his own fishing bait in one of his sheds. Since then, he and his wife of 27 years, Pam, have found success with Real’s Fishing Supply. Like fishing itself, Real initially viewed his fishing supply business as a small hobby, but it wouldn’t be long until business grew in popularity amongst family, friends and other local fishermen. Real makes a variety of products, all done by hand. These products include regular worms, senkos, jigs, swimbaits, jerk baits and creature baits like mudbugs, reapers and crawdads. All products can be made in a number of sizes, from four inches to seven inches long, as well as in certain colors through color matching. “I never really imagined that this business would keep me so busy,” joked Real, who has also worked at

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thegreatoutdoors

The whole process can take hours. You have to pour one day, it has to sit overnight, we have to trim them, then we package them, label them and then get them ready to go Hilmar Cheese for over 32 years. “On average, I make 100 to 200 when I come home from work, and on the weekend when I’m off, I can warm up to 600 to 800 worms. I’ve gotten pretty fast.” “The whole process can take hours,” Pam added. “You have to pour one day, it has to sit overnight, we have to trim them, then we package them, label them and then get them ready to go. It’s a process. It just doesn’t happen overnight.” While several products are currently being offered by the business and hundreds are being made, Real explained that teaching himself to pour worms was not always a smooth ride. “Nobody taught me. It has been a lot of trial and error by myself,” Real said. “When I first started, my colors didn’t match too good. My bloodlines didn’t wind up too well because I’d have one more color than the other

one [in the soft plastic].” Base and bloodline are names used to describe each of the colors and the amount within a given mixture of soft plastic. Now that Real has found the perfect formulas and balance for each of his creations, color matching services have also grown in popularity, “We get calls and messages from guys all the time who have an older worm that they can’t find anywhere else, so we try our best to color match, and they always seem to be happy with what we give them,” Real said. Real explained that his inventory naturally has to stay diverse considering the fact that every single person who fishes tends to have their own personal preferences. “Everybody is different,” he said. “My personal preference are senkos, the FST’s and the jigs. Those are my three go-tos. It’s also different colors all the time. If I’m fishing at Delta, it will be red, black, blue. Those are my

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three colors.” Family Market in Hilmar, Sport Stop in Waterford, Houseboat Mini Mart and Don Pedro Market in La Grange, Angler’s Edge in Snelling, and Valley Rod & Gun in Clovis all carry Real’s Fishing Supply products. Products can also be purchased through their website, www.realfishingsupply. com, or through their eBay, realfishingsupply. Pam explained that orders as far east as Indiana have come in. Pam is a major force behind the business’s expansion outside of Hilmar as she runs the website and takes care of bookkeeping, packaging, labeling and shipping. Like Howard, the expansion was something she could have never imagined. “It’s a lot of work, more work than I was expecting to do, you know,” she said. “At first it was just a hobby, now it’s full time, but it’s nice knowing that we’ve made a lot of people happy.” ●

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5/31/2022 9:59:46 AM

fulloflife

p u g n i w o r G goals and RESA By TE

209MAGAZINE.COM

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OND HAMM

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ooking ahead to summer, my mind goes a bit into overload. As a mother of teens, a partner to a business owner and a professional myself, the thoughts of opportunity and adventure not only excite me, but have me looking at the calendar with a little anxiousness. In past issues I’ve shared several things about me personally. In short … I’m a goal-oriented planner. I still write things down. I still operate from a ‘to do’ list and check boxes. I don’t schedule things in Google or on my phone calendar; it’s all still placed in my “Happy Planner,” dubbed by some as my “bible.” I laugh as I type that, not because it is. It was dubbed that by a girlfriend because of its size and appearance. She literally thought I had brought along my Bible. Midway through what started as yet another odd year, recently I sat down with my planner and began filling in some things. As I did, I thought about that girl I mentioned above – that goal-oriented planner. That girl seems to have been on a hiatus the past two years. Now with isolation of the pandemic hopefully behind us and a personal health hiccup at bay, I began thinking about some personal goals. Being honest, prior to this moment with my planner my personal goals had been pretty simple and necessary for the chapter of life I had been dealt. The world was shut down, my life put on hold and making it through my medical plan priority. Yet as I sat on the other side of it all, I couldn’t help but think … now what.

