Direct Magazine - June 2016 by Direct Magazine

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

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BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS C

IT’S A DAY TRIP A M E R I C A’ S P R E M I E R O N E - DAY CO N F E R E N C E

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 2016 | CAL STATE UNIVERSITY, BAKERSFIELD CAMPUS

VIRTUAL VALLEY

Digital Genealogy: Tracing Your Roots via the Internet

FITNESS

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

INSIDE JUNE 2016 P U B L I S H E D BY

DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 A D M I N I S T R AT I O N & E D I T O R I A L

Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KELLY LAPADULA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON CO NTR I BUTI N G WR ITE R S

cover story

4 Bakersfield Business Conference

October 8, 2016 California State University, Bakersfield

departments 10 SPCA 12 Visalia Chamber 13 Tulare Chamber 19 Fitness 21 Kids’ Bookshelf 22 VRM

ANDY SALAZAR C. S. WYATT IMAGINEU KELLEY PETTY LEE LITTLEWOOD MISSY YAVASILE MARY HUNT RYAN STILLWATER SUSAN SCHIEFERLE TODD OTO VALLEY OAK SPCA WARREN GUBLER

23 Garden World

features

23 Easy Eating

GR APHIC DESIGNER

16 VUSD

CHRIS BLY A DV E R T I S I N G S A L E S

Account Executive MELISSA OLSON melissa@dmiagency.com 559.739.1747 SALES OFFICE

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 © 2016 DMI Agency

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8 Virtual Valley

Digital Genealogy: Tracing Your Roots via the Internet

14 Community First Annual Elks Lodge Tea Party Culture is Key

17 Create Going Fishing For Father’s Day Craft 18 Gardening Family Together Time: Get Your Garden Ready for Summer

20 Visalia First Will They Turn Out Ok?

24 Character Counts! The Six Pillars of Character

25 Auto Shop 26 College Prep 27 PRO-PT 28 Money Matters 29 Crossword 30 Goings-On 32 Warren Reports

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“Amy has made it clear that public safety and Law Enforcement are top priorities for her. Please join us, the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff ’s Association in voting for Amy Shuklian for Tulare County Supervisor District 3.” Sergeant Mike Yandell

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BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS CONFERE

Bakersfield Business Conference October 8, 2016 | California State University, Bakersfield

he Bakersfield Business Conference isn’t exaggerating when it claims to have the world’s greatest speakers. Attendees from around the world come to this awardwinning event. It has been named the “Best One-Day Conference in the Nation” by the International Platform Association, but it isn’t just the speakers that make the Bakersfield Business Conference the unique event it is–it is the all-day and evening atmosphere of entertainment, athletics, and outstanding platform speakers. Special Events Magazine named the Bakersfield Business Conference the “Best Entertainment Concept,” as well as the “Most Outstanding Spectacle” at their Gala Awards. The Business Conference is much more than a conference. It has more than 40 nationally renowned speakers, entertainers, and athletes speaking in separate tents. The Conference has

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a definite party atmosphere. It is the highlight of any client, family member, or friend you invite. Beyond the speakers, there are rides, an Olympic Pavilion where you can meet and greet Olympic winners, an all-day Honky-Tonk with local and national artists, meet and greets in the Bank of America Stars & Stripes Arcade, the Coors Light Beer and Wine Garden, an Ice Cream Pavilion, a Sports Tent with live TV sports games being played (the Bulldogs are in Reno that day), a famous Santa Maria barbecue served in 30 minutes, an all-American evening picnic with a concert starring the king of dance, Chubby Checker, and last but not least, a patriotic fireworks show. This one-of-a-kind day trip is an event that will leave memories to last a lifetime. Prices go up July 1 and tickets are going fast. The price includes all food and drinks (excluding alcohol) all day and into the evening, as well as admittance to all venues.

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

ENCE THE OLYMPIAN PAVILION AT THE BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS CONFERENCE This summer will be the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Brazil, and we are lucky enough to have Olympic stars coming to the Business Conference this October. You will be able to stop by the tent to meet and talk with the Olympic winners in person. The Olympian Pavilion is just one of eight non-speaker venues for those who want to take a break from speakers during the day. Other venues include the Honky-Tonk with the best Bakersfield music all day long, Stars & Stripes Arcade, the Ice Cream Pavilion, a Beer and Wine Garden, the Quiet Deal, amusement rides, a farmer’s market, art exhibits, a sports tent, a political tent, a business tent, and a how-to tent. You will not want to miss this event, so purchase your tickets today! The Olympian stars that will be present at the Conference will be announced after the games, so stay tuned for more details, and visit bakersfieldbusinessconference.com for more information.

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BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS CONFERENCE 2016 SPEAKERS AND CELEBRITIES Ben Carson

Antonio Villaraigosa

Politichicks

Rick Perry Bobby Jindal

Diane Keaton

Joe Plumeri

Magic Johnson

Herman Cain

Stephanie Miller

Joe Arpaio

James Carville

Vicki Lawrence

Wayne LaPierre

Kevin McCarthy

Ann Coulter

Ann Romney

KT McFarland

Allen West

Cal Thomas

Ruben Navarrette, Jr.

Lou Holtz

Dan Walters

Hugh Hewitt

Bill Richardson

Debra Saunders

Laura Ingraham

Bill Press

CHUBBY CHECKER, PICNIC, AND FIREWORKS!

INFORMATION

The Bakersfield Business Conference announces an evening picnic with a twist. As the sun goes down and the speakers wind down, the Conference will adjourn for its complimentary picnic, concert, and patriotic fireworks show. This year’s Conference will star the legendary king of dance, Chubby Checker, twisting the night away.

Venue

Chubby is the only artist to have five albums in the top 12 at one time. He also had the first-ever platinum record, and he is the only artist to have a song be number one twice. He is also the only artist to have nine double-sided hits.

Tickets and Information

“The Twist” was voted the record of the century, and Chubby is credited with changing the way we dance while selling more than 250 million records.

Email: eagle@bakersfieldbusinessconference.com

You will not want to miss this highly energetic and entertaining show, followed by our patriotic fireworks display. The opening act for Chubby is the ever-popular Foster and Friends with special guest, Becky Deshields.

Lodging

Let’s twist again on October 8 in Bakersfield!

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California State University, Bakersfield 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Bakersfield, California 93311

Ticket hotline: 661.371.2204 Office line: 661.371.2202 Website: bakersfieldbusinessconference.com

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VIRTUAL VALLEY

Digital Genealogy:

Tracing Your Roots via the Internet

enealogy remains one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, with Time magazine listing it as the second most popular hobby behind gardening. It’s hard to miss the constant radio and television ads from Ancestry.com, the leading commercial site for genealogy. Free genealogy databases have multiplied online, too, as various nations and non-profit organizations have made their records available to the public. It’s never been easier to trace your roots, thanks to these online resources. The biggest choice for an amateur genealogist is how to store family data and documents. For the actual family tree data, the favorite application for nearly two decades was Family Tree Maker. Unfortunately, the program was sold from publisher to publisher, with some versions being bug-riddled disasters. Ancestry.com owned Family Tree

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Maker for a few years, before discontinuing the software in 2015. Ancestry encourages members to maintain data online, which generates monthly subscriptions for the company. Recently, Software MacKiev purchased the rights to Family Tree Maker and has resumed selling the application for both Windows and OS X. MacKiev now owns many beloved former Broderbund titles and has an excellent history of fixing and updating older titles, including The Print Shop and KID PIX. If the company invests in Family Tree Maker, the application could again be the leading choice for genealogy. RootsMagic, recommended by several genealogy websites, now offers Windows and OS X versions. With excellent online searching tools for Ancentry.com and FamilySearch.org, RootsMagic makes adding data to a family tree fast and easy. RootsMagic offers a free edition, with limited features, so you can test drive the application before making a decision. The free edition lacks the powerful online search features that distinguish the application from other genealogy programs. Overall, RootsMagic might be the most feature-packed genealogy application. The program will even create interactive CD-ROMs of family tree data. A USB thumb drive can be used to share the interactive version of a family tree. RootsMagic offers to archive data to Dropbox or Google Drive, so records are protected from any technical disasters.

