Benicia Magazine November 2021 Issue

Season of

GIVING Thanksgiving

Different Traditions

B FC

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Hardwood I Laminate I Carpet I Tile 2 • Benicia Magazine

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Holiday Specials Lula’s Chocolates

From his grandma Lula’s recipes, local Chocolatier Scott Lund hand crafts exquisite confections, from luscious chocolate-covered Toffees and Pecan Turtles to mouthwatering Sea Salt Caramels. For the holidays, we feature Lula’s gift boxes including Buttercreams, Nuts

Wind River Chimes

Inspired by nature and designed to be inspiring, Wind River Chimes are influenced by the shores and mountains of home state Virginia.

Each are hand crafted with wood accents, complimenting the surroundings while providing outstanding tonal quality. Every breeze brings a renewed beauty, mystery, and wonder!

to us fresh weekly from Lula’s kitchen in Monterey, CA. Lula’s Chocolates… a luscious and rewarding chocolate experience.

Puzzles

This holiday season we bring you more of the nation’s best jigsaw puzzles… Springbok and Cobble Hill.

Featuring topical and nostalgic images and stunning landscapes, our selection is one of the largest in the area!

UGears

UGears are unique model kits that assemble into self-propelled mechanical works of art! Made of high grade sustainably-harvested wood, we stock dozens of models which suit all skill and age levels!

Pedrotti Ace Hardware 830 Southampton Road Benicia, CA 94510 707-745-NUTS (6887) acebenicia.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 3

Benicia Benicia

Magazine Beniciamagazine.com

Benic

Benic

Benic

Benic

Celebrating our 17th Year

Benicia Editor-in-Chief

Providing honest and reliable service since 1996 Commercial/Residential Installation

Mary Hand

D?

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years company, 14 ating/cooling he st be d te 4 • Vo ars, Kron TV e Bay for 5 ye th of st be d • Vote stallation /Residential In s • Commercial Award, 3 year Super Service st Li ’s ie ng or A ct • ing contra rade participat • Energy Upg & techs ned installers • Factory-trai & maintained ent enforced nm ro vi en e • Drug-fre l, 21 years ess Honor Rol in us B r te et B • ertified • Diamond C llence certified chnician Exce Te an ic er m A • North siness rtified green bu • Bay Area ce ound checked s fully backgr ee oy pl em ll A •

“Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.”

— Anne Frank

magazine

Art Director

Margaret Bowles

Managing Editor & Website Specialist

Benicia Genevieve Hand

magazine Contributors

Bitsy Hall Genevieve Hand Linda Hastings Darrell Mcelvane Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D Aly Mickelson Cooper Mickelson Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D Kevin Nelson Gene Pedrotti Carolyn Plath Jean Purnell Maura Sullivan

Administrative Assistant Solofo Evans

Social Media Specialist Bitsy Hall

Advertising Sales 707.980.1563 Adsales@beniciamagazine.com Advertising deadlines New ads: the 5th of the month prior to the issue month Ad changes: 6 weeks prior to the issue month

Contact Us

We wish you a Happy Hanukkah!

4 • Benicia Magazine

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707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com editor@beniciamagazine.com

PUBLISHER

Benicia Publishing, LLC

Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Benicia Publishing, LLC. Copyright © 2021, all rights reserved.

Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Benicia Magazine, Downtown Benicia, CA 94510.

707.980.1563, Beniciamagazine.com.

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Where You Salesian College Preparatory | 2851 Salesian Avenue Richmond | Salesian.com | 510.234.4433

Small Business Saturday

November 27th, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

AND

Ages 21 and older $30 per person or 2 for $55 advance $35 day of event Tickets at Benicia Main Street 90 First Street, and online at

BeniciaMainStreet.org • 707.745.9791 Stroll Downtown Benicia from shop to shop, tasting fine wines for an enjoyable afternoon to “sip, walk, and shop” with friends.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 5

Contents

November 2021

Features 16

Season of Giving

18

T hanksgiving — different traditions 12

18

14 6 • Benicia Magazine

13

10

Departments Columns 8 From the editor 24 Spotify — November playlist 26 P icket Fences — A Benicia Mystery 28 D inner and a Movie Sprankles and Grumpy Old Men

30 BookTails — Nick

MITCHELL LAW GROUP 1001 Madison Street, 2nd Floor Benicia, California 94510 SolanoLawGroup.com info@SolanoLawGroup.com 707-748-0900

Around Town ART SCENE 10 Gallery 621 Re-Opens FOOD AND DRINK 11 Bar None Thankful for Wine

COMMUNITY 12 Hidden Benicia Walking the Benicia Bridge

13 N uts and Bolts

Celebrating Benicia’s oldest business

14 S hop Benicia Gift Guide

Wills • Trusts • Estate Planning & Administration • Family Law Real Estate • Probate • DUI • Consumer Law • Business Law

Jose’s Junk Removal Highly recommended by over 50 Benicia customers Licensed and insured License: 03111662

Providing high quality & reliable full service junk removal for Benicia and beyond.

See what others are saying on Benicia Junk Removal-Jose Rios

Call or text 707.712.1073 • Junkremoval707@yahoo.com

20 Indigenous Alcatraz an Unthanksgiving

21 J en Roger

New executive director of Benicia Historical Museum

22 Juan Escovedo

From the Front Room to the Stage

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

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Column Editor's letter

Pass it

FORWARD

I took Emmy for a walk a couple of weeks ago during Farmers Market. It was a lovely afternoon, and everyone seemed glad to be out and about. I returned to my car and was urging Emmy to jump in, when another dog came by that was overly enthusiastic. Confusion reigned for a moment, but I got Emmy into the car and drove home.

Suddenly, when my phone was nowhere to be found, I realized that I had driven off with it perched on the hood of the car. Yes, it was an idiotic place to put my phone. In a panic, I drove back to where I had been parked, but there was no phone to be found. My husband, Jon, called my number and, thankfully, someone answered. I was overjoyed. I arranged to meet the person who had my phone in front of Safeway. Two teenage boys rode up on their bicycles and handed it over. I offered them money as a thank you, but the boys refused and asked me to pass their good will forward, instead. These young men did not appear particularly affluent, and my guess is they could have used the money. But that wasn’t their priority. Being good and kind citizens of the world was their only motivation.

