Enjoy Magazine: San Joaquin Valley Living

®

San Joaquin Valley Living

December 2018

TIED UP IN BOWS

2018 Holiday Shopping Section inside

www.enjoysouthvalley.com

Enjoy the magazine It’s on the house

HELPING OTHERS SEE THAT GOD IS MORE THAN T H E Y BELIEVE.

WWW.VISALIAFIRST.COM

contents

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D ecembe r 2 01 8 // I ss u e #4 9

San Joaquin Valley Living

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pg

getting a good clean at luffa gardens Cr a f ting 42 DIY: Fresh Magnolia Leaf Wreath

good fin ds 6 A Growing Business for Nathan and Sherri Pauls and Luffa Gardens 36 Ak-Mak Bakeries, a Family Business 125 Years Strong

Good ti m es 23 Gateway Ice Center in Fresno

Photo by Monica Fatica

holiday

in ev ery issu e 38 Enjoy the View— Joshua Cates 40 What’s Cookin’— Pam’s Triple Gingersnap Cookies 44 Calendar of Events 47 Giving Back—Angel Tree Programs Deliver Cheer

19 A Few Things You Might Not Know About Christmas 27 Give Your Best Gift 30 Annual Visalia Christmas Tree Auction

loca l s 10 Meaningful Architecture with Arthur Dyson

speci a l section 14 2018 Holiday Shopping

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

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD TO SIT ON SANTA'S LAP! MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SIERRA VIEW HOMES!

- Independent Senior Apartments - Assisted Living and Memory Care - Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation

To see if our friendly neighborhood is a good fit for you, contact Crystal Rogalsky at (559) 638-9226 or visit SierraView.org.

1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedley #100406684 / #COA261

"The best thing is the people who live here.

They're not just friendly, they are interesting and intelligent people...

It doesn't feel like a retirement home. It's like a nice apartment in a great neighborhood."

- David Beaumont, resident

®

editor’s note december 2018

The holidays are in full swing, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on our blessings while looking at ways to make other people’s seasons bright.

We are lucky to live in a community of helpers and givers, those who donate time, money, blood and more to ease other people’s burdens. As we try to be more intentional about our gift-giving, we’re leaning toward treasures that truly touch a person’s heart and show how much we care. We’ve got some fun ideas for you in this issue.

We’re big fans of shopping local, and if someone on your list would love a selfcare gift basket, have we got the luffa for you. These organic sponges are grown in Reedley – you’ll be fascinated by their story of farm-to-tub.

If you’ve gathered friends and family for the holidays, here’s a fun way to entertain them – Gateway Ice Center has created a winter wonderland where you can skate and even try your hand at ice hockey. Grab your scarf, gloves and sense of adventure and we’ll see you at the rink.

Jump start your holiday spirit with a trip to the Visalia Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Tree Auction. The black-tie event will not only provide you with a terrific tannenbaum, but you’ll be helping out local nonprofits in the process.

Can you be someone’s angel? A couple of local organizations are making it easy.

The Angel Tree Program provides gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated, and the Salvation Army’s angel program helps ensure that children in need have a present to open on Christmas day.

We wish you a holiday season filled with life’s greatest gifts – peace, health and abundant love.

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 MICHELLE ADAMS contributing graphic designer monica fatica consultant VALERI BARNES advertising sales representative ed boling advertising sales representative Holly Vandergriff advertising sales representative Amanda Moreno accounts receivable representative Danielle Colesberry Austin Reynolds Dadrien Keene deliveries www.enjoysouthvalley.com Enjoy Magazine (559) 804-7411 Email General: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net

on the cover Cover models: Mom - Judith Kim Baby - Shiloh Kim

Sales and Advertising information: infosouthvalley@enjoymagazine.net © 2018 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 Kelli Avila

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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GOOD FINDS

6

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BY NATALIE CAUDLE

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PHOTOS: MONICA FATICA

www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

n a clecrop

a

A G R O W I N G B U S I N E S S F O R N AT H A N A N D S H E R R I PAU L S A N D lu f fa g a rdens By a fluke, Nathan and Sherri Pauls struck gold in the sponge harvesting industry. Nestled near the Wahtoke Creek in Reedley, the Pauls have built a successful business growing and selling organic luffa sponges. Four years ago when the Pauls moved onto their homestead, Flying Cows Ranch, they had planned to raise grass-fed Angus cows and hay. While unpacking, Nathan came across an “ugly gourd” Sherri had been given. A farmer by nature, Nathan couldn’t help but plant the gourd seeds; “I will grow anything I can get my hands on,” he says. To Nathan and Sherri’s surprise, not only did a flourishing vine sprout, but a new business had been sewn.

Nathan recalls the first gourd harvest. “Once I got them growing, I did some research and discovered they were probably luffa gourds.

I went on YouTube to see how to clean them and started using them in the bath and sink. After virtually a year, we were using the same sponge in the sink.” The Pauls were shocked by the resiliency of this backyard-grown sponge and Nathan’s entrepreneurial spirit took the stage. After more research, Nathan discovered that luffa sponges were the most popular sponge prior to World War II and an excellent alternative to the synthetic chemical-filled sponges popular today.

The Pauls grew 100 more luffas and began giving sponges away to friends and family, curious if the luffa craze would catch on. Indeed it did. 4 continued on page 8

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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In early spring 2018, the Pauls increased their crop, built a website and Luffa Gardens was born. With two seasons of harvest, one in July and one in November, the Pauls have found themselves in a labor-intensive industry.

The gourds are planted, picked, peeled and cleaned by hand. Rising before the sun, Nathan spends his days tending to the flowering yellow crops, answering customer service questions and filling orders to be shipped across the states.

Sherri, too, cares for the crops in the evenings after a day of teaching first grade.

“I really enjoy working out in the vines, trimming, weeding and even harvesting the luffa. It’s a real treat and break after a hard day teaching rambunctious little kids. It’s a great, relaxing therapy for me,” she says. The time outdoors and the connection to the earth feeds the Pauls’ souls.

On a Thursday evening in the heat of summer, you can find the Pauls at the Clovis Farmers Market, sharing stories and selling organic luffas and homemade soaps with tantalizing scents of lemongrass and lavender. But the Pauls are most at home on their land. “If we could, we would live outside,” Nathan says. As true lovers of nature, the Pauls

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

have developed a symbiotic relationship with a local bee farmer. Flying Cows Ranch now houses beehives, helping both gourd production and the local bee population, a true win-win on Mother Nature’s scorecard.

The Pauls couldn’t have imagined an old dried-up gourd would hold such promise.

“I never thought I would do something like this. I love this business and how it has taken off,” Nathan says. As Valley natives, the Pauls are ecstatic to have brought a new crop to the flourishing local agriculture industry.

Sherri is delighted that so many people are interested in the unusual product, and she’s amazed by the “incredible positive reaction from so many people.” Much like that of a fairytale, the Pauls have found a flourishing future in the hope of a few old seeds. • Luffa Gardens • www.luffagardens.com • (559) 681-5676 Find them on Facebook & 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.

