Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living — May 2019

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San Joaquin Valley Living

MAY 2019

FUN IN B LO O M

www.enjoysouthvalley.com

Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house

ST CENTS TO JESUS CHRI INTRODUCING ADOLES H. OW IN THEIR FAIT AND HELPING THEM GR oungLives team.

Step into the world of

teens. Join the Young

Life/Y

ife.org

recounty.youngl (559) 627-2078. • tula

inistry to YoungLives is a m teen parents. eer for one of Sign up to volunt ams! our child care te

WOODLEAF CAMP JULY 27-AUG 2

“I met Christie in 1992 and Leonela in 2006.

These two have changed my life. They are now part of the YoungLives ministry. Christie is our childcare coordinator and goes to camp each summer to love on babies.Leonela is a mentor who goes to camp to love on teen moms.

We are truly blessed.”

The women of YoungLives invite their teen mom friends and their babies to Young Life camp. Our prayer is to send a group of 20, which costs $16,000.

We also want to send 20 caregivers to watch the babies while moms participate in activities together.

The total cost for them is another $10,000.

Lori Clarkson, early mentor, with the first two young women she mentored when it all started.

Leonela, Lori Clarkson, Christie

Fox Valley Family Dentistry is proud to support Young Life / Young Lives

Shawn Michael Fox D.D.S. 535 North Akers Street, Visalia, CA 93291 Office phone: (559) 733-3377 fox valley family dentistry Fax #: 559 733-5614 @ foxvalleyfamilydentistry www.foxvalleyfamilydentistry.com

If you are 14 and older, male or female, and want to join us or send us, please contact Karen Cardoza 559-593-0692.

Please send donations to: Young Life 2134 E Mineral King, Suite B, Visalia CA 93292

We would like to Welcome Dr. James Phillips to the Fox Family!

•Dental degree is from USC •Fellow of IAO •Lectures on dental subjects •Practicing dentistry in Visalia for over 30 years •Married with five sons and three grandchildren •Enjoys photography and golfing

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contents M AY 2 01 9 // I ss u e # 5 4

San Joaquin Valley Living

30

pg

dreams fulfilled at SUGAR’S SUCCULENTS cr a f ting 40 DIY: Door Tassel

good fin ds 6 Serving up Fresh Food and More at Tree of Life Café

good ti m es 20 Whitney Scarborough’s Rusty Roots

Enjoy magazine is not affiliated with JOY magazine or Bauer German Premium GmbH.

Photo by Salina Marroquin

in t er est

on the m a p

17 A Dance Of History at Centro De Folklor

23 It’s the Perfect Time to Visit the New Old Town Clovis

inspir ation

in ev ery issu e 36 Enjoy the View—Christy Zillges 38 What’s Cookin’— Mexican Corn and Pasta Salad 42 Calendar of Events 47 Giving Back— Garden Of Hope Ministries

27 Stories of the Impact of Charitable Giving

loca l s 13 Healthier Options with Raphio Chocolate 30 A Dream Fulfilled at Sugar’s Succulents

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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CELEBRATE ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION & APPRECIATE ALL ABILITIES

STEP UP FOR

>>>

DOWN SYNDROME

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 @ Clovis Rodeo Grounds

Timed 5K Run/Walk 1 mile Awareness Walk & Festival

DSACC 20TH ANNIVERSARY

For more information & updates visit www.dsacc.org Down Syndrome Association is a local Central Valley501(c)3 proudly enhancing the quality of life for all people touched by Down syndrome since 1999

1491 W Shaw Avenue Fresno, CA 93711 info@dsacc.org O:559.228.0411

Thank you

Lithia Subaru of Fresno for

SHARING THE LOVE with Down Syndrome Association of Central California.

Your support has enhanced hundreds of lives across the Central Valley by helping us fund parent support groups, advocate programs and helping families touched by Down syndrome connect with others in the community. www.lithiasubarufresno.com 559.540.7189

editor’s note may 2019 Sunshine and COLORFUL blossoms abound – springtime fun is officially in bloom.

In May, we celebrate the wonderful moms in our lives. Time is the most precious gift of all, and we’ve found a wonderful spot to enjoy a farm-fresh treat and a cup of coffee with that special someone. In addition to serving locally sourced food, the Tree of Life Café in Fresno is a social enterprise that embraces positive community engagement. We’ll tell you more in this issue.

Love chocolate? We do, too, and Raphio Chocolate offers an example of what happens when love, health and passion collide with the world of chocolate. Their minimally processed, delicious confections are even purported to be good for your health.

If you’re short on gift ideas, why not try your hand at a DIY project? We’ll show you how to make an easy, lovely door tassel in this issue – or check out our website, www.enjoysouthvalley.com, for projects we’ve featured in previous issues.

Enjoy glorious springtime!

®

San joaquin VALLEY Living

Yvonne Mazzotta publisher Michelle Adams publisher Ronda Ball-Alvey editor-in-chief Kerri Regan copy editor Emily Miranda marketing & sales assistant, social media manager MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designer Catherine HunT event calendar/website monica fatica editorial consultant VALERI BARNES advertising sales representative Abby Peltzer advertising sales representative ed boling advertising sales representative Danielle Colesberry Austin Reynolds Trevor Ludlow Koby Reynolds deliveries www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 • (530) 246-4687

on the cover Cover model: Priscilla Marie Photos by Salina Marroquin

Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net © 2019 by Enjoy Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproductions without permission are strictly prohibited. Articles and advertisements in Enjoy Magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management, employees, or freelance writers.

Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If an error is found, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us of the mistake. The businesses, locations and people mentioned in our articles are solely determined by the editorial staff and are not influenced by advertising.

Enjoy and Enjoy the Store are trademarks of Enjoy, Inc.

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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GOOD FINDS

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BY JOHN DILLON

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PHOTOS: RHONNA TORRES

growing strong

Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. ~ John Wesley

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com MAY 2019

servin g up fres h foo d an d more at T R E E O F L I F E caf é One café in Fresno has been growing strong, exploring its roots and helping its community for three years.

Tree of Life Café specializes in what its owners call San Joaquin cuisine, and they want to open their doors to all people in the Valley.

“We are known for serving healthy food,” said Carolyn Ocheltree, an owner of the restaurant, “but we want people to know that we have all kinds of treats.” While the restaurant promotes vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food, their main focus is fresh farm-to-table ingredients.

Bringing people together is the main goal of the restaurant and they want to offer food that most people in Fresno will enjoy. Their menu offers everything from Hispanic-inspired dishes to a Thai quinoa stir-fry.

The café also boasts a quarter-pound Farm-To-Table Burger which uses local ingredients directly provided by farms and farmers markets.

“We’re proud of our town,” said Ocheltree.

“Everything in the café has been made in Fresno, born in Fresno or is a part of Fresno.” The tables and wall ornaments are made from repurposed barn wood and books from local authors decorate the restaurant.

Tree of Life runs by using a message of positive community engagement. The business model is considered a social enterprise and the owners work with Fresno Pacific University’s Center for Community Transformation and its various initiatives to give back to the city.4 continued on page 8

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Namely, Ocheltree participates in Spark Tank Pitch Fest, a low-impact and much less intense version of the TV show “Shark Tank.” Entrepreneurs with a completed business plan submit their proposal to the event and pitch it to community leaders, who may award a prize of up to $6,000.

Fresno Pacific’s initiatives also help with employment opportunities. The university reaches out to povertystricken communities and connects potential employees with employers. Many applicants suffer from addiction

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or have a criminal record. According to the 2019 retrospective from the Center for Community Transformation, “the enterprises we awarded in the Spark Tank have in the last 12 months generated $1.2 million in revenue and hired 1,223 people, many with barriers.”

Ocheltree believes in breaking a cycle of poverty and addiction that she says goes hand in hand. 4 continued on page 10

“Keep going,” Ocheltree said.

“Even when you don’t know what your direct impact is, just keep going.”

