Lifestyle Magazine - April 2018

STYLE, ART, CULTURE, + EVENTS OF THE SOUTH VALLEY APRIL 2018

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TRAVELER’S TREK

THE CAVALE RESIDENCE

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REFLECTIONS OF VISALIA

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CIGAR SHOP DESTROYED BUT DREAM SURVIVED

THE CAVALE RESIDENCE

The Shifferts came to Visalia in 1898 looking for a good business climate and a place to raise their children.

What followed was a successful tobacco business that in 1903 was reduced to ashes in a fire labeled one of the city's “most disastrous.”

Grandparents Stephanie and Mike Cavale created an adventure when they decided to remodel their “new” 1940s' Beverly Glenn home at the same time as they were downsizing.

8

Letter from the Executive Editor

10 Word Play 16 Visual Arts: Eschol Hammond 36 Financial

TRAVELER'S TREK

HASTINGS COUNTY

32

To experience where several generations of their family had lived, the writer and her father headed to Belleville in Ontario, Canada, which became their home base while exploring the area.

38 Charity Event: Birdhouse Auction 48 Local Adventure: McKellar Family Farms 50 Literary Arts: Steven Church 52 Downtown Scene: Irish Fest 54 Lively Living: Craig Wheaton 58 Happenings

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SPRINGTIME BRUNCH EGGSTRODINAIRE

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4 LIFEST YLE | APRIL 2018

Calabrian Scrambled Egg Flatbread with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Jalapeno Pesto is just one of several recipes offered by Elaine Dakessian of Trés Bien Tailored Cuisine in Visalia.

COVER: The Cavales' newly renovated bungalow, originally offered for sale in 1941, is part of the Beverly Glenn neighborhood of Visalia.

TOP: Identical arches were created to match the home's existing architecture.

Published By

DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291

Karen Tellalian

Executive Editor

Creative Director

Art Director

Senior Designer Web Designer/Designer

Greg Bitney Marcie Vagnino Frank Miramontes Kaci Hansen

Contributing Writers Aaron Collins

Cheryl L. Dieter Diane Slocum Elaine Dakessian Kelly Lapadula Lisa McEwen Major Rogers Penney Sick Sharon Mosley Sue Burns Terry L. Ommen

Business Management Malkasian Accountancy LLP

Gary Malkasian CPA

Jeffrey Malkasian EA

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For Such a Time Boutique Franey's Design Center Fugazzis Glick's and Co. ImagineU Children’s Museum Janeen’s Furniture Gallery Kaweah Delta Hospital Keller Williams Reality Max's Cookies Metropolis Day Spa Michael's Custom Jewelry Monét’s, Exeter Pacific Treasures Premier Medical Clinic Renaissance Salon Sage Salon Salon 525

Sherman & Associates Tazz. Coffee The Gardens at Cal Turf The Looking Glass V Medical Spa Velvet Sky Visalia Ceramic Tile Visalia First Assembly Visalia Fox Theatre Visalia Marriott Visalia Medical Clinic Watson's Wildflower Café, Exeter Williams, Brodersen & Pritchett, Attorneys at Law Windows Plus, Inc. Wyndham Hotel

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,600 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around Visalia, Tulare, and Exeter.

Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,600 © 2018 DMI Agency

6 LIFEST YLE | APRIL 2018

FR O M TH E

EDITOR

Well, that was fast. The first quarter of 2018 came and went in the blink of an eye.

The cruelest reminder of just how quickly the seasons change comes as I rotate my wardrobe from closet to closet. It never seems to end. Winter clothes to the spare closet (ahem, closets) and spring clothes come out from hiding. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Twenty-first century problem I suppose.

It is doubtful that our early settlers had to worry about such things. Take the Shiffert family, who relocated from Seattle, Wash., to Visalia in 1898. Looking for a more favorable place to start a business and raise a family, Mr. Shiffert opened a

Hammond is credited in large part with being responsible for shaping the community of Lindsay’s identity, making the 20-minute drive to the museum a worthwhile adventure.

It is also a clear indication of a change in seasons in Tulare County as our events being to spring up in our Happenings section starting on page 58. Chances are, no matter your style or pocketbook, there is plenty to see and do. For instance, in honor of National Park Week, Sequoia and Kings Canyon was offering a “Fee Free” day on April 21. What a great way to spend a casual day in our great outdoors and save a

Spring is a time to restore everything that has been lost in the darkness of winter, a time for unquenchable hope, for myself and for others.

E X E C U T I V E

E D I T O R

K A R E N

T E L L A L I A N

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT A STORY IDEA, CONTACT ME AT KAREN@DMIAGENCY.COM

cigar and tobacco shop next to the Palace Hotel. Soon after, the business expanded and moved to Main Street. Modern and “metropolitan” for the time, the business was destroyed by fire in September 1903.

For more details about that tragic event and the recovery, turn to “Cigar Shop Destroyed but Dream Survived” by Terry Ommen on page 12.

This month, we also welcome back frequent contributing writer Aaron Collins, also with a look back on Tulare County history with “Eschol M. Hammond; Lindsay Through a Lens 1915-1950” on page 16.This photography exhibition at the Lindsay Museum and Gallery was a fascinating record of one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent California chroniclers to ever come out of Tulare County.

few dollars doing it. With our parks so close, you could even make it back in time to attend this year’s Taste of Wine Country, presented by the Visalia County Center Rotary Club. The signature fundraising event, held at the Visalia Country Club, features top-notch food and wine tasting starting at 5:30 p.m.

Spring is always a great time to think and act with a new perspective. As we close out April’s issue, I must ask myself what is it that I have forgotten to hope for? Spring is a time to restore everything that has been lost in the darkness of winter, a time for unquenchable hope, for myself and for others. Perhaps like the Shifferts, who, after losing everything, let enough hope shine through to a new beginning.

Until next month,

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WO R D PLAY

T E X T

B Y

D I A N E

S L O C U M

News on writing, books + the world of publishing

W

hile “April showers bring May flowers” should be backed up a month in the San Joaquin (although it throws the rhythm off), the rains of March this year can get us thinking of places where downpours such as we have had might be considered a light shower.

Not a soaking that anyone would wish for, the deluge that Hurricane Katrina dropped on New Orleans is the basis for “The Floating World” (Algonquin Books, 2017) by C. Morgan Babst. In the chaotic aftermath of Katrina, the Boisdoré family members try to put their shattered lives together physically, emotionally and mentally in a broken, muddy, moldy world. Babst illuminates how the people of the city lost far more than it is easy for an outsider to comprehend.

Averting disaster is the goal in “Save the Planet: An Amazonian Tribal Leader Fights for His People, the Rainforest and the Earth” (Schaffner Press, July 2018) by Almir Sarayomaga Surui, Corine Sombrun and Julia Grawemeyer. Surui was the first of his tribe to graduate from college and the youngest to become chief when he was 17. He has traveled the world in his quest to save the rainforests, not only for his people but because the health of the Earth depends on their survival.

Also publishing in July (by Pegasus) is “Monsoon: How the Future of Catastrophic Rains Imperils Billions” by Sarah Casson. Casson postulates that the biggest threat of climate change is from catastrophic rains. Through her research, she points to flooding, food crises and mass migrations as risks that current policies will not ameliorate. Casson holds a master’s in environmental sciences from Yale University.

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VALLEY WRITER Marisol Baca’s debut collection of poetry was released on Feb. 15 by Three Mile Harbor Press. “Tremor” is described

by Juan Felipe Herrera (a former U.S. poet laureate from the San Joaquin) as a “serrated, soul-piercing Geiger counter.”

Her poems challenge what is real and deal with life and death, her MexicanAmerican heritage and her grandmother’s legacy.

She had a launch of the book in March at Toca Madera Winery and will have the East Coast launch on May 11 at The Poets House in New York City. Since the beginning of March, she has also been presenting her work at Fresno City College Women’s Reading, Full Circle Brewery in Fresno and the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.

She was also a part of “Hitched” in Los Angeles, “Respite by the River” in Fresno, the Writer’s Studio in Modesto and a panelist in a celebration of Andrès Montoya this month. She will be in the LitHop in Fresno on April 21 and the Mission Reading Series in Antioch on April 28.

Baca says she enjoys performing her poetry because she can experience her audience experiencing her poems. It also

causes her to be more critical of her work when she thinks of presenting it live.

Among the numerous publications that have featured her poems are Narrative Northeast, Riverlit and the Accentos Review.

Baca won the Andrès Montoya award while a student at Fresno State University.

She was an English teacher at College of the Sequoias in Visalia and currently teaches at Fresno City College.

SUBMISSIONS Harper Voyager is the science fiction and fantasy imprint for Harper Collins.

It is seeking new writers, but most of the time can only accept agented submissions. On occasion, Harper Voyager will send out a call for submissions so those hoping to be published may watch for those announcements at http://www. harpervoyagerbooks.com/ submissions.

To find an agent, the Harper editors suggest searching for “literary agent query.” They also recommend checking on websites “Writer Beware,” “Manuscript Wish List” and “Terrible Minds.”

Their other advice is to be patient, keep writing – begin a new project while waiting for results on the completed one, and be polite.

WRITING CONTEST Google Glimmer Train contests for details on the Short Story Award for New Writers. Deadline June 30.

THE LAST WORD “Trees bear fruits only to be eaten by others; the fields grow grains, but they are consumed by the world. Cows give milk, but she doesn’t drink it herself – that is left to others. Clouds send rain only to quench the parched earth. In such giving, there is little space for selfishness.

(Munshi Premchand 1880-1936) L

Cigar Shop Destroyed But Dream Survived T E X T

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isalia’s past is filled with examples of people who saw opportunities, seized them and tried to improve their lives. In 1898, for example, when news of the discovery of the rich goldfields in the Klondike reached Visalia, a number of hardy stampeders made their way to Alaska in the hopes of striking it rich.

In other cases, families left their homes elsewhere and came to Visalia in pursuit of their dreams. But with the good, these rainbow chasers oftentimes found hardship or peril.