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

TEXT BY C. S. WYATT

My wife uses Reunion, an OS X and iOS application. Unlike Family Tree Maker for OS X, which has come and gone and returned to life again, Reunion remained a constant favorite among Apple computer users. Reunion’s iPad edition, ReunionTouch, makes it easy to gather data at libraries, city offices, and other locations. Synchronizing data requires a free Dropbox account, which also offers a good backup method for important data. After selecting one of the applications for genealogy data, where will an amateur genealogist find family records? The most popular source for online genealogy data is Ancestry.com and its various websites. Over the last decade, Ancestry has purchased more than a dozen other online services, merging them into the Ancestry databases. You do not need to subscribe to Ancestry.com to build a detailed family tree, but many people find it an easy place to start. FamilySearch.org, operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers what is considered the most accurate and complete genealogy database available. FamilySearch volunteers offer help with basic searches, and the community wiki offers step-by-step instructions on building an accurate family tree. In the Central Valley, amateur genealogists should consider contacting the local Latter-day Saints wards. The Mormon Church, which operates FamilySearch.org, offers online and occasional on-site training for genealogy researchers. A little face-to-face training can help an amateur genealogist find accurate records to create the best possible family tree. Subscription and free services rely on government data, which are available for free or at minimal cost from several sources.

need to research records from multiple states, it might be worth joining the NGS for discounted pricing on books and online courses. For more than 20 years, Cyndi’s List (cyndislist.com) has offered a database of online tools for genealogy. The site doesn’t provide family data, only links to other tools. This might seem like something you could find with a Google or Bing search, but Cyndi’s List provides unexpected resources not easily located. For example, I located 426 online tools for researching Polish ancestry via Cyndi’s List. Genealogy can start online, but serious genealogists find themselves at libraries, city halls, and cemeteries. Gravestones offer family connections that might not be recorded anywhere else. Genealogy hobbyists created “FindAGrave.com” to share the images and data from cemeteries and death records. The U.S. government also offers the National Gravesite Locator, which compiles public records on burials. Learning about our roots offers a connection to history and to our heritages. The knowledge can be passed on to future generations, making genealogy a family activity. FREE AND MOSTLY FREE WEBSITES Official U.S. Genealogy Portal: usa.gov/genealogy The National Archives Genealogy Guide: archives.gov/research/genealogy U.S. National Gravesite Locator: gravelocator.cem.va.gov National Genealogical Society: ngsgenealogy.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: familysearch.org Cyndi’s List of Genealogy Resources: cyndislist.com Ellis Island Foundation: libertyellisfoundation.org

The United States Genealogy Portal on USA.gov connects to The National Archives, Ellis Island archives, and many federal databases, such as the Native American Tribal Registries. For privacy reasons, Census data and other records are available only after 70 years. The 1940 Census is the most recently published database available to amateur genealogists.

RootsWeb Public Database: usgenweb.org

Most nations offer similar portals and databases. The best of these are operated by the United Kingdom and Germany, nations with long histories of recording and storing family data, often for tax collection purposes. The U.K. Census data are available after 99 years, while the German Census availability varies by region.

Note: Ancestry.com also owns Geneaology.com, Geneaology. org, RootsWeb.com, and many other sites that charge monthly and annual subscription fees.

The National Genealogical Society (ngsgenealogy.org) offers research guides to finding the best resources by state. The new California guide is $12 as a PDF or $19 as a printed book. The state guides list where to find birth records, marriage licenses, property deeds, death certificates, and other records. If you

RootsMagic: rootsmagic.com

California GenWeb: cagenweb.com United Kingdom Census Archives: ukcensusonline.com FindAGrave Obituaries and Burial Records: findagrave.com Genealogy Bloggers: geneabloggers.com

SOFTWARE Family Tree Maker: mackiev.com/ftm/index.html Reunion (Mac and iPad only): leisterpro.com.

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VALLEY OAK SPCA TEXT BY VALLEY OAK SPCA

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

ould you like to save a life this month? If you’re a cat lover, there are ways you can do just that.

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, so it’s the perfect time for you to adopt a feline friend. There are always a variety of breeds and ages waiting to go home with a loving family. You might be surprised at the gems a shelter/adoption center/rescue has in store for you. With kitten season in full swing, shelters and rescues everywhere are becoming overcrowded with litters of kittens. There is always a huge demand for foster volunteers. By giving your love and opening your home to one or more cats or kittens, you are literally saving their lives. Some cats come into the shelter with a litter that just needs a week or two before they reach the age and weight needed to be adopted. Others come in with newborn kittens or even give birth at the shelter. Some litters or single orphans come in with no mother and need to be bottle-fed. There are many scenarios where foster families could make a life or death difference to these homeless animals. If adopting or fostering is not for you, then consider sponsoring an animal. You can do this by donating the full or partial amount of the adoption fee. Come pick out an animal that touches your heart and you can choose the amount of sponsorship money you would like to give. When that animal is adopted, your donation will be put toward the adoption fee. Valley Oak SPCA will be holding their annual Kitten Shower on Saturday, June 18 at our Adoption/Rescue Center, 29010 Highway 99. This event is a great way for you to help our homeless cats and kittens by bringing in much needed donation items. You can also come by to find out how to get involved in our volunteer and foster volunteer programs. KITTEN SHOWER WISH LIST Dry and canned kitten food Kitten formula Kitten nursing bottles Non-clumping cat litter

For more information on adopting, fostering, volunteering or sponsoring please call Valley Oak SPCA 651-1111 or visit our website at vospca.org. Adopt a Shelter Cat or Two! Mao, Ollie, and Milo have the bluest eyes; Milo is one of four fuzz-ball orange cuties. If you’re thinking about bringing a kitten into your life, consider doubling that and bringing home a pair. Starting off with two may actually be much easier and more beneficial for the kittens and for you.

Mao

FUN FACTS ABOUT ADOPTING TWO KITTENS Twice the love Twice the cuddles It’s very entertaining to watch two kittens playing together Two kittens can entertain each other while you’re busy or away at work

Ollie

There’s not much added cost to having a second kitten ADULT CATS If you are looking for an adult cat, Leona or Thomas would make great companions. Thomas has slightly longer fur that requires some regular brushing to keep him looking and feeling good. Adult cats can be territorial, so the introduction process of a new cat to the family often requires some finesse and lots of patience (another benefit of adopting two kittens together).

Leona

Milo

Snuggle safe warming discs Bleach Paper towels Garbage bags Gift cards: Feed Depot, PetSmart, PetCo, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, PetSense, Monetary donations

Thomas 10

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

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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 Students present the class project to Crowley Elementary School Pro-Youth students. 2. Crowley students learn how to conserve water at home using the Leadership Visalia Mobile Conservation Unit.

3. Marie Labbee was named the Epic Ambassador of the Year for the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. 4. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy students graduated as CEOs of their own businesses. 5. The Visalia Chamber of Commerce recognized members celebrating 15 years of Chamber Membership at the Business Member Appreciation Night.

3 12

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

TULARE CHAMBER

No Host Cocktails • Silent Auction $35 per person 6:00 pm Wine & Cheese Social 7:00 pm Dinner

Purchase tickets at www.tularechamber.org. For more information contact the Tulare Chamber of Commerce at 559.686.1547.

