Atascadero News Magazine • #54 • December 2022

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by blake ashley frino-gerl

Agape Christmas Trees Moves to a New Location in Templeton

The Armet family purchased an 80-acre piece of land at 625 Templeton Road in Templeton and turned it into their own Christmas tree farm.

Jack Creek Farms: From Pumpkins to Christmas Trees

The Barlogio family thrives on bringing families an authentic and wholesome experience, all with the goal of bringing people closer to agriculture.

On the Cover

Hidden Springs Tree Farm, Ryan Weieser (left), Olivia, Auraly, and Craig Dobbs along with their two dogs Timber and Biscuit.

Photo by Hayley Mattson

by christianna marks

by camille devaul

Happy Holidays Friends!

We are beyond excited to welcome back all of our old-time favorite holiday events that have been dormant for the last two years. Living in a small town such as ours, we love and cherish our community events. Getting out and seeing one another, catching up with old friends and colleagues, taking the time to be present and slow down long enough to make memories while enjoying the coldest time of the year.

As an annual tradition, our family cuts down a tree the day after Thanksgiving and hangs our lights on the house before the Thanksgiving weekend is over, all while “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” play on repeat. These are the days I will forever cherish. Our boys are now 10 and 8 and absolutely love the holidays as most kids do; however, we have started several holiday traditions to focus on the memories, family, and the time we all have together. We take time and recognize Winter Solstice and celebrate the changing of the seasons. Nic and the boys make Gingerbead Houses from scratch with the ingredients collected from our Elf on the Shelf no. 0599 (the name the boys gave him) brought with him to share with us from the North Pole.

Traditions such as these are the fabric of our family and have been created with the intention of being able to pass on for generations to come. As a child, I did not have many traditions to carry on, so it was essential to both Nic and me to create that for our kids.

Living in a community such as ours allows us to do that as well; attending the tree lighting and parades, walking around the lake, and driving around to see all the twinkling lights are a part of the tradition as well. We are grateful for a community who believes in keeping the magic alive by pulling us all in close so that even if we have a small or large family, we are all welcome.

We are grateful to all of you for keeping the spirit alive and reading our publications each month. We love our community and wish you all a very happy holiday season, no matter what you celebrate during this time of the year.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue of Atascadero News Magazine.

Happiest of Holidays and much love, Hayley, Nic, and family

if thou wouldest win immortality of name, either do things worth the writing, or write things worth the reading.

— Thomas Fuller, 1727

This month’s edition of Atascadero News Magazine is brought to you by all the local advertisers that fill our pages. Thanks to them, we are able to bring you your local Hometown Magazine.

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

BUSINESS & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Nicholas Mattson

CONTENT EDITOR

Camille DeVaul

Hayley Mattson AD DESIGN

Jen Rodman

LAYOUT DESIGN

Neil Schumaker

Evan Rodda

Benson Moore

COPY EDITOR Mike Chaldu

COMMUNITY WRITER

Christianna Marks

AD CONSULTANTS

Dana McGraw

Jamie Self

COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR

Cami Martin | office@13starsmedia.com

Barbie Butz

CONTRIBUTORS

BeeWench Farm

Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl James Brescia, Ed.D

Josh Cross Sarah-Kate Duran Simone Smith

The Natural Alternative

OUR NEXT ISSUE:

HAPPY NEW YEAR | FOOD & WINE JANUARY 2023

PUBLICATION DELIVERY DATE December 30, 2022 ADVERTISING DEADLINE December 10, 2022

For more advertising information, contact our advertising representatives above, or see our media kit at atascaderomagazine.com

ATASCADEROMAGAZINE.COM office@13starsmedia.com • (805) 466-2585

OFFICE 5860 El Camino Real Ste G Atascadero, Ca 93422

MAIL P.O. Box 6068 Atascadero, Ca 93423

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PROUD TO BE LOCAL!

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“We believe in holding the door, smiling, waving, and greeting strangers as new friends”

—Atascadero News Manifesto

COLONY BUZZ

commemorative wine glass and wristband that entitles you to enjoy a variety of merchants serving wine throughout the downtown. A great way to enjoy shopping and strolling downtown, along with enjoying the festivities of the season! For ticket information, go to atascaderochamber. org or call (805) 466-2044.

For information on this and other holiday events, please visit: VisitAtascadero.com/events.

Annual Holiday "Trail of Lights" Tour Map

Walker curates an attractive selection of men’s gear featuring Katin, Rowan, Naked & Famous Denim, Impe rial Motion, and Stonefield Denim in a variety of fits and colors.

Annual Light Up the Downtown Holiday Celebration

The City of Atascadero presents its annual Light Up the Downtown Holiday Cele bration to be held on Friday, December 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Sunken Gardens, Downtown Atascadero.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., you can sip and shop with the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s ever-popular Art, Wine & Brew Tour! Then, at 6 p.m., gather in the Sunken Gardens area in front of Historic City Hall as our city officials and the community counts down to the lighting of our beautiful building. Soon after the lights come on, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive via an antique Model-A fire truck to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus,” performed by the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy! You will then be invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole entrance at the back of City Hall, which faces Atascadero Middle School.

Entertainment includes music by the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy and the Atascadero Community Band, followed by Medina Light Show Designs play ing holiday favorites! In addition, enjoy complimentary Hay Rides by Harris Stage lines and rides on the Model-A Firetruck by the Atascadero Fire Association around Historic City Hall and the Sunken Gardens. Plus, lots of complimentary hot chocolate (while supplies last)!

Art & Wine Tour tickets are available in front of Historic City Hall and at Colony Market & Deli. Tickets include a

You won’t want to miss out on Atascade ro’s 3rd Annual Holiday “Trail of Lights” Tour Map to know exactly where to take an evening drive or neighbor hood stroll to see all of the wonderfully decorated local homes, guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

The “Trail of Lights” Tour Map provides an opportunity for residents and businesses to show off their homes and storefronts and for families to enjoy a safe and fun activity driving through town to check out all the wonderful outdoor lights this season. To view the tour map, visit viewer. mapme.com/trail_of_lights_map.

Winter Wonderland

Atascadero’s Sunken Gardens and the entire downtown will be transformed into a magical snowy paradise! 75 tons of snow will create a massive snow slide built by the Kiwanis Club of Atascadero, Cuesta Springs Ice Company & Premier Ag! In addition, there will be two large snow pile areas for the kids on December 9 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Holiday Shopping at bloke Outfitters

Shopping downtown Atascadero continues to offer new options for the adventurous and demanding shopper. Bloke Outfit ters on Entrada Avenue has emerged as a staple for men’s casual wear and other goodies among the shifting tapestry of downtown goods and services.

Positioned by owner Farron Walker as “an affordable, approachable men’s store for the Central Coast lifestyle,” the shop features something for every man.

The racks boast seasonal treats for last-minute gift ideas for the men in your life. The revolving inventory delivers the right item at the right time for the opportunistic shop per, so stop in when downtown.

Along with contemporary fashion for men of many ages, Bloke features some great gift ideas, including Buck knives, wallets, eyewear, belt buckles from SPY Optics, Caddis Eyewear, Buck Knives, Hogue Knives, Red Road Leather Works.

One thing you can believe is that you will only know what you are missing if you head in and see the latest cata log from Bloke. One-of-a-kind special items can be found in the specially curated vintage section that includes Levi’s, concert tees, leather jackets, sweaters, and other rare finds.

With a 5-star rating on Google, the young store has great potential to keep it interesting downtown Atascadero.

One review states, “Great, small, intimate men’s clothing store. A little variety of pants, jackets & shirts. Be interesting to see how this grows over the years.”

Need something for the son, cousin, uncle, husband or father to fill that stocking or pack the paper under the tree? Head over to Bloke on Entrada, and follow them on social media.

5908 Entrada Ave, Downtown Atascadero (805) 464-2538 blokeoutfitters.com

IG: @bloke_atascadero

FB: @blokeoutfitters

Healthy,Happy Holidays!

How do you show someone you truly care? Give them the gift of good health with CBD products. CBD has been clinically shown to support anxiety, sleep lessness, stress, pain, and so much more without any mind-altering effects. It’s no wonder everyone is asking for CBD!

Around the holidays, it is easy to get overwhelmed with how much there is to do and plan, and so many places to be! Stay calm and prioritize quality sleep with CBD. Choose between a variety of gummies, capsules, tinctures, and topicals. Shop trusted brands such as Garden of Life, or support fantastic local businesses such as baceae or Hunter J’s Reserves.

Garden of Life offers Dr. Formu lated CBD products. The entire line is formulated by David Perlmutter, M.D. and is thirdparty certified by Labdoor to be THC-free. All CBD products proudly use hemp grown in the USA, are certified non-GMO, and are made using a clean extraction process that is free from solvents and harsh chemicals.