November is a month of thanks and giving. Thanks for what we have, and thanks that we can give to others. Our community is compassionate and philanthropic. We have many service organizations, nonprofits and charities of all sizes that can be counted on to help those who require assistance. In this issue we highlight St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and their ongoing mission to feed the hungry in Benicia. The church hosts free dinner for anyone in need of a meal 2 times a week, on Monday and Wednesday. Their Thanksgiving dinner is a special time of food, fun and comradery for all.

For many of us, November is the beginning of the Holiday Season.

We want to stretch the shopping, eating, and celebrating for as long as possible. That’s why we are running the Holiday Gift Guide for two months, to give you time to plan and enjoy Benicia shopping. Don’t forget Main Street’s wine walk on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27th.

Explore the shops, old favorites and new.

Spend time with family and friends to celebrate and take a moment to reflect on all that makes you grateful. Enjoy this month to the fullest! beniciamagazine

Mary

@beniciamagazine

Facebook.com/beniciamagazine

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

8 • Benicia Magazine

“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”

— Maya Angelou

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

Around Town Art Scene

Gallery 621 Re-Opens Up the Street n

Jean Purnell

After six years on the 300 block of First Street, Gallery 621 has reopened its doors at 920 First Street, Suite 203. An opening reception celebrating the move is planned for Saturday, November 6, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. The Gallery features an eclectic group of contemporary artists working in a variety of media, including painting, printmaking, and sculpture.

The new, spacious location above Olson Realty provides the gallery’s 16 artist members with twice the space for displaying art, with opportunities to display more three-dimensional art, which is often best viewed in the round.

“We were surprised and disappointed not to be able to continue leasing in our former location,” said Nikki Basch-Davis, a long-time member, Benicia artist, and coordinator for the gallery, “but our new home is larger, very elegant, and gives us a chance to show larger artwork.

That really wasn’t possible in the other location. And it’s our hope to create another focal point on First Street with St. Paul’s Church, the lovely park, One House Bakery, and other businesses thriving here. We want to add to that.”

“ ...our new home is larger, very elegant, and gives us a chance to show larger artwork.”

Gallery members learned in late June that the lease would not be continued past the end of August. Despite searching for a number of weeks and reaching out to multiple realtors, no suitable spaces were found among the first-floor storefronts, as many sufficiently sized spaces had been recently rented as pandemic restrictions eased over the

10 • Benicia Magazine

summer. “We weren’t looking for a second-floor space,” notes BaschDavis. “We won’t have the same sort of walk-in visitors that we had before, but our goal is to become a destination for those that love and collect art.”

Founded in 2009, Gallery 621 takes its name from its first location at 621 First Street.

Founder and artist Pamela Dixon not only brought together a core group of the very best artistic talent in Benicia, but also helped create exhibitions that brought exceptional artworks and artists to Benicia. Basch-Davis, Linda Stevenson Dunlop, and Jerrold Turner, all still members, were part of that core group. Five years later, however, as the building changed hands and rents increased beyond what the gallery could bear, the gallery was closed, and the group split up. Before long, however, Benicia developer and arts supporter, Phil Joy stepped up with an offer of rental space at 309 First Street for the displaced artists. “Phil could have gotten more money to rent the building, but he really wanted to support us,” recalls Basch-Davis. “Having his help at that time was extremely important.”

Membership continued to grow to as many as fourteen artists by the year 2020, when the gallery's existence was threatened again by the COVID-19 pandemic-related closures. With no revenues from the closed gallery, membership dwindled to as few as seven artists. Again, the community responded with support, helping the gallery make ends meet until restrictions eased and membership could grow again. “It was a heartwarming affirmation from our community,” says Basch-Davis.

These recent experiences have motivated a group of artists to form the Artist Alliance, with the goal of creating a conversation with Benicia leaders about

how supporting the art community will help make the town and tourism thrive.

Part of the discussion is about ensuring that a certain percentage of street level addresses be available for art and other visitor-dependent businesses.

The group is studying the examples set by Napa, Carmel, Sonoma and other cities for relevant ideas. “Benicia advertises itself as a destination for art, but we’re in danger of losing the artists and art galleries if we don’t make sure they have a home,” said Basch-Davis.

Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from 12 noon to 6pm. More information about the gallery and its artists is available at gallery621.com

Around Town Food and Drink

Bar None –

Thankful for Wine.

n Maura Sullivan

Tis the season to be thankful. I’m sure the dedica pret ty ted readers of Magazine are we Benicia ll aware of my passion for boozy, silky, bubb ly, pungent beve rages. So the question is, why are we grateful fo r wine?

I can’t speak for ev er y drinker, but I can explain my gratitude for this classic, sens ual beverage.

My admiration comes from m y Sund As I slowly pour a glass of Brut Ca ays. va into my dainty cham pagne Coupe Glass.

Admiring the so ft bubbles rushin g to the surface of th is crisp beverage .

Glistening like a canary diamond in the sun, she is ar t. I always enjoy a twist in my cava, a slice of lemon to give just a kiss of acidity to the nutty and fresh mel on palate.

Something so sim ple, but so luxurious to the taste brightens any Sunday af ternoon for me.

It could be consid ered an affair, if I didn’t sh are.

Reminiscing as I sip away, thinking of places vino has taken me.

Star ting from the top of Sp ring Mountain’s Newton tree, ac ross the world to New Zealand’s coast, back to Napa surrounded by Au stralian viticulturis landing in Colora ts and do studying Ch in love with the ianti, falling historic Tuscan hi grateful. Friendsh lls. I am beyond ips from all walks Aussie, Hispanic, of life , French, Kiwi, but pure love, cr South African, Br af tsmanship and itish and Italian. knowledge was there was a sout Nothing shared over a gl hern Frenchman ass. No ill will, un in the kitchen wi for a roast! less th an American.

Don’t peel the ga This beverage rlic may not be muc h to you, but it is winemakers, even to generations of the vines. Severa farmers, towns, l acres survived continue to live on wars so the pass , even in your 3 bu ion for wine can ck chuck. So rem also saying chee ember, when you rs to what's in yo cheers, you are ur glass. This liq rain, sheep and uid survived fires sometimes frost , earthquakes, ha to m ake your steak ta learn where it co il, mes from, and do ste better. Be kin d to your wine, n’t drink it with a are the exceptio fast food burger n. . Chicken nugget s

Be thankful for your wine.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

Around Town Hidden Benicia

Walking Benicia Bridge n Kevin Nelson Some people celebrate their birthday with a champagne brunch. Others jet off to Maui for a week of fun in the sun.

