Direct Magazine - December 2017 by Direct Magazine

CULTURE, COMMERCE, AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; THE HEART OF THE SOUTH VALLEY | DECEMBER 2017

M A G A Z I N E

The Creative Center Celebrates 40 Years!

VIRTUAL VALLEY

FITNESS

GARDENING

Considering Desktops, Laptops and Trade-Offs

Three Step Process to Reach Your Fitness Goals

Make a "Seed" Ornament

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INSIDE DECEMBER 2017 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

COVER STORY

4 THE CREATIVE CENTER

Celebrates 40 Years!

801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • fax 559.738.0909 email: direct@dmiagency.com B U S I N E S S M A N AG E M E N T

Malkasian Accountancy, LLP Gary Malkasian, CPA Jeffrey Malkasian, EA

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 © 2017 DMI Agency

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The Recipe Box

Valley Oak SPCA

Visalia Chamber Tulare Chamber

8 Virtual Valley

Fashion

Visalia First

Assessing our Progress

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PRO-PT

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F E AT U R E S

Considering Desktops, Laptops and Trade-Offs

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10 Meet A Local Mike D. Robertson Pastor, Visalia First

20 Craft Corner 21

Focus on Fitness

22 Visalia Rescue Mission

23 Gardening

24 Character Counts!

Make a "Seed" Ornament

27 Money Matters

25 Kids' Library

28 College Prep

Holiday Book Shopping Starts Now

29 Crossword

26 VUSD

30 Goings-On 32 Warren Reports

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THE CREATIVE CENTER

The Creative Center Celebrates 40 years of Service! Here’s to 40 more!

his year, 2017, is a huge milestone for the Creative Center and its clients, as it marks the 40th Anniversary of the program! The late Violet Ginsburg—who had a vision and driving passion to help adults with developmental disabilities reach goals, improve their life skills, and provide an outlet to express themselves through the arts—founded the program in 1977. Over the past 40 years, The Creative Center has grown from one building to several through the grounds, vans for transportation to various client performances and field trips, a grand gallery to display and sell the spectacular artwork done by the clients, and so much more. 40 YEARS OF SERVICE IS A BIG DEAL! WHAT DRIVES THAT KIND OF DEDICATION AT THE CREATIVE CENTER? The Creative Center is not just a Day Training Activity Center, licensed under and primarily funded by the State to provide assistance to adults with developmental disabilities in achieving their goals in life, but a place for them to showcase their talents as well! This year alone has presented so many opportunities for the clients, such as: attending the Self-Advocacy Conference in Sacramento; having the Blues Brothers perform in “Step Up for Down Syndrome” in Clovis and during the Rotary Club Breakfast; client artwork has been displayed and sold during First Friday art shows and Soup,

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Sip & Shop; and some clients have even performed and displayed their artwork for The Creative Center Foundation's fundraising events. WHAT TYPE OF FUNDRAISING EVENTS DOES THE CREATIVE CENTER FOUNDATION HOST? One event, in particular, is the Foundation's annual Super Bowl Sprint 5K run/2-mile walk, which has traditionally been held on Super Bowl Sunday for the past five years. Keeping up with the tradition, The Creative Center Foundation is excited to announce it will be celebrating their 6th annual Super Bowl Sprint in 2018. It is through fundraisers such as Super Bowl Sprint and Wine, Cheese and Jazz (which occurs in the spring), that the Foundation is able to continue with their mission to support the Creative Center by raising funds for capital improvement projects and by telling The Creative Center's story to the community. The highlight to these fundraisers, however, is the ability to showcase live musical performances by the clients to keep the energy high. WHAT DEFINES A CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR THE CREATIVE CENTER? Capital improvement projects are defined as “improvements or renovations made to The Creative Center facility to allow the clients a safe and accessible place to learn and expand their artistic talents.” For example, just last year The Creative

Center Foundation was able to raise the funds needed to install the muchneeded automatic doors on the Jon Ginsberg Gallery, several classrooms, and the Life Skills building. ARE THERE ANY UPCOMING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE WORKS? HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATE OR DONATE TO THIS PROJECT? The goal for 2018 is to raise money to update and renovate the bathrooms at The Creative Center. With that said, the net proceeds from the 6th Annual Super Bowl Sprint event will go towards benefiting this particular capital improvement project. The 6th Annual Super Bowl Sprint is scheduled take place on Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, 2018, at Mooney Grove Park. Early-registration is open now and can be found on The Creative Center Foundation website. If you are interested in sponsoring the event sponsorship, forms are also available at www.thecreativecenterfoundation.org. WILL THE CREATIVE CENTER CLIENTS HAVE ANY PERFORMANCES BEFORE SUPER BOWL SPRINT? Yes! December is a big month for The Creative Center clients and staff because of their spectacular Christmas production. This year, the performing arts department and Creative Center Players are excited to present “Christmas Around the World.” Tickets are now on sale! Everyone should attend at least one of The Creative

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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H VA L L E Y

Center performances, as they are so much fun; as an audience participant you will really get to see the clients in their element. The Christmas production performances will begin on Monday, December 4, 2017, and run through December 8, 2017. For times, reservations, and ticket information, please contact The Creative Center Administrative office at (559) 733-9329. Tickets tend to sell out quickly so be sure to get yours ASAP.

CAN YOU GIVE ME A SNAPSHOT OF THE SERVICES AND PROGRAMS THE CREATIVE CENTER OFFERS FOR ITS CLIENTS? The Creative Center offers training courses in Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Life Skills. The arts instructors are all professional artists and the life skills instructors have various specialties from cooking to gardening to money management and computers to help provide wide-scale training for lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges for our clients.

For more information about the program and ways to participate with The Creative Center, please visit our official website at www.thecreativecenter-visalia.org.

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VIRTUAL VALLEY

Considering Desktops, Laptops and Trade-Offs

omputing power and convenience exist in inverse proportions. The most powerful computers consume lots of space, require lots of power and make lots of noise. Buying the smallest, lightest, quietest and most portable computer means trading off computing prowess for convenience. Buy the computer necessary for the most demanding tasks you require on a regular basis, and a bit more. For video and audio work, I need the most 8

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powerful computer we can afford. If I want to ensure the computer lasts a few years, then a desktop tower offers options unmatched by a laptop. However, I also teach and present at conferences, which means I need a way to take my work with me. Video production is not the same as watching videos or playing games. The processing tasks differ, though they seem similar. The new High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) compression standard pushes the limits of computing. A good CPU and GPU combination provide power to play back stored video or to render video game images. Designing and rendering graphics or mixing high-end audio productions makes use of more CPU processing cores than play back. The best CPUs for creating media, the Intel Xeons and AMD Threadrippers, provide worse performance than Intel i7 and AMD Ryzen CPUs during game play and video viewing.

Modern central processors have several cores. Each core is, simplistically, a processor itself. The cores must share memory resources and communication lines to other components, so doubling cores does not double overall system performance. As cores are added to a CPU design, the top speed of the CPU must be lowered to prevent overheating. Workstations with CPUs featuring a dozen or more cores perform the math needed for media creation at blazing speed. There remain only so many “lanes” via which to send the results of the computations to other components. Games and videos often use only one or two cores, no matter how many cores are within a larger CPU. With fewer cores, consumer-class CPUs offer faster clock speeds, meaning each core of the processor runs more instructions per second. Serious gamers resort to specialized cooling systems to further “overclock” the CPUs and GPUs of the

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

computers. Overclocking improves gaming, but it also reduces the reliability of a computer. No video or audio production editor wants to risk reliability for playback speed. The best GPUs for content creation are mediocre, at best, too. The Nvidia Quadro and AMD Vega Frontier graphics cards are meant for two specialized purposes: the math required to create animations and artificial intelligence algorithms. An Nvidia Quadro 6000 video card costs $7000 (or more) but is easily outpaced by the $500 Nvidia GTX 1080 for gaming and video viewing. There are workstation class laptops with Xeon CPUs and high-end GPUs, but they have limited battery life, weigh more than seven pounds, and act as portable space heaters. Companies simply cannot, affordably, cram the power of a desktop into a convenient laptop size. A colleague bought a Razer Blade Pro laptop for video production only to discover it was too hot to use. It melted a plastic cooling stand with two fans. Thankfully, it wasn’t on her lap. Years ago, docking stations offered the promise of desktop power paired with laptop portability. Apple’s PowerBook Duo had a desktop-like base into which the laptop was inserted like a VHS tape. The Duo Dock offered a floppy drive, two expansion slots, video memory sockets, and even a coprocessor to add computing power. Colleagues added high-end video and audio cards to the Duo Dock. When they worked at their desk, the PowerBook had as much computing power as an expensive Macintosh. On the go, the PowerBook remained useful for basic tasks. Basic docks remain popular, offering more device connectivity, but not additional computing power. The promise of the PowerBook Duo faded away.