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. Save the Date for the Dairy Princess Coronation. 2. Tulare County Supervisor, Pete Vander Poel III, provides the State of the County to a sold out crowd. 3. The Mayor of Tulare, David Macedo, delivers the State of the City on Friday, May 13 at the Edison Energy Education Center in Tulare. 4. At State of the City, Ben Brubaker and Patrick Isherwood presented Jose Perdomo of Apple Annie’s Restaurant a certificate of appreciation for hosting our Governmental Affairs Meetings for the last 28 years.

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COMMUNITY First Annual Elks Lodge Tea Party

he Visalia Elks Lodge #1298 recently held its first annual Elks Tea Party. Organizers of the event, Michelle Allen, Judy Staley, and Jane Donald wanted to bring something different to the community that would be a fundraiser for a variety of Elks Lodge charities. Michelle had recently attended a tea party and thought this would be a great idea. After six months of planning, there were 21 tables sold and beautifully decorated! Guests were treated to a delightful luncheon with desserts prepared by some of the lodge members. Lunch was then followed by a lively fashion show with clothes from Chelsea Street Boutique on Main Street. Following the show, there were several raffles with all funds going to charities the Elks Lodge supports. The event raised $5,000, and they are looking forward to this being an annual event for the lodge.

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

Culture is Key

n last month’s article, I outlined the process the Visalia Unified Board of Trustees engaged in regarding strategic planning for the District. One outcome of that planning process was the approval of a revised mission for the District. That mission is: We exist to provide students with an education that affords them limitless opportunities for the future. To make this mission real, our work falls into two general categories: technical and cultural. The technical work is easily understood by everyone and represents the traditional things that folks associate with school. Learning to read, write, do math, and understand our history fall into this category, as does study in the arts, physical education, world languages, career technical, and other fields. This work involves development of curriculum, the implementation of strong instructional strategies, and the use of data to inform instruction. It also includes the many support services provided by site and district staff, ranging from counseling to busing. The technical work of the district is important because it is “the work” that produces our product: educated students who are ready to take a powerful first step into their adult lives upon graduation. But the second category of our work, the development of culture, determines the degree to which the technical work takes hold. When I say “culture,” I mean organizational culture. Organizational culture is the shared assumptions, values, and beliefs that people demonstrate throughout an organization. Very frequently, these values are understood and reflected unconsciously. They really do say a lot about who we are.

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Culture influences how we do what we do. So even an organization with great technical skill can struggle to be effective if the way it does its work is off-putting. Similarly, an organization with a great, positive culture and little technical ability will provide great feeling experiences that have little long-term value. Because we have a strong technical base to work from, it is clear to me that culture is key in leveraging all the things we seek to achieve. In Visalia Unified, we understand that culture and technical skill are intertwined. We know that we need to develop both if we are to provide our kids with the limitless opportunity that we want for them. The culture we seek is clear. We want the interests of kids to be placed first. We want to do everything we can to help kids learn and be successful. We want a school environment that is caring and encouraging. We want kids and adults to be safe, happy, and valued at their schools. We want every staff member to believe and feel that he or she has a role in supporting kids. We want parents and community members to be welcomed as partners in our work. To use a familiar metaphor, Visalia Unified can be compared to a railroad. We are travelling to a place where every student is prepared for a successful adult life. Our engine runs on two rails. The first rail is academic preparation. This is our technical foundation. The second rail is culture. This is our way of delivering on our academic promise. It is clear to me that culture is key. We have a strong technical foundation for our work, and we will continue to develop that foundation. We are also creating the culture that we seek to have, although we have work to do to make that culture complete and real for all. This is a time of change in Visalia Unified, and I am so very excited that this is also a time of great opportunity for kids, parents, staff, and our community.

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CREATE TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

DIRECTIONS: • Using your blue paint, paint “waves” on the card. • Paint your child’s hand with the orange paint and press down on the card (you may want to do a few test runs on a plain piece of paper first and also make sure you have an idea of where you want your fish to be). • Wipe off your child’s hand. • Using their finger or a brush, add some seaweed with the green paint on the bottom of the card. You may also use a green marker. • Using red paint or a marker, put a heart for the lips. • Using black paint or a marker, put a dot for the eye. • Using black paint or marker, put a hook and line near the fish’s mouth.

Gone Fishing For Father’s Day Craft

• With the black marker, write a phrase on top of the card or on the inside. Some suggestions: “I’m Hooked on Daddy,” “You are a Great Catch,” “I ‘Fish’ you a Happy Father’s Day,” or just “Happy Father’s Day.” • Sign your name

ather’s Day is right around the corner. It’s time to show your love for dad by making him a card for Father’s Day. He will always cherish this card as your child’s small handprint will create the fish. WHAT YOU NEED: • Tempura paint in orange and blue (for the red, green, and black, you can use markers or tempura paint) • Paint brushes • White construction paper, folded in half

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

GARDENING TEXT BY KATIEDID LANGROCK TEXT BYBY TODD OTO, ED. D, VUSD SUPERINTENDENT TEXT SUSAN SCHIEFERLE, MASTER GARDENER, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Family Time:

Get your Garden Ready for Summer

efore the weather heats up, get your family outside to ready your garden for the hot summer months. With your family’s help, your garden will be ready in a short amount of time. GARDEN CHORES FOR KIDS TO HELP WITH: 1. Pinch off the growing tips of flowering bedding plants. This method will encourage branching, compact growth of the plant, and more fall flowers. Pinching is usually done with the forefinger and thumb. Use this method through July. 2. Have children snip off the “spent” or dead flowers with blunt scissors or using the pinching method. 3. If you have fruit trees, have your children paint the bottom of the trunk to prevent summer sunburn. Use a latex white paint mixed with 50 percent water. 4. If plants have aphids, white flies, or mites, children can spray down the plant with water, including under the leaves. Be sure the nozzle is on the shower spray. Spraying water more than once is the best and safest method to get rid of these pests. 5. Pumpkins: June is the month to plant pumpkin seeds for October harvest. Be sure to plant seeds in a spacious place in your garden. The pumpkin vines can grow very long. 6. Weeds! Weeds are an ongoing problem. Give your child a pointed trowel and garden gloves. Have them gently dig up the root of the weed, pulling it out of the soil. Make it fun by having them keep track of the number of weeds they pull. Reward them when they are done. 18

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MOM AND DAD’S TO-DO LIST: 1. If you have bearded iris plants, now is the time to dig up and divide them. Iris’ have a rhizome (not a bulb as many people think). The original rhizome has healthy (smaller) rhizomes with roots growing outward. Carefully break or saw off the healthy ones and discard the old, larger rhizome. Let the new rhizomes sit for a day or two before replanting or giving away to neighbors or family. 2. Irrigation: Now is the time to check your irrigation system for damaged sprinkler heads or clogged emitters and repair them. Test lawn sprinklers to make sure they are working properly, with no leaks. It is particularly important to prevent any water from running into streets. Be sure to follow the watering scheduled days as required by the city you live in. 3. Perennials: These are flowering plants that bloom and rebloom from spring to fall. Lightly cut back any perennials that are becoming “too leggy.” Cut them back after their blooming phase. This will promote new flowering for spring or fall. Fertilizer and water will promote faster flowering. 4. Weed control is always a problematic concern. Spurge is a spring weed that “keeps on growing.” It is a flat, creeping weed with a red spot on the leaves. Hand pull spurge as soon as you see it growing. In flowerbeds, treat with Roundup or similar weed spray. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide and add a thick layer of mulch. Keeping a weekly patrol of weeds (your children can do this) is one way to get rid of them. Remember that weeds take up room in your soil that thriving plants and vegetables need.

Have a great summer!