One such example was the Shiffert family, who relocated here in search of a favorable business climate and a good place to raise a family. In the latter part of 1898, Jennie and Irvin Shiffert left their home in Seattle, Wash., and moved to Visalia. Their plan was for Irvin to make cigars, a skill he had learned as a young boy, and set up a tobacco shop. Jennie would use her talent to teach music.

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On Oct. 20, 1898, with $96 in borrowed startup money, Shiffert opened his tobacco business in the Palace Hotel annex on North Court Street. His cigar stand was small, but his products were good, so he prospered and, within a few months, he moved to larger quarters at 209 E. Main St. While Irvin, who also went by Irwin, was growing his wholesale and retail tobacco business, Jennie, an accomplished musician, gave lessons, performed piano recitals, and created mandolin and guitar clubs. Both were active in civic and social affairs.

By 1903, Irvin was ready to make another business move and affiliated with the fledgling People’s Telephone Co. He became the company agent and incorporated the telephone business office into his tobacco shop.

In August of that year, Shiffert decided to completely remodel his shop and give it a “metropolitan appearance.” He Top: Right after the fire, the surrounding buildings still showed the effects. Notice the Fire and Water Sale sign.

Above: The interior of Shiffert’s probably after it was rebuilt. Irvin Shiffert can be seen on the far right, circa 1903

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The site of Shiffert’s cigar store immediately after the fire.

Notice the Uhl’s Gray Horse Harness Shop on the right.

added modern fixtures and many rows of shelving. He created a new space for the telephone company office and even built a booth for patrons to use when making telephone calls. He also expanded his cigar-making and tobacco storage areas.

Business was good, and all of the upgrades were a clear indication that the Shifferts and Visalia, a town of about 3,200, were a good match.

But on Wednesday, Sept. 2, the Shifferts were in for a shock. Just before 4 a.m., one of Visalia’s “most disastrous fires” would break out and the tobacco store would become ground zero for the destruction.

The fire was discovered by Eugene Zumwalt, the night bartender at the Visalia House saloon located across the street. When he spotted the smoke, he fired several pistol shots into the air as a signal to the Fire Department. Initially, the gunfire attracted a few onlookers, but soon hundreds were at the scene.

When the volunteer firefighters arrived, the intense flames were leaping high into the air and the fire began spreading to neighboring buildings. The firefighters acted quickly, aiming half a dozen streams of water at the blaze. The heat was so intense that even brick walls crumbled

and fell to the ground. Remarkably, by 5 a.m., the fire was under control, but the scene was littered with smoldering building materials and damaged goods.

A quick assessment of the area revealed that Shiffert’s store was totally destroyed, including all the contents and the telephone operation. To the west of Shiffert’s, John D. Martin’s wholesale liquor store and saloon were also totally destroyed, along with all of the contents.

Farther west was Fred Uhl’s Gray Horse Harness Shop. Almost all of his contents were damaged, however, a few items were saved as they had been removed during the fire. Only the exterior walls of Uhl’s building remained and even they were “on the verge of collapse,” according to witnesses.

To the east of Shiffert’s was Kellenberg’s shoe store. Many shoes were burned, and the ones that survived the fire suffered severe water damage.

Grant’s Visalia Bakery was also damaged, as was Ward’s store. In several of the outlying businesses, the merchandise was saved, but walls and roofs needed to be replaced. The total amount of damage was in the thousands of dollars. Nearly half of the business block on the south side of Main between Church and Garden

streets was severely damaged or destroyed. Fortunately, no one was killed.

Despite the widespread devastation, Visalia was fortunate. Without the quick response and effective suppression efforts of the Fire Department, the entire block could have been lost. Fred Uhl was especially grateful and publicly thanked those who helped. His appreciation appeared in the Visalia Daily Delta newspaper, where he wrote, “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the firemen and to the people of Visalia in general who rendered such valuable assistance Wednesday morning when my store was in flames.”

The fire hit the affected Visalia merchants hard and each formulated a recovery plan. The “cigar man” wasted no time in getting back on his feet.

Within just a couple of weeks, he was back in business at a temporary tobacco shop that he had set up at Garden and Main streets.

After the debris at the fire scene was cleared, construction began on new buildings to replace the ones that were razed. Within two months of the fire, Shiffert was back at his old address in a new building and was inviting customers to visit his new store filled with a “fresh stock of choicest brands of cigars and tobacco.”

The tragedy could have marked the end to the Shiffert family experience in Visalia, but Irvin and Jennie were committed to stay. He continued to develop his tobacco business, and his wife continued to teach and play music.

For more than a century, various members of the family have sold a variety of products from different locations in town. None was willing to let the Shiffert dream die. L

Left: The Visalia Fire Department was located in this building at Church and Acequia streets when the fire broke out. Photo taken July 4, 1908.

Above: Shiffert business card, Circa 1910.

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VISUAL ARTS

ESCHOL HAMMOND LEAVES HIS MARK T E X T

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n the end, who tells the story of a place? Which story gets told? What gets left out? Does material intended primarily as documentary ever achieve the status of art?

These questions and more arise from a fascinating recent retrospective at the Lindsay Museum and Gallery entitled “Eschol M. Hammond; Lindsay Through a Lens 1915-1950.”

The show’s title angles merely for local relevance but, in doing so, occludes a larger story in play in the exhibition, albeit one that seeps through the cracks like light spill onto Tulare County’s broader historical record: The record of a nascent EuropeanAmerican culture burgeoning at a time when California’s post-Native American story had only recently begun.

One of the early 20th century’s pre-eminent California chroniclers, Hammond was certainly among the most prominent and prolific photographers ever based in Tulare County.

His signature is found on an incredibly vast and diverse number of historical images 16 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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in archives and publications throughout the state and beyond.

The bulk of Hammond's steady income was earned from studio portraits, but this show takes another turn. “(Portraiture) was a form of photography he would have frequently done in his early years learning the craft with A.R. Moore in Porterville,” said Sarah Troop, Lindsay Museum and Gallery curator. However, his photography in the field – landscapes, events, promotional photos, photojournalism pieces – were a departure from Hammond’s posed and staged portraiture and are among the most interesting

pieces in the retrospective. “I would argue that Hammond's style, although for commercial purposes and typically commissioned, feels more like sweet photography. In these, his subjects are never posed, but always moving or in the middle of an action. They seem unaware of Hammond's presence,” Troop said.

If such a rare documentarian as Hammond spends half a century or more devotedly creating the visual record of a society, where does it all go in the end?

Unfortunately, a great deal of the photographer’s work was discarded by rubes who hadn’t a clue as to its obvious historical value, let alone any cultural or artistic merits.

As a result of time’s passage and the forever unrequited yearning for those lost images (allegedly discarded by City of Lindsay employees, who tossed them in haste to make room in an attic where the archive had been stored), Hammond’s remaining body of work has only become more compelling with the passage of time, as the

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Lindsay retrospective shows.

On the occasion of the show, photography conservators have painstakingly restored a good number of images, digitizing them for a second chance at survival. “Working on the collection, it was fun to see Hammond's hand detailing of some of the negatives.

To add shadows or light, he would paint details directly onto the negatives or scratch the surface to add texture to things like trees or gentlemen's beards,” according to Troop.

“Since Hammond's photos depicted almost every aspect of life in Lindsay – from intimate family portraits, to commerce, to notable festivals, school buildings, farming and so on, he really shaped the community's identity and how they viewed themselves. Lindsay residents were exposed to Hammond's images of the town in their homes, at work, in the local newspaper, on postcards at the corner drugstore,”

Troop said. “This was certainly the case for the rest of the world's perception of Lindsay, too. What prospective residents or business owners knew of the town was almost exclusively through the lens of Hammond's camera, via promotional materials and through his photojournalism.”

As modern photography at the highest levels has broken so much ground since Hammond’s day, it is difficult to view certain of his images without the gauze of irony. His shot of a sea of olive barrels depicts the enterprising and prodigious output of the Lindsay Ripe Olive Co., whose story he almost exclusively told in the company’s heyday. But that shot also conjures up references to Andreas Gursky’s seemingly endless temptation and budding American consumerism, as does his shot of Lindsay Olives’ imagined but ultimately abandoned supermarket concept.

Hammond’s landscapes can’t help but call to mind Ansel Adams and other notable recorders and manipulators of Sierra Nevada grandeur. Small-town life as seen through Hammond’s lens looks a lot like that of the far more celebrated Walker Evans or Robert Frank, and not substantially less quirky or compelling.

But what the show leaves out is perhaps equally telling. Death portraits were a thing back in the days of early photography, made fashionable by Queen Victoria, a goth if ever there was one. In that era, infant and maternal mortality were as common as cameras were rare, making postmortem portraiture common. That scarcity meant that some young subjects were only recorded following death. But this now seemingly peculiar Victorian predilection was erased by shifting sensibilities around privacy and dignity as well as the technological advances and proliferation of mass-market camera

VISUAL ARTS

A sea of olive barrels is shown at the Lindsay Ripe Olive Co. 18 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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LIFEST YLE | APRIL 2018

snapshots that made widely available images of the living. Hammond’s lifetime output records this societal shift although the show does not. “I've only heard stories from lifelong residents here. I'm relieved that Lindsay High School class portraits were salvaged and now have a home at the museum but, of course, I lament all the other things that were lost,” Troop said.

Equally conspicuously absent: The numerous people of color who made Tulare County a diverse place and helped build it well before diversity became a cause célèbre. Tulare County’s considerable pre-WWII JapaneseAmerican community doesn’t make the show, nor do the Latino/a workers who eventually replaced wholesale the European-American agricultural workforce. The region’s native Yokuts are as invisible in the show as they became in the county’s replacement society (for that record, let us here pay homage to Frank Latta’s authoritative 1949 “Handbook of Yokuts Indians,” published when there were still living Natives with firsthand knowledge and oral histories to offer). But Hammond was a hired gun, shooting portraits and taking commissions where he could, thereby sustaining a business that endured for four decades.

So Hammond’s images in the show tell one story. But definitely not the whole story. And through carelessness, even that one story is at most indelibly fragmentary.