My wife uses an HP laptop with the HP Advanced Dock. Various devices remain plugged into the dock, in your office, so you don’t need to fuss with connecting and disconnecting cables to the laptop. There are six USB ports; audio in and out jacks; three different video connections (VGA, DVI and DisplayPort); old-style mouse,

keyboard, printer and serial ports; and an Ethernet jack. The dock also serves as a charging station. The connectivity is nice, especially if you have a beloved old keyboard or an aging printer without USB ports. If you want more memory, a faster processor or better graphics, you need a new computer. According to online review sites Tom’s Guide and AnandTech, a powerful laptop from Apple, Dell (Alienware), HP or Razer capable of 4K video editing and audio creation averages $2500. The best performing of these laptops (Apple and Razer) cost more than $4000 as tested, with features rivaling desktop systems. Yet, they still failed to match desktop performance. According to tests reported on 4KShooters.net, a site for digital film producers, expensive laptop systems were consistently half the speed of much cheaper desktop computers. Encoding five minutes of 4K video

required nearly 23 minutes on a new 2017 MacBook Pro, a speed comparable to Intel i7-based laptops from HP and Dell. The same video rendering required only 12 minutes on a mid-range desktop computer. One somewhat decent solution exists if you prefer a laptop. Thunderbird 3 (TB3) ports on high-end laptops support external graphics processing unit cases. These eGPU boxes allow the use of high-end, power-hungry graphics adapters from Nvidia and AMD with some laptop computers. Add a TB3 dock with a collection of connectivity options, and—at least when sitting on a cluttered desk—a laptop approaches the power of a desktop computer. The eGPU cases cost $250 or more for good quality. A good graphics card for content creation adds $700 or more. The TB3 dock, which will be needed to add external storage and devices, will add another $300 to the high-performance laptop solution. There are also cases for PCI cards using TB3, which allow you to add PCI-based expansion solutions to a laptop. The Sonnet Echo Express III case retails for $900. With a $2150 budget, an external docking setup for a high-end $4000 laptop might approach desktop performance. I’d rather buy a mid-range $1500 laptop and a high-end $3000 desktop I can expand and upgrade in the future. Those are the trade-offs computer buyers need to consider.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Visalia native Scott Wyatt recently completed his Master of Fine Arts in Film and Digital Technology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Scott has several additional graduate degrees and was a visiting professor of business communication at Carnegie Mellon University.

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

Mike D. Robertson

Occupation/Title: I serve as the lead pastor of Visalia First. My wife, Karen and I both work for the church. We have no children. How did you end up here in Visalia? I was serving as Vice President at Southwestern University just outside of Dallas. I am a part of the Assemblies of God denomination, and my predecessor had just resigned at Visalia First and became the Assistant Superintendent of the Southern California Assemblies. The pastoral search committee had to locate a pastor. A friend of ours had a dream that we would be a good fit for Visalia. She told her husband, her husband told the church, and here we are. Visalia First took a risk on me — I have more twang than I can explain. It sort of 10

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seems odd that a fellow with so much twang could pastor in California. How did you get your start in this line of work? I was born again at 19. I never saw myself in this line of work. My mom often said, “You are supposed to be a preacher.” I thought she was crazy. The only preachers I knew were broke and I was too acquainted with being poor that I did not aspire to be a pastor. I went to a Bible college to get a degree in business when someone asked me to speak at a little church in Maypearl, Texas. I shared that day and a couple of people were born again. It was then that I realized I was supposed to preach. Why are you passionate about your work? I made a very good sinner. Having grown up in a small town with nothing to do, I found plenty to do but it mostly consisted of living on the “dark side” of life. When I was 19 a lady said I needed God and invited me to church. She tricked me by telling me there were a lot of ladies at the church. So I went. That was the day I was marvelously born-again and filled with Holy Spirit. I had never felt such freedom. It was as if a 500-pound weight was lifted off my back. For the first time, I did not want to go back doing the same old thing I was doing. That night, four major habits left my life. What is the most challenging thing about your job? We always have more vision than we have money. God made us that way. Vision is like having a gallon of water on only an eight-ounce cup to pour it in. There is never enough capacity for the vision that God gives us. We set out to build a new 3,000seat auditorium. We started when we did not have enough money and we are now months away from completing it and we still don’t have enough money.

This project has definitely enlarged our capacity. At the end of the day, money is always attracted to vision. We now have our eyes focused on taking our present worship center and turning it into a wonderful children’s building. Again, more vision than provision. If you had to choose another career, what would it be? I would love to have Anthony Bourdain’s job. Or, I have always wanted to be a comedian. I have written two joke books. Tell us a little about life outside of work (hobbies, family, travel): I love movies and the NBA. I confessed to a counselor last year that I think I am possessed with a sports demon — I can’t get enough of ESPN. Also, I have visited 30 countries and would like to double that over the next decade. I love studying other cultures. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have been using the same shampoo since I was 17. A friend of mine was a hairdresser and convinced me that it was the best PH-balanced shampoo, and I have never found one that works any better for me. I buy it by the gallon. What about Visalia makes this a great community to live and work in? Karen and I have never met a more congenial people. And being from the south, we know what good hospitality looks like. I think because so many people from the south moved here during the Great Depression, it gave this valley a feel of southern hospitality. We love the Central Valley — they are our kind of people. Bonus question: If you were stranded on an island, what three objects would you take with you? I would take my wife. She has always been my best friend, and if a man is on an island he is going to need some fellowship. She is the best fellowship I have ever found — that is why we married. I would take a hand axe (we could build a hut with it and use it to prepare food), and I would take a cigarette lighter to build a big fire. I can’t stand cold weather.

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TEXT BY DR. RICHARD ROSE, III, OCS, PRO-PT HANFORD

It's that time of year again

for 5-10 minutes prior to attacking your run. Dynamic warm ups are preferred over static stretching.

urkeys are on sale in the grocery stores, main streets are being lined with garland and lights, and we are getting ready for the annual Turkey Trot and Christmas 5k’s in our communities. I’m sure most of us have been very diligent with our training and are looking to set a new PR (and I’m not talking amount of turkey eaten at Thanksgiving). However, there are a number of us cramming in our training so we can, at the very least, jog most of the way. All of us should be sure to follow a few simple rules with the end-of-year training:

2) Listen to your body. Especially for those cramming in their training, your body will give you signs of extra fatigue through slower runs, minor aches, and little pains that will not go away. It’s better to take an extra day off than to drive yourself into the pavement. Live to run another day. That being said, be sure to get the sleep you need and recover as hard as you are training. 3) Have fun. These training times and events are aimed at family time, reuniting with friends and running groups, and raising money for wonderful causes. Keep in mind these three little tips to make sure that you are at the starting line of your next race, and more importantly, crossing the finish line!

