Benicia Magazine August 2013

High scores & other successes What's next for Benicia Unified?

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The silver tsunami caring for aging parents

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Benicia

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Celebrating our 8th Year Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Benicia Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

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Special Projects Advertising Coordinator Joey Baker

Benicia

Contributors magazine Janice Adams Robert Kaufman Adriene Rockwell Bruce Rockwell Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

Editorial deadlines The 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Advertising sales 707.853.5226 adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: the 1st of the month prior to the issue month

Contact Us 707.853.8159, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com Administration Office Manager Risë Goebel Copy Editor/proofreader Beth Steinmann Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, all rights reserved.

Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and

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6 • Benicia Magazine

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Photographer Jerry Bowles Malcolm Slight

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEANS

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In-office Green Practices

Journals & notebooks • Wood & iron clocks Candles & coasters • Unique office supplies Picture frames • Wall art

We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

Urban Notions 611 First Street, Downtown Benicia • 707.853.8159

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia Magazine AUGUST VOLUME 8 ISSUE 10

16

14

Features

14 Past successes, new funding rules and what’s next for BUSD 20 Wineries within minutes offer affordable tasting

22 Living through the silver tsunami: care-giving for aging parents

Departments 10 From the Editor 12

13

Currents Benicia library benefits from 20th anniversary fundraiser Interview Interview with Alex Lobban, Benicia Youth Soccer League Director of Coaching

16

Travel-food-spirits 16) A plane, a train and two great beaches 18) Mendocino’s Little River Inn

24 Downtown Map

28 Fashionista

Benicia Fashion Weekend channels Project Runway

30 Calendar of Events

26 Arsenal Map Cover Photo: Mary Farmar Elementary, by Jerry Bowles Top left: Hotel Del, courtesy Hotel Del Coronado Top right: Benicia High School, by Jerry Bowles

8 • Benicia Magazine

City of Benicia

Tree Regulations Trees beautify our city. They also create shade, produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Incorrect pruning includes tipping the branch or topping the tree, causing: — Unsafe sprouts — Dangerously tall branching — Branch weakening & decay Pruning and removal of trees may require a permit.

Call 707.746.4285 or visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us Parks & Community Services.

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Advance tickets can be purchased at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and from our website, for $30 per person or 2 for $55.

Tickets are $35 per person or 2 for $65 on the day of Taste of First.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor

Welcome to our August issue! This month there’s something for all ages and life stages. Families with kids are gearing up for the start of another school year, one that promises to be productive for students. BUSD Superintendent, Janice Adams, gives us a “state of our schools” report about the many successes the district had last year, and how the State’s new funding formula will impact students in the future. For soccer families and sports fans, our interview is with Benicia Youth Soccer League’s Director of Coaching, Alex Lobban, who hails from the U.K. Alex shares his ambitious program goals, which include broadening soccer’s appeal to those of us who don’t, or no longer, have kids in the program.

At the other end of the spectrum, Adriene Rockwell tackles the weighty subject many Benicians are facing—caring for aging parents. The so called “Silver Tsunami” is creating a wave of people turning 65 or older over the next two decades as baby boomers begin to retire.

For armchair and actual travelers, we offer some excellent destination getaways within California that would work as a weekend trip or a lengthier stay. And for anyone who enjoys good wine, and judging from the number of wine clubs in town, there are a lot of us, we feature Solano County tasting rooms with a more laid-back atmosphere than the Napa Valley, just a few minutes from Benicia. Isn’t summer grand?

Jeanne Steinmann

Send us a photo of your summer vacation for the September issue!

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Photo by Mark Edwards

Aloha Jeanne! I am formerly of beautiful Benicia, now of beautiful Hawaii.

My wife, Vickie, and I were staying in Benicia this spring. While there I read your magazine and thoroughly enjoyed it. You commented on how you count things all the time, like steps during a walk, etc. I enjoyed that, and thought you might get a bit of a laugh hearing what I find myself counting. I volunteer on Oahu on the North Shore near Haleiwa, to help protect our big Hawaiian green sea turtles. Check us out at Malamanahonu.org. A couple years back I noticed that there were a lot of Jeeps on the road (we drive a Jeep Patriot), especially near the Turtle Beach area. Out of curiosity, I started counting how many vehicles before I saw the next Jeep coming in my direction. I have found myself doing the count each week. Kind of addictive! I am a numbers person myself, and your article gave me thought to share this with you.

Though we love living here in Hawaii, we dearly love Benicia too and miss our many friends there. You have a great magazine. Keep up the good work!

