Direct Magazine - October 2016 by Direct Magazine

CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY | OCTOBER 2016

M A G A Z I N E

VIRTUAL VALLEY

PEOPLE & PETS

MONEY MATTERS

Movies On-Demand: Competing Against the Screens

Fall Activities for You and Your Dog

Selling? Get the Top Dollar for Your House

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INSIDE OCTOBER 2016

PU B LIS H E D BY

4 TACHI PALACE

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

Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KELLY LAPADULA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ANDY SALAZAR C. S. WYATT IMAGINEU KELLEY PETTY LEE LITTLEWOOD LYDIA HOUSE MISSY YAVASILE MARY HUNT RYAN STILLWATER SHARON MOSLEY SUE BURNS SUSAN SHIEFERLE TODD OTO VALLEY OAK SPCA WARREN GUBLER GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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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 © 2016 DMI Agency

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COVER STORY

DEPARTMENTS 10 The Recipe Box

Tachi Palace Hotel And Casino Celebrates 33 Years

12 Visalia Chamber

16 Valley Oak SPCA

13 Tulare Chamber

F E AT U R E S

17 Fashion

8 Virtual Valley

19 Fitness

Movies On-Demand: Competing Against the Screens

14 VUSD We're in the Future Business

15 Create Googly-Eyed Spider

18 Gardening

22 Visalia Rescue Mission 24 Kids’ Bookshelf 25 Character Counts! 26 College Prep 27 Auto Shop 28 Money Matters

Homemade Bookmarks From the Garden

29 Crossword

20 Visalia First

30 Goings-On

When I was a Kid…

32 Warren Reports

23 People & Pets Fall Activities for You and Your Dog

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TACHI PALACE

Tachi Palace Hotel And Casino Celebrates 33 Years

gaming, entertainment, and relaxation for travelers throughout California for many years.

n Nov. 4, Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino will celebrate its 33rd anniversary serving the Central Valley. Over the last three decades, Tachi has grown from a humble bingo hall into a bustling multi-million dollar casino and travel destination.

By 1994, the Tachi-Yokut tribe had taken over full operation and began further expanding the facility to include slot machines and other gaming, as well as assuming the name Palace Indian Gaming Center. More than a decade later in 2005, a major expansion occurred, and the center was renamed Tachi Palace, taking the tribeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name for the first time.

Located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Tachi Palace is situated equal distance between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay area. This ideal location has made it not only a showcase destination for locals, but a destination for

The following year, construction began on a seven-story, 255-room hotel. The present name, Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, was officially adopted when the hotel opened in Nov. 2006. Today, the casino offers a multitude of gaming, modern

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In 1983, what is now known as Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino, opened its doors for the first time as the 1,100-seat Southgate Bingo Hall. It was an immediate success, and with upgrades a few years later, it became known as the most luxurious bingo hall in the state under the joint ownership of the Tachi-Yokut Tribe and British-American Bingo, Inc.

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high-quality accommodations, on-site wedding arrangements, spacious convention facilities, and a variety of restaurants. High-energy excitement can be found daily in Tachi Palace’s casinos. The Casino of the Sun, decorated with brilliant sun themes across 80,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, offers a vibrant atmosphere for players. Meanwhile, the Casino of the Moon with 60,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, has a more relaxed atmosphere mimicking the tranquility of the moon. Tachi Palace offers more than thirty table games, including well-known favorites such as Blackjack and Pai Gow. There is also a seven-table poker room on the third floor. While most table game minimums start at just $5, Tachi Palace’s dealers are known for their friendliness and are always willing to teach guests how a game is played. For those looking for a truly memorable experience, the casino even hosts a tournament each year to send players to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. In addition to table games, Tachi Palace’s casinos are home to more than 2,000 slot and gaming machines with a wide range of denominations and themes, as well as a newly renovated High Limit Room that is also available for higher stakes slot games. There is truly something for everyone, so players at all levels can feel right at home. For frequent visitors, there is even a Players Club, which has also gone through a beautiful renovation and offers the opportunity to earn rewards during every play, as well as discounts throughout the property. Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino is not just about gaming, though. They have also become the premier location for entertainment in Kings County. Tachi Palace’s calendar never seems to be without sensational acts and some of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry. In recent years, they have welcomed such musicians as Hank Williams, Jr., Bret Michaels, Alabama, Earth, Wind, & Fire, and Engelbert Humperdinck. Comedians also frequently take the stage including some of the funniest acts in the business such as

George Lopez, Chris Rock, and the contestants from NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Hollywood legends like Kevin Costner and Bruce Willis have even visited the casino! Upcoming shows can always be found on Tachi Palace’s website at www. tachipalace.com. It is recommended that you check back frequently because new shows are always added. For guests looking for relaxation, Tachi Palace offers an array of services and amenities at their hotel and spa. The hotel’s 255 guest rooms and suites offer luxurious accommodations and a spacious retreat from the action and excitement. All rooms feature special touches such as high-thread count sheets, 40inch high-definition televisions, wireless in-room Internet access, in-room dining, complimentary valet parking, and evening turn-down service. During warmer months, guests can also enjoy the hotel’s expansive pools where adults and children alike can delight in outdoor fun. Guests can relax and enjoy special pampering at The Spa at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino where a full menu of services are available. From facials to full body massages and more, the Spa is the perfect place to get away. Spa guests are also invited to enjoy fresh fruit, herbal teas, and time in the sauna. Specials and spa packages are frequently available. All guests can certainly find a meal to suit their tastes at one of Tachi Palace’s award-winning restaurants. Dining options at this resort have come a long way since the modest bingo hall buffet line that was available when the facility opened thirty-three years ago. That buffet has now grown into Tachi Palace’s expansive Pork Chop Hill restaurant, which offers soup, salad, seafood, a carving station, and a live cooking area, a variety of international selections, traditional comfort foods, a large assortment of desserts, and a plethora of other choices. Pork Chop Hill offers more than enough to satisfy your appetite. For a sure bet, Tachi Palace’s Coyote Grille is a highlight DIRECT MAGAZINE

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TACHI PALACE dining experience at the casino. As the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the California Restaurant Association’s Visalia Best Casino/Restaurant Dining and Fresno Best Casino/Restaurant Dining awards, “The Grille” offers something for everyone. The menu includes delicious comfort food like Tachi’s famous chicken fried steak, succulent grilled steaks, scratch-made soups of the day, specialty salads, mouth-watering seafood, and a variety of pasta dishes. This restaurant also features a delicious Pan-Asian menu featuring fusion cuisine and traditional favorites. The Coyote Grille offers daily specials and a full bar selection. For a quick bite or a meal on the go, Tachi Palace also offers Rez Dogs On the Go, featuring items such as hot dogs, burritos, tacos, and more. The Coffee Stop also offers breakfast favorites like coffee and muffins, as well as Paninis, sandwiches, and other light meals. With all that Tachi Palace has to offer and the thousands of valued guests that walk through the doors each year, it is the utmost priority for the management at this casino to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety. Since its 30th anniversary three years ago, Tachi Palace has undergone a number of renovation projects to update the facility in an effort to provide the best possible experience for guests. Another enormously high priority for the associates at Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino is giving back to the local community. Over the years, the management and staff have built wonderful relationships with the people and organizations in the Central Valley that have helped Tachi Palace succeed. In that spirit, Tachi Palace is always looking for meaningful ways to contribute and give back to the community.

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Tachi Palace and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe donates thousands of dollars each year to a number of deserving causes. Over the last three years alone, the associates have raised more than $160,000 for breast cancer awareness programs through Relay for Life and their Tachi Thinks Pink campaign. In addition to this donation, the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe recently made a tremendous contribution to local fire and rescue community with the purchase of a new Pierce Pump Fire Engine for Kings County. At a price of $586,000, this is the second fire truck the tribe has generously purchased for the county. The Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe is extraordinarily happy to continue supporting the local community, especially during this time of drought and the rampant influx of fires statewide. Through their monthly community breakfasts, Tachi Palace has also been able to raise funds to support a number of organizations such as the Valley Children’s Hospital, Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army, March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, and Hanford Links for Life, local food banks, blood drives, youth sports, the local Chamber of Commerce, and so much more. The list of organizations they have supported goes on and on. Tachi Palace is committed to being a part of building a stronger community and looks forward to working with these organizations and more into the future. With all that Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino has achieved over the last thirty-three years, they have established themselves as the leading casino destination in the Central Valley and a place local residents can be proud to call their own.