Stayand Play RV PARK · 2 HOTELS · GOLF · 3 RESTAURANTS

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LOCALS

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BY JORDAN VENEMA

without walls m e a nin g f ul a rchitecture with a rthur dyson

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

If you were to look at his resume, you might not guess that architect Arthur Dyson was based in Fresno.

He studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, has won countless awards, and his designs are known around the world. And yet to speak to the man, you might not guess he were an architect at all. At least, he is hardly what you would call a prefabrication.

“I’m an architect that does not want to build walls,” explains Dyson. “I want to tear down walls. I am interested in building bridges, and I think when you label something you build walls around it.”

Dyson has been hesitant to label his style of architecture, but it’s clear his approach varies from the philosophical to the practical, rooted in his own studies of philosophy and psychology. A discussion might veer from neuroscience to psychologist Carl Jung’s concept of the Divine Child, but ultimately, Dyson isn’t working from an ivory tower.

He wants to build homes, but more specifically, for those who will live in them.

“I get to play detective and find out what appeals to people,” says Dyson, summing up his method.

That desire to build meaningful homes initially brought him to the Fresno area – that, and a lack of work. He and his wife were living in Carmel, “but there was hardly any work,” he says. Planning to move to Southern California, Dyson found some work in Fresno where eventually he and his wife started a family, and never left.

“I opened my first office in 1969, but I worked for another architect here first,” says Dyson. “I really wanted to do work for blue-collar workers, folks who couldn’t normally afford an architect.”

Almost 50 years later and Dyson’s work has grown beyond his initial aspirations, designing the Lapp River

House on the Kings River as well as the Hilton Residence, also known as Hurricane House, in Florida. Many of his homes take on names of natural elements, like the Leaf House and Wave House, but his approach to every home fundamentally goes through those who will live in them.

“I did not become an architect to design what somebody else designed,” Dyson says. He preferred to build homes with specific meaning to his clients, which means he focuses on knowing aspects of his clients that aren’t usually considered in the realm of architecture.

In addition to the typical questions about the home itself, says Dyson, “I have a questionnaire that is about 40 pages long and it asks them what kind of music they like, their favorite space when they grew up, their favorite vacation spot and what writers they like.”

“I can tell you with embarrassment that most architects don’t know whether their clients are right or left handed,” he continues, “but if they would just sit back and listen to clients’ stories, their work would certainly be much more relevant and meaningful.”

Dyson is influenced by environmental psychology, which empirically has validated why certain textures and colors, or the overall environment, create certain results.

A red room, he says, will heighten the respiratory system, but an individual that associates that color with fond memories might actually see the opposite result. So for Dyson, that individual knowledge informs his greater understanding of what is important to that individual.

“It gives me a way to approach architecture in an honest way instead of copying forms that somebody else has already developed.” 4 continued on page 12

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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His approach had resulted in uniquely aesthetic homes, but he has also consulted and designed local businesses, such as the performing arts center and police station in Selma, a congregational church in Bakersfield, a remodel of a Seventh-day Adventist Church in Porterville, as well as plans for a library for the city of Clovis.

Even with more public buildings, Dyson still takes time to understand the purpose of the building. In the case of building churches, he says, he spends time learning about the particular faith. By the time he designs the building, he says, “I will know more about their particular religion than probably 99 percent of their parishioners.”

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But for all his success, Dyson still has found the ability to work toward his goal of building for those who can’t afford an architect. Much of his work now, he says, is pro bono.

“One of the things that we’re doing is trying to come up with housing solutions for the homeless. We’ve designed sleeping units, and a prototype is being built by students right now at Fresno State, and we’ve got two others that we’ve done,” he says. “The Unitarian Church in Clovis gave us the seed money to build the prototype of one that we’ve just finished, and Temple Beth Israel gave us money to build a second one.”

And that effort, to design and build for those who need the space the most, might tap into what Dyson believes is essential for an architect: “Not to be different, but to be relevant.”

For those who live in the spaces Dyson has designed, there is probably nothing so relevant to them as their home. • Arthur Dyson, architect www.arthurdyson.com Jordan Venema is a freelance writer and California native. He’s a fan of wild stories, impetuous traveling, live music, and all the food. But mostly, he’s a fan of his son, Cassian. He can be contacted by email at jordan.venema@gmail.com.

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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HOLIDAY

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

all tied up with

bows 2018 Holiday Shopping Section

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Holiday Shopping Porterville— Finishing Touches

Melinda Davis

Beautiful Spaces Interior Design Organization Christmas Decorating

559-936-3334 terrabella65@gmail.com

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HOLIDAYS Retail, Local Finds & Gifting: 764 N. Prospect St. (559) 781-6328

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

HAPPY www.planojerky.com

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GIFTS & GUNS

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Orange Blossom Cottage 559.781.1400

1018 West Teapot Dome (Corner of Hwy 65 and Teapot Dome) Porterville, CA 93258 Tues through Sat: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Vintage & Cottage Home Decor and Gifts

Holidays in Hanford GIVE CHEER GIVE TEA Take home a complimentary sample of our tea

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HOLIDAY

|

BY EMILY MIRANDA

do you know what I know?

a f ew thin g s you m i g ht N OT Know About C hrist m a s

What is Christmas and how did it come to be? It’s even more meaningful to celebrate the holidays when we understand where their rich traditions originated.

What is Christmas?

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, traditionally held on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration by billions around the world.

Who started Christmas?

The first recorded celebration of Christmas (December 25, 336 AD) was under the rule of Roman Emperor Constantine, known as the first Christian Roman Emperor. A few years after the first celebration, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Christ be celebrated on December 25.

What does Christmas mean?

Christmas is literally translated “the mass for Christ,” the day on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Why do we give gifts at Christmas?

The tradition of gift giving actually began before the first Christmas. History shows that gift giving holds roots in pagan rituals held in the winter season. It is also noted that in early modern Europe, gift giving had roots in Christmas begging. Christianity adopted the practice into Christmas, justifying that it resembled the actions of the Three Wise Men, or Magi, who brought gifts to the infant Jesus.4 continued on page 20

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Where did Santa Claus come from?

The legend of Santa Claus is tracked back to a monk named St. Nicholas born around 280 AD. Nicholas is believed to have been born near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was a Christian bishop who helped the needy. After his death, the legend of his giving grew into the legendary character known as Santa Claus.

Political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew the first likeness to the modern image of Santa Claus on Moore’s famous “The Night Before Christmas” poem back in 1881. His cartoon appeared in Harper’s Weekly, depicting Santa as a round, cheerful man with a white beard holding a sack of toys.

Why does Santa Claus wear red?

Prior to Nast’s depiction, Santa’s outfit was originally tan in color. It was Nast who changed it to red, also having drawn Santa in a green suit. It wasn’t until 1931 when Haddon Sundblom popularized Santa’s red suit in his own images that he drew for Coca-Cola advertisements.

