Observing Memorial Day Brain Tumor Awareness Month
n From the Editor and Publisher
Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday in May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the military. It’s very easy to forget the true meaning of this holiday when immersed in barbeque plans, trips to the beach and camping. It is the official kick off of summer and is generally thought of as a celebration instead of memorial, which is what it is.
This is a solemn occasion and a time to reflect on American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and defending the country they loved.
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. During that first national commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery, 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday.
After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States. Beginning in
1971, the Memorial Day holiday was officially observed on the last Monday in May.
I’m not saying that we should curtail the holiday activities, but take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.
May is also brain tumor awareness month. Brain tumor awareness is something that strikes a chord with our family, as we have felt the impact of brain tumors close to home. The onset of these insidious tumors can be heralded by symptoms such as seizures, headache, or aphasia (word switching or nonsensical speech), but sometimes the symptoms are more subtle. As such, it is important to advocate for yourself or your loved ones in healthcare settings when you suspect something may be wrong.
Brain tumors are some of the most difficult to eradicate and much research is still needed to determine better treatment options. At a time when healthcare agencies and research institutions are being defunded and gutted, such a prospect can seem cause for despair. Thankfully, there are dedicated researchers who continue to work around the world to gain better understanding of these tumors and develop novel approaches to treatment, as well as institutions such as the National Brain Tumor Society, who advocate to Congress for research funding dedicated to the cause. During the month of May, many such organizations hold fundraisers and awareness campaigns, such as Go Grey in May: 5k Your Way by the Glioblastoma Research Organization and the 50-Mile May Challenge by The American Brain Tumor Association.
- Mary and Genevieve
SIX DAYS IN SEDONA
One Less Item on the Bucket List
n Jean Purnell
I crossed an item off my bucket list with a trip to Sedona this past month, where I attended a three-day “Experimental Plein Air Techniques” workshop at the Sedona Art Center, taught by Scottsdale-based artist Anton Nowels. A destination for hikers, mountain bikers, artists, and spiritualists, Sedona is an Arizona desert town about 32 miles south of Flagstaff, in the Coconino National Forest. Sedona’s main attractions are its diverse and epic 360-degree views of red and orange-colored sandstone formations. These brilliant reddish rock layers are 800 to 1000 feet thick and were deposited almost 300 million years ago. Unique to the Sedona area, the red rocks create a stunning backdrop for hiking and mountain biking and are an inspiration for artists and spiritual learners.
“WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE DONE SOMETHING WRONG, THAT’S WHEN YOU’VE DONE SOMETHING NEW, UNEXPECTED AND ORIGINAL."
With a population of just over 10,000, Sedona feels spread out and small at the same time.
“Uptown Sedona,” at the intersection of Arizona highways 89A and 179, is full of art galleries, boutiques with both touristy and upscale goods, New Age shops featuring crystals and holistic health products, spas, restaurants, and Native American jewelry and craft stores.
Sedona has a vibrant arts community. The nonprofit Art Center boasts several galleries and studios, with a year-round education program dominated by painting and ceramics classes. The Art Gallery presents the original works of over 100 local artists with opportunities for two or three to be featured each month. The teaching studios are located in a former fruit-packing barn and are large and spacious.
Alongside my friend Loretta and other students, I spent three days focusing on Anton Nowels’ concept of trying new techniques in plein air painting. Nowels is an exceptional painter whose work has been exhibited on a national level. He calls himself a “contemporary impressionist.” Nowels is a Signature Member of the Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society. He teaches at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and explores color theory approaches employed by Charles Hawthorne, Henry Hensche, Sergei Bongart, and Josef Albers.
A mostly shaded patio behind the “Art Barn” facing out to the red rock, provided a place for Nowels to demo his techniques each day, and for us to experience the variations in Sedona weather. Our first day in Arizona was rainy and cold, with occasional snowflakes and temperatures in the 30s. Our photos show us in jackets, hats, and scarves. By the end of the workshop, the sun was baking us on the patio in 70-degree weather, and we were using our jackets as sunshades.