I celebrated my birthday by walking the Benicia Bridge.

Well, okay, technically it was the day before my birthday, but the impulse was to do something I had never done before—explore the city’s biggest and most visible landmark, on foot, and see if I could discover something about it I did not know.

It was a Friday morning in September, and the air was fresh as the first day of spring. The winds that normally blister the strait were only a whisper. Not so the thundering herd of cars, trucks, 18-wheelers and RVs passing over the bridge, however. Close to 58,000 vehicles cross the bridges every day, and it felt like half of them had chosen that morning to do so. The wall of sound they produce is like being in the front row of an AC/DC concert. The concrete under your feet sways under the assault. The iron guard railing vibrates.

Signs do post the speed limit at 65 miles per hour, and I am sure one or two of the vehicles were observing the law.

The others seemed to be testing out their engines to race at the Sonoma drags.

There is not one Benicia Bridge, of course; there are actually three: the two auto bridges and the railroad bridge in between them. The older auto bridge, built in the early 1960s, cost $25 million; 12 • Benicia Magazine

the newer one, built in 2007, cost $1.2 billion. The pedestrian and bicycling path was added to the older bridge during the earthquake retrofit of a decade ago. I have driven the bridges hundreds of times over the years but was delightfully surprised by a sight on the railroad bridge I had never seen before: It has graffiti on it.

“Tomatoes Rule,” “Alright Then,” “Eye Spy” are a few of the messages scrawled on the very top of this dignified ancient span. It is truly impressive to think of the daredevil teenagers who walked out across the tracks in the wind and darkness, climbed up acrobatically onto the structure, and stealthily left their marks for posterity.

The Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission says that

“typically” 66 bicycle riders and 18 pedestrians cross the Benicia Bridge—or if you prefer, Benicia-Martinez Bridge— every weekday. The other 17 people who would be walking that Friday apparently were on a different schedule. I did see a total of five bicyclists as well as a pair of vultures hovering above me as if suspended in air on invisible strings.

Perhaps they were scoping me out as potential human carrion.

After reaching land on the Martinez side—it is about when you see the Waters Moving and Storage sign when you’re in a car—I turned around to go back. By this time the wind had picked up and bits of grit whorled up into my eyes. I was now facing the traffic and the bellowing elephant stampede was rampaging toward me.

The view of the river was lovely, though, and here you get to see the Benicia port in a way you normally do not. The five tugboats parked along the docks, the double hull ship, the Union Pacific train pulling a long string of fuel cars behind it, sounding its horn.

The bridge is a link in the San Francisco Bay Trail, connecting other bridges and other places around the region. It took me an hour and a half to do the roundtrip, a little over a couple of miles, and it was entirely flat except for the dip down on the Martinez side. From east Military follow the “Benicia-Martinez Bridge Path” signs which will take you to the parking lot at the start. My best birthday celebration ever? Nah. But not a bad way to spend the morning.

Around Town Nuts & Bolts

BENICIA NEWS AND VIEWS

Pondering Gratitude During a Season of Giving Thanks n Gene Pedrotti Next year we will be celebrating a remarkable accomplishment for a small family business – our 100th anniversary. In a relatively young state like California, it is rare to hear of centennials, especially in small businesses which can struggle to survive. Indeed, we almost called it quits in Crockett back in the 1970s.

At that time, my Uncle Al, ten years older and my father’s partner, was looking forward to retirement. Since this was a two-man operation, the plan was to shutter the store once he could draw social security. He certainly deserved this – they both did – as they had been working six-days-a week, ten-hours-a-day their entire careers.

Long hours are not uncommon for small business – training, let alone paying, employees can kill a small business – and so proprietors simply work more. Open 8am-6pm Monday through Sunday, they worked these long hours for over 50 years, each! That’s over 150,000 hours. Quite a feat!

However, along came a young, ambitious offspring – me – who had an interest in the family. I enjoyed working summers at the hardware store and I wanted a crack at it. However, there was a small problem: education. It was pre-determined and unnegotiable that the five Pedrotti boys were going to college. You see, my father had not graduated from high school and so our parents set that expectation early in childhood. Pondering the dilemma of my uncle’s pending retirement and my schooling, I came up with a proposal. Turns out, it was a rather indecent proposal.

One day talking with my uncle, I shared my affinity for hardware retailing and that even with the long hours, nominal pay, and few benefits, I wanted to give it a go. Acknowledging his impending retirement, my proposal was this: if he could work two more years, I would attend Cal and upon graduation, step in and take his place.

A simple proposition? No way…five decades later as I cross that auspicious fifty-year mark, I see what an incredibly obscene proposal this was! My father and uncle rarely took vacations so my request to delay a hard-earned retirement and instead work

another 6,000 hours with but a nominal summer break?!!! By today’s standards, this was an absurd suggestion!

But he agreed! Uncle Al said, “Yes,” and because of him we are here today. We’ve grown beyond a two-man operation, evolving into a 35-member team, became Benicia Chamber’s first Business-of-the-Year, were awarded the Ace Hardware President’s Cup as the best Ace in the United States (1997), and now stand as Benicia’s longest surviving business (disclaimer – yes, we moved here on Valentine’s Day 1992, but we are Benicia’s oldest business.)

All of these accolades and awards were made possible because of a kind and generous act of a hardworking American, a descendent of an immigrant family, who set aside his well-deserved retirement so that a family institution might persevere.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, there are hundreds of people to whom I would like to express my profound gratitude: To my parents, family and my husband, Ian – for their love and support.

To the always smiling, always singing (offkey, but that’s ok!), Margaret Vizuet, whom you all know, as she still works at Ace! She was my first employee in Benicia! To store manager Josh Gibbons, he started his career as a polite and respectful sixteen year-old and has been coping with a neurotic, uncompromising boss for way too long. To my Team at Ace, employees past and present – for your love of people and the desire to help others; you are the unspoken and under-appreciated heroes in the community (currently dutifully wearing your masks!). To my friends at Ace Hardware, fellow retailers, corporate staff, for helping a struggling two-man operation unfold into a customer service Work-of-Art. And to the communities of Crockett and Benicia – it takes a village to raise children into responsible citizens – it is a privilege to serve you.