When do the Twelve Days of Christmas occur?

Historically, the Twelve Days of Christmas is a festive Christian season celebrating the Nativity of Christ. It is also known as Twelvetide, with Christmas Day being considered the First Day of Christmas and so on, with January 5 being the Twelfth Day of Christmas.

What is the significance of the Christmas Tree?

The evergreen fir tree has been used in many winter traditions throughout history. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes for winter solstice, signifying the coming spring. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God.

Why do we say Merry Christmas?

The phrase “Merry Christmas” is largely due to the influence of Charles Dickens. Rather than saying “Happy Christmas” as we do with Easter and birthdays, “merry” may sound rather uncommon. It especially sticks out in Christmas carols and stories, arguably due to Charles Dickens’ influence in “A Christmas Carol”.

How is yule tied into Christmas?

Mid-winter has long been a time of celebration throughout world history. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule, correlating with the winter solstice, from December 21 through January. Today, Yule is sometimes used to a 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.

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

Celebrate the Holidays in Clovis Ashley Moreno Sherry Nachtigall

Merry Christmas to all!

453 POLLASKY AVE #107 CLOVIS • (559) 999-7916

3 Oaks Studio - the area’s premier DIY Boutique featuring Annie Sloan, Iron Orchid Designs, Embellishments, our famous “Paint Therapy” workshops and so much more!

The Original 4th Street Antique Mall Where Old is the New New!

In the heart of Old Town Clovis

481 Pollasky Ave, Clovis • 559-974-3208 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: 3 Oaks Studio

402 Pollasky Ave., Old Town Clovis • (559) 323-1636 Hours 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

F I F T H ST R E E T —— A N T I Q U E S ——

In Old Town Clovis— Home of a Dozen Antique and Vintage Stores!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

448 Pollasky Ave., Clovis 559-299-4430 • www.sassanosmenswear.com

460 Pollasky Ave., Clovis 559-324-8312

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

HOLIDAY HONEY BROWN SUGAR FUDGE 1. Combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 ¹∕³ cups granulated sugar, 2 ½ tsp. honey, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ tsp. flaky sea salt and 1 vanilla bean.

Whisk over medium heat until sugars dissolve.

Using a candy thermometer, stir and cook until it registers 240º.

2. Remove from heat and add 6 T of unsalted butter, stirring until completely melted. Let stand with thermometer in it until it has cooled to 120º.

3. Line an 8”x8” square baking pan with parchment paper and pour fudge in, smooth out, and then sprinkle with ¼ tsp., sea salt.

4. Let it set in refrigerator four hours before cutting into small squares. Will last 7 days covered!

THE PATIO PLACE VISALIA 3729 S. Mooney Blvd.

559.739.7723 Mon-Sat 10-6; Sun 11-5 www.thepatioplacevisalia.com

A trusted, locally owned business in downtown Selma since 1954.

In Visalia at: Naturally Nuts Naked Nut • Letter & Grain p.s. I love you too In Exeter at Mustard Seed Acres E Street Market

THE PATIO PLACE FRESNO 8805 N. Cedar Ave. 559.435.4333 Mon-Sat 10-6; Sun 11-5 www.thepatioplacefresno.com

MAKE THIS A CHRISTMAS

TO REMEMBER.

Visit our store and let us design a piece that is uniquely you!

• Custom engagement rings • Men’s and women’s watches • One-of-a-kind pieces

Martin Jewelers Mon: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm Tues – Fri: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

Harold M. Phillips,G.G 1921 High Street • Selma, CA 93662 559.896.1930 • martinjewelrystore.com

GOOD TIMES

|

BY MELISSA MENDONCA

blade runner g ateway ice center in f resno There’s a place to go when the holiday goodies start to make the pants feel tighter and the weather keeps you from exercising outdoors. Gateway Ice Center has opportunities for community skating, hockey and broomball (a hockey-style game using soccer techniques with players wearing shoes rather than skates). “It's quality entertainment with physical exercise thrown in,” says General Manager Jeff Blair. “A lot of people don't even realize it.”

Open year round, there's a special vibe to the winter months, when staff go all out to create the winter wonderland of holiday songs and nostalgia. “It's a festive thing to do,” adds Blair. “We have a nice holiday display that we've spent years putting together. It's got backgrounds for photo shoots.”

Gateway Ice Center has been a Fresno favorite since 1995, when it opened with a state-of-the-art direct refrigerant ice field. “It still rivals anything out there,” Blair says about the National Hockey League-regulation sized platform. For years, the center hosted the FresnoMonsters Ice Hockey team, helping them outgrow the facility and move to Selland Arena, which holds a greater capacity. “We've done our best to build hockey and grow it,” adds Blair. “The Fresno Monsters are part of that and part of us.”

While the center is eager to foster the dreams of those aspiring to professional-level status as figure skaters and hockey players, it also encourages families and friends to come in for fun. “We have kids as young as 3 years old on the ice,” says Blair. “If the kid can get up efficiently, we're all right with it. It's all about the mindset of the child and the parent. We're just an all-around family-friendly place.

It's not so expensive that it breaks the bank.”

Fear not if you've never laced up a pair of skates. The center offers lessons through Learn to Skate USA. “It's basically USA Figure Skating/USA Hockey guidelines, testing, qualifications,” explains Blair, noting that it's the largest ice teaching program in the country. “During Olympic years, you always see a bump in people wanting to get involved in general ice skating or hockey,” he adds.

One need not be an Olympic hopeful or even fully able-bodied to enjoy the ice, however. “We operate a sled hockey program with Valley Children's Hospital,” notes Blair. This adaptive program allows children in wheelchairs to participate. Children from Special Olympics also have opportunities to play on the ice.

On December 1, the center will further its reach to the community with a special ice show by the Ice Skating Club of Fresno in support of Toys for Tots. A new, unwrapped 4

continued on page 24

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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lesser extent as a synonym for Christmas in English cultures. • toy or $10 cash opens the doors of admission to a spectacular figure skating show. The Fresno Monsters hosted a Teddy Bear Toss on November 24 in support of Toys for Tots, as well. Fans threw teddy bear donations onto the ice after the first goal of the game against Utah.

The center also sends its Stick it to Fitness members out to schools and community groups to talk about fitness and the fun that can be had with ice sports. “We want to combat the obesity epidemic in children,” says Blair.

The center has also become a fun place for birthday parties and offers a variety of packages for private party rooms.

Regardless of your reason for showing up, a day on the ice is sure to create winter memories for a good long while. Grab your friends, family and camera for a little exercise that will only feel like fun. • Gateway Ice Center 2473 N. Marks Ave., Fresno (559) 277-2233 • www.gatewayicecenter.com Find them on Facebook & 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.

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

The Holidays...

Done Right

christmas at

gateway church

got moola?