Having family in Benicia has allowed me to visit this beautiful town twice before this summer. I was born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, and when I was given an opportunity to live and work in Benicia this summer, there was no way I was going to pass it up. As if living with my loving and gracious aunt, uncle and cousins wasn’t enough, they took me along on their yearly family vacation. Traveling north up the California coast, our first stop was camping among the majestic redwoods. We then continued up the coast to Gold Beach, Oregon. It was a vacation full of laughs, beautiful scenery and memories.

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—Olivia Vatch

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

A Fitting Venue for Library Foundation Fundraiser

On June 19, the Benicia Library Foundation held a fundraising reception, fittingly, at the home of Scott and Christina Strawbridge, who live in the library’s former location on G Street in downtown Benicia.

The event was held in honor of the “new” Benicia Public Library’s 20th anniversary at the Civic Center complex.

As locals mingled, wine and hors d’oeuvres were served, and Martha Ann Francisca Vallejo-McGettigan, the great, great granddaughter of our city’s namesake, Doña Francisca Benicia Vallejo, was on hand to speak. The event proved to be a success, raising approximately $3,000 for the library.

12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

From 1910-1955, the library was housed in two rooms at the Benicia State Capitol.

It then moved to a temporary location at 813 First Street, and in 1956, found its home of 37 years on East G Street. By the late 1980s, the 5,000 square foot building was insufficient to continue to meet the needs of a growing population, and on June 19, 1993, the library moved to its current location at 150 East L Street.

At 23,000 square feet, the library is a hub of activity. We are fortunate to have such an architecturally and aesthetically beautiful space in which to peruse the volumes or sit and read. In addition to its extensive print and digital collections (over 123,000 items),

the library also offers many programs for children and adults, and houses an art gallery with rotating exhibits. "Our primary goal is to create high customer satisfaction, leading to ongoing use of the library by our residents," says Library Director Diane Smikahl.

Library patrons can access the Library catalog 24-hours a day via the Solano, Napa and Partners Library Consortium (SNAP) web page at www.snap.lib.ca.us. B Photo clockwise from top left: Judy Arrants, Sue Fisher-Jones & Steve Gizzi; Judy Gizzi & Eric Hoglund; Kerry Carney & Tim Henley; Bill and Leann Cawley; Ellen Blaufarb & Richard Mann, Christina Strawbridge & Carol Berman Photos by Malcolm Slight

Interview with

Alex Lobban

The subject line was prophetic: This is the email that will change your life.

“It did,” Alex Lobban says in his crisp English accent, chuckling. The friend’s email triggered a chain of events that led him to Benicia, where he met his wife and now is director of coaching for the local soccer league.

As director of coaching, Alex is responsible for coach education and player development for the league that serves about 1,000 young people.

He also runs soccer camps for the league, is the assistant coach for the women’s team at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, teaches coach education classes and is introducing indoor soccer, called futsal, to Benicia. “I do this full-time. This is my profession: training and coaching.”

Alex’s big goal is to build a soccer culture within our community, much like he experienced growing up in Great Britain. “I’d like to see people follow soccer whether they have a kid in the program or not. I’d like to see people wear Arsenal shirts or caps around town,” he says.

Alex’s love of soccer began as a child growing up in a village outside Birmingham. His skills earned him a spot with soccer academies associated with professional clubs from ages 9 to 15. “I got to work with professional coaches and the best players,” he recalls.

At age 16, he was offered a contract with the Bury professional team outside Manchester and moved away from home to live with 10 other soccer players.

He played professionally until he was 20.

Alex, 30, landed in Benicia in 2008. He recently joined the local Rotary Club and plans to become more involved in community service with the organization.

Alex married Jessica Waskow of Benicia in July, and the couple lives in town.

Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

How exactly did you end up here in Benicia?

When I left university, I set up a futsal training business. … I was doing it from home because that was the only way to do it. But after being independent since I was 16, it was hard to be back home.

So I decided to get a real job, and I was working in financial recruitment, hiring accountants. About 18 months into that, I went away for a weekend to do soccer qualifications and decided to quit my job. A friend had moved to New York and was coaching outside New York City. I talked to him and the idea was that I would travel and do some training.

On the day I quit my job, my boss went upstairs and she was complaining about me quitting to a friend who asked what I planned to do. He told her to have me drop him an email with my plans.

When I told him my plans, he said, “No, no, no—you need to go to the West Coast and work with UK International Soccer Camp.” The next day I got an email from him and the subject line was: “This is the email that will change your life.” It had the contract information for the camp.

It turned out the representative was going to be in town for interviews the next week. I interviewed the next Wednesday and was hired. So I came out here.

I worked in Southern California for about a month and then interviewed with Benicia to be a trainer. Things obviously went well with the job, and I met Jessica here.

How is soccer evolving in Benicia?

