Benicia Magazine November 2018

HOLIDAY DESSERTS Impress your guests with easy to make, elegant pumpkin alternatives

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Artists express the important relationship between plants and people through works in various mediums

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November 2018

Contents Features

Education

Pumpkin desserts that will elevate Thanksgiving dinner 18 Choosing personalized gifts from area maker fairs and markets

20

Scene Community

A Holiday Faire, concert and Christmas tree lot at the Historical Museum

Culture

Plenty of laughs at Old Town Theatre Group’s fall play, Social Security

14

Benicia Literary Arts offers workshops and more

14

10

10

New name, new location for Crossroads Smokehouse and Deli

16

An elegant evening of food and wine funds Soroptimist-sponsored safe house 17

Photo above: Beautiful autumn sky over the Strait, Lisa Duncan Photography Cover: Pumpkin cookie, recipe on page 18

In Every Issue From the Editor

8

Calendar

24

Music

26

Art Milinda Perry Gallery watercolor paintings evoke feelings of rapport, empathy, connection 28 The relationship between people and plants explored through art; Arts Benicia Gallery 29

Food & Drink

Shop

Main Street offers up a new Wine Walk during Small Business Saturday

BEF fundraiser at the Clock Tower combines wine with shopping 12

Creative possibilities within the confines of a 12” square at Gallery 621

29

People Terry Scott, chair of the BACC, helps identify and implement public art projects 30

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“Given the divisive, confusing times we are living in, I totally trust Kari to provide clear, transparent and forward-looking leadership on the Council.” —Larnie Fox “What I really value in civic leadership is integrity. Kari will bring experience, thoughtfulness and integrity to decisions that effect our community.” —Jack Ruszel

Benicians for a Safe and Healthy Community

“Kari will be your voice, your champion and your neighbor at City Hall. Whether it’s working to improve Benicia’s schools or fighting to keep Benicia’s environment safe, Kari has proven that she can be counted on.” —Monica Brown, Solano County Supervisor, District 2

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FROM THE EDITOR

November 2018

Lisa Duncan Photography

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: Editor@beniciamagazine.com Beniciamagazine.com

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine @Jeannesteinmann beniciamagazine

Welcome to our November issue! Heading into year 14, I’m excited about what’s happening in town. Three new restaurants opened this year, most recently One House Bakery, a beautiful new spot to grab pastries, freshly baked bread and more, with outdoor deck seating.

One House, Farm and Flour and Bella Siena have been welcome additions to Benicia’s restaurant lineup, drawing more folks downtown to frequent retail shops, art galleries, and favorite eateries that have been around for years.

Shifting gears from October’s fun events, holidays are on the horizon. I’m anticipating a large gathering for Thanksgiving at our house, and to make sure we have enough space, we swapped our dining room (which is small) with our living room (which is large, and previously unused). Most downtown homes have their quirks, and ours is no exception, but it’s been a fun challenge to make it work for us and for family and friends who come to stay. All this to say that Mike and I are ready for large gatherings, are you?

Although Kat makes a delicious pumpkin pie each year, and even a pumpkin pudding for her gluten-free sister, we asked the chefs at Christie Hill in Tahoe City, where she and Jesse work, to offer two simple alternatives to the Thanksgiving standby. Recipes are on page 18, with more online.

Benicia Main Street is adding another wine walk this month during Small Business Saturday Nov. 24, so shoppers can enjoy tasting reds, whites and champagne, with nibbles by participating merchants on First Street. And on the topic of shopping, I hope you will join me in shopping locally, a practice I have committed to for the past 20 years.

It’s a fun challenge for me to buy all stocking stuffers from Benicia shops. Benicia has seen many improvements from an increase in sales tax; let’s pump it up with local purchases.

If you are unfamiliar with where things are downtown, Benicia Main Street (at 90 First Street) offers a printed and online list of downtown merchants. With recent additions and some businesses trading spaces, it’s a good idea for all of us to check out the latest.

Thanks for the great feedback on our new layout; we strive to keep things fresh and updated, with additional articles that highlight what’s happening here in town and beyond. Check out the latest missives on art, music, food, people and more in this issue.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our wonderful readers, and a big thank you for your ideas, suggestions, tips and concerns. Keep them coming!

—Jeanne Steinmann P.S. Don’t forget to vote! We have important issues facing our town and every voice needs to be heard and counted. After seeing enough of it on Nextdoor and Facebook, I’m ignoring the negativity, much of which is misinformed, against candidates. I believe all four city council candidates are good people who are altruistically motivated. I’m voting for those who’s opinions resonate most with my beliefs for what’s best for our town, based on what they have actually said, done, or achieved through their service to Benicia.

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Scene Community

Scene Shop

Winter Fun at the Historical Museum Staff writer The Benicia Historical Museum will be hosting its Jingle All the Way Holiday Faire in the (heated) Camel Barn Hall December 1st and 2nd. Experience the old-world, vintage charm of this event, coupled with roving carolers and a special visit from Santa. This fun faire offers a weekend of holiday treats and vendor booths with merchandise for sale.

The museum board is particularly pleased with the flyer promoting the event—it was designed by Morgan May Castleman, an eighth grade student at Benicia Middle School. Morgan is passionate about art and hopes to someday be a female animator at Pixar.

The Holiday Faire will compliment the Museum’s annual Christmas Tree Lot that officially opens Friday, November 23, and the performance A Winter Gift Christmas Concert is scheduled for the evening of Friday, December 8. Jingle all the Way is made possible through the generous corporate sponsorship from the Law Offices of Dana Dean. Come one, come all … these are holiday events you don’t want to miss!

CHRISTMAS TREE LOT Nov. 23-Dec. 23 JINGLE ALL THE WAY HOLIDAY FAIR Sat. Dec. 1, 11am-8pm & Sun, Dec. 2, 11am-5pm A WINTER GIFT CHRISTMAS CONCERT Fri. Dec. 8

Combining Wine and Shopping on Small Business Saturday

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Benicia Main Street knows how to put on a wine walk, having organized many through the years. It also promotes downtown shopping for the holidays, especially on Small Business Saturday, which encourages people throughout the nation to patronize local shops, instead of national chains or malls. This year, Benicia Main Street is combining the two in its inaugural Wine Walk and Shop Small on Small Business Saturday, November 24.

