Visalia Direct Magazine - December 2018 by Direct Magazine

CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2018

M A G A Z I N E

Tulare County HHSA Working to Keep Families Together

VIRTUAL VALLEY

GARDENING

VUSD

Safety and Convenience Slow Down Computers

What’s Bugging You? Part 2

A Seasonal Analogy

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INSIDE DECEMBER 2018 PU B LIS H E D BY

DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 ADMINISTRATION & EDITORIAL

Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Operations Manager MARIA GASTON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

AL OLIVER C. S. WYATT IMAGINEU JASON SALAZAR JOHN LECKENBY KELLEY PETTY LEE LITTLEWOOD MARITA DIMOND MARY HUNT DR. RUTH MACPETE, DVM SHARON MOSLEY SUE BURNS SUSAN SCHIEFERLE TODD OTO WARREN GUBLER

COVER STORY

4 TULARE COUNTY HHSA Working to Keep Families Together

F E AT U R E S

8 Gardening

DEPARTMENTS 11 Valley Oak SPCA 12 The Recipe Box 14 College Prep 15 Character Counts! 16 Meet A Local 17 Tulare County Library

What's Bugging You (Part 2 of 2)

22 Kids' Library

24 Fashion

9 Community Safety Holiday Safety

18 VUSD A Seasonal Analogy

20 Virtual Valley Safety and Convenience Slow Down Computers

32 Warren Reports

25 Craft Corner 26 Tulare Chamber 27 Visalia Chamber 28 Crossword 29 Money Matters 30 Goings-on

Sayonara

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FRANK MIRAMONTES ADVERTISING SALES

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Direct Magazine is published twelve times a year and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 33,000 homes in Visalia. An additional 2,000 magazines are circulated at distribution points around Visalia and Tulare. Views expressed in columns are those expressed by the columnist and not necessarily those of Direct Magazine. We are dedicated to serving the community. Please call us for questions, comments, article suggestions or for information about local events at 739-1747. Fax us at 738-0909 or email us: direct@dmiagency.com. Online Issue at: www.issuu.com/dmiagency ©2018 DMI Agency

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TULARE COUNTY HHSA

"They didn’t have to do these things, but they did. I love them for that.” — Michelle Villalvazo

Working to Keep Families Together

“W

hen you're on drugs, you're not in the right state of mind, but my love for my son was more important than that.”

Michelle Villalvazo is a Tulare County woman who has turned her life around. A single mother who temporarily lost custody of her child, Michelle traveled the journey of selfdiscovery, recovery and community integration that allowed her to regain custody of her son, Levi. Tulare County Child Welfare Services (CWS), a part of the county's Health & Human Service Agency, helps families struggling with abuse or neglect. When options to ensure a child’s safety at home have been exhausted, children are sometimes placed in out-of-home care, but CWS strives

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to keep families together. CWS believes that by working in partnership with families, resource families, communities and service providers, a family can grow and change to promote their own safety and well-being. When CWS became involved in Michelle’s case, Levi was temporarily placed with a certified resource (foster) family before being placed with Michelle’s sister, Ann Marie, who took care of Levi throughout Michelle’s journey. Michelle notes, “Ann Marie made sure my son was well taken care of.” To regain custody of a child after CWS has placed the child in care, a parent must fulfill a specific case plan approved by the Juvenile Court. After Michelle was released from jail, she met with a CWS staff member who created,

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with her input, a case plan, which included court-ordered counseling, therapy, substance abuse classes, both Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings, and parenting classes. “CWS helped me a lot,” she says. “Because of the programs, I grew and was able to stay focused. Maria, my CWS contact, influenced me to do good because my son needed me. She helped me focus on the bigger picture.” Michelle says she feels the process CWS had her go through was a positive one. “If I didn’t have to do this, I would have gone back to my old ways, and the classes helped me fix myself so I could take care of Levi.” “At first, I thought, ‘I don’t need this,’” she adds. “NA helped me a lot, and I liked both NA and AA. I had to go twice

a week, but I chose to go twice a day, and I got used to speaking in front of others. It takes something off your shoulders when you have someone to talk to. It was confidential; people became like family, and I made sober friends there. “As a single parent, it was overwhelming, and some days I just lay in bed. But I had to think that God would not give me something I could not handle. I realized I had to do this for me and my son; he is the most important thing to me. With the help of my family, I did it.” CWS strongly encourages family, sibling and extendedfamily involvement. Michelle says her mom and family went to court meetings, and her dad let her live with him. She DIRECT MAGAZINE

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notes, “My dad took me to visits. He works in the fields, and he set it up with his bosses. If he could not, my mom would take me. My sister encouraged me to be there on time. They didn’t have to do these things, but they did. I love them for that. “In my mind, I was thinking that I needed to take care of Levi first and me second, but parenting classes taught me that I needed to take care of me so that I can take care of others,” she says. She gazes out to where Levi is playing on the jungle gym with his grandma and says, “I cried when I got my son back. I’m so happy I have him. I was away from him for a long time – a little over a year. I cherish the time I have with him now.”

"I realized I had to do this for me and my son; he is the most important thing to me. With the help of my family, I did it.” — Michelle Villalvazo 6

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GARDENING TEXT BY SUSAN SCHIEFERLE, UCCE MASTER GARDENER FOR KINGS AND TULARE COUNTIES

What's Bugging You? (part 2 of 2)

n October, we discovered five “good” bugs (lady bugs, bees, parasitic wasps, dragonflies and ground beetles), described what each looked like, how each helps the garden and how to welcome them into your own garden. There are five more that we will talk about this month. Remember, beneficial bugs are “good” for your garden. Pollen is a powdery substance in the center of flowers. Pollinators are the good bugs that take pollen from one flower to another to make seeds and reproduce. Larvae: In easy terms, larvae are baby insects that hatch from an egg.

GREEN LACEWING Description: Larvae are tiny, brown and look like teeny alligators. Adults have see-through wings and green bodies. How they help: Lacewings aggressively eat aphids, mites, thrips, mealybugs and insect eggs. How to welcome: Plant nectarproducing plants like sunflowers, asters and honeydew. Honeydew is the sticky substance found on many plants and trees caused by aphids. The green lacewing will eat both the honeydew and the aphid. SOLDIER BEETLE Description: Adults are long and narrow, about 1/2 of an inch long. They are colorful, with a red, orange or yellow head and body, and black, gray or brown wings. How they help: They also love to eat aphids, and eat the eggs and larvae of beetles, butterflies and moths. How to welcome: They love pollen or nectar on flowering shrubs in the yard. They also feed under bark (on trees) or under the soil. They also like milkweed.

SYRPHID FLY Description: This fly looks similar to a bee, with black and yellow bands on its body, BUT it does not have stingers. It only has two wings. How they help: They also love aphids, but also eat soft-bodied mealybugs and whiteflies. One single syrphid fly can eat hundreds of aphids in a month! How to welcome: They love to feed on pollen and nectar, especially on ceanothus, sunflowers and the herb feverfew.

PIRATE BUGS Description: You might think that this is a funny name for a bug. They are very tiny with black, purple and white markings. The head is triangular. You will definitely need a magnifying glass to see these teeny insects. How they help: They feed on insect eggs and thrips, mites, aphids, whiteflies and small caterpillars. How to welcome: They like being on flowering plants. Their prey love corn, cotton, soybeans, small grains and tomatoes. So farmers welcome these tiny “pirates” to invade the insects that want to eat their crops. Now you have learned about 10 beneficial insects. So before you step on a bug or spray a bug off a plant, be sure that it is a “GOOD” bug.

Happy gardening!

ASSASSIN BUGS Description: Assassin bugs are thin, colorful insects. Their colors are blackish, reddish or brown. Adult bugs do not fly well, but can move rapidly on a plant or the ground. How they help: They feed on insects, including caterpillars, leafhoppers and aphids. They stalk or wait for their prey, then attack! How to welcome: These bugs like to hide in row crops, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and more. They also like fruit- or nut-producing trees.

Find more information on the Master Gardener website, http://ucanr.edu/sites/UC_Master_Gardeners/ 8

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COMMUNITY SAFETY TEXT BY VISALIA POLICE CHIEF JASON SALAZAR

Holiday Safety

t’s December and 'tis the season for Christmas celebrations and plenty of shopping excursions over the next few weeks. I hope you had an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, as well as a successful Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Now that your Christmas shopping is underway, the Visalia Police Department would like to leave you with a few important safety tips to make sure that your holidays are safe and full of cheer, and make sure that we all do our part to keep the Grinch from stealing your Christmas.

