Benicia Magazine January 2023 Issue

n From the Editor

Resolutions

With the new year upon us, many of us will be setting resolutions to improve ourselves –planning on hitting the gym more regularly, finally signing up for that art class, committing to using all allotted vacation days this year, etc. While I personally have never much subscribed to the New Year’s Resolution hype, I appreciate the idea behind it. We often get so set in our ways, so comfortable with our excuses, and perhaps, so fearful of change or failure, that we fail to realize the potential within ourselves. And, yes, there’s a lot of potential there! Whether you plan to get healthier this year or to shift your perspective by trying something new every weekend, don’t be afraid to set your goal – and reset it if, and when, you fail! Resolutions don’t have to only be set at the new year. In fact, you might find it helpful to do a life check-in once a quarter or even every month to see where you are and set your goals afresh.

For myself this year, I plan to forge deeper connections with friends and family – making a greater effort to stay in touch. I plan to recommit to my body, not by diving into an intense workout regimen, but by taking care of old dance injuries. And perhaps my loftiest goal: I aim to take a vacation this year. There, I’ve said it. Now it’s time to manifest it!

One of the resolutions we have for the magazine is to increase our Patreon membership. If you haven’t already, please go check out our Patreon page and consider supporting the magazine by becoming a Patron. The lowest rate is a mere $5/ month. Doing so will help ensure we can keep providing you with this publication every month. Find the page at patreon.com/benicia-magazine.

And, finally, a programming note and a correction. The serial “Picket Fences” will now be published online, only. Keep up with the story by visiting beniciamagazine.com each month. In our December issue, we printed a story that mistakenly called Michael and Bobby, owners of Tilth and Oak, a husband and wife partnership. They are, of course, a husband and husband partnership. Apologies and many thanks to them for being good sports about the mixup.

Happy New Year!

Genevieve

Introducing Cooper Mickelson!

Meet our new Art Director, Cooper Mickelson. Cooper graces our cover this issue with a dramatic photo of her scaling a climbing wall, a skill that she challenged herself to learn. Cooper believes in testing herself, physically and mentally, she is endlessly curious and likes to explore new ideas and experiences. She looks at what’s trending, absorbs it and applies to her creative work. She has been working as our graphic designer with Margaret Bowles for the past nine months and has been well prepared to take on the role of Art Director.

A woman of eclectic interest and calm energy, she brings to Benicia Magazine a different, perhaps broader viewpoint and allows the magazine to speak to a wider audience. She loves to travel and wants to travel more. She loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. She is intrigued by different forms of fashion and style which she wears beautifully. She lives with her husband Jerry and their beloved Vizsla puppy, Kaz. We know you will enjoy Cooper's touch in Benicia Magazine.

January has a dual personality

Think about it. There’s the January that’s full of promise and new possibilities, New Year’s Day, new resolutions, new gym membership, nothing but possibilities! Then there’s the dreary, gray, cold January, the beginning of winter, with the promise of more cold, gray dreariness. It takes effort to keep a positive outlook about new resolutions. There are a few ideas in this issue of Benicia Magazine that might help. Start by reading the true beginnings of January, named after Janus, the Roman god of transitions. The article offers suggestions on unusual things to do to help make changes within yourself as well as the world beyond.

Consider taking in the Art of Memory exhibit at Gallery 621 where you can see two different artists take on their memories of Benicia and Solano County. Or consider a free yoga class to help launch your resolution to be healthy. Elevate and East Bay Herbals offer a way to jump start your “new you” fitness plan. To get inspiration, you might take a look at the story about a local Benician who is planning on swimming the English Channel! I’m sure he doesn’t mean to make the rest of us feel like a bunch of wimps.

We are introducing a series of articles about interesting and unusual Benicia citizens. We are a town full of interesting individuals, but there are a few that rise to the top of being unique. The first article is about Wadale, a fascinating person of deep spirituality and a colorful presentation. We hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed interviewing him.

Happy New Year to all and may your resolutions stick!

Cheers!

Mary

Art of

n Jean Purnell Works by Dean Evans and Angela White at Gallery 621

Gallery 621 presents “Art of Memory,” an exhibition of artwork by member artists Angela White and Dean Evans. Paintings and other works in this exhibition are inspired by each artist’s memory of things past or places visited. The exhibition will run from January 5 through 29, with a reception open to the public on Saturday, January 14, from 4 until 6 pm.

Dean Evans grew up in Clayton and remembers a more rural environment than exists today. “My paintings are about trying to preserve what things used to be like, the rural quality, especially in Contra Costa County,” he says. “I’ve watched that disappear over time. Around 2008 I moved to Martinez and became familiar with the Carquinez region. It surprised me how little it had changed, compared to the rest of the Bay Area. Towns like Crockett, Port Costa, Martinez, Benicia, even Vallejo have been able to maintain that small town waterfront character. I’ve become almost obsessed with painting that, before it disappears.”

In addition to landscapes of the local area, Evans’ oil paintings also depict old town buildings and the decaying artifacts of industry such as those found on Mare Island. His current works are detailed and realistic, painted with a variety of palette knives. “I always wanted to be a painter. Growing up in Clayton, I liked to go out and sketch things.” In high school, he modeled his style after James Enemark, a well-known watercolor artist and teacher who painted rustic barns and rural scenes in a realistic manner. “I really got drawn into that genre. But when I went to college, no one was painting in that sort of style. In the 1980s there was a trend toward conceptual, non-objective work, and I painted in an abstract style for a while.”

Evans graduated from San Jose State with a BFA and MFA and began a career teaching art, eventually specializing in teaching students with disabilities. When he picked up his painting some years later, he gravitated back to his earlier, more realistic style. Now retired, he still teaches art in the Mount Diablo School District as a substitute. “I’ve lived in other places, but I’ve always

come back, this is the place that has everything … near a big city with museums and restaurants, near mountains, the ocean. My wife and I enjoy hiking and being outdoors.”

Angela White has spent most of her life on the East Coast, relocating from Bethesda to Benicia with her husband in late 2021, seeking to be closer to their children. “A lot of my paintings are of subjects on the East Coast. But I often visited my son who lived out here, and he would take me to many beautiful natural environments. And then I would go back into the studio and try to recreate the memory of how it felt to be there.”