We’re trying to build on foundations that were here when I arrived. I think the biggest change, the biggest evolution, is that now we’ve got more professional coaching experience in the league. We were an all-volunteer coaching staff before, so now we have more professional experience and hopefully that will help children evolve into better soccer players.

We also hope to develop more of a club atmosphere, one that reflects what Benicia is as a community and its community spirit. We’ve got 20 traveling soccer teams but we want them all to feel like they are playing for the same soccer club.

What is the next step for Benicia’s soccer program?

I’d like Benicia Arsenal to be recognized as a good family club with good education. It should be an extension of what the schools do.

We want players to be good team members, be leaders, learn how to express themselves, be confident. We want to create good young people.

All those things are extensions of our education system.

What is your dream for the program?

I’d love for Benicia to become a soccer town. My biggest dream is to get a soccer complex someplace downtown.

We could host tournaments and bring in people to see our downtown, our waterfront and visit our wonderful restaurants.

We’ve got 1,000 kids playing soccer and no dedicated field. We don’t have 1,000 kids playing baseball but we have dedicated baseball fields. Community Park is a good facility, but I think the kids deserve a place to call home.

Clubs always have a place to call home.

Where is Benicia Arsenal’s home?

Do you still play soccer?

I still play. We have a men’s team in town that started three years ago.

We compete in an East Bay league so we play in Berkeley every Sunday.

I’m a player/manager. We do it for enjoyment.

Have you ever been injured while playing?

I come across a lot of men whose time on the field ends with a sob story. I’ve got no sob stories. I’ve been lucky—no injuries at all.

Who is your role model?

I have different ones for different parts of my life. Ryan Giggs as a soccer player, but not as a man. In many ways, I look to my family, my father and my older brother. My father was always there, taking me to soccer. My dad is a good father, a good man.

What’s next for you?

I want to coach Division I college someday. But as long as they want me here, I’d like to stay. I’d like to finish that project, the soccer complex. I’m actually proud of where we’re at, but we’re not done yet. We don’t have a place to call home, and I want us to reach where I’d like us to be, where I think we can be. B

What's Ahead

for Benicia Unified after an outstanding 2012-13 Guest column by Janice Adams, BUSD Superintendent

The ending of a school year provides the opportunity for reflection. The 2012-13 school year was an outstanding year for students in the Benicia Unified School District. Our students excelled in all areas: academics, music, the arts, theater and athletics. Our academic achievement continues to be the strongest in the county. Our district Academic Performance Index (API) score has increased steadily; it’s grown to 857. BMS and BHS are the highest performing secondary schools in the county and Benicia High was included in the list of the top 200 high schools in California. Our passage rate for the high school exit exam is just under 100%. Our graduating seniors received over 1.2 million dollars in scholarships and will be attending some of the top universities in the state and the nation. We are also proud of two of our seniors who will be attending West Point this fall. The Panther Band continues to rank among the best in California and our Middle School Band was selected to lead the parade down Disneyland’s Main Street this spring. Of our 22 athletic teams, 13 finished in first place and won SCAC Championships. Our Drama Department won numerous Arty Awards, the high school equivalent of the Academy Award, including the Best Overall High School Musical. Our high school yearbook won the prestigious Gallery of Excellence Walsworth Publishing Award, given only to the top 5% of yearbooks. We had 17 Odyssey of the Mind Teams compete and two that made it to the state level. Our students are excelling at extraordinary levels and continue to make us proud.

Benicia Unified has gone through five years of substantial budget cuts, but as a result of the passage of Proposition 30, we will see some improvement in the upcoming year. Despite these challenging financial times, our schools have not only survived, but students have thrived—thanks to the talented 14 • Benicia Magazine

and dedicated teachers and staff of Benicia Unified, and the support of our parent community, the Benicia Education Foundation, our PTGs and Booster Groups. The state legislature has recently passed historic legislation that will change the way education is funded in districts throughout California. The Local Control Funding Formula is intended to provide more flexibility to local boards and districts. Over the next eight years it will restore funding to the 2008-2009 levels. How this changing funding model will affect Benicia Unified remains to be seen.

This year we began implementation of Common Core Standards.

These are a coherent progression of learning expectations in English Language Arts and Mathematics, and are designed to prepare K-12 students for the increasing demands of college and career. They are the result of a national effort, and have been adopted in 44 states.

Implementation of Common Core Standards requires a change in curriculum, instructional strategies and assessments. This year a BUSD teacher on special assignment led the efforts on Common Core and next year lead teachers from BMS and BHS will help support these efforts.

A major focus for 2012-13 was the improvement of our technology infrastructure to support twenty-first century learning for students.