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

FOCUS FITNESS ON

ANDY & ERYN SALAZAR, EMPOWER TEXT BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN, SMILE CENTRALFITNESS VALLEY TRAINING

3 Keys to Long-Term Health and Fitness

o you want to live life to the fullest and have tons of energy and vitality well into your golden years? I know that’s what I want, and I’m sure you feel the same way. I’m going to give you three keys to long-term health and fitness results that will deliver all of those things. We live in a world where everyone wants instant results, and goals are often set for short-term, not the long-term. However, health and fitness is not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and I encourage you to enjoy the ride. There is nothing wrong with setting short-term health and fitness goals to get you motivated. However, it’s also important to look at what you want for yourself for the long haul. What happens to most of us is we set a short-term health and fitness goal, we stick to our plan, obtain our goal, and then stop, only to have to start up again once we’ve gotten back out of shape. Does this sound familiar? Let’s end this vicious cycle and find a health and fitness plan we can stick to for a lifetime. 1. Consistency. Consistency with your workout routine and nutrition are key to your long-term health and fitness success. The way to be consistent with your workout routine is to find something you really enjoy doing and that you find great pleasure in. It could be running, walking, playing tennis, lifting weights, etc. Find a training style that matches what your goals are, stick to it, and keep a regular schedule. Consistency with your workouts is very important, but just as important, if not more, is consistency with eating right and making healthy choices. Nutrition tends to be the hardest part of a healthy lifestyle. Don’t strive for perfection, but instead make sure your healthy choices outweigh your unhealthy ones.

2. What’s Your ‘Why?’ This goes along with being consistent and is equally as import. Finding your ‘why’ is what will drag you out of bed in the morning to workout before work. Finding your ‘why’ will get you off the couch when you really don’t feel like it. Finding your ‘why’ is different than setting a goal, it’s the big picture for what you want for your life. For example, I want to have the energy to keep up with my kids or grandkids, and I want to avoid or eliminate diseases from my body and minimize my aches and pains. Your ‘why’ is what is going to keep you motivated for the long haul. 3. Finding a Support Group. Accountability is very important to your long-term health and fitness goals. Finding a good support group to keep you on track and accountable will make your journey a lot easier. Your support group can be friends, family, or fitness professionals that have your best interest in mind and that will hold you accountable when you slack off. When you have someone that is counting on you as a workout partner or waiting for you, it makes it very difficult to miss your workout, and you lift each other up when the other is struggling. There you have it, my three keys to long-term health and fitness success. Remember, health and fitness is not a sprint, and you can do this. I know you have what it takes to implement these three things. You can be consistent with your actions and exercise, find your ‘why,’ and find the right support group. Now don’t delay any longer; get out there and get started. Your body will thank you for it.

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

VISALIA FIRST Kids:

Will They Turn Out Ok?

o you remember the excitement when you held your baby for the first time? The exhaustion you felt two weeks later? Are you ready for the day they graduate? As parents we have big dreams for our kids, even though we have no idea how to see that happen. There are some key things you can do as a parent to help your child become the adult you want them to be, to ensure they turn out ok. My son, my eldest, just graduated from high school and is preparing for the adventure being an adult. I watched him take his first steps, lost to him at his favorite video game, and sent him to his senior prom. He has become the man I always prayed he would be. How did we do it? How did my wife and I, with all of our inadequacies, create such a great kid? Lord knows we made plenty of mistakes and had to apologize to him more than once. As I reflect back at the four things that we did that worked, I hope these thoughts might help you wherever you are in the childrearing process. 1. He always knew God loved him and had a plan for him. We read in the Bible that God has a plan for him, to prosper him, and not to harm him; that he has a hope and a future. We have reminded him of that his entire life. My wife would highlight verses in her Bible that she would claim as promises for his life and remind him of them whenever he had a rough day. We didn’t always know the answers to his tough questions, but we made sure to remind him of what we did know. 2. He always knew his parents loved him. He watched his parents fight and make up. He saw the stress of finances run

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out, health challenges, unavoidable career changes, and unplanned moves from one place to another. Even in the midst of all the challenges of life every day, we told him how much we loved him. The hug before school, the kiss goodnight, the words of affirmation, all contributed to a foundation being established that mom and dad were there no matter what. 3. He always knew the process of choices. Kids are not “good” or “bad” kids, they make “good” or “bad” choices. We taught him there are consequences or rewards based on those choices. When his friends invite him to do something that he knows could be a bad choice, he weighs the consequences and then removes himself from the situation. I know I can’t be there to intervene in every situation; instead, we provided him with a value system to help him make the right choice. 4. He always knew that it is more important who you are than what you do. Society has combined identity with activity. We have always stressed to our son that the importance of identity and character was more than his occupational choice. From the time he was in Kindergarten, we had him quoting scriptures from the Bible about the characteristics that God wanted in his life. He will be very successful with whatever career he pursues, but more importantly, he will be a successful person on the inside. Whether your child is in preschool, elementary, middle school or high school, you can start this process in their life today – don’t wait until next week. Each day, voice how much God loves them, how much you love them, and that they have a great future. Give them the opportunity to make their own choices, knowing that who they are on the inside is all that matters. Whether you are in the home stretch of this journey of parenting or just started, know that your child is going to turn out ok because you are taking the steps now to point them in the right direction.

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

KIDS’ BOOKSHELF TEXT BY LEE LITTLEWOOD

Activity-Packed Books for Road Trips and Rainy Days

t’s nearly summertime and therefore long car and plane trips to Grandma’s house are on the horizon. These new, innovative activity books will keep children occupied without any electronics. Fill-me-in by Moose Allain Full of intricate black line drawings with fun, colorful prompts encouraging kids to doodle, dream, and imagine, this soft-cover activity book is much more than a coloring book. Subtitled “Write, Draw, and Color With the World of Moose,” creator Moose Allain’s book encourages youngsters to fill in feathers on birds; finish what underground workers are digging; become an architect to finish a city plan; and complete an umbrella-filled rain scene. Perfect for a rainy day, Fill-me-in fills up imaginations and bored hours. My favorite is the page spread with encouragements to “fill in these bubbles to make everyone’s dreams come true.” Wise Words to Color by Zoe Ingram Coloring books aimed at all ages are everywhere these days. Though many only offer intricate illustrations for budding artists to color, Zoe Ingram’s new book, subtitled “Inspiration to Live and Color By,” features largely penned, inspiring quotes and drawings for coloring. Walt Whitman’s line “I am large, I contain multitudes” is paired with bold plants and leaves. Oscar Wilde’s line “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” follows a page of mod trees and lots of bold stars. The phrase “Curious and curiouser” is backed by a page of “Alice in Wonderland” – inspired mad hats, teapots, and playing cards.