White’s works include oil paintings, encaustic paintings, and assemblage. Her oil paintings are mainly seascapes, abstract representations of specific places. Her encaustic works include abstracted landscapes as well as abstract designs created by stamping patterns in the soft wax with Indonesian tjaps that she has collected. She began developing assemblage works during the COVID shutdown period. “I was an art educator for many years, and I used to teach the technique of assemblage to my students. During COVID, I felt a lot of isolation and spent time walking around in my neighborhood collecting natural objects. I began combining these items to create assemblage works in cigar boxes that I’d collected over a long period.”

White describes herself as an “air force brat” who had the opportunity to live in various art-rich European cities as a child. “I was always surrounded by art, and I always knew I was going to be an artist.”

She received the BA and MA from University of Maryland, and majored in painting, with a second bachelor’s degree in art education. She taught in Montgomery County Schools for 30 years, at all levels. She has been represented by Wohlfarth Galleries for many years. “It was a big transition to move here. Benicia has a good feel, it’s art-friendly, has antique and vintage shops, the waterfront, and a beautiful natural environment. I love the community here and have made many new friends.”

The gallery is located at 920 First Street, Suite 203 and is open Thursday through Sunday, 12 to 6pm. You can see more of these artists’ works at gallery621.com and on Instagram, @dean_evans_art and@anglwhite. B

Works by Dean Evan and Angela White at Gallery 621

Dean Evan

Angela White

A Timeless Closet Refresh

n J.B. Flake Photos by Cooper Mickelson

This new year you might feel the urge to change up your look, and that’s exciting! Exploring what type of clothing or what style makes you feel most confident should not be exclusive to one gender. Fashion can be fun and should be enjoyed by everyone. But if you’re new to it, picking a place to start can be a considerable challenge.

Denim is the classic staple of any wardrobe. Whether it is your go-to pair of pants or your favorite winter jacket covered in patches, I’d bet there’s at least one denim product in your closet that has felt a lot of love through the years. Nothing screams adventure and freedom like a pair of well-worn denim jeans.

Over the years, with the rise of fast fashion, denim has lost some of its old, American feel. We’ve gravitated toward cheap, trendy jeans that tear at the seams within a few months. “Heritage” fashion and a resurgence of ruggedness in menswear have become popular selling points for many brands countering the fast fashion movement. The revival of old-school design and manufacturing processes can be seen in many contemporary clothing stores and has sparked passion in people who never thought they’d be interested in fashion. This New Year, instead of jumping the gun and ordering a bunch of clothes from ASOS that will inevitably end up in a donation bin, I suggest you invest in a pair of raw, selvedge denim jeans.

One of the most rewarding aspects of well-made denim is that it ages with you. Starting with raw denim allows you to slowly create a custom pair of jeans as you wear them, and if you take care of them, that pair of jeans can last you years.

Most jeans sold today are produced by washing and distressing the denim to achieve an artificial worn-in look. Raw denim is unwashed and untreated, giving the wearer a clean slate to work with that will fade

naturally over time. All you have to do is wear your raw jeans as long as you can before washing them, wear ‘em hard, and soon you’ll have a personalized, naturally faded pair of trousers.

Ok, so raw denim means a more customized pair of pants. But what does “selvedge” mean? Selvedge denim is an old-fashioned way of weaving denim. Selvedge denim holds a sort of historical authenticity. The denim mills that choose to produce selvedge understand and value the history of denim. They don’t do it because it’s easier or in higher demand; they make it because they truly love denim. Because of this passion, they’re more likely to decide on superior, heritage-inspired products. It becomes an artisan endeavor. Selvedge denim also has a distinct style advantage. Rolled or cuffed selvedge jeans show the selvedge ID, which quite simply looks more interesting than non-selvedge jeans.

There aren’t many places to try on raw and selvedge denim in the Bay Area. Luckily, one of the most knowledgeable and friendly stores is a short drive from Benicia. Standard & Strange began with two guys selling denim in a back alley in Oakland. They have since grown to be a socially responsible organization with three brick-and-mortar stores and an engaged community of customers. Standard & Strange is committed to old-world style customer service. You’ll be greeted with a smile, guided through your shopping experience with honesty, and left with a deeper understanding of the art of making the clothing you wear. Everything they sell is built to last and has been manufactured ethically, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. Starting in 2020, Standard & Strange began to donate 2% of their revenue to social equality and other causes, making your decision to shop with them mean even more.

Put more thought into your clothing choices this year, skip the fast fashion binge and invest in the ageless art of raw, selvedge denim!. B

Janus J

God of All Beginnings

n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D.

Janus, also known as January, is the first month of the calendar year and is recognized as the god of doorways, representing the present and the past and the sun's rising and setting. It represents transitions; the old and new. Janus is visually represented by two bearded heads attached and looking in opposite directions of the past and the future. It is not a surprise that January is often a time of reflection on the year prior and hopes for better days ahead. January presents new opportunities and ways to celebrate. Folks sometimes purge and prepare by making wishes and resolutions in hopes of a better outcome than the prior year. Several special days in January encourage self-care, empathy, history, and advocacy.

January 3 is Mind Body Wellness Day, a time to rededicate efforts towards self-care. Juggling day-today responsibilities can be overwhelming when we lose focus on our health. While caring for others, we often neglect ourselves by pushing ourselves to our mental and physical limits without taking the necessary time to rejuvenate. Interestingly enough, gyms often find an increase in memberships during January and March, with January being a time of renewal and March getting prepared for the summer. There are several options to get fit. Join a local gym, download apps that support fitness, or take daily walks to recenter your focus and energy. The most important part is to remain active, including taking the time to renew your mind and thinking. Dedicating 15 to 30 minutes towards self-care each day is a great start. World Day Against Human Trafficking is observed on July 30. However, the United States marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11. California reports having the highest cases of human trafficking, which includes both female and male victims. The Solano Anti-Trafficking Coalition was established in 2020 out of the Solano County District Attorney's Office and has made efforts to raise awareness and education. For more information, call the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1.888.373.7888 or go online to humantraffickinghotline.org/ state/california; and for Solano County, check out the Solano Anti-Trafficking Coalition natureofsound.org/satc.