On day one, we practiced limiting our paintings to a total of 40 brushstrokes and using only one or two brushes. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” Anton would say, invoking the familiar proverb. By limiting our choices, he explained, we would use our ingenuity and creativity to achieve our artistic goals. On day two we painted exclusively with a single palette knife, and that afternoon with a 4-inch brayer (rubber roller). You lose a lot of control over where the paint goes with the brayer, but the effects are marvelous. On day three, we used a single three-inch brush. “When you think you’ve done something wrong,” Nowels said often, “that’s when you’ve done something new, unexpected and original. Take time to stop and appreciate the results of your experimentation.” Alongside focused instruction in composition, values, and color-mixing, the workshop left us with memorable painting experiences and many ideas to take with us.
A trip to Sedona would not be complete without spending time in the areas known as the Sedona vortexes. According to a large community in Sedona that promotes alternative healing and spiritual practices, all of Sedona is considered a vortex. A vortex is a place where centers of energy are concentrated, some radiating upward from the earth, and others downward into the earth. They are said to be conducive to healing, inspiration, wellness, and meditation. Four specific sites where the energy is said to be more intense are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. We hiked at the first three and along the Fay Canyon Trail and can attest to feeling inspired and recharged after spending time in the outdoors and witnessing such amazing scenery.
A trip to Sedona should be on everyone’s bucket list, if possible. While there are several upscale resort lodgings, more affordable choices are plentiful, and it doesn’t really matter where you stay. Everything is close and you can save on meals by staying in a room with a kitchenette. For more information about Anton Nowels, visit antonnowels. com and to learn about the Sedona Art Center, visit sedonaartscenter.org. B
Benicia magazine patrons
David
Penny Stell
David Lindsay
Bruehol Benicia Brewing
Randal Mendoza and Debbie Weiss
The Inn at Benicia Bay
Sharon Tucker
Stephen
Janelle
Dennis Dellarocca
Kathy Hanks
Mary Frances Kelly-Poh
Darrell
Leslie Hall
Benicia’s Bookstore around town |
n Kevin Nelson
Hidden
The best bookstore in town is Bookshop Benicia, run by the marvelous Christine Mayall and her staff. The secondbest bookstore is not as well known. It is Ron’s Book Nook. Of course, some may not even consider the Book Nook a bookstore, and they may have a point. For it is located in an alcove in the Benicia Public Library, and it operates on the honor system. How can a place that sells things operate on the honor system?
I met, the other day, with Ron Arrants to discuss such weighty issues. Fittingly our conversation took place at the Book Nook, which is named in his honor. Ron founded the store and, for many years, oversaw the library’s popular twice-monthly basement book sales.
The Book Nook is just past the information desk on your right as you flow into the library. Dozens of gently used books, ranging from novels to nonfiction histories to cookbooks (a top seller), are shelved in the alcove. Most sell for the outrageous sum of one dollar. Some also go for three dollars.
“People come here for bargains,” says Ron, a former Benicia High teacher and principal who’s now retired. “That’s the whole point.”
library net $5,000 a month. Every six months Friends of the Library cuts a check for upwards of $30,000 to the Benicia Public Library, money that is used to pay for the special programs and services it provides.
While we talked, two prospective Book Nook customers milled around the alcove looking for bargains. Whereas the basement sales for the general public take place on Saturdays, the Nook keeps the same hours as the library. When the library is open, so is the Nook.
These bargain sales add up to quite a bit, though. Ron’s Book Nook brings in about $1,300 a month. The basement sales at the
That afternoon, Ron said he gathered $30 from the Book Nook cash box, money that will be stored in a library safe. Because sales are so brisk, new books are put on display practically every day. These are drawn from the 60,000 books that are in the Friends of the Library inventory, housed in the basement.
Although Ron still helps out with the library’s upstairs and downstairs book sales, Marty Young, the mayor’s wife, has taken over the job of managing the Nook. “She has done an excellent job,” he says. “She changes things around, adds and subtracts books. She does a nice job of marketing.”
Ron had more nice words for Ellen Barrett, who oversees the basement book sales and the 40 other Benicia residents who work there. Everybody in the Friends of the Library is a volunteer.
“They come in all the time to keep things straight and organized,” said Ron. “We receive compliments all the time about how well organized our shelves are.”
But don’t forget all the Benicia residents who donate those 60,000 volumes. None of this could happen without them. This number includes Christine Mayall of Bookshop Benicia, who donates any books that aren’t selling at her shop.
Final issue to be resolved: That cash box that sits on the table at the Book Nook. When people buy a book, they are supposed to put the money for it in the box. Do they actually do that?
“The honor system has been working quite well,” Ron says with a smile. “There are good people here in Benicia.”
