Direct Magazine - August 2017 by Direct Magazine

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

M A G A Z I N E

GUEST SPEAKER

DAVID WILKINSON

Tulare-Kings

Right to Life

2017

T H U R S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 7, 2 0 1 7

FUNDRAISING BANQUET

VISALIA CONVENTION CENTER

VIRTUAL VALLEY

MONEY MATTERS

Computer Security Starts with Skepticism

Travel Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

TULARE COUNTY HHSA Peer-to-Peer Mentoring and Mental Wellness

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INSIDE AUGUST 2017 PU B LIS H E D BY

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

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

ANDY & ERYN SALAZAR C. S. WYATT CAROL ADAMS IMAGINEU JIM BARLOGIO KELLEY PETTY MARY HUNT MISSY YAVASILE NANCY DEMOSS WOLGEMUTH ROCKY CISNEROS RYAN STILLWATER SHARON MOSLEY SHARON PLEIN SUE BURNS TAMMIE WEYKER-ADKINS TODD OTO WARREN GUBLER ADVERTISING SALES

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 © 2017 DMI Agency

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COVER STORY

4 Tulare-Kings Right to Life Making a Difference for Life

DEPARTMENTS 11 PRO-PT 12 The Recipe Box 13 Valley Oak SPCA

22nd Annual Banquet

14 Tulare Chamber

15 Ask M.J.

F E AT U R E S

8 Virtual Valley

16 Visalia First 20 Seen Around Town 21 Focus on Fitness

Computer Security Starts with Skepticism

22 Visalia Rescue Mission

24 Character Counts!

17 Craft Corner

Fish Tank Fun

18 Tulare County HHSA Peer-to-Peer Mentoring and Mental Wellness

25 Auto Shop 27 Money Matters 28 College Prep

23 Gardening

29 Crossword

Grow an African Violet From a Leaf

30 Goings-On

26 VUSD

32 Warren Reports

The Promise of a New Year

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Opening Doors

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TULARE-KINGS RIGHT TO LIFE TULARE-KINGS RIGHT TO LIFE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL

2017 FUNDRAISING BANQUET

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 7:00pm Visalia Convention Center FEATURING

David B. Wilkinson FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

559.732.5000 www.tkrl.org

OR GO TO

Facebook.com/TulareKingsRightToLife 4

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Making a Difference for Life 22nd Annual Banquet Guest Speaker: David B. Wilkinson “Sparking the soul, reviving the spirit.”

avid Wilkinson, son of Dr. Bruce Wilkinson, is the President and CEO of The Global Equipping Centre, an organization dedicated to developing and strengthening leaders. With 24 years in ministry experience, David has delivered powerful and dynamic speeches in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Having lived in third-world devastation in Africa for seven years, David Wilkinson witnessed overwhelming poverty, which greatly impacted his worldview. This prompted him to launch the Never Ending Gardens Initiative, a project that built more than half-a-million gardens in Africa. Since then, he has continued to travel around the world, bringing both the theoretical and the practical together with his unique experience in developing leaders. David has a heart for helping life-affirming non-profit organizations to achieve their mission. His message “Rescue the Next Generation,” focuses on the eternal impact we have on future lives and how we can do our part to rescue the vulnerable. David received his BA in Biblical Studies from William Jennings Bryan College and an MA in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary. David lives in Chicago, IL with his wife and six children. Please join us in celebrating the gift of LIFE! Thursday, September 7, 2017 | 7:00 p.m. Visalia Convention Center Sponsor a Table of 8 - $525 Individual Tickets - $70 Call: 732-5000 email: monique@tkrl.org

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TULARE-KINGS RIGHT TO LIFE

Serving the Community Tulare-Kings Right to Life (TKRL) is an educational organization dedicated to restoring respect for the value and dignity of every human life—without regard to age, ability, race or religion, whether born or unborn. TKRL engages and equips thousands of young people and families each year by setting up informational booths at a multitude of events, offering free educational presentations and materials, and having an active presence on a variety of social media platforms. 6

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For more than 25 years, TKRL has compassionately served the community through programs like Latinos4Life, a Hispanic outreach that seeks to increase education and communication about important life topics such as early human development, sexual risk avoidance, and healthy relationships. Voices for Life is a TKRL program committed to educating students about dating, STDs, early human development, abortion, and parenthood through schools, churches, and other community organizations. The IRMA (I Regret My Abortion) Network increases awareness of after-abortion issues and offers healing opportunities for post-abortive women and men by providing a network of

agencies, organizations, and individuals that can help them work through the trauma related to Post-Abortion Syndrome. TKRL’s billboards have been particularly effective in assisting women to reconsider plans to abort their babies and bringing the message of healing and restoration to those wounded by abortion. In addition to offering a wealth of life-affirming resources and in-depth educational material through their extensive network, the organization also keeps its supporters up-to-date on pro-life happenings through its weekly eNews Update. To subscribe, visit the Tulare-Kings Right to Life Facebook page and click on “Sign Up.”

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AUGUST 27 - FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT!

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VIRTUAL VALLEY

Computer Security Starts with Skepticism “This is an important call from Microsoft Windows Security.”

o, it isn’t. Like phone calls claiming that you have an unsettled debt or a toll road fine from New Jersey, calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or Google are dangerous cons. We, the computer users, are the weakest link in the chain of computer security. The best anti-virus software, the most secure browser and up-todate applications cannot prevent us from making mistakes that allow hackers to access data. Be a skeptical computer user and assume your data are at risk. My wife and I do not use Windows at 8

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home, yet we receive phone calls claiming to be a special Microsoft security team. A friend of mine who works in information security plays along with these callers, acting like a novice computer user. When the “security expert” asks my friend to launch Microsoft Remote Desktop or another remote-control application, he launches an application on his Linux system and tracks the source of the attempted hacking. He passes the information along to the FBI Cyber Crimes Division in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If any unexpected caller asks you to log-in to your computer and start a remote-control application, hang up and be sure your anti-virus software

scans for malware, ransomware, and other infections. Unless you called technical support, never give someone control of your computer. You wouldn’t hand over the keys to your car if a “technician” approached you in a parking lot. Don’t hand over your data to a thief. Long ago, in the ancient days of DOS, PC Anywhere (later pcAnywhere) allowed you to call into a PC with a dial-up modem. The software wasn’t secure, but the odds of someone knowing the phone number to the modem were low. Then along came the Internet and locating computers became a lot easier. By 2014, Symantec discontinued pcAnywhere over security concerns.

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

In April 2017, many of the National Security Agency’s hacking tools were released online by the hacker collective Shadow Brokers. Among the hacks were several tools for remotely controlling computers and stealing data. Microsoft has continued to release emergency patches as code has leaked online. Some of the NSA tools have been used in recent international attacks. The most serious hacking tools that target Windows, macOS (previously OS X), and Linux require direct access to at least one computer on a network. Unfortunately, it seems that people not knowing better have allowed hackers posing as technicians remote access to computers at banks, hospitals, power plants, schools, and more.

drive. When you update a hard drive or solid-state drive, ask for the old drive. Never let a technician dispose of the drive for you unless you absolutely trust that person with your identity. When I receive a computer back from service, I check to see what the technicians did. At a university, even though I’m a technician, work must be performed by the IT department. I have worked at a university that released IT workers for violating data privacy rules. Many people click “save password” when using websites. The technicians

Remote access is as good as sitting at the keyboard of a computer. A skilled hacker can create a virtual second monitor or workspace that the user never sees. The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) posts the latest news on attacks to their website, us-cert.gov, and many of these attacks were the result of users not realizing they were handing over the keys to data. Large organizations are particularly vulnerable to imposter technical support calls. It’s not just phone calls that are tricking computer users: fake “pop-up” alerts designed to look like Windows and macOS warnings lead users astray. These fake alerts appear genuine and warn that a computer has been infected with a virus, malware, or other infection. Users unsuspectingly click the “remove” button and open the computer to attackers. Sadly, you also need to be skeptical of technicians we should be able to trust. A quick search reveals pages of stories about technicians from national chain stores copying data from customer computers or even installing hacking tools on the systems. Technicians can also steal data when they upgrade storage and keep the old

only need your primary passwords to start unlocking other passwords, especially with the macOS Keychain or Google Chrome’s password database. Using the Console on macOS, you can read the logs of what was done on an Apple computer. On Windows, Event Viewer offers similar functionality. If your system doesn’t seem normal after a service call, you can check the logs to see what programs were used. There are also tools to determine what programs are running in the background on a computer: Activity Monitor on macOS and Task Manager on Windows. Some malicious code can still hide, which is why you absolutely should run malware detection software on a computer on a regular basis. Many people are surprised to learn recycling centers pose another threat to your data. You might have erased or reformatted a disk drive, but unless you used a Department of Defense Standard