Benicia Main Street Executive Director Nancy Martinez said she was inspired by a similar event organized last year by former executive director Leanne Peterson, across the bridge at Martinez Main Street. That event brought in 150 additional shoppers to the Martinez downtown. Benicia’s own business owners said overwhelmingly they wanted a similar event here, and Nancy Martinez listened.

The Benicia Wine Walk & Shop Small event comes during the Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree that runs the entire month of November, during which shoppers receive tickets for each $10 they spend with participating merchants. Each ticket gets added to a raffle drawing. During Wine Walk & Shop Small, merchants will give double tickets towards the drawing, the winner of which will receive $500 Downtown Dollars to spend like cash at participating downtown merchants. The prize will be awarded Dec. 7 at the Holiday Open House.

Wine Walk and Shop Small participants will get to visit new places among about 22 involved in the event, Martinez said. Included are Grey Horse Boutique, Pink Arrows Boutique, Celestial Art and Happy Life Pottery.

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Shoppers also get to stop by old favorites, such as Bookshop Benicia, where high school musicians will serenade them.

Participating merchants will be pouring wine from Viano Winery in Martinez, and selections provided by Henry Wine Group from Benicia Industrial Park. Many will offer pairings with appetizers, and Benicia Main Street is no exception. “We, of course, will have See’s Candy,” Ms. Martinez said, adding that, “Wine Walk and Shop Small encourages shoppers from Benicia and other cities to explore our charming stores. I think they can find a little bit of everything,” she said. “First Street has several women’s clothing boutiques, and many gift stores with unique items.”

Glen Cove Farm is in its second year downtown, offering Benicia-themed items, cards and unique gifts. Other stores offer candles and soaps, home décor, garden items, furniture and more. Romancing the Home’s merchandise inspires those who want to redecorate. Lindsay Art Glass has hand-blown glass objects, including Christmas tree ornaments. “There’s pricing for everybody downtown,” Martinez said, adding that Benicia gives visitors and residents a warm shopping experience. “It’s the personal service. We get to know one another by first names. You don’t always get that in big cities or department stores, and shoppers are responding to that.

We are drawing people from the outside area as well as local people dedicated to downtown shopping, especially on Small Business Saturday,” she said.

Wine Walk and Shop Small will take place 1-5pm Saturday, Nov. 24. Check-in will be at 12:30pm Nov. 24 at Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street, and participants will need to bring their tickets. They will receive a commemorative wine glass printed with the Downtown Benicia Main Street logo. Tickets, $30 per person or two for $55, are available in advance at beniciamainstreet.org/benicia-events/annual/, or $35 per person the day of the event. Must be 21 to participate.

Benicia Main Street Wine walk courtesy photos Lindsay Art Glass, The Vintage Owl, Stephen Collection

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Scene Education

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Just when the Benicia Education Foundation (BEF) was looking for more ways to raise money to enhance students’ experience in Benicia schools, members learned how other school district organizations were offering their communities the chance to shop while enjoying a glass of wine.

For the first time, Benicians and visitors will be able to shop for holiday gifts and décor while being entertained. BEF sponsors the event, November 30, at the historic Clock Tower building in the Benicia Arsenal. “May 5 is the Run for Education, and it’s pretty successful, but that’s all we had,” said BEF President Neeley Silberman. “We have high hopes of attracting people who want the opportunity to do holiday shopping. The BEF is motivated. Without its help, Benicia students’ outdoor education could be eliminated, and some art opportunities could be curtailed or lost,” Silberman said.

Founded in 1981 by concerned parents and reorganized in 2005, the BEF helps all children in Benicia’s seven public schools. Through fundraising, the foundation provides trips to places where children get hands-on learning. Some trips bring California history to life for fourth graders, who pan for gold in Coloma where they get a taste of the experience of Gold Rush prospectors. Then they celebrate with a hoedown or spend an evening near a campfire. Other excursions let them become naturalists, learning about wildlife in forests and waterways and the importance of protecting the environment.

Just as important, children have to unplug. They don’t use their electronic devices on these trips. “They get to see the cooking and how hard it was. They participate in team bonding activities and ‘blind trust’ walks,” Silberman said. “They get outside their comfort zone. This brings learning to life in a way that it can’t be done in a classroom.”

Funding also helps middle and high school educational programs.

Another beneficiary of the foundation is the arts in public schools. “'Arts’ is a pretty broad term,” she said, ranging from painting and graphic arts to music to performances.

Teachers can apply for foundation grants, which usually are granted to projects that reach the most students or which show innovative teaching methods or materials.

Benicia Education Foundation also underwrites a STEAM wheel elective, a $50,000 project that rotates among schools’ third, fourth and fifth graders who get to learn about robotics, Lisa Duncan Photography chess, dance, drama, computers, LEGO construction, drawing and other elements of the science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) program. For that, the foundation gets help from Valero Benicia Refinery, but still has to match the Valero contributions.

The foundation is getting help for its Sip-N-Stroll, too, Silberman said. “Curtis A. Reed and Samuel L. Thompson of Farmers Insurance is our signature sponsor, and Mountain Mike’s Pizza is on board to help us out. It’s gathering momentum.” Those buying tickets to the event will arrive and receive a glass of wine or sparkling cider. 30 vendors will be on hand with a full array of items.

“They’ll be selling all kinds of things,” Silberman said, including clothing, jewelry, candles, gift items or larger pieces. Additional glasses of wine and cider will be available for purchase, as will food items, she said.