Still, there’s no reason to take unnecessary risks. The cash box is screwed into the table and can’t be moved. B
BOOK NOOK
Ron's in Benicia Public Library
Mental Health Awareness Month
Raising Awareness, Supporting Youth, and Building Resilient Communities
n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D.
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May since 1949 and established by Mental Health America, highlights the importance of mental well-being, encourages open dialogue, and advocates for equitable access to mental health resources. It underscores that mental health is just as essential as physical health. May 7th is specifically recognized as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, emphasizing the unique mental health needs of young people and the importance of early intervention.
Each year, awareness campaigns focus on topics such as anxiety, depression, and substance use, with schools, workplaces, and communities participating through events, workshops, and social media outreach. For students, schools play a vital role by integrating mental health education into curricula, facilitating access to counseling, and fostering partnerships with families to create supportive, stigma-free environments. Peer-led programs and school-wide initiatives empower youth to care for their emotional well-being and support their peers.
Media portrayals also significantly influence perceptions of mental health, often presenting exaggerated or misleading narratives. For youth, especially those still developing critical thinking skills, this can distort reality and impact their emotional understanding. This makes the role of parents and guardians crucial in guiding children through misinformation and ensuring their mental well-being. While feelings like anxiety are common, when they become overwhelming or persistent, seeking professional help is essential for longterm wellness. It should be noted that most educators weren’t trained to handle trauma, yet most classrooms demand this skill. Dr. Nicola Parr, Ed.D., and her department is a resource for our Solano County community.
Dr. Parr has dedicated her career to building supportive systems within schools that meet students’ mental health needs early and effectively. “First and foremost, because we know that we have limited resources, we have to be careful around how we allocate those resources,” she explained. “The first thing we do is work with schools to build a continuum of mental health and wellness supports through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).” This approach allows schools to identify students who may need help, sometimes before a crisis occurs, through tools like universal mental health screenings and more strategic use of existing staff. “Young people aren't asking for a therapist, they're asking for a caring adult,” Dr. Parr emphasized. “What we need is a caring adult who’s been trained in youth mental health
basics, so they can tell the difference between normal adolescent behavior and something that requires a higher level of care.”
Through her role at the county level, Dr. Parr has been instrumental in helping schools navigate delays in the mental health care system. “One of the biggest issues is the lack of services, and so young people are having to wait lengthy periods before they are able to actually be seen and assessed,” she said. Even while in crisis, students may wait up to six weeks to see a psychologist. “We don’t want to wait until young people are in a crisis to respond.” To reduce that wait and provide more immediate support, her department partnered with Solano County Behavioral Health and UC Davis to expand resources. From those partnerships came initiatives like the wellness centers, safe spaces where students can reset and find support when they’re overwhelmed. “Students had been asking for years for places to calm down,” said Dr. Parr, who led the plan that secured a state grant to open nearly 50 wellness centers, including at juvenile detention facilities and community colleges.
Dr. Parr’s journey began in the classroom, working with students labeled “emotionally disturbed” in an alternative school. “At the time, I didn’t have the language for it, we didn’t call it trauma yet. We just knew these students had experienced something,” she recalled. That connection between mental health and learning drove her to focus on system-level change. After becoming a principal and later moving to the county office of education, she helped implement PBIS in about 90% of Solano County schools. “Schools realized they didn’t have enough trained staff or people to identify when a student needed help,” she said. Today, her work includes training educators, volunteers, and community members in trauma-informed care and supporting vulnerable student groups, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, who are disproportionately affected. “We’re building an ecosystem of care,” Dr. Parr said. “And everyone has a role to play.” B
Note: If experiencing an immediate threat, call 911. Solano Suicide & Crisis, call 988; Mobile Crisis Line-707-806-0866
County Resources: https://www.nami.org https://namisolanocounty.org https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/bh/contact/ default.asp
Mother's Day is a perfect occasion to honor the incredible women in our lives. Whether she is an adventurer, a glam enthusiast, or someone who cherishes the comforts of home, Benicia and the surrounding Bay Area offer a variety of experiences to make her day unforgettable.
For the Outdoorsy Mom
Nature and Exploration
MORNING
MIDDAY
Pack a picnic and head to the Benicia State Recreation Area. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching, fishing, or simply enjoying a meal amidst nature. You can choose to picnic here, or wherever your morning adventure takes you!