And to my late Uncle Al, who made this all possible – by his willingness to delay retirement in favor of two years of ugly long weeks…Thank you!

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

Gene Pedrotti BeniciaMagazine.com • 13

ROBERTO'S FINE JEWELRY

BOOKSHOP BENICIA

636 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 | 707.747.5155

We are a small, independently owned bookstore. We carry new and used books for children & adults, plus toys, stationary, and other fun things.

Many new and special items are arriving for the holidays, including Starling, by Benicia native Isabel Strychacz. bookshopbenicia.indielite.org

519 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510 707.747.5262 Thinking of a special gift this season? Imagine giving your loved one this stunning aquamarine necklace (14.71k, 14k white gold chain), or the blue and white pearl set (44mm white and dyed blue pearls). Roberto’s features fine gold, diamond, and color gemstone jewelry.

Jewelry design and repair is also available.

ANTIQUES ON FIRST

919 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510 | 707.751.3727 Curated, welcoming, lovely.

Visit, browse, buy. Vast array of antique and vintage clocks, militaria, jewelry, railroad, art, bottles, sculpture, pottery, oddities, select furniture, decor, props, and more in our cozy shop. Consignments considered. Clock repair.

Established 2017, celebrating four years this winter.

Thankful every day for community and customer support! instagram.com/ antiquesonfirst/

14 • Benicia Magazine

HAPPY LIFE POTTERY

632 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 707.742.3411 Handmade, reversible aprons – huge selection of fun & funky prints! Three pockets, adjustable strap, available in 2 lengths. Beautiful hand-made pottery by David Stellato, made in Benicia! Variety of mugs, bowls, and other gift items. Hand-carved wooden serving spoon by Swahili Imports – Fair Trade Company supporting artisans in Africa. happylifepottery.com

SPARKLY RAGZ

560 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 | 707.426.4303 An eclectic boutique featuring new, like new, artisan and luxury goods. We offer an assortment of women's clothing, jewelry, accessories and handbags; hand created gift items, candles & bath products. We partner with over 65 artists who create our curated and sometimes exclusively created selection. sparklyragz.com

SWEETNESS AND LIGHT FLORAL DESIGN

309 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510 | 707.652.5599 We take our passion for sourcing local seasonal blooms and fill our vases with the bay area’s bounty.

We create bespoke works of art for all your floral needs. We have expanded! We are now featuring home décor and gift items. We are sure you will find the perfect gift! sweetnessandlightflowers.com

REIMAGINED BY CHRISTINA S

370 First Street, Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.5125 The store offers an interesting mix of clothing and accessories that are often seen internationally and sold exclusively to boutiques.

Christina travels to Europe and brings back special items for her clients. Selections are inspired by a window display, museum exhibit, or observing women in cafés or on the boulevards. christinasbenicia.com

ANGEL HEART 4 YOU

501 1st Street, Benicia, CA 94510 707.745.2024 Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Benicia, embrace the aroma of scented candles, essential oils, incense and aromatherapy products as you wander the aisles of our inspirational/ metaphysical book and gift shop. angelheart4you.net

FEMMAGE

946 Tyler St. Suite D Benicia, CA 94510 | 707.207.1967 We are Benicia’s only fabric and arts/ crafts supply store! We carry women’s clothing sizes small to 3XL. We also offer craft classes, like our reindeer building class on December 15th!

Femmageart.com

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

Feature

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer” — Mahatma Gandhi n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Benicia, the third oldest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Northern California, was established on February 13, 1855. The church has had a long and successful relationship with the Benicia population, and has proven to be a pillar of the community for the past 166 years. But recently, St. Paul’s has become a lifeline for many local residents, thanks to their free meal and food giveaway programs.

Prior to the Covid outbreak, St. Paul’s gave away 75 free community meals once a week. Since February of 2020, that number has increased to 350 meals a week, served Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30- 6:00 pm. St. Paul’s has no requirements or proof of residency in order to participate, and no questions are asked prior to being served. The church management simply feeds the hungry who show up at the assigned time.

The church has also seen an increase in donations since the arrival of Covid. Eighteen months ago, St Paul’s received $2,000 per year in donations for charitable giving, and that amount has increased to $2,000 per month. The contributions, both monetary and edible, come 16 • Benicia Magazine

from local businesses and individuals that sponsor the biweekly meals and other outreach activities.

These businesses include Sandoval’s, One House Bakery, Fox and Fawn Bakehouse, Solano Real Estate Association, Twin Oaks Real Estate, Farm and Flower, and other downtown businesses.

The Benicia Kiwanis Club, the Heritage Presbyterian Church, and Twin Oaks Realty have volunteers who have joined with volunteers from St. Paul’s, who manage the biweekly meals held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. These dedicated folks set up and serve meals, and then clean up afterwards. They have been trained in safe food handling, they plan the meals, pick up donations at the local Food Bank, and are the recipients of a grant from the Redwoods Hunger Task Force that expands the food programs beyond what the budget supports. It is extremely heartening to see how people work together to feed people during this pandemic.

Besides the biweekly meals, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has also scheduled Groceries Giveaways and Fresh Food Giveaways that feature produce from the Community Garden. These opportunities are popular and help keep people fed.

A Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings is scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2021. If you are interested in donating or assisting in some way to this event, or other events and activities, feel free to contact the church at 707.745.0307, or visit the website at stpaulsbenicia.org.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 17

Feature

Thanksgiving Around the World

n Bitsy Hall Given the regional history of Thanksgiving, one might think it is a uniquely American holiday. We grew up reciting plays of pilgrims and Native Americans breaking bread in Plymouth, Massachusetts, often in cringeworthy homemade costumes and paper hats. While many of us have since learned that the true origins of Thanksgiving are far too dark and genocidal for an elementary school play, the tradition of gathering and feasting is often our strongest association with the third Thursday of November.

Thanksgiving celebrations in American households typically host the same crowd pleasers: a gigantic turkey, mashed potatoes, greens, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. These Thanksgiving staples appear to be widespread across the nation, offering a consistent set of traditions in American culture. Thanksgiving and harvest celebrations, however, are not at all unique to the United States. In fact, these celebrations occur around the world! The following countries partake in their own versions of Thanksgiving with varying historical origins.