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VIRTUAL VALLEY

Movies On-Demand:

Competing Against the Screens

ovies belong on big screens in cinemas, not on the tiny screens of phones or tablets. The artists creating films design their works with audiences in mind. Movies should be experienced, from start to finish, with an audience. We lost something important as movies moved from grand theatrical releases in cinema palaces to small-screen multiplexes and finally to direct-to-video streaming services. Today, some movies are released in theaters and on streaming services on the same day. We no longer have to wait six months to a year (or longer) to watch a film at home.

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When the Visalia Fox Theatre converted to a multiplex I was only eight years old, but I knew that the “improvements” ruined the cinema experience. For many years, multiplexes meant smaller screens, fewer seats, and mediocre presentations. Hollywood had one of its best summers for movie ticket sales ever in 2016, thanks to a handful of blockbusters. Tickets cost more than buying films, so the revenue numbers are misleading. Many of us now avoid the theatrical releases of films. We wait a few months, at most, to watch movies in the comfort of our own homes and on our devices.

C U LT U R E , C O M M E R C E A N D C O M M U N I T Y I N V I S A L I A A N D T U L A R E — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H VA L L E Y

TEXT BY C. S. WYATT

The last movie I saw in a theater was "Up," which I saw in Davis. That was seven years ago. The movie remains one of my favorites, despite a lousy theater experience. The mostly empty room was lit by cell phones. The chattering of young people never ceased. The sound system included random buzzing sounds, similar to what my radio emits when I place our cordless phone nearby. I have not been to a movie theater since that summer.

Screens outside the theater display the latest trending hashtags for the films being exhibited. I am not about to pay for the privilege of sitting among a hundred texting teens.

As a film student working toward my master of fine arts, I am surrounded by students and faculty passionate about cinema. And most of them do not pay to see movies in theatrical release. Instead, they wait eagerly for new releases on Amazon Prime, Netﬂix, Hulu, iTunes, and other services.

The market for physical media has fallen victim to ondemand services. Only a few years ago, I anticipated Tuesdays when new CDs and DVDs appeared in stores. Now, the music and video sections of stores, when they have them, are sparsely stocked. Only the most popular discs survive the battle for retail space. Within a year, many discs find their way to discount bins for $5 to $10 each.

I don’t live in New York or Los Angeles, so art houses that might attract film lovers aren’t an option. Even when a theater does show limited-release films, it is only for a weekend or two at the strangest possible times. Streaming services win, thanks to their convenience. Even before streaming, theaters were in trouble. The IMAX chain struggled, even filing for bankruptcy protection in 2003. General Cinema had filed for bankruptcy in 2000. There are still too many screens showing too few films. When a multiplex shows the same film on a third of its screens, they might as well go back to having larger theater spaces. I never understood why more multiplexes don’t set aside two screens for smaller budget and independent films. Theaters and studios resorted to gimmicks to sell movie tickets (and discs). The 3D trend proved to be short-lived again, just as it was in the 1950s. There are still some movies in 3D, but people want to see great films regardless of format. I’m not sure the latest trends will counter the streaming impulse, either. There are now cinemas with lounging massage chairs complete with cup holders. Other cinemas have installed chairs that move along with the on-screen action. Several chains have “dinner theaters” with full meal service before the feature. A handful of theaters are experimenting with double features again, a true return to the past. The worst idea I’ve seen: encouraging people to use social media during films. The reason I stopped going to movies is now supposedly a selling point to teens and young adults.

Maybe Hollywood could try the novel approach of making better movies? Though I do buy some movies on disc, I buy fewer each year. There simply aren’t that many “must-have” movies. I might watch a mediocre film once via streaming, but I won’t buy that film on disc.

Personally, I do like CDs and DVDs because streaming services don’t always have the music and films I enjoy. When they do have the titles I want, they might only have them for a year. Like most of my friends and colleagues, I subscribe to Netﬂix and Amazon and have cable on-demand service. That’s three monthly bills for watching movies. The cost likely exceeds what we once spent on going to movies. We still buy discs of our favorite movies, so we’re using the streaming services the way we once used video rental stores: a way to test movies before paying full price. I keep hoping that there will be a renaissance, a second Golden Age of Hollywood. Arguably, streaming has brought about a new era of great television shows. The best television is on a mix of cable and streaming services, with “binge” watching the new normal. Few people rush home to catch the first airing of a new show: they stream the show when it’s convenient. That might be the future for great, small-budget and independent films. They will go straight to streaming, skipping the theaters entirely, and be viewed by many more people. Even if streaming is the future, it will never match the experience of the large screen in the Visalia Fox Theatre. I believe you do feel more intensely when the people around you are also responding to the laughter, the crying, and the other emotions on screen. Watching a film alone on my iPhone or even in a home theater will never capture that same magic. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

Dinner in a Pumpkin Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves. We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves! – Humbert Wolfe

inner in a Pumpkin is fun and comforting on a chilly fall night. The filling is easily changed to suit your tastes, and kids can help you make it. It’s a perfect Halloween meal, since you can prepare it in advance and bake it while your little goblins are getting dressed up. What better way to eat dinner before Trick-or-Treating than out of a pumpkin? INGREDIENTS 4-5 lb. pumpkin 1-2 T olive oil 2 T butter, melted 1 tsp seasoned salt 8 oz elbow macaroni 2 C milk 8 oz pasteurized cheese product (such as Velveeta) 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 C ham steak, chopped 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained 2 C shredded cheddar-jack cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 375°F. Pre-bake the pumpkin: cut the top off and scoop out the seeds and strings. Brush the inside and top with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; prick all over the inside with a fork. Set on a rimmed baking sheet that’s been lined with heavy-duty foil. Bake for 30 minutes. While the pumpkin is baking, cook the macaroni per package directions, drain, and keep warm. Heat the milk and butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the cheese cubes and whisk until smooth. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth. Stir in the macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, ham and spinach. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and fill 2/3 with the macaroni and cheese mixture (you may have macaroni left over). Replace the top and bake approximately 30 minutes more, until the pasta is hot and bubbly and the pumpkin flesh is soft – check to ensure the pumpkin isn’t getting overcooked, or it could collapse. During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the top and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese. Serve in bowls, scooping out some of the pumpkin flesh with the pasta. TIPS: • Consider the size of your oven when choosing your pumpkin (2-3 smaller pie pumpkins can be used instead) • The macaroni and cheese can be prepared in advance and refrigerated – fill the raw prepared pumpkin with the mixture and bake 1-hour. For the printable recipe, more tips and another filling option, visit www.itsokaytoeatthecupcake.com

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SEE BOTH SHOWS AT

Sat

, Oc

8PM

Performing the world’s favorite fairy tale!

, n u S

Dec

t 22

Music by Tchaikovsky Choreography: Petipa and Ivanov

5PM

also playing Tower Theatre Fresno, Nov. 27 towertheatrefresno.com or 559.485.9050

Tickets on sale now: 559-625-1369  Box ofﬁce 308 West Main Street, Visalia Tuesday–Friday 10am–4pm

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VISALIA CHAMBER

he Visalia Chamber of Commerce serves as the local “voice of business” as they advocate for businesses throughout Visalia. Each month, the Chamber facilitates a variety of events to support and further the success of the community. 1.