5220.22-compliant erasing utility, data remain on the drive. To fully erase a drive, it should be overwritten more than a dozen times and then degaussed with a magnet. KillDisk for Windows and the macOS Disk Utility include 5220.22 media erasing. We walk around with our computers wirelessly transmitting data over public wireless networks and we use public USB charging stations. We do those things not always considering the risks. But, there are other risks. I’ve watched people toss away USB thumb drives. Do not do this if the drive ever carried important data. The only way to properly dispose of such a device is to crush it. Destroy the device to protect the data. Laptops, tablets, and phones are easily lost or stolen, too. If your portable device synchronizes accounts and passwords with your main computer, or if the portable is your main computer, losing it almost guarantees identity theft and future hacking. Set every device to require a password at all times. No device or computer should start without requiring a secure password. Apple, Google, and Microsoft have started to include “self-destruct” features in their phones and tablets. Centrally managed computers running Windows can also be erased remotely by an administrator, but most personal computers cannot be erased if stolen. Your best hope is to make it difficult to access the computer. Security starts with not trusting other people with our computers.

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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VALLEY OAK SPCA TEXT BY DR. CAROL ADAMS, DVM

product for your pet. Flea and tick treatments are also available at the Valley Oak SPCA clinic. 10. More pets get lost in the summer. Most lost pets will not be returned to their owners unless they are microchipped. Microchips are available through your veterinarian or the Valley Oak SPCA clinic. 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.

Summer Pet Safety Tips

ummer is here bringing warm, sunny weather, vacations, and pool parties. Unfortunately, summer also brings some hazards for pets. Avoiding these hazards could save your pet’s life. 1. Never leave your pet in the car. Animals can start to show signs of heat stroke after five minutes in a hot car, and death can occur after 15 minutes. Leaving the window open and/or parking in the shade will not keep your pet cooler. Do your pets a favor and leave them at home. 2. Make sure your pet has a constant source of clean water. If you use an automatic waterer, check it daily to ensure that it is working. 3. Try to keep pets inside, especially on the hottest days of the summer. This is a must for our smoosh-faced pets like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians. Bulldogs can die from heat stroke after 15-20 minutes when the temperature is over 100 degrees. 4. Do not walk your pet or encourage them to exert themselves during the hottest parts of the day. Remember that the temperature at your pet’s

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face level may be 10-15 degrees higher due to heat radiating from the ground. When walking your pet, check the temperature of the ground. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws. Always supervise pets around in-ground swimming pools. If you have a pool, make sure you have a pet-proof fence around it and consider putting a rescue ramp in the deeper end. Some breeds, like our smoosh face friends, are more prone to drowning, but any dog can panic or tire in a pool and drown. If your dog likes splashing around, get a plastic wading pool, which is a much safer option. If you leave your pet outside, make sure that there is ample shade to help your pet keep cool and prevent sunburn. Pet safe sunscreen may be applied to sunburn prone dogs. Fans, wading pools, and misters can also help keep outdoor pets cooler. Keep pets out of foxtails, which burrow into ears, eyes, toes, and every other place you can imagine. If you suspect your pet has a foxtail, call your vet ASAP. Make sure that you are treating your pets to prevent fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Your veterinarian can help you choose the proper

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

PET OF THE MONTH

Hey there! Are you looking for a new furry BFF? My name is Binks and I’m a five-year-old male Chihuahua/ Dachshund/love bug mix. I’m a staff favorite and love helping in the front office. Am I a perfect match for you? Come visit me today at Valley Oak SPCA!

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PRO-PT

TEXT BY DR. ROCKY CISNEROS, DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, PRO-PT PHYSICAL THERAPY

The Risk and Reward for CrossFit Athletes

n August 26, 2017, male and female athletes of all ages will meet at the Tulare Ag Center to participate in the Central Valley Throwdown, a “CrossFit” event. Along with their coaches and box mates, these athletes are going to have the opportunity to determine the results of their training and mental preparation in an effort to set new PRs, and possibly stand amongst the area's top athletes at this years Central Valley Throwdown. With the hype and excitement surrounding this upcoming competition, there are a few athletes that will not be able to participate in this year’s event. In CrossFit, like with any other sport and high-level competition, there is always a risk of injury. Some injuries can be worked out in a short amount of time, and unfortunately some may result in surgical repair that can take a year or more to rehab. With the risk of injury

always being present during athletics, it is important to know what puts an athlete at risk for injury. Currently the evidence is a bit limited on the epidemiology of CrossFit injuries, the following has been discovered. Many studies have found that the most common injuries are to the shoulder, lower back, and knees, with athletes reporting injuries between 19.4 to 26 percent of the time. Shoulder injuries most often come from the gymnastic movements (handstands, kipping pullups, muscle ups, etc). Lower back injuries most often occur with Olympic lifting movements (deadlift, clean, squat, etc). The athletes that are going to report those injuries are often times the males that have participated in the sport for a greater amount of time. Competitors also had a slightly higher risk due to scaling their loads a bit higher during

more difficult movements in attempts to succeed in competition. Interestingly, the research also found that female athletes were more willing to get coaching, which was proven to decrease the risk of an injury occurrence, proving the fact that proper coaching will result in a healthier athlete. With this information, athletes and coaches can have a better idea of their risk for injury while participating in CrossFit. Like all sports, there is always a risk for injury, but when done correctly or scaled appropriately, the reward of health and improved function may make it worth it. To help athletes of all sports, including CrossFit, the Physical Therapists at PRO-PT can help athletes manage current injuries, or return to their sport following surgery. Our goal is to see you exceed your potential!

I am back to doing the things

I LOVE PRO- PT was there before my surgery and after surgery giving me support to prepare for healing and rehabilitation. Patient care was top notch and I was always in good hands. I'm back to doing the things I love!

- Tiffany Christmas

LEMOORE HANFORD 755 N. Lemoore Ave., Ste. C 323 N. 11th Ave. Lemoore, CA 93245 Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 817-5808 (559) 772-8304 www.pro~pt.net

EXETER 134 South E. St. 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

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

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

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

www.facebook.com/proptphysicaltherapy

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

Fruit Crisp for All Seasons

ow do I love thee, fruit crisp? Let me count the ways: warm from the oven, drizzled with citrus glaze or cream, dolloped with whipped cream, over ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt, for dessert or breakfast. Mix and match fresh local fruits, spices, and nuts for a myriad of ways to serve comfort in a bowl! STREUSEL TOPPING ¾ C all-purpose flour ¾ C packed light brown sugar ¼ C scant granulated sugar ¾ C old-fashioned oats 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated is best) ½ C walnuts, chopped (optional) 10 T sweet butter, softened FILLING 3-4 large baking apples (about 1 ½ lbs), peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Golden Delicious are best) 1 lb cherries, pitted and halved ½ lb blueberries ¾ C packed light brown sugar 2 T cornstarch 2 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg (freshly grated is best) 2 T fresh lemon juice Zest of 1 lemon 1 tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a square or oval baking dish. In a bowl, combine all streusel ingredients except butter; mix well. Add softened butter and stir with a fork (or your clean hands) until crumbles form; set aside.

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In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, spices, salt and lemon zest. Add apples and berries and toss gently. Add the lemon juice and vanilla; mix. Pour fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish/dishes. Top with streusel filling. Bake approximately 30 minutes, until streusel is golden brown and fruit juices are bubbling. Cool 30 minutes before serving; store leftovers in the refrigerator. TO CHANGE YOUR RECIPE FOR THE SEASONS: • Use about 3 pounds of fruit total, whatever ratio you like • Cut fruits the same size so they cook evenly

• Crisp can be baked in two smaller casserole dishes, or 6 small ramekins • Substitute nuts you prefer or use a good granola/crushed granola bars • Orange zest and juice can be used instead of lemon • Jazz up the flavor with different spice blends that complement your fruits. Try apple pie, pumpkin pie, or gingerbread spices • Easily adapt your crisp for gluten-free diets with gluten-free flour and oatmeal or rice flour, and nuts or gluten-free granola in the streusel topping For more of Sue’s tips, more recipe options, and spice mixes, visit www.itsokaytoeatthecupcake.com.