The Clock Tower is a fine venue for such a The Benicia Education Foundation shopping adventure, Silberman said. “It’s a widely Sip-N-Stroll recognized landmark in the Arsenal. Not only is Friday, Nov. 30, 4-8pm it easy to find, it also has plenty of parking. It’s Benicia Clock Tower the biggest venue in town.” Tickets are available 1189 Washington Street through Brown Paper Tickets, $20 per person, beniciaeducationfoundation.org 21 and older only. Admission at the door can be made with cash or by check or charge.

Education Foundation Offers

‘Sip-N-Stroll at Benicia Clock Tower

Karina Guerrero, BEF board member and co-chair of Sip-n-stroll Darrell Doi, BEF Board member

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Scene Culture

Final Weeks for BOTTG’s Fall Comedy

Joe Messina Photography

Celebrating the Written Word

Photo, Plein Air Gallery reading with Johanna Ely and friends, courtesy Benicia Literary Arts

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s Social Security is in its final weeks. Reviewer Frank Rich has described the play as full of “delicious” gags and jokes, and playwright Andrew Bergman as “at his best.”

Bergman’s screenplays for Blazing Saddles and The In-Laws have given movie audiences plenty of laughs. He centers his awardwinning Broadway comedy on a couple, David and Barbara Kahn, Manhattan art gallery dealers whose lives suddenly change when Barbara’s nerdy sister, Trudy, drops off their mother, Sophie, so Trudy and her husband, Martin, can save their daughter from relationships she’s developed at college.

Meanwhile, Sophie is exploring a relationship of her own with an elderly portrait artist, Maurice Koenig, whose minimalist works are displayed at the Kahn’s’ gallery. The play’s been described as “a civilized hoot.”

Social Security was chosen by the theater group’s committee, whose members read numerous scripts before submitting three possibilities for a production. The final selection is decided by a group vote, said Dan Clark, the theater company’s president. “For this fall, their instruction was to find a comedy, no more than two acts and four to eight actors,” Clark said. “Social Security has been in the running before, and popped up again.” This time, it was selected.

Show director Clinton Vidal has the reins as the production’s director. “We know him to be an excellent director, particularly of comedies,” Clark said. “Each was a very good show, and we have won a number of Arty awards for them. In addition, he acted in The Voice of the Prairie and Two Trains Running. Clint is very good about working with community theater actors, many of whom are inexperienced but willing and learning."

The cast’s actors are Nicholas Dahlman, Melaney Bell Baker, Camille Cooney, Tony Rocha, Jackie Blue and Eddie Roberts. All but

By Tomoka Red St. Johns Whether they’re turning back the clock to the Beat Poets era and reciting stylistic lines at The Rellik Tavern, or reading vivid works inspired by area artists’ paintings, Benicia Literary Arts members are a creative presence celebrating the written word.

Benicia Literary Arts (BLA) is the product of the 2012 merger of the Dave Badtke’s Carquinez Review that published collected articles on the culture of those along the Carquinez Strait, and the Benicia Literary Guild, encouraged by publisher James Stevenson who saw Benicia as the Bay Area’s literary arts center.

President Johanna Ely said the organization is still publishing. In 2016, it released the late Donnell Rubay’s With a Dream So Proud: The Life of Stephen Vincent Benet, which focuses in particular on his time in Benicia. BLA publishes the Benicia Poet Laureate’s secondterm collection. Ely’s anthology, Light and Shadow, came out in April.

Author Lois Requist’s latest book, Late Harvest Green…an Idaho Farm Family Through The 20th Century, debuted in Benicia, but she also introduced copies to Idaho in appearances at bookstores and libraries. The next BLA book is former poet laureate Don Peery’s The Book of Joel, honoring Joel Fallon through a collection of published and unpublished writing. Fallon was Benicia’s first poet laureate, who died in 2016 at 85.

But BLA does so much more to encourage writers and readers alike. “During the last couple of years, we’ve really integrated with the literary community,” said Ely, whose own term as Benicia Poet Laureate ended in June. Prose writers and poets alike have become involved in “ekphrasitic” writing, which comes from the Greek word for description, and is vivid or dramatic writing that describes its topic, often art. That’s perfect for Benicia, which has an active arts community. BLA writers scheduled an October ekphrastic reading at

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Baker are new faces to BOTTG. Baker is familiar to theatergoers who saw her in Having a Wonderful Time, Wish You Were Her. But just because the rest of the cast is new to Benicia, it doesn’t mean they’re new to the stage. “Our actors come from all over, with Jackie coming from Berkeley and Tony from Oakland. Experience in this group runs the gamut,” Clark said.

Those attending the play will have the opportunity to take advantage of diner and show combinations for each performance.

Participating for this production is Venticellos Ristorante, at 911 First St. The restaurant has a full menu with a choice of minestrone soup or house salad; one of three entrees, with dessert options and a soft drink included. “Our patrons love it, as they get a good meal at a fair price, and only have to park once,” Clark said.

Show and dinner tickets, limited to 16 per performance, may be ordered online, but patrons must call the restaurant to set their reservations. Names for the reservation need to be the same as the reservation for the theater tickets, Clark said. Theater patrons dine before the show Fridays and Saturdays, and on Sundays, they dine after the matinee.

Social Security, which opened Oct. 19 with a champagne gala, is playing through Saturday, Nov. 10 at the historic B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J St. Friday and Saturday curtains are at 8pm, and Sunday matinees are 2pm. The building is not wheelchair accessible, but enhanced hearing devices are available for each performance.

Show and Dinner tickets are $45. General admission to Social Security alone is $22 for adults and $20 for those 62 and older, and students with valid identification.

The Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s website, where tickets can be ordered, is beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com, and the business number is 707.746.1269.

HQ Gallery, 333 First Street, Suite D. Another one will take place December 15 at Benicia’s Plein Air Gallery, 307 First St. BLA classes encourage writers of all experience levels. For experienced writers who are ready for peer critiques, the Memoir Writing Group meets 10am-noon the first and third Fridays of the month, guided by Requist, another past poet laureate. Admission to that group is limited, and those interested may email her at lois@requist.com.

