Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living — November 2019 by Enjoy Magazine: Northern California Living

San Joaquin Valley Living

November 2019

HARVEST KINDNESS

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Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house

contents n ovember 2 01 9 // I ss u e #6 0

San Joaquin Valley Living

go nutty with naturally nuts in visalia

Photo courtesy of Naturally Nuts

cr a f ting 32 DIY: Candle in Gold Tray

ACTS OF K IN DNESS

INSPIRATION

LOCA L S

7 The Power of Kindness Can Change the World

11 The Local Way with Naturally Nuts In Visalia

GOOD TI M ES

On the m a p

17 Clingans Junction in Squaw Valley

in ev ery issu e 28 Enjoy the View— Ralph Chojnacki 30 What’s Cookin’— Lamb and Wild Rice Soup 35 Calendar of Events 39 Giving Back— Ray Miller’s Clothes for Kids

20 Celebrate Julgransfest in Kingsburg

14 The William Saroyan House Museum

speci a l section 23 2019 Hometown Holiday Heroes

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

editor’s note november 2019

It’s the season of gratitude, where we gather our loved ones near, hit the “pause” button on our hectic lives and reflect on what truly makes our lives worthwhile. Acts of kindness aren’t always grand gestures or huge sacrifices. Toss a pebble into a pond and you’ll see that the impact extends much further than the tiny splash – that’s exactly how kind deeds work, and we’ve got some ideas for tossing your own pebble into the pond of humanity to make our world a little brighter. Some opt to pour kindness into the world by strengthening our community ties. One local example happens each year in downtown Kingsburg with Julgransfest, a delightful holiday festival which encourages residents and visitors alike to join together and honor the town’s Swedish roots. Sometimes kindness looks like seeing a need and turning it into an opportunity. Former school psychologist Ray Miller once met up with a student on a cold day who didn’t own anything warmer than a T-shirt, sparking a fire in Miller’s heart. He gathered up an army of supporters, and since then, his foundation has given sweatshirts to 9,000 local children. For the second year, we’ve collected stories of Hometown Holiday Heroes from seven South Valley towns. You’ll be inspired by the imprint they’ve made in their communities and we’re delighted to honor them here. Kindness reminds us of our place in this world, and we have the power to shift the trajectory of someone’s day. Reach out to a lonely friend. Invite an elderly neighbor to your holiday gathering. Extend an encouraging word to a frazzled mom in the grocery store. Together, we make our world more beautiful, one pebble at a time. Celebrate kindness, and watch how the joy you put into the world comes back to you tenfold. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy!

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 amanda moreno advertising sales representative Danielle Colesberry Austin Reynolds Trevor Ludlow Koby Reynolds deliveries

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on the cover Cover model: Harper Mendivil

© 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.

Photos by Dakota Lynn Photography

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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acts of kindness

BY kimberly N. boney

t2he

r2ipple e2ffect

the p o wer o f kindness can chan g e the w o rld When a small leaf, drop of water or pebble hits a body of water, it casts an outward ripple that continues until it’s out of view, making an impact on something much larger than itself. Such is the case, also, with a kind deed. It doesn’t take much to make an impression, but kindness transcends past that moment, and into the hearts of those who bear witness to it. It’s the reason why one person making a decision to treat the person in the car behind them to their order in a drive through creates a chain reaction – and why the recipients of such a kind deed make a point of mentioning what a joyful experience it was. It’s why people make anonymous donations to kids’ overdrawn lunch accounts, and why it warms our hearts to witness a stranger stop to help someone they don’t know at a crucial moment. Kindness begets kindness. Kindness changes energy and it changes people. It’s a blessing to be on both the giving and receiving end of kindness – and it’s a blessing to watch it unfold.4 continued on page 8

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

Have you ever had a tough day and, seemingly out of nowhere, one simple gesture from another human being magically lightens your emotional load? In that instant, you might have gone from feeling like no one in the world even knew you were there to being seen and cared for – even if for just a moment. Chances are you couldn’t stay sad or frustrated after that. That shift in energy came as a result of kindness. There is power in that acknowledgement – in a person knowing that they are not alone in the world. It may even be the catalyst in that person becoming a blessing for someone else. Kindness is often thought of as random altruism. But what would the world be like if we all made a concerted effort to be kind to our fellow human beings? Could we change the tone of things in our own home, our neighborhood, our city, our state or our country? Could we change the world at large? Could we, at the very least, change ourselves? Our kind deed may not alter the state of the world, but it can alter the world in a positive way for the person on the receiving end of the kindness. Whenever possible, do something kind for someone who may never know the source of the deed – or someone that may never be able to repay you. Don’t record it for the purpose of sharing it on social media. Don’t tell your friends. Move in silence when exacting your kindness on the world. It’s not about the kudos that come from doing a good deed; it’s about releasing kindness into the world and hoping it spreads like wildfire. It’s been said that something becomes a habit after 66 days. So, here is a challenge. Pick from this list of 22 acts of kindness and commit to sharing one each day with someone who needs it. Repeat this practice three times over, until it has become second nature to you. Now, watch how the world around you changes for the better.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall

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1. When cooking a meal, double your yield and share the second half with someone who doesn’t have enough food to eat. 2. Lend a helping hand to someone who is struggling to carry a heavy load – even if it means simply holding the door. 3. Donate your old books to a school, a senior center or a Little Free Library. Leave a note of encouragement inside for the next reader. 4. Pick flowers, fresh fruit or vegetables from your garden and give them to someone who needs a pickme-up. 5. Find a GoFundMe account for a person you don’t know directly with a story that resonates with you. Make an anonymous donation. Tell absolutely no one. 6. Treat the person behind you in line at the grocery store to something (or everything) in their cart. Ask them to pay it forward to someone else when they can. 7. Mow your neighbor’s lawn and pull their garbage cans in. 8. If you find a lost pet, stop and make a call to his or her owner. Someone misses that four-legged family member dearly. 9. Be a listening ear for someone who needs it – even a stranger. It’s often easier to talk to a stranger about something painful than it is to talk to a loved one. 10. Bring a blanket, a coat and a hot cup of coffee to someone who lives on the street. 11. Create some care kits filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine products and a hairbrush. Give them away to those who need them. 12. Always ask someone their name – and share yours with them. There is comfort in having someone acknowledge you in a personal way. Do this with cashiers, people on the other end of a service call, people who live on the street and everyone in between. 13. Provide an act of service for someone else. If you are handy with a nail and hammer, help reinforce a broken fence. If you are passionate about books, read to a classroom once a week.

14. Purchase a complete meal for a family in need during Thanksgiving. Repeat the process as many times as you can afford to. 15. Offer to babysit for a couple who needs a night out. 16. If you see a parent struggling through a difficult moment with a child, offer them a genuine, knowing glance of acknowledgement or a word of encouragement. For a parent at their wit’s end, it may be just the boost they need to keep going. 17. Volunteer with a local group to help clean up a park, cemetery or another area that needs some TLC. 18. Instead of donating your used clothing to a thrift store, seek out a specific person (or people) that need them. Make sure they are cleaned, ironed and folded. Include a handwritten note of encouragement. 19. Gather a team of friends to help clean up the yard or home of someone who needs a helping hand – with their permission, of course. Whether it’s an elderly neighbor or a family in crisis, the gift of a clean and orderly space will be world-shifting. 20. Send a care package to a child (or several) in foster care. Teenagers are the least likely age demographic to be the recipient of a gift from charitable drives. Consider starting there and working your way down in age. 21. Teach a skill you have mastered to someone else. There is nothing more kind than sharing your passion with someone. You’ll simultaneously create two legacies. 22. Step in as a “family member” for someone who needs it. If you can be a parental figure, a bonus grandparent, an extra son or daughter, or a brother or sister from another mister for someone else, that’s the kind of love that has the power to change someone’s circumstances and their heart. No legality needed – just love. •

Kimberly N. Bonéy, proud wife and mom, is a freelance writer, designer, up-cycler and owner of Herstory Vintage. When she’s not working, she is joyfully wielding jewelry-making tools and paintbrushes in her studio. Antique shops, vintage boutiques, craft stores and bead shops are her happy place.