Locally made baceae CBD

chocolates make the perfect stock ing stuffer or hostess gift. These fair-trade chocolates are made with organic ingredients, and are so calming and delicious! Baceae herb-enhanced CBD tinctures, especially the calm and sleep formulas, are the perfect way to overcome the holiday craziness.

Hunter J’s Reserves, a local CBD company, offers an amazing selec tion of full-spectrum CBD lotions in a variety of scents (from pure essential oils) as well as unscented in either 500 mg or 1000 mg strengths. These creams are a powerful, natural way to soothe achy joints. Perfect for a loved one with joint pain!

For the first time ever, enjoy 20% off ALL CBD PRODUCTS through December. This is our biggest CBD sale to date, and you won’t want to miss out on these incred ible discounts. To our incredible clients and loyal customers, thank you for supporting local business this holiday season. We appreciate each one of you!

Happy Holidays, — The Team at The Natural Alternative

in Santa Margarita More Holiday Fun

By Simone Smith

December is once again upon us. The weather has turned brisk, the nights are getting longer, and we again turn to thoughts of reflection, home, family, friends, and community as we plan for the upcoming year and brighter days ahead.

In America, our way of cele brating Christmas has become a mashup of pagan, Christian, and imported cultural tradi tions and symbology with a dash of innovation and a dose of consumerism. However, no matter how we choose to celebrate, it is nearly always with joy and peace, reaching out to help others in need of assistance, food, or comfort, celebrating our families, friendships, and good fortune, buying, selling, making and sharing food, cards or gifts, visiting and talking about the coming year and by lighting up the dark nights with sparkling lights and decorations.

This year Santa Margarita will be celebrat ing the season along with other communities across the country and this year’s plans have expanded. In addition to the 18th Annual Holiday Craft Faire benefiting the Friends of the Santa Margarita Library on Saturday, December 4, and the lighting of the town Christmas tree in the park with caroling and treats followed by a hot soup dinner at the Community Hall on Sunday, December 5, Santa Margarita Beautiful has more plans in the works. This year’s Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 10, will include a food truck, baked goods, and a craft fair in the Santa Margarita Volunteer Fire Department

lot on El Camino Real next to J’s Country Kitchen from 5 to 8 p.m.

Although Christmas trees, craft fairs, carol ing and holiday decorations are in abundance at this time of year a little research found that these traditions only began to catch on and spread a mere 100 years ago. Putting up a Christmas tree decorated with small candles was a tradition in the homes of early European immigrants but the fire-prone candles lighting the trees were always a hazard until the inven tion of electricity in the late 1800s. In 1882 Edward Johnson, the VP of Edison Electric Light Company had the idea to replace the dangerous candles with 80 specially designed

electric bulbs encased in deli cate red, white and blue glass eggs. Mr. Johnson placed his beautifully lit Christmas tree in a window to the delight and wonder for all to see and admire.

Consumerism played its early role in popularizing Christmas decorating when sales of German-style orna ments in the 1890s Wool worth’s Department store reached around $25 million spurring on other stores to produce and sell their own ornaments.

It wasn’t until December 24, 1924, that the first National “community” Christmas tree was lit on the White House grounds with the press of a button by President Calvin Coolidge. This first tree light ing ceremony included music and caroling, becoming a national tradition and inspir ing community celebrations ever since.

This year’s Santa Margarita Christmas celebrations are sure to bring good cheer and brighten up those dark December nights. Be sure to catch all the fun. This year’s Santa Margarita Beautiful’s Holiday Deco rating Contest will have an online interac tive map to find the best and most creatively decorated homes (the handmade moving ferris wheel of the Sterling residence stole the show last year). Check santamargaritabeautiful.org for details and mark your calendars for these holiday events:

Saturday, December 3

18th Annual Holiday Craft Faire to benefit the Friends of The Santa Margarita

Library. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Margar ita Community Hall. Find one-of-a-kind locally made crafts from talented artisans in addition to a bake sale and pizza from Bello! Catering.

Sunday, December 4

Lighting of the Santa Margarita town Christmas Tree. Bundle up and join with family, friends and community to partake in this Santa Margarita holiday tradition. Meet at the Santa Margarita Community Park around dusk to enjoy cookies, coffee, cocoa and

caroling courtesy of Santa Margarita Commu nity Church before the official lighting of the town Christmas tree near the playground. After the lighting, the community is encouraged to carol their way over to the Santa Margarita Community Hall where the Santa Margarita Lion’s Club invites everyone inside to warm up and enjoy the evening with a free, hot soup dinner, starting around 5:45 p.m. Be sure to bring along non-perishable food items, toys or monetary donations as Scout Troop 123 will be there collecting for Seasons of Hope and Atascadero Loaves and Fishes.

Saturday, December 10

Santa Margarita Holiday Stroll. This festive event takes place throughout downtown Santa Margarita on El Camino Real from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit participating businesses throughout the sparkling downtown to see what they have in store, bring the kids to visit Santa at The Educated Gardener 5 to 7:30 p.m. and enjoy the newly added holiday market, located in the Santa Margarita Fire Departments lot on the corner next to J’s Country Kitchen, with pizza available from Bello! Catering and baked goods available from The Black Pearl Bakery. See

Happy Holidays

from all of us at Atascadero News Magazine

Cami Martin

Date of Hire: October 2019

Position with the Company: Company Administrator

How do you spend the holidays? With family, listening to Christ mas music in front of a warm fireplace. What do you like most about your job? I enjoy being a part of a company that is so involved in the community and thrives on always working towards producing the best possible publication for the people who are reading to enjoy!

Ben Moore

As we head into the holidays and the last month of the year, it is a good time to stop and reflect. For us, we get to look back on every issue, story, and community event and be able to have a visual account of the year in print.

Each issue, every story, has a quiet but mighty team behind it that, for the most part, go unseen. For the thousands of stories written, edited, laid out, and prepared for our communities—along with every ad designed and placed, there is a team of professionals who help us put it all together and deliver each month directly to you.

Last year we started a new tradi tion, introducing the community to our incredible team behind the scenes of Atascadero News Magazine and 13 Stars Media. Month after month, each of them help “Make Communi ties Better Through Print” by writing unique stories, professional design and layout, quality advertising, and commu nity support, all produced here locally in the North County.

We asked each of our team members how they like to spend the holidays and what they like most about their job, and here is what they shared.

Date of Hire: September 2022

Position with the Company: Layout Designer

How do you spend the holidays? I typically spend the holidays traveling to visit family and relaxing near the coast. What do you like most about your job? My favorite part of my job is probably how much I’ve gotten to learn and grow as a designer since starting here.

Jen Rodman

Date of Hire: December 2019

Position with the Company: Ad Designer

How do you spend the holidays? Holiday time is spent with our family. Our two growing teenage kiddos and our wonderful moms. We are thankful for our health and happiness. What do you like most about your job? Ad designing for our many publications has given me creative growth and knowledge for our communities. Working with a wonderful crew and amazing clients!

Evan Rodda

Date of Hire: January 2022

Position with the Company: Graphic Designer

How do you spend the holidays? I like to spend the holidays in my pajamas watching movies and eating home made Chex Mix. What do you like most about your job? The best part about being at 13 Stars is getting to work with an amazingly talented design team. They work tirelessly to get content into our community and always push me to be better.

Camille DeVaul

Date of Hire: December 2019

Position with the Company: Content Editor

How do you spend the holidays? Our holidays are full of hot cocoa and seeing how many times we can rewatch our favorite Christmas movies. But no holiday is complete without some of our favorite Italian Christmas tradi tions — most of which involve food, including my Great-Nonna’s soup (it heals everything).

What do you like most about your job? I love learning the stories behind the people and places in our area. We are full of interesting history and even more interesting people. I’m grateful to be able to share everything I learn with our community.

Neil Schumaker

Date of Hire: December 2021

Position with the Company: Layout Designer

How do you spend the holidays? Mostly I spend my time with family celebrating Christmas and New Years, which includes spending time in Paso Robles and the Bay Area. I do a hybrid Christmas, where I celebrate Christmas Eve here in Paso, and on Christmas, I drive back to the bay where I celebrate Christmas with my Dad’s side of the family. It is a large amount of driving for the holiday, but it is nice to see everybody.

What do you like most about your job? I enjoy being a connected part of the local community by designing newspaper and magazine articles. It is nice to know what is going on around locally, and it is fun to see people enjoy the publications around town.

Dana McGraw

Date of Hire: September 2019

Position with the Company: Sales

How do you spend the holidays? We spend our holidays locally with our family and friends! There never seems to be a shortage of community events, gatherings and great food!