First: The holiday season is a great time to enjoy friends and family, and to celebrate. But please, for your own well-being, as well as everyone else’s, celebrate responsibly. If you’re going to drink, designate a sober driver or plan ahead for a ride from the many available options that exist today. We want to be sure that you and everyone around you gets through the holidays and into the new year safely. There will also be plenty of opportunities to meet our fine officers at various events over the next few weeks, but we hope that you don’t meet us on a DUI stop. Second: Be mindful of your own personal security and surroundings while out enjoying Visalia’s shopping scene. Please be sure not to leave any valuables in your vehicle that invite any Grinch activity. Leave your valuables at home or ensure that they are out of sight and secured in your trunk. Additionally, keep your purse close to your body and wallet in your front pocket, and always be mindful of your surroundings while out and about. Third: Package thefts from residences occur much more frequently this time of year with so much online shopping that takes place. If you are having packages delivered to your home, try to have someone home when they are delivered or have a trusted

neighbor pick the package up for you when delivered. If possible, ask for a tracking number for the package or request a signature delivery option and minimize the opportunities for packages to be taken from your home. Also, be a good neighbor and report suspicious activity and look out for each other. Additionally, be sure to lock your doors and windows, and avoid leaving packages or gifts where they are visible through a window or doorway. Finally: Plan ahead for extra traffic. There will likely be more vehicles and pedestrians out than usual. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Whether you’re driving or walking,

please avoid distractions that could keep you from being aware of your surroundings at all times. We want you to get to your destination safely and, most importantly, we want you to get home at the end of the day. Be alert and respectful while out on our roadways and especially mindful of pedestrians. I hope that these simple tips promise to deliver you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We can all do our part to make sure that the Grinch doesn’t steal Christmas. As always, the Visalia Police Department is honored to serve and be a part of a great community. Happy Holidays! DIRECT MAGAZINE

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VISALIA FIRST BY JOHN LECKENBY, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR AT VISALIA FIRST

God With Us

here is no greater story than the birth of Jesus. Nothing compares to the hope, the joy, the peace that a true grasp of this story can bring to your heart. Within this great tradition is the living and breathing Christ, born in a manger so that He could take our sins on Himself and provide a way when there was no way. There probably wasn’t a ton of excitement in a shepherd’s life hanging out in the fields day after day, so you can imagine that a choir of angels blowing up the sky was at first terrifying, glorious and ultimately life-changing. For three kings to leave it all behind and set out to follow a star

in search of a greater King, you can imagine that their inspiring dreams must have been unlike any other that they had ever had. Then there are Mary and Joseph, two average people in love, used for an extraordinary and supernatural purpose. Just two people living out what seemed to be average lives invited to step into the messiness of introducing a divine God to the joys and pains of a 100 percent human existence. There’s just so much to dive into in this story, so much humanity and so much divinity. Just as much as the Christmas story has become tradition, it transcends

A MUSICAL & VISUAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

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it because it is unlike any other story known to man. It is equally divine and equally human in nature. It changed humanity and showed in a new way the love of God for our world through His willingness to send His son Jesus to not only be born for us, but to die for us. Whatever potential monotony that can be associated with a traditional story is completely shattered here because this story is alive. Its effectiveness is not only in story, but in action, the advent and arrival of a God that would BE WITH US forever. This idea is displayed beautifully in Matthew 1:21-23: She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Sometimes you have to step outside the box to hear the beauty of a story that has been told and retold. This Christmas season, spend some time seeing beyond the gifts and lights. Think of the awestruck wise men when they bowed low as they gave their gifts to the King of Kings. See the lights and thank God that he is our light and that He is here now: “God With Us.” Imagine MORE, because this story goes beyond tradition. It’s the entryway into an eternal story, a real relationship with our savior Jesus Christ. This year, we’re excited to celebrate the birth of our Jesus at “Imagine M O R E,” our Christmas production at Visalia First on Dec. 15 and 16. It’s going to be an incredible time and a truly beautiful and out-of-the-box expression of the greatest story ever told. We hope that you join us, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

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VALLEY OAK SPCA TEXT BY DR. RUTH MACPETE, DVM

What Is Heartworm Disease?

eartworm disease is caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, a type of roundworm that lives inside the heart and blood vessels of the lungs. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is a serious disease that primarily affects the heart and lungs, but can also affect the liver, kidney, eye and central nervous system and, if untreated, can cause death. SYMPTOMS The symptoms of heartworm disease are subtle and can be easy to miss. As the number of heartworms increases, the symptoms of coughing, lethargy, exercise intolerance, lack of appetite and weight loss become more apparent. However, it is best not to wait until symptoms develop since irreversible damage may have already occurred by then. WHO IS AT RISK? Heartworm disease has been found in all 50 states, although it is more prevalent in the Southeast and along the Mississippi River. Studies by the American Heartworm Society have found that heartworm infections are increasing across the United States. While most people know that heartworm disease affects dogs, many are unaware that it can also affect cats. It was once believed that cats were resistant to heartworm infections, but recent studies have shown that this is not the case. Cats, just like dogs, can get heartworm disease. The fact is any animal can be bitten by a mosquito and therefore become infected with the

parasite. Speak with your veterinarian about your particular pet’s risks and how to protect them. HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? Heartworm disease is most commonly diagnosed using blood tests that detect the presence of heartworms. Many veterinarians run these fast, simple tests in the clinic and can give you results within minutes. Depending on the test results and the animal’s symptoms, additional laboratory tests, radiographs and a cardiac ultrasound may also be recommended to determine infection and severity. HOW IS IT TREATED? The goal of treatment is to kill the heartworms without harming the patient. Fortunately, the treatment options have improved, but they still have potential risks. Infected animals usually receive a series of intramuscular injections, hospitalization and then strict confinement to limit exercise for weeks. The fact is treatment is expensive, time-consuming and not without risks. For these reasons, the goal should always be prevention rather than treatment. PREVENTION The best way to treat heartworm disease is to prevent it in the first place. Fortunately, there are numerous safe and effective preventative medications available. They are available from your veterinarian in many forms: oral, topical and injectable. In addition to protecting your pets from heartworm disease, many of the heartworm preventatives also protect your pet against other internal parasites. This is important because it helps prevent the spread of parasites. So not only are you getting heartworm protection for your pet, but also peace of mind that your pet has not picked up such parasites as roundworms that can be transmitted to other pets and even humans. Finally, before starting preventative

PET OF THE MONTH Meet Mama:

This sweet “Mama” is looking for her forever home. Mama is a 6-yeaold retriever mix and was rescued as a stray by Valley Oak SPCA staff along with her eight puppies. If you are interested in adopting sweet Mama, come meet her today at Valley Oak SPCA’s adoption center. If interested, contact Valley Oak SPCA at (559) 651-1111. medications on pets over 6 months of age, have your veterinarian test them for heartworm infection because serious complications can develop if an infected animal is started on certain preventatives. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Get your pets heartworm tested at Valley Oak SPCA’s Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic from 9 a.m.-noon MondaysFridays and 4-6 p.m. Thursdays. No appointment is necessary. Valley Oak SPCA Low-Cost Veterinary Clinic 9405 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia (559) 741-1121 www.vospca.org DIRECT MAGAZINE

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THE RECIPE BOX TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SUE BURNS, IT’S OKAY TO EAT THE CUPCAKE

Busy Day Salad with Stuffing ‘Croutons’ and Maple Mustard Vinaigrette

he holiday season – also known as “the eating season” – is upon us! In addition to shopping and decorating, everyone is cooking and baking. At home and about, sweet treats are in abundance and as we work to check off our To-Do lists, it’s easy to grab whatever’s in the cookie tin for energy. As much as we all love sweets, we know that eating healthy meals will fuel us longer. I’m here to help! Here’s a salad that is easy to make and quick to put together. With Maple Mustard Vinaigrette and warm, crispy Stuffing “Croutons,” it’s absolutely delicious. Stuffing is a staple on many tables from Thanksgiving through the New Year, so it makes perfect sense to find new and tasty ways to use it. Pat out a thin layer on a baking sheet misted with olive oil cooking spray and place in a preheated 425F oven. Bake 10 minutes, stir and turn, and bake 8 minutes more. Stir again and bake a final 4 minutes, and you’ve got crispy “croutons.” Your stuffing recipe may include meats, vegetables, nuts and dried fruits; it’s all good! While the stuffing is heating, make the rest of the salad. Use a big shallow bowl and start with mixed greens on the bottom, then layer on some chopped celery (with the leaves) and the cheese of your choice. If you’ve just entertained or made a big dinner and have leftovers, use them. Carrots, cheese, dried fruits and nuts from appetizer platters, green beans, turkey and even deviled eggs are all great. Prep your salad in advance: Boil a couple of extra eggs and make the vinaigrette ahead. When wrapping leftovers, chop vegetables and meat, slice/grate cheese and crush up some nuts. Then it’s just a matter of getting everything into the bowl. Use your family’s favorite ingredients to entice them to the table … but the tangy-sweet dressing and the stuffing should make that a snap. Here’s to happy, healthy holidays and all delicious things in the new year! MAPLE MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper * If you have leftover cranberry sauce, a spoonful or two will add lovely tartness and color. DIRECTIONS Place all ingredients in a bowl or Mason jar and whisk or shake until thoroughly blended and emulsified. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. * In addition to the sausage and spinach in my stuffing, this version has dried cranberries, golden raisins and apricots, fresh apples, eggs, queso fresco, praline pecans and walnuts. For more of Sue’s tips and tricks, visit www.itsokaytoeatthecupcake.com 12