Others, who prefer encouragement to critiques, attend BLA’s Writers Helping Writers Salon, meeting 7-9pm third Mondays at HQ Gallery. Cost is $10 per session for nonmembers, and free to those who buy $40 BLA annual memberships. The longtime Benicia First Tuesday Poets Group meets at 6:45pm first Tuesdays at Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St. Led by Tom Stanton, it welcomes both poets, who share their works, and aficionados who want to hear them. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Ely is host to Poetry Inside Out, 5pm first Sundays at Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St. Featured poets give readings, and then the microphone is open to others.

Periodic appearances at the Rellik often have themes, Ely said.

The Beat Poets event harkened to the days when Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti were rebels challenging mainstream conventions. Another was California Dreaming. Writers read their descriptions of living in the Golden State or what led them to move here.

“We are at the Rellik a couple of times a year,” Ely said. “It’s a fun thing!” Bookshop Benicia is another popular BLA events spot, sometimes with guest authors. Keith L. Jensen, the comedian who wrote Punching Nazis, will be there Nov. 8, and Gregory Crouch, author of The Bonanza King, is slated for Nov. 15. “And there are more to come,” Ely said.

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Scene Food & Drink

Photo by Jerry Bowles

Sandwiches and More at Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli

By Courtney Tait One day last May, Suzanne Joncoaltz dropped by Kinder’s Meats, the former BBQ and sandwich franchise on First and West D Streets in Downtown Benicia, to enquire about buying a meat slicer. Joncoaltz and her husband, Dominick LaLicata, owned Heritage Pantry and Spice, and had heard that Kinder’s owners Jeff and Karen Hodgkinson might be retiring and closing up shop.

But Joncoaltz left Kinder’s that day with something better than a slicer: the vision for a new business. “I walked back [to Heritage] and said something like, ‘I think I just agreed to buy them out,’” she says. While at Kinder’s, Joncoaltz had spoken with Jeff Hodgkinson, who convinced her to take over the space. Heritage Pantry and Spice had started to outgrow its location, and the move would offer more space—including an outdoor patio—and opportunities for an expanded menu.

By early September, Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli had opened as a hybrid of the two businesses. Smokehouse sandwiches, such as ball tip steak and BBQ beef are available, along with Heritage Pantry-style sandwiches (with pop-culture names like The Big Easy and Winter is Coming), deli salads, high-end cheeses, and specialty items like chutney, spices, oils, and vinegars. “We’re trying to create a fun and friendly environment where all kinds of foods are celebrated,” says LaLicata. “The menu items are recipes we create ourselves.

We offer the same types of things as Kinder’s did, but it’s a revamped menu, and we brought over our own menu as well.”

Crossroads also offers a selection of sliced meats to order.

LaLicata, who managed an Italian deli for 13 years prior to opening Heritage Pantry and Spice, says that smoking meats commercially is a new venture he’s enjoying. “Neither of us

had commercially smoked anything before,” he says, “but my creative outlet is cooking and creating new recipes.”

Kinder’s staff members stayed on to work at Crossroads, which helped make for a smooth transition. Joncoaltz and LaLicata also brought staff over from Heritage, so fans of both businesses can find not only familiar menu items, but familiar faces. “One of the best things about the move is the staff,” says LaLicata. “Everybody here is fantastic, like a welloiled machine. They’ve taken what could have been a difficult transition and learned what we do so quickly, and embraced us.

It’s been amazing.”

Both Kinder’s and Heritage Pantry and Spice offered catering, and Joncoaltz says she is excited to expand that further with Crossroads. The business caters a range of events, offering meat and cheese boards (with olives, cornichon pickles, nuts, fig jam, and baguettes), smokehouse sliders, signature sandwiches, and desserts. For a unique wedding “cake” option, Crossroads creates beautiful cheese wheels in the shape of a tiered wedding cake, complete with flowers.

While the aesthetics of the building have not changed with the new business, the owners envision making some updates in the future. Joncoaltz says they would like to see new cabinetry and furniture inside, as well as new patio seating outdoors.

“We want to foster that community feeling,” says LaLicata, “and make sure everybody feels like they’re welcome here.”

Crossroads Smokehouse & Deli 707.745.4453 333 First St. #A, Benicia heritagepantryandspice.com

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Wine Tasting Event Funds Safe House for Women

By Patty Gavin women and girls, is notably Galileo Galilei’s quote, evident in the signature “Wine is sunlight held project of the Benicia club. together by water,” is fitting Last year, in partnership for the third annual wine with SafeQuest Solano, tasting event hosted by Soroptimist of Benicia Soroptimist International opened a Safe House, of Benicia. Get ready to for those who experience come taste the grapes the horrific realities of infused with sunshine domestic violence or as opportunity awaits human trafficking. at SIP with Soroptimist, The House of Hope has November 10, 7-10pm at been a goal of the club the Clock Tower. for several years. With The Clock Tower will be ongoing rent and needed transformed into a casually furnishings and supplies, Benicia Soroptimist Committee Left to right: Penny Stell, Patty Gavin, elegant harvest setting, the club's fundraising Donna Ernst, Bobbi Enderlin, Deb Machado, Heather McLaughlin, and the evening of wine eff orts will help to keep it Gail Temple, Terry Baldwin, Bonnie Silveria tasting and delectable food open. Sip with Soroptimist Lisa Duncan Photography will include entertainment is the club's major

by Nicky DePaola. Known as fundraiser, with proceeds "Nicky D," a vocalist, entertainer and recording artist, his class going to support not only the safe house, but a wide range act is best described as Sinatra meets Motown, with a mix of of local projects. These include scholarships for high school soulful R&B. You won't want to miss this! students: Dream It, Be It career day for girls, Live Your Dream Prominent wineries from Napa and Sonoma counties education award for women heads of household, and support will supply the wine, while plenty of food and desserts will for the Family Resource Center. Soroptimist also stocks the be available. Want more? There will be a silent auction and SCOOP closet and provides new backpacks for back to raffle gift baskets, and surprises are in store as well. One of school. the highlights of the evening will be the $1,000 Holiday Cash Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com. The advance ticket drawing. Enter to win with purchase of raffle tickets at $10 price is $40 each or two for $75. At the door, the ticket price each. will be $50. Designated drivers pay only $10 and receive Why Sip with Soroptimist? This is a party with a purpose. bottled water and snacks. For further information call Penny Soroptimist International 's mission, to improve the lives of at 925.890.5510.

