Benicia Magazine March 2023 Issue

Caitlin McCulloch

Cooper Mickelson

Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D

Kevin Nelson

Jean Purnell

Maura Sullivan

Michael

Leslie

David

From the publisher

n From the Publisher

March is a transition month. One foot is still firmly in winter and one foot is running into spring as fast as possible. The pessimists among us should “beware of the Ides of March.“ The rest of us will just enjoy a month with Oscars parties and Saint Patrick’s Day, when everyone is a little bit Irish, if only for the day. We will drink strange green drinks and search for a lucky shamrock and a pot of gold.

March is also Women's History Month. Take a look at Dr. Gethsemane Moss’s article about fundamental rights for women. She tells us about the state of equality for women around the world, where we are and where we need to be.

In this issue, we tell you about the SeanchaÍ, the Irish Storytellers and the rich history that resides in the spoken word, stories that have transcended time and the internet. There is a resurgence of the storyteller, or Tellers as they are often called. We now have more young Tellers, telling their stories via podcast, Vimeo, YouTube and other formats. Regardless of how the stories are told, they are told to a vast audience around the world.

Women are traveling solo more and more. There is a wonderful sense of freedom that goes along with being on your own. I have always, from my early 20’s, taken a week to travel somewhere by myself periodically. At first they were fairly close trips, like Joshua tree, where I would camp for a week during the bloom of wildflowers. Or I would explore a city that I was interested in or go to a beach town. My trips were mostly focused on the outdoors, but I did indulge in a resort here and there. Solo travel is relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating. See our Women of the World article that shares the many apps and innovations there are to help the solo woman traveler.

The end of March brings Spring, and I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy longer and warmer days. Spring flowers will soon pop up all over. Along with the weeds! Sláinte!

From the Editor

n From the Editor

Welcome spring! Well…almost. Spring is, in my opinion, the most beautiful time in the Bay Area. Our rolling hills bask in their kelly and emerald green glory for just a short burst before browning in the intensifying sunlight that leads to summer. Yellow mustard flowers begin dotting the green clover carpets and the air starts to sweeten with the scent of seasonal blooms.

This issue touches on St. Patrick’s Day, Women’s History Month, and World Storytelling Day. Accordingly, we invite you to join us at the courtyard at Sweetness & Light on March 18th at 2pm for an Irish storytelling and acoustic open mic event. There will be refreshments, games, and a station for making this month’s kids’ craft. Admission is free. We hope to see you there!

Have a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate the amazing women in your life this month.

Le meas, Genevieve

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

A Man with a Plan

Maximilian Rex Burgess-Shannon

n Genevieve Hand

Photos by Luke George

Maximilian Rex Burgess-Shannon. An impressive name for an equally impressive person. A native Benician, you can often find him helping out at various community events and service clubs, such as the Kiwanis. He is an Eagle Scout, a singer and a multi-instrumentalist whose hobbies include traveling the world. And he’s only 18.

Max is a Benicia High School graduate with, as you might have surmised, a formidable background. He was involved in band through high school, as well as Benicia Key Club, in which he served as president during his Sophomore and Junior years. He credits his parents, Gretchen Burgess and Anthony Shannon, with introducing him to community service. They would bring him to whatever service project they were working on, and he would help out where he could, even from a young age. “Even though I’m not a member, I’ve been working with Kiwanis ever since I was able to lift anything of significance,” he explains.

Max recalls that the Benicia Easter Egg Hunt was the event that really got him interested in community service. His mom has been a key organizer of the event for years and Max found ways to help out. “Getting to know community service through that event and seeing the joy that the event brought everybody really made me think, ‘Okay, community service is something I like doing. It’s really fun.’” Beyond the Easter Egg Hunt, Max also volunteers at the Peddler’s Fair every year, waking up in the pre-dawn hours to help set up, and returning in the evening to help break down. He has been involved with the Benicia Dog Festival and many other local events.

The value of community service was also impressed upon Max by his involvement in the Scouts. In order to attain Eagle Scout, he had to complete a service project, among many other tasks. His service project came together after some roadblocks and a pandemic forced him to change directions. He ultimately created a promotional video for the McCune Collection at JFK Library, but plans to eventually complete his original service

project idea of building a shade structure at the Benicia dog park, as well. He speaks fondly of the experiences the Scouts have given him, one of which—a near 100-mile backpacking trip with his troop—was one of his favorite endeavors.

Max has traveled internationally with Voena Choir. He notes that he’s been fortunate enough to travel to various places in Europe, to the UAE, as well as to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. These experiences have inspired in him a love of travel and of experiencing other cultures. Max, who joined Voena at age 7, remains involved with the choir and has since become a teacher there. His honed voice was featured at his Eagle Scout ceremony where he sang the National Anthem.

Currently enrolled at DVC, Max plans to transfer to UC Berkeley to major in computer science and minor in music. He ultimately wants to study how augmented reality can be used as treatment in medical and psychiatric fields. He plans to stay involved with various community service projects as he attains his higher education, and beyond. “Community service seems to find me wherever I go, so I do as much as I can,” he says, humbly.

Max loves the small town feeling of Benicia, but like many teens now and before him, sometimes wishes there were more youth-focused activities to do in town. You can find Max working as a lifeguard at the pool in town, or look for his curly mop of hair at the next big community event. It’s clear that this accomplished young man has much to look forward to in his future. B

“Getting to know community service through that event and seeing the joy that the event brought everybody really made me think, ‘Okay, community service is something I like doing. It’s really fun.’”