January 16, 2023, observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This holiday takes place on the third Monday of January. Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. King was a notable civil rights advocate who practiced nonviolence in his approach to fight racism, discrimination and segregation. This holiday is celebrated with various programs put on by community leaders. Dr. King hoped that everyone, regardless of ethnicity or religion, would work together toward human rights for all. In Solano County, the Vallejo Chapter of The National Coalition of Negro Women holds an annual breakfast and a program. The Vallejo chapter was established over 65 years ago. This event usually occurs at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fairfield, CA. For a list of other holidays observed by Solano County, visit the Solano County website at solanocounty.com/cals/county_ holidays.asp.

January 24 is National Compliment Day. Take the time out to see the good in others and tell them. You never know what an encouraging word can do for the soul. It can be as simple as telling someone "thank you" for a service or acknowledging their efforts. I recall my days as a classroom teacher. I considered my students my own, so my efforts were to protect them, as their parents entrusted their lives to me daily. Some of the best gifts I have ever received were the kind words parents and former students expressed to me. Even as a school site administrator, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. It meant a lot to me because some of our most challenging professions can feel thankless, and we don't always see the outcome of our efforts.

January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This annual day of remembrance is so we do not forget that the Nazi Regime murdered over six million Jewish people under the leadership and order of Adolph Hitler and other collaborators through systematic planning and propaganda. This genocide was allowed to happen because instead of standing up for human rights, people followed orders without question, listened and believed false narratives, stood by without asking questions and went along with the flow of this horrific genocide instead of standing up against hate. For additional resources, visit the United States Holocaust Museum at ushmm.org/learn

The Ethereal Wadale

n Genevieve Hand

Photo by Viktória Varga

There are few Benicia residents as recognizable as Wadale. If you’re unfamiliar with his name, you’re almost certainly familiar with his appearance. He’s usually dressed in a collage of accoutrements, with beads and jewelry dangling from his hair and clothes, pins adorning his hat, glitter cast across his eye mask, glowing crystals dangling from his neck and topping his walking stick. He is often seen dancing, singing, and playing guitar on the pier and various other places in town.

On the day I met him, officially, he was greeted by many in One House Bakery warmly and familiarly. A canon of “Hey, Wadale!” echoed down the line of patrons and employees alike. One woman passing by stopped and simply said to him, “You just make me so happy,” before continuing on her way.

Wadale, whose last name is Green — “Green as in the color purple,” as he puts it — grew up in the Bay Area, spending time between Rohnert Park and South San Francisco. He lived for several years in Bolinas, where he met the person who would draw him to Benicia. He has since developed a deep connection to Benicia and, though he prefers to live unbound to a traditional home, he considers Benicia to be his hometown.

His trajectory as an artist began early, growing up in a musical family, with a cousin, Larry Graham Jr., who played with Sly and the Family Stone. Wadale was inspired by seeing the group play live at their studio in Los Angeles and developed a love for the expression of music and dance. However, being raised strictly Jehovah’s Witness, he was discouraged from following his own musical path.

Ultimately rejecting the religion in which he was raised, he began his spiritual journey with his move to Bolinas. He began studying Eckhart Tolle and Neale Donald Walsch, gave up his possessions, abandoned traditional society, and eventually realized a profound spiritual connection that he hadn’t felt in organized religion. He credits this spiritual awakening with the unleashing of his creativity.

In 2013, Wadale realized he needed to evolve beyond his “old self.” This is when he decided to start dressing as an amalgamation of the archetypes he identifies with and aspires to be; Zorro and Samson are just two of the roughly ten icons he dresses as on a given day. In doing so, he feels he is connecting with them and embodying their archetype. He turns to their stories and behaviors when things get tough. “How might they have responded in this situation?” he thinks to himself.

Wadale sees himself as an avatar — embodying the characters and heroes he is drawn to, but also representing an alternative narrative of the stereotypical “homeless” person. He spoke about a phenomenon he experiences regularly. Children seem drawn to him. Though unsure when they first see him, they become curious and begin talking to him. “Then they learn, not only am I normal, but I will do everything I can to make them feel like they can be their own heroes too.”

Wadale expressed caring deeply about the children of Benicia and also about the elderly. As a lover of stories, he finds value in the lived experiences of those who have come before us. He aspires to find a thread of commonality with everyone, even those he may disagree with. “As long as mankind has been in existence, it seems we go to fear before we go to love as an option. My message is, let’s play with love a little more. Let’s see what that has to offer us.” B

Viktória Varga

"Photography is my way of storytelling. I started this adventure as a hobby, which developed into a full-fledged passion. I feel so lucky to do what I am passionate about: capturing precious moments with timeless portraits."

Instagram: @VIKTOVAR viktovar@gmail.com

I will do everything I can to make them feel like they can be their own heroes too.

let's play with love a little more,

Give Dry a Try in 2023

n Cooper Mickelson

Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign has been growing in popularity since its kick-off in 2013. What started as a small public health campaign in England has become a movement hosted by multiple countries. Approximately 19% of adults said they participated in Dry January last year, up from 13% who said the same in 2021. Although millennials currently lead this growth, the popularity of the Alcohol-Free movement is spreading quickly to both older and younger generations. Why are so many people skipping the booze at the start of the year? Everybody is different, but the general consensus is there has been a steady increase in our drinking habits over the past few years, and our mental, physical, and spiritual health has suffered as a result.

Alcohol affects our brain chemistry, it creates a sense of euphoria, so it’s no surprise that people turn to drinking during particularly stressful times. I think it’s safe to say that stress, anxiety, and depression have been at an all-time high for many of us over the past few years. Drinking has become an easy way for us to cope with all of this. But how is this habit affecting us?

Even one drink a day over time can wreak havoc on our bodies. From a higher risk of stroke and cancer to a weakened immune system, alcohol has many adverse effects on our bodies.

Regarding our mental health, alcohol can quickly become the enemy. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it disrupts the delicate balance of chemicals and processes in the brain. Therefore, our thoughts, feelings, actions, and long-term mental health are affected. As our bodies process alcohol, we can experience psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation.

“Hangxiety” has become a common experience for many individuals who drink, with Instagram and Twitter accounts dedicated to this shared feeling of dread and embarrassment after a night of drinking. Memes make light of this experience and normalize paying for a “fun night out” with an entire day of anxiety and self-hatred.