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SNICKERDOODLE COOKIE

½ Cup Butter ½ Cup Shortening ½ Cup Sugar 2 Eggs 2 Tbs Vanilla extract 3 Tbs Pumpkin puree 2 ¾ Cups all purpose flour 2 Tsp Cream of tartar 1 Tsp Baking soda Pinch of salt, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice Makes 15 medium cookies Cream the butter, sugar and pumpkin puree together for 2 minutes, then add the dry ingredients until incorporated.

Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and dust with cinnamon sugar. To give it additional pizazz, cut the cookie in half horizontally and add cream cheese or whip cream to the middle.

Delicious Alternatives to Pumpkin Pie

By Jeanne Steinmann One thing we can all be thankful for this Thanksgiving is that it remains one of the few non-commercial holidays. It’s a special day—an opportunity to pause and consider just what we are grateful for—and for gathering with loved ones.

Whether you are feeding a crowd with a complement of traditional dishes or assembling a pared-down version, pumpkin pie is one of the cornerstones of the meal and a tasty annual treat. This year, however, perhaps it’s worth rethinking the turkey day dessert staple in favor of a more creative option.

With so many pumpkin-based desserts out there, it’s easy to impress your guests with these simple recipes. After all, Thanksgiving is about creating memories, and dazzling guests with a new twist on an old standby will certainly do the trick.

Recipes courtesy of the chefs at Christy Hill Restaurant, Tahoe City

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PUMPKIN AND CRÈME FRAICHE CHEESECAKE IN A JAR 12oz Cream cheese at room temperature 1 Vanilla bean 1 Tbs Vanilla extract 4 Tbs Sugar 1 Cup Crème fraiche 1 Cup Pumpkin puree Pinch of salt and cinnamon Makes 10 servings Using the paddle attachment, mix all in a KitchenAid mixer until incorporated. Fill bottom of jar or glass with Macadamia Nut Crust Streusel (below) and fill almost to the top with the cheesecake filling. Top with lemon curd, whip cream or fresh berries.

MACADAMIA NUT CRUST STREUSEL FOR CHEESECAKE 1 Cup Macadamia nuts 1 Cup Flour ¼ Pound Butter ½ Cup Brown sugar Pinch of Salt, cardamom, cinnamon Pulse nuts in food processor until crushed and mix all ingredients except the butter, in a bowl. Cut butter into cubes. Incorporate butter into the mix with hands. Alternatively, blend all ingredients in a food processor until chunky.

Pour mixture into a sheet pan and bake in the oven at 325. Every 5 minutes during cooking, remove from oven to stir with a wooden spoon, until it turns brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Should be slightly chunky. Add to top of cheesecake.

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Personalize Holiday Gifting with Handcrafted Goods

By Jeanne Steinmann Shopping may seem like the last thing we want to tackle during the holiday season. But it should be fun, not just expedient. Before heading to a mall or opening your computer or tablet for something generic that can be had just about anywhere, consider choosing locally handcrafted, unique gifts that are guaranteed to delight the recipient.

Downtown Benicia is a good start—you can find handcrafted goods at many First Street shops—and affordable art in Benicia galleries. Another option is to visit one or more of the many makers’ markets, which are growing in number around the Bay. Makers offer high quality, creative items that make perfect and memorable gifts for friends and family. Depending on the market, you’ll find an impressive array of locally handmade products that include clothing, pillows, jewelry, toiletry bags, travel items, candles, art, textiles, leather goods, home décor, garden items and unusual gifts.

There are two markets here in Benicia—Jingle All the Way Annual Holiday Fair at the Historical Museum and Benicia Main Street’s annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Market on First Street. Both events offer locally handcrafted goods.

At Maker’s Market, which puts on markets in six locations in California, operations manager Heath Owen says that there’s a resurgence in the American maker movement that honors old world traditions in a modern world. Makers Market has four brick and mortar locations throughout the Bay Area, the closest being Walnut Creek

and Napa, in addition to their monthly markets (see the website).

Berkeley’s Maker’s Row has a similar mission to support local artists, according to spokesperson Marguerite Munoz, and is “the perfect place to enjoy a slower pace of shopping and to appreciate a curated collection of unique, local offerings in East Bay … a hidden gem that’s made a permanent home in the paseo off Berkeley’s Fourth Street.” It’s also an opportunity to meet the makers and learn their craft.

Santa Rosa is in its 44th year of highlighting local, handcrafted goods by 90-plus artists. Items for sale include holiday décor, home goods, bath and body products, edibles and more. The two-day fair also offers live entertainment, trolley rides, a holiday open house, holiday tree and snowman photos and a kid’s craft area.

In San Francisco, there’s a Pinterest Makers Fair presented by SFMade, where, according to the event site, “38 makers kick off the season with an early gift fair specially curated by Pinterest, for shoppers looking for artisan, locally-made gifts in a unique and festive setting.” Also in the City, check out the annual Fort Mason Renegade Craft Fair. Since 2008, the fair has brought together crafters and artists from around the Bay for a weekend of “exceptional craft and design.”

Photos: Top, courtesy Makers Market US; below, Berkeley Row Jewelry by Lina Shatara. P. 21, top and bottom right, Fort Mason Renegade Craft Fair, San Francisco; bottom left, courtesy Makers Market US

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Here’s a list to get you started on a fruitful (and more relaxed) shopping experience.