Increasing bandwidth and providing wireless capabilities required significant time, effort and financial commitment, but we’re pleased that we will start next year with both. Our teachers are anxiously awaiting the improvements to support their instruction. We have cutting-edge teachers ready to utilize this improved technology—they are to be applauded for their continuous learning. Many have received Masters in Educational Technology, provided at BHS through Touro University, in order to better serve our students.

State assessments will change significantly in 2014-2015 with the implementation of Smarter Balanced Assessments; and all state assessments will be done online. We have much work to do to prepare for the new system but we’re on our way. We are also focusing on improving early education, and implemented a successful Transitional Kindergarten program for our youngest kindergarteners this year.

Next year we will have a district preschool at every elementary school. Our district continues to strengthen its academic programs while providing a well-rounded curriculum and extensive extra-curricular activities. We couldn’t do this without the support of our wonderful community. B

BENICIA UNIFIED SCHOOLS Registration for Continuing Students Registration for all BUSD students (your student must be enrolled to attend these dates*):

Benicia Middle August 16 and 19 Benicia High August 13 and 14 Liberty High August 13 All Elementary Sites August 13 *Call school site or visit beniciaunified.org for specific times

Photo, p. 14, Benicia HIgh School Below, Benicia Middle School Photos by Jerry Bowles

Enrollment for New Students All sites are currently doing Enrollment for the 2013-14 school year.

Enrollment is by appointment only.

Information can be found on the BUSD website under

Parents/Students and Student Enrollment.

All students entering 7th grade must show proof of a Tdap booster before registering

Call your local school site or the district office.

Just a reminder that: all students entering 6th or 9th grade must show residency proof before registering

Great schools, quality programs.

Benicia Unified School District 350 East K Street

beniciaunified.org

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

1

Story and photos by Jeanne Steinmann My dentist, of all people, recently convinced me to take some time off with a relaxing vacation—thinking I was in need of a root canal; the actual cause of the tooth pain was grinding and clinching. So we booked a hasslefree trip that was exactly what we wanted: an easy, one-way flight to San Diego for a 5-night stay at the Hotel del Coronado Resort, then north to the central coast for another 4 nights, infused in between with an air of adventure and romance through travel by rail.

The "Hotel Del,” part Victorian elegance, part old-Hollywood glamour, is a full-service resort built in 1888. The beauty of the iconic landmark, paired with the designation as one of America’s top 10 beaches, makes this property a worldwide draw.

We experienced the really good and the not so good during our stay. At its best, the Del wows on almost every count: ocean-view rooms, resort amenities, dramatic lobby, public spaces and customer service. However, the hotel seems to be a victim of its own success in entertaining guests, so much so that it becomes a struggle to accommodate the crush at peak capacity. A popular wedding and event venue and also accessible to the general public who make regular pilgrimage to enjoy the Del’s excellent amenities without the expense of an overnight stay, it seemed to be bursting at its seams.

Lines materialize for just about everything, and the property takes on a Disneyland-esque vibe, where you wished you'd planned your day around peak times for the main attractions. These include the property’s two pools, shops, spa, bars and restaurants and the popular Sun Deck, where local bands get patrons out of their chairs to bust a move with tunes that range from The Alan Parson’s Project to Zeppelin. The restaurants and bars are open-air with views of the ocean; and for retail therapy, there 16 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

2

3

4 are two floors of top-notch shops to peruse. It’s worth the price of a treatment to hang out in quiet luxury in the hotel’s spa that, along with upscale steam, whirlpool and relaxation rooms (separated for men and women), houses an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner took us to Pismo Beach, where we mostly explored, ate and walked on the pier and along the beach. Our elegant oceanfront condo had spectacular views and plenty of space. It’s quite a luxury to be able to read for uninterrupted hours on end, and practice the art of doing nothing. We loved that Pismo has retained its funky, California beach town atmosphere. No chain stores, but still plenty to explore. We returned, restored, on the Coast Starlight, not caring that the train was several hours late—for a small fee we upgraded to a sleeper car and after a great meal in the dining car, slept in quiet comfort until our arrival in Martinez. B

Sunday, August 25th, Noon—4pm

1) Pismo Beach Pier 2) Amtrak Station, San Diego 3) Hotel Del Spa firepit and pool 4) One of many pismo murals 5) “Pismo Clam” sculpture 6) View from the pier

c. Malcolm Slight

Resources: Del Coronado: hoteldel.com Pismo Beach: pismobeach.org Pismo Beach Condo: pismo4rent.com/property.php?id=142 Amtrak: amtrak.com

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Eight Decades of Family Inn Keeping on the Mendocino Coast Story by Robert Kaufman Behind every generation is, well, another generation.

Fortunately, some choose to carry on the family traditions and when there’s a good thing going, why mess with the formula? The key is to keep refining and improving the foundation. In the case of Little River Inn, that’s exactly what five generations have accomplished.