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M-F: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat: 11:00 Blinds Etcam - 5:00 pm Sun: Closed 1113 S Mooney Blvd 559-732-4804 www.blindsetcvisalia.com M-F: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun: Closed 559-732-4804 www.blindsetcvisalia.com

* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 7/1/17—9/11/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units of such product is required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **The PowerView App is available on Apple® iOS and Android™ mobile devices, and requires the PowerView Hub for operation. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q3MAGPIRC2

* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 7/1/17—9/11/17 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. For certain rebate-eligible products, the purchase of multiple units ofDIRECT such product isMAGAZINE required to receive a rebate. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **The PowerView App is available on Apple® iOS and Android™ mobile devices, and requires the PowerView Hub for operation. ©2017 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 17Q3MAGPIRC2

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

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. Business After Hours: Tulare Chamber members recently met at Cool Hand Luke's for the monthly networking mixer where they enjoyed great food and connected to grow and sustain business in the Greater Tulare area. 2. Celebrating Business: A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to recognize the new ownership of Cool Hand Luke's. The company is now operated by Heritage Restaurant Brands under the direction of CEO Greg Graber. They are located at 1470 Cherry Court, Tulare. 3. Business Advocacy: The Chamber holds a monthly Governmental Affairs Committee meeting, which is open to all members. The agenda includes update presentations from various government partners and the review of proposed legislation impacting business. July's featured speaker was recently appointed City Manager Joe Carlini.

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PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE TULARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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ASK M.J. M.J. is a single mom living in Visalia. She has a Master of Science degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, and has a certiﬁcation in Life Strategies Coaching.

ear M.J.: My 12-year-old complains that he’s the only one of his friends without a smart phone, but I’ve heard horror stories about kids with smartphones these days, even with protective barriers up. Am I being unreasonable? – Sincerely, Not Ready Yet Dear ‘Not Ready Yet:’ You have to go with your gut on this one. If you feel it’s not the right time for your son to get a smartphone, then it’s probably not the right time. I hear many valid reasons why kids want smartphones, but as you know, having unlimited access to the world in the palm of your hand— including violent headlines, graphic accident or disaster scenes, and

Smartphones and Kids pornography—can open up a host of issues. Even the grandest of protective barriers will not catch everything, so when it comes down to it—is your child mature enough to deal with the consequences of being exposed to things that are uncomfortable or cannot be unseen? And are you ready for him to experience that? If you do decide to introduce your child to a smartphone, here are some helpful tips: 1. Set time limits. Giving your child 24-hour access to the devise could mean they are on it for hours, which can lead to eyestrain, headaches, and sleep deprivation. 2. Manage their apps. Be aware of what apps your child downloads to their phone. 3. Utilize parental control options. You can set specific age limits and block pages with content unsuitable for anyone under 17. You can monitor text

messages and phone calls and set up controls so the phone cannot receive any during specific hours. 4. Communicate with your child. Check in regularly and make sure they know to come to you with any issues. Access to social media and smartphones could open up your child to cyber-bullying and inappropriate behaviors from others kids. 5. Put guidelines in place for what is and is not appropriate to send over text. You don’t want your child to end up in hot water for sexting or sending inappropriate pictures. 6. Talk to your friends and family. The best way to know if you are ready is to talk to parents who have given their kids smartphones. Ask them how it is going, what the positive and negatives are, and take your time deciding.

Send your questions to direct@dmiagency.com with the subject line “Ask M.J.” All questions will be published anonymously.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP NIGHT

Friday, Aug. 25

Every ticket includes: Post-game fireworks & concert FREE Grizzlies Hat!

$12 at Spirit889.com

Sponsored by:

David Dunn “I Wanna Go Back”

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VISALIA FIRST TEXT BY NANCY DEMOSS WOLGEMUTH

A Modest Heart

he New York Times printed an article entitled, “She’s Got to Be a Macho Girl.” It reads, “John Bernard is 16, strapping, handsome, a hormonal hot-pocket of a teenager. Guys like him were once every father’s nightmare. No longer. ‘The girls are way more aggressive than the boys,’ John said. ‘They have more attitude. They have more power. And they overpower guys more. I mean, it’s scary.’” This is the culture in which we live. And yet, Christ calls His followers to be counter-cultural. In fact, Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:9–10 that two attitudes are to characterize a Christian woman’s approach to her appearance and behavior: modesty and self-control. A Modest Heart You don’t hear the word modesty often today, at least not in a positive sense. It conjures up images of a dour, frumpy schoolmarm. But that’s a misconception. A woman’s greatest loveliness comes through a modest heart that expresses itself in modest behavior, dress, and attitudes. Modest comes from the Greek word, aidos, which means propriety or decency. The word also hints at a proper sense of shame. For example, a modest woman would be ashamed if anything about her attitude or appearance dishonored Christ, distracted other believers, or caused men to sin. A modest woman is disinclined to call attention to herself. There’s nothing wrong with having an outgoing personality, but a modest woman does not try to get people to notice

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her. In her speech, dress, and behavior, she is free from showiness or ostentation. Here are some questions to help you assess your level of modesty: • Do I have a humble view of myself? • Do I have a high view of God? • Am I grieved at the thought of offending God or causing someone else to sin? • Do I wear clothing that is neat, decent, and doesn’t cause distraction or temptation to others? • Am I guilty of promoting myself? • Do I come across as controlling, bossy, or domineering? • Do I talk too much? Scripture says, “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking” (Proverbs 10:19, nkjv). Controlled Freedom If you’re like me, you can easily get discouraged by reading passages like 1 Timothy 2:9-10 that spell out God’s standard for our lives as women. That’s why we need to call out to the Lord: “Apart from You, there is no way I can be the kind of woman You have called me to be! By the power of Your Holy Spirit, please make me this kind of woman.” If you allow the Spirit of God room to work, He will produce His fruit

in your life—including the fruit of self-control. By practicing self-control, you’ll avoid many difficult situations altogether because you’ll make wise, restrained choices upfront—with your tongue, your eyes, your touch, your spirit. As you did with modesty, ask yourself some questions to evaluate your level of self-control: • Do I manage my time well? • Am I disciplined in my work habits? • Am I moderate and temperate in my eating, drinking, and spending? • Is my tongue controlled by the Spirit, or do I blurt out whatever comes to mind? • Am I prone to emotional outbursts? • Am I restrained in my relationships and demeanor with men? The greatest freedom comes when you’re under the control of the Holy Spirit. That’s when you can enjoy healthy and wholesome relationships in the Body of Christ. A heart of modesty and self-control will bring joy and peace in your life—and will make the Gospel believable to unbelievers.

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CRAFT CORNER TEXT BY IMAGINEU CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Fish Tank Fun

ost everyone has wanted a fish tank at some point in his or her life. While fish tanks are fun to have, they can be a lot of work to clean and maintain, especially when you’re a kid! This month’s craft is a fish tank for all ages. Your kids won’t have to worry about feeding the fish or cleaning the tank…and neither will you! WHAT YOU WILL NEED: • 2 sturdy paper plates, 7 inches • Blue, green, and brown non-toxic tempera paint • Paint brush • Sandwich bag • Pepperidge Farm colored gold fish

• • • • • •

Non-toxic glue Styrofoam cup Glitter paint Scissors Sand (optional) Rhinestones (optional)

DIRECTIONS: • Paint one of the plates on the inside blue. On the other plate, paint just the edge blue. • After the paint has dried, cut the blue edge off the second plate. On the first plate, paint the bottom of the plate brown. (If using sand, spread some glue on the bottom and scatter the sand over the glue.) • Paint some plants with the green paint. • After the paint has dried, glue some gold fish in the tank. You can add rhinestones or glitter as the bubbles coming from the fish. • For the “glass,” cut the sandwich bag to fit the plate. Position the bag to cover ¾ of the plate and glue it to the edge. • Take the other plate edge and glue it over the edge of the sandwich bag. • To make the stand for your tank, cut the styrofoam cup one-inch below the rim of the cup. Cut a slit on each side of the cut portion of the cup. • Position your completed fish tank on the stand. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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TULARE COUNTY HHSA Peer-to-Peer Mentoring and Mental Wellness

uccess in the realm of mental health wellness is a broad concept; for many individuals who have had treatment services, it means being a part of the larger community— holding a job, having a home or apartment, and keeping a circle of friends that support them. For those who have lived experience that includes a family member with mental illness, it may mean giving back in an area where they have seen success. They might begin a career in mental health services, often as a Peer Support Specialist—a job that offers them the opportunity to share their own story, make others who are receiving mental health treatment feel welcome and accepted, and manage group meetings and other activities at one of the Tulare County Mental Health Services sites.