Mandalas, pop-art flowers, delicate patterns, and pages and pages of gorgeous pen-and-ink drawings plus inspiring quotes make Wise Words to Color a thoughtfully rendered coloring book. Real or Fake? by Emily Krieger With “Far-Out Fibs, Fishy Facts, and Phony Photos to Test for the Truth,” the latest bold, incredibly fun National Geographic Kids book is small, easy-to-tote, and certainly laugh- and thoughtinducing. At the start, kids are encouraged to test their inner lie detectors by perusing details, using their noggins, and going with their guts. There’s also a “fib-o-meter,” which is a colorful gauge invented for determining the level of dishonesty or truthfulness. Kids ages 7 to 12 can then try to answer statements such as “Fireflies don’t light up in the western United States,” “The binturong, a Southeast Asian mammal, smells like buttered popcorn when excited” and “The indentation below your nose is called a philtrum.” Some page spreads feature a single subject, such as sloths’ slowness. With lots going on on every page, Real or Fake? will command the attention of kids used to screens and multitasking. With signature bold, colorful National Geographic photography, and funny collage art, it’s a fantastically fun book for amateur nature detectives. My Family Travel Map and My Travel Journal by Lonely Planet Kids Colorful, with exaggerated illustrations and 180 stickers, My Family Travel Map is a fold-out, fact-filled poster for children to complete. Featuring brightly colored numbered countries so kids can add the stickers to chart their family’s travels, the map can be hung on the wall for a personal poster of trips together. The poster also has more than 200 fun facts on the opposite side. Stickers say things like “I live here,” “Been there!” and “Going here soon,” and they depict airplanes and animals and postcards and weather. My Travel Journal is more than blank pages; it offers prompts for kids to scribble, jot, draw, and decorate with all their adventures. There are lists and collages to create, scenes to sketch, and blank thought bubbles to fill in with jokes. Decorated pages will help solidify vacation memories. DIRECT MAGAZINE

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

VISALIA RESCUE MISSION TEXT BY RYAN STILLWATER

The Business of Life-change

n 2014, CASA of Tulare County won an award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Celebration. Executive Director, Marilyn Barr, gave an acceptance speech to a packed house. “You know,” she began, “we’re a business. We have payroll and buy office supplies. We have the same costs of doing business just like many of you in this room.” Marilyn hit on a crucial component needed in the political mix of new decisions regarding minimum wage increases in California: non-profit organizations are businesses — just without products to sell, but rather, we offer complimentary services to individuals and families who do not have the means to pay for them. In 2015, Visalia Rescue Mission saw an increase of operating expenses to the tune of $400,000 thanks to the Affordable Care Act requirements, workers compensation increase (9 percent

in California), and the July 1, 2014 minimum wage increase with another dollar increase coming January 1, 2016. With employers (for-profit and non-profit) burdened with increased costs of doing business, they make one of two choices: cut staff positions and/ or hours, or increase their service and product prices. Non-profit organizations can only choose the former. In either case, families and businesses alike will have to work harder and get creative to make ends meet, which means there will be less disposable income making its way through the nonprofit circuit. We’re currently seeing this happen within the dairy industry, with many local dairies being longtime supporters of the Mission. An article last month revealed a hundred weight of milk is currently set at $13 by California’s Secretary of Agriculture. The cost to produce that milk? An average of $19.74. With those kinds of losses, it becomes more difficult to support organizations like ours. Visalia Chamber of Commerce is currently collaborating with other chambers in the San Joaquin Area on this issue. This kind of unified voice creates collective action, which at that point, it will be difficult to ignore both the financial figures and compelling stories which expose the real impact this law will have on business, our cities, and ironically, the very people the State is attempting to help. In short, California organizations are worried. We already know what this impact will have on our services and ministries, and we’re beginning to run the numbers of each year’s wage increase. Additionally, a brand new federal rule regarding overtime rules for salaried employees will also have non-profits like ours juggling even more balls than we already are, just to continue to do what we’ve always done. Ironically, Governor Brown, who just signed the new minimum wage increase legislation, was recently quoted in a Sacramento Bee article, “Economically, minimum wages may not make sense.” For 35 years, we have thrived because of this generous community and have yet to take a single state or federal dollar, but with each attempt to help the working world put a little more in their pocket, there will be unintended consequences we will all have to endure. Ryan Stillwater is the Director of Development for Visalia Rescue Mission. Contact him by e-mail: ryan@vrmhope.org.

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

GREEN VALLEY GARDENING

EASY EATING

Lawn Care Tips:

Save Water When Irrigating Your Lawn

t’s that time of the year again – time to get your lawn and plants ready for the stressful and demanding summer heat. While we had a great rain season, it’s still very important to conserve water when irrigating. A properly set sprinkler timer can save thousands of gallons of water from washing down the gutter. Every day that you water, we lose water to evaporation from the wind and the sun. Fewer, deeper watering cycles save water. Here’s how to do it: Before you begin, replace the battery backup in the timer so you don’t lose the program when the power goes out. Think of the timer as a glorified alarm clock. Step 1. Set the date and time on your system, because it needs to know what time it is and what day of the week it is. Make sure you have the a.m./p.m. correct. This is important for plant health and for following government water restrictions.

Step 2. Set the water to go on during your allotted days. Odd addresses water on Tuesday and Saturday, even addresses are Wednesday and Sunday. Fewer watering days per week equal greater savings, fewer weeds, and lower chance for disease. Step 3. Set the amount of run time for each station. For June through August, we need about one and a half inches of irrigation per week, which is around 60 - 70 minutes of run time for standard pop-up and spray sprinklers. If the sprinklers rotate or have low flow nozzles, you may need to double that or water for about 130 minutes. The critical step here is to break that 60 - 70 minutes down to multiple start times. For example, three start times at eleven minutes each, two days per week, equals 66 minutes of total water timer. Step 4. Preset the start time(s) in the early morning. The watering should be completed by 6 a.m., so you can set your time to go off at 2 a.m., 3 a.m., and 4 a.m., for eleven minutes each. Avoid watering in the evening, as it wastes water and is unhealthy for the lawn. That’s how simple it is. Taking just a few extra steps goes a long way toward saving water and keeping a healthier lawn. For more information, contact Green Valley Gardening at (559) 713-6848 or go to GVGardening.com, and for all of the professional grade tools and supplies you need, contact Garden World at (559) 651-3388 or visit TheGardenWorld.com.

Bacon Wrapped Ranch Jalapeños

acon. Jalapeños. Cheese. We’re pretty sure these are the ingredients dad lives for. This Father’s Day, prepare this simple recipe for Bacon Wrapped Ranch Jalapeños, and “wow” him with his favorite flavors. INGREDIENTS 12 jalapeños 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened 1 (1 oz) packet of ranch dressing mix 24 slices of bacon DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with foil. Before handling the jalapeños, wear gloves so your hands do not begin to burn. Chop off the stems and slice each jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Hallow out each jalapeño by removing the seeds and membranes. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix, and stir together. Then add a small scoop of the cream cheese mixture into each jalapeño half. Wrap each piece in bacon and place on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Cool slightly before eating. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

JORDAN RODRIGUEZ

ANDRUE MEDINA

8TH GRADE

JUNIOR

ALPAUGH JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, ALPAUGH

STRATHMORE HIGH SCHOOL, STRATHMORE

eet Jordan Rodriguez, an eighthgrade student at Alpaugh JuniorSenior High School. During the school day, Jordan earns straight A’s and is a naturally calm leader among his peers. His character reveals his great sense of respect and fairness for others. If someone needs encouragement, he is there for them. Teacher Mrs. Kelley says, “Jordan is respectful to everyone around him and will hold the other students to the same standard. In class, I have a rule that students are not to say ‘yeah;’ instead I expect them to say ‘yes.’ To me, this shows respect for other people. Not only does Jordan use ‘yes,’ but if others do not, he will say, ‘excuse me?’ and they correct themselves. Jordan can be the calm in an otherwise (at times) chaotic classroom.” After school you will find Jordan demonstrating the same high expectations of himself and others — just look for the young man cleaning up after snack or putting the table and chairs back in place. According to CHOICES Liaison Mr. Lynch, “Jordan will be the guy going out of his way to assist classmates with their homework. He will sit with his peers offering assistance without growing frustrated. During afterschool basketball, he always gives everyone on his team more chances to shoot the ball than him.” A young man of few words, Jordan credits his parents for showing him the importance of giving back to his community, taking care of things around him, and always working to help others. Mrs. Kelley wraps it up best by saying, “Jordan is an example of the person we all wish our children and students to be. He will be successful in anything he attempts because he never gives up and he is always striving for the higher standard. He truly wants to learn, make the most of his education, and continue to grow into a man of integrity.” Jordan has an interest in electrical engineering and has eyes on attending California State University, Bakersfield one day.