Automobiles are, in Triplett’s words, “the bread and butter” of Amports’ operations; some 250,000 imports pass through here in a typical year. In the old days, cars were lifted off the ships by crane; now they’re rolled off the decks of vessels that can carry 6,000 to 8,000 cars, depending on their configuration.

Port

An Inside Look at Benicia’s

Amports’ facilities around the West, not just Benicia. The person who makes the company’s daily strategic moves here is longtime general manager Randy Scott.

n Kevin Nelson

From the days of the great Matthew Turner and before, oceangoing vessels from around the world have crossed Benicia’s historic waters. So it is today.

Mighty ships of immense magnitude—600 feet long, 100 feet wide, 130 feet tall from the water—pass regularly through the Carquinez, arriving and departing from one of the busiest commercial ports on the West Coast. When one of those floating islands appears, people all along the shoreline pause to watch. It is an impressive sight.

But where do all these monumental “car carriers” go, and what happens when they get there? The Port of Benicia remains a bit of an enigma to many because it is a port of entry regulated by the TSA, similar to an airport. Public access is restricted for security and safety reasons.

Nonetheless, curious about this impressive yet sometimes misunderstood feature of Benicia life, I called Jimmy Triplett, the senior vice president of West Coast operations at Amports (and a friend). Amports Corporation oversees vehicle processing operations in Benicia and other locations around the U.S. and Mexico.

And what do all those cars do after they are parked on lots operated by Amports? Contrary to what many think, they move. They don’t sit. “People seem to think that the same cars they saw in the morning when they’re driving across the bridge to go to work are the same cars they see when they come home at night,” Triplett told me. “In fact the cars are moving all day long, every day. They’re constantly moving. It’s almost like a living organism.”

Two-thirds of those cars say goodbye to Benicia while riding on Union Pacific rail cars, the rest roll down the road on trucks. Their destinations are across the west—around California, up into Oregon, east to Denver and Texas. As an aside, Union Pacific controls a chunk of land where it parks cars too. These tend to be domestics, shipped here from assembly plants in the U.S., waiting (but not long) to be rolled onto an outbound ship to be sold as exports in foreign lands.

Amports controls 145 acres in the port and another 180 acres of what Triplett called “submerged lands”—in other words, what lies below the water. In order to build a pier on top of the water, the company must have a lease on the land below it, he explained.

The huge logistical challenge of making sure all these constantly moving parts work together is one that Triplett enjoys. “The logistics are really fun,” he said. “It’s like what the kids do when they’re playing a video game. You’re trying to accomplish a goal by making a number of strategic moves.”

He added that his job duties nowadays mainly focus on executive oversight of

One big job that Scott, Triplett and others are tending to these days is the rebuilding of the wooden dock that was decimated in last year’s four-alarm fire on the site. The blaze, which was caused by a mechanical failure, tossed off big plumes of black and gray smoke that were seen for miles around. The U.S. Army originally built the dock in 1941 on the eve of World War II. It has since been demolished and will be replaced by a concrete structure.

Toyota, General Motors, Mazda, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche are among the car companies that ship their imports through Benicia. Recently, however, a newcomer has joined the group: VinFast, the first Vietnamese-built automobiles ever to be sold in the U.S. VinFast makes electrics only and its sole port of entry for the country is Benicia.

Meaning that if you ever see one on the street, know that it first touched down in America not far from where Jack London used to go oyster fishing. Despite what some think, however, Amports does not own any of the VinFasts, Toyotas, Porsches or other makes that pass through its hands.

“No,” said Triplett, gently correcting, “they just touch down here and move on. It’s like saying what’s stored in a warehouse is owned by the warehouse. We don’t own any of the cars.”

Triplett and his wife Lori are longtime Benicia residents. Married 43 years, they have six children, 16 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Not only that, his loyal coworkers pledge that if something ever comes up, they’ve got his back.

Triplett laughed. “One of my guys likes to say, “‘Don’t worry about ‘em, boss. Our guys know how to pour concrete, and we work near water.” B

Kids CraftsShamrock Moon ShamrockSand Moon Sand

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

Those who have touched moon sand can attest to its mesmerizing nature. It’s soft, holds its shape without any water, and seems to fall in slow motion. With the addition of some green dye and golden sparkle, this substance becomes a captivating Saint Patrick’s Day activity for kids. This moon sand recipe is a more affordable version of the store bought variety and has a biodegradable, natural option for environmentally conscious folks.

To make shamrock moon sand, you’ll need

1 large mixing bowl

1 mixing spoon or rubber spatula

½ cup of hair conditioner or lotion

2 cups of cornstarch

Green dye or spirulina

Directions

1. Pour the lotion or conditioner into a bowl.

2. Slowly add the drops of green dye (or ¼ teaspoon of spirulina at a time), stir, and repeat until you get a slightly darker version of the color you’d like. The addition of cornstarch will lighten up the color achieved in this step.

3. Pour in the cornstarch.

4. Stir until well combined. You want to be able to ball it up without too much crumbling or stickiness.

5. Add in glitter or mica to your liking (optional).

Snap a picture of your craft and tag

@beniciamagazine on Instagram.

We would love to see your versions of this Saint Patrick’s Day inspired craft!

Notes Notes

If you’re looking to make this activity even more on-theme, you can include the following:

Pipe cleaners in all colors. With this, you can create rainbow arches and stick them into the shamrock moon sand. Plastic golden coins, or even on- hand coins.

Foam shamrocks.

Moon sand is great for building. Give your child some sand molds and see what they create!