Jingle All the Way Holiday Fair, Benicia Sat. 11/8 & Sun. 11-5 Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia 707.745.5435, beniciahistoricalmuseum.org, @beniciahistoricalmuseum Benicia Main Street Christmas Parade & Holiday Market Sat. 12/15, 10am-3pm (market starts after the parade) 707.745.9791, beniciamainstreet.org, @beniciamainst Pinterest Makers Fair San Francisco Sat. Nov. 3, 11am-4pm, $5 suggested donation. 651 Brannan Street San Francisco, sfmade.org/blog/sfmadeholiday-fairs-2018 @SFmade Renegade Craft Fair, San Francisco 11/10 & 11, Fort Mason Festival Pavilion 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco renegadecraft.com/city/san-francisco, @renegadecraft Berkeley Maker’s Row View Maker’s products Friday, Saturday and Sunday November & December In the paseo off Fourth Street, Berkeley 347.779.4619, facebook.com/ fourthstmakersrow, @makersrowberkeley Bay Area Maker’s Markets by Makersmarket.us Broadway Plaza Makers Market Walnut Creek, 11/11 and 12/8 Santana Row Makers Market in the Park San Jose, 11/3 and 12/1 Makers Market on the Deck Los Gatos 11/10 and 12/8 Makers Market at the Lumber Yard Mill Valley, 11/10 and 12/8 Makers Market at First Street Napa, 11/17 and 12/15 makersmarket.us/events/ @makersmarket Handmade Holiday Crafts Fair Santa Rosa 44th Annual Fair, Sat. 12/1, 9am-5pm, Sun. 12/2, 10am-4pm Finley Community Complex 2060 West College Avenue $3 per person, kids under 12 free No pets, service animals only 707.543.3737 srcity.org/2176/HandmadeHoliday-Crafts-Fair BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

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Calendar

November EVENTS Downtown Holiday Shopping Spree

Arts Benicia Presents In the Fields: Botanical Lore

11/1-12/6 First Street, Benicia A drawing for a Downtown Benicia shopping spree valued at $500 in Downtown Dollars. For every $10 that shoppers spend at participating merchants, they will receive one ticket for the drawing.

The drawing will take place on the evening of the Holiday Open House December 7.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

BOTTG Presents Social Security

11/2, 3, 9 & 10, 8pm; 11/4, 2pm Historic BDES Hall 140 West J Street, Benicia Benicia Old Town Theatre Group’s fall production is Social Security, a comedy by Andrew Bergman. The story surrounds two art dealers, the wife’s nerdy sister, uptight CPA husband and their archetypal Jewish mother. The mother has a romantic attachment to an elderly artist and a college student daughter is thrown in to the mix.

Tickets are $22/general admission, $20/seniors 62+ & students with ID, $30/opening night champagne gala, $45/show & dinner deal at Venticellos Ristorante Italiano.

Beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.org 707.746.1269

Approaching Literature through Art

11/4-29 Opening Reception 11/4, 3-5pm Benicia Public Library 150 East L Street, Benicia The public is invited to the opening reception and to view this new exhibit at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery inside the Benicia Library.

Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

David McCrae, Apricot Petal Flower, pigment print, made without a camera

43rd Annual American Indian Film Festival

11/7-11, various times Brava for Women in the Arts Theater 2781 24th Street, San Francisco Annual forum bringing artists, filmmakers, musicians, talent and the general local public together to celebrate, support and experience work produced by native and nonnative peoples, while advocating for authentic representation of native people in the media. Join the American Indian Film Institute for this festival as they honor and celebrate the life’s work of the late Michael Smith, founder and director of the American Indian Film Festival®.

Aifisf.com

Sip with Soroptimist

11/10, 7-10pm Historic Clock Tower 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Enjoy an evening of wine tasting and food with local wines from Napa & Sonoma and food from local eateries. There will also be raffles, a silent auction, music and

dancing. Proceeds from this third annual event benefit the Soroptimist of Benicia Safe House.

Tickets are $40 each or 2/$75.

Designated Driver tickets are $10. Available online through Eventbrite.

Soroptmistofbenicia.org

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

11/10, 7pm Paramount Theatre of the Arts 2025 Broadway, Oakland A holiday mash-up for the entire family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary work set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist. Through the spells cast by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her prince, Myron, travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. The dance work celebrates love, community and the magic of New Year’s Eve. Paramounttheatre.com 510.465.6400

11/10-12/21, hours vary Opening Reception 11/10, 6-8pm Arts Benicia 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114, Benicia Art history shows us that artists and plants are a natural pairing.

Artists have been creating botanical lore for centuries, inspired by the forms, colors, myths, science, and symbolism of plants. Artists working in all media share their botanical expressions and depictions.

Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131

Art Scavenger Hunt

11/17, 12-4pm First Street, Benicia Discover amazing art found in downtown galleries while doing a scavenger hunt. Participants will receive a free “I Love Benicia” bag and be entered in drawing to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.

Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

Artist Reception

11/18, 3-5pm Benicia Plein Air Gallery The public is invited to a reception for featured artist of the month, Sharon Hinds-Smith, at the Benicia Plein Air Gallery. The exhibit runs for the month of November.

Beniciapleinair.com 707.297.5903

Union Square Tree Lighting

11/23, 5:30pm Union Square Park Sutter & Geary Streets, San Francisco Macy’s 29th Annual Tree Lighting in Union Square across from the front side of Macy’s with thousands of LED lights and 700 ornaments.

Special holiday performances from

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the San Francisco Boys’ Chorus, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, San Francisco Playhouse’s A Christmas Story: The Musical, Us the Duo and Carmen Cusack, a visit from Snoopy, Santa and more! Unionsquareshop. com/TreeLightingUnionSquare.html

Indoor & Outdoor Dining

-6pm Friday 3 cocktails, y a d n ll ms Mo 2 off we select food ite $ , e in $3 off w er and $2 off e ints of b $1 off p

Small Business Saturday

11/24, all day Benicia Shops Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to support local businesses and keep tax dollars in their own community. Support small businesses and all they do for the community today!