1) Warm up and cool down. Temperatures are cooler now (finally), so be sure to focus on a proper warm up and cool down. Our bodies have a tendency to maintain blood flow to vital organs when it gets cold. To ensure proper blood flow and elasticity of your larger muscle groups, ease into runs with some brisk walking or light jogging

I am dancing

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

A Warm and Comforting Cup of Joy to Share!

omemade food gifts are fun to make and share, especially during the holidays. There is something so special about giving a gift that you’ve put your hands and heart into — delicious cookies and cakes, spiced nuts, and even homemade beverages and liqueurs. I love sharing mixes, too; they extend that holiday feeling long after other treats have disappeared. Soups and pancake mixes are a great way to stretch out the celebrations, and over the years friends and family have anticipated the arrival of their favorites all wrapped up in baskets and bows. Holiday Ho Ho Cocoa Mix (adapted from an old Girl Scout Camp recipe) has been a hands-down favorite for my family. Every year we would break out our biggest mixing bowl and whisk up a huge batch, making an extra-sweet gift for our neighbors, teachers, coaches, and Scout leaders. This is a perfect mix for kids to help with; they’ll have fun choosing flavors, mixing the cocoa, dipping and sprinkling the spoons and helping to wrap the goodies in bags,

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boxes, and mugs. Don’t forget to fill up your favorite holiday tin with enough for your family to enjoy together as you celebrate the holiday season! In a very large bowl, combine: 8 C powdered dry milk 2 lbs. Nestle Quik Powdered Chocolate Milk Mix 1 lb. box confectioner’s (powdered) sugar

Want to give it a little something extra? • Top with more marshmallows or whipped cream and miniature chocolate chips • For peppermint cocoa, drop a candy cane into the hot cocoa and stir • Dip plastic spoons in chocolate candy melts and stir in for extra rich cocoa

1 lb. coffee creamer, plain or flavored

• For cinnamon cocoa, drop a few red-hot candies into the hot cocoa and stir

2 - 3 oz. canisters “Mallow Bits” tiny marshmallows (mix in or package separately)

• Dip spoons into peanut butter candy melts to stir in for chocolate-peanut butter cocoa

Using a large whisk, mix together until everything is thoroughly combined and there are no lumps. If the powdered sugar looks lumpy in the box, sift it into the bowl.

• Try dipping spoons in different candy melt flavors: raspberry, marshmallow, eggnog, gingerbread, etc.

Store in airtight containers or Ziploc bags. Makes about 20 cups of mix. To make the cocoa, combine 4 T dry mix with 1 C hot water and mix well. Multiply by appropriate quantities for serving in batches.

• Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the dipped spoons with holiday sprinkles, tiny marshmallows, crushed candy canes or miniature chocolate chips As you can see, the possibilities are deliciously endless. Enjoy, and Happiest Holidays to you! For more of Sue’s tips and tricks, or how to make the boiled cider visit www.itsokaytoeatthecupcake.com

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

VALLEY OAK SPCA Housetraining 101

ome lucky dog and cat owners never have to deal with the frustrations of pet accidents. Some dogs pick up the habit of going outside perfectly and some cats would never think of using anything but the litter box. For the other less than lucky pet owners, here are a few tips and causes for accidents in the house. First, find out why your pet is not urinating in the appropriate areas. Medical Issues If your pet was previously housetrained and has recently begun soiling in prohibited areas, a trip to the veterinarian should be the first thing on your list. There are many medical conditions that can contribute to accidents, including incontinence, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, diabetes, kidney disease and Cushing’s disease. There are also a number of medications that can cause frequent urination. Ask your vet if the medication your pet is on can be a contributing factor. New Puppy or Kitten In other words, you are starting from scratch. It’s your job to teach your puppy when and where to relieve him/ herself. Very young pups (under 12 weeks old) don’t have complete bladder control and might not be able to hold it very long. Kittens have a natural instinct to use a litter box but may need some encouragement. After the kitten eats, place him in a shallow litter pan, hold his paw in your fingers and mimic a scratching movement. This done a few times is usually sufficient to begin the habit of using the box. The safest method for young puppies that are not yet fully vaccinated is to use puppy pads (newspaper can work also). Using a puppy pen or confined space like a bathroom or bedroom is a good idea for the times when you cannot give your puppy

full attention (baby gates are great when you have a puppy). Put lots of puppy pads in the pen or confined area. When the pup soils on the pad give praise, treats, and some petting or play. Gradually decrease the amount of puppy pads until you have just one or two and increase the amount of freedom your puppy has to roam. If the puppy continues to use the pads, terrific! If not, replace some of the pads and start over. Once your pup is fully vaccinated, or if you are completely confident that you’ve not had Parvo or any other highly contagious disease in your backyard, it’s time to start training them to use the backyard instead of the pads. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement, close supervision and a consistent schedule. Watch for early signs that your puppy needs to eliminate. Pacing, whining, circling, sniffing or leaving the room are all signs your puppy needs to go out. When the pup makes it outside successfully, be sure to shower him with praise, treats and play.

Your dog will most likely need to eliminate immediately after being released from the crate. This is your chance to take him outside and reward him for going in the right place. Valley Oak SPCA Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic 9405 West Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291 For clinic information and appointments, please call (559) 741-1121 or (559) 741-0492 Valley Oak SPCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 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

PET OF THE MONTH

Crating & Exercise A healthy pet is a happy pet. Exercise plays a major role in keeping your pets healthy. Taking your dog for daily walks will not only keep them physically fit, but will also help with digestive issues and constipation. Cats need active play to keep them happy and healthy. A variety of toys and scratching posts are a must for your pet cat. You can use a crate to safely contain your dog during the night and whenever you can’t monitor his/ her behavior. Dogs don’t like to soil in their sleeping areas, so your dog will naturally avoid eliminating in his crate. The crate should be sized so your dog can lie down comfortably, stand up without having to crouch, and easily turn around in a circle.

Hi, I’m Pete! Looking for a playful, energetic, and loving BFF? Well, I think I’m the perfect pup for you. I’m a very friendly, outgoing pup and would make a great companion in an active home. Am I the one you’ve been looking for? Come see me at Valley Oak SPCA!

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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. Leadership Visalia Alumni Mixer. The Visalia Chamber Leadership Alumni hosted their first networking mixer at Barrelhouse Brewing Co. on October 12. Leadership Alumni attendees participated in Leadership classes from 1988 to 2017. We look forward to hosting more mixers for our Alumni to reunite in the coming year. 2. Welcome to Visalia SOUP. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce hosted its second Visalia SOUP event on Friday, October 20, at the TCOE office on South Mooney. There were more than 70 people in attendance to hear four proposals. SOUP is a community based crowd-funding dinner. After the proposals were heard, guests enjoyed music from local Ukelele player, Edward Hernandez, and delicious soup donated by Mache. Attendees then placed their vote for who they thought should win the pot of money. Lety Chavez with Hood Outreach Ministry was the winner and walked away with the money collected at the door. Attendees also heard from former SOUP winner, Greg Morentin, who reported he has begun teaching martial arts classes for autistic students through the City of Visalia Parks and Recreation Department. 3. The Visalia Young Professionals Network hosted a mixer at the new Planing Mill location. More than 70 people attended to network and meet new people. Thank you to Planing Mill for hosting and providing delicious food, to 4Creeks and 4Creeks Global for sponsoring the drinks, and to Component Coffee and the Visalia Chamber for the great door prizes. Kathy Looper, executive director of Gloria House, made a presentation to the group explaining how and why Gloria’s house is necessary for our community and asked Young Professionals to get involved. 4. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Candidates College for community members who are interested in learning what it takes to run for elected office and how to support someone who is planning to run for office. The two-day workshop included information regarding building a campaign team, campaign fundraising and finance, as well as a panel of past and current elected officials.

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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. Eagle Scout candidate Ryan Kalama held a ribbon cutting for his Eagle Scout project, which was to refurbish the three community civic group sign boards in Tulare. Thank you to Ryan and his team members for making a difference and thank you to the local civic clubs and businesses who financially supported the project. 2. The Tulare Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors organized a school supply drive. The donated items will be stored at the Tulare City School District Office and distributed to children who have been through a difficult situation, such as being removed from their home, and therefore don't have school supplies. The Chamber is grateful for the work the Ambassadors do for the Chamber and community! 3. A mega-networking mixer was held at the Tulare Outlets in November. The Tulare, Visalia, Porterville, Fresno, and Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chambers of Commerce were all invited to attend the evening filled with great food, a live band, and amazing prizes. Thank you to the Tulare Outlets for providing this networking opportunity for businesses in the region. 4. The 2018 Chamber Board of Directors and staff leadership recently gathered for the Annual Planning Meeting & Retreat. The session agenda included a review of the accomplishments in 2017 and established the goals for the coming year. The team developed a comprehensive program of work focused on the priorities of economic development, community promotion, business advocacy, and opportunities for membership engagement.