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

Party at The Mill!

BRADSHAW HONEY FARMS Local Love For Local Honey RAW • UNFILTERED • FRESH Family owned and operated since 1958 @bradshawhoney www.beebotanical.com

HOT HONEY GLAZED SWEET POTATOES 1. Preheat oven to 425˚ F. Chop sweet potatoes into 1 ½ to 2 inch chunks (for smaller chunks, reduce baking time). 2. Drizzle potatoes with melted butter, sprinkle with salt, pepper and brown sugar. Toss and stir so all pieces are coated. Place potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and gently flip, roasting for 20 minutes more. Potatoes should be tender and charred in some places when done. 3.Heat honey and jalapeños in saucepan over medium-low heat. Let honey come to a light simmer then turn off heat. Let sit for 5 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove peppers and seeds. 4.When potatoes are done drizzle them with the honey and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS 2 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into large chunks 4 T unsalted butter, melted ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 1 ½ tsp. brown sugar ½ cup honey 1 jalapeño pepper thinly sliced,with seeds

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LOCALS

BY JOHN DILLON

GOIN’NUTS the l o cal way with nat u rally n u ts in visalia John Oneto has been around nuts his whole life and he’s loved every minute of it. “I was born in a walnut orchard and my family still farms the same land,” Oneto says. “We’re still on the same ranch.” He and his family run Naturally Nuts, a Visalia-based business that sells nuts and nut-based products, but he does it differently than his competitors. Oneto boasts a locally focused, hands-on approach to what he sells. “We love local products,” he says about the honey, olive oils and dried fruits he sells in his store. Often, his

products come from a few towns over and he knows the growers personally. Oneto has a background in nut processing, having codeveloped a revolutionary way to prepare pistachios in the early 1990s. “We created a continuous flow brine and roast system. Our competitors came to us to have us roast their nuts,” Oneto says. Before the process became commonplace, pistachios would often be dunked in saltwater and then roasted. The problem with that, Oneto explains, is that the saltwater 4 continued on page 12

Photos courtesy of Naturally Nuts NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

would become dirty. “The trick was to figure out how to control the salt levels,” he says. That was where he stepped in. He and his colleagues invented a brine system that uses saltwater to control how much flavor and seasoning each nut gets, but they do it continuously. That way they wash and salt the nuts at the same time without the dirt remaining in the water. With this system, they were also able to control the salt content of their products, because some of them would not appeal to certain markets. North Americans, Oneto says, like a highly salted nut, where lightly salted nuts sell much better in countries like Japan. The industry has since moved on, he says, but he helped it get there. Now, he spends his time running his business. After

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

opening their first retail business in 1995, he’s made the full transition to business owner. Oneto says he likes to try and create new products on the fly. “One of our new things we do is nut butters,” Oneto says. “A really big thing right now is plant-based proteins.” Naturally Nuts creates butters from almonds, peanuts and walnuts, among others. “Our almond butter is just the bomb,” he says. Oneto feels a deep connection with his customers, as well. “Every one of my customers is my friend,” he says. “I just have always enjoyed sharing products from my ranch with my friends and neighbors.” His shop markets across the United States and they ship nationwide, but sometimes the out-of-state customers come to them. “We get a lot of people here from out of

Photo courtesy of Salina Marroquin

town. They come from all over the United States and from around the world.” Oneto says visitors to Sequoia, Kings Canyon or Yosemite National Parks will often stop at his shop to look at his products. It’s a privilege, he feels, to be the one to show them the area where a lot of the nation’s fruits and nuts come from. Naturally Nuts sells products year-round, but the best time of year for them is during the holiday season. “Our real time to shine are the Christmas holidays,” says Oneto. “If you don’t know what to get someone, our stuff is really nice. We make a peppermint bark that is just magnificently wonderful.” They make their candies in house, as well. Most commonly ordered are their nut clusters and candies, but Oneto says their gift packs are by far their best-selling items. “We’ll make you whatever you like,” claims Oneto. “It can be quite challenging, but we’ve been around a while.” He says it’s common for orders of well over 20 separate gift packs to come in at a time for a workplace, fundraiser or even just for family. Oneto takes pride in the high customizability of the gift packs. “Everything is good value. We believe in good value,” he says. Oneto is looking forward to the future of his business. He feels that it’s not the products he sells that let his shop thrive, but it’s the authentic way they make their products. “It’s not that our products are so great; they’re just what they’re supposed to be.” • Naturally Nuts • 1830 W Caldwell Ave., Visalia (559) 735-9121 • www.valleynut.com 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.

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

ON THE MAP

BY MELISSA MENDONCA

interactive

Photos courtesy of William Saroyan Museum

the willia m sar oyan H o u se M u se u m

The house at 2729 West Griffith Way in Fresno doesn’t immediately stand out to passersby. Although a plaque outside indicates it as the home of writer William Saroyan for the last 17½ years of his life, the facade is modest and belies the high-tech innovations inside. “The exterior of the house has stayed the same because it’s on the historical register,” says Zar Der Murgdechian, manager and docent of the Saroyan House Museum, which opened on Saroyan’s birthday, August 31, 2018. When purchased in 2015 as a foreclosure by the Renaissance Cultural and Intellectual Foundation, however, the home was in shambles and needed to be gutted. “They really had to think creatively about how to present Saroyan’s persona,” says Der Murgdechian. Born in 1908, Saroyan had died in May 1981.

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“He was always creating something,” says Der Murgdechian. “If it wasn’t with words, it was with art.”

The Renaissance Cultural and Intellectual Foundation is based in Armenia and purchased the house to honor the Fresno-born son of Armenian parents. “William Saroyan is quite a well-known author, not only in the United States, but in Armenia as well,” says Der Murgdechian. “He was someone who had made it.” Saroyan won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for “The Time of Your Life,” and the Academy Award for Best Story in 1943 for the film adaptation of his novel, “The Human Comedy.” He wrote many other books, plays, short stories, poems and songs. The story of Saroyan is told not through his effects, for these aren’t included in the museum at all, but rather archival material displayed in a way that invites visitors to interact and reflect on what inspired him. “He was very closely tied to natural materials,” says Der Murgdechian. “He would bring home rocks and shells and feathers.” Thus, the first exhibit in the main gallery is a collection of what Der Murgdechian describes as “50 to 60 rocks of different shapes that he actually had but they’ve been 3D printed.” The exhibits continue with videos of various lengths about Saroyan, and a wall of photographs that light up as one walks past. “It’s very interactive,” says Der Murgdechian. Another wall displays enlarged copies of Saroyan’s 60-plus books in various translations. His artwork is also on display. “He was always creating something,” says Der Murgdechian. “If it wasn’t with words, it was with art.” The highlight of the Saroyan House Museum experience is a holographic presentation of Saroyan himself speaking to visitors. “It’s actually his voice,” says Der Murgdechian. “He was recorded for about six hours by a reporter talking about his life.” The exhibit is about three minutes. The creativity and ingenuity behind the museum exhibits exist partly because Saroyan’s collection is housed at Stanford University Libraries under guidance of the William Saroyan Foundation, which Saroyan himself helped found. The two entities administer the annual William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. In purchasing the home of the writer, and developing the exhibits as they have, The Renaissance Cultural and Intellectual Foundation writes that “the aim of the project is to reveal the character and nature of the writer, allowing one to experience the lesser-known aspects.” The effect of the Saroyan House Museum is something Der Murgdechian sees every time she guides visitors through the exhibits. “I’ve seen people in different groups literally crying, so overcome with emotion to be there,” she says. “When they read his work, it resonated.” She admits some are disappointed when they don’t see what his environment was like, having expected the house to be set up as if Saroyan still lived there. Many, however, are impressed by the thoughtfulness behind the presentations. “The team in Armenia created each of those displays,” says Der Murgdechian. “They came in and put it all together and then they left.” While organized and funded in Armenia, the Saroyan House Museum will eventually transition to local control and funding. Visits to the museum must be scheduled by appointment at least 24 hours in advance and are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They are limited to groups of eight to avoid overcrowding, though special arrangements can be made for larger groups. The museum website offers extensive information on Saroyan, as well. • William Saroyan House Museum • 2729 W. Griffith Way, Fresno www.saroyanhouse.com 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.