These thoughts had also come following a great coffee talk conversation with my partner. His children now grown and on their own, mine in their high school years. Two dedicated parents, recognizing that all too soon life would look much different. As we talked about our careers and life choices made for our children, he looked me in the eye and simply said, “So what do you want to do when you grow up?”

Of course, this struck me funny, as I thought I’d been doing that all along. My career dedicated to two paths. A decade in the fashion industry and 20 years of writing, wasn’t I living my

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best “grown-up” life? Of course not. So, a few days later sitting with my Happy Planner I went to the start of each month and wrote down three simple questions. What they were truly doesn’t matter as they are words that will work for me. Words which each day, week, or month I can look at, connect to and use as motivation. While I initially thought I would share them, I now recognize those motivating questions might look different for someone else. The gist of them, for those coming up with their own, was simply built around an overall goal and ultimate happiness. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this life, whether you have a lot or have a little if you’re not genuinely happy the rest doesn’t matter. It feels good to be able to not just plan, but set goals again and look ahead at opportunity. The question posed by my partner is indeed a good one and as I watch my two once smalls turn to bigs, it’s a good one to ponder. Looking ahead five years our home will look much different and just as my days’ activities have changed so too will my life. Reviewing those three questions and looking toward the goals is exciting. So much life still to live and memories left to make. That’s what life’s about after all, the never-ending metamorphosis of growth and living fully. If we’re lucky enough we’re surrounded by people who make the ride all the better – regardless of the goal, regardless of the age a life filled with love, support and celebration. ●

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5/31/2022 7:07:52 AM

fulloflife

By TERESA HAMMOND

s grocery prices continue to rise and gas prices show little sign of returning to the under $5/gallon neighborhood any time soon, now is the perfect time to consider a garden. While planting experts might discourage the late planting, the act might prove to be just as good for the mind as the body. Be it the simplicity of putting ones hands in dirt, cultivating something from a seed or starter to a full grown plant or the serenity of watering each day; gardening does indeed offer mental health benefits. Getting outside in the summer months can look different for every individual. Spending time outside tending to a garden is good for both the body and the mind. Research has shown that there are varying ways in

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plant individual to itself. The connection to the earth brought through gardening is also valuable. It’s more than a relationship with other people. Gardening is a connection to the ground which you’re tending. From the moment our hands are placed in the soil, to the day of harvest there is both a connection as well as a commitment to that seedling or plant. The beauty of this relationship is the one it can foster with other people as well. Gardeners, like most other hobbyists, love to “talk shop.” Maintaining a garden opens your world to a whole other group of strangers. Whether it be through stories of oversized zucchini, pride in a bounty of tomatoes or simply

which this has proven to be true. Gardening has a way of teaching one a bit about acceptance, as well as imperfection. Not everything will grow. Bugs, birds or bunnies may get to a plant and leave little for harvest. The soil may not be right, resulting in produce which is less than favorable in flavor. The plant may get too much sun, shade or water. Like life, as many things can go wrong in a garden as can go right, that’s part of the fun, the learning. Every gardener will have problems and as a result will learn a bit more for future plantings. As one embraces their garden the notion of “perfection” becomes more of a novelty than a goal. Each and every

talking shop of what’s worked and what hasn’t. Through sharing of lessons and a passion we are opening ourselves to greater human connection. Not to be overlooked, the health benefits of gardening are equally important. The physical exercise of moving your body is not just good for you physically. Moving the body regularly is good for your mood and reduces anxiety. Daily work in the garden is a great substitute for taking a pass on going to the gym. Movement in the garden is varied which makes it easier on the body, tending to result in

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Moving the body regularly is good for your mood and reduces anxiety. Daily work in the garden is a great substitute for taking a pass on going to the gym.