Left to Right - Wayne Goudreau with Leadership Visalia Students John Bueno, Scott Smith & Vickie Goudreau. 2. Leadership Visalia Students Kevin Grant and Trevor Lewis. 3. Board President Stacy Morris, Chamber President & CEO Gail Zurek, Leadership Facilitator Barbara Hood and Chamber Board Member Patrick Salazar enjoy meeting all of the new Leadership Visalia students. 4. A group shot of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s 2016-17 Leadership Visalia Class.

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TULARE CHAMBER

he Tulare Chamber of Commerce exists to serve its members and citizens 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. The Tulare Chamber would like to welcome and congratulate Brian Rich, Victor Mendes, and the whole team at Paradise Auto Spa. 2. The Tulare Chamber Staff, Ambassadors and Board of Directors welcome and congratulate Water 2 Go at their Ribbon Cutting celebration. 3. The Tulare Chamber would like to welcome the newest class of Leadership Tulare participants. We are excited to see so many talented individuals interested in learning about our community and how to become influential leaders.

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

We’re in the Future Business

or the past nine months, I’ve been promoting the revised mission of the District with the community: We exist to provide an education that affords our students limitless opportunity for the future. Our “bumper sticker” message related to this is, “We are Visalia Unified. We educate kids. We create futures.” It’s been fun sharing this message with the community and very rewarding hearing these words and the overall message shared by staff at school sites. It is a message of promise for kids and their families and a commitment by our entire staff to work hard to make it come true. Many of you know that I was a shop teacher. I started my career in Visalia Unified and taught drafting and wood at Mt. Whitney for twelve years. I believe that career technical education (CTE) has value for all kids, regardless of their educational pathway. There is a core of knowledge found within CTE programs that is a powerful combination of technical training and career readiness skills. But times have changed, and the expectations in all areas of education and also of industry have grown. So while the CTE programs of the current day contain that same core that I taught back in the

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1980s and 1990s, the shell that surrounds those programs has changed to meet the demands of the 21st century. One place where this is very apparent is in our newlyestablished Futures Project. This project is the result of District efforts to build a stronger, work-based learning program and to develop broader and deeper community partnerships with local industry. The Futures Project is a work-based learning initiative intended to engage the Visalia business community in developing meaningful work-based learning experiences for VUSD students. Work-based learning gives students the opportunity to learn a variety of skills by expanding the walls of classroom learning into the community. By connecting classroom theory and actual industry practice, we create more meaningful experiences for students. Work-based learning experiences include a very diverse range of activities, including guest speakers, job shadowing, industry tours, mentorships, and internships. A few weeks ago, we held a very successful kick-off event for the Futures Project hosted by the Visalia Partners in Education and co-sponsored by the Visalia Economic Development Corporation, Visalia Chamber of Commerce, City of Visalia, and Visalia Unified. That we are able to assemble such a powerful coalition of partners for this project speaks volumes for the value that this brings to our local business community—and that reflects positively on how our community values education for our community’s kids.

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CREATE TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Googly-Eyed Spider

t Halloween, scary monsters and creepy crawlers can be found around every corner. This year, you and your kids can decorate your front porch with these homemade googly-eyed spiders using items found around your home. WHAT YOU NEED: • 2 paper plates (any color; we used purple, but you can use white and paint them) • Tempura paint, any color (if using white paper plates) • 2 googly eyes • 8 black pipe cleaners • String or ribbon • Nontoxic glue • Scotch tape • Stapler

DIRECTIONS: • If painting the plates, paint only the back side of the plates. • On one of the plates, make a small hole in the center of the plate. • Poke a ribbon or string through the hole and tie a knot on the front side of the plate to secure the ribbon/string. • Scotch tape the pipe cleaner stems to the edge of the plate on the front side that does not have the string, four stems on each side of the plate. • Put the front sides of the plates together and stable around the edge of the plates (the back of the plates will be the top and the bottom). • Glue the googly eyes to the top plate on the side that has the string • Let dry Hang your spider to scare away any of the monsters that will come on Halloween.

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VALLEY OAK SPCA TEXT BY LYDIA HOUSE, OPERATIONS MANAGER

If you find yourself in the predicament of needing to re-home your pet, here are some important facts to know: • Honesty is your pet’s best policy. By being honest about their behavioral issues, health issues, and vaccination history, you enable us to place them in a home that matches their needs. • Surrendered animals do not have to wait the state mandated “stray time” before they go up for adoption. If their health and behavior allow, they can be adopted immediately. • An animal that is spayed/neutered and has current vaccinations is more likely to be quickly adopted. Having current vaccinations can prevent dogs and cats from contracting illnesses in a shelter environment. If you have questions about surrendering your pet, please call Valley Oak SPCA at (559) 651-1111. Appointments are available for Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12 p.m.6 p.m. Valley Oak SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill rescue that operates solely on donations and contributions from our local community. To make an online donation or submit a volunteer application, please visit our website: www.vospca.org. To visit us in person, come to our Adoption Center at 29010 Hwy 99, located in the three modular trailers on the frontage road of northbound Highway 99 in Visalia. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday 10 a.m.5 p.m.

Surrendering Your Animal, How We Can Help

aring for pets can be the most rewarding, yet challenging endeavor. The love and trust we receive from our furry friends is unparalleled. One of the hardest decisions a pet parent can be faced with is what to do if circumstances prove difficult to continue to care for, or keep, your pet. Valley Oak SPCA accepts animals that are being surrendered from anywhere in the state, by appointment only. Our first goal is to help families resolve issues with their pets. We can provide a list of reputable dog behaviorists, breed specific rescues, and information on house training, crate training, and correction of destructive behaviors. We can also help with spay and neuter and in some cases we can offer help with medical conditions and/or live saving surgeries.

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Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center Hours Monday, Thursday, Friday: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

PET OF THE MONTH Storm – Along with being incredibly beautiful, Storm is a huge source of inspiration. She came to the Valley Oak SPCA with a cancerous tumor on her paw that was caught early and was successfully removed. Throughout her treatment, Storm has been an excellent patient! She loves people and is learning to socialize with dogs — continued training is recommended. She has a nice moderate energy level, so she would fit in nicely in a semi-active home.

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FASHION TEXT BY SHARON MOSLEY

Spinning the Fall Color Wheel

ut away the pale pinks, banish the baby blues, and spin the fashion color wheel this fall to pick a new hue that will give your wardrobe some fresh inspiration. Here's a look at the color palette for the season ahead: Start with the neutrals. They're the foundations of our wardrobes. And if you've done the black and white thing for a while, it's time to give the browns a twirl. Camel is one of the classic alternatives. If you don't have a camel coat, consider investing in one. But chocolate browns are another fall favorite. Think the color of a chocolate milkshake. This warm taupe color makes an elegant statement when worn from head to toe, but it also easily pairs with other brighter colors. Or go gray. And if browns aren't your preference, go for a gray day. The dark charcoal grays are having a moment again, and they are the neutral that will go with everything. Try a dark pewter gray with a subtle metallic shimmer for even more effect. So if black has been your go-to neutral in the past, lighten up your wardrobe with a gradation of gray. Do blue. From dark navies to dusty sky blues, the blues are the stand-out favorites of the fashion crowd this season. These moody blues show up in everything from faded distressed denim to navy velvet boots to cobalt blue faux furs. Wear them monochromatically or mix and match them. Get ready for red. The pinks and corals of spring and

summer have morphed into radiant reds for fall - brilliant blood reds, dusty roses, and orangey rusts - all deeper and darker reds that will turn up the heat in your wardrobe, whether it's in a silky crimson bomber jacket, a glossy burgundy lipstick, or a pair of ruby red slippers. Pick a green. The fashion rainforest comes alive this fall with lush, verdant greens that bloom in evergreens and emeralds and darker shades of teal blue-greens. Militaryinspired olive greens are also getting attention this fall, especially when paired with dramatic reds. Watch for these fresh greens to be the hit of the holiday season in velvet jackets, cardigan sweaters, and textured handbags. Spice it up with yellow. This fall, the yellows are anything but mellow. Instead, slather on a spicy mustard yellow for a delicious spin on the lemony hues of last year. This darker yellow gold makes an inviting background for the season's popular animal prints. Punch it up with purple. The color of royalty is still putting on a powerful fashion show. This fall, you'll find the color purple in shades ranging from dusty lilacs and mauves to brownish plums and bold aubergines. Pair these sophisticated purples with creamy pearl whites, chocolate taupes, or charcoal gray for a sophisticated change of pace in your wardrobe...or even in your home decor. And if you love that sky blue trench coat you bought last spring, then team it with a pair of charcoal trousers and turtleneck and top it off with a midnight navy velvet scarf. Give these "new" colors of fall a twirl and spin your favorite wardrobe basics into new combinations that will give you the best of all color worlds. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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GARDENING TEXT BY SHARON PLEIN, UCCE MASTER GARDENER