To find the roots of Little River Inn, located on Highway 1 a couple of miles south of Mendocino, one has to dig deep, all the way back before the American Civil War. Lumber baron Silas Coombs journeyed from the East Coast to mill lumber from the tallest redwoods in the world, a splinter of which was used to build a stately Victorian home back in 1857 overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Fast-forward 156 years to fifth generation innkeepers Cally Dym and Melissa Pyorre, who now run the only true resort property along the Mendocino coast. Their grandfather, Ole Hervilla, turned the house into the Inn in 1939. “Our grandfather turned that original building into the Inn some eight decades ago and we’re still happily on the job, doing what it takes to make you feel more than welcome,” says Dym. Evidence of that promise can be found on a welcome note in any of the 65 guestrooms overlooking the ocean.

“Need an extra pillow? No problem. Need a llama? A little more difficult, but doable,” says Dym. Not to worry, however. If there isn’t a local camelid available, Little River Inn has plenty of beckoning options to match anyone’s palette for an adventurous or romantic getaway.

With a full-service spa and tennis court, Little River Inn also offers the only golf in the area with a nine-hole course built in 1957 by grandpa Hervilla, after he consulted with 18 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

Photos Courtesy Little River Inn

several course architects who were too expensive. Justin Pyorre, Melissa’s husband and Director of Golf, runs the course that weaves through the redwood and pine trees. Fourth generation family member Danny Hervilla refers to his favorite course as “our poor-man’s Pebble Beach.”

Keeping the entire resort operation in the family, Cally’s husband, Marc is the Executive Chef, who serves up outstanding menu items learned from his training at the Culinary Institute of America.

This classic coastal property, surrounded by 225 wooded acres, may not be on the same radar as the pantheon of great resorts built along the California coast, but for the beauty and hospitality, the value is unmatched. The best part is that the sixth generation is ready to jump onto the family train. The more things change, the more they stay the same. B

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Accessible, Affordable Wine Tasting Just Minutes Away

By Bruce Rockwell Local wine lovers have long enjoyed a close proximity to some of California’s most storied wineries. Those who want to enjoy premium wines among vineyards comparable to Napa and Sonoma—but without the traffic, high prices, and crowded tasting rooms—have no further to go than our own backyard. Just twenty minutes from Benicia up highway 680, the Suisun Valley American Viticultural Area is an accessible and affordable winemaking region just waiting to be explored.

Winding north on Suisun Valley Road, the bustle of Cordelia Junction quickly gives way to bucolic scenes of farmland, churchyards, rolling hills and resplendent vineyards. The first stop surely must be the Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative (4495 Suisun Valley Road). What the locals refer to merely as “the co-op” is housed in a comfortable, rustic building that perfectly expresses the approachable, good-natured feel of the region’s wine industry. The co-op is a joint venture of five different Suisun Valley wineries that rotate staffing for its tasting room.

Reminiscent of the bygone days of the Napa Valley, a diverse tasting menu of over forty wines is offered free of charge, often poured by the winemakers themselves.

Doug Sparks, owner of Sunset Cellars, is a regular fixture behind the tasting bar at the co-op. “The wineries here are all family owned and operated,” he explains, “with a connection to the land, the community, and its history... our wines have a combination of quality and value that you don’t see elsewhere.” The Sunset Cellars 2006 Barbera proves his point handily: a luscious, velvety balance of old world structure and new world fruit, with hints of plum jam and licorice. At just $22, it is the most expensive bottle on the menu.

The oldest winemaking operation in the region is Wooden Valley 20 • Benicia Magazine Food - Travel - Spirits

Winery (4756 Suisun Valley Road), established by Italian immigrants in 1933. Its tasting room gives a sense of this proud history. The 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and 2010 Petite Sirah are particularly memorable here. Once again, all wines sell for $20 or less.

Winterhawk Winery (4537 Abernathy Road) is less picturesque, but some of the best wine in the valley is made here. In the summer there are weekly tasting events, featuring live bands under the breezy patio.

The family-friendly Ledgewood Winery is not far off, specializing in a variety of Chardonnay styles and excellent Merlot.

Mankas Corner is a Suisun Valley hub, and home to the Vezér Family Vineyards’ Mankas Corner Winery. In contrast to other local wines, the Vezér (pronounced VEE-zer) wines are aimed at higher, “ultra-premium” price points. Winemaker Jake Stuessy states simply, “We’re proud of our wines.” Another family operation, Vezér lovingly handcrafts each vintage with a fanatical devotion to quality. Nowhere is this more apparent than in their incredible selection of blockbuster California reds—Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and their blends.