For a long time, people weren’t comfortable talking about any feelings surrounding their own alcohol consumption. They felt alone in their experience. But times have changed, and people are speaking out. Sobriety is no longer only for the stereotypical alcoholic who has hit rock bottom. Questioning your drinking habits or if alcohol is adding anything positive to your life is a great way to begin a year full of growth. We hear of more and more people choosing an alcohol-free or sobercurious lifestyle every day, and it’s beginning to inspire others to give it a try, even if only for a month.

Better sleep, clearer skin, and more genuine connections with the people around us. The benefits of limiting alcohol consumption or cutting it out entirely are endless. Many of those who take part in Dry January continue on their sober journey or choose to take part again in following years as a simple reset.

You don’t need to have a “drinking problem” to try out sobriety for a few weeks this year. You don’t even have to commit to an entire month. You can participate however works for you, and know that millions worldwide are doing the same thing while cheering each other on.

Tips to get the most out of your Dry January:

— Do it in a group! It’s much easier and more fun to skip the booze if you have friends doing it with you.

— Research some mocktails to make at home. With companies like Lyre’s, Ritual Zero-Proof, and Athletic Brewing Co., you don’t have to give up your after-work destress beverage. I’ll be posting recipes all month on my Instagram page (@booktails) if you need inspiration.

— Ask your bartenders about non-alcoholic options. Most local bars have NA beer options or can mix up a simple mocktail for you to enjoy. I’m a big fan of a mix of pineapple juice and ginger ale when available.

— Keep a journal to log the positive changes you notice in your body and mind.

— Pick a hobby you’ve been meaning to try out for a while but haven’t found the time to. When you stop drinking, you’ll notice you have more time and money to dedicate to other activities.

— Don’t stress if you slip. Got talked into taking shots while out with friends on Friday? Just start fresh on Saturday. There’s a lot of forgiveness involved with this kind of lifestyle transition. Be kind to yourself and others. B

Questioning your drinking habits or if alcohol is adding anything positive to your life is a great way to begin a year full of growth.

Faux Snow

n Bitsy Hall, M.Ed. and owner of Learning Circles

While some may consider Benicia’s lack of snow a huge bonus, others might call it a deficit. Building snowmen, making snow angels, and sledding are out of the question for our little waterfront town. Although Benicia is missing the winter wonder of snowfall, we have the benefit of sunny but chilly January days and never needing to equip our cars with chains. If you’re wanting to incorporate a bit of snowy wonder into your never too unbearably cold Bay Area day with your children, this craft is for you! It only requires two on-hand ingredients and can be adapted for bigger or smaller kids (see notes). Keep in mind, this will likely get messy, so plan accordingly.

To make faux-snow, you’ll need:

1 Large mixing bowl

1 Mixing spoon

2 ½ Cups baking soda

½ Cups hair conditioner, preferably as close to white as possible Light blue and/or white glitter (optional)

Directions:

1. Pour the baking soda and conditioner in the mixing bowl.

2. Stir until well combined.

3. Add in glitter to your liking (optional).

Bonus tip:

To make the faux snow more realistic, pop this mixture into the fridge for thirty minutes.

That’s it

Snap a picture of your craft and tag @beniciamagazine on Instagram. We would love to see your versions of this winter-inspired craft!. B

For smaller children, faux snow is a great filler for sensory bins. To make a winter-themed sensory bin, dump the faux-snow mixture into a tray and include the following:

To pinch: gator grippers, tongs, or large plastic tweezers.

To scoop: cups, spoons, or small bowls.

To play: small winter inspired toys (penguins, polar bears, etc.).

To learn: board game letters.

For TK and kinder aged kids, this is a fabulous opportunity to practice letter discrimination, recognition, and sounds.

For bigger kids, this faux snow can be molded into snowmen. After creating a snowman to their liking, your child can add buttons, beads, sticks, and so on to accessorize their mini snowman.

From

! Movement Self-Improvement

to

Getting Fit the Fun Way

Photo by Luke George

n Cooper Mickelson

If you are subscribed to our Patreon, you’ve seen our October article on a scary self-improvement challenge. For those who didn’t read it, the basic idea is that we see the most growth in ourselves when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone.

Combining that idea with the overall goal of moving our bodies, I’ve put together a list of local activities that will help you get fit while having fun and stretching the limits of your comfort zone.

Touchstone

Touchstone gyms are scattered across the bay area and offer an exciting way to tone your entire body while simultaneously challenging your brain. The act of climbing causes your brain to zero in on physical movements, problem-solving, and exertion. A great way to destress after a long work day.

Gyms tend to be very intimidating, but you’ll find overwhelming support from climbers at Touchstone. Whether it’s your first time on the wall or you’ve been climbing for years, climbing is more of a community sport than you’d think. “Strangers” will cheer you on regardless of your experience level, and friends are quickly made while asking for advice or figuring out a particularly difficult problem together.

Touchstone gyms also offer fitness classes and have plenty of training equipment. The closest location is Diablo Rock Gym in Concord, but there are gyms scattered across California from LA to SF.

Day passes start at $25, and a complete equipment package rental is only $5. If you fall in love with it, the most popular membership is $90 a month

j.POWERStudio

j.POWERStudio, located at 991 Lincoln Street in Benicia, offers a few incredibly fun classes to choose from. Taking a pole dancing class is one popular way to work out with friends. Laugh and spin to fun music, then nurse your sore muscles at brunch the next day. There’s no need to be shy in these beginner classes. Everybody is there to have fun and sweat it out!

Not ready to jump on a pole? Try out chair dance/floor work classes. Designed to empower and inspire women to feel comfortable expressing their femininity and sensuality, these classes also help you work every muscle imaginable.

Aerial yoga is a gentler way to stretch and engage your muscles at j.POWERStudio. These classes are safe for all levels and help reset the body and the mind.

A single-class drop-in is $40. Visit jpowerstudio.com to book your classes!

January is famously the month of resolutions. It’s a time to buckle down on our workout routine and diet. But often, these seemingly healthy habits fade away in the following months. In 2023, let’s shift the focus from obtaining our ideal body to having the most fun while challenging ourselves to try something new.

Griffin Fitness

If you want a more personalized and guided fitness experience, you might want to try out Griffin Fitness.

Griffin Fitness offers personal training in a private studio with custom programs designed for you. Stress free and performance focused, Griffin Fitness trainers will help you see the positive physical changes you’re striving for.