CHOIR & ORCHESTRA CONCERT December 2 | 6pm - 7:30pm

Kids Christmas Carnival December 8 | 10am - 1pm

christmas eve services

Thursday, December 20 6:45pm | Worship Band

Sunday, December 23 6pm | Worship Band

Monday, December 24 4pm | Choir & Orchestra 6pm | Worship Band 11pm | Acoustic

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Experience Exeter for Your Holiday Shopping

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CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Exeter Downtown Shops Open Late Thursday Evenings November 29 & December 6, 13 and 20 5:00 - 9:00 pm

Come see Santa & enjoy FREE Old Fashioned Fire Truck Rides, Refreshments and Family Holiday Spirit!

Exeter Gift Certificates make Great Christmas Gifts Employees, Friends, Loved Ones, Teachers, Stocking Stuffers and MORE!

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

THE GROVE antiques

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HOLIDAY

|

BY KIMBERLY BONÈY

Better Give to

Give Your B est Gi f t

Imagine, for a moment, opening a beautifully packaged gift – given to you with a genuine smile and a twinkle in the giver’s eye – to find its contents are something that is perfect for you. What’s in the package doesn’t need to be flashy or expensive. In fact, sometimes, it’s all the more meaningful when it doesn’t come with a high-dollar price tag. The blissful take-away is about far more than what’s in that package. The resounding joy in that moment is the embodiment of the thought, effort and love that went into finding something perfectly suited to you. When our loved ones take the time to find the perfect gift for us, it’s the living proof that we matter.

Some people are just natural born gift-givers. But, more often than not, finding the perfect gift is the result of an investment of time, energy and love. If we are honest, the process can be quite daunting.

While you’ll still have to find the buried treasure on your own, here’s a road map to help you find your way to the gift that will make the recipient feel like the most important person in your world.

1. Keep a running list of gift ideas. Notice the things your loved one stops to admire as you are shopping together and things they have specifically mentioned to you, even long ago. Consider the things they’ve made an effort to keep through the years, the moves and the life changes. Those are the things that have left the greatest impression on their heart. And the heart is your starting point in your search to find the perfect gift. Keeping a notepad with gift ideas all year long makes your gift-hunting experience much easier when the time comes.

2. Remember it’s about the recipient and not about you. There is a phrase that is often said of buying a gift: “Give a gift you’d love to receive.” In theory, the rule applies. In practice, however, it’s better to remove yourself from the equation. If you are a maximalist and your friend lives her life with just the basics, giving her something extravagant will suit your tastes more than hers. In this case, it may be better to give her something useful rather than decorative, even if you love bits and baubles.

3. Consider something functional. A gift can be useful and still touch the heart of the recipient in a special way. An artist may treasure nothing more than a fabulous set of paintbrushes that he’s been coveting. A chef may love a kitchen gadget that will make light work of her most tedious tasks. Useful gifts are far past drab. They are a daily reminder that someone loved you enough to know what you needed most. 4

continued on page 28

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4. Consider something handmade. Some of the most treasured gifts we have ever received are the handmade ones, lovingly given to us by the littles in our lives. There isn’t one parent who hasn’t held on to a macaroni-encrusted piece of paper with a photo of their child on it for decades upon decades. Gifts made lovingly by the hands of a friend or coworker hold a special place in our hearts, too. A hand-crocheted scarf feels a whole lot like a hug when you need it most. A jar of your friend’s famous marmalade tastes like love in the morning.

5. Experience may be the best gift of all. Your gift doesn’t need to be a physical one. Treating a loved one to a cooking class, a concert, a weekend getaway or the bucket-list-worthy trip of a lifetime is a gift that will make a home in their soul forever. If you want to give them something that they can keep as a physical memento, package the experience in something that they can bring along with them on the adventure. Find a t-shirt emblazoned with your loved one’s favorite band on the front and let them know they should wear it when you attend the concert together. Have your loved one hop a flight in style with a classy passport holder or a timeless set of luggage. The best part of the gift, however, is the time you spend together.

6. Personalize it. If your loved one is deeply connected to a phrase or photo, consider using it to create the ideal gift. A coffee lover would smile each morning at the sight of a mug featuring their favorite mantra. A canvas wrapped photo of your bestie’s proudest moment or a family photo you have always admired will let them know you value what they hold dear.

7. Sometimes it’s not the destination – it’s the journey, itself. Make the pursuit as much fun as the gift. Set up a fun-filled scavenger hunt to deliver the perfect gift, leaving little clues along the way. For added fun, include smaller gifts at each clue, leading up to the grand finale.

And keep in mind, a “good for one (fill in the blank with your loved one’s favorite act of service)” coupon may be more meaningful than any tangible item they could receive.

8. Packaging counts. It doesn’t have to look like it’s been expertly swaddled by someone at the gift-wrapping counter of a fancy department store, but a little bit of thought and effort goes a long way. Remove any pricing that may appear on the gift (obviously), find a fitting box or gift bag, or consider a more unique package that coordinates with what is inside. If you found your Mom a stellar pair of earrings, a lovely jewelry box might be the perfect vehicle in which to deliver them. Include little local touches, like a sprig of fresh rosemary, lavender or pine to add an additional layer of love.

9. Don’t forget the note. The message behind the gift is what the recipient will carry in their heart for a lifetime. A tiny card or a handwritten note is a detail that is not to be forgotten. Chances are it’ll be kept in a photo album or drawer for many years to come – often long after the life of the gift itself. •

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.

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Experience Exeter for Your Holiday Shopping

HOLIDAY

|

BY JORDAN VENEMA

O’Christmas Tree

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

A N N UA L V I S A L I A C H R I S T MA S T R E E A U C T I O N Now that the holiday season has arrived, soon homes will be decked with ornaments and, of course, Christmas trees. Other than the reason behind the holiday itself, the Christmas tree is almost essential, at least nearly as much as the spirit of giving. But the two can go hand in hand, as the Visalia Chamber of Commerce has proven with its 38-year-old tradition of the Christmas Tree Auction.

This December 7 at the Visalia Convention Center marks nearly four decades that the black-tie event has introduced nonprofits to the community through its live auction of elaborately decorated Christmas trees. According to Gail Zurek, president and CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, the event has raised $4 million for nonprofits since the event began.

“Going to an event like this allows you to give to a number of different charities in one night,” says Zurek. “The auction also raises their profile and gives them a platform to increase their exposure, as well as giving them a platform to raise money.”

The backbone of the event is the live Christmas tree auction, which this year will include at least 13 different charities. But these aren’t your typical trees.

“These trees are absolutely awe-inspiring. People are being much more artistic, and this is a town of artists. I am always blown away by the artistic interpretation,” says Zurek, adding that the interpretation of “tree” can sometimes be loose. Past trees have been built out of orange crates or even included a cocktail cart, says Zurek.