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FASHION TEXT BY SHARON MOSLEY

Party Pick-Me-Ups

f you've got a few celebrations coming up this holiday season, but don't feel like pulling out that little black dress one more time, then it may be time to refresh your wardrobe. But you don't have to spend a fortune to get the party started. Here are some inexpensive ways to add some instant pizzazz this holiday season with just one or two accessories.

have to spend a fortune to add some plush pleasure to your wardrobe. Check out the stoles, scarves and wraps that will instantly give anything you wear a luxurious touch. There are also plenty of chic fur muffs and cuffs that will dress up even the most basic of sweaters. Think oversized this time around, and think pink for the holidays.

Start with shoes. Dorothy knew the power of those sparkling red slippers. And it's true. One new pair of glamorous heels (or flats) can instantly transform an outfit, no matter how many times you've worn it. The party shoes this year are ready to click their way into your closet. Pick from crystal-embellished strappy heels, glittering cage sandals, gold lace-ups or sequin stilettos. These statement evening shoes make getting dressed day or night extra special. Reboot with boots. If you want your toes to do more than twinkle, then a new pair of boots may be just the kickstart your wardrobe needs. One of the best reboots this year is the thigh-high boot. In soft suede, laced-up the back, these boots are a sexy way to update short skirts or dresses. Velvety embroidered ankle boots are another way to amp up your holiday looks with festive flair. Wrap up in faux fur. Yes, it's a big fashion trend this year, but let's face it, faux fur is here to stay. And you don't

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Bring on the bling. If there's ever a moment to shine, it’s during the holidays. This season is the perfect excuse to step out in the spotlight with major jewelry. Bigger is better. Those

tiny diamond stud earrings may be okay for every day, but when cocktails are calling, so are the bigger baubles. Whether it's chandelier earrings, pendant necklaces, multi-strand chokers or studded jeweled cuff bracelets, these glittering accessories are meant to be seen. It's in the bag. Handbags are always essential … even when we party hardy. Evening handbags can often be all the jewelry you need. Elegant clutches encrusted with pearls or studded with crystals are always a fun way to stash your essentials. From studded wristlets to velvety pouchettes and small suede shoulder bags, there's a cocktail purse for every special occasion. Choose one that will complement all your holiday outfits, and give you plenty of festive style for years to come. Love those gloves. If you're bored to death with that little black shift dress you've worn for the past few years, then slip into an elegant pair of long, opera-style suede gloves and see how they make you feel. Evening gloves are often a forgotten accessory, but they are one of the most glamorous options for holiday soirees. The fall/ winter designer collections were filled with gloves embellished with beautiful details like floral appliques and embroidery. Cuffs get special treatment, too, trimmed with crystal pave, pearls and fur.

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

AUTO SHOP

Extended Car Warranties Here is my take on extended car warranties … they are not worth the price you pay. Here is an example of just one: A customer came in and we did a minor repair. Next, we discovered his blower was not working. The customer said, “No problem, I bought an extended warranty and it covers everything … you know, the Gold Plan!” I gave the company a call and explained the problem and they said, “No, not covered.” I was shocked since the plan was $4,000. “Give me the phone!” exclaimed my customer! Well, I cannot repeat the conversation, if you get my drift. This is just one case in many I’ve witnessed. You also are responsible for any charges a warranty company will not cover to the repair facility. So save your money — you will be ahead in the long run. In other news, our grandson Joel’s last MRI was clean! As we continue to pray for him, we also pray for my niece, Gina, who is battling a brain tumor.

This season’s sweetest treats are here.

PEPPERMINT MOCHA & HOLIDAY PIES The perfect holiday gift – McDonald’s gift cards!

Exeter • Lindsay • Farmersville Visalia • Tulare • Porterville

Till next issue,

Jim and Staff Follow this link to learn about the basics of your car. theautoshop.mynapasa.com

At participating McDonald’s. Limited time offer.

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VISALIA FIRST TEXT BY PASTOR GREG CULTRA

Awaking the Wonder

want you to think of the first Christmas you can remember … it probably started weeks or even months before Christmas. You made a list of what gifts you wanted; maybe you circled them in a magazine or an ad that came in the mail. You told your parents what you wanted and wondered about how magical it would be to actually get those gifts. As Christmas drew closer you found it harder and harder to sleep at night as the excitement of the day overcame you. As Christmas Eve arrived, the wonder and awe you felt became almost uncontainable. On that night, you tossed and turned and barely fell asleep because you just could not wait for Christmas morning to arrive. After a couple more hours of sleep you woke up and ran into your parents’ room to wake them up, and made your way to the tree. All of this was so grand in your mind that it almost exploded. The anticipation and wonder of Christmas was almost better than the actual day for you. After a couple of years like this somehow the wonder of Christmas slipped away. Maybe it was something that went wrong and your parents weren’t together anymore, or maybe hard times hit and the presents got smaller, or maybe you found out Santa could never fit down a chimney. Whatever happened, the wonder faded. There is something inside all of us that wants to wonder. We want to be in awe of things; it is why people are enthralled with love; it is why the unknown intrigues us; it is why the

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beauty of nature grips us. Somewhere though it seems like the wonder of many things dies. Life gets busy and hectic and we lose the wonder. Let me take it one step further though: Have you lost your wonder and awe of God?

said, the wonder of God in America is wearing off. So, what do we do? Do we bow to the momentum that is seemingly unrelenting and unbeatable or do we begin to restore the wonder? I challenge you to awaken the wonder! When we look at the world’s view of God and compare it with the Psalmists’, they aren’t even close. Look at these scriptures: Psalm 40:5 Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 71:17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. Psalm 72:18 Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders.

In the society we live in today, there are not many things that are unexplainable. We have science, math, computers, and every technology imaginable. If you want to know something you simply have to Google it. That same society has reduced God to an ethereal idea that is only for the weak-minded and those that are unrealistic. People are leaving their faith in God faster than ever before. Simply

God is so much more than people believe He is! He is not some imagined being who is sitting on a throne waiting for us to make a mistake. He is a living, breathing God who wants deeply to have a relationship with each one of us! My hope for you is that you would take time this Christmas season to restore the wonder of God you maybe once had, or to find the wonder you have never had. If you are looking for ways to do that, I recommend doing Advent. If you have kids, I recommend the book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas, by Anne Voskamp. We would also love to invite you to Christmas services at Visalia First, December 23 at 5 p.m. and December 24 at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and a special Christmas Eve service that night.

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PROOF

A La Mode Holiday Magazine RJP

11/25/15

8½” x 11”

11/6/15 20 PST

AD REP: Write up any changes on this proof and resubmit it to the production manager for edits to be completed and to receive a corrected proof. If ART IS APPROVED, record it above and file this proof and attached form in your records. If the ad sale is affirmed, be sure to record it on the Run SHeeT so that it will be given space on the publication. This proof displays artwork at 82% of actual size.

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CRAFT CORNER TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Tube Sock Snowman

inter holidays are upon us. Many families will be making trips to the mountains to play in the snow and make snowmen. If you can't make it to the snow, you can make your own snowman right in the comfort of your home. WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • A white tube sock • 3 rubber bands • Color markers • Buttons • Scissors • Material for a scarf • Pompoms • Glue gun or tacky glue • Stuffing (foam, paper, socks, cotton — whatever you find)

DIRECTIONS: • Cut the top of the sock off at the stretch part • Using the color markers, color the stretch part of the sock and then tie the top of the stretch part with a rubber band. This will be the hat. Put pompom on top of the hat. • Stuff the sock 2/3 full • Tie with a rubber band • Stuff the remainder of the sock and tie with another rubber band. • Use the glue gun or tacky glue to decorate the snowman with buttons or pompoms for the eyes and nose, and use a marker to make the mouth. • Take some buttons and glue them down the front of the belly of the snowman. • With the material, make a scarf to tie around the neck.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

ImagineU Museum will be having their Winter Camp December 18-22. Full and half-day sessions are available. Night of the Museum "Winter Wonderland" will be Friday, December 29, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Please call the museum for more information, or visit our website at www.imagineumuseum.org. 20

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FOCUS FITNESS ON

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

Step #1: Map out a plan. Keep it simple and write out your goals, both shortterm and long-term. The short-term goals will keep you focused; when you reach your short-term goals it creates momentum and confidence that will keep you moving forward and motivated. Then write out your longterm goals so you have a long-term target to keep you focused and consistent.