more “Mediterranean” diet which is good for many elements of one’s health. Studies have shown that cholesterol, blood pressure and overall heart health benefit from this type of diet. So whether you have a large stretch of land, a vacant plot in your urban backyard or a corner of your patio, digging into the dirt this summer will yield great rewards. Not only may it fatten your wallet and loosen your belt, it may also clear your mind. ●

less injury than structured exercise. It has also been known to reduce stress as the elements of nature surround you. And speaking of reducing stress, the harvest of healthy food will also attribute to that as your grocery bill will be lower as your harvest grows. Growing your own produce not only encourages healthier eating, but a

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5/31/2022 1:02:36 PM

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Perennial

Power By SABRA STAFFORD

f the gardening season has you green with envy over your neighbor’s lush blooms and ripening fruit, then take a look at perennials. A perennial is a powerhouse in the garden that will come back year after year given the right care, and in some cases the right care is exceedingly minimal. With a variety of options, growing perennials might just be the ticket to a garden oasis. ●

Sun Lovers Many perennials prefer to grow in a spot with lots of sun and relatively dry, which in the 209 is an asset. These sun-loving perennials come in a wide variety of sizes and colors to fill in a garden landscape. Sage (Salvia) thrives in a sunny spot, as does daylilies (Hemerocallis) and catnip (Nepeta). Most ornamental grasses also fair well in sunny and dry spots, including moor grass (Molinia) and sedge (Carex). And, of course succulents like stonecrop (Sedum) and houseleek (Sempervivum) are good sun growers.

Made in the Shade Perennials preferring to spend their time under a canopy of shade are typically not big flower bloomers, but the leaf color, shape and height can be just as eye-catching. Examples include knotweed (Persicaria), fairy wings (Epimedium), and Corydalis. Solomon’s seals (Polygonatum) is also perfect for shade.

Planting Perennials Giving your perennials a bit of care in the planting stage sets them up to return year after year. For most plants you’ll need to dig a planting hole that is more than twice the size of the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom and all around. Fill the hole up with enough soil so that the plant sits a little deeper than in the (cultivation) pot it arrived in. Water once planted and continue weekly as needed.

Spread the Mulch Perennials will love you even more if you spread some plant material around to create a layer of mulch. this will protect it from the heat and cold and keeps the plant from drying out. As a bonus, a mulch layer hampers the growth of weeds.

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placecalledhome

By SABRA STAFFORD

rom a craftsman cottage to a midcentury ranch, from an artist’s retreat to a down-sizer’s dream, the recently held 2022 Art of Design: Home & Garden Tour to benefit the Carnegie Arts Center in Turlock showcased some uniquely designed homes in some of Turlock’s historic neighborhoods.●

N. Berkeley Avenue This homeowner wanted the small home to feel larger, so she used color to accomplish it. The walls and ceilings were painted light and neutral to give the appearance of being larger. For continuity and a calming presence, the wholehouse color scheme is two colors: gray tones and shades of lime green. An accent color, sunny gold, adds “pop” to the living room and master bedroom. In 2019, the original combination bathtub/ shower was replaced with a curb-less shower. Glass was used to create a shower wall, bringing light into the room and a feeling of openness. A new vanity, mirror,and light fixture completed the bathroom remodel.

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Murphy Drive The homeowners at the Murphy Drive home have embraced the Southwest architecture with furnishings and objets d’art that reflect their love of the West. They design and make furniture, paint, set tile, lay pavers, maintain a small raised-bed vegetable garden,and thoroughly enjoy the home’s courtyards, which they have designed and created.

Arbor Way This California Ranch style home was built in 1946 and for years the current owners toiled with yard maintenance. Then they were inspired by a landscape that utilized climateappropriate plants, architecture and space, color, and the use of local crushed granite, and worked to transform their yard. The homeowner made ceramic sculptures based on cactus forms to add to the landscape design. The sculptures are large,

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but now almost disappear between the huge cacti. Drought resistant trees like the Palo Verde were added to the front yard. The back yard was started as a nature, relaxation area, but is also a workplace for the homeowners, who are artists. The pool became a cactus garden; the small lawn became an area for the chickens. Fruit and shade trees were added as well as a ceramic studio, housed in a yurt. The yard is an open gallery for art pieces.