Typically, the tree and ornaments and decorations are donated to the nonprofits, and all proceeds of the auction go directly to the charity. In fact, says Zurek, sometimes the trees can be auctioned multiple times over.

“It’s not uncommon for somebody to put up the money and then put it up for auction again.”

In addition to the live Christmas tree auction, as many as 20 nonprofits will participate in a large silent auction.

While all money raised goes directly to the nonprofits, the $80 general admission ticket goes towards putting on the event, hosted by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. The ticket price also includes free wine and heavy appetizers, and entertainment with a DJ. Last year the event began pairing caterers with specific trees.

“We partnered our restaurant and caterers with a charity, and the food surrounded the tree they were auctioning off,” explains Zurek, adding that caterers usually developed a theme with the food that related to the tree or nonprofit. This year, caterers will include Café 225 and the Vartanians of Vintage Press.

While this is definitely the kind of event where you’ll find guests dressed to the nines, that won’t stop people from letting loose and having a good time, says Zurek.

This year, the Mt. Whitney marching band will announce the live auction with a performance, “and the wine is flowing by this point,” Zurek says with a laugh.

“There’s always something fun, and we leave space for that.” Even if that means allowing guests to perform a dance, which she says has happened. • Visalia Christmas Tree Auction • 7pm Dec. 7 Visalia Convention Center(559) 734-5876 www.visaliachamber.org/christmastree

Jordan Venema is a freelance writer and California native. He’s a fan of wild stories, impetuous traveling, live music, and all the food. But mostly, he’s a fan of his son, Cassian. He can be contacted by email at jordanvenema@gmail.com.

Photos by Andrea Camarena

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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Your Home. Your Look.

559.625.8884 220 W. Main St. Visalia www.janeensfurniture.com

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KINGSBURG, CA

So much holiday shopping to be done, so little time...

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-4pm; Closed Sunday 1513 Draper St. Kingsburg (559) 897-4622

Find us on Facebook and Instagram

& to all a

good night DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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GOOD FINDS | BY Kayla Anderson

healthy legacy

A k - m a k B a k eries , a F a m ily B usiness 1 2 5 Y e a rs S tron g Considering that ak-mak Bakeries is celebrating its 125th anniversary, it’s safe to say they must be doing something right. Headquartered in Sanger, ak-mak crackers have been a staple in many American households as a healthy alternative to processed foods and a filling snack for people of all ages.

Made of organically-grown whole wheat flour, naturally cold pressed sesame oil, clover honey, dairy butter, yeast, sesame seeds and salt, the crunchy baked crackers pair nicely with pretty much anything you put with them, including wine, cheese, tapenade, veggies or by themselves. They’re even portable enough to enjoy on a hike or a road trip.

The foundation started in 1893 when Armenian immigrant Jacob Soojian came to America and started baking and sharing his hometown foods, such as Arabic (pita) bread, Dernackly bread and Armenian cracker bread with his fellow brethren. Settling in Massachusetts, Jacob’s son Paul and nephews Sarkis and Michael soon joined the emerging family business. In 1936, the family moved to Fresno and renamed the company ak-mak as it launched new product offerings. In the early 1970s, the business relocated again to Sanger.

Jacob’s great-great-niece, Tanya Hodge, and four other

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family members manage the business today. The eldest of Michael’s three sons and family patriarch Manoog Soojian is 96 years old and still goes to work every day.

Hodge grew up working at ak-mak at a young age, helping out wherever she could – along with the rest of the town.

“Most of the community or their family members and friends worked here at some point in their life,” Hodge says. “Ak-mak has so many extended friends and family.

It’s nice to have that legacy.”

Being a family-oriented business, Hodge got to know a lot of people in the community.

“It’s nice to have forged those relationships early on in life. A lot of people who worked at ak-mak are still friends of mine today,” Hodge says. “Work was work and the family was pretty serious about it, but one thing I remember is when we used to produce an Armenian pizza called Lahmajoon and we had a day (around the holidays) where we would all get together and make packages of it to give out to family and friends.”

Hodge’s nose has become so accustomed to the sweet smell of baking crackers that she doesn’t consciously recognize it anymore, but that’s not the case for most people who visit ak-mak headquarters.

“We’re so grateful for our customers, especially the long-time generational ones…”

Breakfast Pizza (not pictured)

Country style or round cracker bread Cheddar cheese – shredded Habanero cheese – shredded (optional) Cilantro Whole black beans (rinsed) Chorizo or bacon (cooked) Egg Avocado Hot sauce (optional) Directions: Brush cracker bread with olive oil. Mix shredded cheese with cilantro and spread onto cracker bread and top with meat and black beans. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Top with fried egg, avocado, and hot sauce.

“People comment that they can find the place by the smell, that they follow their nose here,” Hodge says.

Not much has changed to the recipe for the Armenian cracker bread, with one exception – it’s getting easier to find organic ingredients. Growing up, Hodge says that healthy eating was always inherent in her childhood and ak-mak has always been particular about finding sustainable, high-quality ingredients for its products, but it was going against the grain of other popular processed convenience snacks.

“It was hard to find organic foods in the 1950s, but today it’s a lot easier to source,” Hodge says. However, it’s not just the quality of the crackers that’s kept ak-mak alive.

“I have to give credit to our customers. It’s been a generational product to their families; they grow up eating it and then they give it to their grandkids. That’s what has kept us going; we’re very grateful to them for enjoying and sharing it,” she says.

“We’ve really enjoyed reading the stories of the people who have written in and told us how ak-mak has impacted their lives and families. (Ak-mak) is a healthy alternative to other foods; it encourages us to work hard on the belief that our family built and continues creating something that people enjoy.”

Hodge admits that she eats a lot of ak-mak crackers.

“My husband’s favorite thing is to melt hot pepper cheese on top of a cracker.

I like avocado and ak-mak I eat that all the time but I also like it with hot spicy hummus. It goes great with red or white wine, too, but it all depends what I put it with if I’m doing a charcuterie,” she says.

“For a working mom, our round pepper bread or country-style is great to make pizzas with. Add some spaghetti sauce, cheese, vegetables, put it in the oven and broil it, and it’s done in five minutes. People are always surprised at how good it is and how easy it is to make,” she says. • ak-mak Bakeries • 89 Academy Avenue, Sanger • (559) 875-5511 www.akmakbakeries.com • Find them on Facebook 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.

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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enjoy the view

38

|

photo: JOSHUA CATES

www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER DECEMBER2018 2018

snowy BANKs, shaver lake: Joshua Cates is an avid backpacker and hiker who spends his free time photographing the Central Sierras. He and his wife own and operate the Historic Shaver Lake Village Hotel and he sits on the Shaver Lake Visitor Bureau board as president. His passion for nature and landscape photography are expressed through his work and his goal to bring more attention to the beauty of the Central Sierras.