“Something that breaks the cycle is a strong, steady job,” said Ocheltree. “We help people re-establish an identity of dignity and responsibility.”

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce count Tree of Life amongst their ranks. The café also recently worked with the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce with a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event. Ocheltree’s husband, a certified public accountant in Fresno and small business proponent, helps new businesses begin their plans and establish their books.

Ocheltree takes inspiration from her husband’s grandparents. She remembers them as people who took pride in helping people. “They volunteered as house parents at a shelter for women who experienced domestic abuse,” said Ocheltree. Their efforts to give back also stretched to the Fresno Rescue Mission. She says she wants to live by the message that drove them.

“Keep going,” Ocheltree said. “Even when you don’t know what your direct impact is, just keep going.”

Tree of Life moved from downtown to just off Blackstone and Herndon late last year and changed its hours. “We started doing lunch and dinner instead of breakfast, but we’re moving back to a breakfast and lunch menu,” said Ocheltree. “We’re really trying to encourage people to gather in the morning.”

A special breakfast item they’re excited to bring back is chilaquiles. It’s a traditional Mexican dish they prepare with tortilla chips topped with eggs, cheese and salsa. Tree of Life also offers monthly cooking classes based on the season.

“Even if you’re only in Fresno for the time it takes to drive through, we hope that if you eat at our cafe, you’ll know more about our city,” said Ocheltree. • Tree of Life Café 6640 N. Blackstone Ave., Suite 106, Fresno (559) 663-7776 • treeoflifefresno.com Hours: 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday, 9 am to 2 pm Saturday and Sunday; available for private events Find them on Facebook and Instagram

John Dillon is a writer attending college in Visalia. He enjoys art, movies, television and politics. In his spare time, he reads and plays Dungeons & Dragons. You can also see his work in The Valley Voice.

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Some quick facts about CASA: • The first CASA program was created in 1977 by Judge David Soukup in Seattle, WA. • The National CASA Association was founded in 1982.

• In 2007, the 2-millionth child was served by a CASA volunteer.

• In 2009, 70,919 volunteers contributed over 6 million advocacy hours and served 237,095 children.

• Children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care.

• 16% of foster children end up reentering the system, while the figure for children served by CASA programs is below 10%.

• In 2017, more than 85,000 CASA/ GAL volunteers advocated for more than 260,000 children who had been neglected or abused. (https://www.casakids.net/resources/key-facts)

25annual th

nce UpOn O a Dr e a m

May 10, 2019, 5pm -10 pm Visalia Convention Center

FINE FURNITURE UNIQUE ACCESSORIES DESIGN CONSULTING

Janeen’s is proud to support

559-625-8884 • www.janeensfurniture.com 220 W. Main Street., Visalia

INTRODUCING OUR NEW DIRECTOR, ERIC JOHNSON “I’m excited about the work ahead of us here at CASA and will be challenging myself and staff to remain focused on our needs to be the best we can be. I’ll be working diligently to find additional donors and sponsorships so that we can invest in recruiting and training as well as retaining more court appointed advocates. Statistics have shown that children who have court appointed advocates are less likely to fail in school, commit crimes, etc. All in all, they have a better opportunity to be successfully happy! At the end of the day, the fire on the torch is truly the light of our kids smile as they find permanent placement in healthy surroundings… that brightness is you, that brightness is me! That brightness is CASA of Tulare County!”

Blessings, Eric Johnson, Executive Director

"Those who look to Him are radiant."-Psalm 34:5 We seek to behold Jesus and put His brilliance on display in our lives and community.

We love the Visalia Rescue Mission and are happy to stand together in partnership.

www.radiantvisalia.com

LOCALS

for the love of

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BY JASMYNE ROBLES

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PHOTOS: RHONNA TORRES

Chocolate

H E A LTH I E R O P T I O N S W I TH R ap h io C h ocolat e Raphio Chocolate in Fresno is a great example of what happens when love, health and passion collide with the world of chocolate. First created as a chocolate factory, owners Elisia Otavi and Yohanes Makmur opened the shop in December 2017. Otavi runs the day-to-day operations, and the name is a combination of their sons’ names – Raphael and Rio. Raphio sells a wide variety of homemade pure chocolate composed of healthier ingredients, which are minimally processed and uniquely flavored. Otavi says her inspiration for the company started when she saw a need for healthier treats for her sons. “The same chocolate that I make and feed to my own children is what I am comfortable selling,” she says.

All 15 chocolate bars are organic and made from scratch, all the way down to hand-molding and wrapping each bar individually. Products sold at Raphio Chocolate are composed of three main ingredients: organic cacao beans, organic cane sugar and a touch of organic cacao butter.

And their efforts have been rewarded – they earned the Good Food Award 2019 for their 72%4

continued on page 14

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Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Bar, described as such: “It is an intricately complex chocolate bar in terms of layers of flavors. Very subtle to start with. As the chocolate melts, the cocoa butter and olive oil starts delivering a nice honey-like dark chocolate from the Tanzanian cacao beans and a shy introduction of the Meyer lemon zest.

This flavor, however, gets stronger as the chocolate melts more. Then the peak comes in pleasantly with the lemon burst. The dark chocolate accompanies your taste buds along the way to finish with the silky-smooth olive oil. As you could expect from real craft chocolate, it lingers in your mouth for a good few minutes, long after the chocolate is gone.”

Raphio was also honored by the International Chocolate Salon in San Francisco for the Clementine Olive Oil Bar, and at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London.

Because teamwork makes the dream work, Otavi collaborates with other local businesses by using their products to make some of their bars. Partners include local farmer Enzo Olive Oil, local coffee roaster Kuppa Joy and Ficklin Vineyards, which provides the port wine for Raphio’s chocolate bonbons. Local breweries Tioga

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Sequoia Tioga and Full Circle Brewery use Raphio’s cocoa nibs in their brews.

The storefront offers chocolate factory tours, where guests can also enjoy hot chocolate and mochas. Their products are sold at the factory and at other retailers, as well.

“Cocoa is one of the superfoods that contains a very high level of antioxidants and has good minerals for your heart and brain,” Otavi explains. Eliminating fillers and additives when producing chocolate and adding more beneficial ingredients can have a positive impact.

So the next time you consider satisfying your cravings with some chocolate, you might not have to feel so guilty about it. • Raphio Chocolate •783 East Barstow Avenue G, Fresno (559) 424-3369 • raphiochocolate.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Jasmyne Robles is a free spirited individual always looking for new adventures. She enjoys nature and getting lost in the world of photography. She loves spending time with her family and friends as well as countless hours of antique shopping. Jasmyne is passionate about traveling and learning about different cultures all around the world.

3rd Annual

Family Night Bingo

May 3, 2019 at the Visalia Friendship House Call for ticket info: Jeanna 559-303-8619 Sally 559-303-7771 The Visalia Friendship House was built by Visalia Community Leaders in 1948. These future minded people wanted to provide a safe and functional facility for the Girl Scout Troops of Visalia. For 70 years volunteers have worked to maintain the house for all the girls of Visalia. As with any building and grounds, upkeep is a major priority and investment. Our girls and their leaders devote many hours on the upkeep of the House and the yard, but we need our community’s help. In order to keep the Visalia Friendship House open for our local girls now and in the future, please consider donating to help keep this “gem” open for Visalia girls. Visit our website to discover how you can help! www.visaliafriendshiphouse.org

“Private condo near Visalia Country club and shopping. This wonderful one-story condominium with a 2-car attached garage is a must see! As you walk in you can't miss the high ceilings and spacious entryway that leads to the open dining and living areas. You will notice lots of natural light that comes through the many windows and glass doors. The kitchen is spacious with plenty of storage space and a pantry as well as a breakfast bar. Off of the kitchen you will find a quaint sitting area that is perfect for relaxing! You will find lots of large closets throughout the condo that can double as extra storage space. The master is equipped with large his and her closets and beautiful plantation shutters. The master bathroom has a spacious shower and access to the backyard.