Homemade Bookmarks From the Garden

chool is back in session and fall has arrived. That means you and your kids will be reading lots of books and will need bookmarks! Here is a fun activity that you can do with your children. This project uses petals, leaves, and small flowers from the garden to create bookmarks that ensure the kids will always be able to find the correct page. Plus, you will preserve your fall foliage and flowers forever. WHAT YOU WILL NEED • Plant materials from your garden (petals, leaves, small flowers, etc.) • Clear contact paper • A pair of scissors • Card stock or thick paper • Crayons or colored pencils to color the card stock, if desired Newspaper sheets to absorb moisture from plant materials, and two heavy books protected with plastic wrap. You will use these to press and dry the flowers or petals. Note: You could also use an old telephone book and place the blooms between the pages. MAKING YOUR BOOKMARK The first step in the bookmark’s construction is to hunt for botanical treasures. Crepe myrtle petals, small leaves from trees, four leaf clovers, vinca blooms, and small daisy-like

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flowers are excellent choices for bookmarks. Large flowers like roses contain too much moisture and are too bulky. Choose petals instead. Petals of most flowers are colorful and can be pressed flat. Next, get your “flower press” ready. Here’s where the two books, or your old telephone book, will come in handy. If you are using newspaper sheets and two books, be sure to protect the books’ covers with plastic wrap. Use several sheets of newspaper to carefully wrap your plant materials to absorb the moisture. Place them between the wrapped books. If you are using an old telephone book, place the blooms between its pages. Let gravity and time do the pressing for you. Allow the plant materials to dry for about two weeks. When you are ready to assemble the bookmark, cut the card stock to the shape you choose. You can decorate the card with original designs using crayons or colored pencils. Then arrange the dried pressed leaves and petals to create a pleasing arrangement. Now you are ready to preserve your artwork. Cut a piece of clear contact paper big enough to fold over and cover the front and back sides of the book mark. Peel off the backing of the contact paper bit at a time. Carefully press the contact paper onto the front of the card stock. Then peel and wrap the sheet around to the back. Don’t worry about matching the edges of the paper because you will trim the excess later. Press gently to eliminate wrinkles or creases in the contact paper. Use the scissors to cut around the outline of the bookmark. Punch a hole into the top and thread colored string or ribbon through the hole. Now you are ready to mark the spot where you will begin to read the next time.

Happy gardening and reading!

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FOCUS FITNESS ON

ANDY & ERYN SALAZAR, EMPOWER FITNESS TEXT BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN, SMILE CENTRAL VALLEYTRAINING

3 Keys To Getting Into Better Shape

oday is the day you’ve decided it’s time to get back into shape; something finally broke the camel's back. Maybe it was getting winded walking the stairs or not fitting into last year’s jeans. Whatever it was, you’re finally ready to make a change. There is just one problem – you don’t know where to start or you’ve started this path before and failed. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. It doesn’t matter if this is your first attempt or tenth, you can still do this. I’m going to give you three keys to getting into better shape and reclaiming your body: Education, inspiration, and support.

Education: Take the time to study and research a fitness plan that is well suited to your personality and that is going to be enjoyable for you to do. It’s important to find a fitness routine that you can stick with for the long haul. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it. But don’t just give up if one program doesn’t stick; try something else. There are a lot of different fitness programs out there for you to try, so don’t limit your options. Inspiration: Find some inspiration. What’s going to drive you and push you to reach your fitness goal? What’s your main reason for why it’s important to you? Is it for better health because you’ve had a health scare, or because you want to be able to keep up with your kids or grandkids? It doesn’t matter what it is, all that matters is that it’s compelling and inspires you to stay focused on your fitness and health goal. Write your inspiration down and review it multiple times a day. Find a Support Group: Goals and achievement are so much easier to obtain when we have the right support group in place. When we have others holding us accountable, we are far more likely to keep going and not give up for fear of disappointing others. This is why coaches are able to get more from their players and push them to their limits because players want to make their coach proud and don’t want to

disappoint them. Find a mentor, coach, or group that is going to hold you accountable and push you to reach new goals and get more out of you. There you have it, the three keys you need to get into better shape and reclaim your body: education, inspiration, and support. You can do this. Make this the time you finally have success with your fitness and weight loss goals. Now go and start your success story.

LOSE 15 POUNDS IN 12 WEEKS! We’ll show you how! • Flatten Your Tummy • Increase Your Metabolism • Strengthen & Tone Muscles • Boost Your Energy Levels • Firm Your Hips & Thighs • Sleep Better & Decrease Stress Levels • Rapidly Burn Unwanted Body Fat NO enrollment frees, NO long term contract, 100% money back guarantee Andy Salzar CPT Certified Personal Trainer

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The accountability you need to get the results your want, guaranteed! PICK UP THE PHONE TODAY AN CALL 559.636.FITT (3488) DIRECT MAGAZINE

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VISALIA FIRST TEXT BY TONY KENSINGER

When I was a Kid…

sportsmanship and integrity. Life isn’t about memorizing spelling words; it’s about problem solving and challenging intellectual capacity. As a parent, don’t just observe the sport or adjudicate the assignment; engage your child. Make every opportunity an opportunity to apply a value to your child’s life. One of the best ways to begin the process is to involve them in community events such as THE JUNGLE. Put several hundred kids together with team leaders willing to spend the day engaged with each child, and you have a recipe for success. Add to this adventure elements that explore what has only been left to the imagination before, and students have a memory that will last for years. Now in its third year, THE JUNGLE offers an unforgettable experience with music, humorous stage performances, and relevant lessons from the Bible. Kids discover elements of the African culture through interactive presentations, native crafts, and real-life animals. Add to that black light rooms, giant inflatables, and NERF battles. Kids will also develop friendships while being challenged to make good choices in the Jungle of life.

remember my grandfather saying, “When I was a kid…” followed by any number of recollections that compared his childhood to mine. Then my father began to say it, and now I find myself saying the same thing. Remember when mom had to yell for us to come home for dinner? Now I text my kids that dinner is ready. Remember when we wondered if the world was going to end if the electricity went out? Now if the Wi-Fi goes down, my kids go into cardiac arrest. Times have changed, but kids are still kids; they want to have fun! How can I help my kids experience fun? It’s not the same as when I was a kid, but the need is still there. It is my job to help them explore life, allow their imagination to run wild, and engage them in every part as an investment in their future. EXPLORE Elementary students love to explore new things more than any other age group. These are the years they are willing to try out new sports, arts, and activities. They talk about growing up in a star struck way where every job is a dream job. This is the time to help them discover, investigate, and experience as much as possible. IMAGINE It amazes me how a child can elaborate on fanciful adventures inspired by the way clouds are dispersed overhead; how a random thought can lead to thirty minute discussions on hypothetical situations with too many variables to explain. Oh, to have that imagination and dream! Embrace that creativity and hope that some of it rubs off on you. ENGAGE Life isn’t just about playing sports; it is about learning

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We want kids to discover basic truths that will change their life forever. We want kids to explore the world around them while learning how to make the wise choice. We want them to imagine a world where they can trust God no matter what and where people treat others the way they want to be treated. We want to engage kids where they are and help them see a better future. We want to see your child at THE JUNGLE. Tony Kensinger is the Executive Kids and Family Pastor at Visalia First and the Executive Director of THE JUNGLE. You can find out more at www.thejungleforkids.com

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Slow tax revenue growth is making it increasingly difficult to provide INTERIOR DESIGN necessary police, fire and other community services. YES on N TEXT BY JOSEPH PUBILLONES

maintains Visalia’s essential City services, protects our property values, and the local economy. Our City must maintain police and fire staffing levels to protect our growing community, fix streets, and maintain parks so Visalia remains a desirable place to live and do business. Measure N is paid on goods you purchase, not on your home, property, or rental fees. Measure N is not paid on prescription medication, or food purchased as groceries. Nearly 40% of Measure N revenues will come from non-Visalians who visit, work, or play in our community. Measure N is only one nickel for every $10 we spend - a small price to pay to recruit more police officers, improve response times, and have better roads.