JESSICA Jessica, a Case Manager with Turning Point of Central California, contracts with Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency to provide mental health services at the Visalia One-Stop. She says that she is part of a generation of change in the Hispanic culture and that getting care for mental 18

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illness and speaking out about your story should be the new normal. “I’m a first generation American and my parents hold on to the strict culture and stereotypes or beliefs within the culture,” said Jessica. “Mental health is still not an accepted, tangible medical issue. You can go and get treatment for polio, but not for mental illness, and it’s too bad because it should be just as clean-cut as it would be for any other illness. That’s how you heal the mind— therapy, group activity, and the right medication.” At 18, Jessica took several psychology courses, and during that time, her mother began to fall into a depressed state. She stopped going out to see people but said she felt alone, began to stay in bed all day, cried often, stopped taking care of herself, and refused to eat. Recognizing depression in someone can be difficult, but Jessica says that because of the psychology courses, she understood that her mother needed help. She began to check in on her mom daily and encouraged her to use her tablet to look up resources. Her mom found an article and a public forum in Spanish where individuals shared about their mental health journeys. By reading about others who were experiencing the same feelings, Jessica’s mom began to understand that she wasn’t alone. “You never know if someone you know is feeling a certain way,” said Jessica. “My mom decided to get assistance from her doctor after she spent time reading stories of people who had the same feelings.” Jessica soon came across a job advertisement for a Peer Advocate position and knew she could do the job because the description mimicked what she had already been doing for her mom. “Everything starts with the peer advocates,” said Jessica. “They make sure the client feels welcomed and that they won't be ridiculed, judged, or discriminated against. Peers are a support system to help them overcome their mental illness. We're committed to

your recovery.” Just as she received her bachelor’s degree, Jessica was promoted to the Case Manager position at the Visalia One-Stop. She notes, “It is easy to fall into depression if you don’t have the support of others. The One-Stop is great because it offers individuals 18-24 years of age links to support groups, housing and food pantries, and therapists. As their case managers, we teach them skills like how to manage conflict, social skills, and how to manage tasks in the home. We’re there to listen to them, and groups are available such as anger management, depression, life skills, wellness, and recovery action plan so they see they are not the only one and they can learn from each other.” It gives her satisfaction to see others using coping skills, recovering, and having hope. What’s the most important first step, according to Jessica? “It is okay to share your experience.” Jessica is evidence that culture is changing and wellness is more important than stereotypes.

OSCAR Oscar, a Peer Support Specialist at the Porterville Wellness Center (PWC), has big goals. He is in school to achieve a degree in software engineering and has already received his associate’s degree in social science. He wants to help soldiers and firefighters who are experiencing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and minimize the impact that PTSD may have on their lives.

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It’s a lofty goal, but one that is attainable for Oscar, who has overcome so much in life already. “I was medically discharged after serving as a paramedic in the army and I became addicted to alcohol and drugs,” said Oscar. “A friend helped me get into rehab.” Oscar says that when he came back to the Valley, he just could not seem to get a break. He had let his paramedic and firefighting license lapse, could not find a job, and was having symptoms of PTSD. Oscar says he “became anxious and depressed” and attempted to take his own life. The incidents helped his parents to understand just how much he was suffering, and they began to support him getting the psychiatric assistance he needed. Through a referral to the Adult Clinic from the Disability Resource Center at Porterville College, where he had enrolled to continue his education, Oscar began to receive professional treatment. He says that the therapy meetings every two to three weeks, medications that helped him overcome nightmares, sleeplessness, and not eating, and the wellness groups he attended at the Adult Clinic helped him get to a healthy place again. Oscar’s peer support specialist influenced his decision to use his experiences to help others. Peer support specialists, who have lived experience with mental illness, serve in a role that helps other individuals feel comfortable as they participate in therapy, group sessions, learn life and social skills, and how to manage and cope with their symptoms. “My Peer Support Specialist pushed me and supported me, listened to me, helped me be a better person, and achieve my dreams,” said Oscar. “She encouraged me to use my experience to help other people while I'm on my journey.” Oscar was hired as a peer support specialist in April. Working at the Porterville Wellness Center (PWC), he runs wellness groups like the ones he was involved in and helps individuals who are visiting the PWC. He says he

sometimes still struggles: “I have small depression episodes that last a week or so, but I don’t hide it and I use humor to help. I try to be a positive role model to the community to show that we’re individuals who have unique ways of thinking that can help us solve problems and break stigma around mental health.”

ELIJAH As a Program Manager for the Porterville Wellness Center (PWC), Elijah says that he’s able to use his 27 years of family lived experience to support and celebrate others as they take the reins of their mental health recovery and use the safe and supportive space he helps create to grow well in mind, body, and soul. “The PWC is innovative, and we can grow and develop the program to be a staple in the community and work with our partners,” he said. Elijah intends to work within the Hispanic community and lower income populations who, he says, need to be met where they are at with innovative approaches. “I want to get resources to those who need them and educate the larger population about mental illness—I understand stigma and I have seen what happens when it exists.” Elijah asserts that the individuals who come to the PWC choose to be there, so for the staff to give of their time and attention to someone who is choosing to continue their mental health recovery is very rewarding. “As a program manager, it is my purpose to

come here every day, enjoy my job, and inspire the people that come in to the PWC,” said Elijah. “I want to provide a space for individuals that is safe and supportive with options and resources that aren’t necessarily available to them elsewhere.” Elijah’s family history influenced him. “We were a close knit family, but I saw people assuming what was right for my family members who had mental illnesses. Can you imagine not having anyone to support you after you’ve had a breakdown? Their situation should not have been an excuse to treat them like children and take away their voice as a person.” The decision to be a positive influencer, listener, and someone who helps people “flip the script” came from those early experiences. Elijah feels that empowering someone to have a sense of being, drive, and to see circumstances in a positive light can help reduce the stigma of mental illness because they’re going to feel more equipped to share their story. He says that for an individual who is recovering from mental illness, to have a peer means that they can see the evidence of someone who has gone down that long and difficult road. “Peers are living proof that it is possible to recover, go back into the workforce, and be a part of the community,” said Elijah. “Peer support makes the playing field even for someone who comes in to build confidence and needs support and guidance.” Tammie Weyker-Adkins, MPA Public Information Officer Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency Call 1-800-320-1616, a 24-hour mental health call line for immediate assistance with non-emergency mental health crises. If an individual is experiencing a mental health crisis and has thoughts of harming oneself or others, call 9-1-1.

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SEEN AROUND TOWN TEXT BY DR. JOHN SULLIVAN, SMILE CENTRAL VALLEY

here’s always something great happening in Visalia, so Direct loves to highlight the people, places, and events that make this community thrive.

BARRELHOUSE VISALIA GRAND OPENING Downtown Visalia is excited to welcome BarrelHouse Brewing’s newest taproom and beer garden to Main Street. With 12,000 sq. ft. of space, BarrelHouse offers 26 taps of current and previously released BarrelHouse beers, two stages, a massive outdoor space with a patio born from the Pismo Pier, vintage pinball machines, and more. Welcome to town, BarrelHouse!

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VALLEY OAK SPCA: NEW BUILDING Valley Oak SPCA is delighted to announce the new location of the Hoey and Whitendale Valley Oak SPCA Facility located at 9800 Camp Dr., Visalia. The blue 15,000 sq. ft. building is housed on a two-acre property northwest of Plaza and CA-198, and will meet the organization's current and future needs. Future phases of the new facility will include expansion of new kennels, catteries, community education spaces, training spaces, play yards, and more.