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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION TEXT BY AL OLIVER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

The Value of Good Endings

ome endings are necessary and good. Achieving a goal, graduating to the next level, leaving the past behind. These are all good things, but rarely painless and not done without great investment and effort. That about sums up life at Visalia Rescue Mission for both our staff and residents. One ending that is upon us is the presence of Rescued Treasures in Tulare. Three short years ago, the Lord opened a door of opportunity on Cross Street. The board and staff walked through that door not fully knowing how it would turn out. We learned and benefitted a lot! During that time, some of our most successful graduates and some of our (now) senior leaders on the staff at Visalia Rescue Mission first came to us by working in the Tulare store. The revenue we gained also helped support our Life Change Academy and shelters. Last year, even more blessing came our way when we had the opportunity to expand our Simply Chic Boutique in downtown Visalia. But with new opportunities, change often follows close behind. It became clear that the Lord was leading us to the decision that our season in Tulare was coming to a close. On Dec. 31, Rescued Treasures in Tulare will permanently close. Rising minimum-wage costs, rising rental costs, fuel and distance costs all contributed to the decision to close the Tulare store. We loved our time in Tulare and treasure the relationships that we built with our customers. We hope that you will still come to visit us in our Rescued Treasures store in Visalia and at the expanded Simply Chic Boutique on Main Street!

60 percent and 70 percent of its annual support revenue between the Thanksgiving holiday and the end of the calendar year. When you financially support Visalia Rescue Mission, you are investing in the “New Thing” that alters the trajectory of the lives of our guests and residents. Our goal is to see them “become God-dependent, contributing members of their community.” The greatest blessing is when they experience a change in life and then come back to serve at Visalia Rescue Mission and give the same gift to those who are coming behind them. When you support Visalia Rescue Mission, you give us the tools and personnel to help this ministry accomplish good endings and new beginnings! As 2018 fades in the rear-view mirror, the staff and board at Visalia Rescue Mission wish you a blessed, prosperous and generous new year!

HOW CAN YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING MAKE A DIFFERENCE? COME IN & ASK US.

It seems hard to believe that 2018 has gone by so quickly. But with good endings also come hopeful and new beginnings. We are looking forward to the future at Visalia Rescue Mission. Our first and primary goal is always to see changed lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Food, shelter, counseling, services, training are all just tools to help desperate people see despair and hopelessness come to an end. To be able to lift your head and look up and have confidence in the future is an indescribable feeling! The Lord declares in Isaiah 43:18-19, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old, Behold! I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth! Do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert!” These refreshing “streams in the desert” are the reason we persist in this ministry. The value of seeing a life change before your eyes is almost incalculable! Historically, Visalia Rescue Mission receives between

beneﬁtting

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COLLEGE PREP TEXT BY MISSY YAVASILE, INDEPENDENT COLLEGE CONSULTANT, SOAR COLLEGE PLANNING AND CONSULTING

Financial Aid: What Should You Know?

ost families are terrified about trying to pay for college. And that is understandable since four-year colleges and universities can cost more than $70,000 per year. With multiple college-bound students in the family, this amount can be staggering. Many families do not believe that they will be eligible for financial aid, but the truth is that most families with incomes ranging from $50,000$150,000 per year who own homes are eligible for some form of financial aid. There is more than $150 billion available each year from a variety of sources; you just have to know where to look. You would be surprised how many high six- and seven-digit income earners are eligible for some kind of financial aid. Many families become obsessed with searching for scholarships, but the fact is that private scholarships only make up 5 percent to 7 percent of the money available to help pay for your child's college education. So it is best to focus on getting the other 95 percent that comes from other sources. How do we do that? First of all, you need to find out if you will qualify for need-based aid. You can use an EFC calculator on the College Board website to calculate your expected family contribution (EFC). Subtract that number from the total cost of attendance at the colleges you are looking at and you will know if you are eligible for any need-based financial aid. For example: If your EFC is $15,000 and the cost of attendance is $55,000, you will be eligible for $40,000 in need-based aid. Next, find out what percent of your need each college will meet. Most do not meet 100 percent of your need.

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Ask if each college has a ceiling on the maximum amount of financial aid that a student can qualify for. Find out if the financial aid package remains the same all four years and what the specific requirements are to maintain that amount. There are usually GPA requirements. One last thing to find out is how they treat private scholarships. In other words, if you get an outside private scholarship (say from the Rotary Club), will they subtract that amount from your need-based aid? It is also important that if the student will be eligible for need-based aid, that the family file the FAFSA as early as possible. The early bird gets the worm; that is to say that need-based aid is doled out on a first-come, first-served basis.

What if you find out that you will not be receiving any need-based aid? Then it is up to the student to be sure that grades and test scores are high, and that he/she is academically in the top 25 percent of applicants at the schools where he/she will apply. Colleges can be very generous with merit-based financial aid. Merit aid is not typically based on family income or assets. If you will not be eligible for need-based aid, then applying for private scholarships can help. It is a lot of work and takes several years of searching since the private scholarships are typically only for one year. And, finally, much to the dismay of many, California colleges are expensive. So if the student is willing to get out of California, there may be many more affordable options. Sorry, Mom!

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CHARACTER COUNTS! TEXT BY KELLEY PETTY, CHARACTER COUNTS! COORDINATOR, TULARE COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

2018 Kids of Character Nominees

ALBERT FERREIRA, EIGHTH GRADE ALPINE VISTA SCHOOL, TULARE

lbert Ferreira strives daily to be kind to all students and adults. Whether Albert is in the middle of band practice and sees a fellow band member struggling to keep the tempo, or helps younger students during the school’s Family Buddy Time, the foundation of Albert’s character is built upon his actions, words and genuine personality. Teacher Jason Brock says, “Albert encourages his peers with kind words and actions.” Throughout the year, Mr. Brock not only noticed Albert’s support for others, but also took note of other staff commenting on Albert’s kindness as well. That is when Mr. Brock knew that he needed to nominate Albert for the 2018 Kids of Character campaign sponsored by the Tulare County Office of Education’s Character Counts! Office. As one of five Pillar of Caring finalists from 5,576 nominations, Albert was pleasantly surprised. “I didn’t think others really noticed my actions,” he said. “This has encouraged me to keep doing what I have been raised to do.”

At times throughout Albert’s younger childhood, he was teased and he can still remember what that felt like. “My Mom and Dad would remind me that sometimes people will bully or tease because of their own struggles, not because of anything did to them,” he said. “Then there are some people that think it is fun to tease, and they don’t think about what that would feel like — I don’t want to be like that. I want to be the kind of person to encourage and offer friendship. I hope I am able to show others how easy it is to encourage people when they need it. We need more people to be nice to each other.” As Albert continues to lead with his heart, his excellence in academics pairs nicely with his future goal of becoming a doctor. Thank you, Albert, for thinking of others first and promoting kindness throughout your life!

KAYDEN MENESES, EIGHTH GRADE OAK VALLEY UNION SCHOOL, TULARE

Kayden Meneses was also selected as a finalist of the 2018 Kids of Character campaign for the Pillar of Citizenship. For the last two years, Kayden has

chosen as her middle school elective to be a classroom helper in Christina Alves’ Transitional Kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Alves says, “Although Kayden comes to our classroom each day to prepare center activities, her true worth is the way she goes above and beyond what I need to support each and every child and show them they are loved and cared for in Room 501. She has assisted with creating a family-like environment, which truly allows every child to learn and grow!” Miss Kayden (as the students refer to her) comes from a large family with many younger cousins, and Room 501 is just like being around her own family. “When I was younger, I thought it was so cool to have older kids helping me and letting me hang out with them,” she says. “I want Mrs. Alves’ students to feel the same way.” Kayden makes it sound simple, yet her attentiveness to a student’s abilities, likes and dislikes is proving that she is doing more than her fair share to promote an effective and supportive learning environment even as an eighth-grade student. Mrs. Alves will often find Kayden taking notes about a student’s favorite color or animal, or just asking more questions about their day to make them feel special. Kindergarten students such as Angel, Leah and Cole share that “Miss Kayden is nice and helps us like the other teachers. She even remembers our favorite colors!” Miss Kayden is definitely role modeling the core values of the Oak Valley family! Although Miss Kayden still has high school to look forward to, her eyes are set on one day becoming a kindergarten teacher and continuing the good work that she has already experienced in Room 501 with Mrs. Alves. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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MEET A LOCAL TEXT BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN, SMILE CENTRAL VALLEY