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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GOOD TIMES

BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

cabins& coffee C L I N G A N S J U N C T I O N in s q u aw valley

Steps away from the San Joaquin Valley in the quiet foothills sit the quaintest cabins and bustling coffee shop, both rich in history and full of life. Clingans Junction, a gathering place for the local and traveler alike, is situated on Highway 180 en route to the majestic Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. What’s now a bright and welcoming coffee shop was once the old Mercantile Gas Station of Squaw Valley. The historic building, with the original stone front in tact, bursts with stories old and new. Park ranger and surveyor William Melrose Clingan opened the Mercantile in 1941 and the cabins came along in the 1950s, where his family eventually resided. Many years later, after the property sat quietly still, Mimi Dysart

and Nikki Tibbett, mom and daughter previously of Tulare, have transformed the property, bringing this corner of Squaw Valley back to life again. It all started when Tibbett moved back to the Valley after 10 years of living out of state. She recalls fond memories of flipping burgers in her mom’s Tulare restaurant growing up. “We made a great team,” Tibbett says. “We were open to a new adventure together but weren’t sure what that opportunity might be,” when they soon came across the Clingans property, “and the rest is history. We work so well together and our giftings are really complimentary. I am detailed and creative and Mimi is the real hostess with the mostest. She loves people.”4 continued on page 18

Photos courtesy of Clingans Junction

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

“The incredible group of people from Squaw Valley and the surrounding area is simply remarkable...” Living in one of the cabins herself, Dysart thrives on making others comfortable and happy. She has been known to leave freshly handmade goodies in the cabins, continually showing hospitality to her guests. “The entire thing has truly been a labor of love,” says Tibbett, who now resides in Sanger. “We couldn’t do it without our family’s continual support and there aren’t words to articulate the local support. The incredible group of people from Squaw Valley and the surrounding area is simply remarkable.” Like the saying goes for raising children, it takes a village; the same can be said for a successful family business. Clingans Junction stands as proof. The mom and daughter pair bought the two-acre property in April 2018 and quickly began renovating with the help of Tibbett’s husband and other family members. Boasting the original metal roofs and planked ceilings, the cabins are updated with modern, airy touches. Sweet smells of vanilla permeate as the door is opened to a cozy queen-sized bed, plush towels and a sparkling clean bathroom. A personal patio and seating area are attached to each of the charming 240-square-foot cabins, making it the idyllic place to enjoy the complimentary morning coffee and pastry. In less than one hour from the doorstep of Fresno or Visalia, one can be transported into a slower pace, fresh air and something reminiscent of the past. Unlike a traditional drive-through coffee shop, the Junction is a place to linger, unwind and relax. From European travelers to local ranchers, people from all walks of life can be found at the Junction on any given day. (Except Wednesdays, the only day they take a break.) Because of the unique location, meeting people has been the greatest and unexpected joy for Tibbett and Dysart. “When the coffee shop is buzzing, connecting and full of life, there’s a conversation with people from the Valley and next to them is a family speaking Italian. I whip out a map to help travelers and a local jumps in to give a tip on trails. I look around and it’s still so surreal,” Tibbett says. Large picture windows welcome visitors into the coffee shop, which celebrates its one-year anniversary on Nov. 17. Similar to the cabins, this delightful space is full of thoughtful touches. Guests can play checkers at one of the tables. People sit outside on the patio or, depending on the weather, inside by the fireplace. The ambiance is not the only thing the family and employees has honed. The menu is bursting with handmade selections. Two customer favorites are Mimi’s famous cinnamon rolls and the spicy ring: the Junction’s take on a breakfast sandwich with a miniature quiche on a hand-tossed jalapeno bagel. The baked goods are served on a unique 18

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

wooden board, contributing to the aesthetic of the historic building. The grounds can also be a launching spot for exploring outdoor opportunities. About three miles from the Junction is Cat Haven, a conservation of some of the rarest cats in the world. The entrance to the world’s largest trees is 16.5 miles away and the beloved General Grant Tree is just 20.8 miles away. There are hundreds of miles of trails within Kings and Sequoia parks. “From near or far, no matter who you are, Clingans Junction is an extension of Mimi’s kitchen. It’s a place where everyone is family,” says Tibbett. With the cabins and coffee shop open year round, travelers can experience the magnificent trees in all seasons, while slowing down to enjoy a cup of coffee or unplug completely for a rejuvenating weekend away.

The coffee shop is open 8am-2pm every day except Wednesdays. Cabins can be rented through their website. • Clingans Junction • 35591 E. Kings Canyon Road, Squaw Valley (559) 358-0298 • www.clingansjunction.com Find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Rachel Trigueiro, twin mom of four, loves adventuring with her family, especially near the beach. She holds a degree in business, but believes living in other countries and cultures offered her the greatest education. She dreamed of being a talk-show host; now, she enjoys story telling and drinking blonde coffee.

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

INSPIRATION

BY NATALIE CAUDLE

A Christmas Tree Party

cele b rate j u l g rans f est in kin g s b u r g

Flanking Highway 99 in the heart of the Central Valley is a Scandinavian town resembling the pages of a children’s fable, with the culinary flavors, architectural design and friendly hospitality of a Swedish fairytale. Kingsburg was settled in 1874 by two Swedish farmers in an effort to grow wheat in the San Joaquin Valley. The town’s name underwent a few changes, beginning as Wheatville, changing to Kings River Switch and later settling on Kingsburg. The name and city became official in 1908. Swedish immigrants heard of the hamlet and settled in the town, giving Kingsburg its Swedish roots and nickname, Little Sweden. The population and demographics of Kingsburg have changed over the last century, but the charm and heritage upon which the city was founded continue to emulate the beauty and hospitality of a Swedish village. Downtown Kingsburg boasts a unique design and Northern European style. The renowned teapot-painted water tower and bright orange Dala horse add to the quaint atmosphere of the city. In keeping with the Swedish ancestry, Kingsburg hosts festivals and events throughout the year. As autumn gives way to winter, citizens welcome the festivities of the holidays with proper fanfare. Traditionally, on the fourth Friday in November, Kingsburg transforms into a storybook Christmas village full of wonder and magic. The holiday season kicks off with Julgransfest (pronounced yule-gran-fest), a festival that began more than 30 years ago. Julgransfest, meaning “Christmas tree party,” began in 1986 by June Hess, a Kingsburg native, and Florene Jacobsen. Hess owns Svensk Boutik and Jacobsen is the former owner of Jacobsen Hardware. The frenzy of Christmas hadn’t yet reached the level of today’s proportions, leaving more to be desired with the rush of

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

Black Friday shopping. Hess and Jacobsen attributed the low turnout to the town’s delayed holiday spirit and felt mid-December was too late to dress the town in Christmas cheer. Hess and Jacobsen decided to take the festivity making into their own hands. The plan was simple: The women would sing carols as they walked to the Christmas tree lighting in Memorial Park. The inaugural event shocked Hess and Jacobsen, as many people had heard about the caroling and turned out to kick off the holiday season in melodic style. Despite the festival beginning as an effort to boost Black Friday sales, the Hallmark-esque charm of welcoming Christmas quickly gained a following. In honor of Kingsburg’s cultural history, Hess and Jacobsen decided to bring a Swedish component to Julgransfest, and in the following years incorporated Swedish dances and music.