With Griffin Fitness, you buy “Fit Blocks” which are 15 minute training segments that allow you to easily fit your workout routine into your busy schedule. 16 Fit Blocks is priced at $360, this equals two 30 minute sessions a week for one month. They also offer Bootcamps, 1 hour classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. You can buy 5 Bootcamp classes for $80.

Did you make a fitness resolution with a friend this year? Griffin Fitness offers a Buddy Program, available for all packages, that gives you 25% off per buddy!

Fat Shafts Archery

Did you have a Legolas or Katniss phase as a kid? Well, get ready to live your childhood dream with the help of Fat Shafts Archery.

Fat Shafts Archery is an indoor range, service shop, and retail store for all your archery needs located in Benicia at 3001 Bayshore Road, Suite 9. Whether you’ve never touched a bow or have years of experience, Fat Shafts Archery can cater to your needs. Need lessons, equipment, or a variety of other services? Fat Shafts Archery has your back.

Tuesday Night Adult Classes are offered Tuesdays from 6:15 pm-7:30 pm and are $25/per person. Get your kids involved with the Junior Olympic Archery Development (ages 8-20).

Private lessons are also offered for $50/per person per hour. Open Range hours are 12 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. $20 per hour with rentals or $15 per hour with your own equipment. Visit fatshaftsarchery.com for more information.

Benicia Fitness

Not sure what sort of classes you’re into? Benicia Fitness offers a large range for you to try out this New Year.

Cardio strength, barre, yoga, and spin are just a few of the fun group classes you can take at Benicia Fitness. Burn some calories while dancing to salsa, flamenco, and merengue music in their Zumba classes. Try out kickboxing in a 45 minute high intensity workout that improves your cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and coordination.

Benicia Fitness also offers a variety of outdoor classes on their patio or at the park as well as live online access to all of their classes via Zoom.

A membership with access to the gym as well as classes is $70 a month for individuals or $65 a month if you sign up with your partner. They have discounted memberships for students, seniors, members of the military, and teachers!

If you want to take a class and explore the gym before committing to a membership, day passes are $12.

These activities are bound to be a blast regardless of your age, gender, or fitness level. Challenge yourself to give each of these activities a try at least once this year as an experiment with different ways to be kind to your body while keeping it active. If your friends aren’t interested, don’t be afraid to go by yourself. You’re bound to meet inspiring people when you get there! B

Remember that the focus is on having fun, not on being perfect. If you need help, ask for it. If you feel silly, laugh at yourself. You will find a loving community in all of these spaces.

BITTERS

Not So Bitter

n Maura Sullivan

Ever wonder why all elevated cocktail recipes call for a few drops of bitters?

What does this elixir really do for my drink? Some may see it as a fancy additive that does nothing for the cocktail but simply impresses the average Joe. But Bitters do a lot more than you think.

When I first started my journey crafting cocktails at home. I thought, what could a bitter do that a fruit zest couldn't? How do I know which bottle to pick? Can this go in more than one cocktail? As I learned more, I discovered a few answers and tips that I'd like to share with you.

When creating a cocktail, the end goal is to create a balanced beverage. Not too sweet, not too sour and not too strong. Have you ever thought about the aroma and where it really comes from? Most assume it specifically comes from the spirit. This is partly true, but depending on how diluted the cocktail is with another liquid, such as juice or a hefty garnish, it could be the bitters. If you really look into,

Orange Bitters — Great for whiskey, tequila, rum and brandy drinks. Anything with a strong kick that could use a refreshing but sweet finish.

Cherry Bitters — Complements sour and sweet beverages. Goes great with aromas such as liquorish, vanilla and citrus. This bitter is really open to interpretation and a great starter to pair with any spirit.

Aromatic Bitters — Goes with any beverage that you want to add a bit of spice to. Not spice as in heat, more like citrus and baking spices. All wrapped into a few drops.

The beauty of bitters is they’re not limited to cocktails. They can be added to any beverage, or even marinades. Originally a digestive, they can not only settle the stomach but can also spice up a simple soda water.

Be creative, play this year with bitters, whether it be in an alcoholic beverage, non-alcoholic beverage, or even in a salad dressing. The world is your oyster when you have Pinterest.

Can't wait to hear about all your exciting creations.

Please share with @BeniciaMagazine on Instagram. B

Cheers

to the New Year!

Fun and Inexpensive Bay Area Winter Activites

n Mary Hand

When January hits, we are often tired and broke. We can help! Sometimes, a refreshing getaway doesn't have to be far away or expensive. The Bay Area in winter is beautiful; the hills are green, the tourists are scarce, and you’ll get a bigger bang for your buck than during other times of the year. Here are a few ideas for welcoming the New Year.

Visit a Museum

January is one of the wettest months of the calendar year, which makes it one of the best times of the year to check out the Bay Area’s world-class museums.

Close to home; be sure to visit the Benicia Historical Museum exhibit, Birth of Benicia, and Early California History. Open Wed – Sunday 1-4pm

Oakland Museum of California is featuring Angela Davis-Seize the Time, through June 11, 2023.

San Francisco museums’ exhibits in January include Joan Brown Retrospective at SFMOMA; Ramses the Great at the de Young Museum; Bugs! at the California Academy of Sciences and Glow: Discover the Art of Light at Exploratorium.

The Asian Art Museum is open until 8pm on Thursdays and general admission is just $10 (that’s half-off). Plus Special exhibitions are now included with general admission tickets.

Free days! The de Young offers free admission on the first Tuesday of every month; SFMOMA periodically hosts free family days. Check each institution’s website for details.

Take a Hike!

Nature Hike at King Swett Ranches: Come explore the hills between Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo. Solano Land Trust docents will guide you through this area, known as the KingSwett Ranches. Docents will share insights about the birds and other wildlife that call this area home, and give you a great workout! January 7, 2023,

9am-1pm. Registration is required. Solano Land Trust and Solano County Parks present the first Lynch Canyon bird of prey hike of the winter migration season on January 8, 2023, 10am-2pm. Lynch Canyon is home to golden eagles and hawks. It is also a magnet for migrating and over-wintering birds of prey. Some feathered visitors come from as far away as the Arctic Circle. This hike will be between 4-6 miles. The guided hike is $10 per person. Check website for more info.

Shop a Farmers Market

Farmers markets in January are laughable in most parts of the country – but we have the benefit of the Bay

Area’s mild weather. What might you find at a Bay Area farmers market in January? Citrus tops the list, but you’ll also find other fresh produce and an abundance of seafood. The Downtown Berkeley, Martinez, Old Oakland and Fort Mason farmers markets are all worth a visit.