What do you like most about your job? The most enjoyable part of my job is building relationships with clients, not just professional, but personal. I love seeing my clients out and about enjoying what our community has to offer; whether it be community events, school functions, or sports!

Mike Chaldu

Date of Hire: January 2022

Position with the Company: Copy Editor/Reporter

How do you spend the holidays? I spend my holidays mostly with immediate family (my sister’s family being right next door makes it easier), enjoying presents, watching movies, and usually having a non-traditional Christmas dinner (tri-tip and chicken one year, spaghetti and garlic bread the next) and just looking forward to a new year. What do you like most about your job? My favorite part of the job is moving around the towns and seeing first hand what makes these communities tick, through numerous annual events, fundraisers, and sporting events.

Christianna Marks

Date of Hire: September 2021

Position with Company: Community Writer

How do you spend the holidays? As someone with an interfaith background it means not only do I get to pick out a Christmas tree, sit around reading holiday romances and binge-watch every cheesy Holiday movie released this year, I also get to eat my weight in latkes, spin dreidels, and light the Hanukkah candles. This year Christmas and Hanukkah overlap, so the party isn’t going to stop, and the family is constantly going to be around!

What do you like most about your job? I love being a hype-woman for the community. Being able to tell people’s stories and share their passions with our readers is amazing. There’s nothing like being able to make people feel seen.

COATS for Kids CELEBRATES 35 WARM YEARS

By Camille DeVaul

Coats for Kids has been helping keep families warm for 35 years, and after two years of modified giving, they will be joining the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on December 10.

The mission of Coats for Kids has always been to distribute warm items such as coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts directly to North County families, not just kids, in need.

Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Coats for Kids began when Barbie Butz was president of the Los Niños Auxiliary of the Children’s Home Society. Members of the society were looking to begin a hands-on project to help the community. So they thought, “it’s cold out; how about coats?”

During their first year of distribution, Barbie and her fellow members handed out flyers outside of another toy bank, in the pouring rain, and offered people to come down and get a warm coat. That year they distributed around 40 coats.

After a few years, the Los Niños group decided not to continue the coat drive. But Barbie and her husband John decided they couldn’t let that be the end of the coats.

Together, they continued the operation and now have distributed over 3,000 coats.

“The reason I do it, is that I can’t not do it. And my husband is the same way,” said Barbie. “I don’t think anyone should be cold.”

The operation continued to grow each year, from their early days of using an enclosed trailer to the Armory in Atascadero and now to the Paso Robles Event Center.

Every year, volunteers gather, sort, and distribute new and gently used coats of all sizes, giving warmth to families in need across the Central Coast at absolutely no cost to them. In addition, the volunteers work with multiple local businesses and charities to serve over 750 families.

But, operations were slowed down the last two years due to COVID -19 restrictions. Dedicated to sharing the warmth in hard times, Barbie and her team of volunteers put together a drive-thru for the coats.

This year, the Coats for Kids operation will return with one full distribution day with the Toy Bank of Greater Paso Robles for the “Day of Giving” on December 10. Gently used and clean coats, sweatshirts, jackets, and sweaters

are needed for all ages.

The Rotary Club of Paso Robles has joined the Coats for Kids 2022 team and distributed collection boxes in November to some of the businesses in the Paso Robles area. They will have boxes in other North County communities to make it convenient for those who want to donate a new or gently used item.

Two North County dry cleaners, Plaza Cleaners in Atascadero and Paso Robles and Fashion Cleaners in Atascadero, are also drop-off locations for items needing cleaning or refreshing. They clean them free of charge. Just drop them off, say “Coats for Kids,” and a committee member will pick them up.

Barbie can recall many stories with Coats for Kids that have stuck with her throughout the years — specifically one that involves a very adorable pink coat.

“Most volunteers experience something that brings them back,” Barbie shares as she remi nisces on all the warmth they have shared with the community.

Drop-off locations and more information on Coats for Kids can be found at coatsforkidss locounty.org.

Most Wonderful It's the

Time of the Year: Agape Christmas Trees Moves to a New Location

By Christianna Marks

As the weather turns cold, holiday decorations go up, and we've said goodbye to Thanksgiving, it's time to head to your favorite local Christmas tree lot and grab yourself, or your family, the perfect addition to your household for the next month. That's where Agape Christmas

Trees comes in.

In 2006, Rick Armet and his family started Agape Christmas Trees because they wanted to have an experience that was family and local-based. Then they decided on Christmas trees because of the business's festive nature.

"It just turned into something where

we really enjoy it. It's really neat to see the repeat customers. Some of the kids that were coming with their parents are now coming with their kids as young adults," Rick shared. "It's really neat to see the family tradition that's been created and to see familiar faces and to be involved with the community in that way."

For the past 16 years, the Armet family's tree lot has been located on the corner of Del Rio and El Camino Real in Atascadero. While that land is now being developed, Rick Armet didn't let that break his 16-year stride; instead, he took it as a sign to purchase an 80-acre piece of land on 625 Templeton Road in Templeton and turn it into his own Christmas tree farm.

"We're excited to have much more of a destination Christmas tree experience, or Christmas experience rather," Rick explained.

The new lot will be keeping things simple this year while getting everything up and running. Of course, the well-loved bounce house will still be around, with the addition of a few small new elements sprinkled in. Rick said that in the future, he would love to include activities at the Agape Tree Farm, like slay rides and even, possibly, a sledding hill.

"I don't feel that we have an Avila Barn type experience [in the North County] where you can go and have a lot of festive experiences, and so it's going to allow us to expand and offer more to all ages," he added.

The Armet family purchased their new property to be the permanent location of their tree business from here on out.

"Hopefully, by next year, we'll have our seedlings planted so that we can also offer a 'you cut' opportunity," Rick continued.

Agape Christmas Trees upped the percentage of fresh-cut trees they're import ing this year. The tree farm supplies over eight varieties to the area, including Noble Fir, Douglas Fir, Nordmann Fir, Grand Fir, White Fir, Silvertip Fir, Scotch Pine, and Norway Spruce, with fresh shipments coming in weekly.

"It keeps the supply very fresh. We have people year after year come back saying the trees easily last into January," Rick shared happily. "The fact of us having a fresh truck load each week not only keeps the inventory very fresh, but I can also adjust my orders accordingly if we're selling more or less."

The trees come from small business Christmas tree farms located in Oregon and Northern California. The Armets added

that they love supporting and working alongside the farms where they get their trees. Most of the trees that Agape provides to the county are grown in higher altitudes and cooler climates, which is why these partnerships with out-of-state tree farms are so important.

Another thing that's important to the Armet family is being able to work with each other during the holiday season.

"We're very family-ori ented, family-based. We have four kids in our local schools, and they're very helpful at the tree lot. As soon as they can walk, they're out there carrying the two-foot trees to help people. They love the experience. Often you'll see our kids up at the tree lot serving you hot chocolate or helping you via the checkout window," Rick explained.

He went on to add that the family started Agape Christmas Trees because Rick knew that he could serve the community in a different way than was already avail able. He prides himself on offering

high-quality trees at a fair price, good customer service, and a special experience for the local community. And after a couple of early years involving over-buying trees, Rick adds that Agape Christmas Trees has very little waste, and normally, they're sold out by December 22, which is the sweet spot.

"I have a feeling it's going to be a really good year. [There's] a lot of buzz. A lot of people are talking about it [the new location]. We've had our signs up there for over a month already," Rick said of the signs he put up in October.

Agape Christmas Trees received their first tree shipments the week before Thanksgiving and were officially open the day after Thanksgiving. They will continue to receive their weekly tree shipments, which will be available at 625 Temple ton Road until Christmas, or once they've run out.

For more information, visit Agape Christmas Trees' Facebook Page agapechristmastrees or call (805) 460-9161. 

From Pumpkins to Christmas Trees

Jack Creek Farms Growing Trees for

Your Traditional Christmas

By Camille DeVaul

Since the late 1950s, Jack Creek Farms has been a family tradition for many as they search for their perfect pumpkin come every October. Now, the family behind the farm is ready to become a part of another tradition — they have begun a Christmas tree farm!

The Barlogio family thrives on bringing families an authentic and wholesome experience, all with the goal of bringing people closer to agriculture.

“Since folks love getting to see where their food comes from, we thought it would be fun to get to see where their Christmas tree comes from,” said Becky Barlogio-Sumpter of her family’s newest adventure.

Becky and her family secretly introduced their Christmas trees last year, selling 27 trees that were grown right there on the farm. Now they are ready to formally welcome the community to come to the farm for hot cider, trees, and memories.