Children from 1 to 91 are Live accordion and fiddle can be Photos courtesy of Johnson Kakutami encouraged to usher in the Christmas heard throughout downtown as season. A prior knowledge of Swedish shops stay open late to accommodate dances is unnecessary in order to try a holiday shoppers. Lights twinkle in jig and kick up your wooden shoes. sync to the music, old friends dance Trained dancers assist participants and and children share their Christmas wishes with jolly old St. Nick. Hess lead the choreography around the greatly enjoys the local tradition: Christmas tree. Amanda Manuzak, “Our town is a fairyland at Christmas. whose grandmother emigrated from It is fun to see it through other Sweden, leads festival goers in the people’s eyes.” traditional dances, modeling easy While December is quickly filled movements for those with two left feet. Today, the event is attended by with frenzied traditions, Julgransfest more than 1,000 people. Charles creates a pause between the holidays, Dickens carolers lead the promenade a beat of rest between November to the Christmas tree lighting in and her frantic sister, December. Memorial Park. The crowds sing carols and count down in unison for Julgransfest brings simplicity and joy back to the holiday rush – a the official lighting of the tree. The masses then follow the Victorian beautiful tradition in an idyllic setting. • carolers and Swedish-clad dancers in a makeshift parade to Santa’s house beneath the town’s official Christmas tree on Draper Street. Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce • (559) 897-1111 Mayor Michelle Roman gives a welcoming speech, Santa waves to Julgransfest: Friday, November 29th at 6pm joyous cheers and children’s squeals and the dancing begins. Friends and strangers link hands and circle the twinkling tree. Echoes of Homegrown in the Valley, Natalie Caudle finds beauty in the mundane laughter swirl with festive music filling the crisp night air with and is ever on the hunt for the perfect salsa recipe. A mother of four, this undeniable holiday cheer. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee are minivan chauffeur is passionate about adoption and strives to perfect the art of balancing grace and grit. served in front of Svensk Boutik, warming tummies and hearts alike. NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

2019 Hometown Holiday

HEROES

Carole Lester, Clovis

Amy Ward, Lemoore

“I live and breathe what I do.” These words, spoken by Carole Lester, say a lot about her. Lester grew up first in Chino, then moved to the tiny town of Minkler near Sanger, where she says the population sign reads “36, plus or minus.” She was always busy working with her family’s quarterhorses and Angus cattle, hanging out on the Kings River through their property and participating on the pep squad at Sanger High School. She graduated in 1969, then on to college, and marriage in 1971. But when she and her husband moved to the Bay Area, her talents for organization and administration were sharpened. Working for a commercial title insurance company, Lester says she was “often the one putting on the office parties and seminars for attorneys getting their continuing education credits.” Once she had children, she got involved in the things that they did. “I did a lot of fundraising for their schools,” she said. This was a good training ground for her future career. After living in the Bay Area for 32 years, and wanting to be closer to family, Lester and her husband moved back to the Valley. They landed in Clovis in 2003. She went to work for the Fresno Historical Society, putting on its annual Civil War Revisited event. She spent six years as its director of public relations and events, which led her to organizing the Christmas at Kearney Mansion event, the Home Tour and more. In fall 2010, Lester became executive director of Clovis’ Business Organization of Old Town (BOOT). “I was attracted to Old Town because of the community,” she says. “It felt like a little Disneyland to me. I wanted to see the businesses grow and flourish, so I began to work on enhancing existing events, such as the Farmers Market and Antique Fair, and I added new ones – Farm to Table Dinner down Pollasky Avenue, Glorious Junk Days (an antique fair) and a car show.” Lester enjoys working with Old Town merchants, helping them remain vital and prosperous, and serving the community at large. “We like to call Old Town the Jewel of Clovis,” she says, “but to have a viable Old Town takes a lot of things coming together – family-owned businesses, vested property owners, support of the city and all its departments. If those elements are not in place, it’s hard to have a town full of vitality.” And under her leadership and with the help of her staff, “2½ people” put on 89 days of events each year, bringing 220,000 people to Clovis. Lester also works with Pinkie Heals, a cancer support group, and she has helped raise funds for Valley Animal Center. She’s proud of her work in Clovis and says, “People want a sense of pride where they live. We’ve created a safe and child-friendly environment here.” In turn, Clovis is proud of Lester – in 2017, she was named the Professional Person of the Year by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. •

“I believe in servant leadership. You can’t lead if you don’t serve,” Amy Ward says about her motto for life – one that she’s taken seriously. Ward, president and CEO of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, had a whole lot of challenges that got her to this place. Born and raised in Temecula, Amy graduated from Temecula High School in 1998. “I loved that small-town part of my life, which is probably what drew me to Lemoore,” she says. “It reminded me of home.” She started college with plans to become a teacher, but quickly discovered it was not what she really wanted to do. She switched majors to event marketing, which led to a job as a director for a large corporation. In 2010, as a newly single mom of two, she started losing consciousness and knew something was terribly wrong. It took six weeks for doctors to come up with a diagnosis. While waiting for those test results, Ward began to look at her life. “I realized that at 30, I had been very career driven, materialistic and selffocused,” she recalls. “You realize, and it sounds very cliché, that if this is really it, did I do right by my kids, my family and my community?” She had a condition called Chiari malformation, which led to brain surgery. As she waited to be sedated, she made a promise to God: “If I make it through this, I will be a better person, and I will show my children how to be better people.” The surgery and ongoing treatment have slowed the progression of Chiari, but Ward will always have limitations and headaches. “I truly felt blessed just to be alive,” she explains. “I didn’t want to waste the rest of my life, so I became service oriented. I first got involved with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society.” She married Jason, a Fresno County sheriff ’s deputy, in 2012 and had another child. And in 2017, she became president and CEO of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce and set her eyes on helping improve the business community. “I’m proud of building relationships and partnering with the community on behalf of the Chamber,” Ward says. “I’ve reached out to local heads in the city, police, fire departments and more, talking about sharing resources. I’ve felt that the Chamber has a goal of being a convener, realizing that businesses and community are not mutually exclusive. Now the Chamber is readying to launch a full non-profit organization under the Chamber banner. This is new, and if it’s going to be a non-profit, we must truly serve the community.” Under Ward’s leadership, the Lemoore Chamber held a community clean-up day, with businesses donating some of the necessities. Ward has also raised money for Conquer Chiari, and partners with her daughter to make blankets for kids at Valley Children’s Hospital, living up to that promise to God. “I’m teaching my children to give back.” • NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

Char Tucker, Selma “Cancer does not discriminate. It not only affects the patient, but their family, caregiver and friends.” This understanding led Selma’s Char Tucker to get involved. Selma was Tucker’s first home, but after she married, she spent 23 years in Long Beach. She was thrilled to move the family back to Selma in 1991. The Tuckers went into real estate together and opened their own real estate and property management company. “People asked us how we did it, how we worked together all the time, but it worked for us,” she says. They have three sons and three grandchildren. Tucker also got involved in volunteering. “I started volunteering for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Selma,” she said. “I lost my father, mother, and both of my in-laws to cancer, but that’s not really why I got involved. I did it because it’s the right thing to do.” Cancer patients would ask Tucker how they could get help for issues they were facing due to their diagnosis. “Doctors diagnose them and get them quickly into treatment, but what about all the other problems they face?” she asks. “Most of the time, they can’t work, so how do they pay their bills?” In 2005, she brought together 12 volunteers to discuss it. They formed Selma Cancer Support to help cancer patients financially, spiritually and emotionally. “Sometimes all they wanted was for us to sit with them,” Tucker says. “Families often shut down and don’t want to talk about the cancer, hoping it will just go away. Often, we just lent an ear.” In 2008 the group wanted to grow, but realized they would need nonprofit status to receive donations and recruit volunteers. Their first big fundraiser was the Circle the City cancer walk. “We wanted to circle the city with help and support,” Tucker explains. Originally, they helped only cancer patients in Selma, but about four years ago added Central Valley Cancer Support to their name so they could seek donations and help people in other communities. The youngest cancer patient they’ve helped was 2, and the oldest 86. They provide companionship, counsel, payment of bills and whatever else someone may need. They seek donations and do fundraisers, and this year for the first time, they held a benefit concert with musical guest Ramon Ayala. “People couldn’t believe he was coming to Selma,” Tucker says. Selma Cancer Support is run by a board of six. “We have no staff, and the only administrative bill we have is for the phone,” Tucker says. “My husband and I donated a room in our office for an office for the organization. That’s where we meet with people. God has always provided. We have never had to turn anyone away. And we have a dozen volunteers. I may be the face of Selma Cancer Support, but I’m only as good as all the volunteers.” For more information, visit www.selmascancersupport.com. •