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Junior Andrue Medina attends Strathmore High School and was selected for the Spartan Character Award for the Pillar of Trustworthiness. While describing Andrue, Principal Mr. Buckley says, “You can count on Andrue to do what he says he will do. He believes in doing the right thing and is not influenced by peer pressure. Andrue is reliable and his teachers know they can count on him to be honest.” Andrue is one of three siblings and recognizes the impact his character has, especially with his younger sister. Andrue smiles when he shares, “I guess I am that big brother to look up to for family values and help with homework.” Poised with humility, Andrue is thankful that his parents have always believed in him and have been willing to trust his decisions. As a result, Andrue’s self-confidence has paved a path for him to excel in his education. Maintaining superior grades in AP classes, being an active member in AVID, and excelling in mathematics are goals this junior practices daily in order to prepare for his future. In addition to his studies, Andrue has traveled to various college campuses and weighed the pros and cons of each. With plans to explore the field of mathematics and a career in electrical engineering, Andrue favors the bigger schools and their variety of experiences. Andrue credits his former English teacher Ms. Boone for his sense of discovery. “She was always so helpful in convincing me to try new things and to always make informed decisions about my education.” Andrue’s next steps for his educational goals include seeking an electrical engineering internship where he can apply his love for mathematics to real world applications. Any potential employer would appreciate Andrue’s sound moral judgment in decision-making, character, and honesty. Individuals who show integrity in the workplace not only understand right from wrong, but they practice it in all they do. This certainly fits the description of Andrue Medina.

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AUTO SHOP

Auto Service at its

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OIL CHANGE $ 3499 SPECIAL With Free Battery Check

Up to 5 quarts regular oil, most vehicles. Expires 30 days form recommended services date. Synthetic oil add $10 for stocking brand

It’s All About Trust!

t’s all about trust. How do you usually pick a place to do business? Is it all about the price? For some, it may be about the cost, but there are many reasons it should not be. I have been around for a while, not quite as long as dirt, but close. I have learned over the years that there is no free lunch. You do get what you pay for, and sometimes that can be very costly.

Understand your cars systems is what we do. Give us a call when any need or problem arise. We are here to help 2044 E. Main St., Visalia 559.734.2886 www.misfiregone.com

When it comes to the complexity of your vehicle, the tools and knowledge it takes to keep it safe come with a price tag. So the next time you need your vehicle taken care of, you can choose price or trust. Tip: Want to prevent a major engine repair? Change your cooling hoses every five years. Another tip: Today’s radiators are made of aluminum and plastic, so I suggest installing a new radiator when your vehicle reaches 100,000 miles. Why? Because they usually do not give you any warning before they split. Take care to all!

Jim P.S. Joel, our grandson, is still doing well, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Follow this link to learn about the basics of your car: theautoshop.mynapasa.com

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

Juniors:

Time to Fire up

ay 1 has come and gone, so most seniors have made their final college decisions, have donned their new school colors, and have purchased the school pennant to hang in their room; they may even have a cool T-shirt with their college name on it. A few words of advice: Have fun, stay focused, and give it at least a year if you are not sure you made the right choice. Get good grades, meet new people, experience new things, and did I mention, have fun? This is the best advice for seniors. For now, finish high school strong and prepare to step into your future. Remember that if you do not finish strong, your college could change their mind about your admission, so stay focused. For juniors, it is time to get busy. You have to start deciding which colleges you will apply to. Where will you fit in academically, socially, and financially? This is probably one of the most difficult parts of your college search, if done correctly. Research is necessary. We recommend choosing 8-10 colleges to apply to; public, private, in-state, and out-of-state. Some of these should be “safety” schools, meaning you are quite sure you will get in based on grades and test scores. A few should be “match” schools, where there is a high probability that you will get in. There can be a small number of “reach” or “dream” schools on your list, if you insist. These are schools that accept less than 10 percent of their applicants and are very difficult to get in (Yale,

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Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, etc.). While researching your schools, through self assessment and career guidance, you should be sure you are matching your major and career goals to schools on your list. There is nothing more devastating than to find that something you want to study is not offered at the school you choose. Once you decide on your schools, you will have applications to fill out and essays to write. This is an extremely time-consuming process. Some applications are short (CSU takes about four hours), and some are very long. Your application is like your interview. You must prepare and do a good job if you want to be accepted. Do not wait until the last minute to do this. There are multiple application-types to do: CSU Mentor (among the simplest), UC Applications, Common Application, the New Coalition Application, Apply Texas, and many other proprietary applications. It can seem overwhelming. These applications may be short or they may be extensive (USC has a 650 word personal statement, a couple of 250 words supplements, as well as a plethora of short answer questions). Some may require educational background and future plans, personal information about your family, activities in which you have participated with descriptions, a resumé, information about your school, citizenship, test scores, transcripts, and essays. The University of California is requiring four essays beginning this year (Personal Insight Questions). These can take hours and seem overwhelming. My advice to get the most and best opportunities to get into the college of your dreams is to start early, be thorough and thoughtful, research, study for the ACT/SAT, seek help if you need it, and for goodness sakes, keep your grades up.

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PRO-PT

RICHARD ROSE, III DPT, PRO-PT PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Low Back Pain:

An Epidemic

he management of low back pain has historically been extremely costly, and unfortunately quite ineffective. Low back pain accounts for 2.5-3 percent of all physician visits in the United States, resulting in $85 billion dollars of direct health care costs in 2005 and has only increased since then. Eighty percent of individuals have had an episode of back pain at some point in their lifetime and it is the number one reason for disability in the United States. Despite these upsetting details, there is a very positive outlook if healthcare professionals are able to recognize and implement research proven methods. The reality of diagnosing back pain may be alarming. Research studies reveal that imaging of the low back is not an effective measure to identify the source of the pain. There are more than 10 different structures that can cause pain in the back; all with similar referral patterns. Some research suggests that up to seven out of eight diagnosed back pain is inaccurate. This means that despite an individual having an MRI that states positive findings of herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, etc., they may still get better with treatment. In fact between one-third and one-half of people with chronic back pain (lasting longer than three months) can become pain free.

A majority of back pain resolves in six to eight weeks. Individuals with back pain that seek physical therapy within the first 14 days of an injury recover more quickly and could save thousands of dollars over the episode of care. In order to heal quickly individuals are encouraged to take an active role in their recovery. This is effectively accomplished by participation in a mechanical classification evaluation carried out by a licensed physical therapist trained in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). MDT utilizes single and repetitive end range movements directed by patient-generated forces to classify and treat low back pain. To learn more about MDT, please feel free to contact a licensed physical therapist at PRO-PT to assist you in taking charge of your low back pain.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m on the

MOVE Again I came to PRO-PT for help with recurrent severe back pain, and also to learn how to help myself when it flared up. After a thorough evaluation, a personalized treatment plan was put in place, with a home exercise program. I am doing great now. Thank you, PRO-PT.

-George Ticknor

EXETER 134 South E Street Exeter, CA 93221 559-592-9000

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

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

www.pro~pt.net

www.facebook.com/proptphysicaltherapy

PORTERVILLE LINDSAY DINUBA 368 W. Olive Ave. 860 Sequoia St., Suite A 1401 W. El Monte Way, Ste. 107 Porterville, CA 92357 Lindsay, CA 93247 Dinuba, CA 93618 (559) 782-1501 (559) 562-9040 (559) 315-5203

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

ARTS VISALIA 2016 PatriARTic Awards Dinner

MONEY MATTERS

Summer Vacation at Home

n Monday, June 13 at 6 p.m., Arts Visalia will hold their bi-annual PatriARTic awards dinner. Please join them in honoring the following individuals for their important contributions to the arts in our community: John Friedrich, Paulina Leedom, and John Vartanian. Each of these individuals has played an important role in the growth and vitality of the arts in our community, not only through artistic expression, but also through their generosity and efforts as teachers, volunteers, and supporters of the arts. The event will be at the home of Carol and Stan Trapp. Tickets are $35. SUMMER ART PROGRAM & YOUNG AT ART EXHIBITION Each summer, Arts Visalia’s children’s art program expands into a six week series of summer art camps with new offerings each week. Through daily engagement, students are able to focus their creative abilities into ambitious projects with surprising results. The hard work of the summer art classes culminates in our annual Young at Art exhibition, where we will feature artworks by each student who participates in the summer program. The exhibition is from Aug. 5-26. The reception will be held on First Friday, Aug. 5 from 6–8 p.m. Please contact Arts Visalia at (559)739-0905 for more info.