Germany: Erntedankfest Meaning “the harvest festival of thanks,” Erntedankfest takes place on the first Sunday of October in Germany. Some argue that this religious holiday has taken place for thousands of years – predating our Thanksgiving by many centuries. On this religious holiday, participants wear a harvest crown, or Erntekrone, made of grain, flowers, fruit, and colorful ribbon. Church altars display seasonal fruits, vegetables, and wheat. Autumnal parades, celebrations, and feasts carry on for up to three days!

Traditional Erntedankfest foods include honeycomb, freshly harvested produce, and die Masthühnchen, or “fattened up chicken.”

Liberia Liberia’s version of Thanksgiving occurs on the first Thursday of November. Thanksgiving in Liberia shares many of the American traditions, no doubt influenced by the country’s history of establishment, circa the 1820s. With the help of the American Colonization Society, formerly enslaved Africans came to Liberia for liberation and opportunity. From a passing glance, you might mistake a Liberian Thanksgiving feast for an American one. Liberians celebrate Thanksgiving with spicy roast chicken, mashed cassava, and green bean casserole.

18 • Benicia Magazine

Japan: Kinro Kansha no Hi

Vietnam: Têt Trung Thu Festival This mid-autumn moon festival is an ancient celebration of children. Dating back as far as 15,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, Tết Trung Thu is said to have evolved from parents making up for time spent laboring during the harvest season. This joyous holiday is celebrated under a full moon to represent fullness and prosperity – illuminating a night full of mooncakes, paper lanterns, and parades.

The Japanese version of Thanksgiving is meant to honor labor, practice gratitude, and celebrate production. Occurring on November 23rd, this holiday evolved from an ancient rice harvest festival NiinameSai that celebrated the harvest of the five grains. Some scholars date the practice of Niiname-Sai to 667-686 AD. Japan’s modern celebration of Thanksgiving, “Kinro Kansha no Hi,” meaning Labor Thanksgiving Day, was established three years after World War II. Postwar, Japan experienced constitutional changes that championed the inclusion of human and labor rights. Japan’s version of Thanksgiving does not include feasting, but instead the exchange of small candies, chocolates, and letters of thanks.

Israel: Sukkot Meaning “booths,” Sukkot is one of three pilgrimage festivals celebrated in Israel.

During Sukkot, Jewish people honor harvest and remember their liberation from Egyptian slavery and the 40 years spent wandering to Israel. During these 40 years, Jews lived in temporary homes called sukkahs made out of dry palms and branches. Today while celebrating Sukkot, Jewish Israelis create sukkahs to dwell in. Families commonly decorate sukkah huts with leaves, fruits, and vegetables. During Sukkot, you may hear “chag sameach” meaning “joyous festival!”

Autumnal celebrations are not limited to just the United States or those listed.

Harvest provides a time for closeness, reflection, and harmony that is recognized by a laundry list of cultures.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

Around Town Community

Unthanksgiving Day “Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway home.”

— Wilbur D. Nesbit n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D A decidedly different Unthanksgiving Day is held every Thanksgiving on Alcatraz. The purpose of this event is to honor Native Americans and promote their rights. It also commemorates when a group of Native American students and other supporters took over and occupied Alcatraz Island in November

Council and American Indian Contemporary Arts and is open to the public. Before sunrise, several thousand native Americans and spectators meet and dance to honor their ancestors. They also demonstrate other aspects of their cultures and heritage and speak out for the rights of their people. A similar, though

“...commemorates when a group of Native American students and other supporters took over and occupied Alcatraz Island in November 1969.”

1969. These protesters claimed the land according to the Treaty of Fort Laramie, also known as the Sioux Treaty of 1868. Even though these protesters were forced from Alcatraz nineteen months later by the U.S. government, the reason for their occupation was acknowledged, and the first Unthanksgiving Day was held four years later on November 27, 1975. During the protesters’ sojourn on Alcatraz, support from other indigenous people grew and the civil rights movement coincided to lend support as well. Unthanksgiving Day was then established to honor Native American ancestors and veterans of the Alcatraz occupations.

The organizers chose the fourth Thursday of November intentionally. While most people in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving, Native Americans want to remind Americans about the losses that they suffered because of the arrival of Europeans. The ceremony at Alcatraz is organized by the International Indian Treaty

20 • Benicia Magazine

unaffiliated annual day of protest known as the National Day of Mourning is held in Massachusetts on the same day.

This celebration is not to be confused with the celebration known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Day that takes place on the second Monday in October, and has replaced Columbus Day in many states, like Alaska, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Virginia, and municipalities like Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland and Flagstaff. Also celebrated on Alcatraz, Indigenous Peoples Day was first held October 11, 1992, and stemmed from protests against celebrating the “Quincentennial Jubilee” of Columbus’ discovery of America. These protests were initiated by the Bay Area Indian Alliance, and the “Resistance 500” task Force. Both the Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Unthanksgiving Day celebrations represent important traditions in our area, and offer a different perspective to the mainstream Thanksgiving narrative.

Around Town Community

Jen Roger

Arrives to Head Benicia Historical Museum “Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.”

— George Bernard Shaw

n Jeannine Mendoza, Ed.D Jen Rogers has signed on as executive director of Benicia Historical Museum. She replaces former executive director, Elizabeth d’Huart who has moved out of state.

Ms. Roger’s previous job was at California State Parks’ Angel Island where she was in collections conservation and management, supervised research requests, and also cataloged artifacts, among other duties.

She was furloughed due to severe cutbacks made by California State Parks in a response to the COVID pandemic, and is happy and excited to have landed at her current position here in our town. Jen Roger explained that she has great plans for the popular Benicia Historical Museum.

According to Ms. Roger, the Benicia Historical Museum’s greatest strength is its cadre of hardworking, capable and dedicated volunteers who keep the museum running like

clockwork. This tireless collection of individuals provide tour guides for school groups and adult visitors, act as archive assistants to help with cataloging historical artifacts, and assist with fundraising events like concerts, raffles, dinners, auctions and exhibit openings, and special events like the Benicia Independence Day Parade. Ms. Roger is particularly excited to have volunteers at events like First Fridays that would feature fascinating talks on Benicia’s history, candlelit holiday events with carols and refreshments, and other similar events that foster growth and build a sense of community.