AFTERNOON
Begin the day with a scenic hike or bike ride along the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. This 50-mile trail connects over 10,000 acres of parks and open spaces,
Alternatively, you could take a trip up to wine country and hike or bike the St. Helena-Calistoga section of the Vine Trail. This 8.2-mile section of trail takes you through vineyard views and scenic
Or, opt for a kayak trip along Benicia’s shoreline, along the Napa River, or launching from Suisun Harbor.
Stroll through downtown Benicia, exploring our local boutiques and art galleries. You can also check out the Museum of History, Benicia. Seeing what new exhibits our galleries and museum are showcasing can allow us to explore fresh perspectives.
EVENING
Conclude the day with a waterfront dinner at one of our charming restaurants, savoring fresh seafood and watching the sunset over the strait.
For the Mom Who Loves to Be Pampered
Shopping, Spa and Serenity
MORNING
Treat your mom to a shopping excursion downtown. With spring and summer fashions hitting the racks, she’s sure to find something new and fabulous to freshen up her wardrobe or home. Collektive, Daughter of Luna, and Sparkly Ragz are just a few options.
MIDDAY
Enjoy a leisurely brunch at her local favorite restaurant. The Cafe at the Inn, Venticellos Ristorante, and Baxters are just a few of the delicious brunch options that are sure to please.
AFTERNOON
Continue this day of relaxation with a visit to one of our fantastic spas. Choose from an array of manicure/ pedicure services at nail salons like Benicia Spa & Nails, Gaia Nails, and more. Opt for an indulgent massage at Yan’s Day Spa or Chetawan Thai Therapeutic Massage. Or, go for a skin treatment at Luminosity, Bella Donna Skin Spa, Mandala Well-Being Spa, Bouji Beauty, and many more.
Alternatively, take your mom wine tasting in Suisun Valley at Bally Keal Estate (which offers more than just wine) or Caymus Suisun. You’ll likely want to reserve ahead of time for a tasting, but both options also offer pours by the glass.
EVENING
Wrap up the day with a peaceful walk along the Benicia waterfront, taking in the serene views and reflecting on a day well spent in the lap of Benicia luxury.
For the Homebody Mom
Comfort and Creativity at Home
MORNING
Start the day with breakfast in bed, featuring her favorite dishes and a fresh bouquet of flowers from Daughter of Luna (make sure to get your order in ahead of time!).
MIDDAY
Engage in a creative activity together, such as an at-home art or craft project.. Alternatively, get a little quality gardening time in by getting out in the backyard and embracing nature from the comfort of home.
AFTERNOON
Set up a cozy movie marathon with her favorite films, complete with popcorn and her preferred snacks. You can always order-in from one of our fantastic restaurants. Create a comfortable viewing area with blankets and pillows for the
Conclude the day with a homemade dinner, perhaps trying out a new recipe together. Try incorporating quality ingredients, like produce or specialty items from our local Farmers Market (you will have picked these up in advance, the Thursday before Mother’s Day), or a freshly baked loaf of bread from One House. Enjoy the meal in a beautifully set
No matter your mom's preferences, Benicia and the surrounding area provide a plethora of options to make Mother's Day special. Tailor the day to her interests, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.
If your mom is not in your life, by choice or otherwise, try planning one of these itineraries for another woman who is special in your life; whether she is your chosen family, a friend who you look to in challenging times, or just someone who deserves to be celebrated. B
n Peter Crooks
Even before his Benicia childhood, Liam Rockwell was passionate about music.
“When my mom was pregnant with me, my parents would play Beatles and Sarah Vaughan records,” says Rockwell, 18, with a laugh. “Apparently, whenever I heard the music, I would start to kick.”
Rockwell was connected with music from the drop, and wrote his first song at 15. Another Benicia-raised musician, Matteo “TeYo” Yepez-Scott, also 18, had a similar upbringing and started writing songs around the same time. Both boys attended Benicia High School (although Rockwell graduated from College Park High School in Pleasant Hill) and have supported each other’s musical ambitions all along.
Recently, Rockwell and TeYo recorded videos of new songs to enter National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk contest. The selected winner will get to perform at the Washington, D.C. NPR studio, be interviewed on the network’s All Things Considered program, and go on tour with NPR Music. The Benicia musicians are fans of the NPR music program, which features a range of acclaimed musicians performing in the NPR offices, and are thrilled to have their songs considered with the thousands of entries received by NPR.