Three Step Process to Reach Your Fitness Goal

n this article I’m going to lay out the game plan to help you reach your health and fitness goals, both short-term and long-term, and it will be a lot easier than you think. It’s a simple three-step process to ensure you get results and stay consistent. This plan will end the ups and downs of weight gain and keep you fit year-round. Don’t think because this information is so simple that it’s not effective, causing you to brush it off. You can do this — just stick to the plan!

There you have it, my simple threestep process to reach your fitness goals: map out a plan, be consistent, and pre-plan your meals. If you follow these three simple steps, then you will have success. Remember results will take as long as they take, but if you focus on taking positive daily steps forward toward your goals, you will reach them, guaranteed! You can do this, I believe in you.

Step #2: Be consistent and workout early. No matter what happens in your day or life, be consistent with your workout routine. Make it a priority and don’t skip it. Eliminate all excuses by getting in your workout first thing in the morning before your busy day begins; this will eliminate the issues that come up after work (like feeling too tired). Don’t skip workouts because one skipped workout leads to two, three, and four, and before you know it you're out of your routine. Step #3: Pre-plan your meals. Follow the advice of Winston Churchill: “He who fails to plan is planning to fail.” The biggest key to long-term fitness and weight loss success is having proper nutrition. When you pre-plan your meals, you know exactly what you’re putting in your body, what the calories are, and what the nutrients are. Learn to say no, and use moderation. When you pre-plan your meals, you will eliminate a lot of poor food choices that are made when we are scrambling for food when we are hungry, grabbing what is available.

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EmpowerFitnessTraining.com

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VISALIA RESCUE MISSION TEXT BY RYAN STILLWATER, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, VISALIA RESCUE MISSION

Wins+Losses+You

t’s Halloween and I’m walking into the contact office at our Shelter of Hope for Women and Children, with a big bag of donated treats for the kids. As I open the door, I immediately see one of our staff, Robin, comforting a crying girl. I do my best to lighten her mood with candy from the bag I’m holding. She stifles her tears a bit, accepts the gift, and leaves the office. “Just another day at the office,” Robin says with a kind smile on her face. As I write this, the number of children needing overnight shelter has tripled since last year (2016 Total: 61; 2017 to-date: 203). That’s essentially one new child coming for shelter every day and a half. This summer, thanks to a grant from Visalia County Center Rotary, VRM began a Summer Services* program for mothers with children at our shelter. The funding allowed us to staff the shelter 24-hours a day so these families had a safe place to escape the heat. One of the mothers has been sober for a year, but lost her job and then her apartment. “I thought they would take my kids from me if I came to a shelter,” she told me. With three children, how can this mom get back on her feet without this practical support? As 2017 comes to a close, we are reflecting on all of the wins we have enjoyed, as well as the losses we have experienced. Here is just one example of each: WIN: 17 men and women graduated from our Life Change Academy after a year commitment, with several joining our staff. Our last graduation was attended by a Tulare County Judge and Probation Officer who came to celebrate the “lost cause” they had been assigned to — a young woman they believed would always run from her problems. What a testimony! LOSS: Our staff attended two funerals this year. One service was for a former Academy resident who left the Academy early for a job. He later relapsed into his addiction and tragically 22

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Every year, in addition to the passed away. The other service was for overnight shelter for men, women, and a homeless woman who was murdered children, we serve over 100,000 meals in the middle of night four months ago and provide hundreds of hours in right here in Visalia. As I stood in front counseling and classes for our Academy of her open casket, I found myself residents. While these services and apologizing — apologizing for not doing resources are provided at no cost, the more, for a broken system that is able to operational cost to us as an help some, but not all, and I apologized organization is great: $1.92 per meal, $11 that she died alone in a planter bed. per shelter night, and $18.32 per day in One of my favorite parts of my job is our Life Change Academy. speaking to local groups and churches. I However you choose to engage the get to stare at faces like yours, with the need in your community with us, we are expression you’re making right now as so grateful to have you and provide an you read the stories above. Whether avenue for you to live out your faith. you’ve got the furrowed brow of new Only together can we see lives changed. vision or teary eyes of compassion, you want to help, and we want to help you *VRM has continued the Summer do that. The first step in helping the Services program post-grant funding. If you are interested in financially supporthurting is often scary, but if you’ve read ing 24-hour services for women and this much, I’m guessing you’re ready to children, please contact Ryan at take that step. ryan@vrmhope.org. As you may know, VRM is 100 percent privately funded by this GIVE A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK generous vrmhope.org/donate community. That means every dollar you donate makes a difference and every hour you volunteer is truly life changing. You can sign up right now to serve a GIVE BACK WITH YOUR TIME meal in our vrmhope.org/volunteer community kitchen, or if you have a minimum of four hours to give per week, you can GIVE BACK WITH YOUR VOICE vrmhope.org/pray become a High Impact Ministry Volunteer and become part of the team. Don’t know where to serve? Just ask yourself, “What do I enjoy doing already? What am I good at?” GIVE BACK WITH YOUR TREASURE

GIVE

VOLUNTEER

PRAY

DONATE vrmthrift.org

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GARDENING TEXT BY SUSAN SCHIEFERLE, UCCE MASTER GARDENER

Make a "Seed" Ornament

ince December is usually cold and dreary outdoors, let’s make a fun holiday gift that keeps on giving into the spring! You and your child can make herb or flower seed paper and shape into a hanging ornament for a gift. The recipient can plant this ornament in the garden in spring after tearing the seed paper into small pieces. How awesome is that? And you will have fun making the seed paper! YOU WILL NEED: • 8 jumbo craft sticks • 12” x 12” piece of cheesecloth or small piece of screen • White craft glue • Electrical tape • 9” x 12” piece of construction paper (red or green) • Eater • Herb or flower seeds • Red or green ribbon • Blender • 9” x 9” baking pan • 2 old kitchen towels • Scissors • Hole punch

4. Use electrical tape to cover the frame, tucking the overlapping cheesecloth under the tape. This will protect the sticks from water later. 5. Tear pieces of colored paper into about 1”-2” squares. Place half into a blender and barely cover with a small amount of warm water. It is better to add less warm water at first. Blend until a thick “paste” is formed, adding more colored squares and/or more warm water as needed. 6. Fill a 9” x 9” pan halfway with warm water. Pour the paper paste into this pan and stir gently. Stir in flower or herb seeds (I used basil seeds). Stir well.

9. Carefully (child, with the help of an adult) put your screen on the towel on the counter. Place the other towel on top of the screen. Flip it upside down, turning over and placing back on the counter. 10. Carefully remove the towel that is now on top, using another towel to get out excess water. 11. Flip it over again on a towel and place the seed frame with the towel under it in a warm place to dry. I put mine in the warm afternoon sun.

7. Place a clean towel on a counter. Dip your cheesecloth/screen frame into the pan mixture, going underneath the layer of paper and seeds (pretend you are panning for gold!). Bring the frame to the surface and move back and forth to get an even surface on your screen. 8. Lift straight out of the water, allowing excess to drip off into the pan.

12. When dry, cut out the paper around the inside of the frame into the shape of an ornament. Punch a hole on top and tie a ribbon to make a bow. You have an awesome ornament that can be planted in spring!

Directions: 1. For the frame, glue together the corners of four jumbo craft sticks. 2. Lay the cheesecloth or screen over the sticks, completely covering the sticks. 3. Glue a second layer of sticks to two opposite sides of the frame OVER the cheesecloth or screen. You will have to break off part of the inside craft sticks to fit snugly. You and your child need to pull the cheesecloth tightly. DRY.

Happy Gardening!

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

ALWAYS ON DUTY

pontaneous applause broke out during Mrs. Avila’s Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) class when she shared a recent incident regarding Ulises Diaz, one of the students in the class. “Emergency medicine is not about if, it is about when. Ulises realized this first-hand during his ambulance ride-along where his assistance conducting Hands-Only CPR for 15 minutes saved a person’s life.”