Ms. Roger sees the Benicia Historical Museum as a destination and gathering point for visitors and Benicia residents alike. She believes that local museums such as the Benicia Historical Museum, “… extend and strengthen the fabric of our communities…” as they build kinship and connections among the local residents.

As we welcome Jen Roger to her new post at Benicia Historical Museum, we also welcome her enthusiasm and broad vision for the future.

Indeed, Angel Island’s loss is Benicia’s gain: Jen Roger’s far-reaching plan for her tenure at the Benicia Historical Museum is exciting and ambitious, and we look forward to a new chapter at our favorite local museum.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 21

Around Town Community

From the Front Room to the Stage

An Interview with Juan Escovedo n Dr. Gethsemane Moss, Ed.D. Imagine spending holidays with the Escovedo family. The E family will spend time with family in Northern California for Thanksgiving and Southern California for Christmas.

The family will partake in delicious delicacies, from Sheila's famous chicken to Moms Escovedo's delightful macaroni and cheese.

Holidays aren't the only days when the Escovedo family would gather and enjoy family time. Imagine growing up in a musical household.

There is a saying that goes, if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life; and how many people can share a testimony of living out their dreams, that they pursued and followed their path, honed their talents, and can bring joy to people all over the world by sharing their gifts?

Juan Escovedo, also known as The J, brings magic to the stage, inviting listeners into the magical sounds he has mastered over the years. Playing such instruments as the bongos, trap drums, or the timbales, Juan Escovedo hits the skins with grace and confidence. While Juan Escovedo fell in love with playing the bass, he grew up playing the trumpet and the piano. Juan Escovedo stated, "I was playing bass every day and just loved it. I remember being told you should learn as many instruments as you can to understand what joy they bring."

As a young child, Juan Escovedo's father, legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo, had rehearsals and jam sessions in the front room in Escovedo's family home. Everyone from Carlos Santana, Cal Tjader, Neil Schon of Journey, John Santos, Bill Sommers and many more, graced the front room regularly. It was all about the love of music. Juan Escovedo stated, "You never knew who was going to make it, and it didn't matter; it was just a jam session in the front room where we all played instruments. My mother played piano, and my father played percussion. We met so many people, and we always loved music."

22 • Benicia Magazine

You can follow Juan Escovedo on Facebook and Instagram and at juanescovedo.com The Escovedo children watched and waited for their turn to play, but Pops Escovedo made it clear to his children not to touch the instruments while he was touring; and what did the children do? They not only embraced the music, they learned and mastered the music and spent every moment they could to hone their skills. Juan stated, "My father was always on tour playing with Santana.

Whenever he would leave, he would always tell us not to touch his instruments.

He would lock up his instruments in the closet." This did not stop Juan and his siblings. "I picked the lock. So, we would take his instruments out and play, and when he would come home from tour, he would say, ‘Somebody has been messing with my stuff,’ and I would say, ‘It wasn't me.’" Juan went on to state, "My pops asked us if we were playing the instruments, and we let him know that we had formed our band." Juan remembers giggling with his siblings, Peter Michael and Sheila, but recalls very vividly falling in love with music.

Juan went all in on honing his skills.

"When we started taking it seriously, we were taught the proper way of playing, the tone, the slaps and the rhythms."

Juan shared that he learned to read and play music properly; he also spent a great deal of time absorbing knowledge from the many world-renowned musicians in his front room during the jam sessions.

While the pandemic has impacted the arts professionals, Juan spent that time writing and recording songs. At age 62, Juan is releasing his first solo CD on November 8, 2021, at Yoshi's in Oakland with performances by his band, Juan Escovedo All-Stars. Juan stated, "I've been writing songs for a year, and I have been planning on a cd for the last seven years with my co-writer Michael Angel Alvarado.

We've been working on songs, and I've been saying it's going to happen."

Juan went on to state, "Now it's done.

I tried to do it two other times, but it didn't feel right at first because it was too much funk, then it was too much Latin, and now I'm at a place where I can put it all together. I love the songs, and they came out really good."

Juan has worked in other professions such as retail sales, landscaping, and working as a bank teller, but he always found his way back to his music. His words of encouragement to other musicians are for them to follow their dreams. Juan stated, "If you are serious about it, you can make it, but you have to put in the time. It's not just practicing. It is listening, watching, and continuous learning."

Juan spoke highly of his mom and dad for creating a solid family foundation.

Juan also stated, "When you put a band together, try to be around the positive musicians because your band is like your family." Juan is also a father of four.

Juan is supportive of upcoming artists. His foundation, Elevate Oakland is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to engage in art and music programming and performance alongside professional musicians.

Juan has toured with artists such as Prince, MC Hammer, Lionel Riche, Tito Puente, his sister Sheila E., Gloria Estefan, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Patti LaBelle, Bobby McFerrin, and many more. When asked about the most beautiful location he has toured, Juan stated, “There are so many nice places, you can’t name one. It’s not just the place, it’s who you are with and the people who make it beautiful.”

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Around Town Community

n Aly Mickelson With it not being the holiday season just yet, November is a great month to sit back and relax before the chaos ensues. It's also a great month to sit back and think about all the things you have to be grateful for. We live in a quiet town, we're right on the water, we have clean parks with fresh air, the perfect weather, a cute downtown with delicious restaurants, fun bars and local shops, the list can go on and on. However, with all these things we are lucky to have, it's easy to get distracted and forget that not everybody has the same. So, while taking that time to remember the things you have, it's also a good time to think about how you can give back to those who may not be as fortunate. Some examples could be volunteering at a shelter, bringing goods to a food drive, buying the person behind you in line their coffee, or supporting a local business. If you'd rather stay home, though, there are also plenty of easy ways to give from the comfort of your couch! You can go online and donate to a charity or cause that means something to you, find a wish list for a nonprofit organization and purchase something that will help them help others, or volunteer for online tutoring. Whatever it is you can do, no matter how big or small, giving to and helping others is proven to be good for your health. Plus, it can make you feel good! So, throw on a feel-good playlist, specifically our Benicia Magazine November playlist, and let's get to giving.