Talking about their first season with the Christmas trees, Becky says, “We had no idea what to expect, so we were thrilled there was any interest at all.”

Growing on the farm are Monterey Pine and Monterey Cypress trees that Becky has learned to trim and shape herself with some help from the Holloway family of the Holloway Christmas Tree Farm in Nipomo and the Calloway family behind Brookshire Farms in San Luis Obispo.

Between growing the trees from saplings to shaping them, the trees have been a new adventure and challenge for Becky. But with help from the whole family, the Barlogios are expecting to have close to 80 trees ready for families this year.

“I am happy with the crop this year,” Becky shared of their growing and thriving tree plot.

Being the last remaining original family to settle the area between Highway 101 and Old Creek Road, the Barlogios make it their mission to bring back old school tradition. So naturally, the Jack Creek Farm Christmas tree farm will be a “cut your own” experience.

Starting after Thanksgiving, Jack Creek Farms turns into Christmas town with a mailbox dedicated to letters for the North Pole, hot cider, and gifts for everyone on your list — gift wrapping included!

“We do our best to have a little something for everybody,” Becky explained. “We want to be a one-stop spot.”

Inside the Jack Creek General Store, the Barlogios carry unique and local goods from Leo Leo Gelato, homemade taffy from Mehlenbachers Taffy in Paso Robles, Chaparral Gardens Vinegar, honey from Hawaii, delicate chocolates, and more.

You can start sending letters to Santa from the Jack Creek Farms North Pole Mailbox on Friday, November 25, through Monday, Decem ber 19. Santa will send his elves regularly to pick up his official mail.

Just bring your letter to the farmstand, and someone will give you a special “North Pole Express” stamp and a candy cane to send it on its way! You can even print out a special letter to Santa template from jackcreekfarms.com to make your letter extra special.

Jack Creek Farms has a long history of family traditions. It’s not

uncommon for Becky to meet a family who has been coming to the farm for four generations or more. Becky and her sister Mandy are the fifth generations to live and work the farm, and Mandy’s son Callahan is now the sixth.

Miles Barlogio was the first of the family to plant pumpkins along the banks of Jack Creek, but the family’s history on the Central Coast starts with Miles’s father, James Barlogio, who immigrated to Green Valley near Harmony in 1889. James became a founding member of the Harmony Valley Creamery. The family grew beans and hay and milked dairy cows. James would always remark on how much the Harmony area reminded him of home in Switzerland.

Miles continued the family farm but eventually moved the family over the hill to ease his arthritis — a common ailment for dairymen. To soothe the pain, Miles would visit the therapeutic Paso Robles hot springs and mud baths.

Settling along Jack Creek, Miles raised his family in a little farmhouse that still stands, raising more generations of Barlogios.

As we said, Miles planted the first pumpkin seeds in the 1950s, and

in 1960, he opened his first roadside stand, the Barlogio Pumpkin Center. Before Highway 46 West, the main road, York Mountain Road, went right past the Barlogios' property. Back then, the farm stand operated using the “honor system” until the construction of Highway 46 West was built in 1969, redirecting traffic away from the stand.

However, the new highway would not be the end of the Barlogio farm stand. Becky’s parents, Tim and Joy, reopen the farm stand along the now tourist-filled highway.

With the help of Becky and Mandy, the farm grew to include you-pick seasonal berries and fruit, eggs, pumpkins, and now, Christmas trees.

Keeping the legacy built before them, the Barlogios are always looking for new ways to expand the farm and educate people on how food is grown.

Jack Creek Farm has been an October family tradition for over 60 years. Now, the Barlogio family welcomes you to create a new family tradition with them for generations to come. 

Find more information on Jack Creek Farms here: jackcreekfarms.com

Nina has thirteen years of nursing experience, including ten years in intensive care. She holds a Master’s degree in nursing science and is now focusing on women’s health. If

need an annual wellwoman exam or have other gynecological needs, Nina will provide compassionate care.

Grandson Callahan and Grandpa Tim on Great-Great Grandpa Miles Barlogio’s Caterpillar 30 checking out the trees. Miles purchased it brand new and had it de livered to the farm in 1932. Five generations of family have ridden on this crawler with hopefully even more generations to come. Callahan’s smile says it all, a very happy farm boy riding a tractor with his grandpa.

Photo by Mandy Evenson

in Atascadero CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

of Holiday Traditions

By Blake Ashley Frino-Gerl

Nothing quite says Christmas more than cutting down your own Christmas tree with some hot cocoa or cider in hand to keep you warm. For 60 years, the Hidden Springs Chrismas Tree Farm in Atascadero has been providing nostalgic memories for families near and far.

Hidden Springs Christmas Tree

Farm has a life full of history. It began when Minnesotan Fred Frank moved to Atascadero in 1920 and met and married Kansas native Wanda Wiley. During that time, Fred became one of the first citizens to work at the Atascadero fire department and then second fire chief in 1929. Then in 1938, Fred and Wanda purchased the main tree farm property.

While building their house, they farmed wheat and raised cattle, chickens, and rabbits.

At the convincing of their son Fred Jr., who went to Humboldt State for forestry, they turned part of their property into a Christmas tree farm. Then in the late 1950s, they planted the first tree crop, mainly Monterey Pines, on three acres and opened for their first tree season in 1962.

According to Fred’s granddaughter and farm manager, Auraly Dobbs, “The tree farm has stayed in the family and is now run by the third and fourth generations, and the fifth was born this year.”

Her father, Fred Jr., now 86, is still very much involved fixing equipment and chop ping wood when needed.

Since the farm’s incarnation of three acres, it has expanded to 10 acres with now seven tree varieties.

Auraly says that “Customers no longer drive down the driveway to Fred’s house and honk the horn for a saw.”

There are more employees to help, tree service, and amenities like hot cocoa and popcorn.

“But one thing that hasn’t changed since the beginning is Grandpa Fred’s apple cider recipe, which we still offer free to our customers!” She exclaims.

The 10 acres of farmland is spread over four lots.

Auraly says that “each lot has a slightly different micro-climate, and therefore, different varieties grow better in different lots.”

And while they have seven tree varieties, they are “always experimenting to see what different varieties grow well.”

The only problem, she adds, “is it takes five to eight years to know how they turn out.”

Besides experimenting on the farm, even though the Christmas season comes and goes, the family works year-round. A sellable tree usually takes five to seven years to grow, but some may even take 10 to 15 years. The time manifests into a long-term process.

“Christmas trees are an agricultural crop — we plant in the late winter or early spring; usually two times the amount we sold the season prior, pruning in the spring, mowing throughout the year, maintaining and managing watering during the summer months, and pruning again in the fall,” Auraly says.

Then as soon as the selling season is over, they prepare for the next one. So even though everything leads up to their selling months in November and December, it is a long haul

to ensure the crop meets the demand.

That being said, they “count every sellable Christmas tree on the farm to predict how many trees we can tag for sale,” and “some years we have more trees for sale and some years fewer,” she adds. Once the tagging is complete, “it’s full steam ahead!”

The farm is now run by Auraly and her husband Craig, who is the primary farmer, along with the help of their chil dren Olivia and Andrew, as well as their significant others. The successful tree farm is full of uniqueness, implies Auraly.

She finds that even though not every tree can be perfect, they “have turned those imperfections into our misfit and rescue trees,” to which she adds that “customers have come to love this tradition, and we love that these trees get a second chance of sorts and a home for the holidays.”

Auraly and Craig love the “wooded oasis” of the farm but also thoroughly enjoy every November and December when they see the “joy that this place brings to others, and that really makes all the hard work worth it.”

Olivia relishes in the customers’ appre ciation for the farm and how “they love the beauty of the place and ask about the redwoods which my grandpa planted over 60 years ago.”

She understands that the customers have sentiments towards the farm just like she does.

“They talk about coming to the farm when they were children, and now they bring their own kids and families out,” Olivia marvels.

To celebrate their glorious 60-yearold tree farm and business, there will be no cake for the farm, Auraly notes, but rather there will be a few giveaways. They are also working on a historical picture display, and there will be inter active displays for children and specific merchandise for their 60th.

As for the future, Auraly says that “while we don’t want to give away all of the potential happenings, we can share that we want to make the farm accessi ble throughout the year rather than just during the Christmas season — so maybe some sort of event for each season.”

The Dobbs family and Fred Frank Jr. want to continue the Christmas season memories and experiences with their customers and potentially more.

Hidden Springs Tree Farm is located at 3202 Monterey Road, Atascadero. Visit them online at hiddenspringschristmastreefarm.com.