VISALIAN PUBLISHES INSPIRING BOOK, “REFUSE TO LOSE” Visalia resident Daniel P. Schultz recently wrote and published a book, “Refuse to Lose,” in which he talks about his son J.C.’s 14-year battle with Lupus. The short story is told through the eyes of Daniel and tries to focus on many of the positive aspects of J.C.’s life, in the midst of unimaginable struggles. J.C. passed away in February 2017, but the book remains as a tribute to his daily fight for a better life and an example of how hope can bring people through tough trials.

SUBMIT AN ANNOUNCEMENT If you witnessed something great happening around town, had a recent promotion or career change, or opened a new business, submit a short blurb and a photo for Seen Around Town or People on the Move to direct@dmiagency.com.

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FOCUS FITNESS ON

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

What’s Holding You Back?

et me ask you a question—Have you been trying to lose weight and get in shape, but are not getting the results you want? I want to use this opportunity to be brutally honest with you and to push you out of your comfort zone so that you can have a breakthrough that will lead to the results you want. What excuses have you been giving yourself or telling others as to why you have not reached your goals? Let’s dig deeper—why are you allowing these excuses to hold you back? What’s the real fear stopping you from taking action and being consistent with your health, fitness, and nutrition? We need to break the chains these fears have held on you and start moving toward your goals once-and-for-all. If you don’t take these fears, excuses, and self-limiting factors head-on, you’ll just fall back into the same old patterns. I’m going to lay out the top four fears and underlying issues that are stopping you. 1. Fear of Change. Change is hard. There has to be a deep, underlying reason you need to make a change in order for it to really stick. If you are not uncomfortable or completely fed up with your current situation, then

you are not going to make the changes you need to get the results you want. Anything worth having is going to be hard, and unless you are ready to tackle this fear, you’ll stay stuck where you are. 2. Fear of the Unknown. When we don’t know what to do or what to expect, there is fear wrapped around that. How do you overcome this fear? By pushing your boundaries and stepping out of your comfort zone. If you are afraid of something or of not knowing what to do or what steps to take next concerning your health and fitness, educate yourself and do it anyway. When you step out of your comfort zone and tackle the fear of the unknown, that fear will quickly die away. 3. Fear of Failure. We all fear being judged by others, and this fear causes us to not put ourselves out there for fear of being ridiculed. We all believe that others are talking about us or judging us when in actuality, everyone is too concerned with themselves to worry about someone else. Fear of failure is often a fear of being judged. If you can move past this without letting the opinions of others get in the way, you’ll be well on your way to living a fit and healthy life. 4. Lack of Self-Worth. If you don’t feel worthy of being happy, healthy, and fit, then you will never get there. This insecurity is deeply rooted in lacking

a positive self-esteem and can stem from something someone told you years ago that you are still holding on to. Don’t let this limiting self-talk hold you back any longer. If you don’t care for yourself, then how can you expect others to care for you? When you conquer this fear, you will see how many more doors will open up, allowing you to serve and give more of yourself to your family and causes. You are worthy of being happy, healthy, and fit! There you have it, the top four fears to overcome to crack the code on this roller coaster of health, fitness, and weight loss. I know this topic was a deep one, and I hope that it has opened your eyes as to what has been stopping you from reaching your goals and staying consistent. You can do this, I believe in you!

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

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

The Oath for Compassionate Service, Pt. 1 “I had to dumpster dive last night, because the three meals I got at the Mission weren’t enough,” a homeless man once complained to me. “Bro,” I started, “I don’t eat lunch most days because I’m working.” This young man then changed topics and began to complain about the uncomfortable beds in our overnight shelter. “We’re not the Marriott,” I replied. “The shelter is meant to keep you alive.” In the early 19th century, the needy were largely separated into two categories: those who were physically unable to remedy their situation through hard work, and those who were physically able yet unwilling. The latter were not looked down on as if they were at the bottom of the social barrel, but with eyes that saw their potential to either improve their situation or dive further in unhealthy living. In fact, requiring the able-bodied poor to work was not seen as unloving or oppressive, but was their way of treating all those in need as members of the community with responsibilities. The man mentioned above is smart, in his early thirties, and is physically able to remedy at least part of his homeless situation. Instead, he sells his EBT card for cash to buy marijuana, is a fulltime loiterer where permitted, and spends his days playing Magic (some sort of card game I don’t under-stand). He may not have a home or a job, but yet, he is still a member of this community—and as such, it is our responsibility to treat him accordingly. On Oct. 12, we’ll be hosting our annual banquet with author and speaker, Robert Lupton. The stories and data presented in his book Toxic Charity (which was my first introduction to him) were both con-victing and inspiring. I became committed in those early days to not only help the hurting, but to do so in a way that treated them with dignity, where I could play my part in calling people higher; reminding them 22

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that they still have purpose and something to give—in spite of their current need. After years of on-the-ground ministry and international missionary experience, Lupton crafted “The Oath for Compassionate Service”: #1: Never do for the poor what they have (or could have) the capacity to do for themselves: “Personal responsibility is essential for social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. To do for others what they have the capacity to do for themselves is to disempower them. The negative outcomes of welfare are no different when religious or charitable organizations provide it. The struggle for self-sufficiency is, like the butterfly struggling to emerge from its cocoon, an essential strength-building process that should not be shortcircuited by “compassionate” intervention. The effective helper can be an encourager, a coach, a partner, but never a caretaker.” By the late 19th century, charities understood this principle and warned their volunteers that “well-meant interference, unaccompanied by personal knowledge of all the circumstances, often does more harm than good.” Should it pain you to see someone hungry? Yes. Should you immediately

intervene with a meal? Not necessarily. That would be well-meant interference. Perhaps, it is those very hunger pains that would lead that individual to reach out for help to change the rest of their life, not just a meal for the moment. Fortunately for us, we live in the agricultural hub of the world, and hunger here, to quote Lupton, is a “chronic poverty need, not a life threatening one.” As we always say, it’s not just about helping—it’s about helping within a healthy context. Direct those in need to available services where they can eat, receive shelter, and make new relationships. And, if you’re willing, join us—in the kitchen, in the shelter, in the office. You can make a greater difference than you realize.

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GARDENING TEXT BY SHARON PLEIN, MASTER GARDENER

Grow an African Violet From a Leaf

ropagating new plants can happen by planting seeds, by dividing clumps of plant roots, or by taking cuttings. Summer is not the best time to plant seeds outdoors or divide plants due to the heat, but you can still propagate new plants indoors with leaf cuttings. Children and adults find it fascinating and fun to watch their leaf cuttings grow and develop. Not all plants can be grown by taking leaf cuttings. However, plants with thick succulent leaves, like African violets, begonias, or kalanchoes, are great candidates. African violets are one of the easiest plants to propagate from leaf cuttings. Kids will enjoy observing a new plant develop from a single leaf as they watch it grow into a beautiful blooming plant. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: • A healthy “donor” African violet plant • A small clean glass or jar • Water to fill the glass • A small piece of aluminum foil to cover the top of the glass • A sharp knife, for parental use only! (A parent or guardian will need to wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to prevent bacterial contamination of the leaf’s stem.) • A small pot and planting medium for transplanting the cutting after its new roots have sufficiently developed. • A well-lighted windowsill that provides indirect light for your developing cutting and your new plant.

DIRECTIONS: 1. The first step to propagating an African violet is to pick a mature and healthy “donor “ plant. There are many colors and varieties with ruffled leaves and flowers. Pick a plant you like because your new “ baby” African violet will be a clone of its donor. A day or two before you harvest your leaf cutting, water your plant to make sure it is not water stressed. 2. The second step will be to select a healthy leaf for your cutting. Select one from near the center of the plant and cut or snap its stem off near its base. 3. Have an adult use the cleaned sharp knife to cut the stem to a length of two inches below the bottom of the leaf. Expose the end of the leaf stem to the open air for about an hour. This helps the stem form a “calloused end” for rooting. 4. Now it is time to prepare the glass. Fill it with water to about a quarter inch from the top. Take the piece of aluminum foil and poke a small hole in the center. Place the foil over the top of the jar and carefully insert the stem

through the hole and into the water. Look to ensure that only the bottom of the stem is below the water’s surface. Note: Crimp the foil to make sure it covers only the very top of jar. This will prevent the leaf from falling into the water, and will provide you with the best view of new roots that will develop from the submerged stem. 5. Now it’s time to place your glass by a window that has bright, indirect light. African violets do not like direct sunlight. Their leaves will develop brown spots or burn. 6. Next, your job will be to monitor the water level to make sure that the stem is always submerged. Add water to replace any of what will be lost through evaporation. In several weeks, you will see tiny root hairs forming on the stem. When the root hairs are about an inch long, you can transplant your African violet into a small pot filled with planting medium. Enjoy watching your new “baby” African violet grow!