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

Mary Alice Escarsega Fechner, Visalia “My mission is to make a difference in my community and in my own neighborhood,” Mary Alice Escarsega Fechner says, and she has backed up her words with action. Escarsega Fechner grew up in Goshen but moved to Visalia in junior high. She earned a sociology degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1989. “Sociology was good for my goal,” Escarsega Fechner says. “I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit with a mission in the community that would bring people together.” It didn’t take long to find that fit. Community Services Employment Training (CSET) was a young organization at the time. “It was great to be part of the foundations of the agency,” she recounts. “There has been such growth for a private non-profit organization whose roots are founded in the fight against poverty. In 1994, CSET had a very small budget. Now it’s $21 million.” CSET consists of a board of directors and an executive director, among other positions. After 23 years with the organization, Mary was made the executive director, and she oversees day-to-day operations. The board sees that the organization ensures that poverty continues to be its mission. “Not many can say that they are working in the very neighborhood they grew up in. I lived two streets away from my office. I’m honored to be able to do the work I love here. How can I make my community better?” Escarsega Fechner sits on various community task forces that address poverty. “Poverty is a complex issue,” she says, “so it will take many people to address the needs in our community. I call these people working on this issue my heroes – people like the Rev. Susie Ward, whom I’ve worked with to help others. We love Visalia. We want every single person in Visalia to live a humane life with access to all the resources they need.” One program that Escarsega Fechner works on involves volunteers doing taxes for those who need help and can’t afford it. “CSET started this program and it has grown in leaps and bounds. I’ve done taxes for a lot of people over the years, and we really promote this program. I do it because I have to practice what I preach.” This group of volunteers did taxes for more than 3,000 people last year. Escarsega Fechner says the greatest thing people can do is give of their time. “I have had wonderful people in my life that pushed me and helped me along – how can I not pay it forward? I’m hoping now that I can be a role model. We do nothing alone. There are always people who come alongside us.” Escarsega Fechner speaks at junior leadership programs telling her story, and encourages others to volunteer and make a difference. Married with two children and “four doggies,” she does take time to read, listen to music and go for walks. •

Jake Highfill, Hanford “I don’t see myself as a hero,” Jake Highfill says, “because I couldn’t have done this by myself.” Still, Jake, 25, a native of Hanford, led the charge to come to the aid of someone in desperate need. On September 13, 2018, Highfill was working as a foreman at a water treatment plant when his boss called and asked him to go to the UPS store to pick up some supplies. “This request was so unordinary,” Highfill says. Now he believes it was providential. At 9 am he was driving back to the office when he saw smoke near 12th Avenue and Highway 198. “This is in the southwest corner of town where the railroad tracks run perpendicular to the street; they had built a fence there to push the homeless further out,” Highfill recalls. “I saw smoke topping a building, but I thought it was the In-N-Out firing up their grills. When I drove over the railroad tracks, I saw a homeless encampment, and that’s when I knew exactly what was burning.” He pulled his truck over and called 911. “I saw a gentleman trying to pull pieces of burning cardboard off this maybe 10-foot-tall by 10-footwide cardboard shack,” Highfill explains. “I heard him screaming, but couldn’t understand what he was saying. “Then I saw her hand coming out of the fire, and that’s when it all changed.” He ran to the shack and another man, Dennis, ran up alongside him. He told Dennis, “On 3,” and began counting. “I pulled her hand and her skin came off in mine. It was hard to hold onto her. She was

unconscious, but we got her most of the way out – then she woke up.” Highfill says the woman was in a lot of pain, and started crawling away from the fire and up onto the railroad track. Highfill grabbed some unburned cardboard to try to shield her when “things started exploding in the back portion of the shack. That’s when she went unconscious again and hit the ground.” Dennis and another man carried her off the tracks by her hands and feet. Highfill got on his knees, planning to start CPR, as the EMTs arrived and took over. She had third-degree burns over 85 percent of her body. “It was terrible,” said Highfill, who was not burned in the incident. “I went to sit in my truck and just cried.” Highfill never got her name, but when he was honored by the City Council for his actions, he learned that was she was alive in a local burn center. “For a while, it did wake me up in the middle of the night,” he says. “And at the end of the day, I know that God put me there, and I’m reminded to thank Him every day for what I have.” Jake is married to fourth-grade teacher Haley, and they are “parents” to two fur babies. •

Susan Lusk, Reedley “My son is the hero, not me,” Susan Lusk is quick to assert, but many in Reedley would disagree with the end of that statement. Susan spent her summers tramping around the woods in her hometown near New York City, got her degree in education from Northeastern University in 1970, and was married to Kevin soon after. They moved to Illinois where her first two sons, Scott and Kevin, were born. The family moved to Gilroy in 1976. “We attended the first ever Garlic Festival,” Lusk says. In Gilroy, Lusk gave birth to her third son, Joe. The family ultimately ended up in Reedley where Jeff was born. Susan taught school until she retired in 2009, and as a teacher, she went beyond the call of duty for her students and her community. But it’s her son Joe – she calls him Joey – Susan wants to talk about. Joey graduated from West Point, was deployed to Kuwait in January 2005 and died there just 10 days after arriving. “It was a Friday and I was home from school when I saw two Army guys standing on my porch,” Lusk remembers. “One said, ‘We regret to inform you…’ and I knew. Joey was just 25 years old. I fell apart and Jeff came running. I called work and Jeff called Kevin.” During a routine training mission, Joe was killed after he was in an Apache helicopter that crashed. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral. Lusk said it was her students and community that got her through that horrible time. One time, three of her

students came over to her house with chocolate and coffee. She said, “Wait, why aren’t you in school?” They said, “It’s your class period. We are in school!” “At first it’s one minute at a time, then one hour, and then one day. And you look back and think, ‘How did I get through that?’” She started a journal and eventually a foundation – the CPT Joe F. Lusk II Memorial Fund came into being in July of 2006. It began with a fundraiser golf tournament, which became an annual event. This foundation has helped more than 50 veterans over the years with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, car repair, childcare payments and more. Five years ago, Lusk started campaigning to raise money for more than 1,800 wreaths to go on every veteran’s grave in the Reedley Cemetery. It took three years to buy them all, and this year, there are also stainless steel stands for each wreath. They are up from mid-December until after New Year’s Day, and there’s always a ceremony with a dove release. Now Lusk has joined the fight to save the Reedley Armory, a building that veterans organizations use for meetings and events. The state wants to sell the building. Lusk is passionate about this new project. “All of this has been cathartic, because I’m doing something positive in his name.” •

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

Enjoy all that Exeter has to offer

THE GROVE antiques

•

home decor

furniture

•

collectibles

221 E. Pine St., Downtown Exeter 559-471-9240 Open 7 days a week from 10 to 5:30

HOURS MON-FRI 9AM - 5:30PM SATURDAY 9AM - 2PM

Exeter Flower Company Twenty years as your full service flower shop, delivering to Exeter, Visalia, and surrounding communities! exeterflower.com • 559-592-2551

199 E. Pine Street• Exeter, CA 93221

Book Garden

BOOKS FOR YOU & YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!

189 East Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221 • (559) 592-2538

EXETER CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Exeter Downtown Shops Open Late Thursday Evenings December 5, 12 and 19 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Come visit and take a picture with Santa Enjoy FREE Horse Drawn Carriage Rides and Old Fashioned Fire Truck Rides Refreshments & Family Holiday Spirit!