The Last Word

What better way to beat the postholiday blues than with a Bay Area outing that’s big on adventure and easy on the wallet? January delivers. From museums to markets to magnificent vistas, you won’t just be reminded of what you love about the Bay Area. You’ll have it all to yourself. B

The Elevate Company and East Bay Herbals

Aiding a Healthier Lifestyle

n Bitsy Hall, M.Ed. and owner of Learning Circles

Of all the New Year’s resolutions a person can make, there’s one in particular that repeatedly tops the list: “live a healthier lifestyle.” Intentions to make the upcoming year a healthy one top the list for a reason. Is it because Americans are uber health conscious? Probably not. If anything, such repetition speaks to a degree of nonsuccess — if we’re always starting over, something isn’t working. Cue the unsustainable crash diets, grueling work out plans, and isolating habits. Major lifestyle shifts rarely happen overnight and seldom flourish with perfection.

To ensure January 1st, 2024, won’t be yet another do-over, anchor your small-but-impactful habits in community. Benicia recently welcomed two healthcentered women-owned businesses onto its mainstreet: The Elevate Company and East Bay Herbals. The Elevate Company, located at 901 First Street, is a yoga studio (with more types of exercise to come) that offers a variety of classes, inviting new and seasoned yogis to a place of practice. Paired with friendly instructors and a warm atmosphere, The Elevate Company beckons the return of attendees. Only a few doors down and a flight of stairs away is East Bay Herbals, an herbal shop owned and operated by certified local herbalist, Anna Beauchemin, based in Martinez and Benicia. Implementing the gentle habits of yoga and herbalism into your life can have a transformative impact on your health.

While anyone who’s taken a power vinyasa class can attest to tired muscles, there’s far more to the timehonored practice of yoga than a good workout. Laura Linsley, co-owner of The Elevate Company, asserts that “Practicing yoga offers a multitude of physical and psychological benefits. A regular practice could improve mobility, strength and range of motion. Yoga can also relieve stress and expand our ability to tackle complex and challenging things that life throws at us.” Yoga has a potent effect on our physical and psychological health. “The mind and body are intricately linked,” explains Linsley, “and living your yoga is the practice of taking the teachings from the mat off your mat and into the world.”

With a PhD in biomechanics and many years of yoga practice and teaching under her belt, Linsley understands the impracticality of a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise. The Elevate Company offers a variety of classes: restorative yoga, power vinyasa, fit flow, and more to come. Power vinyasa classes are offered at different levels: Elevate Foundations and Elevate Power Yoga 2. Linsley details that “Elevate Foundations is an introductory yoga class that explores breath, alignment, and flowing breath to movement. Elevate Power Yoga 2 includes continuous movement through postures that improve your strength and mobility.”

The Elevate Company’s variety of classes are accessible to varying levels. Beyond physical abilities, they can accommodate traveling and busy yogis with virtual lessons. If finances are a little tight, there’s also free, community-based yoga offered regularly. No matter your physical or financial state, The Elevate Company is an accessible avenue to healthier living.

In addition to integrating yoga into your routine, another long-standing healing practice can act as a complementary aid to your health goals: herbalism. Anna Beachemin, owner of East Bay Herbals, explains that, “Herbalism is one of the oldest healing practices around, with a long and rich history of supporting people using the medicinal and nutritional power of plants.” So how does Beauchemin deliver the healing properties of herbalism to her clients? Luckily, she provides a multitude of products and services.

Beauchemin offers products, one-on-one consultations, and classes. She says, “As a Clinical Registered Herbalist and Holistic Nutritionist, I offer integrative health and wellness consultation, health coaching, and community education. In addition to seeing clients one-on-one and teaching, I also make high-quality herbal products using local and organic ingredients which I offer through my apothecary shop and herbal product subscription.”

For those of you looking to make yoga and herbalism an attainable part of your 2023 health journey, visit East Bay Herbals and The Elevate Company on First Street. Before heading out for your yoga class, register online at www.theelevatecompany.com. You’ll find more information on events and membership on their website. For East Bay Herbals, visit www.eastbayherbals.com for more information on classes, products, and consultations, available by appointment only. B

The mind and body are intricately linked, and living your yoga is the practic of taking the teachings from the mat off your mat and into the world.

Luke George

Luke George

William J. "Bill" Cawley Jr. In Memoriam

“

During his long career, Bill helped hundreds of young men and women enter the Union Plumbing Industry, allowing them to earn a good living, including solid health, welfare and pension benefits."

Longtime Benicia resident and owner of Benicia Plumbing Inc., Bill Cawley, passed away on November 27th, following a long illness, at the age of 76. Born in San Francisco, Bill lived in Benicia for 47 years and became a pillar of our community.

Bill served as President of both Benicia Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club. He was chairman of the Local 343 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee and former President of Northern California Mechanical Contractors Association, in addition to his duties at Benicia Plumbing.

Bill retired from his company in 2019 and was honored by over 400 people at his retirement party. He and his wife, Leeann, founded Benicia Plumbing in 1975. Over the years, they have employed hundreds of Solano County residents.

An industry leader, Bill’s contributions to the Construction Industry include:

President of Northern California Mechanical Contractors Association in 1998.

Chairman of the Napa-Solano Apprenticeship Committee for nearly 30 years.

Member of the Contra Costa Apprenticeship Committee in both Martinez and Concord for nearly 25 years.

Chairman of the California State Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Committee from 2010-2015.

Chairman of the Western Mechanical Conference Labor-Management Committee in 2015.

During his long career, Bill helped hundreds of young men and women enter the Union Plumbing Industry, allowing them to earn a good living, including solid health, welfare and pension benefits.

Bill is survived by Leeann, his wife since 1975, children Bill (Marci) Cawley III, Lori Cawley, Patrick (Lorena) Cawley and Matty (Todd) Carver; sister Kathy (Dave) Anderson; grandchildren Ty, Jessica, Sarah & Elijah Cawley, Anthony Toliver, Robert Carver, Elizabeth Carver and Emily Cawley.