Name: Donnette Silva Carter Occupation/Title: Chief Executive Officer, Tulare Chamber of Commerce

How did you end up here in Tulare? I grew up in Tulare and Visalia, then moved to Fresno for college and stayed for a number of years. Returned to Tulare County to work in Porterville for 17 years, then a stint in Hollister as CEO of the 33rd District Agricultural Association/San Benito County Fair. My husband Joe and I returned to Tulare County in 2014 to be closer to family. How did you get your start in this line of work? I have spent the greater part of my career in nonprofit management and was involved as a member and volunteer with a couple of chambers. When the CEO position at the Porterville Chamber of Commerce became available, I jumped at the chance to return to Tulare County and put my experience to work. Why are you passionate about your work? The Tulare Chamber is a champion for business and community. Our staff, board and volunteer teams work tirelessly to create and support economic vitality and community prosperity. Working with our businesses and providing them with tools for success is very rewarding. Tackling community issues is important if a town is to grow, prosper and provide a positive way of life for its residents. 16

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What is the most challenging thing about your job? Probably the most significant is balancing the input of members, volunteers, board and government representatives while striving to fulfill the mission of the organization. I love getting to work with so many people; it’s one of the most invigorating parts of the job. Tell us about a single moment when you realized this was the right occupation for you: Early in my chamber career, I was working with a small business owner who really wanted to work on a marketing plan and increase his business. He was new to the chamber, had a family and was taking a risk leaving his existing job to create his dream. He became a regular at our networking events. About 12 months later, I gave him a call because I hadn’t seen him in a while. His response was that he was now so busy, he didn’t have much time to network. He thanked me for the influence of the chamber in helping him achieve his goal, said he’d never drop his membership because he wanted to make sure that we would still be there for others, and promised that once he brought on additional staff, we’d see him more often. If you had to choose another career, what would it be? I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience another career I truly enjoyed. I’ve always been a fan of local fairs, and when my husband was recruited to a job in Hollister, I went to work as CEO of the 33rd District Agricultural Association. I relished my time there and the opportunity to manage three years of fairs and a busy event facility.

Tell us a little about life outside of work (hobbies, family, travel): I have a lot of immediate and extended family, so spending time with them is big on my list. They add so much to my quality of living and are a big reason for our return home. I also enjoy traveling the world, shopping, seeing the Sequoias, and all who know me will tell you that I am a beach bum at heart. The ocean is my go-to place for relaxing. What is something most people don’t know about you? While in college, I was invited to participate in President Reagan’s Task Force on Private Sector Initiatives, Marshalling Human Resources Committee. It was honor to join 50 other youth and young adults to help us grow our enthusiasm for volunteer work. When I look back, I think that it helped instill in me the desire not only to strengthen my volunteerism efforts, but work in organizations that rely on such effort. What about Visalia makes this a great community to live and work in? This region is a great place to live, work and play for so many reasons. At the forefront is the sense of community in Tulare and throughout the county. People care about each other, support each other in good times and bad, and are generally united in wanting to enhance the way of life locally. Bonus question: If you were stranded on an island, what three objects would you take with you? I am hopeful that my husband and life partner Joe would be with me (not sure if he qualifies as an object). I would want a satellite phone so that I could keep in touch with my family and a case of wine so we can enjoy it while watching the sunsets.

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TULARE COUNTY LIBRARY TEXT BY BY MARITA DIMOND, ELECTRONIC RESOURCES LIBRARIAN

Library Programs & Events to Serve Tulare County

he Tulare County Library gladly serves its communities through programming and events, reaching both in and outside our branches. Much of the programming is funded in part by the Friends of the Tulare County Library and the individual branch Friends groups. Over the last few months, we have visited community fairs, farmers markets, local governments and schools. Recent events have included the Farmersville VDA Preschool Fall Festival, the Dinuba Raisin Day Festival, London’s Red Ribbon Event and Visalia’s Taste of the Arts, to name just a few. Our patrons enjoy ongoing storytimes, including bilingual storytimes offered in Spanish/English, holiday and seasonal events for all ages, skill building, job-related workshops, book clubs, crafts and author events. We also welcome community and nonprofit organizations to use our free meeting rooms. The Visalia Library regularly serves as space for Anime Visalia, Crafty Corner, the Mother’s Club, Medicare assistance and many other groups. Dinuba, Exeter, Pixley and Lindsay also have space for meetings. Community and enrichment are The Tulare County Library serves all of the residents of Tulare County with locations in 17 communities, four book machines and online at:

www.tularecountylibrary.org

vital to our very core and success. This season, as in years prior, our annual “Food for Fines” program continues until Dec. 21, allowing patrons or anyone wishing to donate to bring unexpired non-perishable food or new health-care items to a Tulare County Branch Library for exchange of up to $10 in overdue fees. These donations go to help the Visalia Rescue Mission, FoodLink and the Visalia Emergency Aid Council. Throughout December, we’re celebrating with holiday cheer, workshops, crafts and storytimes, Santa visits, free lunches for children under 18 in Visalia from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, and the Holiday Book Give Away at participating branch libraries. In addition, the Visalia Branch Library plans to have a sensory storytime and a shaving cream craft for kids. Check out our website and calendars at www.tularecountylibrary.org for dates and times of all activities and for meeting room use. Come visit one of our branch libraries this December and learn the many ways that we serve you in our ongoing efforts.

@TulareCountyLib

/tularecountylibrary

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VUSD TEXT BY TODD OTO, ED.D, VUSD SUPERINTENDENT

A Seasonal Analogy

am a baseball fan and have been since 1968, when my dad took me to an Oakland A’s game. I have some clear memories of that game: It was Hat Day, and the A’s lost. A bit of research tells me that on April 21, 1968, the A’s were defeated by the Washington Senators 2-0. Catfish Hunter was the pitcher, and I guess I can say that I saw him play, but I remember being far more interested in the bag of peanuts that my dad bought for me. Being a baseball fan means understanding that every spring brings hope. It also means understanding that every fall, there will be 29 teams with disappointed fans. But that’s how baseball works. Baseball fans value how their experience mirrors life: You have to work hard to win, you have to be consistent, and a little luck comes in handy. Baseball can serve as an analogy for school. There is a season for baseball and every year, each team is given a new start. School begins anew every school year, and one could say that a public school career for a student is played out over 13 seasons, from kindergarten through 12th grade. A baseball season is long, with games nearly every day. I remember a conversation I had years ago with John Field, then a shop teacher at Golden West High School. John said there were parallels between baseball and teaching. He said baseball players play nearly as many games per year as days we teach every year (162 games versus 180 days of school). John also said we have good days and bad days, but we keep coming back, just like baseball players. This conversation stuck with me through the years. The analogy can go deeper. Consider the difference between fans and players. Being a fan is about passion.

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As a fan, I want to care about a team, and the emotion that experience carries with it is the payoff. It is exhilarating to be a fan. It hurts to be a fan. But being a player is about desire. Desire is what drives us to be better at what we do every day. Passion influences us, certainly, for we care about what we do — but it is desire that urges us toward constant improvement. It can still be exhilarating, and it can still hurt, but we come back to work every day because it’s what we’re driven to do. Each of the 3,000 employees in Visalia Unified is a player on our team. Each of us is professional in our

approach to our work. Yes, we can be passionate about what we do and the kids we serve. But it is our professional drive to be good at what we do — to be “every day, just a little better,” to quote Thomas Keller – that allows us to be successful and to continue in our work for a career of 10, 20, 30 or more years. We are approaching the midpoint of the school year, and we have many days ahead of us in this 2018-2019 season. We are a team with great potential, and it strikes me that if we play with all our drive and ability, this can be a year for the record book.

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PRO-PT

TEXT BY JORGE DIMAS, MPT, OCS | PRO-PT PHYSICAL THERAPY

80 Percent of Americans Experience Back Pain, but 100 Percent of PTs Know How to Prevent It

ot back pain? You’re not alone. Eighty percent of Americans suffer from low back and neck pain at some point in their lives. Let that sink in. With such great odds that you – or someone close to you – will one day become a statistic, wouldn’t it make sense to arm yourself with preventive strategies and knowledge? Physical therapy is a good place to start.

this knowledge to design a personalized exercise program and teach you a few APTA-approved strategies to prevent back pain: • Use good body positioning at work, home and during recreational activities. • Keep the load close to your body during lifting. • Ask for help before lifting heavy objects. • Maintain a regular physical fitness regimen – staying active can help to prevent injuries. Lifestyle can play a big role in back pain. In fact, inactivity and incorrect body mechanics while participating in certain activities are two of the biggest contributors to back pain. In addition to the strategies listed above, it’s also helpful to pay attention to little things throughout your day that could add up to bigger problems down the line.