Protect Visalia’s Safety & Services Vote Yes On N

For more information go to www.VisaliaYesOnN.com Paid for by Yes on Measure N | FPPC1#390513 www.facebook.com/visaliayesonn

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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION TEXT BY RYAN STILLWATER

Compassion Fatigue

man charges his electric wheelchair while tending to the bandage around his recently amputated leg. A mother and father plead for the rescue of their daughter from her homelessness and mental illness. A father chauffeurs his son around town to locate a heroin detox facility. Welcome to a day in the life of Visalia Rescue Mission. There’s a term for what first responders, pastors, humanitarians, and social workers experience after a short time on the job: compassion fatigue. Simply put, we become indifferent to need. Sometimes I blame the individual. At times I point a finger at the broken system, which disregards the homeless, mentally ill, or drug-addicted too easily and too early in their recovery — or enables them, which makes me rage at entitlements with too little oversight and safety nets to ensure recipients aren’t selling their EBT cards for drugs and alcohol, which is a very common occurrence. When I’m overwhelmed by the need and am tempted to throw in the towel, I realize the other interactions I have: • A two-strike felon and former gang member — who is also a VRM graduate and staff member — sings Wilson Phillip’s 1990 hit “Hold On” while cleaning bathrooms. He mentions how grateful he is to have toilets to clean, compared to stainless steel (prison) toilets to use. • I hear my name being called from across the street — it’s my neighbor, Brodie. He is also a VRM graduate and staff member, who is now married and on his own. As I wave and walk on, I remember how he first arrived to the Mission in his addiction — “strung out bad” and on the run from a drug dealer. • A mom shares about the day Child Welfare Services took custody of her children, “As I watched them take away my kids, my kids were screaming and screaming for me, but I had no emotions. I couldn’t cry. I knew I was supposed to cry, but I couldn’t because I was so high.” This mom now has her kids back and manages our Women’s Shelter. While compassion fatigue is very real, it’s ironic to learn that compassion actually means “to suffer together,” which actually really helps keep things in perspective. I have never endured nights on the street with the homeless, encountering the hardships they do. I have never served time in prison and bunked with a gang member. I have never been addicted to any drug or alcohol and commiserated with a fellow addict over beers in a city park. I am not “compassionate” in those ways. “In saying, ‘be compassionate as your loving God is compassionate,’ Jesus invites us to be as close to each other as God is to us.” This analysis in the book, Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life, makes sense when you look at Matthew 8. In this story, a leper approaches Jesus for healing. Jesus responds to an extremely infectious disease by touching 22

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the man. He chose to be as close to that man’s suffering as he could get. While I don’t think we have been consciously aware of this, we’ve been practicing this very thing at Visalia Rescue Mission for the past 35 years. We’re always learning how to answer the questions, “How can I touch this individual or this situation? What will make the greatest impact? What is really needed in this circumstance?” We don’t always get it right, and while the need pushes on the boundaries of our empathy, we are committed to suffering together with our guests, just like Jesus chose to suffer together with us. Ryan Stillwater is the Director of Development for Visalia Rescue Mission. Contact him by e-mail: ryan@vrmhope.org.

Join Rescue Mission staff and volunteers at our 35th Anniversary Celebration, as well as local historian, Terry Ommen, on a journey down memory lane. You’ll be inspired by graduate stories, and hear what’s in store for the future of Visalia Rescue Mission.

35 ANNIVERSARY TH

CELEBRATION

BANQUET

OCTOBER 13, 2016

VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER LUNCH SETTING | 12:00pm DINNER SETTING | 6:00pm

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

DEMING CHEMICAL CORP. J AND M BERGMAN/ SUPREME ALMONDS

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PEOPLE & PETS TEXT BY KATE BIANCO

Fall Activities for You and Your Dog

all is finally here, which means cooler weather and more opportunities to get outside with your family, friends, and even pets. For dog owners out there, we hope a few of these fun activities will make their way onto your fall bucket list this season. PUMPKIN PATCH AND ORCHARD PICKING There's no better way to get into the fall spirit than pumpkin hunting with your pooch. If pumpkins aren't your thing, go to a U-Pick farm where you and your dog can find fresh apples, grapes, tomatoes, and corn. Before you go, check with the farm to make sure your dog is allowed. A "HOWL"OWEEN PARTY Halloween parties aren't just for people; part of the fun is dressing up your pet in a silly costume. And while we know chocolate isn't good for dogs, you can still give them special Halloween treats, like Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats . TAKE A HIKE The cool fall weather is perfect for taking your dog on a hike in the mountains, or even on long walks through the neighborhood. While National Park trails are closed to dogs, there are many dog-friendly trails surrounding the parks, such as Converse Basin in Kings Canyon. On Thanksgiving, the Visalia Emergency Aid sponsors the Race Against Hunger with events such as a 5K run and a 2-mile walk for both you and your dog. "TAIL"GATING Fall means it's time for some football. Whether you’re playing catch with your dog in the backyard or grilling and watching the big game on TV with your buddies, you and your pup are sure to have a great time cheering on your favorite team. SHARE A PUMPKIN Not only are pumpkins a delicious treat, but they are good for your dog too. The oils from pumpkin seeds and flesh support urinary health and digestive health, while canned pumpkin can help with weight management. So when you carve your pumpkin this fall, make sure you leave a little extra for your pooch. GET COZY What could be better than drinking hot chocolate and cuddling with your favorite pet? Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to stay in and catch up on some reading while cozying up with your pooch. There's nothing like a warm drink in your hand and a warm puppy in your lap.

FEATURED LOCAL PET Name: Bella Breed: Boston Terrier. About: Bella is a three-year-old Boston Terrier. She brings a toy and is ready to play any time or place. But she will wait and watch the toy endlessly until you throw it again. She's a clown with lots of tricks, but is always ready to be a lap dog when the toy retrieving is done. Humans: Marvin & Judy

SUBMIT A PHOTO OF YOUR PET! Your adorable furry friend could be featured in Direct Magazine! Simply submit a photo of your pet to direct@dmiagency.com, and we just might put it in next month’s issue. Be sure to include your pet's name, breed, and a fun fact about him or her. Check back next month to see if your pet made it!