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

JOYCE PARK, 8TH GRADE LA JOYA MIDDLE SCHOOL, VISALIA Staff at La Joya Middle School shared a bittersweet goodbye to 8th grade graduate Joyce Park. As Associated Student Body president, yearbook editor, first chair clarinet, and a three-sport student athlete, Joyce devoted her time and heart to not only improving her own life, but the lives of those around her. Leadership teacher Mr. Cartagena affirms, “Joyce inspired leadership with her tireless effort and her penchant for perfection. She really took her role as president seriously by making sure everyone was doing what they needed to be doing when working on projects. I appreciated how she tried getting students on campus enthused about our events. La Joya loved her! This was evident not only by her being voted overwhelmingly by her peers to be president, but also when she would introduce herself at rallies. The audience would scream with excitement!” As student body president, Joyce is most proud of the kindness week project the leadership class initiated last year. The walkways of LJMS were adorned with wooden signs reminding staff and students to be kind to one another, with phrases like “wave at 24

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someone,” “ask someone how their day is going,” “say hello to someone new,” and “hold the door open for the next guy.” Joyce says, “This wooden sign project made our whole campus friendlier. We wanted to keep people from being left out and I think our plan worked.” Personally, Joyce is also proud of her family, both here and in South Korea. While being raised in Visalia by her grandmother and aunt, Joyce has learned life lessons of working hard, respecting elders, and making time for family traditions and hobbies. These principles will continue to complement her relentless pursuit of responsibility and her strong work ethic to one day accomplish her goal of attending the University of California, Davis Veterinary Program. COLE YOSHIDA, 8TH GRADE LA JOYA MIDDLE SCHOOL, VISALIA Taking time for others is a natural behavior for LJMS graduate Cole Yoshida. Coach Al Wiley shares, “Cole is an outstanding person, student, and athlete. He has both the mental and physical abilities to compete in any sport or activity he chooses at a prominent level. I have had the opportunity to coach him in football

and basketball this year. He is a leader on the field and strives to do his best, regardless of the circumstances. He has the determination to succeed in whatever he does and his attitude is always positive. He models all the pillars of character. His teammates respect and admire Cole for who he is and what he does on and off the field. His parents have great character and have engrained in their children these values.” Just as Coach Wiley speaks highly of Cole, Cole also credits his coach as a mentor for showing him the importance of good character on and off the field. “Coach Wiley has taught us to value the strengths and weaknesses of players to improve as a team. He has taught us the importance of being on time and making every practice a game situation. We have built friendships and learned to help others who may struggle, and our team chemistry is a success as a result.” Cole’s focus on his academic and athletic goals does not stop at the end of the school day. His older brother Chase is also a student athlete and has been a role model for persistence, putting school first with a strong work ethic while striving for life’s goals. This month, Cole and Joyce will begin their high school years as El Diamante Miners. They are certain to make an impact on their new campus just as their legacy of good character remains at La Joya.

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AUTO SHOP Tips from the Auto Shop Tip #1: Use Your Smart Phone Got a smart phone? Well good, this is a great opportunity that can help both you and me in diagnosing your car’s issue. When your car makes that funny noise, record it. When something is on the ground under your car, take a picture of it. When a light comes on the dash or you hear something strange, record it, take a video, or snap a picture! This can save you money and time and will help us figure out what exactly is going on with your vehicle. Tip #2: Bring Your Car in Several Weeks Before Travel Are you planning a trip? Great! Are you planning to bring your vehicle in the day before you leave? Bad idea. Many times we tend to find something that needs to be done that you are not aware of...All of a sudden we are the center of attention. In this situation we often hear, “well can’t you get it done today so I can leave tomorrow?” The answer most likely is “no.” So save yourself some grief and schedule a service a few weeks before you plan on taking off.

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 from recommended services date. Synthetic oil add $10 for stocking brand

Understanding your car’s systems is what we do. Give us a call when any need or problems arise. We are here to help. 2044 E. Main St., Visalia 559.734.2886 www.misfiregone.com

IN GRILLING, TASTE RULES

Tip #3: Don’t Bring Parts Don’t bring your own parts with you to have a repair done. Most, if not all, shops will not install the parts. If they do, they will have to double the cost of labor. Why, you may ask? Well, I will turn around and ask why you decided that was a good idea? We cannot warranty the part and the labor. We make a profit on the parts, we sell them at retail, and we buy them wholesale. That is how we keep our doors open. We then guarantee the parts and labor nationwide. We bet Rock Auto won’t cover your labor. Have a question? Email me at barlogio@gmail.com and if I use your question, we will do an oil and filter on your car for free. Limit to $50 value.

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

Control Your Grill Via 651-3388 Smart Phone 6837 W Pershing Custom Programmable Cooking Instructions (Shirk & Pershing) Monitor Food Temp M-F, 7-5 Sat 9-1 | www.TheGardenWorld.com

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

The Promise of a New Year

n just a few days, students will return to school and we will open the 2017-2018 school year. This is a great time, as every new school year brings the pleasure of reconnecting with familiar people and things, as well as the excitement of experiencing things that are new. This fall, we open two schools that reflect both of these themes for students and staff. Riverway Elementary School, located just west of Riverway Sports Park, will open with 540 kids. This school serves Visalia and the school district by absorbing some of the enrollment growth in the northwest area of our community. The facility design includes all that we have learned from the construction of our other elementary schools, taking into account feedback from students, teachers, and parents. Our elementary schools are built as part of a “family” of school designs. For example, one can see the influence of Oak Grove Elementary in the design of Manuel F. Hernandez Elementary. Similarly, it is possible to see the lineage of design from Shannon Ranch Elementary to Riverway Elementary. Even with this familiarity, small evolutionary changes in design happen with each school, marking the development of our understanding of how a school should be laid out to serve students best. At Riverway, students will learn in classrooms that include more technology and more flexible use

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of space than before. Our new Otters will have a great environment in which to learn and grow!

restrooms and multi-purpose rooms. We await the release of state construction bond funds approved by the voters under Proposition 51 to start these projects.

unique—It will seek to deeply develop 21st century skills: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity; it will develop attitudes, skills, and knowledge to understand and participate in a globally connected world; it will teach Spanish as part of the program for all grades; and it will use technology throughout the school to obtain, analyze, synthesize, and present information. Global Learning Charter School is the fourth charter school opened by Visalia Unified, and it reflects our strategy for charter schools in two ways. First, it helps us meet the needs of individual families and students. Our traditional schools are great places for kids to learn, but not every student can find the greatest success in that setting. Our charter schools have a unique theme or approach that makes individualizing school more possible. Second, we seek to create charter schools that are “hotbeds” of innovation. The smaller school size of our charter schools makes piloting new and creative approaches to teaching and learning more possible—and as these approaches become perfected, we can recreate them on our other campuses so that all students may have great opportunities to achieve.

Our second new school, Global Learning Charter School, represents a less traditional approach for us. This school, located on the former Fairview Elementary School campus, is a charter school that serves our community and district by bringing innovative approaches to learning for its students. Global will open with 390 students in grades K-6, will add 7th grade next year, and will become a K-8 school the following year. The school has four signature approaches that make it

A new school year represents an opportunity for students and staff to start anew. Making good use that opportunity means many things, from opening new schools to ensuring that students have good teachers and safe, caring, and encouraging environments to learn in. The nearly 3,000 employees of Visalia Unified have the honor of serving our 28,400 students, and we are excited about bringing the best possible experience to every child in our care.

The construction of new schools reminds us that it is our responsibility to ensure that our older school facilities are well-maintained and modernized so that they may serve students well. To that end, we have plans in place to modernize Ivanhoe Elementary, Crowley Elementary, Goshen Elementary, Mineral King Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Golden West High School. Modernization projects typically include improvements to classrooms, heating and cooling improvements, and improved common spaces, such as

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MONEY MATTERS TEXT BY MARY HUNT

fun, some crazy, but all very useful, if only to avoid a headache or two. Roll, Don’t Fold. Instead of folding your clothes, roll them tightly. They'll take up less space in your luggage, and that can save you from having to pay extra baggage fees.