By performing a thorough evaluation, a physical therapist can identify the muscular, postural and skeletal limitations that could one day lead to an episode of back pain. As part of the assessment, the physical therapist will observe as you perform a series of exercises and then gather an account of your daily activity level and environmental factors such as operating machinery or working at a desk 40 hours a week. A physical therapist will then use

Let’s go back to that desk job for a minute: How often do you get up to walk, stretch and move throughout the day? A good rule of thumb is to stand up or move every 30 minutes. You may get bonus points with your boss, too, as your productivity soars due to the increased activity. While low back pain rarely becomes serious or life-threatening, it can be quite painful and interfere with our daily lives. Working with a physical therapist can help patients identify the factors that might contribute to back pain and help develop a prevention plan. But the health-care professionals are also a great place to turn when you’re seeking treatment for back pain or hoping to prevent a recurrence. With such good odds that you could one day become a low back pain statistic, why not do everything in your power today to change your trajectory? Seems like another good reason to find an activity (or, better yet, two or three activities) that you enjoy, make it a regular part of your day and stick to it.

I am so

GRATEFUL Last march, after cervical fusion and two years of nerve pain requiring constant, heavy medication, I came to PRO-PT. I had medication-induced vertigo, which was about to cost me my license and possibly my career. After two visits, my pain was reduced to mere soreness and within six weeks I was off all pain and nerve medication. PRO-PT determined what I specifically needed and tailor-made a treatment plan for me. I have continued to enjoy the relief now 10 months later. I'm now 95 percent pain free. Amazing.

- Randy Dysart

DINUBA 1401 W. El Monte Way Suite 107 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 315-5203

www.pro~pt.net

EXETER 134 South E. St. Exeter, CA 93221 (559) 592-9000

HANFORD 323 N. 11th Ave. Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 772-8304

KINGSBURG 329 Sierra St. Kingsburg, CA 93631 (559) 896-4736

www.facebook.com/proptphysicaltherapy

LEMOORE 755 N. Lemoore Ave. Suite C Lemoore, CA 93245 (559) 817-5808

LINDSAY 860 Sequoia St. Suite A Lindsay, CA 93247 (559) 562-9040

PORTERVILLE 1150 W. Morton Ave. Porterville, CA 92357 (559) 782-1501

TULARE 1132 E. Leland Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 684-0611

TULARE 1425 E. Prosperity Ave. Tulare, CA 93274 (559) 631-4588

VISALIA 1870 S. Central St. Visalia, CA 93277 (559) 636-1200 ext.1

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VIRTUAL VALLEY Safety and Convenience Slow Down Computers

haring files and synchronizing data across devices slows our computers. Running any form of antivirus and malware protection also slows our computers. Every service that runs in the background while we work takes a bit of processing from other tasks.

Two more resource bandits are BusyCal and BusyContacts. These applications synchronize data from Google, Microsoft, Apple and other sources to consolidate calendars and contact lists into a single database. The merged data are then synchronized via iCloud.

We are forced to choose among convenience, speed and security.

Still, I want my computers to be as fast as possible in every way, from opening applications to accessing the internet. Do I need other services that are slowing my computer? Each service that I deactivate improves the overall performance of my computer.

Ask yourself if you absolutely need the services running on your computer. Can you turn off some services, activating them as needed? Or do you need these running to ensure that data are available on a moment’s notice? There are some background services that I cannot disable. I rely on Apple’s iCloud to synchronize my calendars across three devices: my computer, my phone and my tablet. My wife and I also share several calendars so that we both know when our daughters must be somewhere. Turning off iCloud synchronization is impractical. I need iCloud.

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Cloud-sharing services offer convenience, but slow a computer because they constantly compare local files to those stored remotely. I work with colleagues and clients who use Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft OneDrive, Adobe Creative Cloud, Apple iCloud and a few other cloud storage services. Each of these services requires a background application that consumes some computing resources.

As I write this column, OneDrive, Google Drive and Creative Cloud sharing are running in the background. The only reason that I use OneDrive is because the university uses Microsoft’s suite of online services. To access lecture notes and presentations in a classroom, the files must reside on OneDrive. Once summer break begins, I will disable OneDrive. Using one or two of these services would barely affect a computer. However, running four or five cloud services noticeably slows a computer. If you use a laptop, these background tasks drain the battery much faster than you might expect. Discovering which programs are slowing a computer is relatively simple. Apple and Microsoft offer graphical tools that report overall resource usage. Apple’s operating systems include Activity Monitor in the Utilities folder. Activity Monitor offers a handy way to see CPU, memory, energy, disk and network usage by applications and

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TEXT BY C. S. WYATT

processes running on a system. With no applications open on my MacBook Pro, Activity Monitor lists more than 50 processes running in the background. Most of these processes provide data synchronization and security. Microsoft offers Resource Monitor, which provides similar information. For Windows 7, 8 and 10, search for “resmon” using the Start (“Windows”) menu. Resource Monitor also appears as a link from within the Task Manager, on the Performance tab. Our Windows 10 system shows more than 70 active processes with “nothing” running. Again, most of these processes support synchronization and security services. Only a few years ago, you could assume that any antivirus software would slow a computer. Today, smarter approaches to scanning for viruses reduce the overhead of security tools. For example, most antivirus tools no longer scan entire drives on a regular schedule. Instead, they limit scans to new or changed files. If your antivirus scans mail, it might only scan attachments. Although there is some performance penalty for running Bitdefender on our computers, it quarantines a couple of files every week. Usually, the infected files are documents received as mail attachments. Experience has taught us that the benefits of security applications are worth the costs. We also have learned

the value of automated backup software. Our computers run Apple’s Time Machine and Synology’s Cloud Station backup service. These are different types of backup programs, each with its own benefits. Time Machine has allowed us to recover data after serious hardware failures. Last year, my wife’s Fusion drive died. Apple replaced the drive under Apple Care. We then used Time Machine to restore all her software and data. I’ve also had to use Time Machine to restore data from a failing laptop to my new MacBook Pro. Time Machine uses a lot of network bandwidth after you install software updates to a computer. Updating the Adobe Create Suite or Microsoft Office can then require backing up several gigabytes of application data. Everything seems slower when Time Machine is busy. We purchased a network attached storage device (NAS) a few years ago when our previous server started to fail. The server had mirrored hard drives, meaning that there were two identical drives in case one failed. This worked, thankfully, when the server did die. The NAS is a five-drive Synology DiskStation. The DiskStation has four network ports, which allows it to transfer data at much higher speeds via a technique known as port bonding.

Pairs of ports are dedicated to specific tasks. I’ve configured the system to stream movies and music via one pair of ports while the other two ports remain available for copying data. Bonding only helps reduce bottlenecks on the network, but transferring data over a network will always slow a computer. Not every task slowing our computers involves security or data safety, although those tasks create the most overhead. I also use SkyFonts to synchronize the typefaces linked to my Adobe, Monotype and Google Fonts accounts. The app consumes an unreasonable amount of processing power and energy. It also checks the internet often to verify typeface licenses and updates. The drain on my battery forced me to start quitting SkyFonts when I don’t plan to work on any design projects. Parallels, the virtual machine manager I use to run Windows, DOS and Linux on my MacBook Pro, consumes a lot of resources. The Parallels Toolbox trails only BusyCal for resources consumed. When I know that I’m not going to be using any virtual machines, I shut down Parallels Toolbox. Using Activity Monitor and Resource Monitor enables me to determine which programs to stop loading at start-up. These tools also allow me to see which programs access the internet, whether I want them to or not. If you haven’t already launched one of these handy tools to optimize your computer, take a moment and find the thieves stealing your computer’s potential performance.

About the Author: Visalia native Scott Wyatt has completed his Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Scott has several additional graduate degrees and was a visiting professor of business communication at Carnegie Mellon University.