101 W. Pine St. Exeter 559•592•2919 www.exeterchamber.com

Chris Brewer, Exeter Chris Brewer doesn’t miss a beat when sharing why he’s so interested in local history. “Oh, yes, no doubt it was my great-greatgrandfather who passed it along to me.” Col. Thomas Baker was the founder of Bakersfield and one of the first four families in the Visalia area. His father, Harold Brewer, was an active member of the Kern County historical community. His passion for history is practically genetic. Born and raised in Bakersfield, Brewer graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1968 and served four years in the United States Navy, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Having loved music since childhood, it was in Hawaii that Chris got the opportunity to hone his musical skills. Over the years there, and later in Las Vegas, he worked with some of the most famous musicians of his time – Elvis Presley, Don Ho, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sammy Davis Jr. and eventually Paul Anka, who he stayed with for two years. He played bass trombone. “Music was my first love,” Brewer says. After he met Sally Botkin, he says he “put my horns away and went home to Bakersfield,” and the two were married in 1977. Brewer went to work as a volunteer for the Kern County Museum in 1977, and worked his way up to acting director. He went back to college to get his degree, started a historic preservation consulting firm and opened an art gallery. In 1987, Sally took the position as hospital administrator at Exeter Memorial Hospital and the two moved to Exeter. “My father-in-law, Chuck Botkin, was very involved in the city here and he is the one who introduced me around and showed me what the town was about,” Brewer recalls. “I loved that guy.” Brewer’s philosophy is simple: “Life is fluid. Everything changes. You can plan, but be ready for change.” For him, those changes included a master’s degree in public administration, a 12-year stint on the Exeter District Ambulance Board, trustee of Exeter Union High School District, authoring a number of books, starting a publishing company and, with Sally, opening Exeter Flower Company and The Book Garden in downtown Exeter. But one of Brewer’s favorite projects was the Exeter Courthouse Art Gallery and Historical Museum. Back in 2001, with a grant from the city redevelopment money, the art gallery building was gutted and rebuilt. In 2007, Brewer started working on the Museum, which opened June 1, 2008. Some 80 to 85 percent of the items in the museum are his; he’s been collecting since the 1970s. “I did a lot of Dumpster diving, gathering stuff that was representative of the community,” he explains. Among his many accolades are Exeter’s Man of the Year 2012, the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation 2014, the Conference of California Historic Societies Award of Merit 2019, Exeter Heritage Award 2000, and Exeter Lion of the Year 1977. He is president of the Exeter Art Gallery and Museum, acting as curator/ director since it opened. • NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

enjoy the view

photo: RALPH CHOJNACKI

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

after the storm in Yokohl Valley

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wis., Ralph Chojnacki has lived in Visalia for 35 years. “Just as owning a keyboard does not make you a writer, having expensive equipment does not make you a photographer. I feel photography is 90 percent observation and 10 percent using the tools you have to capture it.”

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2019 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

WHAT’S COOKIN’

BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART

recipe NOVEMBER 2019

Lamb and Wild Rice Soup Serves 6-8 This winter soup is aromatic, creamy and wonderfully comforting. Wild rice gives this soup an earthy flavor, a perfect addition to the lamb. This soup recipe is easily adjusted for a vegetarian version without the lamb. Or it can also be prepared vegan, using vegetable stock, omitting the lamb and using vegan butter and veggie stock to make the creamy sauce used to thicken the soup. ingredients: 2 T olive oil 2 small leeks, white and green portions, thinly sliced 2 ribs celery, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. salt 2 1⁄ tsp. pepper 1 tsp. chopped rosemary 1 lb. ground lamb 6 cups vegetable stock 1 cup uncooked wild rice 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced 2 medium sweet potatoes (1 lb. total), peeled and diced 1 bay leaf 1 1⁄2 T Old Bay Seasoning 3 T butter 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour 1 1⁄2 cups milk 2 large handfuls of kale, roughly chopped with thick stems removed

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

Directions: STEP 1: Using a medium-high heat, add olive oil to a large stockpot. Once heated, add the leeks and celery. SautĂŠ for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. STEP 2: Add the lamb and rosemary, salt and pepper and cook to brown the lamb, approximately 5-8 minutes, stirring to break up the lamb. STEP 3: Add in the vegetable stock, wild rice, mushrooms, sweet potato, bay leaf and Old Bay seasoning. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the soup starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender, stirring occasionally.

STEP 4: During the final 10 minutes, prepare the sauce in a saucepan. Heat the butter over medium-high heat until melted. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add in the milk and whisk until combined. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture nearly comes to a simmer and has thickened. (It will be a thick sauce.) STEP 5: Lastly, add the sauce and kale to the soup, and stir gently until combined. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. STEP 6: Serve warm with a crusty sourdough bread or a fresh rosemary focaccia. Lana Granfors enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking and spending time with her friends and familyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially her grandchildren, Jillian and Garet.

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 1 hour - 1 hour 10 minutes Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

CRAFTING

by Kayla Van Grouw | photos: kelli avila

Wax On

D I Y: candle in g o ld tray

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

supplies • Vessel • Candle wicks • Stir sticks • Scissors • Measuring cup (keep in mind, it will get dirty with wax) • Soy wax, 2 lbs.

Tips: Add your favorite essential oil combo for scent.

1. Measure out wax for your vessel. We used one quart for each layer of wax for our vessel that measures 13 inches long, 7 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep.

2. Heat wax in microwave for 1-minute increments.

3. Stir wax between each increment until fully melted.

4. Pour first layer of wax.

5. Distribute wicks in your vessel evenly spread out. Hold wicks until wax solidifies a bit.

6. Repeat steps 1-3, then while holding up wicks, pour the second layer of wax onto solidified layer.

7. Cut wicks so that about a quarter inch remains on each.

8. Style, light wicks, get cozy and enjoy!

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

VMC welcomes â&#x20AC;Ś

Internal medicine specialist Sharmineh Shams, MD, to Visalia and to Visalia Medical Clinic Dr. Shams completed her medical school training at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, followed by a research fellowship at the University of Southern California USC. She then completed her internship and residency at the USC Department of Internal Medicine.

Sharmineh Shams, MD

Dr. Shams is now accepting new patients.

Jason Mihalcin, DO

Be Well www.vmchealth.com Visalia 5400 W. Hillsdale Ave., Visalia 559-739-2000 Medical Clinic

salmarrophotography@gmail.com | 559-667-8772

calendar N OV E MB E R 2 0 1 9

From Food to fun, something for everyone to enjoy

bakersfield

November 2 • Pizzazz 2019, The Bakersfield Marriott Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., 10am-2pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 3 • The Overcom(H)er Conference, Stockdale Country Club, 7001 Stockdale Hwy., 8am-5pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 7 • Fleetwood Mac Tribute and Twisted Gypsy, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 9 • CASA Superhero Run, The Park at River Walk, 11200 Stockdale Hwy., 6:30-11am, www.visitbakersfield.com November 16 • Market Day, Tractor Supply Co., 6710 Colony St., 8am-2pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 16 • 2nd Annual Sister City Gardens Festival, Sister City Gardens at Mill Creek, 605 18th St., 10am-3pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 17 • Bakersfield Marathon, California State University Bakersfield, 9000 Stockdale Hwy., 9am-5pm, www.visitbakersfield.com November 21 • Queen Nation Queen Tribute, Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, 2230 Q St., 7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

clovis

November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Year-Round Farmers Market, Pollasky Avenue between 5th Street and Bullard Avenue, 9-11:30am, www.visitclovis.com November 2-3 • Old Town Flea Market, Clovis Rodeo Grounds, 748 Rodeo Drive, 8am-4pm Saturday, 9am-3pm Sunday, www.visitclovis.com

November 21 • One Enchanted Evening, Pollasky Avenue between 4th and 5th streets, 5-8pm, www.visitclovis.com November 29, 30 • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, catch rides in front of the Educational Employees Credit Union at 430 Pollasky Ave., 1-4pm, www.oldtownclovis.org November 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 • Just the Tips Comedy Show and Open Mic, 1225 North Willow Ave. #180, 7:30pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

coarsegold

November 2 • Ladies of the Lakes Annual Holiday Boutique, Yosemite Lakes Park Clubhouse and Grounds, 30250 Yosemite Springs Parkway, 9am-3pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

dinuba

November 9 • Pioneer Days, Alta District Historical Society, 289 South K St., 11am-2pm, www.dinubachamber.com November 23 • Jingle All the Tree Scavenger Hunt, Downtown Dinuba, 11:30am-2:30pm, www.dinubachamber.com

exeter

November 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30 • “Equine Dreams,” Art Exhibit, The Exeter Courthouse Gallery, 125 South B St.