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marketplace

Tapping in to color and creativity By SARAH LAWSON

PHOTOS BY SARAH LAWSON

ocated in the downtown area of Lodi, a kaleidoscope of color awaits at The Mud Mill pottery painting studio. The business has been open for 18 years and is owned by Lodi native Vicki Snell, who decided to open The Mud Mill after previously being a preschool teacher for 11 years. With 50 to 70 different colors of paint to choose from along with hundreds of bisque fired pieces to paint, Snell brought a must-stop color shop to the heart of Lodi. Each studio time is two hours long to give the artist a relaxed amount of time to paint their piece the way they would like with no rush, only costing $6 for kids and $8 for adults. After all pieces are painted, the staff at the shop dips them in their clear glaze and puts them in the kiln where they will go through a multiple day glaze fire before they are available to be picked up by the artists. With her background in early childhood education, Snell said she also loved to show children her interest in art. While visiting her brother in Arizona years ago, they took their own children to a similar shop and studio where she explained her experience as a “magical, perfect day.” The doors were open, the music was blasting, art was happening and she knew that she had to bring something like it back to Lodi. After taking an entrepreneur class and growing her understanding about businesses and marketing plans, she

This shop is my child. Lodi was lacking in activities for kids, I will always take pride in supplying something like this in Lodi. opened her shop January of 2004. “This shop is my child. Lodi was lacking in activities for kids, I will always take pride in supplying something like this in Lodi,” Snell said. The Mud Mill creates a fun, pleasant experience for people of all ages to come in and make cool art pieces that represent their personality. Snell explains how the name ‘Mud Mill’ came to her after wanting a name that was unique and made people wonder what it stood for. The word Mud was chosen to represent wet clay and also create an appealing name for the boys, and Mill to represent the factory that the pieces are made in. “I would describe the shop as creative, family friendly, and enjoyable,” Snell stated. Along with the joyous faces of kids she sees come in and out throughout the years, she is also very proud of her

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staff, from high school students to past graduates, she enjoys the bright faces she has worked alongside of through nearly two decades in operation. Snell has also owned Smack Pie Pizza right next door to The Mud Mill for the past eight years after opening it with her oldest daughter. “What goes better with children’s parties than pizza?” Snell said. She also said the Lodi community welcomed her with open arms and she is grateful for the support, not only from those in that community but many that have enjoyed creating unique art pieces at her shop. Snell has found her niche and plans to stay busy with her business venture until retirement, keeping The Mud Mill coloring the streets of Lodi for many years to come. At 115 S. School St., Lodi, the studio is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Walk-ins are always welcome for freelance painting, birthday parties, bridal parties, and team building activities. The Mud Mill also hosts a popular Ladies Night on a regular basis. While they welcome walk-ins, reservations can also be made and are especially helpful on the weekends, as those days are the busiest. Reservations can be made by calling the shop or going on their website at www.themudmill.com. For additional information, contact The Mud Mill at (209) 365-9900. ●

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After customers paint their piece, it gets dipped into a clear glaze and then set into the glaze fire that takes multiple days to finish. Pieces are typically available for pick-up a week after the first visit to the shop for the painting portion of the project.

Whether it is a mystical unicorn or a trueto-life horse, there are many varieties of animals to choose from to paint and create. A young artist works intently, painting her tiny pig with her main color choice being pink.

The owner of The Mud Mill, Vicki Snell, displays her handmade Lodithemed plate that she keeps in the shop for all to see, celebrating over 18 years of business.

Another example of a piece showcasing some uniqueness is a color drip bottle. Customers can take their imagination as far as they want to; to craft a one-of-a-kind piece that showcases their creative side. 209MAGAZINE.COM

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209 Magazine - Issue #51

Articles inside

Fishing Success

Growth and Gardening

Fitness and Beyond

The Mud Mill

Dream Home

Sierra Splendor

Rainbird

Little Mermaid

Graffiti Festival

Retired Deputy’s Memoir

Tribute to Elvis

Lexington

Hey Bartender

Recipes

Living History