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

|

BY LANA GRANFORS | PHOTOS: KARA STEWART

recipe december 2018

Pam’s Triple Gingersnap Cookies Yields: 3-4 dozen This month’s recipe was submitted by another devoted reader, Pam Rachel. Pam has submitted one of her family’s holiday favorites, Triple Ginger Gingersnaps. What inspired her for this cookie was a holiday party segment of Barefoot Contessa where Ina Garten packaged cookies in a clear sleeve, closed with a pretty festive ribbon. As her party guests left, they were asked to take a package of cookies on their way out. Pam wanted to use that idea and decided to fill the sleeves with these delicious cookies for her own holiday party guests.

As a tip, she also uses these with some graham crackers, ground together, for her cheesecake crust – a nice touch for a holiday cheesecake.

Merry Christmas… Enjoy!

ingredients: 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1⁄2 tsp. salt

12 T (1 1⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter

2 T ground ginger

1⁄2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 1⁄4 cup dark brown sugar

1⁄4 cup molasses

2 T finely grated fresh ginger (from 2- or 3-inch piece)

1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk

3 T finely chopped crystalized ginger Granulated sugar, for rolling

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Directions: STEP 1: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

STEP 2: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, lower heat and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until foaming subsides and butter is just beginning to turn golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.

STEP 3: Transfer melted butter to large bowl and whisk in ground ginger and cinnamon. Let cool for about 2 minutes, then whisk in brown sugar, molasses and fresh ginger. Add egg and yolk and whisk to combine. Add flour mixture and stir until just incorporated.

Mix in crystallized ginger. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.

STEP 4: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Position oven racks to uppermiddle and lower-middle positions.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper (or use silicone baking mats).

Place granulated sugar in shallow dish or bowl. Spoon about a large tablespoon of dough and shape into 1-inch balls, then roll in sugar to coat.

Arrange balls on prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 to 2 inches of space between them.

STEP 5: Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate baking sheets (top to bottom and front to back) and bake for an additional 9 to 10 minutes, or until cookies on lower tray just begin to darken around edges.

STEP 6: Transfer to wire rack and cool completely before serving. Repeat with remaining dough. Cookies will keep, stored at room temperature in an airtight container, for up to 2 weeks.

Tip for making ahead: Prepare and shape dough balls and roll in sugar, then place on a parchment lined baking pan. Place pan to freezer and freeze until solid, then transfer dough balls to a zip-top bag. Label with the cookie type and baking information. Cookies can be placed on baking sheets and baked right from frozen, just increase baking time by about 2 minutes.

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

total time: 2 hours

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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CRAFTING

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story and photos: monica fatica

Welcome

D I Y: Fresh M a g noli a L e a f W re ath

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

supplies • Fresh magnolia leaves • Wreath form • Thin plant wire • Wire cutters or scissors • Damp cloth • Foliage preserver • Brown paper • Damp cloth (not shown) • Brown kraft or scrap paper (not shown)

Tip: We used magnolia leaves but you can substitute any large leaf or add sprigs like evergreen, berries or boxwood for a textured look. You can find the foliage preserver at your craft store or online.

1. Pick the best-looking leaves off the branches or gather fresh fallen ones.

2. Wipe each leaf with a damp rag to remove dirt and other outdoor grime.

3. Sort through your leaves and set aside the largest ones to use for your wreath.

4. Spread the leaves out on brown paper, then spray each leaf and let dry per the instructions on your can. Ours was an 15-18-inch spray distance and 5 minutes dry time.

5. Tie three leaves together using the thin wire. Repeat this step until all of your leaves are tied in sets of three.

6. Wrap one set of leaves with the wire then attach it to your wreath form at an angle.

7. Attach two more sets of leaves to each side of the first set, wrapping around your wreath form.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until your wreath form is fully covered.

Enjoy!

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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calendar DECEMBER 2018

From Food to fun, something for everyone to enjoy

auberry

December 1, 2 • Motorcycle Two-Day Fun Camp, Rich Oliver’s Mystery School, 33940 Sterling Lane, 9am-5pm, www.richoliver.net

bakersfield

December 1-31 • Christmas on the Farm, Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn, 6700 General Beale Road, 8am-6pm, www.visitbakersfield.com December 7 • First Friday ArtWalk, Downtown Bakersfield, between 19th and Eye St., 5-9pm, www.visitbakersfield.com December 12 • Holiday Lights Ride, Beach Park, 21st Street, 7pm, Kaiser Permanente Ming Medical Offices, 8800 Ming Ave., 6:30pm, www.visitbakersfield.com December 22 • December Full Moon Bike Ride, Beach Park, 21st Street, 7pm, www.visitbakersfield.com

clovis

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Farmers Market, corner of Pollasky and Bullard Avenues, 8-11:30 am, www.visitclovis.com December 1 • Children’s Electric Christmas Parade, Old Town Clovis, 6:30pm, www.visitclovis.com December 3 • Christmas Tree Lighting, Clovis City Hall, 1033 Fifth St., 6:30pm, www.visitclovis.com

dinuba

December 1 • Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, The Entertainment Plaza, 289 South L St., 5:30pm, www.dinuba.org

exeter

December 2 • Exeter Country Craft Fair, Exeter Memorial Building, 324 North Kaweah Ave., 9am-3pm, www.exeterchamber.com December 6, 13, 20 • Exeter Christmas Open House, Downtown Exeter, 101 West Pine St., 5-9pm, www.exeterchamber.com December 7 • Exeter Woman’s Club 8th Annual Christmas Home Tour, various houses, 4-8pm, www.exeterwomansclub.com

fresno

December 1 • “Imagine, Explore, Discover,” The Discovery Center, 1944 N. Winery Ave., 6pm, (559) 251-5533, www.fresnodiscoverycenter.org 44

www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

December 2 • Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop, River Center, 11605 Old Friant Road, 10:30am, www.riverparkway.org December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 20 West Shaw Ave., 7am-noon, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com December 1, 4, 8, 11, 1518, 22, 25, 29 • Cherry Avenue Auction Swap Meet, 4640 S. Cherry Ave., 6:30am-3:30pm, (559) 266-9856, www.cherryavenueauction.com December 2 • A Festival of Lessons & Carols, First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M St., (559) 453-2267 • Swede Fest 18, The Tower Theatre, 815 East Olive Ave., www.playfresno.org December 2, 7, 8, 9, 14-23, 26-30 • ZooLights, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, 894 West Belmont Ave., 5pm December 4, 11, 18 • Toe Tappin’ Tuesdays, California Arts Academy, 4750 North Blackstone Ave., 7:15-9:30pm, (559) 224-0640, www.facebook.com/fresnoswingdance • Martin Park Craft Day, Martin Park, 345 N. Glenn Ave., 4pm, (559) 554-4319, www.downtownfresno.org • River Park Farmers Market, 220 East Paseo Del Centro, 5-9pm, www.playfresno.org December 5, 12, 19, 26 • Vineyard Farmers Market, 20 West Shaw Ave., 3pm-6pm, www.vineyardfarmersmarket.com • Farmers Market, Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center, 7300 North Fresno St., 8-1:30pm, www.playfresno.org December 6 • K-Jewel Art Hop, 1415 Fulton St., 5-8pm, (559) 497-5118, www.downtownfresno.org December 6, 20 • Art Hop, Tower District and Downtown Fresno, 5pm, www.fresnoartscouncil.org/arthop December 6, 13, 20, 27 • CArtHop, Mariposa Plaza, southeast corner of Fulton Street and Mariposa Way, 11am-2pm, www.downtownfresno.org December 7 • Vibe 30/40 Club, Club One Casino, 1033 Van Ness Ave., 9pm, www.downtownfresno.org December 8 • Fresno Jingle Bell Run for Toys for Tots, 1800 Tulare St., 9am, www.downtownfresno.org • Fresno Jewish Film Series, Temple Beth Israel, 6622 North Maroa Ave., 6pm, www.playfresno.org • Downtown Fresno Christmas Parade, Fulton St., 1pm, www.playfresno.org December 9 • Draggin’ the Main “Cruise Nights,” Fulton St., 3-7pm, www.downtownfresno.org