Benicia Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

11/24, 7pm; 11/25 2pm; 12/1, 2 & 7pm Solano College Theater 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield Benicia Ballet presents its 28th annual show of The Nutcracker, in cooperation with the Solano College Music Department and the Symphony Orchestra of Northern California.

Tickets range from $15-24 and are available online or through Solano College Theater.

Beniciaballet.org 707.746.6757

FOOTBALL SUNDAYS!

Breakfast menu with bottomless Mimosas with purchase of meal until 2pm.

SUN 9AM - MIDNIGHT MON - THURS: 11AM - MIDNIGHT FRI & SAT: 11AM - 1AM 33 TV’s showing all local & major sporting events MLB, NBA, NFL, UFC & more 32 beers on tap from breweries all over the U.S. • Specialty cocktails and wine

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Teddy Bear Tea

12/1 & 2, seatings at 10:30am, 1pm & 3pm Camellia Tea Room 628 First Street, Benicia The annual Teddy Bear Tea returns, benefiting Benicia Main Street Program, featuring a special holiday traditional tea, costumed characters, storytelling, Christmas carols and a special visitor from the North Pole! Seatings are Saturday & Sunday at 10:30am, 1pm and 3:30pm. Reservations and advanced payment are required.

Camelliatearoom.org 707.746.5293

Jingle All the Way Holiday Faire, Tree Lot & Concernt

Holiday Fair, 12/1, 11am-8pm; 12/2, 11am-5pm A Winter Gift Christmas Concert, Fri. Dec. 8 Christmas Tree Lot, Nov. 23-Dec. 23 Benicia Historical Museum 2060 Camel Road, Benicia Benicia Historical Museum at the Camel Barns invites everyone to their annual Holiday Faire, which features crafts, beverages, food and Santa. It’s holiday fun for the whole family!

Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435

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Live Music

November LIVE MUSIC Patrick Winningha

m

Lydia Pense & Cold Blood

Empress Theatre 707.552.2400, 330 Virginia St, Vallejo EmpressTheatre.org Nov. 02, 8pm Nov. 03, 8pm Nov. 07, 8pm Nov. 10, 8pm Nov. 11, 1pm

Nov. 11, 8pm

Jo Awayan & Angelica w/Garth Garcia and opener Pia Villa Alegre $45 to $65 Online, Phone & Box Office Lydia Pense & Cold Blood with opener Soul Fuse $25 Online/$30 Phone & Box Office Boney James $75 to $100/Online, Phone & Box Office Luther Vandross Tribute Band feat.

Greg Ballad $30 to $50/Online, Phone & Box Office Sunday Jazz with Raoul Midon $30 to $40/Online, Phone & Box Office VIP Brunch at 11:30am for extra $35 (limited and must have purchased concert ticket) Special Aretha Franklin Tribute

by Buttah $30 to $50/Online, Phone & Box Office

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Nov. 2, 5:30pm - 8pm Nov. 3, 5:30pm - 8pm Nov. 9, 5:30pm - 8pm Nov. 10, 5:30pm - 8pm

Don Bassey & Friends Graham Day &DJ Precise Soulful Security Patrick Winningham Band

Uptown Theatre Napa 707.259.0123, 1350 Third Street, Napa Uptowntheatrenapa.com Nov. 18, 8pm Nov. 30, 8pm

Todd Rundgren $45 - $85, Ticketmaster or Box Office Jonny Lang $40 - $75, Ticketmaster or Box Office Todd Rundgren

26 • Benicia Magazine

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Art

Misuk Goltz Paintings Reveal a Rich Collection of Life Experiences

“Every man’s work, whether it be literature, or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself.”

—Samuel Butler, English Author, (1835-1902)

By Donna Covey Misuk Goltz is a watercolor artist who will tell you she is blessed creating portrait after portrait of her life. Beginning November 1, Benicia art devotees will delight in Misuk Goltz’ solo art exhibit Portrait of Life at Milinda Perry Gallery.

Goltz, who is presently living in Vacaville, brings to her paintings a rich background of life experiences and academic accomplishments including advanced degrees in art therapy and mental health counseling.

She was born and raised in South Korea and lived in West Berlin for three years, before moving to the U.S. in 1980. After working as a psychiatric outpatient counselor, she retired in 2008 and began painting.

Although her painting was initially a hobby, she fell in love with creating in watercolors. Goltz’s keen interest in traditional Chinese calligraphy and textile art informed her artistic vision. “For me, every aspect of creating a painting is pleasurable. How satisfying it is to dance with your brush onto a beautifully prepared cotton paper and flow with loaded paint and water,” she said.

The display of Misuk’s work at Milinda Perry Gallery will evoke feelings of rapport, empathy,

and connection with the world, its people and surroundings. Viewers will be mesmerized by her paintings—besides stunning portraits, you will see her interpretations of everyday surroundings, locally and from around the world.

Misuk has received numerous awards; many in first place and best of show in juried competitions at the local, state, and national levels. Locally, her watercolor paintings dominated the watercolor awards at the 2017 Fairfield/Suisun Visual Arts Association (FSVAA) 54th Annual Regional Juried Art Show, by placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd plus an honorable mention for her work.

Portrait of Life is the title Misuk chose for her show at the Milinda Perry Gallery, because she feels the paintings in the show represent how she interprets people, nature, and other aspects of her world. An artist reception will be held at Milinda Perry Gallery, 117 East F Street, in Benicia on Friday, November 9, 5-7pm.

Left: Hannah; right, Street Tailor, Old Delhi

by Misuk Goltz

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The Artistic Expression of Plant Life and Lore

By Beth Steinmann This month, a new Arts Benicia exhibit explores complex and nuanced relationships between people and plants, called In the Fields: Botanical Lore. The exhibit information narrative says that, “artists have been creating botanical lore for centuries, inspired by the forms, colors, myths, metaphors, science, and symbolism of plants. Artists working in all media are invited to share their botanical expressions and depictions.”