But even with those limitations evident in the exhibition, the show has managed to depict a life of fledgling traditions, remarkable industriousness and the social mores of a simpler time when photography was not so common, back when a photographer could make a good living before automatic digital cameras and the ubiquity of iPhones deflated the market for professional photography.

Hats off to the Lindsay Museum crew for saving for us at least a portion of Eschol Hammond’s evocative chapter in Tulare County’s story, a slice of life that tells the story of a way of life as it points to the cultural and technological revolution in which we now find ourselves. L

HOME TOUR

The cobalt blue cabinets are balanced by white cabinets above and quartzite countertops.

Also featured are floating wooden shelves to display ornamental dishware.

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THE CAVALE RESIDENCE OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW T E X T

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HOME TOUR

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tephanie and Mike Cavale aren’t your average retired couple. Yes, they love spending time with their grandchildren and, yes, their passports are beginning to get more frequent use, but the “getting old” aspect of retirement isn’t in the game plan. At least, not yet.

With a recent remodel under their belt, the Cavales' Beverly Glenn home is a visual representation of how entering the “golden years” doesn’t mean that you have to submit to dated stereotypes that make you want to keel over prematurely.

“Everyone has those family members where you go over to their house and nothing has changed in decades,” Stephanie said. “That’s one thing we asked ourselves: Are we going to get old and never change our furniture, and our kids are going to come over and say, ‘This is so depressing’?”

With no plastic couch covers or lace curtains in sight, their 1940s' bungalow looks as if Joanna Gaines herself 24 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Above, the fireplace was preserved during the remodeling of the Cavales' bungalow, which they purchased in June 2016. Below is a spot for plants and family photographs.

hand-selected each design. While Stephanie gives all the credit to Pinterest and a certain popular home and garden network (you know the one), it’s clear that she had a little more to do with it than she might admit.

“I just copy everyone else, I don’t have any ideas of my own,” Stephanie said with a laugh. “People always ask me, ‘What in the world got you into this; why are you doing this?’ And I say, it’s that stupid HGTV. It caused all of this!”

A large portion of the credit can also be attributed to the Cavales' extraordinary contractor. When Randy Northern — a local contractor with a four-year waiting list — first walked into their home prior to the renovation, he walked out thinking that the project would be too big to take on. But he came back to it, and the Cavales are so glad that he did.

From creating identical arches out of thin air in order to match the home’s existing architecture to constructing a “secret passageway” for the grandkids,

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HOME TOUR Above, the Cavales' kitchen was expanded into the outdoor patio, which was already situated under the home's roof. The hardwood floor was selected to blend with the rest of the house. At the right is the wooden dining table can seat eight people.

Randy’s thoughtful work has earned him the endearing nickname of “poet in overalls.”

“He’s a thinker; he’s not just a caveman with a tool belt,” Stephanie said. “This project was more of a challenge for Randy because he was used to doing more traditional homes, so he called me a deviant the whole time and said that everything I did was deviant.”

Although “deviant” may have negative connotations, the Cavales wear it as a badge of honor. Their most risky design choices were made in the kitchen, where guests will find a delightful blend of textures and materials to create a modern kitchen. The cobalt blue cabinets below are balanced by white cabinets, quartzite countertops and subway tile backsplash above. Floating wooden shelves also bring in an element of nature while creating a perfect place to display ornamental dishware.

When they first bought the home in June 2016, Mike and Stephanie debated whether to expand the kitchen into the backyard; all it took was a few weeks of living in the house before the renovation to convince them that they did, in fact, need the extra space.

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“Before we moved in, I remember thinking, ‘Why even expand the kitchen?

Why buy a small house and turn it into a big house?’ But once we were in here for a few weeks, I thought, ‘Was I crazy? I can’t live like this,’” Stephanie said.

So the Cavales worked with architect Dennis Whistler to expand the kitchen area into their outdoor patio, which was already situated under the roof of the home, making it a fairly simple add-on.

Another unexpected addition — which also resulted from living in the house during the remodel — was installing a second bathroom, which features a sleek, tankless toilet.

As is expected when any family downsizes, the most challenging adjustment for the Cavales was (and still is) learning how to live in a space half the size of their previous Green Acres home, where their three boys grew up. Now with just two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a closed floor plan, at times, they wondered how they would get by.

“The first time I had all my kids and grandbabies over, I had a little moment of panic thinking, ‘Oh, my goodness, we don’t all fit in here.’ But we do all right.

We’re trying to fit all the things we used

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux Endorses Warren Gubler for State Assembly “As Sheriff, my top priority is to protect the citizens of Tulare County and I’m proud to endorse Warren Gubler for 26th District Assembly. Warren is the only candidate who has worked hand-in-hand with first responders as Mayor of Visalia, and he has a long track record of supporting the needs of our law enforcement community at the city and county level. Warren will be an excellent Assemblyman who will represent our valley with strong values, honesty and integrity.

Join me in supporting my friend, Warren Gubler for Assembly, District 26.”

Mike Boudreaux, Tulare County Sheriff

To learn more about Warren Gubler, visit GublerForAssembly.com PAID FOR & AUTHORIZED BY GUBLER FOR ASSEMBLY 2018 FPPC #1399219

HOME TOUR

to have in our extra bedrooms in just one guest room now — the crib, a bed, my sewing table, etc.”

But the perks of downsizing far outweigh the sudden lack of space. With less home to take care of, the Cavales have embarked on new adventures and, as Stephanie put it, are “learning how to travel.” Next month, they plan to go to Paris to visit their son, and they even dream of someday subletting their house so that they can live in New York City for six months.

Since his retirement, Mike has taken a deeper dive into running his organization, Rainmaker Productions, with partner Ryan Stillwater. Through concerts and live entertainment, Rainmaker Productions brings worldrenowned artists to Visalia while raising funds for local nonprofits. From classics like Heart and Vince Gill to today’s hits like Morrisey and 3 Doors Down, he’s 28 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

helped bring a lot of exceptional talent to both the Visalia Fox Theatre and the Visalia Convention Center.

It might come as a surprise that Mike, a successful booking agent with decades of experience, was an insurance agent for more than 30 years until his retirement in August 2017. When Mike joined the insurance industry, he kept his booking agency going for another year before turning it into his hobby. Early on, when his boys were young, Mike made it his mission to bring Christian bands to the area in order to surround them with positive influences.

“The ministry aspect of bringing these concerts here was always really rewarding,” Mike said. “It was so cool to be sitting in the concert and know they’re making a difference in the lives of the audience.”

For Mike, continuing to promote concerts while helping nonprofits in Tulare County is

The Cavales start their day in the sunny master bedroom.

a dream retirement gig. “I don’t necessarily want my legacy to be as an insurance agent,” Mike said. And Stephanie agrees: “I always used to say, ‘How cool would it be to promote concerts full-time?’ He’s really happy that he gets to do the thing that he likes to do best.”

Another hobby that consumes quite a bit of the Cavales' time is hanging out with their two grandsons, Finn and Beck.

In fact, one aspect of the home that really drew them to it was the backyard, which has several raised garden beds and plenty of space to play.

“There’s truly nothing we would rather do more than spend time with them,” Stephanie said. “They are just so fun.”

The only downside to having young ones frequent their remodeled home is the delay of investing in new furniture.

While the Cavales have purchased a few

new pieces — like a white marble kitchen table and wooden chairs for their dining room table — a new couch for the family room will have to wait until the boys are a little older.

In the meantime, their home is outfitted with plenty of other design features to enjoy, such as the modern freestanding tub in the main bathroom, which is framed by encaustic cement floor tiles and white subway bathroom tiles. Not to mention, the floors are heated.

“The encaustic cement tile trend will probably fade someday, but we’re not pulling it up because it’s heated and everything,” Stephanie said. “That’s another old people luxury we decided we wanted and, oh, is it wonderful! It heats up the whole bathroom.”

Even though the Cavales gave their 1940s' home a modern facelift, they made sure to maintain its original charm by preserving the fireplace and built-in cabinets, adding arches to match the existing architecture, and carefully selecting a hardwood kitchen floor that blended with the rest of the home.

They also took the time to research the home’s history and learned that Nora Wheeler first bought it for $5,000 in 1941. Since then, the house had not been touched other than some minor updates and new paint. The Cavales were excited to give it new life and finally call the Beverly Glenn neighborhood their home.

“We wanted to live here when we were first married and when we moved to Visalia, but we couldn’t afford the neighborhood at that time,” Stephanie said. “So, all these years, we would just drive through here all the time.”

To preserve a piece of the home’s history, as well as their own, the Cavales put a time capsule in the bathroom wall during the renovation, complete with the history of the original owners, copies of the original plans, some personal belongings and even an old cell phone.

They hope that one day, years from now, the next person who remodels the house will be fascinated to find snippets of the home’s unique history.

Since finishing up the remodel in June 2017, the Cavales have enjoyed their nest for its simplicity, modern amenities and historic charm. While they’re not slowing down any time soon, they look forward to aging gracefully in a minimalist space that promotes a more intentional life. L

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HOME TOUR

One of the property's features that impressed the Cavales was the backyard, which features raised garden beds and plenty of space for their grandsons to play in. They still have plenty of room even with expansion of the kitchen.

LIFEST YLE | APRIL 2018

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HASTINGS COUNTY T E X T

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y 82-year-old father is a Michigander through and through. At this stage of his game, it is doubtful that he will change into something other than the practical, no-no-nonsense-man-of-little-sentiment kind of guy that he is. Therefore, it didn’t surprise me that when I asked him if he had ever been to where his grandfather and several generations before had been born in Hastings County, Ontario, Canada, a decisive “why would I want to do that?” was his answer. In my mind, this was an unsatisfactory response, hence, the idea for a father-daughter trip was born.

Going to Canada is no longer the easy process that it was when I was a kid. Back then, you could just cross into our closest neighbor with a wave and a smile. Today, travelers need a passport that will be checked upon entry and return.

The drive to Hastings County from the city of Port Huron, Mich., via the Blue Water Bridge takes about six hours. If you are lucky, here and there you will find the Canadian equivalent to McDonalds, aka Tim Horton’s. Canadians know that you will find cheap food and powerful coffee perking at Timmy’s, so you can count on it being fairly busy. But mostly what you will observe on this drive is corn, wheat or maybe even oats swaying in the breeze

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while cows of every species imaginable meander from one fence post to another.