• Holiday High Tea, River Center Ranch House, 11605 Old Friant Road, 1pm, www.riverparkway.org December 18 • Community Art Night, Common Space, 2915 Tulare St., 6:30pm, www.downtownfresno.org December 19 • “Scrooged,” Bitwise Industries, 700 Van Ness Ave., 7pm, www.downtownfresno.org

hanford

December 6 • “Light up a Life” Tree Lighting, Courtyard Patio at Adventist Health Hospice, 115 Mall Drive, 6pm, www.tularechamber.org December 9 • Rockin’ Rudolph Run, Downtown Hanford, 325 North Douty St., 8:20am, www.runhanford.com December 11 • Art in the Heart Art Hop, The Soaking Tub, 227 North Irwin St., 6-8pm, www.facebook.com/heartofhanford

kingsburg

December 3 • Santa Lucia Celebration, Downtown Kingsburg, 7am-5:30pm, www.kingsburgchamber.com

lemoore

December 1 • Christmas Parade, D Street, 6pm, www.lemoore.com

porterville

December 1 • Christmas Home Tour and Artisan Boutique, various homes, Boutique at Nuckol’s Ranch, 13144 Road 216, 10am-3pm, home tour 11am-3pm, www.zontaclubofporterville.org December 2 • Christmas Concert, First United Methodist Church, 344 East Morton Ave., 3-5pm, (559) 804-7995 December 15 • Christmas Posadas, Commission Honorifica Mexicana Americana Community and Conference Room, 466 East Putnam Ave., all day, www.portervillechamber.org

reedley

December 1 • San Joaquin Valley Quilter’s Guild Exhibit, Mennonite Quilt Center, 1012 G St., 9-3pm, (559) 638-3560, www.mennonitequiltcenter.org December 6 • Electrical Farm Equipment Parade, Downtown Reedley, 7:30pm, www.reedleydowntown.com

sanger

December 1 • Toyland Parade, Downtown Sanger, 11am, www.sanger.org

December 9 • 92nd Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree, chartered buses leave from Sanger, 2:30-5pm, www.sanger.org

three rivers

December 1 • First Saturday in Three Rivers, pick up map at Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Drive, 11am-5pm, www.1stsaturdaytr.com

tulare

December 6 • Christmas Parade, Downtown Tulare, 6pm, www.tularechamber.org

visalia

December 2 • Winter Wonderland Shopping Bazaar, Visalia Wyndham Hotel, 9000 West Airport Drive, 1-6pm, www.tularechamber.org December 3 • Visalia Chamber Choir Holiday Concert, L.J. Williams Theatre, 1001 West Main St., 7pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 4 • Community Flute Choir and Pedagogy, College of the Sequoias Visalia Campus, 915 South Mooney Blvd., 6pm, www.visaliachamber.com December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 • Robotics, ImagineU Children’s Interactive Museum, 210 North Tipton St., 2-5pm December 6, 13, 20 • Free Skate Night, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, Main St., 5pm, www.visitvisalia.org • Holiday Open House, Downtown Visalia, 5pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 7 • First Friday, Visalia Arts Consortium, 300 East Oak St., 5-8pm, www.artsconsortium.org • 2018 Christmas Tree Auction, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 6pm, www.visaliachamber.com December 7, 8 • A Christmas Carol, Main St. Theater, 307 East Main St., 7pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 8 • Morning with Santa, The Clay Cafe, 1018 East Mineral King Ave., 9am, www.claycafevisalia.com December 8, 15, 22 • Breakfast with Santa, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 8am, www.visitvisalia.org December 9 • Visalia Jingle Bell Run, Mooney Park, 27000 South Mooney Blvd., 9am, www.visaliajinglebellrun.com • Holiday Movie Magic, Visalia Convention Center, 303 East Acequia Ave., 11am, www.visitvisalia.org • Free Admission with Toy Donation, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 2-8pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 13 • Senior Starlight Ball, Lamp Liter Inn, 3300 West Mineral King Ave., 5pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 14 • Free Admission Night, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 5pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 15 • Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, Main Street Visalia, 4:30-9pm, www.dothwcrawl.com

• Golden West High School Performing Arts Holiday Concert, L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 West Main St., 7pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 16 • Photos with Santa, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 4pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 • Family Movie Night, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 6pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 22, 29 • Adult Skate: Ugly Sweater, Ice Skate Visalia, Garden Street Plaza Ice Rink, 8pm, www.visitvisalia.org December 14 • “Mystery of the Christmas Star” and “Christmas Traditions Around the World,” Planetarium and Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, 6pm, www.tcoe.org/planetarium/publicshows

bakersfield fox theatre

www.thebakersfieldfox.com December 2 • Dwight Yoakam Live, 8pm December 6 • A Merry-achi Christmas, 7:30pm December 7 • Flix “The Thin Yellow Line,” 7:30pm December 8 • John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, 7:30pm December 10 • Cults & Classics “The Polar Express,” 7pm December 12 • Krab Christmas Show, 6:30pm December 13 • Great Russian Nutcracker, 7:30pm December 14 • Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Surprise!, 6pm December 15 • Chris D’elia, 8pm December 17 • Cults & Classics “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 7pm

barn theater

www.portervillebarntheater.com

December 6 • Student Recital, FCC Recital Hall, noon • FCC String Ensemble, FCC Recital Hall, 5pm • Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Singers, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm December 7, 8 • Walking the Winter: A Musical Journey of the Season, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm Friday, 2:30pm Saturday December 10 • Jazz Composers Orchestra, Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 7:30pm December 11 • FCC Community Symphony Orchestra, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm

fresno convention and entertainment center

www.fresnoconventioncenter.com December 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 • Disney Presents “The Lion King,” Saroyan Theatre, Various Times December 15 • Fresno Philharmonic “Home for the Holidays,” Saroyan Theatre, 7:30pm December 16 • An Irish Christmas, Saroyan Theatre, 2pm December 22 • Central California Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Saroyan Theatre, 2pm & 7:30pm December 23 • Central California Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Saroyan Theatre, 2pm

hanford fox theatre www.foxhanford.com

December 1 • Throwback Films: “A Christmas Story,” 2pm December 6 • Throwback Films: “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 7pm December 8 • Throwback Films: “Home Alone,” 2pm December 15 • Throwback Films: “Elf,” 2pm

icehouse theatre

www.v isaliaplayers.org

the enchanted playhouse

December 1, 2 • “Escanaba In Da Moonlight,” 7:30pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday December 6-9 • “The 2nd Annual Hope for the Holidays,” 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, 2pm Sunday