Large spa and beautiful flowers and nestled in the backyard.

Don't miss your chance to own this exclusive property.”

Listing Price: $325,000

FOR SALE

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REAL ESTATE

Accepting new patients Dr. Khalid has extensive experience in caring for newborns to teenagers.

In the past 35 years she has served as a clinical professor of pediatrics, and was part of numerous research projects. She also served as a pediatric hospitalist caring for newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit and the emergency department.

Saba Khalid, MD, FAAP

Dr. Khalid is now accepting new patients at Visalia Medical Clinic.

To schedule an appointment, call 739-2000.

Jason Mihalcin, DO

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Call 559.575.8199 or visit FlightLevel.Aero to get where you’re going.

a Story to Tell

INTEREST

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BY MELISSA MENDONCA

a dance of h is tory at C en t ro d e F ol k lor

Oscar Hernandez dances folklorico somewhere between the past and the future. As an alumnus and English teacher at Selma High School, he’s keenly aware of the history of his school. “Little ol’ Selma, in the school system, has been teaching folklorico for 51 years,” he says. It’s where the 52-year-old got his start as a student, and where he continues to develop skills he hopes will be carried into a legacy of dance for many years.

As the founder of Selma’s Centro de Folklor, he gleans the best of what he learned from beloved area teachers Vicki Filgas and Irene Gonzalez, and continuous training with instructors both stateside and from Mexico, and brings the best to his 180 students, ranging in age from 2 to 72. “Many groups try to keep things as traditional as possible as it was done in Mexico,” he says. “We also want to tell our own stories.”

The result is a studio, opened in 2016, that honors tradition but also creates space for modern interpretations and new dances that tell the stories of Mexican Americans and the immigrant experience.

Photo courtesy of by Centro De Folklor

The instructors also form a more collective identity rather than revolving around the vision of one person. “I had no background in the business world,” Hernandez says with a laugh. “I had to have quick lessons in marketing.” Gratefully, the team around him is as invested in the studio’s success as he is.

“The majority of our instructors are in education,” adds Hernandez. “Our goal is to train these young dancers to become teachers and instructors themselves. My goal is to phase myself out.” The studio has a formal partnership with Selma High as an industry partner in its Regional Occupational Program.

“We get externs who want to teach and learn about the program,” he continues.

Photo by Dakota Lynn Photography The offerings at Centro de Folklor range from a monthly class for 2- and 3-year-olds taught by early childhood education instructors – “it’s pretty popular because there’s not a lot for the age group,” he says – to a comeback class for people who once danced folklorico and want a low-key opportunity to dance again without the rigor of preparing for performance. “It just meets once a week for about an hour and a4

continued on page 18

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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half. It’s grown and it’s really popular,” says Hernandez. Mixed in are youth classes and a beginning adult class with members from 20-72 years old and a waiting list. “It has great energy and they’re a very tight knit group,” he adds.

Classes revolve around a college schedule, with instructors choosing which region of Mexico to focus on each session. “We try to mix it up so when it’s time for a recital, we represent a lot of regions. We have a very big variety. We’re not just learning dances, we’re learning a world in itself of a region of Mexico, the multiculturalism within Mexico,” he continues. “They’re getting this sense of ‘Wow, there’s much more to this than we thought.’ From state to state, region to region, you never run out of material.”

Complementing the traditional regional study is the group’s Irene Gonzalez Project, which reflects on the experiences of Mexican Americans and Mexicans in the United States. “They’ve pushed the boundaries of traditional folklorico,” says Hernandez. “They add storytelling. We also want to tell our own stories.”

This is important because, as Mexican Americans, “A lot of times we feel like we’re living in two worlds,” he adds. Folklorico helps dancers develop a sense of identity. One of the most beautiful aspects of the dance studio is that on any given night of classes, three generations may be dancing. “It’s pretty amazing,” says Hernandez.

“It connects all of the generation with one love. In the comeback class, if they have kids they are in the kids’ classes.”

The group prepares for two big recitals a year, including a holiday event celebrating Las Posadas and an early summer recital.

May, however, is a particularly eventful month, with community performances at Selma Raisin Days (May 5), the Folklorico Fest at

Photo by Dakota Lynn Photography

Abraham Lincoln Middle School (May 15), Selma Arts Center with Los Paisanos de Selma High High School (May 28), and a special performance at Arte Americas in Fresno (May 31).

“When it comes to performances, it’s a family affair,” says Hernandez, noting how both his biological and dance families get involved. The public is welcome is to join in for a look at the past and a glimpse of the future of folklorico in the Valley. • Centro de Folklor • www.cdfolklor.com 2016 2nd Street, Selma • (559) 351-4368 Find them on Facebook and Instagram Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

Photo courtesy of by Centro De Folklor

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com MAY 2019

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GOOD TIMES

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

The fun and different style of the Rusty Roots Show began to gain popularity. With two shows a year, the vendor booths grew at a steady rate of 15 per show. Then in the fall of 2016, the vendors grew from 45 to 100.

Scarborough’s spark from years before was becoming a blaze. Soon the Sears parking lot couldn’t accommodate the traffic and popularity. Vendors were coming from Arizona, Oklahoma and England to sell their unique finds. Scarborough kept the rules simple: Vendors could sell anything as long as it was at least 20 years old.

In fall 2018, Rusty Roots moved to its new home at the Tulare Ag Center and expanded to a sister show in Bakersfield. Scarborough has continued with her entrepreneurial spirit to create the Central California Antique Flea Market, a new venture that is open on the first Saturday of each month at the Tulare Ag Center.

Scarborough seeks to create a fun experience for her w h i t ney scarborou g h ’ s vendors and shoppers. But the drive behind Rusty Roots isn’t the thrill of the weekend – it’s helping others in similar rus t y roo t s situations succeed. She credits her motivation A true treasure queen, Whitney Scarborough turns funky to the people of the valley. “I love the forgotten furniture and antiques into one-of-a-kind pieces. Her community and want to be a huge support of creativity and drive have changed the atmosphere of shopping in the small businesses,” she says. Rusty Roots Central Valley. provides a creative market and unique A self-titled “serial entrepreneur,” Scarborough struggled to excel opportunity for other small business owners. academically in grade school and was thankful for her natural artistic Not only is Rusty Roots a profitable talent and the escape given to her by creative expression. Eventually business, it is a family affair. Scarborough’s diagnosed with dyslexia, Scarborough learned to overcome hurdles, not daughter, Shelby, eagerly follows her around allowing difficulties to stop her momentum. Once in high school, FFA the show, while Scarborough’s mom, sisters pushed Scarborough into public speaking, where she flourished and and aunts sell lemonade, take tickets and gained a strong skill set that would help her in later ventures. With keep the junk show rolling. With more than artistic talent and academic strength, Scarborough was prepared to take 200 booths, it’s not hard to find a steal or a on the world. one-of-a-kind piece. The excitement of the And take on the world she did. In 2009, as a real estate agent and bazaar and the enticing draw of food vendors property manager, Scarborough searched for a creative outlet. She make the Rusty Roots show a perfect stop for longed for her childhood days of traveling to antique stores and auctions treasure hunters, mother-daughter duos or with her grandparents, hunting for a unique find or valuable keepsake. the casual shopper who simply wishes to In an effort to again experience the rush of thrifting, Scarborough peruse the pop-up shops. searched for vintage items or furniture she could chalk paint and restore Antiquing may run deep in Scarborough’s into something fun and useful. She used her yard sale treasures to blood, but her vibrant spirit and can-do decorate her wedding, and consequently sparked a new dream. attitude is the secret success behind the A few months later, Scarborough created Willow House Vintage unconventional Rusty Roots show. The old Rentals and began renting out large antiques and unique pieces for saying must be true: “One man’s junk is weddings. The novel business quickly caught on. She struggled to keep another man’s treasure.” • her warehouse stocked with fresh items and soon faced a roadblock.