Listed below are just a few links to local organizations as well as online charities and wish lists. https://www.foodbankccs.org/ https://www.bencac.com/programs-services/ https://solanocounty.com/depts/sheriff/animalcare/donations.asp https://www.stdombenicia.org/st-vincent-de-paul/nggallery/page/1#.YVtmjJrMJaQ https://www.choc.org/programs-services/child-life/wish-list/ https://pawsforpurplehearts.org/get-involved/support/amazon-wish-list/

Playlist Songs Super Trouper – ABBA New Light – John Mayer Take It Easy – Eagles I Get A Kick Out Of You – Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga Sincerity Is Scary – The 1975 Lovely Day – Bill Withers Here You Come Again – Dolly Parton Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!

Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood There She Goes – The La’s Grace Kelly - MIKA The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby, The Range Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap Where Are You Going – Dave Matthews Band Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift Any Way You Want It – Journey 24 • Benicia Magazine

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Column A (Soap Opera) mystery

s e c n e F t e Pick Previously in Picket Fences …

We met Xavier's mother, Olivia Leavenworth. Angela met with an old croney, Martin Kray, in an effort to thwart Connie. n

Darrell Mcelvane

The moonlight blankets the waves of the bay as Benicia’s residents get ready for an evening of giving, beautiful music, and fabulous clothes. For one resident, this fundraiser is an affair she can’t wait to put behind her. Angela is slipping into a floor-length, burgundy strapless gown, with a sweetheart cut and subtle mermaid flare; she adds the finishing touches of a gold belt, gold Jada Dubai stilettos, and a gold cuff adorning her high jet-black ponytail. As she picks up her similarly gold Judith Leiber bow-shaped clutch, Bruce steps out of the shower and gazes upon her finished look with adoration. “You look amazing,” he tells her. “Thank you, love.

I have to go a little early to make sure everything is running on all cylinders; Madalyn and I have to meet with the staff,” Angela says, picking up two folders as she walks to the bedroom door. “I’ll be there in about an hour. Pencil me into your dance card,” Bruce says with a sly smile. And with that, Angela is out the door.

She’s not the only one getting ready for the evening’s event. Across the street, Madalyn stands in her walk-in closet, zipping up her deep navy blue, one shoulder, fitted trumpet gown with allover lace detail. Picking up her cell phone, she sits on the white chaise lounge to call Hank; after two rings she gets sent to voicemail. “Hey, it’s me... um… I hope you can come to the event tonight,” she says as she anxiously taps one of her silver Tom Ford high-heeled strappy sandals on the arm of the chaise. “So… I laid your tux out for you on the bed. I... I love you,” she ekes, barely getting the words out without crying. Across town, Hank listens to the voicemail. “Is it her? Is it your wife…?” Saraya Foster asks. Hank turns to her and mutters, “Don’t worry about it.” He can’t deny the guilt he feels hearing his wife’s voice.

Arriving at the Jefferson Street Mansion, Angela gets out of her Mercedes, just in time to see Madalyn pull in right next to her in her BMW. The two look each other over. “You look amazing!” they say in tandem, forcing them to giggle as they walk into the venue bustling with activity. The mansion 26 • Benicia Magazine

is bathed in a soft light that complements the platinum/ earth tone color scheme; the smell of food and fresh flowers work together to flood the senses. Angela grabs Madalyn’s hand. “You did it. Tonight is your night to shine,” Angela says, brimming with pride.

Scanning the room, Angela spies Connie’s red bottom heels walking through the front door, donning a black Jovani bow-bodice evening jumpsuit, complemented by teardrop diamond earrings, eternity diamond necklace, and a black leather Goyard clutch. “Connie’s here; I have to speak with her for a second, I’ll be right back,” Angela says, leaving Madalyn to go join the staff.

“Hello, Connie. We have to talk,” Angela says, leading her into one of the many side rooms, “Let’s go in here.” “What do you want to talk about?” Connie asks. Angela puts down her clutch and the two folders on a drink table near her.

She stares down Connie intently, not breaking eye contact, like a lioness preparing to pounce, “For starters, let’s talk about Martin Kray and why he’s here.”

To be continued…

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Column Dinner and a Movie

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

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Grumpy Old Men

Walk in, call ahead, or order online! n

Cinema Cat & Gourmet Gracie

This family owned/operated business is a staple in downtown Benicia. Located next to the Starbucks in Solano Square, Sprankle’s has a caring and committed staff with attention to every detail. Gracie is so impressed with their online ordering, which allows you to add every condiment or special addition to your sandwiches and salads that you can imagine—click to your heart’s desire!

Do you prefer a flour tortilla wrap with blue cheese crumbles, sprouts, spicy mayo, double mortadella and extra pickles? Coming right up! Or a specialty Reuben with tater tots on the side? No problem. You can even build your own salad with 9 different varieties of dressing to choose from, tossed or untossed. The paninis are a personal favorite and you can use that

28 • Benicia Magazine

stifled creativity to build your very own. The Heffenini comes with ham, bacon, mozzarella cheese with mayo, Italian dressing on your choice of bread. A selection of mouthwatering burgers is offered Thursday through Saturday. All meats and cheese are sold by the pound for your convenience.

Sprankle’s also offers specialty catering. Quoting their website: “Anything you would like, we will make it happen!”

Spaghetti feast for 20? Prime rib dinner for 12? They can provide space for a private party of up to 40 people. Sprankle’s has got the magic and expertise to fulfill your every catering desire.

Wait….also…the Hot Pastrami Club!!!! Holy Moly. These sandwiches make even Grumpy Old Men excited!

Isabel Strychacz BHS Grad Returens for Book Signing

n

Genevieve Hand

Starling, a YA novel by Benicia High grad Isabel Strychacz, and picked up by major publishing house Simon & Schuster, Inc. will hit the shelves November 9th. Strychacz will be flying back to Benicia from her home in England for a book signing at Bookshop Benicia mid-November. Details at bookshopbenicia.com.

Our 2-Minute Movie Review:

Grumpy Old Men 1993. Directed by Donald Petrie. Rated PG13 for mild sexual innuendo. 1 hr 36 min PG Well, now, it doesn’t get much more pleasing than this. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau and Ann-Margret star in this sweet and funny romantic comedy. This 104 minute movie was a surprise hit when released and kept growing in popularity during the next several years. Ann-Margret is beautiful and charming with a big heart. Jack and Walter are alternately hilarious, endearing, corny, annoying and grumpy—sometimes all at once. They’re so comfortable with each other—battered friends balancing the secret stories of the past. After all, they went to high school together. Now they’re crusty old coots, but still charismatic. And, we’re entertained while one of those secrets works its way to the surface.