Travel Tips, Tricks, and Hacks

love to travel, which has become one the best unintended consequences of my life as a writer, speaker, and blogger. Travel always involves challenges. That's why I have adopted an attitude that no matter how well I've planned, if something can go wrong, it probably will. And if it doesn't, I consider that a travel bonus. Over the years, I've collected a bunch of really great travel tips—some

Scan Everything. Before you leave, scan the front and back of every item in your wallet, including your passport. Email the images to yourself. Now you'll always have a digital copy handy, in case you lose something. This will not be a substitute for your passport, ID, or credit cards, but you'll have all of the pertinent information you need to keep going. Empty Bottle. Bring along an empty water bottle. Once you clear security, fill it up and you won't have to pay $5.95 for a bottle. Refill as necessary during your trip. Just make sure it's empty before you pass through security on your return. Nothing Left Behind. Make this the first thing you do when you walk in your room: Take a hand towel from the bathroom and spread it out on the desk or countertop. This becomes the de facto place for all of your things that you have a place for at home. Put your room key, car keys, sunglasses, rechargers, wallet—everything—on the towel. Now everything is visible and in one spot, rather than scattered about the room. As you come and go, return these items to their place on the towel.

When you're ready to check out, there's no searching and nothing left behind. Secret USB Port. If you should happen to forget (or lose) the wall plug for your phone charger, check the back of the TV in your hotel room. These days, most have a USB port in which you can recharge your phone or other device. Chargers to Lend. If you lost or forgot the charger for your computer or phone, go to the front desk. There will be a huge variety that others have left behind. You should be able to borrow the one you need. Hand-Washing. Need to wash underwear or other clothing items? Shampoo is the perfect substitute for detergent. It's great for getting out a grease spot, too. After all, that's what shampoo is made to do—remove grease from hair. Travel Safe. A travel mug makes a great travel "safe." If you must leave small valuables in your hotel room, pop them into the mug. It will be fairly inconspicuous and an unlikely target for thieves. Sign the Door. When you leave your hotel room, even if for just a few minutes to get something to eat, place the "do not disturb" sign on the door. It will appear to housekeeping and others that you are in the room for as long as the sign remains. This adds a layer of security should you leave your computer or other valuables in the room. Always Compare. When booking air travel, always use a flight-comparison website. There are several, such as Skyscanner and Kayak. These sites help you find the best airline and cheapest price for your dates and routes. But do not book your flights through these sites. Instead, delete your browser history, and then book directly with the airline. This way, if you have a flight cancellation or other problem, you can rebook right there at the airport (or train station, bus station, etc.) through customer service. If you've booked your tickets with an Internet travel site, good luck. You're going to need it. DIRECT MAGAZINE

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

Off to College:

10 Money Saving Tips for College Students

s we all know, college is ridiculously expensive. Even back in my college days when college was "cheap,” dinner frequently consisted of Mac ‘n’ Cheese ($.25 a box) and Kool Aid or a nice, dry baked potato. So as fall approaches, here are a few money-saving tips for students preparing to head off to college. CLEP. Perhaps the best-kept secret for saving money at college is a test called the CLEP. This is a standardized test available at some colleges in which a student can earn college credit by "testing out" of a class. Find out more here: clep.collegeboard.org. Eating. Don't panic! I am not going to tell you not to eat. However, try not to eat out a lot and never go to the grocery store when you are hungry. Also, don't buy the most expensive plan, but rather one that matches what you actually consume. You can also save money by planning dinner with 28

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friends and splitting the cost. Drink tap water. It's free and better for you! Budget. Be sure you pay your bills on time to avoid late fees, and pay off your credit card every month. Do not run up your credit card bill! Make a budget and stick to it. Remember that college is not a vacation, so spend accordingly. Shopping. Shop where you can get student discounts. There are many places in college towns that offer discounts to college students. Use Craigslist for buying and selling, and sell items you no longer need. Entertainment. Get involved in campus activities. They are usually free and there are plenty of them to keep you busy. Technology. Don't get expensive cable packages and get an economical phone package or plan. Never go over a phone package limit.

Partying. While going to parties is often part of the college experience, use common sense when it comes to drinking. Do not binge drink! Not only is it expensive, but it is terrible for your health. (And drinking and driving is off limits—a new car and hospital bills will be expensive.) Working Out. Most colleges today have fabulous fitness centers. Don't join an expensive gym when you can use the campus gym for little-to-nothing. Books. Buy used books when possible. Share a book with another student. Use books from the library if you only need them for a short time. Coffee. Make your own coffee. Do not buy Starbucks! Although I personally enjoy a Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino now and then, the "coffee shop" drinks are way too expensive for a college student. Put it in your budget for a treat now and then, but don't go crazy with it. Well now that I have spoiled all your fun, I want to remind you that while part of going to college is having fun, the real reason is for you to get a college degree in a reasonable amount of time without accruing an enormous amount of debt. So remember, go to class!

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CROSSWORD

Prizes ACROSS 1 Yokum’s creator 5 Bender 10 Corporate symbol 14 Passover to Shabuoth period 15 Musical embellishment 16 Flat or grid follower 17 Steak preference 18 ___ -dink 19 Windmill part 20 Wedge for a pendulum 22 Lockhart and Raymond 23 Sheltered 24 Two-masted vessel 25 Race locale

27 31 32 33 3 4 35 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 4 4 45 47

Functionaries at 25 Across Ski mecca Newcastle redundancy Cudgel Ebro and Guadiana Dyeing technique Hindu discipline Stir Interlaced Cringe Offered in payment If I could, I ___ France’s Coty Land of Joyce Marsh bird Trophy

LOOK FOR YOUR ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE

52 53 5 4 55 56 57 5 8 59 60

___ to: stopped headway Desire wrongfully Italian terrorist victim ___ a kick . . . Be raucous Highest cards Winningham Preserves, in a way Thomas or Condé

6 Austen’s prejudice partner 7 Peal 8 Actress Sommer 9 English cathedral city 10 Work on the premises 11 Miami competition 12 Word in a Mitchell title 13 Units 21 North Carolina college 22 Painter Juan 24 Uncompleted pitch 25 Stage direction 26 Edgar Lee Masters locale 27 Carried 28 Fall or dance preceder 29 Had a tantrum 30 Have the lead 31 Smell ___ 32 Fingal’s ___ 35 Tiresome one 36 Comic Henny 38 Took off 39 Nickel 41 Expunge 42 Corresponds 4 4 Court notable 45 Thin wedge 46 Ciceronian wardrobe item 47 Ms. Albright 4 8 President’s office 49 Funny Imogene 50 Actress Mary and namesakes 51 Mail 53 Radio network: abbr. UNPATRIOTIC - JULY ISSUE

DOWN 1 Irish county 2 ___For All Seasons 3 Italian composer Jacopo 4 Book intros 5 Mason’s factotum

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GOINGS-ON YOUNG AT ART EXHIBIT August 2017 is a special month for Arts Visalia, which is pleased to present Young at Art, an exhibition featuring the works of their Young at Art children’s summer program. The exhibition will also showcase works from kids in their art program in Goshen, in partnership with Family Services. When: Aug. 2-25. Reception is on Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m. Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905

BLUES, BREWS & BBQ Come out to downtown Visalia every first Friday of the month for a night of live music, dancing, refreshing brews, and lots of fun. The entertainment on August 4 will be John Clifton Blues Band. Proceeds from this event benefit Visalia Emergency Aid Council. When: Aug. 4, 6-10 p.m. Where: Garden Street Plaza, downtown Visalia Contact: 859-3682 FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK Every month, the Arts Consortium presents First Fridays to explore the Visalia Art District. During the walk, you’ll experience a diverse range of local art in the downtown Visalia area. Check out the website for more information. When: Aug. 4, 5–8 p.m. Where: Arts Consortium, 400 N. Church St., Visalia Contact: artsconsortium.org