Unable to sell out of her warehouse, Scarborough sought a venue where www.rustyrootsshow.com May 18-19 she could unload some of her repurposed finds while making a little International Agri-Center in Tulare cash. When she couldn’t find an established site that offered her the Find them on Facebook and Instagram exposure she craved, Whitney took a cue from the pros.

Inspired by Junk Gypsies, a quirky show on HGTV where sisters Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle find forgotten junk and turn it into treasures, Scarborough learned the finds beauty in the mundane and is ever ins and outs of a “junk show”. Why have a storefront when she could on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A sell her inventory in a weekend and help others do the same? In March mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to 2012, Rusty Roots had its first show in the parking lot of the Visalia perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.

Sears. Whitney called out to vendors through Craigslist and Facebook, hoping to pull together a unique fair. To her amazement, 20 vendors joined the show.

back to our

roots

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com MAY 2019

“I love the community and want to be a huge support of small businesses,” she says.

Photos courtesy of Rusty Roots Show

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Myranda Danielle Robles

was born in 1992 with Down Syndrome and various other problems including a malformed heart. She had her first of several surgeries at two months. Myranda lived three and half years and her passing left a huge hole in her parents’ hearts. Olga and Jaime Robles wanted to find a way to honor Myranda’s memory. Having spent countless days and hours in Central Valley Children’s Hospital with their daughter, they knew how difficult it was for bedside parents to even grab a meal, not to mention the financial and emotional drain of staying away from home so long, and that led to the creation of Myranda’s Gift—free meal tickets for the Jolly Fish Cafe at Valley Children’s. Many families have since received these meal tickets in the hope that their burden may be a tad bit lightened. “My family feels very blessed to have the support our community, AAA Mobile Solutions and the Parra family,” Olga said. “Please contact us if you are a bedside parent and/ or if you want to help others like us.”

Myranda’s Gift 559-737-3416

Upcoming Fundraising Event!

For more info, please contact Olga at 559-737-3416!

Myranda’s Gift sponsored by AAA Mobile Solutions and the Parra Family aaamobilesolutions.com

ON THE MAP

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BY KAYLA ANDERSON

old is new again I t ’ s t h e P erfec t Time t o V isi t t h e N ew O l d Town C lovis

Photos by Dakota Lynn Photography

Old Town Clovis is booming with fun events that bring the community together, such as the Friday evening farmers markets, Glorious Junk Days, North American Pole Vault Championships and more.

The rejuvenation of Old Town, the family-like feel and Clovis’ reputation for top-notch schools are some of the reasons why Sanger native and Business Organization of Old Town Clovis Executive Director Carole Lester moved back to the San Joaquin Valley.

Many new businesses have come flooding in as people yearn to get property close to downtown, and more than 40 annual community events bring together friends, family and good times. In 2010, Lester became involved in the business organization and has watched the town start to thrive.

“The Centennial Plaza used to be a dirt parking lot for the DMV, so it’s a dramatic improvement,” Lester says of the space on corner of Bullard and Pollasky. Within the same block, House of JuJu and The Foundry Collective are popular places to shop and dine.

All along Pollasky, places like Brick & Mortar, Revival 23 and Rodeo Coffee Shop also add to the rejuvenation of Old Town. In total there are at least 17 restaurants, three ice cream parlors and several coffee shops sprinkled in amongst boutiques, galleries, and decades-old antique shops and dining staples.

New restaurants such as Trelio, The Local and The Bottleneck Bistro mingle with tried-and-true favorites such as Salsa’s Cantina, Luna Pizzeria & Italian and Blast & Brew.

“It’s great because there’s a lot of variety, and places like House of JuJu and Blast & Brew anchor the new Centennial Plaza,” Lester adds. As the summer months come around, it’s common to see people sitting outside and catching the rays enjoying live music. Space in Old Town Clovis is getting so popular that businesses are vying to get in. 4 continued on page 24

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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“We get five or six calls a week from businesses trying to move into Old Town; it’s a long waiting list,” she adds.

However, some businesses aren’t budging – many of the antique stores have been there for at least 20 years; classics such as Sassano’s Men’s Wear have been in Clovis since 1932.

The farmers markets, wine walks and pistachio parties have also added to Old Town’s popularity, bringing in thousands of people each week during the summer.

“We hold 21 nights of farmers markets and about 5,000 people come on an average night,” Lester says about the Friday evening summertime events held on Pollasky from 5:30-9pm between May and September. On big nights with well-known classic rock cover bands, Celtic, blues and country acts, anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000 people may attend.

“The farmers market used to be one block long; now it’s four blocks long,” she says. Each event has well over 100 vendors selling produce, hot food items and local handcrafted items including jewelry, wooden bowls, pottery and even magic wands. The farmers market has become so popular that they added a Saturday morning version.

Other special events include wine walks, antique shows, car shows, craft beer crawls, an elegant farm-to-table dinner and a lot going on around Christmas, but personally Lester enjoys the live concerts and end-of-thesummer Pistachio Party, also the last farmers market of the season.

“The American Pistachio Growers and Wawona Frozen Foods are big sponsors of it and it’s a way to educate people on food grown right in the valley,” says Lester.

Chefs from the Institute of Technology Culinary Academy host food sampling events, and people can come celebrate everything pistachio.

So, no matter if you’re just visiting Clovis or have lived there for years, it’s worth visiting the new, exciting shops, restaurants and fun for the whole family in the renovated, fresh and lovely Old Town Clovis. •

Photo courtesy of Old Town Clovis

Photo by Dakota Lynn Photography

www.oldtownclovis.org Old Town Farmers Markets, Saturday 9AM-11:30AM Friday’s May-September 5:30PM-9PM Saturdays Year Round Find them on Facebook and Instagram Photo courtesy of Old Town Clovis

Kayla Anderson is a freelance writer, marketer and action sports enthusiast who grew up wakeboarding on Lake Shasta and learning to ski at Mt. Lassen.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State University.

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Specializing in family, couples, maternity and graduate sessions.

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INSPIRATION

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BY MELISSA MENDONCA

it’s personal s t ories of t h e impac t of c h ari table g ivin g JAN BUETLER It wasn’t long after a milestone birthday that Jan Buetler began her journey through breast cancer. “I found this large, hot, red lump the size of a small egg,” she says. She knew it required immediate attention and she had no illusions about what she was facing when she walked through the doors of her doctor’s office. “It was my 60th birthday present from the Lord, I guess,” she says with a laugh.

She and her husband Garry began weekly treks to Van Nuys, where Buetler underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a protocol she refers to as “extra chemo,” which caused permanent hair loss. “I don’t live close to the LA area,” says the Porterville resident. “It’s a twoand-a-half hour drive away. But I wanted to go to the Breast Center.”

That was 16 years ago. Buetler has been cancer-free since her treatments, though she still makes an annual trek to Van Nuys. “I still see the oncologist yearly,” she says, “I have my mammograms yearly.”

While she can joke that her cancer was a birthday gift from the Lord, the journey was as much spiritual as physical, and has caused her to reflect.

“I’m thankful every day, and I don’t forget,” she says. “Whatever God wanted me here for, I hope I’m doing His work. Because I do appreciate my life.”

A mostly retired school nurse – she’s filling in at a local school part-time through the rest of the school year – she’s found meaning in volunteer work through Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA. “When I got involved I felt I could make a difference,” she says. “These kids need one person that they know will be there for them.” CASAs are matched with a child or siblings in foster care and advocate for them through the court system, writing reports to the judge of their successes and struggles through the system. “That court report is very important, and they are very interested in what I have to say,” she says, emphasizing her role in advocating solely for the children. “We’re not social workers and we’re not foster parents. You only want what’s best for the child and that’s our focus.”

“I think my little guy right now is number 14,” she says, reflecting on her involvement with CASA since signing up in 2006. She’s worked with children in sibling groups as large as six, and is currently supporting a toddler she has witnessed grow from a newborn. She’s enjoyed reading to him, helping him become aware of his surroundings, and supporting his young mother learn to interact with him.