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KIDS’ BOOKSHELF TEXT BY LEE LITTLEWOOD

Autumn Tales for October’s Transitions

all is magical to kids; jumping in piles of leaves, donning that new cozy jacket, and anticipating Halloween's excitement. These books ease children into the cooler, crisper season. Wonderfall by Michael Hall Short poems highlighted by titles with the word "fall" in each one – Thankfall, Dutifall, Wistfall – make up Michael Hall's new celebration of autumn. 15 different blended words add an element of wordplay and imagination. "Forcefall" reads "Whoosh, whoosh, whoa! What wild, whirling wind!" "Delightfall" says, "What's this? Oh, my! My friends found a piece of pumpkin pie," with a festive illustration of raccoons and squirrels scurrying in leaves and trees. Peacefall, Watchfall, and Helpfall are a few of the other words used. He ends the book flowingly with "Snowfall!" I like Hall's bold, large, friendly images that cleanly showcase fall's colors. At the end he includes a "Getting Ready for Winter" section with more information on hibernating, migrating, and active animals and trees. Bella's Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde Bella is a whirling force of nature, twirling, whirling, crinkling, and crackling in the fall leaves. She turns herself into a leaf monster and plucks and munches apples off a tree; she even honks and flaps like a flock of geese. But Grams notices Bella's favorite coat is too small, and when Bella finally snoozes, Grams "snipped and clipped. She pushed and pulled. She whirred and snored" and eventually concocted a new coat, with orange dots and a pink collar, and deep pockets for treasures, that Bella can stretch and flap in. Lynn Plourde's rollicking, rolling words fit the flopping leaves and Bella's zesty personality perfectly. Retrofun illustrations by Disney animator artist Susan Gal are

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appealingly refreshing and as happy as that first crunchy leaf pile. Bella also learns that "out with the old, in with the new" can be a good thing. Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer and Adam Schaefer “Because of an acorn, a tree. Because of a tree, a bird," begins this cumulative tale that showcases the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem. Since this cycle begins with an acorn and its' pages feature, besides greens, lush autumn hues of ambers and muted browns, the small picture book fits the fall books grouping succinctly. Animals – hamster, snake, chipmunk – are plentiful, and the layered, beautiful pictures make Because of an Acorn a truly lovely nature book. More important now than ever, taking care of nature is vital. Young children will learn how valuable trees and forests are to animals' lives, all because of an acorn. Young naturalists will enjoy the back page spread, which includes more information about white oak trees, ecosystems, acorns, and how people cannot survive without forests. A "What Can You Do to Help?" section from the Natural Resources Defense Council will inspire kids to use fewer paper products, recycle, buy recycled products and visit forests. Applesauce Weather by Helen Frost A beautifully-told-inverse tale, Helen Frost's Junior Library Guild Selection, for ages seven to ten, is heartfelt, homey, and lovely. It stars siblings Faith and Peter, who anxiously await their Uncle Arthur's visit now that it's applesauce weather. Arthur though misses his wife Lucy, and is slower to start with his charm and wise stories. Eventually he does warm up, prompted by Peter's crush on a girl. The stories about carving initials in a tree, and about a peddler from Arthur's childhood, and about a sharp pocket knife start to flow. Even dearly departed Lucy chimes in with a poetic verse or two, and the relationship between niece, nephew. and uncle regains its specialness. Frost's poetic words and story about Uncle Arthur's quirky past give Applesauce Weather a vintage, timeless appeal that emphasizes family. Amy June Bates' black and white illustrations only add to the classic feel of this special book.

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

HAYLEY NELSON, SENIOR REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, VISALIA leven years ago, Hayley Nelson was a six-year-old trying out for her first role in Tulare County Office of Education’s (TCOE) Theatre Company performance of Rudolf and the Island of Misfit Toys. Now as a senior at Redwood High School, Hayley prepares for her last TCOE Theatre Company performance and looks back on all the ways that her theater experience has helped her. Hayley says, “This experience has been an extreme confidence builder. At six years old, I thought, ‘If I could only be half as kind and talented as the TCOE high school performers,’ and now I am one of those performers. These six year olds look up to me and I have a responsibility to show what the passion of theater can do for a person.” Theater director Nicole Zweifel says, “Hayley has been involved with the TCOE Theatre Company since first grade. She is a kind and classy lady. She has an exceptional, natural sense for comedic timing and her dedication to everything she does will take her far.” Beyond the script and stage, Hayley excels in academics with a 4.0 GPA. Additionally, she is a four-year choir and theater student, vice-president of the book club, swimmer and member of the Fellow Christian Association and Science Olympiad. Hayley’s determination and driven ambition for performing is obvious, but among her friends she is known as a ray of sunshine. Friend Javier Camacho says, “Hayley’s greatest attribute is her positive attitude and caring for others. She is always making sure we are happy.” When asked what the most challenging part of her day is, Hayley comments, “Feeling emotionally exhausted after a full day of acting as my character, particularly after playing a villain. Being mean can take a lot out of you!” So when the curtain falls after her final performance, Hayley plans to pack up for college, majoring in English with a triple minor in history, theater, and music. Hayley would love to attend USC and one day work her dream job as head writer for Saturday Night Live.

JAVIER CAMACHO, SENIOR REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, VISALIA Seven years ago, Redwood High School senior Javier Camacho played a boxer pup in the TCOE Theatre Company performance of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. The experience instilled in him a love for theater and Javier has never looked back. Much like Hayley, Javier has spent his high school career engaged in the arts, theater and other extracurricular activities, all while holding a notable 3.8 GPA. It didn’t take long for Javier to notice the intricate details of performing. “Every little thing you do on stage has a purpose. Whether you are belting out the high note of the show-stopping number or walking on stage for five seconds in the background, a performer must do every action with a purpose or else there is no reason for your performance.” Nicole Zweifel says, “Javier is mature beyond his years in the way he approaches every theater project. He brings his own perspective to the table every time and sets an example for everyone around him that no role is too big or too small to put in 100 percent of yourself.” Last spring when TCOE Theatre Company looked to include more student direction, it was only natural that Javier and Hayley combined talents and co-wrote a musical, Movin’ Out. Javier was assigned as the show’s director and led his peers through a performance that captivated the audience with an emotional story about students preparing for college and finding their way through friendship, love, and life. Javier says, “Directing entails a lot more focus and concentration and a different set of leadership skills. Directing peers requires a level of fairness and respect for their talent and not relying so much on the friendship we have for each other.” Friend Hayley Nelson confirms the success of Javier’s role as director. “He is a natural born leader around his peers. He makes sure everyone is included and that we are all doing our share.” As Javier wraps up his senior year, he plans to attend college at UC Irvine and will continue to keep the idea of directing live theater close to his heart and well within his future. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

What is EFC and Why Does it Matter?

hat the heck is an EFC and why should I care when it comes to college? Simply stated, the EFC is the Expected Family Contribution, which tells the college the minimum amount you should be able to pay for college. It is clear that the Feds have not kept up with the economic times since the EFC, for most people, is almost always more than families can realistically afford. So why does knowing your EFC matter? By knowing your EFC before beginning the college search, you can estimate what kind of college you may be able to afford. Since all colleges are not created equal when awarding financial aid, this can become very important. First of all, let's walk you through figuring out your EFC. Google "College Board Big Future EFC Calculator"(bigfuture. collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/paying-your-share/ expected-family-contribution-calculator). Follow the steps provided. Although this is a very rough estimate, it will put you in the ballpark. Once you know your EFC, you can calculate your approximate cost for each college. To do this, take the Cost of Attendance (COA) of the school (that includes everything including tuition, room and board, transportation, personal

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expenses, etc). Each college has estimated that amount. Subtract your EFC from the COA and it will give you an estimated "need.â&#x20AC;? Depending on how generous the school is, it will provide you with some percent of your need. Once again, you can find this info on the Big Future website. If you want a more detailed estimate, each college will have a "Net Price Calculator" that is specific to that school. Some of the calculators are good and some are not so good, but either way, you can get an estimate of how much college will cost. Once again we ask, "Why does this matter?" A: If your EFC is $10,000 and the COA is $55,000, you will have a financial need of about $45,000. This can be awarded as grants and/or loans. B: If your EFC is $50,000, your financial need will only be $5,000. You won't get much help here. For student A, it would make sense to apply to the school that costs $55,000. For student B, it might not. It should also be noted that colleges do not typically meet 100 percent of your need and some are more generous than others. Lastly, if your EFC is high, it does not mean you will not receive any financial aid. Many private colleges are very generous with merit aid, which is based on the student's qualifications, and not family income and assets. To get merit aid, the student should have great grades, top ACT or SAT scores, and be involved in some meaningful activities. And remember that top scores at Stanford are not the same as top scores at most other schools. So shop around. Know your EFC. You wouldn't walk onto a car lot and choose a car without knowing what you will have to pay for it. So don't pick a college without any idea how much it will cost.