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AT VISALIA FIRST Experience the Global Leadership Summit, where everyone has influence. During this conference, you’ll hear from more than a dozen successful and captivating leaders from around the globe, who will inspire you toward great leadership. When: Aug. 10-11 Where: Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers St., Visalia Contact: visaliafirst.com/gls or 733-9070 SECOND SATURDAY ARTISAN MARKET AT THE LOOKING GLASS From now through October, The Looking Glass in Visalia will be hosting a “Second Saturday” artisan and crafters fair. Come out and enjoy a day of shopping from local crafters. When: Aug. 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Where: The Looking Glass, Court and Caldwell in Visalia Contact: thelookingglassvisalia.com

VISALIA MIGHTY OAKS CHORUS 2ND ANNUAL WESTERN ROUNDUP Y’all are invited to attend the Visalia Mighty Oak’s Chorus 2nd annual Western Roundup. The evening includes a full tri-tip BBQ dinner, entertainment by the Visalia Mighty Oaks Chorus and Quartets. When: Aug. 26, 5-8 p.m. Where: Ritchie Barn, 16338 Ave. 308, Visalia Contact: 901-4615

HAPPY HEARTS CAR SHOW Benefitting Valley Children’s Hospital, the Happy Hearts Car Show at Ed Dena’s Auto Center in Dinuba will feature a variety of classic cars, all for a great cause. With a $5 donation, guests will be entered to win a new vehicle. When: Aug. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Ed Dena’s Auto Center, 1500 W. El Monte Way, Dinuba Contact: eddenasautocenter.com

DOWNTOWN VISALIA BREW FEST Gather your friends together and be ready to taste your favorite beers at Downtown Visalia’s second annual Brew Fest. Come down to the old Lumber Yard at Bridge and Oak Streets to enjoy live music, beer, and fun. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit Assistance League of Visalia. When: Sept. 9, 3-7 p.m. Where: The Old Lumberyard, Bridge and Oak Streets, Visalia Contact: downtownvisalia.com GARDEN PARTY WINE AFFAIR The Green Acres Little Theatre Foundation will present its 13th annual “Garden Party Wine Affair” at the home of Chuck and Susie Nichols. There will be wine tasting, hors d’ oeuvres, desserts, a silent auction, a 50-50 drawing, and entertainment by the Redwood High School Jazz Band. When: Sept. 10, 4-7 p.m. Where: Home of Chuck and Susie Nichols Contact: 779-8164

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. 30

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SAUCY SEPTEMBER EVENING Saucy September is a celebration of Hunger Action Month and Food Literacy Month, featuring a pasta sauce tasting and competition, live music, dinner, a silent auction, and a raffle. When: Sept. 16, 6-10 p.m. Where: Congregation B’nai David, 1039 S. Chinowth St., Visalia Contact: 732-3600 WAITER’S RACE Join the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club for another exciting Waiters Race taking place on Main Street in downtown Visalia. Servers from local restaurants have a chance to win prizes and bragging rights, so come cheer on your favorite waiters and waitresses. When: Sept. 21, 5-8 p.m. Where: Main Street, Downtown Visalia Contact: visaliabreakfastlions.org

CRUSH PARTY The Tulare Chamber of Commerce and the COS Foundation will be holding their 4th annual Crush Party. Join them for tasting local wines, spirits, cheeses, and other delicious eats. When: Sept. 22, 6-9 p.m. Where: COS Tulare College Center, Building B, 4999 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare Contact: COS.edu/Foundation FROMAGE FROLIC Come out to Garden Street Plaza to partake in the second annual Fromage Frolic grilled cheese cook off event, hosted by the Visalia Parks & Recreation Foundation. When: Sept. 23, 5-10 p.m. Where: Garden Street Plaza, Downtown Visalia Contact: Carol Hoppert Hays, 713-4599

OKTOBERFEST For nearly a decade, Oktoberfest has been one of the largest crowd-drawing events in the Central Valley. When: Sept. 29, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Where: Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch, 26773 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: visaliachamber.org BOUNTY OF THE COUNTY Join the Farm Bureau for their 8th annual Bounty of the County event, where guests will enjoy an evening of culinary bites, delicious drinks, and samples of products, all centered around Tulare County’s number one industry: agriculture! When: Sept. 29, 6-9 p.m. Where: Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, 32988 Rd. 164, Ivanhoe Contact: tulcofb.org

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WARREN REPORTS TEXT BY WARREN GUBLER, VISALIA MAYOR

also in the process of naming Terry the "Man of the Year." It didn't seem right for the City to make its presentation the week before or the week after, as one or the other might have seemed anticlimactic. The Chamber was gracious enough to allow us to piggyback on their June 8, 2017 awards program, and a well-deserving Mr. Ommen was presented both the Man of the Year and Historian Laureate awards.

Terry L. Ommen:

Visalia's Historian Laureate

n ancient Greece, the laurel was sacred to Apollo and as such, sprigs of it were fashioned into a crown or wreath of honor for poets and heroes. According to Wikipedia, in English the word "laureate" has come to signify eminence or association with literary awards or military glory. It is also used when referencing winners of the Nobel Prize. Now Visalia has its very own "Historian Laureate" in the person of Terry Ommen. Terry is the successor to the wonderful Annie R. Mitchell, who helped preserve so much of Visalia's history, and who has a room in the local library and a school named after her. The City of Visalia and our council had been working on this special presentation for a few months, but when it was about ready, we learned that the Chamber of Commerce was

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The "Historian Laureate" title is not just for a year, but is a lifetime recognition for what Terry has done for our community and for local history. Let me extol some of Terry's accomplishments, since he is too modest to do so himself. He has written three books on Visalia and Tulare County history. I have personally attended some of his frequent downtown walking tours, which he gives to local groups as well as to outof-town tourists as he pulls his little cart with built-in PA system and microphone and shares his insights. He speaks often to local service clubs, churches, Leadership Visalia classes, and has volunteered at the Annie R. Mitchell history room at the library for 15 years. He is a resource for the Chamber and the City with regard to information on historic buildings and seems to have a limitless supply of historic Visalia photos. He has written countless articles for local newspapers and magazines, and is a past president of the Tulare County Historical Society. He currently is assisting the Convention and Visitor's Bureau in the creation of the giant sequoia interpretive project at the downtown post office. He assisted the city in creating the Historic Recognition Program, which places plaques on historic buildings downtown. I always enjoyed the Historic Visalia photo calendar he helped Visalia Community Bank produce annually. My personal favorite was when Terry helped my 13-year-old son Eddy complete his Eagle Scout project, which was researching and producing the Historic Visalia Walking Trail brochure along with bronze plaques marking each site.

Eddy awarded Terry his mentor's pin at his Eagle Court of Honor. My little scout is now a grown man in his second year of dental school, but he will always appreciate Terry's assistance. As far as I know, Terry has never accepted a cent for all that he does in preserving Visalia's heritage. For all of these reasons, Terry Ommen is well deserving of our thanks and our praise. We know that Terry will continue to give freely of his time and expertise, and we look forward to his continuing to promote Visalia's history as our Historian Laureate! HISTORICAL FIGURES Speaking of history, on May 30, 2017, we revived a Visalia tradition known as the Mayors and City Council Dinner. We invited all those who previously have served on the city council to dinner at Fugazzi's to renew acquaintances, and to have a little fun. The honorees and their guests had a delightful evening of reminiscing, and even gave a few pointers to the current council! Present was David Allen who served on the city council back in the 1960s before becoming a Tulare County Judge, and we had representatives from each of the decades since then. Former Mayor Wally Gregory came all the way from Arkansas to be with us that evening. As we walk down memory lane, let me list the names of those in attendance, in no particular order, and see how many you recognize: Berkeley Johnson, Bob Link, Evan Long, Don Sharp, Greg Collins, Wally Gregory, Dave Allen, Basil Perch, Alan McIntosh, Laurel Barton, Don Landers, Amy Shuklian, and Warren Gubler. Others couldn't attend, and many are no longer with us. But to all we say a great big "thank you" and hope to make this an annual tradition again. If you have questions or topics regarding the city that you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at warren. gubler@visalia.city. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.

girlfriends extended Friday 5:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday 8:30am - Noon Two day event starting Friday night with a light hearted girls night complete with food vendors, shopping, and lots of laughs. Join us Saturday with worship and special guest speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd as she uncovers the myth of a fairytale life.

two day event on

9.22.17 9.23.17

Cost: Friday $15 , (Groups of 10 or more get $5 off) | Saturday with Sheri Rose Shepherd $20 | Combo price for 2 day event is $35