Recognizing Contributions to the Arts in Our Community

TEXT BY MARY HUNT

cash shortage doesn’t mean a family vacation is completely out of the question. Clever and creative parents can turn several days off work into an amazing vacation experience – without even leaving town. Make a Plan. Call it a stay-at-home adventure. Create a schedule and itinerary for each day that includes activities and meals. Make a big, colorful chart and let the kids help plan. Notification. Let everyone know the dates you’ll be on vacation. They need to know you’ll be just as unavailable during your staycation as if you were to fly to another country. Think Like a Tourist. Google the name of your town, plus the word “tourist.” You’ll be amazed at what you discover. We’re talking hiking trails, bike paths, community events, and museums and playgrounds that you may not even know exist. Look for special deals, coupons, and other goodies local merchants are offering. Change all the Rules. This is the fun part. Break all the rules during your stay-at-home vacation (within reason). Sleep in, stay up really late, watch videos, play games, go on bike rides, explore places you’ve never been. A few days of junk food is not likely to create any serious problems. Camp Out. Kids love to camp, so get out your basic camping gear (or borrow or rent it) and set up camp in the backyard. Create a fire pit so you can sit around the campfire late at night. But take proper care and be mindful of local rules. Brush up on the old campfire songs. Plan a meal to cook, and plan your sleeping arrangements, before you get outdoors. Unplug. This is the biggest challenge, for parents especially. Everyone has to surrender their cellphones and computers for the duration. It will be an adjustment, but it’s possibly the best move of all. Let your mail collect until you return. Giving your kids your undivided attention – well, except during the times you’ll be taking some well-deserved naps – will make this a true vacation. You’ll vacate the normal routines and stresses of life. Memories. Be sure to take lots of pictures. After your vacation, let the kids help you create a scrapbook of memories. And don’t be surprised when they call it the best vacation ever.

John Vartanian Paulina Leedom John Friedrich 28

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CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

CROSSWORD Proliferating “P’s”

12 Baker’s shovels 13 Guy rope 18 Pack tight 23 Showing tenderness 25 Black cuckoo 26 The ___ of the Lock 27 Large birds 28 Fender mishap 29 Suit part 30 Followers 32 Century plan 33 Road rubber 34 Religious image 35 Welshman 37 Business associates 40 Calendar: abbr. 41 Turned aside 43 Nobleman 44 Priestly garment 45 Danger 46 Brew, as tea 47 Zoo animals 49 Way out 50 Church part 51 Woman’s name

ACROSS

32 Righteous

58 Stand up

52 Cake decorator

1 Members

36 Football play

59 Sea fliers

53 Army meal

6 Snakes

37 Tubular passages

60 Exchange for money

56 Before

10 Mischievous children

38 French city

61 ___ on it!: hurry

14 Negatively charged particle 39 Appraises 15 Sudden blow

41 Word-of-mouth

16 Assemble

42 Righteous

17 Good-looking

43 Inventor’s protection

19 Entreaty

44 Completely exhausted

20 American Indian

46 Withered

21 Drive onward

47 Sun disk

22 Hard to catch

48 More tidy

23 Practice boxing

51 Point a gun

24 Household gods

54 Wine

26 Buy back

55 Sometimes the best teacher

29 Legal tools 31 Correct

57 Charles Lamb’s pen name

LOOK FOR YOUR ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE

62 Cuddly individuals DOWN 1 Jack of TV fame 2 Pay one’s share 3 Customary procedure

TALKY - MAY ISSUE

4 Craggy hill 5 Broke suddenly 6 Thespian 7 Undergarment 8 Fix a road 9 First-graders’ books 10 Assume the character of 11 Confused fight DIRECT MAGAZINE

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

GOINGS-ON DOWNTOWN VISALIA FARMER’S MARKET Thursday nights in Downtown Visalia are a lot more colorful! The Visalia Farmer’s Market is back with all the fresh produce, delicious food, and handmade items you love. This year, there will be cooking demos, workshops, art exhibits, and more. When: Thursdays, 5–8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: VisaliaFarmersMarket.com FIRST FRIDAYS IN DOWNTOWN VISALIA The Arts Consortium is pleased to present Downtown Visalia’s monthly art hop. Each first Friday of the month, explore the Visalia Art District to experience exhibitions, performances, activities, and more. Catch a guided tour on the Visalia Towne Trolley. When: Every first Friday, 5-8 p.m. Where: Downtown Visalia (check each month for details) Contact: artsconsortium.org MOVIES IN THE PARK Come to the only place in Visalia where the stars in the sky are rivaled by those on the screen. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and sit back and enjoy the show. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic dinner or cooler filled with food and drinks (no alcoholic beverages allowed). Check visitvisalia.org to see the full list of movies that will be shown each week. When: Fridays from June 10-July 22, 7:45-10 p.m. Where: Riverway Sports Park, 3611 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia Contact: visitvisalia.org

JUGFEST AT FARM EQUIPMENT SHOW

DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHTS

JugFest is the Central Valley’s premier country festival hosted by KJUG, with headliners like Lee Brice and Bill Currington. This year’s festival is the 10th anniversary event, so you do not want to miss it. The event is free admission, though reserved seating can be purchased for those who would like to get up close and personal.

Beat the summer heat and cool off with a swim in the MWHS pool, then dry off and enjoy a family-friendly flick screened on the lawn near the pool. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and anything that’s comfy. Swim starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at dusk (no alcohol). Movies include: “Inside Out,” “Jurassic World,” “Minions,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Visit the Visit Visalia website for more information.

When: June 4, 12 p.m. Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 Laspina St., Tulare Contact: Jugfest.com

Where: Mt. Whitney High School Pool, 900 S. Conyer St., Visalia

CASA AND CREATIVE CENTER BENEFIT CONCERT

Contact: visitvisalia.org

Join Grace Note Music Studio at their benefit concert to support CASA and The Creative Center. The concert will feature an eclectic and entertaining mix of music from teachers and students ages 6-81, as well as raffle prizes to win. Grace Note will be donating all of the proceeds of this event to both CASA and the Creative Center. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. When: June 10, 7 p.m. Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: 302-9836 or on the Grace Note Facebook Page COMMUNITY POOL PARTY The 2016 Community Pool Parties are all the fun and adventure of Public Swim, but free! Thanks to the contribution from Carver Pump, we’re inviting everyone to jump in and enjoy the water during this lifeguard-supervised pool time. When: June 11, 12-3 p.m. Where: Redwood High School Pool, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: visitvisalia.org

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When: June 11, 25; July 9, 16, 23, 6 p.m.