“I’d love to win and to play where so many of my favorite artists have played,” says TeYo. “But overall, I’d like to work hard, grow my audience, and play music. My wildest dream is to be timeless, and to have everyone know a song that I wrote.”
TeYo is well on his way. His song, “How To Lover” has been streamed five million times on Spotify. He recorded a new song called “To Be Selfish” for the Tiny Desk contest, while Rockwell entered a single called “Acne,” which he describes as “a song about loving ourselves, acknowledging insecurities
in O u r iM d ts
and overcoming them. It’s about seeing the beauty in someone that they don’t see in themselves.”
Both artists recorded their songs and music videos at The Escape, a recording studio, performance space, and yoga/pilates studio on East Second Street. The venue was created by Benicia resident Andy Brunt, a musician and businessman who has been playing guitar in recording sessions for decades. Brunt has mentored both TeYo and Rockwell for several years.
“The Escape is a really impressive studio from a technological standpoint,” says Rockwell. “Andy is great—he’s very passionate about uplifting young artists like TeYo and me.”
Brunt, who grew up in England and has worked with an all-star lineup of famous musicians, moved to Benicia in 1992 and loves the way the community supports creative artists of all kinds. He created The Escape during the Covid-19 shutdown, when musicians suddenly had no place to play.
“We have been working with the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation—pairing young musicians with professional musicians—mentoring and offering an affordable place to record,” says Brunt. “We can also advise on how to record, and how to set up equipment when they play live, so they sound really good for the audience.”
Both TeYo and Rockwell sing Brunt’s praises for the help he has given them in their young careers. While TeYo still lives locally, Rockwell recently moved to the Los Angeles area to take music classes at Pasadena City College and network with musicians in the region.
“I’m really enjoying it,” says Rockwell. “I’ve been focusing on my studio work and making connections in the LA music scene. It's really all about the path—as long as I’m on this path, I know that I will be happy.”
Meanwhile, NPR has stopped taking entries for this year’s Tiny Desk contest and will announce a winner soon. B
Liam Rockwell and TeYo are Teenagers Making Music for the Masses
Liam Rockwell
n Cooper Mickelson
Have you ever learned about a concept for the first time, only to suddenly notice it everywhere? That happened to me with the idea of a circular, or gift, economy. I recently spent a week in Yellowstone with a diverse group of women, each from different backgrounds and stages of life. Together, we tracked wolves, collected bison fecal samples, studied snow science, and, in our quieter moments, passed around a small yet profound book—one that deepened our connection not just to nature but to each other. That book was Robin Wall Kimmerer’s The Serviceberry.
"Recognizing 'enoughness' is a radical act in an economy that is always urging us to consume more."
relationship, which is expressed as gratitude, as interdependence and the ongoing cycles of reciprocity. A gift economy nurtures the community bonds that enhance mutual wellbeing; the economic unit is ‘we’ rather than ‘I,’ as all flourishing is mutual.”
If Kimmerer’s name sounds familiar, you may have read her widely celebrated Braiding Sweetgrass, a collection of essays exploring Indigenous wisdom and the teachings of plants through the lens of a scientist and storyteller. In The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Kimmerer expands on these ideas, offering a compelling vision of an economy rooted in gratitude, reciprocity, and community—principles drawn from the natural world itself. At its core, the book introduces the concept of a gift economy, in which “wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away… The currency in a gift economy is
Kimmerer challenges the scarcity mindset ingrained in our current economic system, arguing that competition and hoarding have eroded values that once prioritized collective well-being. Yet, while economic theory can often feel abstract or overwhelming, The Serviceberry presents these ideas in an accessible, grounded way. Rather than advocating for an unrealistic departure from modern economic life, Kimmerer offers a shift in perspective—one that encourages small, meaningful actions that foster generosity and interconnectedness. In recent years, many people have felt an increasing desire for deeper community bonds. However, building community isn’t a skill that is widely taught, nor one that can be fully understood through reading alone. It requires real-world practice. One of The Serviceberry’s most powerful lessons is that in times of uncertainty,
connection and gratitude are antidotes to the alienation and helplessness that arise from our fractured relationships with both the land and one another. This message is not just inspiring—it is a call to action, urging readers to step outside of isolation and actively cultivate relationships that sustain both people and place.