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KIDS' LIBRARY TEXT BY LEE LITTLEWOOD

Modern Fairy Tales That Feel Classic and Cool

lassic fairy tales have always been popular among children, but sometimes the antiquated language and settings can seem foreign. These new novels are just as magical and otherworldly while also being fresh and fast-paced, highly appealing to 2018's kids. “Into the Nightfell Wood” by Kristin Bailey; Katherine Tegan Books/ HarperCollins; 359 pages. Wynn had sad experiences in the “Otherworld” – her mother died, and her father wanted to get rid of her because it took her too long to think and her thumbs were shaped weird. With the help of the Fairy Queen, Wynn and her brother, Elric, ran away to the land Between, and Wynn loved her new life as a fairy princess ... for awhile. She enjoyed all the beauty and all the circles (fairies love circles), but now it's just the same thing day in and day out, and nobody needs her for anything. Things pick up in Kristin Bailey's whimsy-filled tale when the grief-stricken Fairy Queen allows their kingdom to be weakened and Wynn escapes into the Nightfell Wood. Kids will enjoy the adventure and cheer on Elric as he follows and tries to save his little sister. Real-life setbacks of fear, prejudice and evil play a role, with lots of witches, elves, woodland animals and monsters. “Otherwood” by Pete Hautman; Candlewick Press; 303 pages. Beginning with 22

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a deadly storm a la “The Wizard of Oz,” Peter Hautman's gripping novel for middle-grade readers is a modern tale with a beloved grandfather-grandson relationship, an activist mother and a boy who witnesses something unbelievable in the woods one day. At this point, the known and unknown, reality and what might be all mix together, and Stuey and his friend Elly Rose try to make sense of it all. Magic is certainly a key factor in “Otherwood,” and also sins of the past, grief and consequences. But the real magic comes when friendship, loyalty and forgiveness bind loved ones together. “Fortune's Magic Farm” by Suzanne Selfors; Imprint/MacMillan; 290 pages. More magic exists in the wonderful new tale by Suzanne Selfors, this time following Roald Dahl's tendency to lean on quirky darkness and whimsy. Isabelle lives in rainy Runny Cove, in a world turned gray. A mysterious stranger arrives with promises of an inheritance and invites Isabelle to a place full of sunshine and magic. Her new home is a farm with cherries that cure ills and fronds that make her fly, but is she truly happy? Readers will find out when Isabelle returns to her gloomy home to try to use the new magic to stop the rain. Already awarded several accolades, including the Junior Library Guild Award, “Fortune’s Magic Farm” is delicious and darkly comical. “A Stitch in Time” by Daphne Kalmar; Feiwel and Friends; 167 pages.

Sort of a Cinderella story of a put-upon girl who summons the strength to move mountains, Daphne Kalmar's Donut is an 11-year-old geography whiz who keeps her taxidermied mice hidden in her late mother's hope chest. Her beloved pops also passed away, and all she's got now is Aunt Agnes, who wants to drag her to Boston. Donut will have none of it; she can't stand to leave her beloved Vermont woods with memories of her pop, so she and her best friend do all they can to hatch a plan. Kalmar's evocative writing and the book's classic good looks and fairly short length help make “A Stitch in Time” a girl-power fairy tale for modern kids. “My Father's Words” by Patricia MacLachlan; HarperCollins; 133 pages. Deceased parents play a role in many fairy tales and Disney movies, and also in beloved Patricia MacLachlan's latest. A shorter, easier-toread tale for kids 8 to 12, “My Father's Words” introduces siblings Fiona and Finn, who lose their father to a terrible accident. Their mother is grieving, but their friend Luke encourages them to volunteer at an animal rescue center, where they meet Jenny and Ralph, two “impossible” but sweet dogs in need of comfort. Poignant and spot-on, MacLachlan magically knows giving comfort to other living things helps with the grieving process. Heartwarmingly, the kids' fathers' words give them hope, and help them help the dogs and themselves.

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AUTO SHOP

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Lexus To Classic Cars Service and Repair Roadside Break Down? Who Ya Gonna Call?

2044 E. Main St., Visalia 559.734.2886 www.autoshopvisalia.net

If this happens to you, then first give us a call. We can find a reputable shop for you normally within an hour. I belong to a network of shop owners up and down California. These tend to be, in my opinion, the best of the best. The organization I am referring to is www.ascca.com. It has been around since 1940 and still strong today. It will take you in and get you back on the road as soon as possible. Just one incident that I had was with my oldest daughter Beth. She was living in the Long Beach area and was on her way to work. Getting off the freeway, she had a tire problem, like no air left in the little bugger. So she called Dad and I immediately found a shop close by. I called Osbornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and within minutes, they had a tow truck on the way. They took my daughter to work and picked her up when the car was finished. That is just one of the many times that this group of shops has helped stranded motorists. Also, if you are moving out of the area or if one of your kids is off to college, we can find you a great shop. I will make contact with them so they know who you are and what you drive. Our grandson Joel is still doing well and getting clear MRIs. Also, our niece Gina has had three clear MRIs. So in this season of thanksgiving, we give thanks. Till next issue,

Jim and Staff

Follow this link to learn about the basics of your car. theautoshop.mynapasa.com DIRECT MAGAZINE

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FASHION TEXT BY SHARON MOSLEY

Sweater Weather: Five Sweaters to Own Now

ime to get cozy! Sweater weather is sending chills down our spines and right to our toes. Right now, the best knit hits are bold and beautiful, in colorful patterns and chic shapes. Here are five sweaters to collect now: • The Sweater Jacket This all-purpose knit bridges the gap between heavy coats and light cardigans ... perfect for transitioning into winter wardrobes. Sweater jackets are statement pieces in multipatterned florals, plaids and stripes. Don't be afraid to experiment with the new, oversized trend. A little extra room allows for more warmth and layering.

• The Embellished Cardigan Whether it's the subtle shine of sequins, puffy pompoms or whimsical folkloric embroidery, the classic cardigan is anything but classic this year. Party-ready sweaters are dancing their way into daytime dress and are versatile solutions to the dilemma of what to wear after work to holiday events. Ruffled fronts and bell sleeves add even more festive touches. For a trendy update, cinch a cardigan with a skinny belt. • The Textured Turtleneck The basic turtleneck has long been a staple for fall and winter. It's a basic layering piece that you should stock up on in various weights and colors. Cashmere is always a good thing. And a black turtleneck has long been a go-to for the cool crowd. But the turtleneck can also transform a work wardrobe when teamed with skirts or menswear trousers in flattering, textured ribbed knits. For weekends, choose a colorful striped turtleneck. And if you want to change up the traditional turtleneck, then look for a drapey cowl neck that can be worn pulled down off the shoulders. Cold-shoulder turtlenecks are another way to update this basic sweater. • The Ski Sweater Think retro vintage Fair Isle patterns from the 1960s, when this sporty sweater was an après-ski favorite. These Nordicinspired designs are once more taking on the slopes – as well as the fashion runways – in multicolored soft knits that are often paired with jeans and hiking boots to add more downto-earth style. Ditto for varsity argyle sweaters with the same prepster vibe. Sit by a toasty fire and sip a hot toddy. You'll instantly get that cozy hygge feeling. • The Slouchy Knit It's all about fluff this year, and the fuzzy knit sweaters are like furry cocoons that envelope you in luxury on the coldest of days. Choose a fuzzy sweater in one of the season's newest hues: burnt orange, teal blue or scarlet. Or you can opt for a red-hot animal print. Oversized crewnecks or chunky cable 24

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knits can easily layer over everything – from short skirts to long maxis to boot-cut jeans to slim leggings. Add boots and you've got one of best looks. Don't be left out in the cold!

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CRAFT CORNER TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Make a Keepsake Ornament

veryone loves a holiday keepsake. Here is an easy-to-make ornament from items you can find around the house. Not only is it fun and creative, but you can also personalize it!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED • Popsicle (craft) sticks (2 regular-sized and 5 small per sled) • Tacky glue • Toothpicks • Plates • Acrylic paint • Paint brushes • Twine • Embellishments, if desired (I used a velvet bow and a bell)

DIRECTIONS 1. Lay four of the small craft sticks together, staggering the end stick on each side slightly lower. 2. Squirt some glue onto a paper plate, then use a toothpick to apply the glue along the edges of the four small craft sticks. Allow to dry. 3. Paint the two regular-sized craft sticks and let dry. 4. Paint the four glued craft sticks and the remaining fifth small craft stick the same color and let dry.

5. Glue on the (regular-sized craft sticks) sled runners to the smaller popsicle sticks. 6. Glue on the cross stick to the front of the sled. 7. Add whatever embellishments you would like. 8. You could decorate the sled or write a name and year on it. 9. Cut some twine to your desired length and attach to the underside of the cross bar using glue. Happy crafting!

ImagineU Museum’s upcoming events: Lego Robotics, Phunky Physics, Imagine with Kiera, Storytime with Pierre, Night at the Museum, Winter Camps: Dec. 26-28, Jan. 2-4 and Jan. 7-11, and lots more to come. Please call the museum for more information (559) 733-5975 or visit our website at www.imagineumuseum.org. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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TULARE CHAMBER

he Tulare Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members and residents by advocating for and engaging in efforts to encourage economic opportunity and business prosperity. The Tulare Chamber supports businesses by building partnerships, providing educational opportunities, and advocating for its members and community.