“I have that nursing background,” she says, noting how helpful it is in understanding child development.

In April, Buetler was honored with a Hands on Hero award for Child Advocacy by First Five.

As she transitions out of her part-time work at the school, Buetler looks forward to increasing volunteer hours at the Porterville Cancer Center as part of a spiritual ministry. “Since I’ve been through it,” she says, “I’d like to give them encouragement to show that there’s life after cancer.”4 continued on page 28

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Veronica Burns Veronica Burns knows the power and importance of a good mentor, and not only for the young. “As an adult I still needed that person to come alongside me,” she says. “I’d fallen through the cracks.” She points to two influential women in her life, her “big” Becky in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, with whom she was paired as a young woman, and Tami, an attorney, who has been a source of strength and encouragement through significant struggles in adulthood. Burns remains close to both, and appreciates the way she can relate to them now, having moved through addiction and incarceration to a healthier way of living.

“I got distracted when I was in junior high and high school,” Burns says. “I just really fell off course into addiction.” The struggles worsened over time, until eventually Burns found herself pregnant in prison. “I ended up getting in trouble with the law and had to overcome legal struggles and fines and restitution and humiliation,” she says. “I brought humiliation onto my family. They were hard workers. I was ashamed.”

She admits that she may have been viewed as a hopeless case. Thankfully, Tami didn’t see her that way and stepped in to help. “She never left my side,” Burns says.

“She was genuine. She never bailed out. She saw so much potential in me that really affected my heart. I knew I could trust her.”

The people at Teen Challenge in Bakersfield also believed in her. There, she says, she found the help that stuck. She was 39 years old. (Despite its name, Teen Challenge serves adults.) “It was the best thing I could have done,” she says. “One year is what it took to be able to replace the bad habits with the good habits. To clear my head. To have that discipline. I didn’t have discipline. I was just a reactive person.”

Now, Burns finds herself in a position to support others as the thrift store manager of Traver Community Assistance Program, a unit of Kingsburg Community Assistance. “It’s actually a ministry,” she says. “We have community with our customers and see if there’s a deeper need we can help with.”

She treasures the opportunity to “be the eyes and ears of a need,” noting the value of others when “they saw the need in me.”

She also dedicates significant time to educating on adoption, having made the painful yet powerful decision to put her son up for adoption while dealing with her addiction in prison. “It was the best but most difficult choice I ever made in life,” she says. She is now in contact with the boy, and regularly speaks with his adoptive mother at foster adoption seminars. “We have a trusting relationship, which means so much,” she says.

Burns also works within her church to support Rescue the Children, a branch of Fresno Rescue Mission, and provides weekly mentorship to teen volunteers at the thrift store. “I’m able to do what Becky did for me when I was a young girl,” she says, her voice filled with awe and pride.

Burns has married and blended a family of five children, including her three and two from her husband. The family recently moved to a farmhouse in Reedley.

“It’s a dream,” she says.

“God is just so great in how He uses these broken pieces in my life, these things that used to be so shameful,” she says. “Even if a situation looks like a lost cause, that is so not the case.” • Melissa Mendonca is a graduate of San Francisco State and Tulane universities. She’s a lover of airports and road trips and believes in mentoring and service to create communities everyone can enjoy. Her favorite words are rebar, wanderlust and change.

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always find time for the things that make you feel

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Honey Orange Cheesecake Bars 1. Preheat oven to 350º.

2. Mix 2 cups almond flour, 2 T virgin coconut oil, 1 T honey, 1 egg white in mixing bowl.

3. Grease a 9x9 baking dish with coconut oil. Press the almond flour mixture into it. Bake crust for 10-15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool slightly and then refrigerate for 20-25 minutes.

3. For filling, in a mixing bowl combine 6 oz. cream cheese, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 T honey, and 1 tsp. vanilla. Beat with hand mixer until well mixed. Spread filling over crust. Top with 3 oranges peeled and sliced into rounds. Drizzle honey on top of whole tart. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.

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LOCALS

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

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PHOTOS: SALINA MARROQUIN

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MAY 2019

getting dirty

a d ream fulfille d at su g ar ’ s succulen t s Bre Singleton is the type of girl who gets things done; she digs deep, gets dirty and dreams big.

Bre and her husband, Rob Singleton, have found great success as a young entrepreneurial team in their homegrown business, Sugar’s Succulents. But the path hasn’t always been smooth.

Due to difficult circumstances as a child, Bre learned to be independent at a young age as she cared for her two younger brothers, often moving houses and living with grandparents and aunts. The increased responsibility of her adolescent years created in Bre a great sense of maturity which helped pave the way for her business smarts and savvy.

As a teenager, Bre worked at a local home store in Tulare where her manager saw her

keen ability for decor and gave her free reign over store displays and arrangements. It was here that Bre began to quickly develop her eye for design. After high school, Bre was accepted into a design school in Long Beach where she would receive formal instruction and grow her natural talent. Despite the great opportunity, Bre soon returned home to care for her brothers. Rob and Bre became an inseparable duo and soon discovered their joint passion for entertaining. The Singletons tied the knot and spent their free hours perfecting their outdoor spaces while creating a warm atmosphere for exquisite meals to be shared with friends.

As the couple developed their talent for entertaining, Bre quickly became fascinated4 continued on page 32

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with designing landscapes using succulents, a hobby that began small with gifts of aloe and jade. The popularity of the unique plants hadn’t yet reached the fever pitch of today and Bre found it difficult to find an impressive variety at local stores. As her hobby grew into a small obsession, Bre began propagating succulents and her desire to share her growing garden flourished, as well. Bre created an Instagram profile displaying succulents and cacti in pots, vintage coffee cans and handmade containers. The account had around 40 followers and shared gardening tips and tricks from a “paranoid plant mom.” In April 2016, the Singletons unexpectedly lost their Chihuahua, Sugar. The loss spurred Bre to rename her Instagram profile “Sugar’s Succulents,” a decision that acted as a catalyst to fulfilling a dream.

Bre and Rob made a goal in the spring of 2016 to create and sell succulent arrangements for Mother’s Day, an attempt to test the market and see if their love for plants was contagious. The entrepreneurial team made $600 in four days and knew they were onto something. In the fall of 2016, the Singletons rented a booth at the Rusty Roots show selling various and creative arrangements displayed in hollow logs, tool boxes and even an old newspaper stand.

The duo found great success at the show and decided to make Sugar’s Succulents official. In January 2017, Bre and Rob formed an official business.

When Jay Peters saw Bre and Rob’s talent and fortitude, he insisted they rent the front corner of his building.

Sugar’s Succulents, the store, is located in an industrial area of downtown, sharing space with Peters Construction, Bre’s full-time employer. The Singletons transformed the space into a lush and peaceful paradise. Succulents of all varieties are scattered about, planted in wagons and pots, with splashes of the business’ signature teal color found throughout the outdoor store and interactive workshop.

The center of the shop holds a large table made from pallets and serves as a workbench for planting and designing.

In an effort to not only sell succulents but to provide an experience for their green-thumbed patrons, Sugar’s Succulents expanded and now offers DIY workshops and private parties. Guests relax on the patio with a glass of wine or craft beer as they design and plant an original arrangement while receiving an introductory lesson on succulent care. The workshops are a perfect retreat for a girls’ night out, a bridal shower or a mother-daughter afternoon. But, succulents aren’t just for the girls. Glen Catalina, a regular customer, recently started gardening with succulents and enjoys the eccentric shop. “It’s fun to come look and play with the different plants. Bre’s done a great job.” Rob and Bre keep the shelves fully stocked, traveling to San Diego every few weeks to hand-pick plants and ensure their variety is unique.

Bre enjoys bringing the gardening experience to others.

“It feels good to get dirty and design something. It is gratifying to see you made something so awesome while being removed from the stresses of the outside world.”