Reading The Serviceberry the way I did—alongside a group, sharing both space and experience—deepened its impact in a way that solo reading never could. Because of this, I encourage others to try something similar. Pick up a copy of The Serviceberry from Bookshop Benicia, take your time with it, mark passages that resonate, then pass it along to someone in your community with the same invitation. Once the book has made its rounds, gather in a local park or a backyard, not just to discuss the book, but to share stories, exchange ideas, and explore ways to support one another in everyday life. Offer help where you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for it in return. Through these small but intentional acts, we can embrace the gift economy in its simplest form—by showing up for one another and watching our communities grow stronger as a result.
Booktails' Cocktail of the Month
Simple Serviceberry
Spring Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 oz Bourbon
2 oz Serviceberry shrub*
4 oz Ginger ale
*Almost any berry shrub goes well with this cocktail. Make your own from local berries, distilled white vinegar and granulated sugar or buy it premade.
Preparation:
1. Pour the shrub and bourbon over ice in a short tumblr.
2. Top with ginger ale and sip in the sun! B
Book and Cock tail Club
MITCHELL LAW GROUP
490 Chadbourne Rd. Suite 137
Fairfield, CA 94534
SolanoLawGroup.com info@SolanoLawGroup.com
7 07 -748-090 0
Watermelon!
Whip up some watermelon summer treats for your picnics and parties or just for a relaxing evening with friends. Here are two "watermelon" recipes to tantalize your taste buds!
What's Not to Like
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients:
3 cups cubed watermelon
2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded & chopped
1 small red onion, sliced
1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, 1/3 cup crumbled feta
Olive oil and red wine vinegar
Parsley and mint, chopped for garnish
Preparation:
Combine watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives and feta in large bowl. Drizzle with oil and vinegar, sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss, top with parsley and mint. Serves 4.
Tequila Mockingbird
Ingredients:
1 slice jalapeño (substitute basil or mint for milder flavor or a few drops of hot sauce to spice it up.)
3 one-inch watermelon cubes
2 oz blanco tequila
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz agave/simple syrup
Preparation:
Muddle the jalapeño and watermelon in a shaker to extract the juices. Add tequila, lime juice, syrup and ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice.
Refreshing!
Serves 1 happy person.
Created in the 1960s after the novel To Kill a Mockingbird was released.
Alternative Southern recipe:
2 oz tequila
1 oz dill pickle juice
1 dill pickle
Mix tequila and pickle juice in large shot glass. Chase the shot with a big chomp of dill pickle. No tears allowed! Cheers!
Waterman
2020 - Documentary/Sport
92 Minutes Narrated by Jason Momoa Streaming on Prime Video
n Movie Magic
Aloha: The Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy.
Waterman: One who works or lives on the water. A waterman doesn't see the fierce ocean as a barrier but sees the waves as roadways connecting to other lands, as a provider for life and a way to play.
Five-time Olympic medalist and native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. This movie explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modernday surfing. Duke swam his way to fame, breaking societal barriers and challenging us all to embrace Aloha into our lives.
Duke was a gentle and humble man with a larger-than-life physical presence. During his lifetime he was also a military police officer, a sheriff, and a Hollywood actor. He was the first person to be inducted into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the Surfing Hall of Fame, along with the Olympic Hall of Fame.
You'll learn about the sacred task of building a surfboard by hand with prayer and patience, while drawing out the spirit of the wood. You'll also learn about the famed first-generation Waikiki Beach Boys who taught surfing, paddling and Hawaiian culture to island visitors.
In 1925, the "Duke" swam out into the Newport Beach harbor with his surfboard to rescue eight men from a fishing vessel that capsized in the heavy surf. The police chief at the time called his efforts "the most superhuman surfboard rescue act the world has ever seen."
He is credited with influencing the eventual inclusion of surfing in the Olympics. Statues of Kahanamoku and/or his surfboard have been erected in Australia, New Zealand, New South Wales, Huntington Beach and Manhattan Beach. Take yourself on the fascinating journey of the Ambassador of Aloha!
Movie Magic gives Waterman 4 1/2 Moons out of 5. B
m om-nificent familY sP otlight!