Patricia + Fred Jr

Craig & Auraly

Ryan + Olivia

Celebrating the Holidays with Winter Solstice and Yuletide

By Hayley Mattson

During this time of year, there are so many holiday traditions that bring family and friends together. Holiday shopping, festive events filled with snow, Santa Claus and reindeer, lights, candles, and cheer; however, one symbolic and richly traditional day will come and go, and most people will miss it.

Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year. Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the Winter Solstice. Fire and light are traditional symbols of celebrations held on the darkest day of the year.

Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important astro nomical occurrence and celebrated the subsequent “return” of the sun in a variety of different ways. In addition, old solstice tradi tions have

influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah.

There is no better time of the year to feel and show your love than the holiday season. Though many people relate the month of December with Christmas, there’s so much more to be said about the month. From Hanukkah and Kwanzaa to showing selfless acts of love, this season is all about spreading joy and cheer during the coldest time of the year.

This year, Winter Solstice falls on Wednes day, December 21, and in the northern hemi sphere, the date marks the 24 hours with the fewest daylight hours of the year.

Winter Solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The day is held sacred and celebrates the new solar year’s birth, also known as Yuletide.

Yuletide refers to the time around the Christ mas season, traditionally recognized from December 21 until January 1, and dates back centuries. Though Yuletide’s rituals have changed dramatically over the years, some Yuletide traditions remain and have contributed to modern-day

celebrations of the festive season.

Decorating an evergreen tree was a common Yuletide custom in ancient times, as was giving gifts to friends and loved ones. The Yule Log is another centuries-old tradition meant to symbolize the passing of an old year into a new one, with the promise of hope and happiness. The oak log is usually decorated with evergreen branches, sprigs of holly, bare birch branches, and trailing ivy vines. A more delicious alter native is the classic French Bûche de Noël, a decadent chocolate cake baked in the shape of a Yule Log and shared with family and friends at a Yuletide gathering.

Children and adults alike around the world find so much joy in the magic this season brings. No matter what you celebrate, may we find peace and love in celebrating together and showing kindness to one another.

May we remember that this season also brings with it the cold and isolation and prompt us to reach out and share our many blessings with others. It is important that we recognize that and know that the dark winter days bring the warmth of spring that heals and rejuvenates our souls and that the holiday season is so much more than gifts found under the tree. 

“May you find peace in the promise of the solstice night, that each day forward is blessed with more light. That the cycle of nature, unbroken, and true brings faith to your soul and well-being to you. Rejoice in the darkness, in the silence, find rest, and may the days that follow be abundantly blessed.”

Native American Solstice Blessing

Cultures around the world have long held feasts and celebrated holidays around the winter solstice

SPECS BY KYLA

Looking Through Rose-Tinted Glasses

By Christianna Marks

What happens when three powerhouse women with entrepreneurial instincts come together?

You get Traffic Way’s latest collaboration.

When Specs by Kyla’s owner Kyla Skinner started looking for an artist to team up with for the December 2 edition of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce’s Art, Wine, & Brew Tour, she knew just who she wanted to work with. Enter Jenna Hartzell and Janet Wallace, co-creators and owners of Page of Art History.

Page of Art History is an at-home-printable coloring page subscription service featuring pages with everything from cave paintings to contemporary art created by best friends, and fellow art history majors Jenna and Janet during the height of the COVID pandemic. The artistic subscription is a fun learning tool that officially started in January this year.

“Every single artwork that’s in our coloring pack is linked [on our online portal] to where the artwork exists in the world. There’s a full glossary; there are links to videos and art projects. We have “explore more” and “beyond the page” sections where people can really dive deep and learn more if they want, or they can just learn while they color through art’s greatest masterpieces,” added Jenna.

Together, all three ladies are blending their artistic busi nesses, giving back to the community, and spreading joy to the kids in the local foster system. Right now, Kyla is carrying a line of glasses in her Traffic Way eyewear boutique called 141. The glasses are made out of Ultem, the same stuff airplane cockpits are made from, which makes them super bendy, durable, and perfect for kids.

“The reason it’s called 141 is they give a frame for each that’s sold. So one for one. They’re based out of Portland, and the owner is an optician, she designed frames, and she feels strongly about giving back to the community. So, what I’m able to do is use this in our community,” Kyla added.

Kyla’s been looking into her own Foster Care records over the last year, and her husband encouraged her to work with 141 to donate pairs of glasses to the local foster care program. So now, Kyla has partnered with 141 and Dr. Chaffe to donate complimentary eye exams and glasses to foster kids

in the Kinship Center/Seneca Family of Agencies programs.

When Jenna and Janet found out what Kyla was doing for the local foster kids in the community, they also jumped on board and donated a free membership of Page of Art History to the Kinship/Seneca. Jenna, Janet, and Kyla will also be donating a percentage of their eyewear and art sales in December to the foster program.

“It takes somebody with an artistic eye [to pair frames with faces],” Jenna said when Kyla stated she wasn’t artistically inclined. “The first thing you learn in art school when you’re a studio art major is how to draw a portrait. How to look at somebody’s face.”

“I’m an eyewear artist,” Kyla proudly exclaimed.

It’s easy to see why Kyla, Jenna, and Janet work so well together, and the three women gave Instagram the credit for bringing them together.

“I just never understood how much art means for our community. You know, with the murals and with art and wine walks — people who have an appreciation for design and art and art history. I don’t know, there’s just something to it that builds community,” added Kyla. “I realize the tie-in of artwork and glasses being art for the face, too, and that’s why it works so well to collaborate with artists for me.”

You can find Specs by Kyla at 5808 Traffic Way or online at specsbykyla. com. To learn more or subscribe to Page of Art History, head to pageofarthistory.com. 

By Christianna Marks

Andrea Sherrill started her career in the medical field as a certified nurse and soon realized after 10 years she wanted to pursue her career to further help people in a more natural way by melding her nursing back ground with a holistic approach. She then studied to become a holistic medical massage practitioner.

“I went to Touch Therapy Institute [in Cali fornia] and became a licensed and state-certified massage practitioner in 1996,” said Andrea.

Her scope of practice is in the study of Ayurve dic massage therapy. A healing method that comes from a period in time dating back 5,000 years that comes out of India. Andrea’s massage practice now has an emphasis in Ayurvedic massage therapy.

“Ayurvedic therapy is the science of life and is believed to help sustain the flow of energy throughout the body and help heal the mind, body, and spirit,” Andrea said. “I believe peace of mind is our common thread. We all want to achieve a state of peace. My purpose and passion is to help others find happiness, hope, and peace of mind. My quote is, “Every body kneads peace of mind.”

In 2013, Andrea brought her love of the healing arts to the Central Coast from the San Fernando Valley. Here she continued to learn more about the healing arts while building up a clientele. In 2017 Andrea started her Peace of

Mind practice on the Central Coast before opening two of her own locations in early 2022.

“I believe that we are all meant to thrive and evolve to wholeness,” Andrea says of her life and her business.

Her first Peace of Mind location opened up in Atascadero on Morro Road in February of 2022, and the second location in Morro Bay opened in April 2022.

“You know, the reason why I opened both places was because I wanted to be able to offer my services to more of the Central Coast,” continued Andrea.

Both Peace of Mind locations are integrative medical massage centers with the main focus of providing quality therapeutic massage and bodywork.

“We support you in your healing process, offer ing holistic solutions which target your needs through a variety of therapeutic techniques for requisite health and wellness,” continued Andrea.

Peace of Mind massage centers offer an array of services to help heal your body and your mind. Not only does Andrea offer 60-, 75-, and 90-minute therapeutic massages, but she also has a second massage therapist working with her at the Morro Bay location, and together they provide couple’s massages.

On top of Ayurvedic therapeutic treatments, Andrea also offers Shirodhara scalp massages,

where a slow stream of aromatic oil is slowly poured onto your scalp and massaged into your head for up to 45 minutes to help clear mental stress, anxiety, and insomnia. She also provides her clien tele with facials featuring a facelift acupressure massage using a blend of essential oils and vitamins for the face and neck and hot and cold stones. These can help relieve migraines, headaches, and TMJ.

Vibrational sound therapy and tuning forks are another modality Andrea adds to her massages. Vibrational sound therapy is used to support your body’s natural rhythms by using sound waves and tuning forks. The sound waves are able to travel deeply into the body, which promotes healing, helps alleviate pain, and improves the immune system. Tuning forks can also help improve the nervous system, relax muscle tension, and help with sound sleep patterns.

“Our main focus is to provide quality ther apeutic massage and bodywork, to promote healing to the mind and body,” Andrea added.

Editor's note: This article is being published as a correction to the October 2022 article. 