Bill worked tirelessly alongside Leeann on behalf of Benicia Relay for Life. Together, they gave to the Benicia/Tula Association and Soroptimist International of Benicia. They were honored with the Outstanding Citizen Award by the Benicia Police Department in 2017 for their involvement in the "Leading the Way Project." And, the couple was chosen by Benicia Main Street to be the Grand Marshall of the 2017 Third of July Parade.

Benicia Plumbing’s company motto is “People Taking Care of People.” Bill embodied this motto in his professional and personal life. Our entire community feels his loss. B

He Swims... and Swims... and Swims

n Kevin Nelson

Many people make resolutions and set goals to start the new year. Aaron Houston, a 62-year-old Benicia father and grandfather, has set a personal goal more ambitious than most. He plans to swim the English Channel.

Actually, his plans may have to wait until 2025 because all the English pilot boats that escort swimmers across the famous channel were unavailable for the next two years. So the retired financial systems manager has had to shift tactics and focus on a short-term goal for himself.

In April, in an open water event near Phoenix, he will swim across four different lakes over four successive days, totaling more than 41 miles in the water.

A former high school and college swimmer and water polo player, the six-foot, 200-pounder describes himself as “an average-looking dude.” If that’s true, it’s the only thing

that’s average about him. Because, when the man is in the water, he’s a total stud.

Early in a training cycle, when he’s building up his conditioning, he logs about 12 miles a week of swimming, bringing his long, powerful strokes to James Lemos or Cunningham pool in Vallejo. But when his training routine gets more serious, his distance doubles to 25 miles a week, most of which takes place in the rough, frigid waters of San Francisco Bay.

CHECK OUT THESE BAY TRAINING SWIMS OF HIS:

— Starting at Berkeley Marina, going almost to Treasure Island, turning right to the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and then back to Berkeley, about eight hours and 16 miles in all.

— From Aquatic Park in San Francisco to Alcatraz Island and back, and from Aquatic Park to the south span of the Golden Gate Bridge and back.

— From the rolling waters near the Golden Gate, around Angel Island and back.

Always, he swims with an escort boat and at times with other like-minded swimmers in training. Occasionally harbor seals join in the fun too. “One of them started to play with me once,” Houston recalled with a laugh. “It was nudging my feet, following me around almost like a puppy dog.”

His greatest achievement to date occurred last September when he swam the 22-mile Catalina Channel in southern California, considered to be one of the epic feats in the sport of open water swimming. Leaving Catalina Island at 10 pm, he swam

for hours through darkness, dealing constantly with rolling currents and waves before finally reaching land in Palos Verdes by noon the next day.

Fourteen hours in the ocean and no wetsuit (and none for his bay swims either). The water temperature dropped from 70 degrees at the start to 63 degrees by the end.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” he said. “At the end it got very hard, very difficult physically. I was in some pain there at the end.” His shoulder tendons were strained to the max, and then some, causing him to take two full months off to let his body heal.

Catalina, like all open water swims, was a team effort. The team included a 56-foot pilot boat with captain and crew; two official on-board observers; a pair of kayakers taking turns rowing beside him; and three close friends videoing the event and swimming alongside to keep his pace up and make sure he took regular liquid nourishment.

Houston, who has an easy-going, self-effacing sense of humor, refers to himself as “an old senior guy.” “I’m like anyone else my age,” he said. “When I get out of bed in the morning I always have to take inventory to see what parts are working that day.”

Nevertheless, it being the time for new year’s resolutions about eating healthier and getting into better shape, we asked the “old senior guy” how he motivates himself.

He said, “I do two things. First, I try to turn off the noise inside my head. You know, that I can’t do this, that I’m crazy, that I’m too old. All that. Then I visualize afterward. I visualize sitting in the sauna in the club, talking with some buddies, relaxing, having a good time. I visualize how good it will feel when I’m done.” B

BENICIA NEWS AND VIEWS

An Annual Benicia Drone Show?

n Gene Pedrotti

Photo by Luke George

Ask anyone in Benicia about what was memorable in 2022 and many would agree: The July 3rd Drone Show! If you missed our Ace Centennial Drone show on the waterfront, then you likely heard about it. It’s been the talk of the town. For those lucky to catch the spectacle, we witnessed something remarkable… a one-of-a kind, in-the-air extraordinaire, a show that left jaws hangin’ and people celebratin’. Overthe-waterfront and with the backdrop of the Carquinez Strait and Port Costa hills, a stunning and immersive drone light show lit up the night. Hosted by Callie-the-Camel, the show provided vignettes and images of Benicia’s past, including references to the Benicia Arsenal, our State Capitol, and Callie’s personal favorite, the Camel barn! Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9x7wvINBE4

The love, kindness, and comradery shared that night was powerful and plentiful; the crowd’s reaction, awestruck and emotional. And what I’ve been hearing ever since is: “WE WANT MORE!”

With that in mind and with this month’s theme “Trying Something New and Different,” I would like to suggest something wild and over-the-top: An Annual Benicia Drone Show!

On December 20th, City Staff presented to Benicia City Councilmembers a proposal to create another two-day Independence Day celebration: a Torchlight Parade followed by staged music and a drone show on July 3rd, with a music festival & fireworks on the 4th of July. Downtown businesses would benefit greatly not just from the event itself, but from the goodwill and publicity that it would generate for town tourism. And for the community, it would just be plain fun!

The weekend event is a $250,000 investment requiring a considerable fundraising effort. The City will fund $50,000, as it has done for years underwriting the annual fireworks and parade. The Benicia Chamber of Commerce is on board and will act as the sponsorship headquarters.

Pedrotti Hardware is all in! On behalf of Ace Hardware, I’ve committed to fund half the Drone Show’s production cost$35,000 - as well as a return of the band, East Bay Mudd! And Ace will help raise the funds, too. Beginning January 2, my team will start asking for donations when you visit the hardware store. Stop by and make a pledge. This not only starts the fundraising, it helps us gauge community interest in the event.

For company/corporate sponsorship, please contact Mario Giuliani, Deputy City Manager, at 707.746.4289 or mgiuliani@ ci.benicia.ca.us, or write to me at grpedrotti@comcast.net.

Let’s create a new tradition in Benicia… An Independence Day Festival featuring the Benicia Drone Show! B

This Weightless World

by Adam Soto

n Cooper Mickelson

Photo by Cooper Mickelson

This Weightless World is Adam Soto’s debut novel destabilizing a classic sci-fi trope of extraterrestrial contact. A story that brings us closer to our fellow Earthlings through the story of an alien broadcast, this novel gently shakes the reader awake with moments of profound clarity sprouting from a world in chaos.