Taking the Liberty

n Caitlin McCulloch

Photos by Luke George

A group of Liberty High School students are giving back to our community through S Club—and having fun while doing it. S Club is an extension of Soroptimist International, and the high schoolers get to partner with our local chapter for community events, who serve as advisors, filling them in on what they’re doing and letting the youth voice be heard.

“Every student gets an input in something, which is really nice,” says S Club Vice President Alexis Mkrtchyan. “Everyone gets to have an opinion.”

How did it all get started?

Morgan Castleman, president of S Club and a senior at Liberty, wanted to take a chance.

“When I went to BHS, I joined the S Club group there. It was going somewhere, but all the events that were hosted, most of them nobody really went to, as far as students,” she says. “When I went to Liberty, there wasn’t [an S Club], so I decided to make one to see if it’d be different. I don’t know; sometimes you can get through to people better being a high schooler. High schoolers talking to high schoolers about things. The voice gets heard better.”

And she was right.

When Advisor Leeann Cawley met with Kim Lewis, the principal of Liberty High School, earlier this school year to chat about the idea, they were hoping for any participation. “She said it would be great if I could get 4 or 5 people to embrace this plan,” says Cawley. “Remember, there’s only 75 students [at Liberty High School]. The principal said ‘If you can get 5 or 6 people to show up at your launch meeting, I will be thrilled.’ Believe it or not, we’re holding pretty strong at 15 every meeting, so we’re pretty excited about it.”

For having been formed for such a short amount of time, the S Club’s impact on their school and the community has been huge—through both big and small ways. The group helps out where they can, and even has members who pull Liberty’s across-the-street neighbors’ trash cans in and out for them.

“That’s how some of our group members get hours who want to be in the club and can’t come to all of the events,” says Castleman.

Most recently, the club partnered with Daughter of Luna on First Street, acquiring roses to sell on campus at Liberty for Valentine’s Day; their biggest fundraiser to date, however has been their Blinky Light Booth at our town’s annual Tree Lighting, where they offered up everything the name suggests—think lightsabers, boas, and antlers.

“By the end of the night, we were selling the things that we were wearing on ourselves that had been there as advertising,” says S Club treasurer Sade Stewart. “...we all have fun when we’re doing things. When you have everybody with good energy around and you’re doing something good, it just makes it better.”

S Club was able to raise roughly $1500 that night. Part of these funds went to Adopt-a-Family, where they were able to provide gifts for the children of an anonymous Benicia family, who could otherwise not have afforded to.

“Their little girl was more into princesses and the little boy liked sumo wrestling and dinosaurs,” Castleman says. “We found them both some pretty cool things.”

For Benicia residents who would like to show their support for these young philanthropists, be on the lookout for local happenings and events—especially on social media. For example, their holiday Teddy Bear Tea held at the Clocktower (an ode to the event that used to take place at Camellia Tea Room) was marketed quite a bit, and the Benicia Soroptimist page on Facebook posted a lot about the Blinky Light Booth at the Tree Lighting.

The current members love multiple aspects of the club, including gaining valuable life skills such as event management, people management, and how to run a business—all while getting to socialize at the same time.

“I enjoy being at S Club because I get to be with my friends 24/7 and we get to experience all these things we probably haven’t experienced yet,” says S Club Secretary Myanna Wallace. “It’s just nice and great with bonding time and getting to know others you don’t know.”

If you’re a student at Liberty High School and would like to get involved, the club meets every third Wednesday of the month for about an hour after school.

“We want to expand to have more people get an opportunity to understand what it’s all about,” says Mkrtchyan. “I feel like if they have the chance, they’ll really like it.” B

“...we all have fun when we’re doing things. When you have everybody with good energy around and you’re doing something good, it just makes it better.”

Benicia Refinery

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Quarterly Review January–March 2023

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AROUND THE WORLD

In the communities where we operate, we are a major employer and strong economic contributor. In Benicia, our direct and indirect financial support contributes to local businesses, education, charities, municipality infrastructure and other economic development needs for the overall health and vitalities of the city. Our employees and contractors also contribute to Benicia’s economy and wellbeing by living, shopping and dining in town, as well as volunteering for local charities and city events. Valero supports many Benicia nonprofits and spends hundreds of volunteer hours on the following groups:

Resources for Benicia Residents

5 ways to stay informed about Valero Benicia Refinery

1 Valero’s 24-Hour Community Relations Phone Number: 707-745-7534 email: BeniciaCommunityRelations@valero.com

2 Sign up for Refinery Notifications at Valero Benicia Refinery Community Relations website: www.beniciarefinery.com

3 Sign up for Non-Emergency Notifications with your email or telephone number at the City of Benicia’s Public Information Bank website: www.ci.benicia.ca.us/publicinfobank

4 Valero Benicia Refinery Community Advisory Panel (CAP) website: www.beniciacap.com

5 Benicia Refinery Air Monitoring Program website: www.beniciarefineryairmonitors.org

Please call 707-745-7534 for additional questions.

For more information about the above events please go to www.beniciarefinery.com

Irish

Storytellers

Weeeil, you know now...

n Mary Hand

I always knew when a story was about to be told. My great aunt Bergetta, from County Cork, would sit back in her chair a bit, cup of tea in hand and she would say, “Weeeil, you know now...” And that was the beginning of a story.