1. Madero Dairy Systems celebrated its recent expansion into the Central Valley with a ribboncutting ceremony. The international company has more than 27 years of industry experience and has equipment in some of the largest, most advanced dairy farms in the world. Its beautiful showroom, featuring photographs and models of innovative technology implementations, is at 8000 W. Doe Ave., Visalia. For information on Madero Dairy Systems, call (559) 667-0033 or visit www.maderodairysystems.com. 2. Congratulations to Learn4Life/Kings Valley Academy on its ribbon cutting and grand opening of its new facility at 1462 E. Prosperity Ave., Tulare. The charter school offers a free high school education with personalized learning and a flexible schedule. Students may enroll at the school through the age of 24. To learn more, call (559) 205-0104 or visit www.learn4life.org. 3. The Tulare Business and Education Council, Tulare Joint Union High School District and Tulare Chamber of Commerce hosted the Be Future Ready student event at College of the Sequoias, Tulare Campus. Sophomores were greeted with a handshake, listened to keynote speaker Frank Escobar and attended sessions on how to perform best in a job interview. Students then participated in mock interviews conducted by local professionals. The day ended with the students and adults enjoying a meal together. 4. Ida's Direct Mortgage hosted the November Business After Hours Networking Mixer. The evening’s theme was from the popular movie “Up,” and attendees were encouraged to write about their favorite adventures in Tulare, which will be shared. Delicious hors d'oeuvres and beverages were served as attendees enjoyed networking to grow and sustain their businesses. Ida's Direct Mortgage is at 140 North J St., Tulare, and can be reached at (559) 687-1700. 5. The Tulare Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors held its annual planning conference and retreat. The board and staff teams spent two days strategizing about the best initiatives to implement next year to effectively serve the chamber's members, local businesses and greater Tulare community. The chamber is Tulare’s Champion for Business and Community.

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5 PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE TULARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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VISALIA CHAMBER

he Visalia Chamber of Commerce serves as the local “voice of business” as it advocates for businesses throughout Visalia. Each month, the chamber facilitates a variety of events to support and further the success of the community.

1. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce has announced that Armando Apodaca was chosen as the Chamber Ambassador of the month for October. Armando has been a strong advocate and representative of the chamber and works tirelessly for many local nonprofits to help improve our community. Congratulations to Armando! 2. Thank you to Ashoori & Co. Jewelers, which hosted a fabulous Business After Hours Mixer. Guests were treated to tours of the store and had the opportunity to win a beautiful piece of jewelry. Featured in this photo: Sam Logan (Merrill Lynch), Gail Zurek (Visalia Chamber of Commerce president/CEO) and Michael Ashoori (Ashoori & Co Jewelers and chamber board member). 3. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Foothills Sun-Gazette, hosted a candidates forum at Café 210 on Oct. 18. More than 120 people came out to learn about the candidates running for Visalia City Council District 3 and the Visalia Unified School District Board of Trustees. This was a great event and provided a lot of insight to those who were able to attend. 4. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Visalia Unified School District, College of the Sequoias and Tulare County Office of Education to host an educational workshop for individuals in the community who are interested in learning how they can teach their trade to the next generation. The panel talked about minimum requirements and the process and procedures to become a teacher either part-time or full-time. This workshop was focused on Career Technical Education. 5. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate Kaweah Delta Health Care District on the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the new Cardiac Clinic. The facility is beautiful, and we are proud that our community now has increased access to specialists who can help to save lives.

4 PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE VISALIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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CROSSWORD

Name Game ACROSS 1 Deeply engrossed 5 Soaks flax 9 TX tycoon 13 Separated 15 Alda or Bates 16 Canadian prov. 17 Saltpeter 18 Girl’s name begins a Bohemian spa? 20 Airplane runway, for short 22 CA valley 23 Amerind 24 Containing one of the halogens 26 Ali Baba’s Open ___ 28

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28 Conceals

56 Warren and Weaver

31 Harrison

57 One, in Bonn

32 Starter for mony or mentary

58 Miscalculates

33 Greek letter

63 Girl’s name begins truthful?

35 Globetrotter Meadowlark ___

Unicellular alga

66 Cubic meter

39 Mosque priest

67 Once again

41 Shuts with force

68 Cinder follower

43 Beverage

69 Afghan city

44 Philanthropist

70 What’s in a ___?

46 In the midst of

71 Garden pest

48 Former capital of Serbia

72 Auld Lang ___

49 Minister, for short

DOWN

51 Enjoyable

1 Rave’s partner

53 Fabled sailor

2 Samoan port

3 Girl’s name begins an aristocrat? 4 Quaver 5 Lamb’s dad 6 Spirit 7 ___ Bulba, 1962 Curtis film 8 Concealed rifleman 9 Prohibit 10 Place for stamps 11 Aver 12 Infamous marquis 14 Swapped 19 Artist’s need 21 Quotes 25 Statue nook 27 Hewing tools 28 Egypt’s Port ___ 29 Saint 30 1775 Act 34 Soap plant 36 Girl’s name begins a monk’s home? 37 Norse god 38 Noted cartoonist 40 Poetic A.M. 42 Golf great 45 Renaissance fiddle 47 Flashy 50 Deviates 52 Candidate lists 53 Italian city 54 Legal term 55 Waggish 57 Novelist Hunter 59 Navigator of the Enterprise 61 Algerian port 62 Limiting mark 64 Wonderment 65 Droop OSCAR AWARD ACTORS NOVEMBER ISSUE

LOOK FOR YOUR ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE

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MONEY MATTERS TEXT BY MARY HUNT

The Secret for a Debt-Free Holiday Season in a Single Word

t's not exactly a new word to me, but I'm pretty sure I'd never actually used the word “predetermine” in a sentence until my pastor referred to it recently – and in a way, that turned on a bright light in my noggin. To predetermine is to make a decision in advance. That describes perfectly what it means to budget. You get your paycheck, and before you do anything with it, you predetermine where every dollar will go. You give each dollar a job to do – in advance. You predetermine! Here we are on the cusp of one more glorious, fabulous, exciting and joyful holiday season. How can we do this without going into debt? Predetermine. That's it! Decide or establish in advance what you will do, how much you will spend, where you will go. Yes, I know that sounds very much like a spending plan, and it is. The way to get to a spending plan is to – you guessed it – predetermine. Take the gift-giving part of the season. How can we predetermine in that area? Two things: COST: Look at your gift list and predetermine how much money you will spend for each. Decide this fact. Plant it in your brain. Write it on your heart. Write it down or whatever else it takes to establish it in advance. GIFT: Here is a foolproof way to select the perfect gift for each of your giftees. Ask yourself, “What does he or she really care about?” By that, I mean “What would this person say he or she could never have enough of?”

For my husband, a hobby woodworker, the answer would come without hesitation: He could never have enough clamps. Every year, I make sure that there are clamps under the tree for my favorite woodworker, and every year, he says that same thing: “Oh, good. I can never have too many clamps!” For me (not that you asked), it would be legion. I could never have too much coffee, fabric, skeins of yarn, knitting needles, coffee stuff, kitchen shears or mixing bowls. When I find any of these things under the tree on Christmas morning, my reaction is the same. I'm over the moon because, of course, I could never have too much or too many of that special thing. I find it a lot of fun to figure out the answer to the question for those on my gift list. The challenge, of course, is when the giftees’ passion lies in an area with which I am unfamiliar. I have to think about it, putting myself in their shoes. What do they really enjoy so much that they could never have too much or too many of? My grandson would say, “Jurassic Park!” I know that not because I know anything about “Jurassic Park” merchandise, but because I know him. My late mother-in-law would say, “Hot pads!” or “Tablecloths!” I can hear her now. If I were to give you hot pads for Christmas, you'd be like ... seriously? But not Gwen. She would be visibly thrilled and delighted. Gift giving takes on a new dimension of joy once you take the time to know what truly matters to your giftee. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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GOINGS-ON Holiday Choir Concert

Art Walk

Morning with Santa

Visalia's 11th annual Holiday Chamber Choir Festival features the “Best of the Best” choirs in one place on one evening. Get in the holiday spirit by listening to top choirs from Visalia schools present music of the season. $8.

Join the Arts Consortium every first Friday of the month in downtown Visalia to showcase local artistry. This art walk is a great outdoor activity where you can walk between unique locations to view artwork. Free admission.

Children will paint a reindeer mug then retreat to the garden to meet Santa Claus and his elf, receive a gift and take photos. $22 per child.

Where: L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia

When: Dec. 7, 5–8 p.m.

Contact: Bob Pineda (559) 303-8787, Bob McNabb (559) 901-0734, David Lopez (559) 280-7985

Contact: www.artsconsortium.org, (559) 802-3266

Contact: http://claycafevisalia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pg/ ClayCafeVisalia/about/?ref=page_ internal

‘A Christmas Carol’

‘A Soulful Christmas’

The Enchanted Playhouse is pleased to present a one-man show fundraiser at the Main Street Theater by Kelly Ventura. $12.