December 7, 8 • A Christmas Carol, 7pm

www.rabobankarena.com

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 • “Mary Poppins Jr.,” 7pm Friday-Saturday, 2:30pm Sunday

www.enchantedplayhouse.org

fresno city college

www.fresnocitycollege.edu

December 1, 2 • Patience Opera, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday December 2 • Fresno Community Concert Band: Winter Magic, Shaghoian Concert Hall, 3pm & 7pm December 3 • Student Holiday Art Sale, Art Space Gallery, all day • Intermediate-Advanced Piano Recital, OAB Auditorium, 7:30pm December 4 • Woodwind-Brass-Percussion Concert, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm December 5 • Woodwind Ensemble Concert: The Wonder of Winter, FCC Theatre, 7:30pm

rabobank arena

December 1 • Condors vs. Manitoba, Arena, 7pm December 5 • Condors vs. Manitoba, Arena, 6:30pm December 8 • Condors vs. San Jose, Arena, 7pm December 14 • Condors vs. San Diego, Arena, 7pm December 15 • WWE Live, Arena, 7:30pm December 16 • Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Presents “Home for the Holidays,” Theater, 3pm December 29 • Condors vs. San Diego, Arena, 7pm

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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roger rocka’s dinner theater www.rogerrockas.com

December 1-31 • “Footloose,” 5:30pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am Sunday

save mart center - fresno

December 22 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Tennessee-Martin, 4pm December 29 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Utah Valley University, 4pm • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Fresno Pacific, 2pm

www.savemartcenter.com

stars theatre restaurant

• Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Cal Poly, 4pm December 3 • Justin Timberlake “The Man of the Woods” Tour, 7:30pm December 5 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Weber State, 7pm December 6 • Fleetwood Mac, 8pm December 7 • Combate Americas, 6pm December 8 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. Long Beach State, 4pm December 9 • Metallica, 7:30pm December 12 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Santa Clara, 5pm December 14 • Fresno State Women’s Basketball vs. Stanislaus State, 7pm December 18 • WWE Smackdown, 4:30pm December 19 • Fresno State Men’s Basketball vs. California, 7pm

December 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22 • An Amy Adams Christmas, 6:30pm dinner 7:30pm show Thursday-Saturday, 1pm lunch, 2pm show Sunday

December 1

www.bmtstars.com

tower theatre - fresno

December 13 • “A Christmas Story,” 6:30pm December 15 • A Traditional Christmas Celebration, 3pm December 19 • “White Christmas,” 6:30pm

warnors theatre www.warnors.org December 1 • Reik w/Matisse, 7:30pm December 4 • 2018 Klove Christmas, 7pm December 14 • Chris D’elia, 8pm

www.towertheatrefresno.com

December 1 • “Live and Let Die,” The Music of Paul McCartney

by Tony Kishman, 8pm December 6 • Hamilton Loomis, 7:30pm December 7 • Frankie Quinones, 8pm December 8 • “Ha, Ha, Ho Comedy Show!,” 7:30pm

visalia fox theatre www.foxvisalia.org

December 8 • Sequoia Symphony Orchestra “A Soulful Christmas,” 3pm & 7:30pm December 9 • “Winter Dance Party,” 7pm

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 January event will need to posted by December 1. Thank you.

Urologist joins VMC Joseph Ford, DO, served his urology residency and general surgery internship at Detroit Medical Center, and completed a fellowship in urological oncology at the Carolinas Medical Center. This program focused on training in the diagnosis and treatment of complex cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs.

Joseph Ford, DO

Dr. Ford’s practice focuses on helping both men and women retain their quality of life, and he evaluates and treats patients of all ages (children to adults).

Dr. Ford joins Dr. Marty Prah and Dr. Joseph Chidi in VMC’s Urology Department.

Jason Mihalcin, DO Family Home Agency

Be Well

www.vmchealth.com

Visalia 5400 W. Hillsdale Ave., Visalia • 559-739-2000

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www.EnjoySouthValley.com DECEMBER 2018

Medical Clinic

GIVING BACK | BY EMILY MIRANDA

br ighten the holidays a n g el tree pro g r a m s deliver cheer You may have seen one while you were walking through the mall during the holiday season – a Christmas tree not dressed in glitzy ornaments and lights, but from whose branches paper angels hang.

Amidst the bustling shoppers and decked out displays for the season’s must-have toys, Angel Trees bring hope. Each paper angel hanging from the tree represents a child from a family in need.

Former prisoner Mary K. Beard founded the Angel Tree Program in 1982. She had joined the organization Prison Fellowship, wanting to lead a program that would help prisoners and their families during the holiday season. Thus she began the Angel Tree Program, giving parents behind bars a way to restore and strengthen relationships with their children by making gift-giving possible at Christmas.

Each year, thousands of incarcerated parents sign their children up for the Angel Tree Program. For every $20 given, a prisoner’s child receives a Christmas gift chosen for them by their incarcerated parent, along with a note to remind them that they are loved and not forgotten. Since its inception in 1982, the Angel Tree Program has delivered more than 10 million gifts to girls and boys with a mom or dad in prison.

Today, Prison Fellowship is not the only nonprofit that sets up Angel Trees. The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program offers joy and

dignity to families in need, allowing anonymous donors to provide gifts to thousands of children each Christmas. If it weren’t for the Angel Tree Programs, millions of children in America would go without Christmas gifts due to their parents being unable to afford them.

How do the Angel Trees work? It’s simple – just select an angel from the tree, and read the item your little “angel” desires for Christmas.

You then purchase the desired item and return it to the proper Angel Tree location. From there, your gift will be delivered by Christmas to the child’s family, bringing hope and joy to a child who might otherwise go without a package to open.

For more information on where to find the nearest Angel Tree location, contact your local Salvation Army or visit www. salvationarmyusa.org.

To donate to the nearest Angel Tree: A Program of Prison Fellowship, visit www.prisonfellowship.org. • 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.

DECEMBER 2018 www.EnjoySouthValley.com

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A MUSICAL & VISUAL CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE

Imagine

MORE

DECEMBER 15 & 16 , 6pm

at VISALIA FIRST // 3737 S. AKERS STREET Tickets: www.ImagineMore.Live