Storytelling is as old as humanity itself. In fact, it’s the oldest form of entertainment, well before the written word, it dates to the times of tribes gathering around the fire to listen to heroic tales and legends. Ireland is famed throughout the world for the art of storytelling. The Irish word for storyteller is seanchaí (shan-a-kee), meaning a bearer of “old lore.” While it’s true that Irish stories abound with tales of heroes and fairies, there are just as often tales of the here and now, and sometimes right down the street! A storyteller will take an incident or person and embellish it beyond recognition, also known as blarney, and entertain a room full of people.

Storytelling is an intimate and interactive art. The storyteller speaks from memory, rather than reading from a book. A tale is not just the spoken equivalent of a short story. It has no set text but is endlessly re-created in the telling. The listener is an essential part of the storytelling process, and if there’s a seanchaí in the group, sometimes they may take the story and remake it as their own. For stories to live, they need the hearts, minds, and ears of listeners. The Irish audience will sit and nod their heads or agree with a “Yes, it happened just that way.” Without the listener, there is no story.

SeanchaÍ

A skilled teller of tales or legends, especially Gaelic ones

There is a separate group of Irish within Ireland and they are the Irish Travelers. The Travelers, or Walking People, are traditionally regarded as amongst the best of Irish storytellers. As a transient community, they historically relied on self-made entertainment, writing songs and telling stories. The Travelers have faced prejudice throughout their history, however, in the old days, it was said that when the settled people heard that the travelers were coming, they would paint the village. Wonderful times and nights were had with them, and many stories were told. The Walking People have made an enormous contribution to the preservation of Ireland’s oral and musical tradition.

The Irish are the best storytellers in the world without a shadow of a doubt. Not only are they masters of the spoken word, but also of the written word. Ireland is a small country with a small population, so the proportion of Irish writers who have achieved universal fame is incredible. James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, William Yeats, Jonathan Swift, Samual Beckett, and so many more. They have produced some of the most renowned and significant works of literature in the English language.

The Irish are not the only people who tell stories, each country and culture also has their version of storytellers. In recent times, there has been a global renewed interest in storytelling. Beginning a few years ago in Sweden, the movement slowly grew to other countries, finally culminating in a worldwide event called World Storytelling Day, which is celebrated on March 20th. The theme of this day encompasses stories that have words, pictures, signs, or expressions so that all forms of storytelling from around the world are appreciated. The establishment of World Storytelling Day acknowledges the art form of storytelling and encourages all cultures from every country to participate. Included in this movement is a new generation of storytellers, spearheaded by a program called Young International Tellers, an open-mic program of young Tellers. The stories are told, filmed and released on Vimeo or YouTube. They produce the International Storytelling Festival which is an event where many storytellers from every continent will converge. The theme this year is “Ancestral Voices,” which focuses on the need to meet in person, and the healing power of stories in our world. Other regional and national storytelling festivals can be found from Sacramento to Tennessee, and beyond. We find in this how stories are different and yet the same, cross-culturally. And audiences can listen in wonder and perhaps bring a story or two home. B

The listener is an essential part of the storytelling process, and if there’s a seanchaí in the group, sometimes they may take the story and remake it as their own. For stories to live, they need the hearts, minds, and ears of listeners.

World of the Women

Resources for safe solo travel

n Cooper Mickelson

Photos by SK and Jakob Owens

I’m a firm believer in the benefits of traveling alone. Whether you’re 18 or 75, experiencing new worlds is a great way to grow as an individual. But a common worry amongst women who dream of traveling abroad is safety. We face danger every single day just by walking out the front door. Being alone in a strange country, especially one where we don’t speak the language, can be terrifying and expose us to dangerous situations.

I’ve had these concerns myself, and for a long time, I believed I should avoid solo travel to stay safe. That was before I discovered the resources created by women to keep female travelers safe.

Near the end of 2022, Benicia Magazine was invited to attend the Female Globetrotters Festival in San Francisco. Here, a group of women gathered to discuss traveling and the dangers involved and talk about some fantastic resources available to make traveling safer for us.

These unique travel apps and companies focused on ensuring a safe experience for solo female travelers have opened a whole new world to us women. We can now log in, find friends, and discover the best way to navigate a new city.

NomadHer and Greether hosted the 2022 Female Globetrotters Festival. Two companies founded by women and dedicated to making travel possible for everyone. Hyojeong started NomadHer to benefit that nomad who is lost somewhere and scared to take the journey alone. NomadHer believes solo female traveling allows women to confront themselves and exceed their limits. Their mission is to bring this community of women together to connect with other female travelers, gain insight into their upcoming travels, and shed some light on their past journeys. If you’re interested in finding like-minded women to meet up with during your trip or want to explore content on travel experiences and tips, download the NomadHer app or visit them at nomadher.com.

One of the best parts of traveling alone is cultivating friendships along the way. With Greether, you can book your local bestie, who can help you have a culturally enriching and

safe experience in whatever country you visit. Each “Meet and Greether” experience is unique and catered to the individual. Aimed at reducing safety risks and creating job opportunities for women through sustainable tourism, Greether is one of the best ways to cultivate meaningful relationships and support your fellow women. To book a bestie for your next trip, head over to greether.com. While you’re there, be sure to read up on their founder, Venessa Karel, who was recently named one of the 100 rising Latinx Startup founders to watch by Inicio Ventures.

Two other companies spoke at the panel for Female Globetrotters Festival, Globesisters and Tripsider.

Pauline André founded Globesisters after having an uncomfortable and terrifying experience using a homestay service. André finds homestays to be a uniquely powerful way to travel, allowing you to become fully immersed in the local culture without breaking the bank. Globesisters has made it possible for women-identifying individuals to enjoy these benefits while staying safe. You can find a host or become one yourself at globesisters.com.