fresno

November 1 • Dia De Los Muertos Underground Art Show, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, 745 Fulton St., 5-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org • Fall Sunset Tour, Forestiere Underground Gardens Tours, 5021 West Shaw Ave., 5:30-9pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org

November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Farmers Market, Manchester Center, 1901 East Shields Ave., 7am-3pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org November 1-3, 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27, 29-30 • Forestiere Underground Gardens Tours, 5021 West Shaw Ave., 10am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday, www.visitfresnocounty.org November 2 • Bluebird Market, Fig Garden Village, 5082 North Palm Ave., 11am-5pm, www.bluebirdmarket.shop • Sidewalk Astronomy, River Park, 71 East Via la Plata, 7-10pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org • 2019 Central Valley Light the Night Walk, Chukchansi Park, 1800 Tulare St., 4:30-9pm, www.lightthenight.org/central-california • Mega Texas Everything, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, 745 Fulton St., 5-11pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 7am-noon, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com November 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, www.cherryavenueauction.com • River Park Farmers Market, 220 Paseo del Centro, 5-9pm Tuesdays, 10am-2pm Saturdays, www.visitfresnocounty.org November 3 • Central California Big Band Dance Society, Radisson Hotel Fresno, 1055 Van Ness Ave., noon-5pm, www.visitfresnocounty.org November 6, 13, 20, 27 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 100 West Shaw Ave., 3pm-6pm, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com • Market on Kern, Downtown Fresno on Kern St., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 7, 21 • ArtHop, Downtown Fresno, 5-8pm, www.fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop November 7, 14, 21, 28 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, southeast corner of Fulton Street and Mariposa Way, 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

November 9 • River Buddies Weekend Explorers Bird Buddies, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 9-11am, www.riverparkway.org • A Farewell Performance by The Wild Blue Yonder, Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St., 7pm, www.downtownfresno.org • Assuming We Survive, We Were Sharks, Stoneshiver and Mindless Society, Full Circle Olympic - Tower District, 1426 North Van Ness Ave., 7pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 10 • Rock and Roll Wrestling Takeover II, Tioga Sequoia Brewing Company Beer Garden, 745 Fulton St., 5-9pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 12 • Pay It Forward Luncheon Series, Satellite Student Union, California State University Fresno, 2485 East San Ramon Ave., 11:30am-1:30pm, www.fresnostate.edu November 15 • Innovations in Ag Irrigation Technology Showcase, University Agricultural Laboratory, Fresno State, 5370 North Chestnut Ave., 7am-2pm, www.californiawater.org/2019innovations-in-ag-irrigation-technologydemostration-showcase November 15-17 • Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials, Fresno County Horse Park, 7430 North Weber Ave., all day, www.fresnocountyhorsepark.com November 16 • Native Days Car and Bike Show and Health Fair, Fresno American Indian Health Project, 1551 East Shaw Ave., 11am-5pm, www.faihp.org • Weekend Youth Naturalist - Lost Lake, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 9-11:30am, www.riverparkway.org November 19 • Community Art Night, Common Space, 1252 Fulton St., 6:30-9:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 20 • “Goodfellas,” Bitwise Industries, 700 Van Ness Ave., 7pm, www.downtownfresno.org November 21 • A Walk Through Fresno County’s History, Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 South Chance Ave., 6pm, www.riverparkway.org

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

November 23 • River Buddies Weekend Explorers Nature Neighbors, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 9-11am, www.riverparkway.org

hanford

November 3 • Fancy Farm Girl Vintage Market, Buttercup’s Painted Cottage, 14180 School Road, 10am-4pm November 29 • Christmas Parade, Downtown Hanford, 6-10pm, www.hanfordchamber.com

kingsburg

November 2 • Bluebird Market, Bluebird Home and Lifestyle Market, 1549 Draper St., 3-8pm, www.bluebirdmarket.shop November 8-9 • Veteran’s Day Celebration, Downtown Kingsburg, 8am, www.kingsburgchamber.com November 29 • Kingsburg’s Swedish “Julgransfest” Tree Lighting, Memorial Park, 6pm, www.kingsburgchamber.com

lemoore

November 2 • Rotary Crab Feed, 711 West Cinnamon Drive, 6-10pm, www.lemoore.com November 9 • Veterans Run/Walk, Lions Park, 852 Fox St., 7:30-10am, www.lemoore.com November 11 • Veterans Day Parade, Downtown Lemoore on D Street, 6-8pm, www.lemoore.com November 14 • Rock Club Meeting, Lemoore Veterans Hall, 411 West C St., 7pm, www.lemooregemandmineralclub. wordpress.com November 23 • Holiday Stroll, Downtown Lemoore, 3-7pm, www.lemoorechamberofcommerce.com

madera

November 2 • River Parkway Trust Sycamore Island Nature Walk, Sycamore Island, 39664 Avenue 7 1/2, 9-11:30am, www.riverparkway.org

porterville

November 23 • Toy-Anime-Comic Con, Veterans Memorial Building, 1900 West Olive Ave., 11am-4pm, www.facebook.com/porterville-veteransmemorial-bldg

prather

November 10 • Off-Road Challenge Course, Rich Oliver’s Mystery School, 28971 Auberry Road, 9am-5pm, www.richoliver.net

reedley

November 14 • Reedley Ladies’ Night Out, G Street in Downtown Reedley, 6-9pm, www.reedleychamber.com

sanger

November 1, 2 • Halloween Haunt, Hobb’s Grove, 14265 East Goodfellow Ave., 6pm-midnight, www.visitfresnocounty.org

springville

November 2 • Foothills Festival, River Ridge Institute, 37675 Balch Park Road, all day, www.riverridgeinstitute.org November 6 • JAM Wednesday Music Series, River Ridge Institute, 37675 Balch Park Road, 6pm, www.riverridgeinstitute.org November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Farmers Market, Downtown Springville, 9am-1pm, www.springville.ca.us

three rivers

November 2 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Three Rivers Art Center, 41673 North Fork Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com November 9 • Harvest Festival, First Baptist Church of Three Rivers, 42013 Eggers Drive, 5-8pm, www.facebook.com/3068857339852827

tulare

November 2 • Central California Antique Flea Market, International Agri-Center, 4500 South Laspina St., 7am-2pm, www.californiaantiquemarket.com

November 23 • Rusty Roots Holiday Show, International Agri-Center, 4500 South Laspina St., 9am-3pm, www.rustyrootsshow.com

visalia

November 1 • Dia De Los Muertos, Church Street between Main and Center, 5:30-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com • First Friday Art Walk, Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak Ave., 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org • Annual Appreiciation Banquet, Gateway Church, 1100 South Sowell St., 6-8pm, www.livingwaterworldmissions.org/banquet • Wine and Wags, Wyndham Visalia, 9000 West Airport Drive, 6-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com November 2 • Big Daddy Weave, L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 West Main St., 7-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com November 2-3 • Family Camp Out, Burke Park, 3101 South Burke St., 4pm-9am, www.visitvisalia.com November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 • Farmers Market, Sears parking lot on Caldwell Ave., 8-11:30am, www.visaliafarmersmarket.com November 6, 13, 20, 27 • Shiloh, Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 7-10pm, www.visitvisalia.com November 7, 14, 21, 28 • ‘80s Night, Crawdaddy’s, 333 East Main St., 10pm, www.visitvisalia.com November 8 • Casino Night Fundraiser, ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 North Tipton Ave., 6pm, www.imagineumuseum.org/casino-night November 9 • 559 Fights, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 6-11pm, www.visitvisalia.com • Visalia Over the Edge, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 9am-5pm, www.visitvisalia.com November 16, 17 • Holiday Marketplace Boutique Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., www.cvwn.org November 21 • Soup, Sip & Shop, Jan Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race. Ave.