The Vezér family also owns The Blue Victorian Winery (5071 Suisun Valley Rd), a stunning location for tours, tastings, weddings, and other events. The tasting experience at “The Blue Vic” is more laid back, with a completely different selection of wines. A concert series at both Vezér properties is a summer highlight.

The Cast Iron Bar & Grill in Suisun City features Suisun Valley wines, as does the Mankas Steakhouse, which waves their corkage fee for local wines. The Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company (2625 Mankas Corner Road), an alluring culinary destination in its own right, sells several Suisun Valley wines that can’t be bought elsewhere. www.suisunvalley.com is a one-stop resource to plan your getaway to this undiscovered gem of a wine country. B

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By Adriene Rockwell As they tour the globe, rock stars Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney are putting a new face on aging, and 65 doesn’t seem so old anymore.

In fact, according to a survey by Pew Research Center, baby boomers typically feel nine years younger than their biological clocks. But the truth is people are now entering retirement age at a break-neck speed in what’s being dubbed the “silver tsunami,” as more than 8,000 boomers are turning 65 each day.

The impact of this growing demographic makes it inevitable that many adults will find themselves in the role of caring for a parent, and the related emotional and physical challenges may feel as serious as a tsunami.

“When the train begins to leave the station, things start happening fast,” says Melanie Richardson, owner of Helping Hands, which offers senior-specific case management and referral services in Solano County. A big part of her job is coaching adults to find the courage to talk to their families about the complications of aging. “You want to have that conversation before it's a crisis, and while your parents still have the capacity to make their own decisions.”

During this process, Rochelle Sherlock of the Senior Coalition of Solano County reminds us, “It’s extremely difficult to see our parents

with diminished capacity, and our roles change. There is grieving that happens, and family dynamics and tension, and it’s an emotionally difficult process. Caregivers have to be kind to themselves.”

This is critical advice for mid-lifers in today’s “sandwich generation,” who are caring for their own children at home while also taking the role of caregivers for their aging parents. It’s taking a toll. AgingCare. com reports that more than 30% of caregivers will become seriously ill or die before those they are caring for. Chronic stress is the greatest threat to these individuals, and few have time to acknowledge their own grieving process and its impact on their bodies. It’s no wonder that an astonishing 40 to 70 percent of caregivers are clinically depressed.

Part of the struggle for caregivers is that elders often hold on tight to their independence and resist changes, especially if it means leaving a lifelong home. The key to a successful transition is to engage seniors in the decision-making while honoring them and protecting their dignity. One of the common fears is the prospect of going into a nursing home, but there are numerous alternatives. Doing the research, relying on experts, and making site visits are key steps in the process.

Some of today’s options include (see web links below): assisted

RELATED LINKS www.AgingCare.com

www.aplacefor mom.com

(Resources for Caregivers)

(Elder Care Options)

www.caregiveraction.org

www.aaans.org

www.aarp.org

www.ci.benicia.ca.us (Benicia Senior Center)

(National Family Caregiver Association) (American Association for Retired Persons)

22 • Benicia Magazine

(Area Agency on Aging) mealsonwheelssolano.org (Meals on Wheels)

living or “aging in place” facilities, board and care facilities, or in-home care. Newer alternatives are various types of independent living options including intentional communities that are independently organized, providing shared caregivers and homemaking services.

Continuing care communities are often privately owned and are a type of retirement community. Many facilities also offer memory care for those experiencing the challenges of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

When hospitalized or seriously ill, palliative care provides a team of health care providers who inform the family to make important health-related decisions, including choices related to medication and advanced health care directives. Distinct from hospice, palliative care is not oriented towards end of life issues.

With special concern for caregivers, the Area Agency on Aging in Solano County hosts a Caring for Caregivers symposium each July.

Among its services, representatives meet with caregivers to assess the safety equipment in the home, (including weighted utensils for those with Parkinson’s, bathroom grab bars, hands-free telephones and more.) The agency also offers short-term respite care so caregivers can take time to recharge.

Respite care comes in many forms, including overnight care during recovery periods from a fall or illness. Senior day care centers offer supervised activities for those with a range of needs on an hourly or daily basis. The Benicia Senior Center offers activities such as Italian lessons, Zumba, or bus trips for more independent seniors. For just $3, seniors can stop by the Center each day at 11:30am for a nutritious meal provided by Meals on Wheels. These meals are also delivered to homebound seniors throughout the city.

So yes, they still need you, and they still feed you when you’re 64.

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

FIRST STREET BENICIA

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West WE ST JS B. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D T. C. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 2 EA 1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street ST JS 3 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street WE T. ST 4 IS 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street T. 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 26 EA 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street 5 ST I S W 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street T. ES T 6 H 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street ST .

8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 EA Be 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street ST C ni H W apit cia 28 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street ST ES o .

TG l 9 11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street ST 24 .