PARTRIARTIC AWARDS DINNER Every other year, Arts Visalia recognizes individuals and organizations that have made important contributions to the arts in our community. Honorees will be John Friedrich, Paulina Leedom, and John Vartanian, each having made many behind-the-scenes contributions to organizations such as Arts Visalia over the years. Tickets for the events are $35 per person and may be purchased through Arts Visalia by stopping by the gallery or by calling the number below. When: June 13, 6 p.m. Where: The home of Carol and Stan Trapp Contact: 739-0905

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

SPCA CRITTER CAMP

63RD ANNUAL AWARDS CELEBRATION

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS

Come visit the Valley Oak SPCA’s Critter Camp for activities, crafts, guest speakers, and fun for youth ages 5-12. The camp will be held in sessions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Camp for ages 8-12 will take place June 13-17 and June 20-24. Camp for ages 5-7 will take place June 27-July 1 and July 11-15. A registration fee for a daily snack, T-shirt, and group photo is only $85 per week, or $150 for two weeks. Register by June 6 for ages 8-12, or by June 20 for ages 5-7.

Each year the Visalia Chamber of Commerce honors those businesses and individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support our community. This year dozens of businesses and individuals have been nominated for these prestigious awards. The categories include: small, medium and large business of the year, non-profit of the year, as well as man, woman, and emerging leader. Tickets are $75 each, or tables of eight for $600.

With scores of number one hits, millions of albums sold, and sold out tours across the nation, country music superstars The Oak Ridge Boys are bringing their world famous sound to the Visalia Convention Center. Tickets can be purchased at the Visalia Convention Center Box Office.

When: June 13-17, 20-24, 27-July 1, 11-15, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

When: June 16, 6 p.m.

DOWNTOWN VISALIA BREWFEST

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

Gather your friends and come down to the Lumber Yard on Bridge and Oak Streets for Downtown Visalia’s First Annual Brew Fest. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with live music by AC Myles and Pamela Henri & the Big Boss Band while tasting your favorite craft beer. Tickets are $30 and a portion of the ticket sales benefit the C.A.R.E. Alzheimer Foundation.

Where: Valley Oak SPCA Adoption Center, 29016 CA-99, Visalia

Contact: VisaliaChamber.org, 734-5876

Contact: www.vospca.org or call 651-1111 HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR IMAGINEU SUMMER CAMP Come join ImagineU for their Summer Camp, perfect for kids ages kindergarten through 6th grade. Take part in one - or all - of their weekly programs that focus on a range of topics from “Superhero Science” to “Geology Rocks!” to “Time Machine.” Registration starts at just $85 for a ½ day camp, and $150 for a full day camp.

Don’t miss your chance to relive the legendary music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, featuring the talents of The Turtles, Chuck Negron (Three Dog Night), Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere & the Raiders), Gary Puckett and The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group. Check the Visalia Fox website for ticket information.

When: June 27, 8 p.m. Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 713-4040

When: August 6, 3-7 pm Where: The Old Lumber Yard, 300 E. Oak Ave., Visalia

When: July 17, 7 p.m.

When: Weekly from June 13-July 29, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Contact: downtownvisalia.com or call 732-7737

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

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Where: ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia,

Contact: foxvisalia.org

Contact: imagineumuseum.org or 733-5975

GUEST CHEF SERIES FOR FAMILY SERVICES OF TULARE COUNTY Join Family Services for the Annual Guest Chef Series, Tulare County’s premier food and wine event. Each year, we invite a different chef to prepare a unique, threecourse tasting menu, featuring dishes that capture the event’s culinary theme. Each tasting course is paired with a fine wine, catered by David Vartanian of the Vintage Press. This year’s theme is Italian. $150 tickets are all-inclusive. When: June 18, 5:30 p.m.

Join Visalia First as they host the Global Leadership Summit, the world-class, worldwide leadership development and training simulcast. Over 300,000 people from across the globe on six continents will participate in the unique, one-of-a -kind experience. This world-class event is accessible and affordable for those with the desire to attend. But hurry, the Early Bird rate ends June 28! When: August 11-12 Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: visaliafirst.com/gls

Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 Laspina St., Tulare Contact: 732-1970 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

CULTURE, COMMERCE AND COMMUNITY IN VISALIA AND TULARE — T H E H E A R T O F T H E S O U T H V A L L E Y

WARREN REPORTS TEXT BY WARREN GUBLER, VICE MAYOR

Mid-Year Update

n April 25, 2016, the Visalia City Council and the Board of Trustees for COS and for VUSD held a joint meeting at the Visalia Convention Center. This annual meeting is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better, and to find out what each group has planned. VUSD presented an update on their various facilities, including the new junior high, a student achievement update, and the status of teacher recruitment. COS discussed student transfer guarantees to UC’s and CSU’s, and some student success stories. Let me share with you a summary of the update given by the city regarding its progress, with my interspersed commentary. VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER The Visalia Convention Center “refresh” has been completed. This remodel included new flooring, roof, paint, wiring and infrastructure, landscaping, and signage. I recently gave welcoming remarks at the Great Western Fan Festival at the Convention Center, and the new sound system was state of the art. WATER CONSERVATION PLANT The $130 million water conservation plant upgrade will be completed next year. It will have the capacity to convert the city’s wastewater into almost drinkable-quality recyclable water, suitable for irrigation of all crops. On April 18, 2016, Visalia received its first exchange of water from Tulare Irrigation District. Water was released to a recharge basin located on the east side of town. You may have seen what appears to be a new lake near the 198. Under Visalia’s agreement with TID, we will receive up to 6,500 acre feet of fresh water annually for recharge purposes, in exchange for some of our recycled water for TID’s farming purposes. V-LINE The V-Line bus leaves the Visalia Transit Center six times a day, seven days a week, with stops at the Visalia Airport, Fresno Airport, and Fresno State. While the standard fare is $10, students, seniors, and regular travelers can get discounted fares as low as $6 per trip. The first month of ridership in November 2015 saw 67 riders. In March 2016, ridership had increased to 936. My wife Alisa got to test out the new V-Line recently. We were flying from Fresno Airport out of state to attend our son’s college graduation, but she left a day earlier than me. She caught the V-Line bus at Visalia airport. The driver took her payment by credit card. There were 20 seats on the bus of which 10 were 32

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occupied. The seating was very comfortable with nice upholstery, seat belts, and head rests. Each shuttle offers free wi-fi, charging ports, and storage racks. The $10 fare was a bargain considering that the round trip cost of gas for our car would have been more than that, not counting the $12 daily parking fee at Fresno Airport. Alisa’s bus arrived at the Fresno airport a few minutes early, and she had no problem catching her flight. COS STUDENT TRANSIT PASS An estimated 16 percent of the COS student population uses transit, of which nearly 80 percent use transit as their daily transportation. COS students can ride Visalia Transit from Visalia to both the Tulare and Hanford campuses. Full-time students pay $10 per semester for unlimited rides. GROWTH UPDATE Visalia’s population reached 130,753 in 2015. Through March 2016, 102 new dwelling units were issued permits. In April alone, another 84 permits were pulled. The local housing market continues to recover from the great recession. Recent new retail developments in Visalia include Home Goods and Designer Shoe Warehouse, Rubio’s, Pieology, and the soon-toopen Blaze Pizza. Coming soon are Outback Steakhouse and Quantum Leap trampoline facility. Visalia will be getting its second Smart & Final in the existing Jo-Ann’s space on South Mooney Blvd. Jo-Ann’s will in turn be moving into the former Circuit City space. VISALIA AIRPORT City staff is submitting a grant application to the Dept. of Transportation for $3.7 million for our airport. In exchange for these grant monies, Visalia will be opting out of the essential air services program (EAS) for ten years. Visalia is the first community to opt out of the EAS. If we get the grant, the city council will consider using the funds to expand cargo facilities at the airport to support local business and industry. FIRE STATION #53 Visalia’s newest fire station, located at Walnut and Atwood, held its open house on Wednesday, April 6. This station will target an average response time of four minutes in the southwest quadrant of Visalia. Chief Doug McBee welcomes local citizens to drop by and take a tour of this new facility.

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 ext. 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

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