If you consider yourself a true adventurer or thrillseeker, Tripsider is for you. Founders Olga and Ivan have developed a tailor-made, tech-backed service that matches travelers with experiences, adventure, and local experts worldwide. Discover itineraries crafted by locals and independent guides at tripsider.com.

I hope these resources help even just one of our female readers take the leap needed to plan their first solo trip abroad. Open your mind and heart to places far from home while staying safe and making real connections. I can’t wait to see where your adventures take you next! B

NomadHer believes solo female traveling allows women to confront themselves and exceed their limits.

Fundamental Rights for

n Dr. Gethsemane Moss

Standing up for human rights has always taken courage. Many women still fight for their natural human right to exist and experience true freedom. It is one thing to have financial freedom, and it is another thing to have access and opportunity. If one is free and carries the burden of providing for their family, it is still an arduous task. Coupled households face economic challenges, and the job is even more daunting if you are a single parent. Finances and freedom go hand in hand, as we need both to survive and thrive.

For women, the idea of survival is increasingly complex. Those who hold power to make decisions over our lives play a significant role in what opportunities are available. For example, take the city of Ghazni, located in southeastern Afghanistan, and under the control of the Taliban. Women’s and young girls’ rights have been curtailed to almost nothing. The Taliban has banned secondary education for women and girls, and altered the curriculum to focus on religion, appropriate clothing, and where women and girls can go. The Taliban strictly dictates all aspects of female life. It is difficult to function when your future is uncertain, and it is even more difficult when you are not allowed to make any decisions that affect your life. All members of a given society are dependent upon the leaders who control who experiences freedom and who do not.

Here in the U.S., women’s rights have triggered debate. There are endless arguments over the right to choose. Should someone else decide what happens to your body? Is it about religion, souls, and beliefs, and do we care about human life? The indoctrination of beliefs is clever. While we teach our children to be independent thinkers based on unique ideas, standards, processes, and procedures, we know that some people fear that this open mindedness will create unfamiliar and uncomfortable changes.

There is a collision of personal beliefs and teachings within and outside of the home. These worlds collide at some point, but if human compassion and empathy aren't a part of this dynamic, who benefits in the long run? While California has a California Equal Pay Pledge,

“It is difficult to function when your future is uncertain, and it is even more difficult when you are not allowed to make any decisions that affect your life."

"There is still a lot of work to be done in access and opportunity for women, and having the courage to do so falls on everyone's shoulders."

women still earn 88 cents for every dollar men earn, and the gap is even greater for Black, Latina, and Native Women. There is still a lot of work to be done in access and opportunity for women, and having the courage to do so falls on everyone's shoulders. If you are comfortable and all is well, it's hard to be empathetic. Women like the courageous Ida B. Wells understood the issue.

Ida B. Wells, born into slavery in Mississippi, was a journalist, teacher, and feminist and was a key player during women's suffrage. By the time she was six months old, President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Ms. Wells was a well-known journalist, and wrote about the issues faced by Black Americans, including the abhorrent lynchings that were commonplace at the time, and the problems faced by women. She held key roles in the National Association of Colored Women and the Alpha Suffrage Club. As a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, (NAACP), Ida B. Wells stood up for the fundamental rights of all people, both male and female, and we salute her. B

"Ida B. Wells stood up

the fundamental rights of all people, both male

female, and we salute her."

Fiber Artist Linda V. Hubbard

n Jean Purnell

It started as an experiment, explains fiber artist Linda Hubbard, as she describes making her first quilt a few years after graduating from college. “I saw these amazing photos of a New York quilt exhibition in the Smithsonian Magazine in the early ‘70s where the people lined up around the block to get in. I thought, ‘I can sew. How hard is it to make a quilt?’ I didn’t have any background in it, so I didn’t copy any traditional patterns. I designed my own.” Although she didn’t return to quilting for several years, that first project launched a lifelong exploration of the possibilities of fiber arts.

“My parents were unconventional people,” says Linda, who grew up in Redwood City, later moving to Los Altos in her early teens. “My family was art-centric. My mom painted and my dad’s hobby was to raise three professional, classically trained musicians.” Linda played the flute and, like her siblings, studied with a teacher from the San Francisco Symphony. With the support of her parents, she dropped out of high school three classes shy of a diploma and won a position studying flute at the Paris Conservatory. “Back in those days, high schools didn’t allow for early graduation.” But after a year of study, she decided against a performing career. “It’s a competitive world in music performance, and I thought maybe this isn’t for me. So, I came home.” Hubbard enrolled at Foothill College as a music major and happened to take an elective in ceramics.

"Here I could create, rather than perform, and I could have something in my hands when I was finished. Music is ephemeral and if you’re not playing, there’s no music."

“It blew my mind!” she recalls. “Here I could create, rather than perform, and I could have something in my hands when I was finished. Music is ephemeral and if you’re not playing, there’s no music.” She graduated from San Jose State in 1969, where she majored in ceramics.

After college, Linda sold real estate and later worked as a recruiter for positions in finance and IT. She lived in San Francisco, Oakland, and Woodside before moving to Benicia in 1996. “I was a long drive from everywhere,” she recalls of her few years in Woodside. She didn’t want to commute so she built a small business with her sewing skills, making quilts, cushions, vests, and a variety of other items that she sold at art festivals held throughout the Bay Area. “I was doing mostly traditional quilting, but I found it restrictive. I started doing things that were untraditional, which really appealed to me. I learned that in the fiber arts, there really aren’t any rules.”