The EMT class is provided by Porterville High School’s Pathways Academy of Health Sciences. As students receive a strong foundation in medical sciences, they also have the opportunity to earn certificates in areas such as CPR. The students gain real world, hands-on skills by learning from local medical professionals. Ulises remembers the ambulance call originally came in as a Triage 4/5 – a simple illness. Upon arriving at the location, he heard the dreaded phrase “stopped breathing.” Realizing this was now a Triage 1 life-threatening emergency, he knew his immediate help would be required. Ulises recalls, “When we arrived at the site, I noticed the patient’s eyes were open, even though breathing had stopped. I had never seen that before, but I knew I couldn’t get nervous. I had to do my job or the person would die. I did what I was told and took over chest compressions while the EMTs handled other medical needs. We did this all the way to the hospital where six doctors were ready to take over for us.” Ulises continues, “At first, I thought enrolling in a health pathways academy

was a mistake. It wasn’t really anything I was interested in doing. But looking back, I really didn’t know just how important it is to help people. My mind shifted to, ‘How can I not help people? How can I stand by and do nothing when someone needs life-saving attention?’ Now I am really glad I joined this academy.” With the holidays approaching, Mrs. Avila’s EMT class will be providing awareness to staff and students on campus about the increased dangers of heart attack deaths during the December/January holiday season, as reported by the American Heart Association. Their awareness efforts will include Sidewalk CPR trainings during school lunch breaks for students and staff. Ulises encourages all to take part. “By learning as much as you can about how to help someone in an emergency situation, it will actually help you not freak out when it does come time to help. Calling 911 for a cardiac arrest isn’t enough – you need to do more.” A life was saved by a young man who decided to do more. Thank you, Ulises Diaz. ”

More on Hands-Only CPR: Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives. Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in a public place die because they don't receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene. As a bystander, don't be afraid. Your actions can only help. How to Give Hands-Only CPR. If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of any tune that is 100-120 beats per minute. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival. Sidewalk CPR trainings are designed for Good Samaritan responders. It takes just 10 minutes to learn how to keep a cardiac arrest victim alive until paramedics arrive. Hands-Only CPR focuses on the first few minutes following a cardiac arrest, since the lungs and blood contain only enough oxygen to keep vital organs healthy for that amount of time. http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/Programs/HandsOnlyCPR/UCM_473196_Hands-Only-CPR.jsp

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KIDS' LIBRARY TEXY BY LEE LITTLEWOOD

Holiday Book Shopping Starts Now

ard to believe, but it's time to start holiday shopping. Remember, reading is fundamental, and books are the gifts that keep on giving. These new books and sets will make some young people very happy. Dragons Love Tacos: The Definitive Collection by Adam Rubin; illustrated by Daniel Salmieri; Dial/Penguin.

Who doesn't love dragons and tacos? Nobody. Dragons know this, and they also love tacos. Dragons Love Tacos is a New York Times best-seller. Its follow-up picture book is Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel. With highenergy, extremely witty hilarity on every page, Adam Rubin's gut busters are so funny they're worthy of reading over and over again. This collection, packaged in a sturdy box with original new artwork on the front, will provoke more laughs than just a dragon, toy, or taco under the tree.

and gift-worthy. Twelve classic scenes, each with a brand new game and landscape format, include a surprise at the end and extra searches.

wondrous feats of arms" penned presumably by Sir Lancelot Marshall, master of the Secret Order of the Round Table.

Low-tech but high on inquisitiveness and fun, Where's Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! is super keen for kids ages five to nine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or, let's be honest, any age.

It's hard to describe the glorious details and authenticity of this interactive book, from the ancient font, to the exquisite illustrations, to the foldouts, pop-ups, maps and minibooks. There's even a purple jewel embedded in a goblet on the last page, as well as three on the cover insignia. Know a knight lover? Knightology is a gift extraordinaire.

A Little House Picture Book Treasury by Laura Ingalls Wilder; HarperCollins; 208 pages. Generations of readers have loved Laura Ingalls Wilder's tales of life on the prairie. Kids today relate to the dramatic tales of family and adventure, and the strong little girl who tells it all. With a bolder, more colorful look, this new picture book treasury is aimed at younger readers, with larger text and friendly illustrations. Six stories in all are presented, with gold-tipped pages adding to the book's gift-worthy status. Youngsters ages four to eight will thoroughly enjoy accompanying Laura, Mary, Carrie, Pa, Ma and bulldog Jack as they travel to town, county fairs, and experience spring snowfalls, cozy winter days and holidays.

Spongebob Comics: Treasure Chest by Stephen Hillenburg; Abrams ComicArts; 200 pages.

Where's Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! by Martin Handford; Candlewick Press; 34 pages. Martin Handford's phenomenon Where's Waldo? has sold more than 58 million copies. Handford's aim has always been to inspire kids to open their minds and be more aware of what's around them, and to prove there's wonder everywhere they look. That's certainly true in his books. Destination: Everywhere! was released for the 30th anniversary of Waldo, and it's oversized

Spongebob Squarepants fans young and old will love this 200-page comic book that also features AquaMan and other characters in many different styles and stories. Twenty-eight different comic book stories, plus a five-part "Showdown at the Shady Shoals" and an introduction from creator Stephen Hillenburg make this the ultimate Spongebob SquarePants gift.

Knightology: A True Account of the Most Valiant Knights by Dugald A. Steer; Candlewick; 28 pages. Older kids who wish to enter the Order of Knights will be enthralled with this "true account of the most valiant knights, of their great chivalry and

Truly unique, sturdy, hilarious, artsy and very cool, Hillenburg's Spongebob Comics also offers a bonus pinup gallery full of 22 pages of retro-tinged undersea art, as well as a reprint of the premiere issue "He's Ready!" With a Spongebob musical starring on Broadway, this fantastic book, housed in a sturdy box, is my favorite of all. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

Assessing Our Progress

n late September, the State Department of Education released to the public standardized testing scores for schools and districts across California. This was the third release of scores under the new assessment system, the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Under the new school accountability system, known as the California School Dashboard, test scores are only part of the overall description and evaluation of schools and school districts. Even so, test scores tell an important story. Visalia Unified's test scores on CAASPP declined last school year. With regard to the percentage of our students who met or exceeded academic standard on English Language arts, our performance decreased from 48 percent to 47 percent in 2017. Our percentage of

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students who met or exceeded academic standard in Mathematics decreased from 32 percent to 31 percent in 2017. While we are not satisfied with these results, it is important to note that many individual students experienced growth on the CAASPP tests and some schools in our district displayed growth in either ELA or Mathematics or both. And growth is what we are after for individual kids, schools, and our district. Test scores across the state held steady the 2016-2017 school year. For California, the percentage of students who met or exceeded academic standard remained at 49 percent in English Language Arts and at 37 percent in Mathematics. For Tulare County, the percentage of students who met or exceeded academic standard remained at 38 percent in English Language Arts and at 25 percent in Mathematics. So, for perspective, Visalia Unified continues to fall short of the state average, but leads the county average in performance. There are two movements, one statewide and one local, that need to be understood to have a more complete sense for what is happening in schools. The first of these is that we are currently

engaged in a significant period of change in education in California. With a new set of standards, a new assessment system, a new school finance system, and a new accountability system all enacted in our state within the past seven years, schools and school districts find themselves adapting to changes on an unprecedented scale. In Visalia Unified specifically, we are working to reorganize to adapt better to these changes, which are reflected in our district-wide goals. These five goals focus our efforts on rigorous instruction and support, collaborative culture, school climate, hiring and maintaining talented and productive staff, and aligning resources to support all goals. The goals provide us with an architecture that frames how we can achieve sustained growth in all areas. In combination, these changes represent an enormous opportunity to improve our programs and systems. We find ourselves engaged in adapting to our new environment and it is clear we are moving in a good direction. Although our most recent test scores did decline, I am convinced we will be more able to serve our kids better as a result of our work in all areas.

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MONEY MATTERS CONTRIBUTED BY PENNEY R. SICK, RAYMOND JAMES

Ten Year-End Tax Tips for 2017

ere are 10 things to consider as you weigh potential tax moves between now and the end of the

year.

1. Set aside time to plan. Effective planning requires that you have a good understanding of your current tax situation, as well as a reasonable estimate of how your circumstances might change next year. There's a real opportunity for tax savings if you'll be paying taxes at a lower rate in one year than in the other. However, the window for most tax-saving moves closes on December 31, so don't procrastinate. 2. Defer income to next year. Consider opportunities to defer income to 2018, particularly if you think you may be in a lower tax bracket then. For example, you may be able to defer a year-end bonus or delay the collection of business debts, rents, and payments for services. Doing so may enable you to postpone payment of tax on the income until next year. 3. Accelerate deductions. You might also look for opportunities to accelerate deductions into the current tax year. If you itemize deductions, making payments for deductible expenses such as medical expenses, qualifying interest, and state taxes before the end of the year instead of paying them in early 2018, could make a difference on your 2017 return.

