FEATURES

Irving Berlin had it right when he wrote “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.” The dance performed by Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen to the song in “White Christmas” is still part of American culture 70 years later. While the days of couples going out for dinner and ballroom dancing every weekend may be a thing of the past, dancing itself is still alive and well in the 209. Those looking to spice up their Valentine’s Day plans or those seeking a special someone can find inspiration with dance lessons and clubs around the area.

Salsa For Seniors

The Hammon Senior Center in Patterson is hosting beginner salsa classes for anyone 50 years and older. Salsa is a dance for all ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicities, emphasized the instructor.

TWO TO TANGO

Tango can easily become an obsession, with a passion for the dance keeping aficionados returning, which is certainly true for members of the Modesto Tango dance group.

Alegria Dance

A need for partner dance lessons in the area is what motivated Gabrielle Forrest to open Alegria Dance Studio in Turlock nine years ago. Today, the studio offers a variety of dance classes for those looking to shine on the dance floor.

36 37 38

Hank

Kristina Hacker

MANAGING

Sabra Sta ord

Je Benziger

Christopher Correa

Kristina Hacker

Teresa Hammond

Marg Jackson

Matt Johanson

Sarah Lawson

Candy Padilla

Julie Rose

Virginia Still

Frankie Tovar

Dennis Wyatt

Harold L. George

Chris Castro

Beth Flanagan

Rich Matheson

Karen Olsen

Corey Rogers

Melody Wann

Charles Webber

Larry Dovichi e annual Almond Blossom Festival in Ripon is not only a celebration of one of the area’s top agricultural products, but also the start of outdoor festival season.

While many across the country attribute the late winter months with freezing rain and snow, here in the 209 we are blessed to have February herald the start of our early spring.

February and March are some of the best months to get out and explore the area with mild temperatures making outdoor adventures enjoyable without the tra c that usually brings tourists travelling through on their way from the Bay to Yosemite or from areas east to San Francisco.

In this issue, you’ll nd stories previewing the Almond Blossom Festival and the Dos Rios Ranch restoration project, as well as how to get a start on spring garden plantings.

As always, we are featuring local restaurants and bars and a new co ee shop coming to Newman that will also pay tribute to a local K9 o cer. ose looking to spice up their Valentine’s Day plans should check out our dancing feature and information on the West Side eater. ank you for taking the time to read 209 Magazine. We welcome your comments, calendar events and stories. We hope you will support the businesses and charities that have chosen to partner with us. We appreciate them and look forward to being the most relevant magazine in your home, a place called 209.

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