Hubbard enjoys the challenge of doing something different and has won recognition for her unconventional and innovative fiber artworks in regional and national competitions. “One of my first experiments involved inserting fabric pieces into a seam to create a dimensional quilt where some fabric stands out from the background rather than being sewn down. Many of my works now feature dimensional components.”

She has developed techniques for manipulating, printing, and dyeing fabric, and incorporates various embellishment methods to achieve unusual effects. “I’m pretty much selftaught. I learned a lot by watching PBS programs and searching the internet. I sewed many of my clothes as a kid and was always interested in design and color elements. My creations are the result of experiments with surface treatments like rust dyeing, eco printing and the discharge or “bleach” dyeing process. Fabric is made up of several layers of color. By applying bleach to a fabric, you can reveal the underlying colors through a time-controlled process.”

Linda’s designs include both abstract motifs and representational imagery such as landscapes. She has been showing her artworks as well as quilted purses and other accessories for the past five years at The Little Art Shop, located at 129 First Street, in Benicia. She helps staff the shop two days per month. “It’s a wonderful place to display my work.”

To see more of Linda Hubbard’s fiber artworks, visit The Little Art Shop, open seven days per week from 11 am to 5 pm, and lindavhubbard.com. B

JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING SCHOOLS

JOIN OUR AWARD-WINNING SCHOOLS

BUSD New Student Enrollment

Enrollment for incoming Universal Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten and new Elementary & Secondary school students to BUSD opens in February

For Kindergarten: Your child must turn five years old by September 1, to enroll in Kindergarten

For Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK): BUSD is also offering Universal Transitional Kindergarten for all Benicia students who NOW turn five years old between September 2 and April 2. These dates are firm and exceptions are not considered.

All enrollment including for Universal Transitional Kindergarten is completed at each of our Elementary Schools starting the month of February and information can be found at https://beniciaunified.org/parents/new-studentenrollment/

Open Enrollment for all Elementary students desiring to attend a school outside of their school of residence is held the month of March. The form will be opened on March 1 and can be found at https://beniciaunified.org/parents/open-enrollment-over flow/information on the BUSD website.

Please call the School directly for additional information and to schedule an appointment to complete the enrollment.

Soaring with the Scouts

in Benicia

n Mary Hand

We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Brian Weaver, the committee chair for the Scout troops 7 and 9, here in Benicia. He is an Eagle Scout from Seattle, and a longtime Scouting volunteer. Brian offered his viewpoint of Scouting today, giving us insights regarding the process of becoming an Eagle Scout, the qualities necessary to attain Eagle Scout status, the addition of girls into the BSA (Boy Scouts of America), and other topics related to Scouting.

The Eagle Project is something each Scout plans individually. They manage it and execute it, it’s something that benefits their community or a nonprofit, and it's something that the Scout leads or manages others to complete.

What qualities does a boy or girl require to become an Eagle Scout?

They must be able and willing to follow the Scout Law, which is to be: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. These 12 points are more than just words. To the Scouts this is something that they believe in and live daily. When you're an Eagle Scout, it's not, “ I was an Eagle Scout”; it’s, “I am an Eagle Scout,” and you are an Eagle Scout for the rest of your life. Living with the values reflected in the Scout Law helps a Scout learn determination, develop grit, and have a curiosity to learn. I find the Scouting program is diverse in its membership and in its opportunities for each Scout. There are 136 merit badges that a Scout can earn. We have one scout in Benicia whose goal is to earn all 136 merit badges and he has completed 103 so far.

How long does it take to become an Eagle Scout?

In Scouts BSA, youth are aged 11 to 17. If they want to be Eagle Scouts, they need to complete all the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank by the age of 18. This can be done in 2 1/2 years, and is usually done in high school, but there's no timeline. The Scouts must hold a position of responsibility or leadership. They must earn 21 merit badges, several of which are required merit badges, like citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation and the world, citizenship and society, which is our newest merit badge. Other merit badges are camping, environmental science, sustainability, and first aid. They need to complete their Eagle Project, the most significant part of being an Eagle Scout.

What is the Vision of the Boy Scouts of America?

The vision of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law. Through the advancement program in Scouting, there are positions of responsibility that Scouts need to hold. A troop meeting can look like controlled chaos sometimes, but it's the Scouts leading Scouts. They are deciding what events or outings they're going to do. The Scouts plan their own outings; for example, they're going on a snow camping trip next weekend and the Scouts are planning activities, menus, and a list of jobs. Whether it is successful or not, they learn from that. It’s a safe place for that to happen.

“When you're an Eagle Scout, it's not I was an Eagle Scout, it’s I am an Eagle Scout, and you are an Eagle Scout for the rest of your life.”

-Brian Weaver

Troop 9 scouts on a 30 mile backpacking trek in the Desolation Wilderness. L to R: Abby M, Asst Scoutmaster Nefer M.G, Dion M.G, Deysha M.G, Mackenzie M, Scoutmaster Tom Mincy, Malaya A, Kate W, Brian Weaver, Deyna M.G

Inclusion of girls in the Scouts began in 2017. Are there any girl Eagle Scouts yet?