John (Lemmon) and Max (Matthau) are retirees in Wabasha, Minnesota, and long time next door neighbors who spend their time ice fishing and tormenting each other with practical jokes.

Their constant feuding is really a cover for how fond they are of each other in spite of life’s entanglements. Ariel (Ann-Margret), a free spirited and spunky English professor who loves to race around in a snowmobile, moves in across the street and becomes the focus of their competition.

In our current season of life challenges, these grumpy old faces bring sunny smiles to all those who join in the fun. Lemmon and Matthau fit together harmoniously with comedic chemistry that’s hard to come by. The supporting staff is spectacular with Burgess Meredith, Kevin Pollak and Daryl Hannah.

8 out of 10 Whiskers!!!

Edward Scissorhands meets When the Moon Was Ours in this enchanting, lushly romantic novel about two teen sisters who fight to protect the mysterious stranger who literally fell from the stars and into their backyard.

Strange things have always happened in the small town of Darling…

Yet Delta Wilding and her sister Bee are familiar with the peculiar. Raised by an eccentric father always on the hunt for the spectacular, they’re used to following weather patterns that twirl onto strange paths, a car that refuses to play any artist but one, and living in a sentient house with whims of its own.

But when a mysterious boy falls from the stars into the woods behind the Wilding sisters’ farmhouse, nothing can prepare them for the extraordinary turn their lives are about to take.

Extraordinary, and dangerous.

Starling Rust is not from this world and his presence in the Wilding home brings attention. As the terrified locals, Delta’s ex-boyfriend and the unscrupulous mayor, descend onto the Wilding’s home, both Delta and her sister go to incredible lengths to protect their mystical visitor—especially as Delta’s growing feelings for Starling could prove the greatest risk of all.

Filled with atmospheric prose and lush and vivid descriptions, Starling has the spectacular waiting with every flip of the page.

–Simon & Schuster, Inc.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 29

Column Book—Tails

Nick

By Michael Farris Smith

n

“If there is one thing the lost are able to recognize it is the others who are just as wounded and wandering.”

—Micheal Farris Smith, Nick

30 • Benicia Magazine

Book and Cocktail Club

Cooper Mickelson

If you are a fan of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I highly recommend picking up its unconventional prequel.

In this dark and compelling novel, we are invited to imagine the narrator of The Great Gatsby in the years leading up to his move to Long Island.

Nick opens in France during World War I. Nick Carraway has enlisted in the army to get away from the dull, monotonous life of the Midwest. As a result, Nick is now thrust into the horrors of trench warfare. Michael Farris Smith describes these terrifying experiences in a uniquely rhythmic way, writing, “The rifles fired and once they were emptied

the bayonets and once they were broken off in the rib cages out came the knives and the hands and knees and fists and whatever else could be used to kill.”

Smith’s words quickly drew me into Nick’s world of chaos and melancholy.

The story continues with Nick spending his leave in Paris. There, he meets a “blunt and beautiful” woman, falls in love, and quickly allows himself to dream of their happy future together. Suddenly, this dream is irreparably shattered, and we discover what inspired Gatsby’s Nick to believe, “You can’t repeat the past.”

Nick endures the trenches, terrible forests, horrifying tunnels, is left for

dead, and somehow rises again. If I haven’t made it obvious enough, cheerful moments are few and far between in this novel. You’ve been warned.

After the war, Nick makes his way to New Orleans, where he finds himself wracked with survivor’s guilt and haunted by his memories of the war. Instead of the elegant mansions and dancing girls of prohibition-era Long Island seen in The Great Gatsby, Nick gives us dark saloons and disturbed characters on the streets of New Orleans. Mirroring Fitzgerald’s Nick, Smith’s gets caught up in the lives of careless people. Stuck in the middle of a blood feud between a fellow veteran and his wife, Nick witnesses even more tragic losses before finally leaving for Long Island.

The novel leaves off exactly where it should, in the cottage at West Egg, at the start of summer, Nick looking at the green light on a dock across the bay.

The Nick Carraway of The Great Gatsby was a thoughtful yet quiescent narrator, there to bring other people’s lives into view.

The new Nick that Smith created is fully realized, tormented by war, and maimed by lost love. My one complaint about this novel is that it’s somewhat difficult to place this complex Nick into the setting of West Egg, a calm bystander to the life of Jay Gatsby.

That being said, next time you read Fitzgerald’s classic, you might just catch glimpses of Smith’s Nick in between the lines.

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Especially fond of black and white tuxedo cats. All responses will be answered. Looking for that Purrr-fect match.

GRANOLA EATING, CAMP LOVING, WORLD TRAVELER

Look no further.

Stephanie Scanlan, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0H97107 739 First Street Benicia, CA 94510 Bus: 707-746-0350

to jump in and join the fun. Military training would be helpful.

Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do.

GET TO A BETTER STATE. CALL ME TODAY. ™

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and 1101201.1 Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

www.benicia.com Brenda Turner-Adams

(a classic pre-prohibition-era cocktail) INGREDIENTS: 2 Orange Wheels 3-4 Fresh Berries 1 tbsp. Sugar Champagne (or any sparkling wine of your choice) PREPARATION: 1. M uddle the fruit and sugar in a rocks glass until well combined.

2. F ill glass halfway with crushed ice.

3. Top with Champagne and stir well.

4. G arnish with any fruit or berries you prefer!

Your Partner in Real Estate

*To make this into a mocktail, simply replace the champagne with a sparkling cider and leave out the sugar!*

707.738.9671

Experience Excellence

brenda@benicia.com 1015 First Streeet Benicia, CA 94510 BRE01039726

BeniciaMagazine.com • 31

Benicia's KI TC H E N A N D B ATH EX PE RTS

“ My husband and I had a wonderful experience working made the process fun and really quite easy! He designed our kitchen layout with a 3D drawing and we were extremely happy with the way everything came together.

He is very talented with design and visual spacing. AQC were also super accommodating helping us choose a custom color for our island. We give AQC five stars and highly recommend working with them for custom cabinets for less!”

-Kim and Mike Rogers

AFFORDABLE QUALITY Cabinets and Countertops

707-745-2100 aqchome.com • Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5 weekends & evenings by appointment • 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia

Owners Trevor Cotarelo and Taylor Kennedy