Reclaiming You R i dentit Y Post-Ba BY Because You’R e m o R e than Just “ m om”
n Tracy L Bergier
Becoming a mother is transformative, but in the process, it’s easy to lose sight of the person you were before Baby. The hobbies, dreams, and interests that once defined you often take a backseat to the all-consuming role of motherhood. But here’s the thing—motherhood is just one part of who you are. Reclaiming your identity doesn’t mean loving your child any less; it means nurturing yourself so you can show up as the best version of you.
the Jou R ne Y Back to You
1. acknowledge the s hift
Motherhood changes you, and that’s okay. Instead of longing for your pre-baby self, embrace the idea that you’re evolving into a new version of yourself—one that includes, but isn’t limited to, being a mom.
2. Revisit You R Passions
What used to light you up? Was it writing, painting, hiking, yoga, or playing music? Try to reconnect with an old hobby— even in small doses.
3. m ake time fo R Just You
It’s easy to push self-care aside, but it’s necessary. Whether it’s 10 minutes of journaling, an uninterrupted coffee break, or a solo Target run, carve out time for yourself.
4. s et s mall, achieva B le g oals
If you used to be an avid runner but haven’t hit the pavement in months (or years), start with a walk. If you dream of writing a book, begin with one paragraph. Small steps build momentum.
5. RefR ame m om g uilt
Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A happy, fulfilled mom models self-love and independence for her children.
6. f ind You R communit Y
Surround yourself with people who support your growth. Whether it’s a moms group, a book club, or an online space for shared interests, connection is key.
7. tRY something n ew
Motherhood might have shifted your old interests, and that’s okay! Maybe you’ll discover a new passion—gardening, photography, Pilates—something that aligns with the season of life you’re in now.
Don't miss BMG's Big Truck Roundup fundraising event on June 28th in collaboration with the Museum of History, Benicia
q uick ti P s to g et staRted
• Schedule “Me Time” – Put it on the calendar like any other appointment.
• Reconnect with an Old Friend – Talk about something other than kids.
• Start a Journal – Explore what excites you now.
• Say Yes to Yourself – Sign up for that class, go on that solo coffee date.
• Give Yourself Permission – You are allowed to exist beyond motherhood.
Motherhood may change you, but it doesn’t have to erase you. You are still you, and you deserve to nurture all the facets of your identity. So, here’s your gentle reminder: go R eclaim You!
cR aft Y natu R e vase Bouquet
Get crafty with the outdoors! This nature-inspired art project lets kids (or kids at heart) design their own flower vase and fill it with freshly picked blooms. It’s part art, part nature walk, and 100% adorable.
What You’ll Need:
• A piece of cardboard or thick paper
• Markers, crayons, or paint
• A pencil or pen
• A hole punch or something to poke holes (like a skewer or sharp pencil)
• Fresh flowers and greenery (picked responsibly!)
Instructions:
1. Draw Your Vase: Start by drawing a big, bold vase shape on your cardboard or paper. Get creative—go classic, funky, tall, short, even rainbow-striped!
2. Add Holes for Stems: Carefully poke small holes above the vase drawing, where the bouquet would begin. Space them out a bit so each flower has room to shine. (Grown-up help might be needed for this step!)
3. Go Flower Hunting: Head outside and collect flowers, leaves, and stems. Look for a mix of colors and textures. Wildflowers, dandelions, lavender sprigs, and even grass can all work.
4. Weave Your Bouquet: Thread the flower stems through the holes so the blooms pop out above the vase. Arrange them like a real bouquet—full, layered, and lush.
5. Display and Enjoy: Prop it up on a shelf, fridge, or window sill and admire your one-of-a-kind nature bouquet.
f o R mem B e Rshi P inqui R ies, P lease visit www.BeniciamomsgRouP.com
Live Music
https://www.luccabar.com/ The Rellik Tavern https://www.therelliktavern.com/
Empress Theatre
https://empresstheatre.org/ Lucca's Beer Garden
May EVENTS Community
March 22 - May 4
Next Generation 2025 Exhibition Arts Benicia, 1 Commandant's Lane
Showcasing artwork from local students ranging from kindergarten to high school seniors.
May 17 - 18
Benicia Arsenal Artists Open Studios Historic Benicia Arsenal 10am - 5pm
Over 30 local artists open their studios to the public, offering a unique glimpse into their creative process.
May 30
Fifth Fridays @ Museum of History, Benicia Museum of History, Benicia 5pm - 8pm
Evening museum event for adults with activities and entertainment while kids participate in separate programming.