Your 2022 Atascadero Holiday Shopping Guide

By Josh Cross • CEO/President Chamber of Commerce

Looking for that perfect this holiday season? Find one-of-a-kind gifts right here in Atascadero. With so many incredible boutique businesses offering unique gifts, the Cham ber team and I have put together a holiday gift guide listing a “few of our favorite things” for your holiday gift-giving. For additional online shopping opportunities, visit the online Business Directory at atascaderochamber.org. Gift thoughtfully by giving the gift of local this holiday season.

Shop Below for Local Holiday Gift Favorites.

GIFTS TO SHOW YOUR ATASCADERO PRIDE

• Atascadero Chamber –

“Atascadero” branded merchan dise, 2023 Wine Passports

• Atascamazing — T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats

GIFTS FOR ACTIVE ADVENTURES

• 805 Board Shop – sunglasses, shoes, surfboards, and apparel

• Bloke – Hogue knives, stylish men’s clothing

• Specs By Kyla –Raen polar ized sunglasses, Ahlem cat eye sunglasses, sunglass straps

GIFTS FOR HOME, DÉCOR, CANDLES, AND MORE

• Atrium Mercantile – home accessories and décor

• Irish Oaks Ranch Mercantile – Farm Girl Candles, Jocko Soap, Bren’s Seasonings, Goat Milk Lotion

• Millennium Essence – seasonal

and everyday candles, purchase a Luxe Ambiance trio and receive a free Champagne Toast candle

• Masterpiece Framing – Beau tiful wooden frames, art pieces, and photos

GIFTS FOR FASHIONISTAS

• Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge – Diamond hoop earings (they go with every thing!), black opal and diamond earrings

• Anna & Co. – Silks and scarves from Italy

• Black Sheep – Gigi Pip hats

• Farron Elizabeth – Baizaar jewelry

• Indigo Clothing – Bodysuits like the Dallas Bodysuit

• K.Jons Jewelry Co. – 14K gold necklaces and diamond jewelry

• Lil’ Bit 805 – Women’s denim jeans

• Perry’s Parcel – Pandora Jewelry

GIFTS FOR FAMILIES

• Baby’s Babble - Grandparents, receive 10 percent off their purchases

• Colony Cinemas – Movie theater gift cards

• Musician’s Unlimited – Instru ments and sheet music

• Page of Art History - $25 off an annual coloring book subscription

GIFTS FOR BEER, WINE, SPIRITS & COFFEE ENTHUSIASTS

• Ancient Owl – Craft beers sold

individually or in four-packs

• Belnano Coffee – Peruvian coffee by the pound

• Calwise Distillery – Bramblin’ Man Cocktail Kit and Cranber ry Gin

• Carbon 6 – Local and Califor nia wine packages paired with nuts

• Central Coast Distillery – Sea sonal “Bacon & Eggs” cocktail and bottles of hand crafted spirits

• Unhinged Wine Bar – Local and international wine bottles

• Kula Vineyards – Wine packages paired with chocolate truffles

• Malibu Brew Coffee – Coffee gift cards

• Mea Wine – Locally craft ed fine wines for gifts or celebrations

• Wild Fields – Award-winning beers sold individually or on four-packs, or growlers Our community is bursting with fantastic and unique gifts this holiday season. In the age of fast shipping from national online re tailers, supporting local businesses, small vendors, and artisans will make a huge impact in Atascade ro. Every purchase you make sup ports local employees and families. Supporting the community where we all live, work, and play is one of the best gifts you can give. Tag our Instagram (@atascadero_chamber) or Facebook Chamber account (atascaderochamberofcommerce) to share the gifts you found shopping locally!

December

PROGRAMS and EVENTS

Chamber Mixer | Bridgeworks Coworking Unveiling December 15| 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Join us for a special December Membership Mixer to be held at the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce. We will be unveiling and celebrating the expansion of the Bridgeworks Coworking Space. Mix and mingle with local business professionals while enjoying appetizers and drinks. The mixer will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Complimentary for members, $10 for future members.

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

915 Lincoln Wines 915lincoln.com

Alex's Roasted Corn Atascadero Bistro AtascaderoBistro.com

Atascadero Children's Center atascaderochildrenscenter. com

Cigarettes for Less Colonial Life coloniallife.com

En Fuego Events enfuegoevents.com

EveryAmp everyamp.com

eXp Realty, Aaron Perez aaronmperez.exprealty. com

Little Bugs Childcare

Make Music and Thrive MakeMusicandThrive.com

Millennium Essense millenniumessence.com

Mis Catrinas

Note: All Chamber Members were asked to participate in this Guide by submitting entries.

Career Technical Education (CTE) in each San Luis Obispo County school district provides students with the training, academic skills, and technical knowledge necessary to succeed in future careers. San Luis Obispo County schools not only promote “Future Careers, Locally Grown,” they support lifelong learning. CTE is the practice of teaching specific career skills to students in middle school, high school, and post-secondary institutions. Across the United States, nearly 12.5 million high school and college students enroll annually in CTE courses. CTE prepares these learners for the world of work by providing academic content, introducing workplace competencies, and exposing students to a hands-on context. The current high school graduation rate for CTE concentrators is approximately 90 percent, nearly 15 percentage points higher than the national average. CTE covers multiple career clusters and is an investment of tax dollars in our schools, yielding positive results.

The San Luis Obispo County Office of Education (SLOCOE) established SLO Partners and the SLO CTE Foundation in 2014 to address college and career readiness among the county’s student population. SLO Partners’ mission is to engage business partners and educators. Engagement is accomplished by aligning workforce needs with career and college pathways and providing work experience opportunities to ensure our residents have the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the workplace. Local businesses report that skilled workers represent a sound, thriving, and sustainable economy benefiting everyone. In the eight years since SLO Partners founding, our commitment to collaborating with local businesses and education has continued to grow and serve the local community. Promoted programs provide residents practical training opportunities to grow and address today’s workplace needs.

Strong local businesses and a skilled workforce thrive when we work together. Collaborative efforts strengthen economies, families, schools, and communities. These modern boot camp training programs specif ically designed to fill the talent needs of local businesses are one of the objectives of the SLO Partners program. The partnerships between K-12, Cuesta College, SLO Partners, and local business leaders are helping to bridge the gap between opportunities and reality for individuals in

San Luis Obispo County.

I have previously highlighted programs in tech, digital media, and the trades. This month I am featuring our dual enrollment, pre-apprenticeship, appren ticeships, and employment success in Early Childhood Education (ECE). The Ticket 2 Teach program is an earn-and-learn apprenticeship program designed to support current and future educators by providing work-based learning opportunities at the high school, private, and public agency levels. These work-based learning opportunities pair with meaningful support and resources such as educational opportunities, skill development, and mentoring. We need Early Childhood Educators in San Luis Obispo county and the surrounding rural communities.

The San Luis Obispo County Childcare Planning Council (LPC) is working with multiple agencies in our county to address the issue. The LPC is an advisory body to the County Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Supervisors. The LPC plans for and promotes high-quality and accessible services for the care of all children and youth. Current opportunities include the Child Care Business Grant and Ticket 2 Teach programs. Upcoming grants available to the community include the Agency Expansion Grant, education scholarships, and mentor support. Program expansion is in partnership with families and the community through the LPC. Additional information is available on the San Luis Obispo County Child Care Planning Council website.

Early Childhood Education degrees and certifications are provided by Cuesta College, including dual enrollment classes for high school students. Students completing dual enrollment courses receive high school and college credits toward degrees and certifications. Students completing the Early Childhood Education dual enrollment courses, majors in Child Development and Family Studies, and other related programs prepare for careers working with children and their families. CTE dual enrolment courses allow high school students to engage in Cuesta College courses at their high school during their high school day and explore future careers.

San Luis Obispo County ECE pathway programs prepare students to work with children from infancy into middle childhood in various settings. Fiscal support for these CTE programs originated through local efforts of the school districts, the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, Cuesta College, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, and legislators such as Senator John Laird and Assembly Member Jordan Cunningham. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” — Vince Lombardi

“A dream doesn’t become a reality through magic; it takes sweat, determi nation, and hard work.” — Colin Powell

James Brescia, Ed.D.

Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash

You need just 10 ingredients to make this deli cious Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash! Perfectly roasted squash is filled with sausage, farm fresh vegetables, and topped with parmesan. It’s a nourishing meal that’s quick enough for weeknights and a beautiful dish for company.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium acorn squash

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing onto the squash

• 1 yellow onion, small diced

• 1 red bell pepper, small diced

• 2 stalks celery, small diced

• 1-2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme (or half a teaspoon dried)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed

• 2 cups torn curly kale

• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Slice a small piece off the top and bottom of the squash so it can sit upright, then slice the acorn squash in half widthwise (not through the stem). This will result in a pretty, scalloped edge. Scrape out the seeds.