Cub Scouting opened to girls in 2017, and in 2018 they expanded membership to girls 11 to 17. There are no girl Eagles yet in Benicia, but next year we'll have our first round of girl Eagles. BSA has an annual award for the best Eagle project of the year called the Adams Award. The criteria for the project are as follows: Is it unique? Did they raise funds in a unique way? What adversity did they come up against? How did they show leadership? Scouts BSA also has the Adams award in which each council nominates an Adams award recipient. We selected Apara Sai Jella, in Contra Costa. She revitalized and repaired a women's shelter in Oakland that was for women going through rehabilitation. Apara created a meeting area and meditation area, a children’s play area, and beautiful wall murals as well. She funded her project through a Go Fund Me campaign, and met her projected cost within 48 hours. Her project achieved the regional level and then the national level! A scout in our own local Golden Gate Area Council was recognized for the best Eagle project in the country.

What are you most proud of with your involvement with the Scouts?

The start of the girls troop here in Benicia in 2018 makes me proud. Our original group of nine girls are sophomores now, and we're taking them on a 50 mile canoe trek this summer. We meet twice a month at the VFW, and each time there's a new girl that shows up. We've doubled in size and probably have 15 or 16 girls now.

Do you have any final thoughts that you wish to convey to our readers?

Scouts believe in “fun with a purpose.” Every month we do something new. We went indoor skydiving last weekend, and besides having fun, we learned about terminal velocity and the engineering behind the activity. Summer camp offers swimming, horseback riding, archery, and other activities. Camaraderie develops between members and it’s great to see the older Scouts looking out for the younger ones. Lifelong friendships develop with Scouting. You get to know a lot about people. We all have similar values, yet everyone is different. B

Troop 7 Eagles. L to R - Zayne Said, Parker Stewart, Qaram Said, Romey Said, Scoutmaster Tom Stewart, Forrest Stewart, Elias Abejo, Brandon May

Book and Cocktail Club

Hello Beautiful

by Ann Napolitano

n Cooper Mickelson

“Stop thinking about who you were when you were living the wrong life, William. You’re built for the life you’re living now…You can’t fail when you’re doing what you love.” (p. 249)

Ann Napolitano grabbed my attention with Dear Edward, and through Hello Beautiful, she has ensured that I will pick up anything with her name on it for the rest of my life. I came out of Hello Beautiful with an entirely new perspective on my world and the people I share it with, as well as a much deeper appreciation for the relationships I hold. Napolitano is a talented writer who has birthed a story that will resonate with millions worldwide. I, myself, may never recover from this marvelous novel.

Can love make a broken person whole?

In Hello Beautiful, we follow William Waters and the Padavano sisters as they navigate their lives from childhood to

Publish Date: March 14, 2023

adulthood and beyond. William grew up in a silent house, raised by parents who showed him little attention and no love. Only when he starts to play basketball with the neighborhood kids does William feel any sense of belonging. After gaining a scholarship for his skill on the basketball court, William leaves his absent family behind and is able to start building a future. But William needs to be made aware of who he is and what he wants from this life.

Enter, Julia Padavano. Julia is an ambitious and serious young woman who locks onto William the moment they meet. After their first conversation, Julia has already decided on their future together, and William is more than happy to let her lead the way. With Julia comes her three younger sisters.

Sylvie is the dreamer. Happiest with her nose in a book, Sylvie is obsessed with adventure and intense romantic love. She refuses to settle for anything less than her wildest dreams.

Cecelia

Photo by Cooper Mickelson

“Stop thinking about who you were when you were living the wrong life, William. You’re built for the life you’re living now…You can’t fail when you’re doing what you love.” (p. 249)

is the artist. Profoundly emotional and unique in every way, Cecelia is destined for a life of beauty. Emeline is the mother of the group. Always concerned with how she can best care for those around her, Emeline is endlessly patient and considers herself the quiet sister.

If you’re a fan of Little Women, you might have already caught on to a few similarities. Hello Beautiful is not a retelling of this well-loved classic but a creative homage to Louisa May Alcott’s spectacular characters. The sisters embody more than just their most obvious March sister counterparts, creating a more complex and rewarding arc for these women.

The Padavano sisters happily fold William into their little family filled with love and pandemonium. Things seem to have fallen perfectly into place for a time, just as Julia has planned. But as darkness from William’s past begins to seep outward, the sister’s unshakeable loyalty to each other is tested, and bonds are broken.

Hello Beautiful is an extremely character-driven novel with an engaging plot full of emotional themes. Generational healing, honesty, bravery, and the power of love in all its forms, this story leaves colors brighter and hearts more sweet. I predict that Hello Beautiful will be at the top of many lists this year, and I implore you to read it with a friend or group of loved ones.

This is a story to be shared.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano can be found at your local bookstore on March 14th. Preorder your copy from Bookshop Benicia now. While you wait, you can read one of Napolitano's other books, Dear Edward, and watch the movie adaptation on AppleTv. B

Padavano Spritz

Ingredients

2oz Lyre's Italian Orange (replace with Aperol to make it boozy)

3oz Orange Juice

3oz Lyre's Classico or Champagne Orange Slice (optional)

Preparation

1 Add Lyre's Italian Orange into a highball glass and top with ice.

2 Add Orange Juice.

3 Top with Lyre's Classico

4 Garnish with an orange slice.

savageandcooke.com

707.388.1864

Open Thurs-Sun 12-7 pm

Savage & Cooke

1097 Nimitz Avenue Vallejo, CA 94592

n Gourmet Gracie and Movie Magic

Zowza!! This totally cool distillery was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Dave Phinney, a winemaker by trade. Phinney’s wine successes have included Orin Swift and The Prisoner brands. Now, Mare Island’s repurposed naval offices house a tasting room/bar, administrative space and a barrel room. A large glass case full of thousands of bullet shells sits by the bar, while busts of horses and Mao Zedong appear on shelves around the large, minimalistic space—creating a hip and eclectic feel.