Set in gentrified Chicago, throughout the vast cosmos, and in our own tech hub backyard, This Weightless World follows a cast of characters after a mysterious signal from outer space upends their lives.

Sevi is a music teacher grasping for connection, trying desperately to find fulfillment in rekindled love. Ramona, Sevi’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, is a computer programmer living in San Francisco and working at Google. To her own detriment, she is focused on building an AI to prevent mankind’s destruction. And Eason, one of Sevi’s students, is a cello prodigy struggling to escape neighborhood troubles while navigating his relationship with an estranged childhood friend.

At first, this signal from the cosmos is seen as a sign of hope. People find themselves reaching out to those around them and believing in a future where Earth and humankind survive. But when the signal stops as

abruptly as it started, they are forced to face the reality of its aftermath.

This Weightless World brings new depth to an alien contact story. Although the novel begins with contact from extraterrestrials, the story's heart is very much Earthbound. Heavily character driven, This Weightless World sees Earth forced to look into a mirror and analyze how it appears to the rest of the cosmos. Soto poses many questions throughout the novel, allowing the reader to become a part of the novel’s deeper conversations.

Beautiful language from a thoughtful perspective, This Weightless World is not your typical sci-fi novel. This is the perfect book to pick up if you want to challenge your expectations of science fiction and gain an intimate understanding of some vibrant, complex characters.

After reading the final sentence of This Weightless World, I immediately flipped back to the first page and began again. I couldn’t get enough of the eerily familiar world Soto created for us. You can order your copy of This Weightless World from Bookshop Benicia now!

Kick off the New Year with this fantastic book and the sparkly mocktail I’ve paired it with. The alcoholic version of this beverage is a Negroni with Prosecco. B

Book and Cocktail Club

January 6

First Fridays at the Museum –brokenHouse Benicia Historical Museum 6:30-9:30pm

Come out for an evening of Great Music, a no-host bar and food truck eats to support your local Museum. $15.00 cover charge.

Museum Members $5.00. Tickets through Eventbrite or at the door. See you at the Museum!

EVENTS

January 14

Self Love & Healing Market 420 Admiral Callaghan Lane, Vallejo 12-5pm

It's time to gather all of your closest friends, enjoy a day of shopping, pampering and spoiling (yourself) with artisan goods.

January 14

Tchaikovsky's Star-Crossed Lovers With The Vallejo Festival Orchestra Empress Theatre, Vallejo 7:30-9:30pm

Vallejo Center for the Arts presents an evening of the most romantic and passionate music by the composer of Swan Lake, Nutcracker, and the 1812 Overture.

January 21

Rock for SHELTER Empress Theatre, Vallejo 6-9pm

Enjoy an evening of incredible music, fundraising and celebration to support SHELTER, Inc.’s mission to prevent and end homelessness.

Sundays

Martinez Farmers’ Market Downtown Martinez 9am-1pm

The Martinez Farmers’ Market is open Sundays, year-round located on Main Street from Las Juntas St. (800 block) - Castro St. (600 block). It’s the best place to shop for seasonal fruits and veggies, as well as other local goods like honey, eggs, or artisan cheese! B

Happy New Year Take Out Treats

About a Boy

2002 PG-13; 1 hr, 45 min

Streaming on AppleTV, Amazon Prime, and Youtube Romantic Comedy

Welcome 2023 – Happy New Year!

This month, take a stroll down First Street in downtown Benicia for a trove of treasures and treats to enjoy at home in these early dark evenings. It’s time to snuggle up with some snacks while streaming a movie. Here are just a few suggestions for your private menu…but don’t be afraid to branch out. First Street has a lot to offer.

Pick up an award-winning baguette or croissant at One House Bakery, 918 First Street, where you can further indulge your taste buds with a variety of sweets, sandwiches, coffees and drinks. Wander on down the alley at 621½ First Street to the adorable SendSips and peruse their fine boutique selection of bourbons, champagnes, specialty wines and more. You’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy and will improve your evening—or even your week!

From there you can pick up some warming coconut milk soup at Mai Thai Cuisine or the tasty Samosa soup at Aung Maylika, 333 First Street. Lucca Bar and Grill has got you covered, offering cheese and charcuterie platters to go with your bread and your favorite libation. Deviled eggs and/or battered prawns could complement your menu as well.

Enjoy the magic of the market at Amore Bistrot, just off First Street at 145 East D, and follow your whimsy through a selection of imported Italian sauces and spices, pastas and panettone, or the very special, made to order, cannolis. Note to self: Pre-order the spectacular Lasagna al Ragu alla Bolognese ASAP.

Keep heading towards the water and you’ll find Sailor Jack’s at 123 First Street, where you can’t go wrong with their famous and fabulous New England Clam Chowder. Available in 8 oz or 16 oz containers to go.

All that exercise has made you hungry, so mosey on home with your goodies, get comfortable and tune in to this month’s Movie Magic.

The brilliant Hugh Grant plays Will, a wealthy and irresponsible 38 year old London bachelor who has never had a job. He lives off the royalties from his late father’s singular Christmas song hit. Ever charming, we find him with the simple goal in life of dating beautiful women. Through the twists and turns of his adventures, he meets a 11 year old boy who is determined that they will be friends. This is the beginning of Will’s journey to discover that life has much more meaning than he knew. A very entertaining comedy, the movie is the epitome of confidence and grace. We grow to like and appreciate Will, in spite of his flaws, as he learns to open his heart. Funny and moving, the story brings us hugs and happiness without being sappy.

Produced by Robert DeNiro, among others, and directed by Chris and Paul Weitz, the movie also stars Rachel Weiss, Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult as the boy, Marcus. Oscar nominated for best writing and best screenplay, the movie also boasts multiple nominations and awards for acting. Critics often use the words “hilarious” and “engaging” when describing About A Boy.

Movie Magic gives this movie 4 ¾ Moons. Enjoy!

n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic

The twenty seventh in a series of at home food and movie pairings.

One House Bakery

Aung Maylika

Lucca SendSips Amore Bistrot

Sailor Jack's

“AQCC was so patient and helpful with the decision-making process. Everything turned out better than we envisioned. Highly recommend!” —Bobby and Jessica Morgan