About four hours into the trip, you will arrive in Toronto, where you veer northeast toward Belleville, our home base while exploring the area.

Belleville sits at the mouth of the Moira River on the beautiful and pristine Bay of Quinte. Originally home to the native Mississaugas, the area was first settled in 1784 by Loyalists who were granted land by the King of England, often for their service to the crown during the Revolutionary War. Starting in the center of old town, my father and I strolled at our leisure, passing huge stone churches and often just sitting for a spell along the water’s edge watching the boats drift by. If you are lucky, you will be in the area at just the right time to take a Jane’s Walking Tour or the infamous Ghost Walk that occurs right before Halloween. These guided tours take visitors and locals alike down the beautiful city streets, passing along historical information and spooky stories about this beloved city.

Another attraction that we enjoyed was the Farmer’s Market. Operating for almost two centuries, this is where you need to come to experience fresh farm-to-table food like maple syrup, produce, baked

"Going to Canada is no longer the easy process that it was when I was a kid. Back then, you could just cross into our closest neighbor with a wave and a smile."

-Cheryl L. Dieter

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goods, and various arts and crafts for sale three days a week year-round. Another much-loved and appreciated tradition is the Empire Theatre. Unfortunately, when Dad and I visited Belleville, tickets were sold out for a concert at the Empire Theatre, but I was told that this is where tourists and locals alike congregate to enjoy live music, plays and musicals from well-known and lesser-known crowd pleasers.

The Glanmore Mansion, also located in the city proper, is worth a stop. It offers ornate ironwork and Second Empire architecture, and the grand interiors will take you back to a time gone by. The staff is knowledgeable and excited to share all the little tidbits that make such a visit worthwhile. But wherever you end up downtown, undoubtedly you will be able to view City Hall with its 144-foot clock tower constructed in the High Victorian Gothic Revival style. Step on in as we did and go up to the third floor, where you will find an ornate stainedglass window designed by Stephen Taylor.

For those seeking indoor sporting opportunities, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Center offers drop-in workouts ($3), ice skating ($3), hockey and swimming. This venue is immense and the people helpful and friendly. Dad declined to lace up the skates, but I took up the challenge … let’s just say the NHL won’t be calling me anytime soon, but I had a blast as my gluteus maximus found its calling “skating” alongside the wall of the rink. Check the internet for times that each sporting activity is available.

Near Belleville, you can explore the Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves. Although the site is fairly small, the guides made the visit interesting, although the experience felt slightly rushed. There are also numerous golf courses in the area for those who can’t leave their clubs behind. If you are looking for a PGAquality course, I was told that the Black Bear Ridge Golf Course is where you want to play.

But enough of the indoor stuff, for this is a part of the world where the outdoors becomes your own private playground.

The Glanmore Mansion, located in Belleville, was completed in 1883 for John Philpot Curran Phillips. The impressive yellow brick house, designed by local architect Thomas Hanley, reflects the style of the Second Empire. The mansard roof features ornate ironwork.

Photo by Bill Badzo

Belleville has vision with more than 10 miles of multiple-use walking/biking/ boarding trails, which Dad and I enjoyed.

We spotted mallards, giant blue herons and numerous kayakers (kayaks are for rent!) while crossing through some beautiful wetlands (bring bug spray) and walking alongside the Bay of Quinte.

The next morning of our three-day stay, we hightailed it to the library and visited the small but extensive genealogy center, where we did some ancestral research and then headed off to the village of Stirling, where my second great-grandmother was born.

Here, we found a tiny town with vibrantly painted shops and quaint flower boxes lining the street. But the crowning glory

is the Rotary Covered Bridge that spans Rawdon Creek. Looking like a miniature copy of the famous bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland, it is a wonderful place to sit down and relax as sounds of the rushing water lull you into a sleepy trance.

Finally, we dropped into the local church with hopes of finding some important records and, while members of the community were extremely helpful, further information was just not to be found. We returned to Belleville via curvy backcountry roads, just enjoying the lush greenery of this part of Canada, stopping at local produce stands along the way.

After a somewhat forgettable dinner at a local diner, Dad and I walked down

to Reid’s Dairy, which is known throughout these parts as the place to see and be seen. We stood in line for 20 minutes watching all the patrons leave the ice cream shop with a big satisfied smiles on their faces. And I know why ‌ at least 20 different flavors of generoussized silky creamy scoops all freshly hand made. Even the cows were smiling with local pride.

The next morning, some new-found friends decided to try their hands at fishing the Bay of Quinte. There are several guides in the area, but Captain Joe P. of PB&J Charters was their pick.

The area is home to salmon, trout, walleye, bass and other large fish often weighing in at more than 20 pounds.

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“The Boys” chose a half-day package and reported that the captain knew exactly where a fisherman’s dreams could be found. When I talked with them later that night, they had an ice chest full of fish and were happy as clams.

If you are a history buff, then you will definitely want to schedule a visit to the O’Hara Mill & Homestead Conservation Area in Madoc. With pioneer buildings such as a blacksmith shop and carriage house, pioneer craftsmen, lush gardens and a great old covered bridge, it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Tour guides are available during posted hours to help you explore the buildings and provide a detailed history of its use and how everything within it was utilized. Also in the area is Potter Settlement Vineyards. Utilizing its home-grown organic grapes, the winery has created a palate-pleasing Late Harvest Frontenac Gris and, for those who love the reds, the winery’s Cabernet Franc should be a contender for some major awards.

A trip to the area would not be complete without a jaunt to Hastings

City, where gazebos line the waterways and cute, inexpensive little Airbnbs can be found. Nearby Trenton is the site of the National Air Force Museum of Canada. With tons of interactive exhibits, memorabilia and retired planes, this was an attraction I literally had to drag my father from. I suspect that if he had had his way, he would still be there reliving childhood memories.

While Hastings County may not have world-class art museums like New York City or a sense of high culture like Paris, there is something about vacationing at a place where the simplicity is decidedly more complex than you first notice. Here in the HC, you will find a heartiness of both the land and her people, which results in a feeling of comfort like that provided by a pair of broken-in jeans. It is a place where you are invited to try your hand at hockey, curling and fishing with a big pat on the back and a friendly smile. In short, it’s a destination to visit that makes you want to sit back a spell, put your feet up and keep your eyes peeled for an elusive moose, all the while contemplating never returning home.

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A three-story house, above, in Hastings County, Ontario, Canada, harks back to the Victorian era. Below, the Empire Theatre is home to the Centre for the Performing Arts (Empire Theatre photo by Bill Badzo).

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FUELING FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

559-651-1760 | 8601 W. ROOSEVELT AVE., VISALIA CA 93291

How Much Annual Income Can Your Retirement Portfolio Provide?

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our retirement lifestyle will depend not only on your assets and investment choices, but also on how quickly you draw down your retirement portfolio. The annual percentage that you take out of your portfolio, whether from returns or the principal itself, is known as your withdrawal rate. Figuring out an appropriate initial withdrawal rate is a key issue in retirement planning and presents many challenges.

Why is your withdrawal rate important?

Take out too much too soon and you might run out of money in your later years. Take out too little and you might not enjoy your retirement years as much as you could. Your withdrawal rate is especially important in the early years of your retirement; how your portfolio is structured then and how much you take out can have a significant impact on how long your savings will last.

Gains in life expectancy have been dramatic. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, people today can expect to live more than 30 years longer than people did a century ago.

Individuals who reached age 65 in 1950 could anticipate living an average of 14 years more, to age 79; now, a 65-year-old might expect to live for roughly an additional 19 years. Assuming rising inflation, your projected annual income in retirement will need to factor in those cost-of-living increases. That means that you'll need to think carefully about how to structure your portfolio to provide an appropriate withdrawal rate, especially in the early years of retirement.

CURRENT LIFE EXPECTANCY ESTIMATES

At birth At age 65

Men Women 76.1 81.1 83.0 85.6

Source: NCHS Data Brief, Number 293, December 2017

Conventional wisdom So what withdrawal rate should you expect from your retirement savings?

The answer: It all depends. The seminal study on withdrawal rates for taxdeferred retirement accounts (William P. Bengen, "Determining Withdrawal Rates Using Historical Data," Journal of Financial Planning, October 1994) looked

at the annual performance of hypothetical portfolios that are continually rebalanced to achieve a 50-50 mix of large-cap (S&P 500 Index) common stocks and intermediate-term Treasury notes. The study took into account the potential impact of major financial events such as the early Depression years, the stock decline of 1937-41 and the 1973-74 recession. It found that a withdrawal rate of slightly more than 4 percent would have provided inflation-adjusted income for at least 30 years.

Other later studies have shown that broader portfolio diversification, rebalancing strategies, variable inflation rate assumptions and being willing to accept greater uncertainty about your annual income and how long your retirement nest egg will be able to provide an income also can have a significant impact on initial withdrawal rates. For example, if you're unwilling to accept a 25 percent chance that your chosen strategy will be successful, your sustainable initial withdrawal rate may need to be lower than you'd prefer to increase your odds of getting the results you desire. Conversely, a higher withdrawal rate might mean greater uncertainty about whether you risk running out of money. However, don't forget that studies of withdrawal rates are based on historical data about the performance of various types of investments in the past. Given market performance in recent years, many experts are suggesting being more conservative in estimating future returns.

Note: Past results don't guarantee future performance. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful Inflation is a major consideration To better understand why suggested initial withdrawal rates aren't higher, it's essential to think about how inflation can affect your retirement income. Here's a hypothetical illustration; to keep it simple, it does not account for the impact of any taxes. If a $1 million portfolio is invested in an account that yields 5 percent, it provides $50,000 of annual income. But if annual inflation pushes prices up by 3

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percent, more income — $51,500 — would be needed next year to preserve purchasing power. Since the account provides only $50,000 income, an additional $1,500 must be withdrawn from the principal to meet expenses. That principal reduction, in turn, reduces the portfolio's ability to produce income the following year. In a straight linear model, principal reductions accelerate, ultimately resulting in a zero portfolio balance after 25 to 27 years, depending on the timing of the withdrawals.