November 28 • Race Against Hunger, Downtown Visalia Main Street, 7-10am, www.veac.org November 29 • Night at the Museum, ImagineU Children’s Museum, 210 North Tipton Ave., 5:30-8:30pm, www.imagineumuseum.org

the crest theatre

www.facebook.com/fresnocrest November 1 • “Harry Potter,” film and costume contest, 8pm November 9 • Berner, 8pm November 15 • “Cinderella,” 8pm

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com November 2 • Three Dog Night, 8pm November 4 • “Napoleon Dynamite,” 7pm November 8 • “Shoplifters,” 7:30pm November 9 • Fights at the Fox, 5pm November 10 • Great Russian Nutcracker, 3pm November 12 • Snow Tha Product, 8pm November 15 • “I Am Not a Witch,” 7:30pm November 16 • Felipe Esparza, 8pm November 18 • “Modern Times,” 7pm

fresno city college

www.fresnocitycollege.edu November 6 • Student Recital, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm November 8-10 • City Dance Fall Concert, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm Friday 7:30am Saturday, 2pm Sunday November 15 • Intermediate Advanced Voice Recital, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm November 15-17, 21-23 • The Thanksgiving Play, 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday November 20 • Fall Intramural Forensic Competition, Music and Speech Building Room 220, noon • Wind Ensemble Concert: FCC to Carnegie, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm

November 21 • Ram jams, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm November 22 • Student Recital, Recital Hall, noon November 22-24 • IOLANTHE Gilbert and Sullivan Comic Opera, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday November 22 • Intermediate Advanced Voice Recital, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconventioncenter.com November 5 • Dennis Miller, Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm November 6-7 • The Blue Man Group, Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm November 13 • Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Saroyan Theatre, 8pm November 14 • Bert Kreischer, Saroyan Theatre, 7pm November 15-17 • Central California Auto Show, Convention Center, 10am-7pm Friday-Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday November 16-17 • Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic, Saroyan Theatre, 2pm and 5:30pm Saturday, 10:30am and 2pm Sunday November 20 • San Joaquin Valley Town Hall Lecture with Jimmy Chin, Saroyan Theatre, 10:30am November 23-24 • Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Selland Arena, 12:30pm and 7:30pm Saturday, 1:30pm Sunday November 29-30 • The Nutcracker, Saroyan Theatre, 6:30pm Friday, 1pm Saturday

fresno state university theatre

www.fresnostate.edu/artshum/ theatrearts

November 1-9 • Fat Pig, 7:30 Tuesday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

lindsay community theater

www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com November 2, 3 • “Evil Dead the Musical,” 7:30pm Thursday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday November 17 • An Authentic Elvis Experience, 7:30pm

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

hanford fox theatre

www.foxhanford.com November 1 • “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” 7pm

icehouse theatre

www.v isaliaplayers.org November 8-10, 15-17, 22-24 • “Buyer and Cellar,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

rabobank arena

www.rabobankarena.com November 1-3 • Disney on Ice “Worlds of Enchantment,” Arena, 7pm Friday, 11am 3pm and 7pm Saturday, 1pm and 5pm Sunday November 2-3 • Jon Pardi, Theater, 7:30pm November 5 • Blue Man Group, Theater, 7:30pm

roger rocka’s dinner theater

www.rogerrockas.com November 1-3, 7-10 • “Man of La Mancha,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday November 20 • Marissa Mulder, 5:30pm November 14-17, 21-24, 29-30 • “Elf the Musical,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday

save mart center - fresno

www.savemartcenter.com November 7 • Fresno State women’s volleyball vs. Colorado State, 6pm November 9 • Fresno State women’s volleyball vs. Wyoming, 11am November 16 • Fresno State women’s volleyball vs. Air Force, 1pm

stars theatre restaurant

www.bmtstars.com November 1-3, 8-10, 14-16 • “Bright Star,” Stars Theatre Restaurant, 1931 Chester Ave., 6:30pm dinner, 7:30pm show Thursday-Saturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday

www.EnjoySouthValley.com NOVEMBER 2019

tower theatre - fresno

www.towertheatrefresno.com November 2 • Donnie Baker, 8pm November 7 • Sinbad, 8pm November 13 • Warren Miller’s “Timeless,” 7:30pm November 14 • Hamilton Loomis, 8pm November 15 • Jesse Cook, 8pm November 20 • Selwyn Birchwood, 7:30pm November 21 • Vahagni Trio, 7:30pm November 22 • The Rocket Man Show, Elton John Musical Tribute, 7:30pm November 29 • Steve Trevino, 8pm November 30 • The Fab Four, 8pm

visalia fox theatre

www.foxvisalia.org November 4 • Switchfoot, 7:30pm November 6 • “A Face in the Crowd,” 6:30pm November 7 • Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, 7pm November 9 • Sinbad, 8pm November 16 • Sequoia Symphony Orchestra “Bold Beginnings,” 7:30pm November 21 • “The Big Lebowski,” 6:30pm

warnors theatre

www.warnors.org November 14 • “Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Adventure,” 6pm November 19 • Lindsay Stirling, 7pm November 23 • “A Nutcracker Like No Other,” 2pm and 5:30pm

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.enjoysouthvalley.com by the 1st of the month—one month prior to the next magazine issue. For example, a December event will need to be posted by November 1.

GIVING BACK | BY RACHEL TRIGUEIRO

getting warmed up ray m iller ’ s cl o thes f o r kids Over the past 15 years, approximately 9,000 kids in Visalia Unified School District have received a sweatshirt because Ray Miller saw an opportunity. A former school psychologist, Miller met with kids regularly, and during one meeting in the middle of winter, a high school student showed up in a T-shirt. Miller learned the student didn’t own a sweatshirt. “That moment was the catalyst for sparking this desire to meet a need for kids in the community,” Miller says. Initially, Miller asked for teachers’ involvement to raise donations to purchase new sweatshirts for students. “I started by shopping at the Quiksilver sample sale at the distribution center and it was sold by the pound. I did this for a couple years and asked teachers if they’d pitch in.” Miller soon realized the potential and began reaching out to local service clubs. He recalls his first opportunity speaking at the Breakfast Rotary. The club donated $500 to his drive and as members left the meeting, inspired by his vision, they slipped him their own cash, adding up to another $500. Since then, many clubs have partnered with him: County Center Rotary, Downtown Rotary, Breakfast Lions, West Visalia Kiwanis and this year’s biggest donor, Visalia Rotary Community Foundation. These clubs have poured thousands of dollars annually into Clothes for Kids in order to see local children warm in winter. Roughly 70 percent of the sweatshirts Miller purchases are for younger kids. “We stick with hoodies. It seems they are the most needed in our area and I can’t seem to buy enough for the elementary school aged kids.” Miller, with the help of his wife Rene, buys sweatshirts throughout the year when stores are having their best sales. Shopping mostly at Old Navy, he also purchases hoodies from The Children’s Place and Aéropostale. With different costs from each store, the sweatshirts average out to $9 a piece. He estimates he will give around 1,100 hoodies to kids this year.

The clothing drive happens once a year between Thanksgiving and Christmas. In past years, Miller took the donations to school sites and set up in a classroom. However, for the last five years, Gary Amon, who owns a large warehouse facility, offered Miller the back part of his building to be used as a distribution area. After the clothes have been purchased and they’re ready for pickup, Miller sends an email to the principals in the district with distribution days and times. At least 33 schools participate in the clothing drive for their students. Initially, schools are given 25 hoodies each. Once all the schools have had an opportunity, Miller will donate what’s left to the elementary schools most in need. The community can make donations, too. “Some kids say they have never had a new sweatshirt, only hand-me-downs, so we really want all donations to be new with tags,” he says. Cash donations are also accepted, payable to Visalia Education Foundation. Donations are not the only option for supporting Miller. Volunteers are needed to sort hoodies by age and gender, then fold and stack accordingly. Sorting 1,000 clothing items can be time-consuming for one person, but Miller recalls in previous years, groups of organizations or friends volunteered at the warehouse. Making it a fun evening with food and drink, the volunteers had all the hoodies sorted and folded within three hours. • Ray Miller • Clothes for Kids • (559) 740-8355

NOVEMBER 2019 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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