3. Place the squash halves on the baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Turn upside

down (seed side down) and roast for 25 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.

4. Meanwhile, make the filling. Over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and sauté until onion is softened and turning translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Stir in the chopped fresh thyme, then add the minced garlic and sausage. Continue to sauté for another 8 minutes, or until the sausage is fully cooked.

6. Place the torn kale on top of the sausage mixture and cover the skillet to steam for 1-2 minutes. Stir and re-cover to continue steaming the kale, if necessary. Once the kale is wilted, stir in half the parmesan cheese, and remove the pan from heat.

7. Once the squash is done roasting, remove them from the oven and turn the heat up to broil. Flip the squash bowl side up and divide the filling evenly among them (pile it high, they’ll be overfull), then sprinkle on the remaining the parmesan cheese.

8. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, making sure not to over-brown the squash.

Note:

To serve 6, use 3 acorn squash and divide the filling among 6 halves. Follow the remainder of recipe as written. You can also use ground meat of your choice instead of sausage and flavor it with your choice of seasonings.

By BeeWench Farm

Even in December, our farmers are producing an abundance of amazing produce. You can find all the produce needed for this recipe, and more, at the Paso Robles market on Tuesday morn ings. You might need to just visit the store for the Parmesan cheese. I love this dish and it paired well with a beautiful fresh salad topped with pomegranate seeds.

Our farmer’s market should have microgreens to top any dish, squash, radishes, green beans, carrots, Swiss chard, lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, baby squash blossoms, garlic, beets, peppers, kale, and beautiful pomegranates. There’s also fresh sourdough bread, cookies, and scones for a treat!

December is also time for tamales! Tamales are a family favorite this time of year and are tradition for many families here in our community. If you are like myself and not a tamale making pro, check out the amazing tamales from Viva Mexico Foods. They serve up fresh tamales at the Paso market every Tuesday and Saturday! Enjoy them hot and fresh or save them for a delicious dinner and get some chips and salsa

to go with them.

Our BeeWench Farm stand has sausage or ground pork and Italian seasoning packets from the Spice of Life to make this delicious recipe. This is the best time of year to cook up some whole chickens and make stock and broth to keep your warm and healthy, too!

Local olive oil farms are busy this month with harvest. There are so many great local olive farms, but Jennifer with The Groves on 41 is at the Paso market every Tuesday morning. She has samples of all their amazing olive oils and recipes to go with them. Their cinnamon olive oil is my favorite this time of year for cooking with and adding to my morning oatmeal.

We are so lucky to live in a place that grows amazing produce year-round. Check out your local farmer’s market to get the freshest ingredients for anything you are making this season. We all hope that you have wonderful holiday celebrations and are nourished well with delicious local food!

Barbie

Butz

‘Tis the Season for Christmas Spirits

Noel Spritzers

Ingredients

• 2 cups chilled dry white wine, nonalcoholic wine or apple juice

• 1 cup chilled cranapple juice cocktail

Directions

• 1 cup chilled sparkling water

• Thin apple slices for garnish

• Fresh mint for garnish

Mix wine, juice drink and sparkling water. Serve over ice in a wine glass, a cham pagne flute, or other small festive glass.

n doing my research for the columns I write, I often come across some delightful, and sometimes funny little “add-ons” to recipes written by the authors of the cookbooks. In this instance I was scanning through a book simply titled “Christmas.” It includes ideas and musings for decorations, feasts, gifts, and traditions.

In the feasting section, it was suggested that a delicious Christ mas drink is mulled cider with Calvados, a dry apple brandy made in France and considered one of the best. Instructions were as follows: “In a stainless steel pot, combine apple cider, brown sugar to taste, a little allspice, and freshly ground nutmeg, 4 or 5

Merry Christmas and happy 2023, Cheers!

whole cloves, a couple of cinna mon sticks, and a peeled and sliced apple. Simmer this mixture for 15 minutes and add some of the apple brandy to taste. When it’s hot, pour it through a sieve into mugs and enjoy!”

Another offering suggested, “A good Christmas whiskey punch is easy to make. Mix 1⁄4 cup of brown sugar and 2 cups of whiskey. Heat just enough to dissolve the sugar, and pour into mugs. Put a slice of lemon and 3 or 4 whole cloves in each mug and add hot water to taste.

Another book of holiday recipes offered this next recipe for holiday celebrations. Remember, the rule is “everything in moderation.”

MangoSmoothiePumpkin

Ingredients

• 4 ice cubes

• 1 cup mango juice or other 100 percent fruit juice

• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks or 1 cup frozen mango pieces

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 /4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Simple Wassail

Directions

Place all ingredients in blender and purée until smooth. Taste and adjust flavorings if needed, Serve icy cold. Note

Garnish with apple slices and mint. Makes 6 servings (3⁄4 cup each)

Try your favorite juice flavors, or investigate a more unusual blend such as guava-pineapple in this refreshing mixture of wine and sparkling water. This recipe can be doubled or tripled. Wine is always a year-round favorite. Enjoy it served straight from the bottle, or embellish it with fun results. Try a “wine cooler my mixing equal parts of white wine and fruit juice as suggested in the recipe above, or add a shot of fruit-flavored liqueur. Add honey and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and cloves to red wine, then heat slowly for a mulled wine.

The next two recipes are from an Assis tance League of Santa Barbara cook book titled Victuals and was published in the 60s.

Wassail is always a popular holiday beverage and can be made a couple of days ahead of a planned gathering

Ingredients

• 2 quarts apple juice or cider

• 2 cups pineapple juice

• 2 cups orange juice, frozen and diluted

Directions

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• 1 stick cinnamon

Mix ingredients and simmer 10 minutes. Pour into punch bowl and serve. Rum or bourbon can be added just before serving. The amount depends on your taste. This is simple, but festive and smells like the holidays!

And, how about serving a mango pump kin smoothie to your holiday brunch guests! Try this recipe and see how easy that would be.

MulledNectarApricot

Ingredients

• 1 (46 ounce) can apricot nectar

• 1 /2 cup orange juice

• 1 /2 lemon, sliced

• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions

• 10 whole cloves

• 6 whole allspice

• 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks

Combine ingredients in large sauce pot; cover and simmer 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 30 minutes. Reheat, strain, and serve hot. Makes 11⁄2 quarts. I wish you and your family a joyous Decem ber. Please party smartly and be safe so that you can enjoy all the season offers.

Light Up the Downtown Holiday Celebration

SUNKEN GARDENS, DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO

5:30 - 8pm

Soon after the lights come on, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving via an antique Model-A fire truck to the tune of “Here Comes Santa Claus” performed by the Atascadero Fine Arts Academy. You will then be invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole entrance located at the back of City Hall that faces Atascadero Middle School.

61st Annual Christmas Light Parade

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

7 - 9pm

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus while enjoying a parade featuring an array of light spectacles from local businesses. A variety of awards will be also be given for best in show. This year’s theme is Deck the Halls.

Trail of Lights Tour ATASCADERO

5 - 8pm

See decorated local homes, guaranteed to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Residents and businesses show off their homes and storefronts, and families can enjoy a safe and fun activity driving through town to check out all the wonderful outdoor lights.

Winter Wonderland

SUNKEN GARDENS, IN DOWNTOWN ATASCADERO

5 - 9pm

With over 75 tons of snow, this year’s snow-themed event includes Joe’s Little Train, two Euro bungee jumps, an obstacle course, gladiator joust, bounce houses, face painting, caricature artist, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus

sat dec 10

36th Annual Vine Street

Victorian

DOWNTOWN PASO ROBLES

6 - 9pm

Main Street and Historical Society invite you to bring your family to drive down Vine Street for this annual community Christmas party tradition.

saT dec 17

Holiday Magic

CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO

10am - 1pm

The zookeepers have stepped in as Santa’s Elves to prepare gifts for the animals. Santa will be at the Zoo to help welcome visitors and deliver gifts to the animals.

sun dec 11

Atascadero Community Band Holiday Concert

PAVILLION ON THE LAKE

2:30 - 4:30pm

The Atascadero Community Band presents its Holiday Concert, with old favorites, some surprises, and an audience favorite, the Christmas Sing-Along!

sun dec 25

Santa’s Pop-Up Reindeer Farm

CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO

10am - 4pm

Santa is sending two of his reindeer to visit the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero before Christmas.

saT dec 17

San Miguel Christmas Lights Parade

MISSION STREET

6pm

Locals join together for the 32nd Annual Christmas Lights Parade presented by the San Miguel Firefighters Association.

sun jan 1

Polar Bear Plunge

AVILA BEACH PIER

12pm

Christmas

The 11th annual Avila Beach Polar Bear Plunge is a celebration of fitness, nature, a New Year, camaraderie, and still having dessert.