Volatility and portfolio longevity When setting an initial withdrawal rate, it's important to take a portfolio's ups and downs into account — and the need for a relatively predictable income stream in retirement isn't the only reason.

According to several studies done in the late 1990s and updated in 2011 by Philip L. Cooley, Carl M. Hubbard and Daniel T. Walz, the more dramatic a portfolio's fluctuations, the greater the odds that the portfolio might not last as long as needed.

If it becomes necessary during market downturns to sell some securities in order to continue to meet a fixed withdrawal rate, selling at an inopportune time could affect a portfolio's ability to generate future income.

Making your portfolio either more aggressive or more conservative will affect its lifespan. A more aggressive portfolio may produce higher returns but might also be subject to a higher degree of loss. A more conservative portfolio might produce steadier returns at a lower rate, but could lose purchasing power to inflation.

Calculating an appropriate withdrawal rate Your withdrawal rate needs to take into account many factors, including (but not limited to) your asset allocation, projected inflation rate, expected rate of return, annual income targets, investment horizon and comfort with uncertainty. The higher your withdrawal rate, the more you'll have to consider whether it is sustainable over the long term. Ultimately, however, there is no standard rule of thumb; every individual has unique retirement goals, means and circumstances that come into play. L

Prepared by Broadridge Investor communication solutions Inc. Copyright 2018 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. Penney Sick, Registered Principal, 303 E. Caldwell Ave. Visalia CA 93277 36 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

100,000 Reasons to Vote for Craig Wheaton Because all kids are not the same!

Dr. Wheaton’s 39 years of experience includes positions as high school counselor, community college instructor, high school coach, teacher, student adviser, assistant principal, elementary school principal, district curriculum director, and superintendent. He has been with Tulare County Office of Education since February 2016 serving as Deputy Superintendent.

Just a few of our community leaders and educators who endorse Craig Wheaton for Superintendent of Schools: Barry Sommer, Education Psychologist, Director of Advancement LUSD

Ralph Porras, 2016 President, Association of California School Administrators

Don & Shelly Groppetti

Dave Humerickhouse, Charter Board Member

Eric Shannon Pete Sherwood

Todd Oto, Superintendent VUSD

Don & Linda Sharp

Bob Aquilar, Principal

Donna Martin, Past Board Member VUSD

“I believe in and insist on accountability. I support strict school safety measures and high standards of financial integrity to make sure our tax dollars are spent in the classroom.”

— Craig Wheaton

Marie Pinto, Administrator Cindy Jacobsen

Go to www.WheatonForSuperintendent.com • Craig@WheatonForSuperintendent.com PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY WHEATON FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 2018. FPPC NUMBER: 1401451

CHARITY EVENT

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BIRDHOUSE AUCTION GOES TO THE DOGS T E X T

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lthough the spring equinox is in March, April seems to bring the “true” beginning of the season – warmer weather, fruits and flowers and, in Visalia on Friday, April 6, the “Annual Birdhouse (and Toto, Too) Auction” supporting Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties. More than 300 guests packed the room for the funfilled evening at the Wyndham Hotel, along with committee members dressed as “Wizard of Oz” characters. Event volunteers, and restaurant and winery staff added even more enthusiasm and energy to support this worthy cause.

Since its founding in 1994 (as volunteer-run Habitat for Humanity, Visalia), Habitat for Humanity has worked with low-income families in Tulare and Kings counties to “… build or improve a place they can call home.”

Over the years, with unselfish and dedicated backing from the community, Habitat has helped more than 400 local families build their assets, reduce their reliance on social support and improve their living conditions. Proceeds from the Birdhouse Auction are allocated to the home ownership program.

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Now in its 13th year, the Birdhouse Auction benefits from the creativity and generosity of community members who build “dream homes” for backyard birds, and that of the guests who bid on and purchase them during the evening’s live auction. When planning this year’s event, the organizers talked about the number of dog lovers in the area and decided that it made perfect sense to add doghouses (and a “Wizard of Oz” theme) to the auction. Their decision did not disappoint; from reclaimed materials to new woods, every one of the 15 dog and birdhouses were bursting with charm and personality.

Steve Crotty, who has made stands for Paul Green’s birdhouses in the past, made his own bird feeder this year, using parts of vintage street lights; Green also donated his own beautifully carved creation. David Griswold, who has contributed birdhouses for all 13 auctions, built one with a dog weathervane on top this year. Benny Hernandez’ birdhouse, complete with directional signs, was made from old barn wood, and he also constructed a doghouse using new redwood. Students

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from Dinuba High School and Harmony Magnet Academy in Porterville brought in doghouses that they built, and Cacciatore Fine Wines, one of the event’s beverage donors, got into the spirit with a doghouse made out of a wine barrel!

Two exceptional displays of creativity must be mentioned. “Uncle Bill” Warner built an adorable doghouse he named “Au Gai Soleil” (“At the Happy Sun”).

Topped by a removable roof with storage, the house also boasts a front porch overhang with a solar panel that powers the porch’s ceiling fan. Lest the birds feel neglected, he built a birdhouse to go with it.

Using home-building materials, David Ochoa made an extraordinary Tin Man Birdhouse that perfectly captured the theme of the event. This was especially fitting as David and his wife, Anna (who works in Habitat’s ReStore shop), are Habitat for Humanity homeowners. A definite success story, last year, they opened their tree service business, Creative Tree Service, and are proud to give back to the organization that helped them.

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and resubmit it to the production manager for edits to be completed and to receive a corrected proof. This proof displays artwork at actual size. not need to be resubmitted to Production. Rather, the sales representative should add the order to the publication run sheet, and file away the signed as a reference sheet for the ad rep’s future visits to the customer.

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559-651-6689 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8 39

Guests enjoyed socializing as they perused the more than 80 silent auction packages displayed to bid on.

Members of the Main Gallery Artist Group donated artwork, one of Habitat’s key volunteers made a beautiful quilt, Brown’s Heating & Air Conditioning donated a practical one year of free maintenance, GJ Gardiner contributed two 4-hour handyman sessions, and local businesses donated the always anticipated gift cards, tickets to events and merchandise baskets.

A Photobot Booth provided by The Source LGBT + Center kept everyone amused with accessories to try on as they took photos to share on social media. It is hoped that publicizing the event in real time to those who weren’t able to attend will generate even more interest in Habitat for Humanity and

CHARITY EVENT

future supporting activities.

Delicious food and drinks were in abundance, thanks to the generosity of community restaurants, wineries and stores. Guests were served samplings of dinner and dessert dishes from repeat participants A&W Root Beer, Applebee’s, Black Bear Diner, Chapala Grill, Corner Bakery Café, Henry Salazar’s, Jack & Charlie’s, Javi’s Taco Shack, La Piazza Ristorante Italiano, Mache, Marriott Hotel, Rosa’s Italian Ristorante, Sadie Mae’s Catering, SueSa’s Creative Catering, Tahoe Joe’s, the Southern Pacific Depot, Vintage Press and Wyndham Hotel. Joining the festivities for the first time in 2018 were Quality Meats and Ryan’s Place. Beverages were generously provided by event regulars ASV Wines, Cacciatore Fine Wines, Eric Shannon-CRS Farming LLC, Grocery Outlet and Shannon Ranch.

To highlight the generosity of all the dinner donors, Habitat presented each with a plaque recognizing their

commitment. “We’re just so appreciative that they take the time and energy to come out and donate the food (and drinks),” said Deanna Saldana, development director.

The large crowd, fun theme, and assortment of innovative bird and doghouses inspired an energetic live auction captained by master auctioneer Flint Epps, as bidders raised their paddles for their favorites. Winning bids from this portion of the evening helped bring the estimated total event proceeds to more than $57,000, critical funds that will enable the agency continue to fulfill its mission.

The event grows more popular with each year, and everyone is already looking forward to 2019. Whether more houses for different animals will be added to the auction remains to be seen, but the immeasurable impact that Habitat for Humanity Tulare/Kings Counties has on our community is visible every day. L

Many of the birdhouses created for Habitat for Humanity's annual auction took on a “Wizard of Oz” theme. For the first time, the offerings were expanded to include doghouses. In all, 15 bird and doghouses were offered at the fundraiser.

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L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8 41

EPICURE

SPRINGTIM

CALABRIAN SCRAMBLED EGG FLATBREAD WITH ~ OVEN-ROASTED TOMATOES AND JALAPENO PESTO SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 4 flatbreads – any kind of flatbread or pizza crust will work, even Naan, an Indian flatbread found in most markets now, is tasty.

1 pint of mixed colored cherry or grape tomatoes – readily available in the market 1-2 cloves of chopped garlic 2-3 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt ROAST THE TOMATOES: • Heat the oven to 350F. • Cut the tomatoes in half and toss in a bowl with the garlic and olive oil and a couple of pinches of kosher salt, to coat.

• Transfer to a baking sheet and roast for about 8 minutes to soften.

• Set aside for assembly. ~ JALAPENO PESTO (RECIPE FROM CHEF BOBBY FLAY; DELICIOUS ON LOTS OF DISHES): 8 jalapeños Canola oil 1 1/4 cups tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves 1 garlic clove, chopped 3 tablespoons pine nuts 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese Splash of red wine vinegar PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 400F. • Toss the jalapeños in a few tablespoons of canola oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Roast in an even layer on a baking sheet until soft and the skin is blistered, about 15 minutes.

• Remove the stems and seeds; do not remove the blistered skin.

• Combine the jalapeños, cilantro, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor, and process until coarsely chopped.

• With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil through the feed tube and process until smooth.

• Add the cheese, season with salt and pepper, and pulse a few times just to combine.

• If the mixture is too thick, add a few more teaspoons of oil and pulse. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the vinegar.

• Can be made in advance; the pesto will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

• Bring to room temperature to serve.

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FLATBREADS: • Heat the oven to 400F. • Place the flatbreads on a baking sheet, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with some salt.

• Bake at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes or until golden brown. Keep warm for assembly.