Sugar’s Succulents offers a variety of services including landscape design and implementation. Customers are also encouraged to bring personal pots or sentimental containers to the shop to be filled with various succulents for a truly unique and personalized gift or centerpiece.

Sugar’s Succulents industrial style shop is a charming haven on School Street where the pace of life slows and you can roll up your sleeves and get a little dirty. • Sugar’s Succulents • 717 W. School Ave., Visalia www.sugarssucculents.com • (559) 798-4837 Find them on Facebook and Instagram

Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A mother of four, this minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit.

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Worth the trip for mom

Surprise her with

199 E. Pine Street • Exeter, CA 93221

SHOP

DINE

STAY

PLAY

Exeter Chamber of Commerce Presents

16th Annual Exeter Garden Walk “Full Bloom 2019” Tour Beautiful Private Gardens, Visit the Master Gardeners Garden Festival & Enjoy a Lovely Tea Party at By the Water Tower Antiques

Saturday, May 11th 9 am to 2 pm Advance Tickets $20 Exeter Chamber of Commerce & By the Water Tower Antiques Event Day Tickets $25 For more info. call 559-592-2919 www.ExeterChamber.com

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Hanford’s original downtown consignment boutique

• Ladies & Junior Apparel • Home Decor & Handbags • Jewelry & Accessories

Mon-Fri 9:30-6:30 | Sat 9:30-5:00 | Sun 12:00-5:00 www.castawaysconsignments.com Facebook.com/castawaysconsignments

2 10 N . I r w i n S t re e t , D o w nt o w n H a nf o rd 582.0730

jrmeatcompany.com | 24 South Cobb Street, Porterville 559.781.3792 | Owner Kelly Stock 559.798.6345

Cafe Lafayette Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM With the weather warming up, enjoy a mimosa with your brunch on our patio!

Call for reservations to attend our Monthly Wine Pairing Dinners.

Patio Dining • Private Banquet Room Daily Specials • Extensive Wine List Full Service Bar

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| TUES-FRI LUNCH 11AM-2:30PM TUES-SAT HAPPY HOUR 5:30PM-7PM | SAT & SUN BRUNCH 10AM-2:30PM TUES-SAT DINNERS 5:30PM-9PM | CLOSED MONDAYS

enjoy the view

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photo: CHRISTY ZILLGES

www.EnjoySouthValley.com MAY MAY2019 2019

Dry Creek Preserve in Visalia

Christy Zillges is a digital marketer and photographer based in Central California who specializes in online marketing and lead generation for businesses of all sizes.

Christy loves to spend her free time traveling and outdoors with her husband and family. www.zillgesdigital.com

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

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BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART

recipe may 2019

Mexican Corn and Pasta Salad Serves 4 Cinco de Mayo is a great reason to try this month’s recipe, but it will be great anytime. It is a nice addition to your next party or potluck, or plan to serve it for lunch with friends, which is exactly what I did. Enjoy!

ingredients:

2 lb. box bow tie pasta, cooked

1⁄2 cup mayonnaise

2 T sour cream

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 limes, zested and juiced

3 green onions, sliced thin

1⁄2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

2 jalapeños, stemmed and thinly sliced into small rings

1 10-oz. package frozen sweet corn, thawed

1 2.5-oz. jar diced pimentos, drained

1⁄2 cup feta or cotija cheese, crumbled

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Directions: STEP 1: Cook the bow tie pasta according to box directions.

Once cooked, drain and set aside.

STEP 2: While pasta is cooking, make the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, cumin and garlic. (Note: If serving immediately, add the zest and the juice of both limes now. If serving later, wait to add these until ready to serve.)

STEP 3: To assemble, using a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, sweet corn, pimentos and cheese, and mix together well. Add the dressing and toss to cover all ingredients.

STEP 4: If serving immediately, add the zest and the juice of both limes now. If serving later, combine all ingredients except the lime zest and juice. Cover and refrigerate.

Once ready to serve, add the zest and juice to the salad and serve.

Lana Granfors enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and spending time with her friends and family– especially her grandchildren, Jillian and Garet.

prep time: 15 minutes cook time: 10-12 minutes total time: 25-27 minutes MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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CRAFTING

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by Kayla Van Grouw | photos: kelli avila

Fringy Fun D I Y: d oor tassel

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supplies • Cotton upholstery rope (found at craft stores) in color scheme of your choice • Cotton embroidery thread • Pen • Scissors

1. Measure the rope around your door handle to make sure the tassel will fit when finished.

2. Mark on the rope where your stopping points are for the loop of your tassel.

3. Start wrapping the thread. The best way to start is to pick your first color and tie a knot at the starting point, then wrap. To switch colors, tie the second color onto the first color with another knot. Leave the knot strings until the very end to prevent unraveling.

Tips: Use these steps to create a key chain tassel. In Step 1, with your first knot, tie on your key chain loop and thread through it while you wrap around your rope until it is strong. Then continue with Steps 2-5.

4. Continue wrapping each color around the rope until you reach your stopping mark made in Step 2.

5. Cut all your loose knot ends, hang and enjoy!

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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calendar M AY 2 0 1 9

From Food to fun, something for everyone to enjoy

bakersfield

May 2 • Kern Literacy Council Read for Life Celebration, The Petroleum Club of Bakersfield, 5060 California Ave., 5:30pm, www.visitbakersfield.com • Kenny Metcalf as Elton John, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 6pm, www.visitbakersfield.com May 3 • First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Bakersfield between 19th and Eye streets, 5-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com May 4 • 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Party, Buck Owens Crystal Palace, 2800 Buck Owens Blvd., 5pm, www.visitbakersfield.com May 11 • Haggard Boxcar Music Festival, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Ave., 4pm, www.visitbakersfield.com May 12 • Mother’s Day Buffet, The Padre Hotel, 1708 18th St., 10am-4pm, www.visitbakersfield.com May 26 • St. Joseph Church Annual Festival - Circus Festival, St. Joseph Church parking lot, 1515 Baker St., 8am-8pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

california hot springs

May 25 • Cow Country Fair and Grandma’s Attic Treasures Sale, California Hot Springs Community Center, 41766 Hot Springs Road, 9am-2pm

clovis

May 3, 4, 10, 11 • Slice of Comedy, DiCicco’s Old Town Clovis, 408 Clovis Ave., 8pm, www.playfresno.com May 4 • Spring Wine Walk, Pollasky Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets, 5-8:30pm, www.oldtownclovis.com

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• Clovis Trail Fest, Old Town Trail and Dry Creek Trail between Fifth Street and Dry Creek Park, 9am-1pm, www.visitclovis.com May 4, 11, 18, 25 • Clovis Farmers Market, corner of Pollasky and Bullard Avenues, 8-11:30am, www.visitclovis.com May 5 • Carry the Load, Clovis Hills Community Church, 10590 North Willow Ave., 6:45-8:45am, www.playfresno.org May 10, 17 • Friday Night Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue between Third and Bullard avenues, 5:30-9pm, www.visitclovis.com May 11, 12 • Old Town Flea Market, Clovis Rodeo Grounds, 748 Rodeo Drive, 10am-4pm Saturday, 9am-4pm Sunday, www.visitclovis.com May 25 • Clovis Memorial Run, in front of the Clovis Senior Center, 850 4th St., 7:30am, www.visitclovis.com May 26 • Glorious Junk Days, Old Town Clovis, Pollasky Avenue between Bullard Avenue and Third Street, 8am-4pm, www.visitclovis.com

dinuba

May 3 • Hands in the Community’s 6th Annual Golf Tournament, Ridge Creek Golf Club, 3018 Ridge Creek Drive, 1-8pm, www.hnconline.org

fresno

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 3-6pm, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com • Farmers Market, Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center, 7300 North Fresno St., 9am-1:30pm, www.playfresno.org May 2, 9, 16 23, 30 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, southeast corner of Fulton Street and Mariposa Way, 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org