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Thank You

thank you to my staff, friends, and family On July 2 we got a text message notifying us that our daughter Katie had suffered an AVM, arterial vein malfunction, and was being admitted to John Muir ICU hospital in Walnut Creek. My wife and I were once again hit with something that many people may never experience. We thought Katie’s son Joel’s brain tumor at two-and-a-half year’s old was unimaginable, and now this! So again, we drove to the bay area not knowing whether our daughter would be with us any longer. The week before, we had just celebrated Joel’s fifth birthday. He is now two and a half years in remission. We did not know that in less than a week our daughter would be in ICU fighting for her life. But once again, we were shown grace and mercy. I can’t tell you how our life has been forever changed. Yes, our lives have been “shaken” once again. Katie is now recovering and is home. So in this article, I want to say thank you. First, to my wife Margie who has been there every day for Katie, as well as the full year she was there for Joel. Also, thank you to all who prayed and supported our daughter, as well as us, and to my team at the Auto Shop, Juan, Tim, Shawn, and Lori, for covering for me. This is not Thanksgiving yet, but we received an early blessing. I am thankful, grateful, and humbled yet again.

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MONEY MATTERS TEXT BY MARY HUNT

Selling? Get the Top Dollar for Your House

o you're getting ready to sell your house. Just thinking about it can be an overwhelming experience. Should you hire a Realtor? Do a FSBO (for sale by owner) to keep from paying that big commission? Should you spend a lot of money to paint and put in new carpet–at least in the front rooms? Where do you start, and what can you do to make sure you attract a qualified buyer as quickly as possible? Hire a Professional. A Realtor who is successfully moving properties in your neighborhood and comes with references will likely get you a better price for your home than you could get on your own. Most nonprofessionals (homeowners) end up losing more in the transaction than the commission they would have paid a professional. No radical changes. Should you remodel the kitchen? Replace fixtures in the bathrooms? Probably not, unless they aren't working. Often, such updates done to achieve a higher sales price don't pay off. Almost anyone buying your home will want to make their own changes, so you are not likely to recoup your time and money investment. Unless your Realtor recommends major changes like a new roof or exterior paint job, hold off and put your energy into other areas. Appearance. Curb appeal is the impression your home makes when a potential buyer sees it for the first time. • Repair cracks in the driveway and on the walkways leading up to your home. • Keep the landscape neat and tidy. Flowerbeds should be blooming, weed-free, and well-cultivated. • Make sure the home looks freshly painted. A good scrub down might do the trick. • Keep the garage door closed. • Make sure garbage cans, tools, and outside clutter are completely out of sight. 28

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Inside clutter. You want the inside of your home to appear as large as possible. That means the clutter in all of the rooms has to go. And don't stuff it into the closets and cupboards. They need to be clutter-free and neatly organized, too. Motivated buyers look behind every door. Remove most or all of the items from your kitchen and bathroom counters. You want storage areas to look spacious, so take items out of the closets and clear shelves of knickknacks. Pack up your collectibles if they are visually overwhelming. Leave only a few tasteful decorator items on the mantle. Your goal is to create a simplified and calm atmosphere. Remove signs, pictures or other wall hangings that could be construed as offensive. Remove all the papers, magnets, and coupons from the refrigerator. There should be nothing on the ground but floor coverings and furniture. Clean. Soap and water are cheap. The cost to get your house ready to sell will come in terms of time and elbow grease. Your home should be so clean that a Marine sergeant inspecting it with a white glove could not find a single exception. Bathrooms. Sanitize and scrub the bathrooms until they sparkle. They can be impeccably clean even if they are old. Shine the faucets and fixtures until they gleam. Leave no water spots. All toothbrushes and products should be out of sight. Clean every trace of soap and scum from the tubs and showers. Clean shower-door tracks with an old toothbrush, removing every trace of gunk. Floors. No matter how old or worn your carpets are, have them professionally steam-cleaned. If you have hard floors, clean, wax, polish or do whatever is necessary to make them glisten. Scrub the corners even if you're sure no one will ever look there. Vertical Surfaces. Clean the baseboards, and scrub the woodwork and walls in every room. Furniture and fixtures. Dust and polish until there isn't a single speck of dust anywhere. Vacuum all upholstered furniture. If you have so much furniture that your rooms appear crowded, move some of it out. Stand back and look at each room through the eyes of a stranger. Rearrange things to give a more pleasing visual impression. It's been said that you only get one chance to make a good impression. When talking about showing your home for sale, truer words have never been spoken.

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2 Persian name 3 Dwelling 4 White House initials 5 More dilatory 6 Reckoning 7 Craft: It. 8 Broadway VIPs 9 1918 initials 10 Friends: L. 11 Conservative statutes 12 Ex-US Davis-cupper 13 Permits 19 Seasons 21 Minds 24 ___ moi lè deluge 26 Siestas 27 Droves 28 Turn inside out 29 Certain social gatherings 31 European 32 Over 34 Returns 35 Old Dutch coins 37 Decree 40 Revel 41 US author 44 Catcalls 46 Unexpected result 47 Dressmaker’s concern 48 Pronoun 49 Part 51 Zone 53 Came down 54 Greek letter 56 Common verb 57 Depot: abbr. FOOTWORK - SEPT. ISSUE

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GOINGS-ON VOSSLER FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE Come down to Vossler Farms for their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze. This family-fun fall destination combines everything you love about the autumn season, so don’t miss your chance to pick out your pumpkins and get lost in the corn maze. There will even be a “field of screams,” a fun Halloween thrill that will get your heart racing. When: Oct. 1-31 (check online for details) Where: Vossler Farms, 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: vosslerfarms.com VALLEY OAK SPCA WINE AND WAGS GALA You’re invited to the 7th annual Wine and Wags Gala to benefit the new adoption and education center for the Valley Oak SPCA. Enjoy music, delectable cuisine, premium wine tasting, plus a live and silent auction featuring trips, spa packages, wine baskets, artwork, and more. Tickets are $50 per person or $400 per table. When: Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. Where: Private residence in Visalia (call to confirm)

Contact: 651-1111 ext. 6 FORGING AHEAD BBQ You're invited to the Tulare County Historical Society's "Forging Ahead BBQ," featuring the musical entertainment of Dave Stamey and Annie Lyndon. Enjoy delicious tri-tip and chicken dinner barbeque while listening to some of the best Western music in the country. Tickets are $50, but seating is limited, so call today! When: Oct. 2, 3:30-6 p.m. Where: Tulare County Museum, Mooney Grove Park, Visalia Contact: 799-1164 or TulareCountyHistoricalSociety.org

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THE 23RD ANNUAL TASTE OF DOWNTOWN VISALIA This year is the 23rd annual Taste of Downtown Visalia. There will be more than 30 participating restaurants, wine tasting at Bank of the Sierra, and beer tasting at Suncrest Bank. Enjoy live music by Midnight Wine and ride the Visalia Towne Trolley. Tickets are $35 before Sept. 20 and $40 after. When: Oct. 4, 5-8:30 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: downtownvisalia.com, 732-7737 EXETER’S 103RD ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL Come on down to Exeter for a “Cowboy Boots & Hometown Roots” themed Fall Festival. There will be a 10k and 2-mile walk, pancake breakfast, horse shoe tournament, parade, car and bike show, bratwurst eating contest, and lots of entertainment for the kids. There will also be events in the week leading up to the Fall Festival, like a scarecrow contest, pumpkin carving, a Chamber Mixer, and more. When: Oct. 8, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Where: Exeter City Park Contact: Exeter Chamber of Commerce, 592-2919 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S The Alzheimer’s Association 3-mile Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. While registration is free, participants are expected to raise $100, and will receive a free t-shirt. Donations can be made online or through the mail. When: Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Where: Mooney Grove Park, 2700 S, Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: 753-8500, visaliawalk@alz. org, or act.alz.org/visalia2016