Rows of tan barrels emblazoned with the company’s logo welcome in the whiskey, rye and Bourbon. The facility pumps out more than 160 barrels a month. Among the results are The Burning Chair American Bourbon, Second Glance American Whiskey and Lip Service American Rye Whiskey. Phinney’s recent

The Angels' Share

1 Hour, 41 minutes; 2013

Directed by Ken Loach, a renowned British director and screenwriter, this film won the Jury Prize for a feature film at the Cannes Film Festival when released.

At its best, this is a feel good, heart warming movie; at worst, it shows the despair of poverty and desperation—but with hope. The early minutes are a bit rough..but necessary. Filmed in Scotland, it becomes an endearingly clumsy, wishful, adventurous caper that results in redemption and new beginnings.

Most of the actors are locals with no acting experience. Robbie (played by the delightful Paul Brannigan), has a troubled temperament that leads to a court order for hundreds of hours of community service. He’s determined to shape up and provide

a better life for his newborn son. A visit to a whiskey distillery reveals he has a sharp, nuanced nose for good liquor. He and his similarly downtrodden sidekicks plan an improbable and adventurous heist—and it’s not what you think.

Robbie’s community service supervisor is a hero—not only a connoisseur of good whisky, but a regular guy with a huge heart who sees the possibilities in everything. Magic Moon really loved this story—so real, so hopeful, so victorious, in the most unpredictable of circumstances.

Note: “Angels’ share” refers to the small percentage of whisky that evaporates in the cask each year. We love that. Maybe there’s a metaphor in there somewhere.

Movie Magic gives this movie 3 ¾ moons. B

collaboration with Scottie Pippen, NBA Champion, has resulted in DIGITS, a five year-old Bourbon whiskey. Stellar.

The restaurant serves a short but tasty dinner menu of Blanchard’s famous fried chicken—chicken and a biscuit, chicken sandwiches, whole fried chickens, half bird baskets and, well, chicken. Oh so crispy on the outside and deliciously tender within—no greasiness! Also, “southern sides”—fried pickles, mac & cheese, collard greens and more. But wait! Don’t miss the delicious craft cocktails; over-the-top creations at the full bar. Some with orchids, some in shades of lavender, some with grilled pineapple. Gracie’s favorite is the “Churchill,” which comes with a smoking cigar (cinnamon stick) across the top. This is a special place. Cheers!

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.”

–Mark Twain

Stream on Amazon Prime Rated R for language and brief violence Scottish brogue is assisted by subtitles

March

EVENTS

Every Sat & Sun

Live Music at Lucca’s Lucca's Beer Garden

2:30-5:30 pm

One band each day: Camp Jeff, The Killbillies, Papa Joe & The New Deal, Uncommonwealth, Kehoe Int'l, Soulful Security, Don Bassey & Friends, Dublin Soul.

Month of March

Where's Jack London?

Benicia Main Street celebrates downtown’s “Antiques, Vintage & Collectibles” with a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars. Look for the framed picture of Jack London at participating businesses and email the keyword found on the frame to Benicia Main Street to enter in the drawing for Downtown Dollars.

March 3

First Fridays At The Museum— Dennis Dove Band

2060 Camel Rd, Benicia, CA

6:30-9:30 pm

The Dennis Dove band, is one of the Bay Area's most dynamic and enjoyable bands, featuring top-level musicians and powerful vocals. The group's repertoire consists of exciting, danceable R&B/funk material and beautiful, moving rock and soul ballads. Don't miss this great night of live music, a no-host bar, and great food truck food.

The cover charge is $15.00. Museum Members $5.00 at the door

March 11

St. Patrick's Day Beer Crawl

Downtown Benicia

1-5 pm

The Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, let out your Irish cheer and sample craft beers inside participating businesses. Wearing green is encouraged, but not required to have fun! Ages 21 and older. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets are limited and we anticipate selling out!

March 11

Benicia Historical Museum— History Talks

2060 Camel Rd, Benicia, CA

11:30 am-12:30 pm

Images of America: Benicia Arsenal

The monthly series that brings museum visitors and history lovers together. Come out for a morning of History with Authors Allan Gandy and Jim Lessenger as they present their newly published Images of America book on The Benicia Arsenal. $10 through Eventbrite or at the Door.

March 16

Live Music at Lucca’s Lucca's (indoor)

8-10 pm

Jeff Tamelier & Tony Lindsay

March 17

Live Music at Lucca’s Lucca's Beer Garden

5:30-8 pm

Western Shore

March 18

Irish Storytelling from Benicia Magazine

Sweetness & Light

2 pm

Join us in the courtyard of Sweetness & Light for some Irish storytelling and open mic (acoustic). Enjoy some sparkling libations, giant Jenga, and crafts hosted by Learning Circles. This is a free event. Contributions are greatly appreciated.

March 25

The Purple Ones— Prince Tribute 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

7-10 pm

Oakland California’s The Purple Ones treat the music and patented vibe of Prince’s legacy with the utmost respect. The musical dexterity of The Purple Ones – with 11-12 pieces on stage including a full horn section – delivers their own spin on Prince’s (and other Prince-related artists such as The Revolution, The New Power Generation, Sheila E., Morris Day & The Time and the general Minneapolis Sound) live onstage, as this funk machine, dance party has to be experienced to be believed! B

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

—Bobby and Jessica Morgan