May 3, 5 • Central California Big Band Dance Society, Radisson Hotel Fresno, 1055 Van Ness Ave., 1:30-5pm, www.bigbanddancing.com May 4 • Water-Wise Plant Exchange Event, Fresno State Greenhouses, 3150 East Barstow Ave., 8am-noon, www.playfresno.org • Dog Days at Airways, Airways Golf Course, 5440 East Airways Blvd., 8am-3pm, www.playfresno.org • An Evening on the Barbary Coast, Fresno Convention Center, 848 M St., 5pm, www.playfresno.org • 2019 Rods on the Bluff, Park Place Shopping Center, 7775 North Palm Ave., 5:30-8:30pm, www.playfresno.org May 4, 11, 18, 25 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 7am-noon, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, (559) 266-9856, www.cherryavenueauction.com • River Park Farmers Market, 220 East Paseo Del Centro, 5-9pm Tuesday, 9am-1pm Saturday, www.playfresno.org May 5 • Fresno Urban Run, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 8am, www.playfresno.org • Tabernacle Organist Dr. Richard Elliott in Concert, First Congregational Church, 2131 North Van Ness Blvd., 3pm, www.sjvago.org May 7 • Chinatown Live!, 1535 Kern St., 4-8pm, www.chinatownfresno.org • Fresno Film Works Presents “Woman at War,” Tower Theatre 815 East Olive Ave., 5:30-7:30pm, www.fresnofilmworks.org/film/woman-at-war May 7, 14, 21, 28 • Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays, California Arts Academy, 4750 North Blackstone Ave., 7:15-9:30pm, www.facebook.com/fresnoswingdance May 11 • Musical Tribute to a Legend, Misora Hibari, Fresno Buddhist Temple Family Dharma Center, 2690 East Alluvial Ave., noon-4pm, www.fresnobuddhisttemple.org

24 Equis, oz. Dos Equis, Buy a 24Buy oz. aDos Get two free tacos Get two free tacos

ALL New in 2019

The multi-tiered area, complete with bar, food options and six 65-inch high-def TVs to watch the action, is open to any fan with a game ticket!

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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• Sidewalk Astronomy, RiverPark, 71 East Via La Plata, 7-10pm, www.playfresno.org • Theatre Under the Stars, Hyatt Residence, 4845 North Van Ness Blvd., 7-10pm, www.stageworksfresno.com May 15 • Humility: Knowing God and Knowing Self, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 South Chestnut Ave., 8:30am May 16 • Root for the River - Intuitive Flower Arranging, Root General, 1424 Fulton St., 7:30pm, www.riverparkway.org May 17 • Respite by the River - McLane High School ArtVenture Program, River Parkway, 11605 Old Friant Road, 6pm, www.riverparkway.org May 18 • AMOR’s 2019 Global Gala, Copper River Country Club, 2140 East Clubhouse Drive, 6pm-midnight, www.amorelief.org/gala May 18-19 • Fresno Pirate Festival, Kearney Park, 7160 West Kearney Blvd., 10am-6pm, www.twofayreladies.com May 20 • The Swing Shift, River Park Shopping Center, 71 East Via la Plata, 7:30-9:30pm, www.facebook.com/fresnoswingdance May 22 • Behind the Scenes at Good Company Players, Golden Restaurant, 1135 North Fulton St., 5:30pm, www.riverparkway.org May 23 • Respite by the River - Ethan Chatagnier, Music by the Gilly Girls, River Parkway, 11605 Old Friant Road, 6pm, www.riverparkway.org

hanford

May 2 • 68th Annual National Day of Prayer, Hanford Civic Auditorium, Fuller Way, 11:30am-1pm, www.kingscountyprayerforce.org May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Thursday Night Marketplace, Downtown Hanford, 5:30-9pm, www.mainstreethanford.com May 12 • Mother’s Day Brunch, Hanford Civic Auditorium, Fuller Way, 9am-1pm, www.hanfordchamber.com

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kingsburg

May 16-18 • 53rd Annual Swedish Festival, Downtown Kingsburg, 5-8pm Thursday, 4-9pm Friday, 7am-8:30pm Saturday, www.kingsburgchamber.com

kings canyon national park

May 11 • Hike and Picnic, Kings Canyon National Park, 10am, www.riverparkway.org

lemoore

May 31 • Rockin’ the Arbor, Under the Arbor, 300 E St., 6-10:30pm, www.lemoorechamberofcommerce.com

madera

May 4 • Journey Tribute Featuring Midnight Run, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 5-11pm, www.playfresno.org May 10 • Scorpions Tribute Featuring Lovedrive, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 5-10pm, www.playfresno.org May 11 • Steve Nicks Tribute Featuring Stealing Nicks, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 4-11pm, www.playfresno.org • Poison Tribute Featuring Pick Your Poison, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 5-10pm, www.playfresno.org May 25 • Corazon De Mana Tribute to Mana, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 4-11pm, www.playfresno.org May 31 • Blues Music Night Featuring The John Clifton Band, ApCal, 32749 Avenue 7, 5-10pm, www.playfresno.org

oakhurst

May 18 • Oakhurst Spirits Tasting and Art Gallery Tour, Oakhurst Spirits, 40300 Greenwood Way, 11am, www.riverparkway.org

porterville

May 3, 10, 24, 31 • Music on Main, Centennial Plaza Park, 296 North Main St., 6-9pm, www.portervillechamber.org May 4 • Cinco de Mayo Parade, Downtown Main Street, 10am-noon, www.ci.porterville.ca.us May 5 • Cinco de Mayo Sunday Fiesta, Veterans Park, 1501 West Henderson Ave., 10am-7pm, www.ci.porterville.ca.us

• Sierra Vocal Arts Ensemble Annual Spring Concert “Singing into Spring,” First United Methodist Church, 344 East Morton Ave., 3-5pm, www.sierravocalarts.org May 11 • Rolling Relics Car Show, Veterans Park, 1501 West Henderson Ave., 8am-3pm, www.ci.porterville.ca.us May 19 • Rally Wagon 5K Fun Run/Walk, Porterville Sports Complex, 2701 West Scranton Ave., 7:30am

reedley

May 5 • Reedley Street Faire and Car Show, Downtown Reedley on G Street, 10am-5pm, www.reedleydowntown.com

sanger

May 4 • Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Downtown Sanger on 7th Street, 5-9pm, amwww.sanger.org

springville

May 4, 11, 18, 25 • Springville Farmers Market, Downtown Springville, 9-1pm, www.springville.ca.us May 5 • Cellars and Chefs, Derby House, 35543 Hwy. 190, 3-6pm, www.springville.ca.us

three rivers

May 4 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Three Rivers Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com May 11-12 • Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival 2019, Three Rivers Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Drive, All Day, www.artsalliancethreerivers.org/ redbud-festival/

visalia

May 1-31 • Teresa Getty Exhibition and Opening Reception, Arts Visalia, 214 East Oak Ave., noon-5:30pm Wednesday-Saturday, www.artsvisalia.org May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Shiloh at Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 7-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com May 2-4 • Great Western Gospel Music Fan Festival, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., various times, www.fanfestivals.com