Sequoia Symphony presents “A Soulful Christmas.” This season’s all-new program focuses on great music from Motown and more, featuring the song stylings of Hope Garcia as she puts her distinct mark on favorite Christmas classics old and new. $22-$45.

When: Dec. 3, 7-9 p.m.

Holiday Open House Come to the Holiday Open House to get into the holiday spirit. Shop, enjoy a hot meal on a cold winter’s night, bundle up, go for a stroll and see all the sights. There will be carriage rides, Santa pictures, shopping and more. Carriage rides: $10 for up to four people. Santa photos: $5 each. When: Dec. 6, 13, 20, 5-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: www.downtownvisalia.com Free Skate Night Head to Downtown Visalia for a free skate at the ice rink. Get tickets at the Downtown Visalia office, 120 S. Church St., Visalia. When: Dec. 6, 13 and 20, 5-8 p.m. Where: Garden Street Plaza, 101 S. Garden St, Visalia Contact: www.downtownvisalia.com, (559) 732-7737

Where: Downtown Visalia

When: Dec. 7 and 8, 7-9 p.m. Where: Enchanted Playhouse Theatre, 307 E. Main St., Visalia

When: Dec. 8, 9-11 a.m. Where: The Clay Café, 1018 E. Mineral King Ave., Visalia

Contact: Enchanted Playhouse Theatre, (559) 739-4600

When: Dec. 8, 3-5 p.m., 7:30-9:30 p.m.

38th Annual Christmas Tree Auction

Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

Join the Visalia Chamber of Commerce as we celebrate the holiday spirit by promoting local nonprofit organizations and helping them raise funds. There will be a live auction and two silent auctions, wine tastings, food samples and dancing. This is a black-tie gala for ages 21 and older. Tickets: $20-$80.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia

When: Dec. 7, 7-10 p.m. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia St., Visalia Contact: Visalia Chamber of Commerce, www.visaliachamber.org Holiday at the Gallery

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ “It's a Wonderful Life” is a 1946 American Christmas fantasy comedydrama film based on the short story and booklet “The Greatest Gift,” which Philip Van Doren Stern wrote in 1939 and published privately in 1945. $5 advance, $6 day of

‘Home Alone’ “Home Alone” is a 1990 American comedy film about a boy who is mistakenly left behind when his family flies to Paris for their Christmas vacation and soon has to contend with two burglars. $5 advance, $6 day of.

The Exeter Art Gallery and Museum Association will hold its Holiday at the Gallery, including food and wine, and art auctions featuring Chuck Prudhomme, Marty Weekly, Manual Abad and George Tanimoto. Tickets: $60 per couple, $35 individual.

When: Dec. 6, 7-9:30 p.m.

When: Dec. 8, 2-4 p.m.

When: Dec. 9, 3-7 p.m.

Where: Fox Hanford, 326 N. Irwin St., Hanford

Where: Exeter Courthouse Gallery and Museum, 125 South B St., Exeter

Contact: Fox Hanford, (559) 584-7423

Contact: (559) 280-8547

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‘Elf’ “Elf” is a 2003 American Christmas fantasy comedy film about one of Santa’s elves who learns he is a human and travels to New York City to meet his biological father. $5 advance, $6 day of. When: Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m. Where: Fox Hanford, 326 N. Irwin St., Hanford

‘White Christmas’ “White Christmas” is a 1954 American musical romantic comedy film, notable for being the first to be released in VistaVision. $5. When: Dec. 19, 6:30-9 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

Contact: Fox Hanford, (559) 584-7423 Winter Dance Party Winter Dance Party is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour. Each live concert performance includes more than two hours of high-voltage entertainment featuring all of their hit songs of the ’50s era. Tickets $23-$34.

Citrus Fruit Display, Tasting

When: Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Education Building, 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

See and taste more than 100 varieties of citrus grown at Lindcove Research and Extension Center. Taste fruit at your leisure, discuss new low-seeded mandarin varieties and ask all the citrus questions you have. When: Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-noon

Contact: Jasmin Del Toro, (559) 592-2408, jzdeltoro@ucanr.edu Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

‘A Christmas Story’ “A Christmas Story” is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film directed by Bob Clark that follows the wintry exploits of Ralphie Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a Red Ryder air rifle. $5.

This holiday season, join us as we cheer up Main Street with Ugly Holiday Sweaters, games, raffles, prizes and Christmas caroling for our second annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. There is no cover charge at all locations, plus great drink and food specials with your wristband.

When: Dec. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

When: Dec. 15, 4:30-9 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia

Where: Lum Lum’s, 417 E. Center Ave., Visalia (check-in location)

Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

Contact: http://dothecrawl.com/ Talent Show

Traditional Christmas Celebration Celebrate the holiday season this year with Lon Hannah & San Joaquin Junction. $15-$30

The Enchanted Playhouse Theater Company is hosting a fundraising talent show in hopes of keeping the theatre alive at the Main Street Theatre.

When: Dec. 15, 3-6 p.m.

When: Dec. 15, 7-8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia

Where: Enchanted Playhouse Theatre, 307 E. Main St., Visalia

Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org

Contact: Enchanted Playhouse Theatre, (559) 739-4600

‘Rebel Without A Cause’ “Rebel Without a Cause” is a 1955 American drama film about emotionally confused suburban, middle-class teenagers. Filmed in the CinemaScope format and directed by Nicholas Ray, it offered both social commentary and an alternative to previous films depicting delinquents in urban slum environments. $5. When: Jan. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, www.foxvisalia.org Comedy Blast Hands in the Community announces their upcoming night of comedy, featuring comedian Ken Davis and ventriloquist David Pendleton. Join us for a night of side-splitting hilarity for the whole family. General seating: $25, Premium: $30 When: Jan. 25, 8 p.m. Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: Hands In The Community, (559) 625-3822, www.hnconline.org

If you would like to have your event considered for a free listing in our “Goings-On” section, please email your submission to direct@dmiagency.com. Please note, we do not guarantee listing of any submission. Submissions must be received six (6) weeks before publication. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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WARREN REPORTS TEXT BY WARREN GUBLER, VISALIA MAYOR

Sayonara Visit to Miki, Japan n October, my wife and I had the opportunity to lead a delegation of nine Visalia residents to our sister city of Miki, Japan. Our hosts were more than kind and anticipated our every need. They met us at Osaka airport and transported us to our host family homes in Miki. There was a welcome ceremony at City Hall and tours of local sites, including Shinto and Buddhist temples, and a local plant that manufactures wood planing tools. We got to visit and tour historic Kyoto, which was the Imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! We were taken to local museums to learn more about the history of Miki. And we got to attend their Autumn Harvest Festival, an annual celebration of their successful rice harvest. For this festival, eight portable shrines, weighing one to two tons each, are transported around Miki on the backs of about 60 young men per shrine. It is something similar to what we would call a parade. After carrying these portable shrines throughout the city so that everyone can stop and gawk at them, in the late afternoon, they are taken to the foot of a local mountain where they are carried up 80 stairs to an open courtyard, where throngs of people await their arrival. These colorful portable shrines are not only heavy, but beautifully decorated, and the locals cheer on their favorites. To conclude our trip, we were treated to a farewell party where their mayor and other dignitaries spoke, thanking us for coming and renewing our sister city relationship of 52 years. We appreciate Miki's wonderful tourism department and the terrific families that hosted us on our visit. None of those who attended from Visalia will ever forget this experience. We look forward in the next few years to a reciprocal visit from our Miki friends and a future visit again to our lovely sister city.

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Sayonara We have survived the recent elections, and another has been elected to serve on the Visalia City Council from District 3, my home district. I have been fortunate to serve on the Visalia City Council since December 2009, including three years as vice-mayor and the last two years as mayor, and it is time to turn the reins over. I appreciate all those with whom I have served on the City Council, along with city staff. My first article appeared in Direct Magazine's September 2010 edition. If you are interested, you can review any of these monthly articles from the last eight years at directfromwarren. blogspot.com. Direct Magazine has been a great vehicle by which I have been able to keep local residents informed of city happenings. This is my final article for Direct Magazine after all these years, and I appreciate them providing a venue for my thoughts and ramblings. Finally, I want to thank the people of Visalia, including my many readers, for allowing me to serve two full terms on the City Council as your elected representative. I am the last council member to step down from the council having been elected citywide, rather than district-elected. I look forward to continuing to serve in various capacities locally. I am thankful for the wonderful community that Visalia has been to raise our family in. Best wishes to all and “sayonara.”

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A MUSICAL & VISUAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Imagine

DECEMBER 15 & 16 , 6pm

at VISALIA FIRST // 3737 S. AKERS STREET Tickets: www.ImagineMore.Live