Mid-State Fair Market

PASO ROBLES EVENT CENTER

12 - 4pm

Local crafters and artisans from throughout San Luis Obispo County selling handmade and unique items.

32nd Annual Teddy Bear Tea

PASO ROBLES INN BALLROOM

12 - 4pm

Bring your Teddy Bear, dress him up. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Snow King, and Queen, as well as Santa’s Elves, will be there for the fun at the Park Ballroom. Tickets are $8 for children and $20 for adults. Bring your camera!

Polar Bear Dip

CAYUCOS PIER

12pm

Take the plunge at their 43rd Annual Carlin Soule Memorial Polar Bear Dip. Join them late morning for festivities that include music, dancing, prizes, and participant certificates.

Wednesdays Saturdays Tuesdays Saturdays

Paso Robles

11TH & SPRING, PASO ROBLES, CA 93446

9am - 11am

Atascadero

6505 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO, CA 93422

3pm - 6pm

Templeton

CROCKER ST & 6TH ST, TEMPLETON, CA 93465

9am - 12:30pm

Paso Robles: County Farm & Craft Market

11TH & SPRING, PASO ROBLES

9am - 1pm

At The Library

Atascadero Library

6555 Capistrano • (805) 461-6161 Register online at slolibrary.org

Hours:

• Tuesday 10-6

• Wednesday 10-6

• Thursday 9-5

• Friday 10-5

• Saturday 9-5

December Programs:

Paws to Read

Saturday Dec. 3rd & 15th from 3 to 4:30 p.m.Come read stories to Jack the dog!

Superhero Training

Saturday Dec. 3rd. from 11 a.m - 12 p.m. - Join 2 Superheroes for Superhero Training! Learn a Hero lesson, play interactive games, and take photos! Ages 5-10. Costumes encouraged and registration is required!

Toddler Storytime

Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m.- Join Ms. Sally in the library and read books, sing songs, and have fun! For ages 0-3.

Library Outreach Team at Atascadero Library

Every Wednesday in December from 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Get connected with Primary care, recovery, clothing, food, Medicare, shelter, mental health, showers, health insurance, and more.

Preschool Storytime

Every Friday at 10:30 a.m.- Join Ms. Sally in the library and read books, sing songs, and have fun!

Teen Scene

Friday Dec. 2nd from 2-3:30 p.m. & Thursday Dec.15th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Activities for teens at the library, including Legos, board games, movies, and more! Ages 10-17

Creston Library

6290 Adams St. • (805) 237-3010

Santa Margarita Library 9630 Murphy Ave. • (805) 438-5622

San Miguel Library 254 13th St. • (805) 467-3224

Shandon Library 195 N 2nd St. • (805) 237-3009

Health & Wellness

Cancer Support Community

Providing support, education and hope 1051 Las Tablas Road, Templeton • (805) 238-4411 • Cancer Support Helpline • (888) 793-9355, 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. PST.

• Visit: cscslo.org for more info Special Programs Email programs@cscslo.org for Zoom links and more info

• Every Wednesday

• Tai Chi Chih | Virtual via Zoom• 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Mindfulness Hour | Virtual via Zoom • 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month

• Grief Support Group | Virtual via Zoom • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

• 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month

• Adv. Cancer Support Group | Virtual 10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m.

• 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month

• Caregiver Support Group | In Person • 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month

• Cancer Patient Support Group | In Person • 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month

• Grief Support Group (Templeton) | Virtual via Zoom • 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Explore Cancer Support Community’s Virtual Home:

• cancersupportcommunity.org/virtual-programs

North County Parkinson's Support Group

Atascadero Bible Church Library, 6225 Atascadero Ave, Atascadero

• 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month

• 6-8pm

Atascadero Lake walk

Meet in the Pavilion parking lot 9315 Pismo Ave Atascadero

• 1st Saturday of each month

• 11:00 am

• Bring your walking poles if you have them Contact for more info: Vic Breault vjbreault@gmail.com

• (951) 663-9841

Business & Networking

Atascadero Chamber of Commerce atascaderochamber.org • (805) 466-2044

6907 El Camino Real, Suite A, Atascadero, CA 93422

Templeton Chamber of Commerce templetonchamber.com • (805) 434-1789

321 S. Main Street #C, Templeton, CA 93465

Service Organizations

Optimist Club

• Atascadero #14927 • 2rd Thursday of each month, 6:00 p.m., Outlaws Bar & Grill, 9850 E. Front Rd.

Rotary International

• Atascadero • Meeting • every Wednesday, 12 p.m. at Springhill Suites by Marriott, 900 El Camino Real

Kiwanis International

• Atascadero • 7848 Pismo Ave. • 805-610-7229

• Meeting • In person or Zoom every Thursday, 7:00 a.m.

Veterans of Foreign Wars

• Atascadero #2814 • 9555 Morro Rd., • 805-466-3305

• Meeting • first Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Elks Lodge

Atascadero Lodge 2733 • 1516 El Camino Real • 805-466-3557

• Lodge Meeting — second and fourth Thursdays

Lions Club

Atascadero Club 2385 • 5035 Palma Ave. Atascadero

• Meeting — Every 2nd, 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m. Santa Margarita Club 2418 • 9610 Murphy St.

• Meeting — 2nd, 4th Monday, 7:30 p.m. Shandon Valley Club • (630) 571-5466

• Meeting — Call ahead for meeting times Templeton Club 2427 • 601 Main St. Meeting — 1st and 3rd Thursday, 7 p.m.

Loyal Order of Moose

• Atascadero 2067 • 8507 El Camino Real • 805-466-5121

• Visit mooseintl.org for more information

Atascadero Republican Women Federated Club

• Republican Headquarters - 7357 El Camino Real, Meetings • 4th Tuesday 11:00 am

• visit atascaderorepublicanwomenfederated.com

Government

Atascadero Unified School Board

• first and third Tuesday, Closed Session 6pm, Open/Regular Session 7 p.m

Planning Commission

• first and third Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, 6500 Palma Avenue

City Council

• second and fourth Tuesday, 6 p.m. at City Hall Council Cham bers, 6500 Palma Avenue

Visit atascadero.org for virtual & up to date meeting info. General information: City Hall M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m. (805) 461-5000

Season’sBlessing2022

By Sarah-Kate Duran Reverand, The Revival Center

As much as we wish it would be, I know that the holiday season isn’t always a Hallmark movie. Far from it sometimes. If not us, we know of many people for whom this year, in particular, brings the one-year anniversary of something traumatic and can bring to us the looming remembrance of loss. That’s hard. I get it. I really do. But let me bring to your attention that you have made it through 100 percent of the things you have gone through. That’s a pretty good track record. That’s something to celebrate.

Maybe you’re the one reading this who is still going through it. But that’s the keyword, isn’t it? Though, if you’re going through hell — don’t stop. If you catch hell — don’t hold it! Be encouraged — God has an individual

destiny and plan for your life. There’s only one you. Be yourself — everyone else is already taken. You are important. You are needed to do the assignments that God has planned for you to do. Don’t be fooled into thinking someone else can or will, do it. God tells us in the book of Jeremiah that He knows the plans He has for us; plans of peace and well-being, not for disaster, to give us a future and a hope.

Maybe you’re wondering, “Where’s this Christmas spirit I am supposed to feel?” I am highly convinced that the Christmas spirit we so often hear about and mention is the blessing of God on us this season. I find a supernatural phenomenon every Christmas as we all sing sacred carols, even with those who sing them who wouldn’t admit that they even believe. As we participate in this expected tradition, the Almighty seems to bless us with His presence in the manifestation of joy and peace. I propose it’s because we’re all in unity singing about the Savior’s birth and bring ing glory to Him. This year, be intentional to bring that Christmas spirit with you wherever you go. When it manifests, take notice of this Divine Christmas Spirit.

We’ve all been through a lot as of late. You know as well as I do that certain outside sources have been trying their hardest to bring division everywhere we look. As a community, let’s be determined to not let that negativity have any place or that division any attention in 2023. This is your sign to go into the new year with a clear conscience. Resolve those things that have been nagging in the back of your mind. Reconcile that broken relationship. Make that phone call. Send that text. Forgive that person. What are you really waiting for anyway? Life is too short to live with unforgiveness and bitterness. When you hold onto it, it only poisons you. It has little effect on the other person, doesn’t it? So, let it go before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

My prayer for you, my community, in going into 2023 is that all of God’s dreams for you come true. Do not forget: His plan for you is good.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

With all my heart, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 