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • ‘80s Night at Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 10pm, www.visitvisalia.com May 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 • Healing Hearts Walks, Visalia Public Cemetery, 1300 West Goshen Ave., 7am, www.visitvisalia.com May 3 • An Evening at the Derby, Keotsier Ranch, 8230 Ave. 272, 6-10pm, www.assistanceleague.org/visalia • First Friday, Visalia Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak St., 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org May 4, 11, 18, 25 • Cuppa Jazz, Café 210, 210 West Center Ave., 10am-noon, www.visitvisalia.com • Visalia Farmers Market, Sears parking lot on Caldwell, 8-11:30am, www.visitvisalia.com May 7, 14, 21, 28 • Salsa Tuesday, The Cellar Door, 101 West Main St., 7pm-midnight, www.visitvisalia.com May 8 • 11th Annual Dance Away Hunger, FIT Tribe Academy, 3362 South Fairway St., 6-8pm, www.vrmhope.org/events May 10 • 25th Annual Once Upon a Dream, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 5-10pm, www.portervillechamber.org May 11 • Home Grown - Downtown Visalia Ag Festival, Visalia Main Street, 9am-2pm, www.visitvisalia.com May 16 • Armenian Food Festival, Visalia Elks Lodge, 3100 West Main St., 11am-2pm, and 5-8pm May 17 • Downtown Expo, Downtown Visalia, 4-11pm, www.downtownvisalia.com May 18 • Spring Fair, Calvary Chapel Visalia, 11720 Avenue 264, 10am-3pm, www.calvaryvisalia.org May 18 • “Way 2 Fierce” presented by Visalia Charter Independent Study Performing Arts, LJ Williams Theater, 1001 West Main St., 2pm and 7pm, www.vciseagles.org May 31 • Lucha Libre Wrestling, Visalia Rawhide Stadium, 300 North Giddings St., 6pm, www.milb/com/visalia • Night at the Museum, ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum, 210 North Tipton St., 5:30pm, www.visitvisalia.com

woodlake

May 4 • Experimental Aircraft Association, Annual Flight for Kids, EEA Woodlake Airport, 861 South Valencia Blvd., 8am-2pm May 11-31 • Blueberry Picking, Big L Ranch, 20899 Avenue 322, 8am Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, (559) 280-2767

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com May 3 • Bakersfield City Ballet presents “Ethereal Visions,” 7pm May 4 • Brave Woman’s Conference 2019, 5pm May 11 • Big House with Truxton Mile, 7:30pm May 20 • “Rocky,” 7pm May 27 • “Some Like it Hot,” 7pm

encore theatre

www.encoretulare.com May 3-5, 9-12, 16-19 • “Sing Off !” An Original Musical, 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

fresno city college

www.fresnocitycollege.edu May 1 • Wind Ensemble Concert “The Sound Track of Our Lives,” FCC Theatre, 7:30pm May 2 • Hammer and Strum - Piano and Guitar Celebration, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 3 • Choral Music Spring Concert, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 4 • Samuel Amidei and Raffaello Ravasio Concert, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 7 • FCC Community Symphony Orchestra, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 8 • Honors Recital and Scholarship Awards, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 10 • Intermediate Advanced Piano Recital, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 11 • Make a Scene - Opera and Musical Scenes, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm May 13 • Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 7:30pm

May 14 • Latin Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Singers, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 7:30pm May 23-25, 30-31 • New Wrinkles Presents “California Dreamin’,” FCC Theatre, 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Saturday May 26 • Fresno Community Concert Band - An American Tribute, Shaghoian Concert Hall, 3pm and 7pm

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconventioncenter.com May 4 • East Fresno Kiwanis Crab Feed, Convention Center, 6:30pm May 9 • Jerry Seinfeld, Saroyan Theatre, 7pm May 11 • Fresno Philharmonic “Time for Three,” Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm May 19 • 2019 OUTCRY Revival Nights!, Saroyan Theatre 7pm May 25 • George Lopez “The Wall” Comedy Tour, Saroyan Theatre, 8pm

hanford fox theatre

www.foxhanford.com May 4 • The Saturday Morning Experience Superhero Edition, 10am May 18 • Hanford Independent Film Festival, 5pm

icehouse theatre

www.v isaliaplayers.org May 17-19 • “Miscast,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 4pm Sunday

lindsay community theater

www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com May 4 • Dirty Cello, 7:30pm May 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, 26 • “Madagascar, A Musical Adventure, Jr.,” 7:30pm Thursday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday

rabobank arena

www.rabobankarena.com May 11 • Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra “The Resurrection,” Theater, 7:30pm May 18 • Carrie Underwood, Arena, 7pm MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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May 28 • New Kids on the Block, Arena, 7:30pm

roger rocka’s dinner theater

www.rogerrockas.com May 2-5, 9-12, 16-19 • “Hairspray,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday May 23-26. 30-31 • Disney’s “Newsies,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday

save mart center - fresno

www.savemartcenter.com May 12 • Carrie Underwood, 7pm May 14 • Pentatonix, 7:30pm

stars playhouse and stars theatre restaurant

www.bmtstars.com May 3-5, 10-11, 16-18 • “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm show ThursdaySaturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday

May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 • “The Golden Age of…Shakespeare?,” Stars Playhouse, 2756 Mosasco St., 7:30pm

tower theatre - fresno

www.towertheatrefresno.com May 3 • Pavlo, 8pm May 4 • Whitney Morgan, 8pm May 7 • Yngwie Malmsteen, 8pm May 9 • Rob Bell, 8pm May 19 • Tajmahal Quartet, 8pm

visalia fox theatre

www.foxvisalia.org May 2 • Tulare County Youth Orchestra, 7:30pm May 4 • James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, 7:30pm May 10 • Slick Rock Student Film Festival, 9am

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there…

What you do matters!

May 16 • “The Goonies,” 6:30pm May 18 • Loni Love, 8pm May 4 • Whitney Morgan, 8pm May 22 • “The Wizard of Oz,” 6:30pm

HOW TO GET YOUR EVENT ON THIS CALENDAR If you’d like your event to be listed in this section of Enjoy magazine, please post it on our website, www.enjoymagazine. net, by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a June event will need to be posted by May 1.

GIVING BACK | BY EMILY MIRANDA | PHOTOS: SALINA MARROQUIN

WORK OF

HEART GARDEN OF HOPE MINISTRIES

“It started when God woke me up at 5:30 A.M. with an overwhelming desire to have a sewing machine,” remembers Judith Stone, president of Garden of Hope Ministries. “It was odd, because I hated sewing, ironing . . . anything to do with needles and thread.”

With the desire in her heart, she purchased her first sewing machine and began to learn the skill. Her first quilt was completed in April 2012—a quilt she’d made for a dear friend of hers battling cancer.

“I knew at that moment this was the purpose for the sewing machine,” Stone says. Three months later Garden of Hope Ministries was born, its mission to create and deliver quilts to cancer patients and others facing serious illness or tragedy.

“At this time, there were only two of us, Sandy Gaither and myself. Now we have 15 ladies in our group. That first year we made 25 quilts, and as of 2018 we’ve made over 200 quilts,” she proudly shares, emphasizing how Garden of Hope quilts are specially designed with patients in mind. They see their quilts as a “work of heart,” bestowing comfort to those who need it most.

“We embroider scriptures of hope and comfort on each quilt and pray that it be the arms of God wrapped around them, giving them strength through their difficult season,” Stone explains.

The group has also reached out to the community, sewing tote bags for children in foster care and working alongside women’s shelters in Visalia and Hanford. The quilters were also asked by the Visalia District Attorney

Office to create a quilt honoring victims of violent crimes.

Stretching beyond the local community, Garden of Hope has blessed countless others, sending quilts to Redding Carr Fire victims, to orphanages in Guatemala and Kenya, and personally delivering 20 quilts to a human trafficking rescue shelter in Kiev, Ukraine. Their most recent endeavor is creating drawstring bags for personal hygiene kits that Fresno’s Days for Girls plan to send to young women in Africa, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

“We also worked with a chapter of Junior Catholic Daughters of America. The young ladies helped us sew bags that we gave to Kingdom Quilters in Alpine. The bags were filled with food and taken to volcano victims in Guatemala this last September,” explains Stone.

Behind the heartfelt outreach of Garden of Hope is a fellowship of women as beautiful as the quilts they create.

Some piece together patterns, others embroider, others pray—each has a contributing role, a purpose to carry out.

“We love the harmony of working together to make a difference in people’s lives,” Stone says. • Find them on Facebook and Instagram • (559) 909-0797 Emily J. Miranda is a freelance writer, designer, and self taught artist. She is a graduate of Simpson University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis on business and marketing. In her free time she enjoys writing, painting, sewing, and any projects involving creative insight.

MAY 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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