Lisa Quintero, Exhibitions and Public Program Manager for Arts Benicia, says they wanted participants to express the importance of plants and plant life in their artistic practices. She says, “For many, it’s a natural pairing; a partnership of sorts. The most obvious example is plein air painting and still life painting, but artists also are inspired by homesteading and growing their own food, by ocean plants, by forests, by floral scents, and microscopic plants.”

Each artist shares their unique lens through photographs, drawings, book art, paintings and sculptures in multiple mediums and video installations. One living sculpture depends on gallery visitors to keep the moss misted and alive. Every piece invites viewers to ponder and explore their own relationships with plants.

This exhibit is jurored by Jennifer Perlmutter, and sponsored by Perfect Purée, Law Offices of Dana Dean, Benicia Cat Clinic and Ruszel Woodworks.

There will be a members-only preview November 8, 6-7pm, and an opening reception for the public November 10, 6-8pm. Arts Benicia is a communitybased nonprofit organization that offers creative workshops, public and educational programs and diverse, relevant artist exhibitions. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm during exhibitions.

Steve Donegan, Philadelphia: Cadmium Blue Hand, 53" x 40" digital weaving of cotton thread Marc Newton, Georgia, Permanent Botanicals: Untitled #24, uses a 500-pound hydraulic press to make lead-plate prints

At Gallery 621 It’s Hip to be Square

By Rebecca Gulick The square, with its equal sides and angles, may seem the most rigid of the quadrilaterals, but within the confines of this elemental shape the creative possibilities are boundless. For proof of that, just take a 90-degree turn into Gallery 621 this month, as it hosts its popular holiday exhibit, The Perfect Square.

The gallery’s third-annual Perfect Square exhibit showcases 55 works, all 12 x 12 inches in size and created by the gallery’s 11 artist members in a variety of media, including oil painting, pastels, acrylics, ceramics, mixed media, and collage. Another unique aspect of this event, all the work is priced at $250, and the purchased pieces can be taken at the time of sale.

“We get excited putting on this exhibit,” said Linda Stevenson Dunlop, an artist who has been with the gallery almost since the beginning. “It's the artists’ favorite show, as it's a way of thanking our clients and enticing new patrons to purchase a piece.”

One of the most enduring membership-run galleries in Benicia, Gallery 621 opened a decade ago—just up the street at 621, before settling into its current residence at 309 First Street. The gallery’s focus is original, contemporary fine art of various media, from painting and printmaking to 3D ceramic sculpture.

“The artists are very professional and supportive of each other and create work that pushes the envelope,” according to Dunlop. “Everybody is putting their heart and soul into it, and that’s what art is about.” She added that Benicia is a nurturing community where “there’s a place for everybody in the arts.

Everyone’s finding their voice. It feels good here.”

Running from November 1 through December 30, The Perfect Square exhibit is timed just right for those holiday shoppers who would like to give someone an original work of art. A reception for the exhibit is slated for Saturday, November 10, from 3 to 6, and a special holiday reception will be held Saturday, December 8, also 3 to 6.

Visit Gallery 621 at 309 First Street, in Benicia, during its new hours, 12-6pm Thursday to Sunday. More information is online at www.gallery621.com, and you can call the gallery at 707-297-6860 or email g621crew@gmail.com.

Works that fit a 12” square in various mediums, courtesy Gallery 621 Clockwise from top left: Jerrold Turner, Marjorie Lutz, Nikki Basch Davis, Stephen Schumm

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People

Bringing Benicia Art to the Forefront

Lisa Duncan Photography

By Adriene Rockwell Since his retirement from Hasbro, Inc. in 2012, Terry Scott hasn’t been able to sit still. The rustic wood trestle table in the heart his living room seems to be his creative zone. His laptop and notes are spread out and there’s rock & roll playing in the background. Randi, his wife of 40 years, is puttering in the veggie garden while his dogs Montana and Kito are by his feet.

The doors in their eastside home are open to let in the cool Benicia breeze—along with a constant stream of fresh ideas. Terry is always open to them. And at the end of every day he asks himself one important question: “Did I make a difference today?”

Terry now serves as the Chair of the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission, a volunteer commission charged with creating and promoting arts and culture in our creative town. He’s been a key player in demonstrating the economic impact of the arts, and for the past 18 months has been spearheading a growing public art movement. Thanks to Terry and the commission’s Public Art Committee, Benicians are seeing artist-rendered traffic light boxes popping up throughout the city, and in the months ahead we can anticipate many more artful benches, murals, picnic tables and whimsical surprises in our neighborhoods. “We wanted to take hidden gems, those objects you see every day that you don’t notice, and turn them into wow moments,” he said.

Born and raised in Cleveland Ohio, Terry is a creative soul with an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduating with degrees in art and journalism from Kent State, he got a job as a reporter for the Palm Beach Times, and soon started his own investigative magazine called South Florida Today. He sold it when he was just 25 years old, then moved back to Cleveland, met Randi on a blind date and launched his career in advertising. Within a decade Terry was running his own advertising and events agency. When it began to consume him, he knew it was time to walk away.

In 1996, Terry answered an ad for Cap Candy in Cleveland that would change his life. He became the Chief of Research and Development and within a month, Hasbro, Inc. purchased Cap Candy and several other businesses. Terry eventually became the Senior VP of Global Creative Services for Hasbro and was transferred to their headquarters in Napa.

It’s been six years since Terry retired from his global post and settled here in Benicia, eventually putting his heart and soul into the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission. Along with public art initiatives, the commissioners advocate for local performing, visual and literary arts organizations, along with the Benicia Film Festival—a major fundraiser for the commission.

“We talk about Benicia as a hidden gem, as an artist community, but the manifestation of our artist colony is not visible from the outside,” he said. The public art initiative is changing that. “Public art tells your brain to look for beauty, to see and enjoy your surroundings. It makes us more aware and brightens our lives.

There is an emotional connection. Public art does that.”

For more information about the BACC, and call for artists, see beniciaartsandculture.org.

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