Now that the pesto is made and the tomatoes are roasted, it is time to scramble the eggs: INGREDIENTS: 9 large eggs, cracked into a bowl 3-4 tablespoons butter 8 ounces pancetta, cubed 1 large shallot, thinly sliced 8 ounces diced cheese (provolone or any good melting cheese is best) Salt and pepper, to taste Fresh herbs such as chives, cilantro or Italian parsley, to garnish • Using a large, nonstick skillet that will hold 9 eggs (14-inch is what I use), cook the pancetta until lightly browned and remove to a paper towel.

• Add the shallots to the fat from the pancetta in the pan and sauté.

• Remove and reserve the shallots with the pancetta.

• Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, then melt the butter.

• When it begins to sizzle, over medium high heat, use a silicone spatula to pour the eggs into the pan and, as they begin to cook, use the spatula to fold over and keep the eggs from sticking to the pan.

• Add the cubed cheese.

• Keep folding the eggs over until almost cooked through and the cheese is melted.

• Fold in the pancetta, shallot and tomatoes.

• Top each warmed flatbread with the scrambled egg mixture.

• Garnish with the jalapeño pesto and fresh herbs.

• Serve the flatbreads whole or sliced.

ME BRUNCH Eggstraordinaire

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^ ' ` BLUEBERRY YOGURT CREME BRULEE SERVES 4

EPICURE

INGREDIENTS 16 ounces 2 percent or nonfat Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice Lemon zest • Mix together the yogurt and vanilla extract, and set aside.

• Macerate the berries by placing them in a saucepan with the sugar and lemon zest, simmer for about 8 minutes, then remove from the heat and cool.

• Using a heat-resistant vessel (such as a ramekin), layer the blueberries on the bottom, dividing equally between the four dishes, followed by the granola. (I found a blend of granola, bits of chocolate and coconut tasty.)

• Finish with a layer of yogurt on top, 4 ounces in each.

• Smooth out the yogurt on top and sprinkle with superfine or turbinador sugar. Caramelize the sugar on top of each parfait using the kitchen torch in a back-and-forth motion.

• Garnish with fresh berries and lime zest.

Note about granola: There is a great formula online to make your own granola blends if you wish to experiment with flavors. Just Google healthy homemade granola/build your own

44 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

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ALMOND CROISSANT FRENCH TOAST SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS 2 almond croissants (serves 4 for brunch with other items; cut in half or leave hinged if having a whole one) 4 eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 3/4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon almond extract • Whisk the eggs, sugar, cream, milk and almond extract in a medium bowl until well-combined and set aside.

• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a sauté pan.

• Dip a croissant half in the egg mixture and soak for about 15 seconds per side.

• Place the croissant half, cut side down, in the pan and cook until golden brown; turn over and do the same on the other side.

Serve the croissant with toasted almonds and maple syrup. Add a little almond extract to the syrup if you like that flavor. Dust with powdered sugar.

EPICURE GIN AND BLOOD ORANGE COCKTAIL WITH THYME-INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP INGREDIENTS Thyme-infused Simple Syrup 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme In a saucepan, combine water and sugar; bring to a boil.

Add a sprig or two of fresh thyme and cook, stirring, until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Remove from heat and cool completely. The syrup will keep, refrigerated, for about a month.

COCKTAIL 1 1/2 ounces gin, such as Plymouth or Tanqueray Blood orange sparkling drink, such as Pelligrino Thyme-infused Simple Syrup 2 sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped, and 2 tablespoons sugar, mixed • In a nice-size rocks glass, add ice.

• Using an orange, rub a wedge around the rim of the glass, then dip in the thyme-sugar mixture.

• Add the gin, Simple Syrup to taste, depending on the degree of sweetness you prefer, and pour the blood orange Pelligrino over.

• Garnish with a piece of orange peel and a thyme sprig.

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LOCAL ADVENTURE

ORANGE YOU GLAD TO LIVE IN FARM COUNTRY? T E X T

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fter a few days of welcome rain, the public was treated to a cloudless sunny sky at the first “U-Pick Oranges” event at McKellar Family Farms in Ivanhoe. In the crisp yet mild late-March temperatures, about 130 guests enjoyed strolling through the orchard as they picked and filled their bags with large, juicy oranges.

The crowing and clucking of numerous chickens and roosters (and even the call of two peacocks) was cheerful music that accompanied the excited laughter and shouts of the many children as they ran between the rows of trees and stood next to the thick trunks, gazing up through the leafy green, fruit-laden branches.

Smiling staff members from the farm and five student volunteers from Visalia’s V-Tech Agricultural High School greeted arrivals, checked them in and instructed them on the proper selection and method for picking the oranges. “U-pick events are really popular on the East Coast at farms like ours, and we thought it would be fun to do it here,” farmer Bob McKellar said.

The 90-year-old farm where McKellar grew up has been in his family for three generations. He took over management of the farm from his home in Oregon in 1972 after his father passed away, and traveled back and forth to the Central Valley for 30 years before moving back to the farm in 2002.

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Farmer Bob has always had a progressive vision for the farm as an educational and agritourism experience for the public, offering behind-the-scenes activities for schools, after-school groups and private tours for several years. Many visitors have never set foot on a farm – or seen an orange tree – before. The student field trips and tours include a tractor ride, the chance to pick oranges, viewing the farm’s large variety of chickens, and watching a short video that shows the process of picking, packing and transporting oranges to market.

The farm was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2015, and McKellar’s goals now include expansion of these activities to include self-guided walking tours for smaller groups and the general public who visit the area from around the world (as well as local residents). Interactive farm animal, equipment and irrigation exhibits, and an orange-picking grove will give a glimpse into the daily operations of an orange farm and foster knowledge about and appreciation of farming and local foods. (The farm will host a Tree to Table fundraiser dinner the evening of Friday, June 1, at Historic Seven Sycamores Ranch, to raise money for the self-guided walking tour.)

Throughout the U-pick day, attendees had the opportunity to take the tractor ride normally given to school tours. The

LOCAL ADVENTURE

45-minute tour traveled a fixed route around the farm’s 182 acres, past orchards growing both trees that were recently planted and others that are 100 years old. Recorded messages at each stop told about how the trees are cared for and how the oranges are harvested.

Farmer Bob started the tour by identifying the types of oranges farmed at McKellar: Navel oranges were picked at the event; Valencia (juice) oranges and Shasta Gold and W. Murcott mandarins – better known as “Cuties” – are also grown in abundance there.

Several machines are used to warm air during cold weather, trim the trees, push the branches into rows and chop them into mulch that is tilled back into the ground to nourish the trees, which each yield an average of 240 pounds of oranges. The micro-irrigation sprinkler

system efficiently delivers water directly to every tree’s root system and can be adjusted for each tree depending on how much water is needed. Although maintenance of the trees is done primarily with machines, the oranges are harvested by hand, as they have always been, using clippers, which is exactly how the guest farmers harvested their oranges at the event. Orange trees are ready for their first harvest at 5 years old and generally are harvested until they are 70. When the trees are no longer productive, they are turned into mulch for the orchards.

Kelly Lapadula, McKellar Family Farms tour and marketing manager, spoke about the fun and importance of the U-pick event, saying that it will become an annual occurrence and that there may even be a second one later this spring.

“Our favorite aspect of these events is seeing the look on the kids' faces when they're out in the groves picking oranges; there is true joy there, and we are so thrilled that we get to share our farm with the community and with people from around the world,” she said. “Many of the visitors who come here have never been on a farm before, so it's a privilege to expose them to agriculture and show them where their food comes from.”

There’s no doubt that all who ventured out had a wonderful experience.

First-time harvesters’ heads were filled with new knowledge, their hearts with appreciation for the dedication of our farmers, and they are most certainly still enjoying the fruits of their labor in the 500 pounds of oranges that traveled home with them. It was indeed a most “appeeling” day! L

Top left: Bob McKellar, Kelly and Ryan Lapadula, V-Tech student volunteers Beau Avila, Roel Trevino and Logan Kingsbury greet and check in guests. Top right: V-Tech student volunteers Emma Fleetwood and Emi Flaming hand out gloves and clippers. Below: Naz, Jessica and 2-year-old Zade Hussain ride the tractor as it passes an orchard of young orange trees. Micah Corum, 5, shows one of his hand-picked oranges.

LIFEST YLE | APRIL 2018

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LITERARY ARTS

STEVEN CHURCH PROBES WHAT LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE TEXT

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“When essays are good, when they go beyond the mere dressing up of one’s life in the garments of literary fiction, they offer their readers an opportunity to engage directly with another human consciousness.”

(Bayard Godsave, The Collaspar)

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hose words were inspired by Steven Church’s essays exploring identity, family, fatherhood, fear and loss in his book “Ultrasonic.” While many essays center on his daughter and fatherhood, he also digs deeply into his grief over his brother’s death. He weaves in diverse thoughts such as trapped miners, racquetball, Elvis and violence, and ties it all together with his thematic metaphor of sound.

“I love all my books, but that may be my favorite book,” he said, “because it has these pieces in it that are kind of unlike a lot of my other stuff. They might be my favorite things that I’ve ever written.”

Which is saying a lot. Church has five

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published books and a sixth due out this spring. His essays have appeared in dozens of publications.

Growing up in Lawrence, Kan., Church liked to write stories, but after high school, he attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where he received his degree in philosophy and thought that he would pursue a PhD. Instead, with a degree in a subject that rarely leads directly to a job, he spent three years painting houses, working as a maintenance man, and guiding tours at Arizona’s Meteor Crater and a gold mine in Colorado.

While doing these jobs, he harkened back to his undergraduate days when he

had enjoyed creative writing classes and decided to pursue his master of fine arts (MFA) in fiction at Colorado State University. He imagined that he would be writing minimalist short stories in the tradition of Hemingway and Carver.

“I wasn’t that great at fiction,” he said.

“I was more interested in ideas. Which I think goes back to my background in philosophy.”

He published his first essay while in grad school.

“That one little publication really unlocked a bunch of doors for me,” he said.