4. Factor in the AMT. If you're subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT), traditional year-end maneuvers such as deferring income and accelerating deductions can have a negative effect. Essentially a separate federal income tax system with its own rates and rules, the AMT effectively disallows a number of itemized deductions. For example, if you're subject to the AMT in 2017, prepaying 2018 state and local taxes probably won't help your 2017 tax situation, but could hurt your 2018 bottom line. Taking the time to determine whether you may be subject to the AMT before you make any year-end moves could help save you from making a costly mistake. 5. Bump up withholding to cover a tax shortfall. If it looks as though you're going to owe federal income tax for the year, especially if you think you may be subject to an estimated tax penalty, consider asking your employer (via Form W-4) to increase your withholding for the remainder of the year to cover the shortfall. The biggest advantage in doing so is that withholding is considered as having been paid evenly through the year instead of when the dollars are actually taken from your paycheck. This strategy can also be used to make up for low or missing quarterly estimated tax payments. 6. Maximize retirement savings. Deductible contributions to a traditional IRA and pre-tax contributions to an employersponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k) can reduce your 2017 taxable income. If you haven't already contributed up to the maximum amount allowed, consider doing so by year-end.

7. Take any required distributions. Once you reach age 70½, you generally must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans (an exception may apply if you're still working for the employer sponsoring the plan). Take any distributions by the date required — the end of the year for most individuals. The penalty for failing to do so is substantial: 50 percent of any amount you failed to distribute as required. 8. Weigh year-end investment moves. You shouldn't let tax considerations drive your investment decisions. However, it's worth considering the tax implications of any year-end investment moves you make. For example, if you have realized net capital gains from selling securities at a profit, you might avoid being taxed on some or all of those gains by selling losing positions. Any losses over and above the amount of your gains can be used to offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 if your filing status is married filing separately) or carried forward to reduce your taxes in future years. 9. Beware the net investment income tax. Don't forget to account for the 3.8 percent net investment income tax. This additional tax may apply to some or all of your net investment income if your modified AGI exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 if married filing jointly, $125,000 if married filing separately, $200,000 if head of household). 10. Get help if you need it. There's a lot to think about when it comes to tax planning. That's why it often makes sense to talk to a tax professional who is able to evaluate your situation and help you determine if any year-end moves make sense for you.

Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2017. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

Early College Planning

hen should we start planning for college? The answer to this question can be confusing because there are so many moving parts to the college planning process. So let me just say this: it is terribly stressful to start at the beginning of the senior year. With all of the activities going on, students who have not started preparing will find themselves with too little time to show off "their best self," not to mention the stress level! It is not too early to start having discussions about college in middle school or even elementary school (visit www.soarscholars.com). With that in mind, let's make a little timeline of things to do at different grade levels. Hopefully before middle school parents have started some kind of college savings program, and have started talking in general terms about what college is and why it is important. One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to encourage reading, reading, and more reading. Make sure your student is getting a firm foundation in the academics. In high school, the academics and test scores will be the primary determining factor for where your student will attend college, as well as how much merit money he/she will receive. The colleges also like to see a great resume with a variety of activities and community service. Helping middle school students find a "passion" can help them develop a sustainable activity to pursue throughout high school. Middle school students need to know what lies ahead! You might be thinking, "Okay, so when do we get serious about the actual college stuff?” Assuming your

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student has already set up an academic plan for high school, some other things should be addressed during their sophomore year. The financial decisions made by colleges will be based on the family’s finances two years prior to graduation. However, it is never too late to make financial decisions that pertain to cash flow and tax advantage scholarships, even once the student is in college! If you will not qualify for need-based financial aid, don't be discouraged! There is plenty that can be done to get more money to pay for college — you just have to know how to do it. Want to know more? Check out the book Never Pay Retail for College by Beth Walker. During their sophomore year, the student should start thinking about what kind of college they might like to

attend, and what field of study they might be most interested in. They should also be taking a rigorous course of study and getting good grades. By their junior year, students should have their testing schedule in place and know if they will focus on SAT or ACT (colleges will accept either). They should begin narrowing down their college list and potential majors. By the summer before their senior year, the student should be writing their college application and essays, putting together their activity list, and preparing to fill out applications early in their senior year. By this time, their portfolio/ resume should be robust and consistent. If you start early enough, then the fall semester of senior year should simply require fine tuning!

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CROSSWORD

Whitewash ACROSS 1 Plate or run 5 Greek island 10 Exchange 14 Harrow’s rival 15 Showing amazement 16 American river 17 Official report 19 Offers 20 ___ geometry 21 Cut 23 Do handwork 24 Tears 27 Hindu garb: var. 29 Suffer from heat 32 More supple

35 Exclamation of disgust 36 Corroded 38 New Zealand native 39 Roman poet 41 Masks 43 Boat or board 44 Communications 46 ___ Academy 48 Observe 49 Visions 51 Nullified 53 Penned 55 ___ avis 56 Hardwood 58 Obtains 60 Say strongly

LOOK FOR YOUR ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE

64 Kind of stool 66 Capital of the Yukon 69 Earthen container 70 Fisherman 71 Historic river 72 Donne production 73 Indolent one 74 Eskimo asset

7 Relief ___ 8 Begins 9 Type of story 10 Show anguish 11 DC showplace 12 Verdi opera 13 Station 18 Roman magistrate 22 Stiffly proper 25 Egyptian god 26 Begin 28 Greek letters 29 Relish 30 Sea monster 31 Fortification 33 Goofed 34 Abundant 35 Tie 37 At no time 40 Precious 42 Heroic tale 45 Urban problem 47 Pine family tree 50 Cooked 52 Claws 54 Light gas 56 At the summit 57 Concert number 59 Farm structure 61 Seed covering 62 ___ of Pines 63 Reward: archaic 65 Block up 67 Wallet item 68 Sooner than GOING UP - NOV. ISSUE

DOWN 1 Cuts 2 Holy Roman emperor 3 Work hard 4 Complete 5 Gullible guy 6 Turkish title

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GOINGS-ON 25TH ZONTA CLUB CHRISTMAS HOME TOUR AND ARTISAN BOUTIQUE Head east to tour four of Porterville’s most festive holiday homes. Also, be sure to visit the artisan boutique either before or after the tour. Tour to benefit the ZONTA Club of Porterville — an organization with programs that benefit women and girls both internationally and locally. When: Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (artisan boutique); noon – 4 p.m. (home tour) Where: Various locations, Porterville Contact: Giovanna DePaoli, (559) 361-0640 TULARE FFA TINSEL TOY RUN AT TULARE OUTLETS. The Tulare FFA and Tulare Outlet Center welcome you to participate the 2017 Tinsel Run/Walk! This 5k run, 5k walk, and one-mile walk will start at the Nike Store in the Tulare Outlet Center and run the course throughout the center and local area. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped present to be donated to the Salvation Army in Tulare County to support children in our surrounding community. Cost is $25. When: Dec. 2, 8 a.m. Where: Tulare Outlet Center, 1407 Retherford St. Contact: Jared Castle (559) 920-2925, or register at www.active.com AN IRISH CHRISTMAS Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with superb dancing, singing and Irish traditional music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season! When: Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 625-1369 or www. foxvisalia.org

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CHAMBER HOLIDAY FESTIVAL CONCERT 2017 Featuring the choirs of Redwood, Mt. Whitney, El Diamante, Golden West, University Preparatory, and Central Valley Christian high schools and the COS Chamber Singers. All proceeds go to the schools’ music programs. Tickets $6. When: Dec. 6; 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Where: LJ Williams Theatre, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: American Legion Sierra Post 785, (559) 303-8787, bcmcnabb@aol.com ICE SKATE VISALIA Ice Skate Visalia offers the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience in Visalia. We offer a unique and fun skating experience on our synthetic ice surface, which makes skating easier and safer for all ages. Grab your friends and family and enjoy a day or evening of fun! When: Dec. 2 – Jan. 7 (dates and times vary; check schedule online) Where: Garden Street Plaza, Downtown Visalia Contact: (559) 713-4365 www.iceskatevisalia.com