12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 10 12 Ch 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street Co amb EA 29 mm er ST of G 11 e 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street r 15 WE ce ST .

ST 16. Urban Notions, 611 First Street 7 F S 16 T. 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street 14 18. Charlie’s Attic, Tannery Bldg, 129 First Street EA 17 ST FS 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street 30 WE T. 8 ST 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street ES T. 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street EA ST 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street ES T. 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street WE 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First Street EA ST ST CS DS 19 28. Wildflower Skin Care, 835 East Second Street 21 T. T. 29. Gallery 621, 621 First Street 30. Benicia Run House, 523 First Street

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Benicia Golf Association BeniciaGolf.org

To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054

Wildflower Skin Care Studio facials • waxing • lashes • brows results-oriented non-toxic skin care 835 East 2nd Street, Benicia • 707.745.4300 by appointment wildflowerskincare.com • wfskincare@gmail.com

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Residential & New Home Sales; Property Management 707.745.0759 www.judsonandcompany.com

Farmers Insurance Group

Samuel L. Thompson, Agency CA Lic. # 0502825 310 Military West, Ste D, Benicia

Office 707.853.5800 E-Fax 888.501.7219

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Fabulous Finds Benicia Historic Tannery Building Antiques, home furnishings & gifts

129 First St. 707.750.5777 • fabulousfindsinbenicia@yahoo.com

Fiber-Frolics Specialty Yarns and Classes Giovanna Sensi-Isolani, fiber artist

637 First Street, Benicia • 707.747.YARN(9276) fiber-frolics.com

CHARLIE’S ATTIC Collectibles-Antiques-Music Consignment and eBay drop-off

Tannery Bldg, 129 First St., Benicia • 707.205.6960

Dudikoff Insurance Agency Planning, Products, & Services

George Dudikoff, Agent, Lic. #OB13442 159 East D Street, Suite A, Benicia • P: 707.746.7395 • F: 707.747.6814

www.farmersagent.com/gdudikoff

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560 First St., Ste C103, Benicia

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Kryss's Pathways to Healing Facials K Reiki K Waxing All natural skin care products

Kristen Cote, Licensed Esthetician & Reiki Master 841 First Street 707.225.2199Kkrysspathwaystohealing.org

The Gift of Massage…the gift you give yourself Julie Parsons, CMT - 707. 297.1371 New Location! Mon-Sat by appointment 310 Military West, Suite A, Benicia Now open in Benicia

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 25

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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Breakfast & Lunch 707.745.1154

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Full-line pet store Professional dog & cat grooming Do it yourself pet wash 1202 East 5th Street, Benicia 707.745.5016 • www.FeathererPet.com

Michael Trahan • Interior Design www.michaeltrahan.com 707.748.1080

50th Annual

Benicia Peddler’s Fair Saturday, August 10, 8am • Free admission

300 select vendors On First Street from J Street to the waterfront

Antiques • Collectibles • Hand-made art items • arts & crafts No pets of any kind allowed (except service animals)

Golden Anniversary

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Find the best events, fairs, festivals and fun things to do in

WEEKENDS

Benicia Magazine's free weekly e-newsleter sign up today at beniciamagazine.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 27

The Reality of Fashion Story by Christina Strawbridge Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a reality television show like Project Runway? The Lifetime cable series recently completed its 11th season with producer, host and judge, Heidi Klum, saying, "In fashion, one day you're in and the next day you're out!"

A bit of Project Runway is coming to Benicia with the appearance of Richard Hallmarq at the Benicia Fashion Runway event September 27-29. Hallmarq placed 6th this season, and stayed on to help the final three contestants show their designs at New York Fashion Week.

He has offered to do a "Meet and Greet Q & A" on Friday night, September 27 from 6pm to 7:30pm. He will talk about his personal experiences of being one of the chosen few to make it on Project Runway. Over a recent lunch with Hallmarq, I learned about the intense schedule during filming, and the personalities of the other designers. I also discovered that he showed his collection at New York Fashion Week along with the seven designer finalists.

It was interesting to hear about what the guest judges had to say about his designs and how he keeps in touch with some of the cast members.

Since the show aired, Hallmarq has created a ready-to-wear line using jersey fabrics, which became his signature look during the challenges. He has also designed an eyewear collection, which was recently picked up by the Patricia Field Boutique of "Sex and the City" fame.

Hallmarq will be showing his latest designs during the runway portion of Fashion Weekend on Saturday night, September 28. Having worked with Hallmarq in 2011, I can say that his enthusiasm is even more infectious. He is reaching out to his designer and model friends to be part of the show.