While teaching at a small college in Rhode Island in 2005, his first book, “The Guinness Book of Me: A Memoir of

Record” was published by Simon & Schuster. Following publication, he was offered a job teaching creative nonfiction in the MFA program at Fresno State, arriving in 2006. This led to his current position as the coordinator of the residential program.

He also teaches classes for Sierra Nevada College, near Lake Tahoe, through the low-residency program, which means that the students do most of their lessons via electronic communication.

Church is the founding editor of Fresno State’s literary magazine, “The Normal School,” which is a national publication accepting submissions from across the country. It is part of the curriculum and students work in all aspects of publication.

About three dozen of the stories, poems and essays published in the magazine since 2010 have been named as some of the best in the country by the “Best American” anthologies. Several former students are employed at well-known publications such as “The Paris Review.”

And, of course, Church continues publishing his own essays in diverse publications. One of his most recent entries was in March Shredness, an annual literary tournament of hair metal songs. He wrote an essay in support of Dokken competing against essays supporting groups like Europe the Band.

“I used to be much more of a Luddite and much more only about print,” he said.

“And I’m still very much invested in print publications, but I’ve been pleasantly

surprised at what online magazines have been able to do. There’s some really great ones out there.”

“Electric Literature” is one of these he names. His essay, “Stuck in the Middle with You: On Reservoir Dogs and the Soundtrack to Savagery,” appears in the March 13, 2017, issue.

His essays have also appeared in Fourth Genre, The Rumpus, The Nervous Breakdown, Brevity and many others.

The most recent anthologies that include his work are “After Montaigne: Contemporary Essayists Cover the Essays,” “Making Essays” and “Oh, Baby.”

Church’s “The Guinness Book of Me” started with a chapter from his thesis about the “Guinness Book of World Records.”

“As a kid, I loved those books,” he said.

“I always liked interesting facts, the characters in there. I kind of obsessed over them.”

After getting his MFA, he started writing for fun about the oddities in the Guinness books and imagining lives being devoted to seeking strange records. This morphed into his own life in Kansas as a sickly child who suddenly grew to be quite big and his own feelings of freakishness. Yet at the heart of the book is the loss of his brother, who died in a car accident at age 18, and how this affected him and changed his family.

The book changed his life by opening the doors that allowed him to come to Fresno State, which then led to the success of his subsequent books.

“Theoretical Killings: Essays & Accidents” is his LITERARY second book. This is a ARTS collection of short essays and fiction questioning everything from serial killers to jumbo toys.

“The Day After the Day After: My Atomic Angst” stems from the fact that the 1983 movie, “The Day After,” took place and was filmed in his hometown of Lawrence.

He and his friends were extras in the film, so it is no wonder that it made an impression on him. The story revolves around an all-out nuclear war between the U.S. and Soviet Union, as seen by residents of Kansas and Missouri.

“I was terrified of war,” he said. “Quite obsessed with the idea of survival and mutation, and they brought the nuclear war to my hometown. It was pretty weird as a kid to go through that.”

On top of that, a tornado destroyed his father’s hometown in western Kansas.

Church’s book explores these apocalyptic fears and the influence of the Cold War on his generation.

“Ultrasonic” explores how sound can be used to search for deeper meaning beneath everyday life. The first essay, “Ascultation” (listening to the heart), was a 2011 Best American Essay. Even something as mundane as a “No Loitering” sign gets Church considering how we treat marginalized people.

“One With the Tiger: Sublime and Violent Encounters between Humans and Animals” uses these stories to delve into the need of humans to engage with wildness while in search of what it means to be human.

His latest book, due out in early May, is “I’m Just Getting to the Disturbing Part: On Work, Fear and Fatherhood.” In it, he shares stories and interesting experiences that he had at his jobs such as the tour guides. He writes about becoming a father to his son in the early 2000s and his fears small and large. And, once again, his brother’s death is a topic that always surfaces in his writing.

Church continues to embark on new ventures. “The Normal School” is progressing into book publication.

Students will select manuscripts, edit, market and promote the series.

“The Normal School” also has a Creative Nonfiction Workshop and Publishing Institute as part of the Summer Arts Program at Fresno State. Registration deadline is May 14. L L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8 51

DOWNTOWN SCENE

Back row; grand mashals Paul Hurley 2017, Mary Salierno, Tony Salierno 2000, Dr. David Heaney 2002, Connie Conway 2013, Judge Patrick O’Hara 1998 Front row; Nina Clancy 2018, Marjorie Brandon 2011, Del Johnson 2008

"EVERYBODY IS IRISH" T E X T

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verybody is Irish,” such a fitting theme for this year’s Visalia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The fact is that such celebrations, while focusing on one culture’s strengths of spirit, connects us all through the same cultural connections we each carry within ourselves.

Ultimately, it’s a day of spirit for all.

The Wednesday before St. Patrick’s, our downtown Fox Theatre showed Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” (1959) for Way Back Wednesday. Several people went to see the show, many for nostalgic reasons, and others for the first time.

Moviegoer Jorge Monzon took his son Ethan, a Redwood High junior, to the experience. Of the downtown event, Jorge said, “I’m thankful for the chance to share my childhood experiences with my son. It was a magical throwback that enriched the community with a glimpse into a simpler time.” When Ethan was asked about the event, he replied, “It was a wonderful movie that allowed me to get an insight on my father’s childhood.” The quotes display the value of the opportunity that the iconic Fox Theatre gives us.

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St Patrick’s fell on Saturday this year, just adding a little more magic to the day. There was a morning parade and a migration for many to the Rawhide Ballpark for the Irish Fest, celebrating another aspect of spirit. The day, which is put on by Visalia’s Breakfast Lions, began at The Depot restaurant, where Irish coffees were served with fruit and pastry. In attendance was a gathering of the former and current parade grand marshals, along with event organizers, and a select group of sponsors, friends and family. An Irish band played music from the Old Country, while three young lasses stepped and jigged in authentic Gaelic attire.

The parade started at 10 a.m. and was described by event planners as “the biggest yet,” when speaking of the procession’s ever-growing annual downtown event. It featured local junior high and high school bands, along with various clubs and waving politicians.

Smiling children sat on curbs in front of the adult-lined sidewalks. There were lots of smiles, lots of cheer, lots of people simply having a good time. Our community shone.

After the parade, many migrated toward the ballpark, the epicenter of the Irish Fest. Along the way, several stopped by event sponsor the Vintage Press for a charming lunchtime special of corned beef and cabbage, and continued coffees of the day. When asked about the day’s parade, restaurant owner David Vartanian said, “My father started the St. Patrick’s Day Parade over 25 years ago. He had a vision. He was always looking for reasons to bring the community together through activities.” He then added, “The Irish Fest came to be and enchanted the day even more.” The generosity from the Vartanians is just another example of community support in the way of benefiting charity and local experiences.

For those over 21, the rainbow ended at Rawhide Ballpark. The seventh annual Irish Fest contained enough craft beer sampling, music and food to make Oscar Wilde stutter. Daydream clouds crowded a blue sky that strobed the green grass of the park with sunshine, giving us a meadow effect.

There were more than 20 breweries represented. Some were local names such as Brewbakers and Kaweah, all the way to

the libation of the Irish Harp of Guinness, a stout from the Old World. Guests of the event were given a beer sampling glass, green beads and let loose for discovery.

This year, the event added wine by the glass, specialty cocktails and whiskey sampling for a side charge. Three sponsoring beverage companies were needed to bring in such a large variety to the event. Bueno Beverage, Donaghy Sales and Valley Wide brought the goods, and the faithful were not disappointed. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity both for the community to come out and have a good time together and to raise funds for several community charitable causes. When asked about their contribution to the event, Danny Bueno, family member and vice president of Bueno Beverage, said, “Each year, we strive to create new ways to continue to support our local nonprofits.

Our goal is to keep everything local to support the communities where we do business.”

The Irish Fest also expanded on the food opportunities this year. Just as the opportunity gave discoveries of craft beer, culinary excitement was also available. Mediterranean foods from local eatery Pita Kabob expanded the cultural palate, while pizza and more restaurant Planing Mill highlighted what we have in our own backyard, featuring food from the downtown eatery.

Sequoia Brewery wasn’t just beer today; it offered corned beef tacos for a fitting food fusion of cultural proportions.

Music was provided by local popular

Tipperary Stew, Patricia and Noel O'Donoghue, play traditional Irish music while dancers perform in front at the Vintage Press.

classic rock band Borrowed Time. The Visalia Fire Department sampled chili and Arts Visalia provided face painting.

These activities added to the festive environment. This year, with the expansion of the “Kids Corral” section of the ballpark, organizers were able to offer 1,500 tickets. And they did – selling every one of them. The capacity crowd took nothing from the event because with so many booths, the wait time in most circumstances was minimal.

In a wrap-up conversation, Terry Culotta, relationship banking officer at Valley Business Bank in Visalia, who served as chairman of the event, couldn’t be happier about the end result. “In speaking with a number of people in attendance, everyone had a blast,” he said. When asked about the future of the event, “we will continue to change things up and make it fun.”

The day boils down to one thing: the good that comes from the funds raised by the community gathering. If you go to the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club website and click on the charities link, you will see a list of charities, mostly local, supported in part by the club, groups such as CASA, which benefits local foster children; supporting the spirit of competition in Cal Ripkin, or the efforts of the Visalia Rescue Mission, which offers hope to the downtrodden within our community. Along with everything, the club presents every high school in town with a $1,000 student scholarship. In the end, when it comes down to earning the money to support community causes, it’s fun to wish for the luck of the Irish. But it’s better to rely on the efforts that take place by those within the community for those of the community.

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CRAIG WHEATON MARATHON DAYS ARE THE NORM T E X T

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ehind the suit and tie, the budget reports and the tidy corner office, Craig Wheaton is a kid at heart – a kid who really likes to play outside.

Wheaton is by day the deputy superintendent of administrative services for the Tulare County Office of Education. But any chance he gets, Wheaton is moving — flying down a ski slope, biking along a mountain trail, scrambling across granite boulders in Yosemite or running through the pre-dawn streets of Visalia.