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION You are invited to join the Visalia Rescue Mission for their annual banquet to celebrate as you hear their history, as well as hope-filled restoration stories. Chances are, you'll be sitting right next to one of their graduates and not even know it. There is both a lunch and dinner option. When: Thursday, Oct. 13, 12 p.m. and/or 6 p.m. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: vrmhope.org TASTE THE ARTS FESTIVAL Hosted by the Arts Consortium, "Taste the Arts" is a day of celebration of the arts, featuring activities for the whole community. Enjoy more than 70 regional visual artist and their paintings, sculptures, steel work, photographs, gourds, and jewelry, as well as the featured entertainment of musical acts, dance troupes, and cultural performers spread across two different stages. This event is free. When: Oct. 15, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia, Garden Street Plaza and the Old Lumber Yard Contact: artsconsortium.org/ tastethearts TULARE COUNTY SYMPHONY – “BILLY THE KID” No composer better embodies the American Orchestral sound than Aaron Copland. The TCS highlights this composer with several selections as they also welcome the dynamic violinist Alexi Kenney to share a new American concerto by performer/ composer extraordinaire Edgar Meyer. Tickets are $30-$39.50 and can be purchased through the Tulare County Symphony. When: Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 732-8600

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ANNUAL SHISH-KEBAB LUNCHEON – ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH The St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem is holding their annual luncheon. The menu includes lamb shish-kebab, rice pilaf, green beans, salad, pita bread and bourma; donation $20. Service will be dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. When: Oct. 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Where: Elks Loge, 310 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 528-6892

37TH ANNUAL HARVEST OF HANDWOVENS The 37th annual “Harvest of Handwovens” by Handweavers of the Valley will take place on Oct. 22 this year. Demonstrations and exhibits by the Handweavers will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the sales floor will be opening starting at 10 a.m. When: October 22, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Exeter Veteran's Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter Contact: 561-4048 or hwotv.org

"SHINE BRIGHT BEYOND TONIGHT" BANQUET Love in the Name of Christ invites you to celebrate their 25th anniversary of serving our neighbors in need in Tulare County. The 25th annual banquet, "Shine Bright Beyond Tonight" with comedian Nazareth will be held at the Wyndam Hotel in Visalia. For ticket information, please call the number below. When: Oct. 20, 6 p.m. Where: Wyndam Hotel, 9000 W. Airport Dr., Visalia Contact: 733-8870

RUSSIAN GRAND BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS “THE SLEEPING BEAUTY” Following Russian Grand Ballet’s successful U.S. debut performance at Visalia Fox Theatre during its 2015 North American Tour, the troupe is returning to invite ballet lovers to the world’s favorite fairy tale. Sleeping Beauty captivates the hearts and imagination of all generations of ballet enthusiasts. When: Oct. 22, 8 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: foxvisalia.org

FOOD DAY WITH FOODLINK FOR TULARE COUNTY Food Day is a national celebration with a united vision for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food that is produced with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it. There will be cooking demonstrations, food samples, a nutrition “on the go” market, gardening workshops, and more. When: Oct. 22, 10-1 p.m. Where: FoodLink Warehouse, 611 2nd St., Exeter Contact: foodlinktc.org

FALL WINE AND DINE Sip, swirl, and support Habitat for Humanity at their Fall Wine and Dine event. Whether you are a first-timer, enthusiast, or connoisseur, join Habitat for Humanity and Café 225 for an amazing meal and wonderful wine to support a great cause. Reception starts at 5 p.m., and tickets are $60. Participants must be 21 or older. When: Oct. 23, 5 p.m. Where: 225 W. Main Street, Visalia Contact: hfhtkc.org or 734-4040

FROMAGE FROLIC – “A TOAST TO TOASTED CHEESE” Join the Visalia Parks and Recreation Foundation for “A Toast to Toasted Cheese,” a grilled cheese and winepairing event. Relax to the musical stylings of Jamie Hitchcock while you sample and vote, get your fill of delicious offerings, and then dance the night away to Run4Cover. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door. When: Oct. 29, 5–10 p.m. Where: Garden Street Plaza, downtown Visalia Contact: Carol Hoppert Hays, 713-4599, carolhhays@gmail.com BARK FOR LIFE IN EXETER The American Cancer Society presents Exeter’s 4th annual Bark For Life. Join ACS for a day of family fun as they celebrate the care-giving qualities of our canine friends. There will be vendors, a k9 demonstration, raffles, pictures with Santa, and more. There is no registration fee. All dogs must be leashed during the event. When: Nov. 5, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Where: Exeter’s Bark Park Contact: Hayley Tashjian, 731-0757 ARTSCAPES GARDEN TOUR Arts Visalia and Sequoia Riverlands Trust are hosting a garden tour that emphasizes awareness of the changes homeowners are making as we all adapt to the need to reduce our usage of water. When: Nov. 12 Where: Contact Arts Visalia for more information Contact: artsvisalia.org or 739-0905

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 or fax to 738-0909, attention Goings-On. 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, VICE MAYOR

Latest News MICRO-WORLD he city council recently voted to create an overlay district, which will allow micro brewery/wine businesses to open in the east downtown area. This will encompass approximately 220-acres bounded by Murray Avenue on the north, Ben Maddox Way on the east, Mineral King on the south, and Santa Fe to the west. While some sought to expand the area covered by this new overlay, the council declined in order to see if these new types of businesses will be the impetus needed for the development of east downtown. The new zoning amendment will remove existing requirements for a micro brewery/ winery to include a restaurant component and allows retail sale for offsite consumption. However, these establishments must be at least 200 feet distant from any existing sensitive uses, including elementary schools, children's museums, parks, or places of worship.

DISTRICT ELECTIONS We're only one-month away from Visalia's first district elections. The City Council amended the city code a couple of years ago to change from citywide to district elections, and to hold council elections in even-numbered years. Districts 1 and 2 are now up for grabs. Amy Shuklian will not be running in District 1, since she recently was elected to the county Board of Supervisors. Incumbent Bob Link is running again in his District 2. As an amateur political scientist, I am interested to see how district elections will change the way local campaigns are run. For instance, it should be a lot less expensive for a candidate to campaign in just one area of the city as opposed to citywide, fewer signs will be needed, and it will be much easier to walk precincts and meet the voters in a more limited area. District elections were also supposed to serve as encouragement for more minority candidates to run for local office, but none did this go-around. Maybe next time? We have some excellent candidates running in both races and we wish them all well. PICKLEBALL At our August 15th council meeting, the city council 32

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approved converting two of the tennis courts at Plaza Park into eight pickleball courts. The increasing popularity of this sport in Visalia and elsewhere has been amazing. At our meeting, we had a vigorous discussion by members of the public, both pro and con on this issue. Everyone agreed that we need more pickleball and tennis courts. The two separately fenced courts on the south side of the tennis complex at Plaza Park will be resurfaced, and will have permanent posts and nets installed with new striping and fencing. We hope to have these courts ready for our 2017 Senior Games and to host future tournaments. To host a tournament, a city must have at least eight pickleball courts. People who play pickleball usually stay and spend, populating our local hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. MIKI JAPAN TRIP We're down to one-month until our delegation of 11 Visalians depart for a seven-day visit to Miki Japan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our sister city relationship. I'll write more later to give you the details of that visit and about the experiences of our hardy adventurers/ambassadors! WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE! The city recently received the following "thank you" note from Michelle Pimentel of the Stonebridge neighborhood: "I took my dog on our morning walk, and lo and behold! I found five new crepe myrtles planted along the creek bank, replacing the poor dead roses that were recently removed. What a wonderful surprise! And they'll do well as they have dedicated water used at one time for the roses. The crepe myrtles will really perk up our section of the Packwood Creek trail. I don't know who to specifically thank, so I've addressed this thank you to all of you who have been working on this area (I'm sure it's purely coincidental that you chose my favorite crepe myrtle color!)." Thank you, Michelle, for noticing and for your nice comments. If you have questions or topics regarding the city, which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren.gubler@visalia.city, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren. blogspot.com.