One of those friends is Naima Mora, who is best known for winning Cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model (ANTM), and has agreed to walk the Benicia Runway. Naima was voted the most memorable contestant from ANTM by AOL. Her Mohawk hairstyle and introverted personality did not make her a favorite to win the show but her perseverance did. Besides appearing as the face for Cover Girl and Samsung, she is also an author. Her first book, Naima Mora Model Behavior,” is part of her Model Life Series—designed to inspire others to recognize their true potential and achieve their hopes and dreams.

Another one of Hallmarq's friends, Marci Landgraf, will be on hand to stylize the models for the catwalk. Landgraf spent years perfecting her craft in the fashion and beauty capitols of the world. Her hairstyles have strolled down the runways of New York, Paris and Milan and on to the pages of Elle, Vogue, In Style, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar. Modern Salon writes, "Marci expands the boundaries of high fashion and the avant-garde. Understanding simplicity allows her to create the pure essence of beauty."

Fashion is a reality in Benicia! The town offers a unique mix of fashion-forward boutiques and more than 40 salons and spas along First Street. Downtown Benicia is fast-becoming a fashion and beauty destination for women throughout the Bay Area. B

Decorative items for the home and office Driftwood Reclaimed wood wall sculptures Reclaimed metal items Clocks, candles, coasters & cards

Urban Notions 611 First Street, Downtown Benicia

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28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

Bookshop Benicia New and Used Books • Toys, Games, Puzzles Magazines and more 636 First Street, Benicia, CA • 707•747•5155 Mon.-Sat. 10-8 • Sun.-11-6 • www.bookshopbenicia.com

$5.00 Off with purchase of $20 or more cannot be combined with other coupons

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Gift certificates available

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We carry Delta Sup & Kite Naked

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Blown Glass, Wall Art, Jewelry, Gift Items

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Gallery Hours: Sun-Thur 11-5 Fri 11-7, Sat 10-7

Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports

109 East F St., Benicia, CA 94510

238 First St., Benicia • 209.304.2200 • kite-paddle.com

• Serving the Benicia/Vallejo area for over 70 years • Only on-site crematory in the area • Funerals, memorials, VA Burials John “Sherm” Passalacqua

Passalacqua Funeral Chapel 901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130 www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com Greg Silva

Twin Chapels Mortuary

707.745.5933

www.calcomfort.com 4680 East 2nd St., Benicia

Camellia Tea Room

1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo 707-552-6696 www.twinchapelsmortuary.com

Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row

A wonderful place for gifts!

Delicious Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Housemade Desserts, Fine Teas & Tea Accessories Ask about our Bridal and Baby Shower Packages!

Camellia Tea Room • 828 First Street Downtown Benicia • 707.746.5293

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

8/1 Cirque Dreams Splashtastic

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom 10:30am-8pm Artists, acrobats, aerialists & the park’s dolphins Six Flags Discovery Kingdom 1001 Fiargrounds Dr., Vallejo Sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/index.aspx 707.644.4000

8/1-8/29 Benicia Farmer’s Market 4-8pm

Offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods Gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts Between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

8/3-9/1 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, August 4, 10 & 11 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

8/6 First Tuesdays Investment Club

8/6 Movie Night Under the Stars at dusk

Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200 Featuring Rise of the Guardians, bring a pillow & blanket City Park Gazebo, First Street at Military West ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

8/7-8/28 Toastmaster’s Group

Wednesday evenings 7:30-9pm Learn to speak w/confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.290.4377

8/10 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

8/10 Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

8/10 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

Featuring landscape artist Dixie Mohan Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 12-6pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

8/20 Full Moon Walk 7pm

8/21 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

8/25 Bluegrass and BBQ 12-4pm

8/27 Gallery 621 Opening Reception 5-9pm

8/27 Taste of First Street 6-9pm

Hike to watch the full moon rise over nearby Mt. Diablo John Muir National Historic Site 4202 Alhambra Ave. Martinez 925.228.8860

Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Concert and BBQ, fun for the entire family No host bar, micro brews & wines Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

Featured artist is Nikki Basch-Davis, sculptor & design Exhibit runs July 27-September1 Gallery open Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

A sampling of cuisine from Benicia’s favorite restaurants beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Scan for more listings

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Advanced Mortgage SVF Alan M. Schwartzman Branch Manager

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Wills • Trusts • Family Law Estate Planning & Administration Personal Injury • DUI

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Tosch Dental

Feel at home—even in the dental chair!

Proudly serving Benicia families for over 25 years.

• Full-service dentistry • In-house lab, ensures perfect fit • Orthodontics • 50% off bleach with exam & cleaning

Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.

• Relaxed and comfortable environment

707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

Working with AQCC and their staff was a great experience. Susy helped us put our thoughts and ideas into an actual plan. Her great creative solutions solved every issue, including where our dog was going to eat!

—George and Angèle

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