EXETER WOMAN’S CLUB HOME TOUR Come tour four beautiful homes dressed up for the holidays in Exeter this season. Hosted by the Exeter Woman’s Club, hot cocoa and snacks will be served at the clubhouse, as well as entertainment by pianist Frankie Magnano. Event benefits its historic clubhouse and Exeter’s youth. Tickets are available for purchase at Franey’s in Visalia and Antiques by the Water Tower in Exeter; $20, or $25 day-of. When: Dec. 8, 4-8 p.m. Where: Various locations, Exeter Contact: www.exeterwomansclub.com

OLD FASHIONED CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Come and join us at the Springville Historical Museum to kick off the Christmas season the Old Fashioned way. Patty Torrey and friends will be making music throughout the afternoon, and blacksmithing, weaving, woodworking, butter churning and cider pressing will be a few of the day’s activities. The backcountry cookers will be serving up a variety of their specialty foods, refreshments, hot cider, and much more. Admission is free. When: Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. Where: Springville Historical Museum, 34902 Highway 190 Contact: (559) 539-6314

MASQUERADE BALL CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION In its 37th year, this black-tie gala has been the premiere annual holiday event for local charities, raising more than one million dollars. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce is proud and honored to host this beautiful formal event that gives back to our community in so many real and important ways. Join us to enjoy fine wines, locally crafted microbrews, culinary delights and bid on exquisitely decorated opulent Christmas trees and unique silent auction items. Must be 21 and over. Tickets are $70. When: Dec. 8, 7-11:30 p.m. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave. Contact: www.visaliachamber.org/christmastree

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IT’S A MODEL RAILROAD CHRISTMAS! Celebrate the holidays with the excitement of model trains in the Christmas spirit! There will be several layouts and club members from Visalia Electric Railroad Modelers and Historical Society to answer questions. This event is free of charge. When: Dec. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Dec. 10, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Sequoia Mall 3303 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Cheryl Peterson, (559) 733-7742, kpsprinklers@att.net 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. It is the ONLY show endorsed by the Holly, Richardson, and Valens estate. Each live concert performance includes over two hours of unbridled, high voltage entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50s era: That'll Be The Day; Peggy Sue; Oh, Boy; Rave on; La Bamba; Chantilly Lace; and many, many more. Tickets start at $26. When: Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 625-1369 www.visaliafox.org

THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED BY LIVELY ARTS FOUNDATION Central California Ballet’s highly entertaining The Nutcracker is coming to the Saroyan Theatre. The whole family will enjoy the festive Party Scene, the Battle of the Nutcracker General and Mouse King, and the lovely Waltzing Flowers! Tickets start at $30. After the Sunday Matinee, there will be refreshments and favors ($12 per child with no fee for accompanying parents). When: Dec. 9, 2 p.m. and 7:30 pm.; Dec. 10, 2 p.m. Where: Saroyan Theatre, 700 M Street, Fresno Contact: www.fresnoconventioncenter.com WINTER WONDERLAND SHOPPING BAZAAR Join us for the Winter Wonderland Shopping Bazaar! Holiday shopping is made easy with over 30 vendors and crafters. There will be door prizes, raffle prizes, and entertainment. All proceeds will benefit our community. When: Dec. 10, 3-7 p.m. Where: Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W Center Ave. Contact: Sondra Jones, 559-623-2475 FEE FREE DAY AT SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK Take a hike to the Nation's Christmas Tree, the General Grant Tree, and celebrate the holidays among the snow and trees, all free of charge! When: Dec. 10 Where: Sequoia National Park Contact: (559) 565-3341 or www.nps.gov/seki

HOLIDAY MADNESS One of the Central Valley’s most popular holiday traditions, this Sequoia Symphony Orchestra concert features more than 300 performers and launches the season of celebration with a spirit of song. Come and share the joy. Join the community in experiencing all our holiday favorites — old and new! When: Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St. Contact: (559) 732-8600, www.sequoiasymphonyorchestra.com PARENTS NIGHT OUT, KIDS NIGHT IN! Parents can let their children spend an evening with our fun camp staff while parents get to take a couple of hours to enjoy a quiet night at home, a romantic dinner out, or catch up on Netflix shows. Kids will enjoy activities such as crafts, pizza, and a movie! This is for children ages 5-12; cost is $25 for first child, $15 for each additional child. Must register in person for discount. When: Dec. 16, 6:30-10 p.m. Where: Visalia Senior Center 310 N. Locust St. Contact: (559) 713-4365 AN IRISH CHRISTMAS Take a journey through Christmas in Ireland with dancing, singing and traditional Irish music celebrating the international spirit of the holiday season. Tickets start at $25. When: Dec. 17, 2 p.m. Where: Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St, Fresno Contact: info@fresnoconventioncenter.com

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, VISALIA MAYOR

We Give Thanks

e've just finished Veteran's Day and the Thanksgiving season, and look forward to our wonderful December religious holidays and celebrations. During this special time of year, we tend to reflect more upon the importance of giving thanks for our many blessings. My family feels especially blessed to live in this great city of Visalia and to call it home. It's not just the bricks and mortar that make our city great, but the many wonderful people and friends that we have here. The Gublers have resided in Visalia for 35 years, and have watched the community grow from 57,000 to 133,000 people during that time. I receive many compliments about what a well-planned city Visalia is, and how we have experienced smart growth. But I still believe it is the quality of our citizens that makes the difference. With the many natural disasters this country has experienced in the last few months, including in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, and fires in our own state, we should give thanks that we live in a stable environment here in Central California, that food is plentiful, and our infrastructure is sound. Even flooding, which Visalia has historically experienced, is now a rare occurrence. Visalia also has the lowest crime rate in the county, and one of the lowest in the state. We thank our public safety officers, both police and firefighters. You might be interested to learn that we recently received a federal grant for $153,000.00, covering 50 percent of the cost of purchasing body cams for our police patrol staff of 112 officers. Visalia actually applied for this funding previously, but got turned down because the federal agency determined our local police efforts were effective, and we didn't have problems with community relations like more needy communities. It was actually a 32

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compliment, recognizing that local law enforcement is on such good terms with our citizens. Now that the initial federal funding has gone to more needy communities, our turn has arrived. The City Council previously chose to take a wait-and-see approach on body cams, but is ready now to move forward on this. By holding off a little, we were able to learn from the experiences of other cities who already have implemented body cams, and we were able to obtain this extra funding to help defray expenses.

We should also be thankful for our straight, wide roads throughout the city. Our Public Works Department is constantly vigilant, timely resurfacing our roads to make them top quality for traveling purposes. I was recently asked by a citizen for an update on the coned-off area of westbound Visalia Parkway, just east of Demaree. The coned-off area of the roadway is closed to traffic due to a subgrade settlement.

The city performed an inspection by boring, and learned a previously unknown organic cavity underneath the roadway had caused the settling. The cost associated with this boring and repair requires a formal bid and city council authorization. Staff is working to put this project out to bid now and once the bid period closes, staff will take the report to the City Council for review and authorization. While this process continues, the roadway will remain coned off to prevent further safety concerns. We also sometimes take for granted the ease with which we dispose of our garbage. We appreciate our solid waste department for making this appear effortless. The plan in 2018 is that Visalians will convert from split cans to a three-can system. As part of the implementation of this project, the city will bring in-house a new utility billing system and solid waste operation system at a cost of approximately $1.5 million. Currently the city is using an outside vendor in Phoenix, Arizona, to handle this. By bringing it in-house, we will create more local jobs and there will be a cost savings factor. It should pay for itself within three years. Included in these new garbage cans will be computer chips so that the city can monitor trash pickup, time of pickup, and location of the trucks. If the city receives a complaint from a citizen, it will be able to determine immediately what occurred and how to remedy the same. I could wax eloquent about many other services provided by the city that we sometimes overlook. Suffice it to say we are very blessed to live in this great valley and city. Let us all give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, and continue to contribute in our own ways to make Visalia our home. If you have questions or topics regarding the city that you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email me at warren.gubler@ visalia.city. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

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