No matter his schedule, Wheaton said he makes time each day for exercise, often at the expense of sleep. This trait earned him the moniker “Everyday Craig” from some of his colleagues.

As an educator for more than 40 years, Wheaton is no stranger to encouraging students and co-workers to set academic goals and make plans to achieve them.

Keeping in shape is no different, he says.

It is simply part of everyday life.

“I get to my office at 7:30 or 8 in the morning and tell my staff I’ve already had a full day,” he said. “I’ve had my morning run, showered, had coffee, talked to 20 people and now I’m at work.”

That dizzying pace has been a life-long trait for Wheaton, who credits his rural upbringing on a chicken farm in the Sierra Nevada foothills, family discipline, a love of learning from his teacher-mother and the Boy Scout program for molding him into the man he is today. He earned his Eagle rank at age 14.

“My father literally worked seven days a week,” he said. “But I was able to find that mentorship in Boy Scouts. It changed my life in that it set my interests in the outdoors.

“There is that saying, ‘Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout,’” Wheaton said. To this day, he continues to sit on local Eagle Scout Boards of Review.

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Finding work outdoors Upon graduating from high school, Wheaton enrolled at American River College and began working as a lifeguard and firefighter in the Lake Tahoe area. In his free time, he would lace up his running shoes and take off on a trail, blazing past backpackers. After a quick swim in the lake, he would turn around and head for home. He later enrolled at Sacramento State to earn his bachelor’s degree and then earned a master’s from San Francisco State. He ran the Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco and his first marathon in 1979.

He moved to the Valley to take a position in Corcoran as a high school counselor and continuation high school teacher. Later, as an assistant principal, he applied for the principal’s position but didn’t get the job.

“Failures change your life,” he said, and sometimes those failures open new doors. A year later, he was offered a principal’s job in Corcoran, but at an elementary school. Accustomed to working with teens, Wheaton was unsure if he would be a good fit for the position, but he grew to love the work and stayed for 11 years.

The day of this interview, he tapped into those skills by serving as a judge for the annual “Poetry and Prose” competition, which featured all kindergartners.

Rising career, fitness levels After 24 years in Corcoran, Wheaton moved to Visalia Unified, where he began overseeing and implementing the No Child Left Behind Act. He wrapped up his tenure as superintendent and then joined the Tulare County Office of Education in 2015.

All the while, Wheaton was running marathons, completing triathlons and even ran a Half-Ironman. A patchwork of runner’s bibs in a frame graces the wall of his office, evidence of his nationwide endeavors. Also on the wall is his doctoral degree, earned at Pepperdine University in 2001.

His fastest time was clocked at 2 hours, 54 minutes at the California International Marathon in Sacramento in 1983, and he is proud that he ran in the 20th and 25th anniversary marathons with times separated by just two seconds — 3:07.25 and 3:07.27,

LIVELY LIVING

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respectively. That translates to losing just half a minute off each mile over the course of 25 years.

In 2003, the Visalia Runners named Wheaton as runner-up in the Senior Male of the Year category.

Wheaton said adulthood proved to be the best motivator for gaining discipline, as well as a desire to stave off the inevitable aging process. While his days of running marathons are behind him, Wheaton prefers strenuous hikes with others in the Central Valley Hikers meet-up group who share his fitness and recreation goals. Together, this group scaled 15 peaks last year, including Mt. Whitney.

Wheaton enjoys sharing his fitness endeavors with the public. For a few years in the early 2000s, he wrote a regular column for the Visalia TimesDelta. Today, he talks about his weekend trail hikes with friends, family and

colleagues, who sometimes shake their heads when he explains a 15-mile, trail-breaking day that started well before sunup and ended after sundown.

Family insisted on a GPS tracking device for their own peace of mind, he said.

This additional time in rugged wilderness encouraged Wheaton to beef up his first aid knowledge from his Boy Scout and lifeguarding days. Last year, he finished an 11-week Outdoor Emergency Care class and admits now to carrying much more in his first aid kit.

Yet long days in the office or outdoors don’t slow Wheaton down. His advice to those seeking to add more to their lives, whether fitness- or career-oriented? The runner’s mantra: Set a goal and pace yourself.

“I know my endurance; I know my physical and mental limitations,” he said.

“You’ve just got to set a goal and adjust what you have to give to reach that goal.” L

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HAPPENINGS

Rusty Roots Show This is the sixth year of the Visalia Rusty Roots Show and there will be more than 130 vendors selling items such as antiques, repurposed and vintage crafts, shabby chic, art, junk new and old, food and more.

When: April 22, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Sears parking lot, 3501 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: www.facebook.com/RustyRoots-Show-304835636285338 AAUW Annual Book Sale The American Association of University Women is hosting its annual spring book sale of used books. To donate gently used books for the next sale, take them to the LifeStyle Center on Cypress Avenue.

When: April Through23 Where: Sequoia Mall, 3355 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: Sandy Parmelly, (559) 732-2450 Tulare Business Expo The Tulare Chamber of Commerce will host a business expo to give businesses the opportunity to connect with each other and the community. Altura Centers for Health and Family HealthCare Network are the presenting sponsors. The public is encouraged to attend.

When: April 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Heritage Complex, International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: www.tularechamber.org

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Irish Pub Night at Visalia Rawhide Rawhide Ballpark will be THE Irish pub in Visalia this year There will be select $1 beers from 6-8 p.m., pregame music from High Grade Pats and more.

Tickets are $35 pre-sale and $45 day of. $10 non-drinker tickets are available.

When: April 26, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Rawhide Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings St., Visalia Contact: www.rawhidebaseball.com Night at the Museum Drop-off event includes dinner, projects, a movie, access to museum and minuteto-win-it games. Cost: Member $20, guest $25 When: April 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: ImagineU Interactive Children’s Museum, 210 N. Tipton St., Visalia Contact: MaKenzie Huskey, mhuskey@imagineumuseum.org, (559) 733-5975 Ronnie Milsap at the Visalia Fox SBL Entertainment presents Ronnie Milsap with Leaving Austin. Milsap ranks as the pre-eminent country soul singer of his generation and represents a humble, overtly friendly fellow with a talent as vast and multi-dimensional as the American South.

Tickets: $46-$84.

When: April 26, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.foxvisalia.org, (559) 625-1369

Annual Golf Tournament Hands in the Community is sponsoring its fifth annual Golf Tournament. Teams of four play for $550, which includes lunch and dinner, and entry into the raffle.

When: April 27, 10:30 a.m.-6:40 p.m.

Where: Ridge Creek Golf Club, 3018 Ridge Creek Drive, Dinuba Contact: Lester Moon, (559) 625-3822, hncvisalia@gmail.com, www.hnconline.org.

Baskets and Gourds Containers of Our Culture VII This is the seventh Basket/Gourd Conference to be held in Visalia. The conference is sponsored by the Tulare/ Sequoia Gourd Patch and the California Gourd Society.

When: April 27, 6-8 p.m.; April 28, 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; April 29, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Arts Visalia, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia; Elks Lodge, 3100 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Toni Best, (559) 627-5430, tonibestbaskets@gmail.com

Randy Bachman Hands in the Community and the Joshua Ray Smallwood Foundation will present an evening with legendary rock musician Randy Bachman. Seats range from $35-$80 and can be purchased at www.foxvisalia.org or the Fox Theatre box office.

When: April 28, doors open 7 p.m., show 8 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: Visalia Fox Theatre, ww.foxvisalia.org, (559) 625-1369

St. Rita’s Cinco de Mayo Festival Join us for delicious food and drinks, live bands and entertainment for the whole family. A 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab and more items will be raffled. This is a free event.

When: April 28-29 Where: St. Rita’s back parking lot, 954 S. O St., Tulare Contact: (559) 686-3847

HAPPENINGS

‘Peter Pan’ at the Enchanted Playhouse Directed by Kelly Ventura and Amy Fortin. The Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan’s adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery. Then one night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the fun.

When: April 27-29, May 4-6, 11-12, 7-9 p.m.

Where: The Enchanted Playhouse, 307 E. Main St., Visalia Contact: www.enchantedplayhouse.org Visalia Craft Beer Festival Don’t miss the Visalia Craft Beer Festival hosted by Pouring for Good at Mooney Grove Park. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

Designated drivers pay $10 cash at door only. Tickets include tasters of beer, a logo taster glass and access to all the music. Food also available for purchase. Must be 21+ to attend.

When: April 28, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: visaliabeerfest.com

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28th annual Dia de los Ninos HAPPENINGS Join Visalia Parks and Recreation to celebrate a day for children.

This year’s celebration will include fun interactive games and activities.

There will be dance performances, live music and readings, prizes, fitness activities and more.

Admission is free.

When: April 29, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Summers Park, 247 W. Ferguson Ave., Visalia Contact: recreation@visalia.city, (559) 713-4365 Budget-Friendly Vegan Meal Prep Eating plant-based compassionate meals throughout the week is possible when you plan for it. Bring your own containers and jars.

When: April 29, 3-6 p.m.

Where: FoodLink Tulare County, 611 Second St., Exeter Contact: FoodLink Tulare County, (559) 651-3663

An Evening at the Derby A fun-filled evening of wooden horse races, prizes, live auction and silent auction. Delicious dinner and dessert included. Tickets: $50.

When: May 4, gates open at 5 p.m., races start at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Koetsier Ranch, 8230 Ave. 272, Visalia Contact: Assistance League Visalia, (559) 737-1907, assistanceleaguevisilia@alvisalia.org 60 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Cinco de Mayo Festival The Dinuba Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a carnival, food and craft booths, entertainment and more. Admission is free.

When: May 4, 4-10 p.m.; May 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Where: Rose Ann Vuich Park, 855 E. El Monte Way, Dinuba Contact: Dinuba Chamber of Commerce, (559) 591-2707 Visalia’s Kentucky Derby Party Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race, it's the event of the year!

View the Kentucky Derby on large screens while you enjoy hors d'oeuvres, a complimentary adult beverage, live auction, race "betting," cigar bar, casino tables, no-host bar, live music and tons of southern hospitality! Oh, and we wouldn't dare forget a Derby staple, the Mint Julep! Just like at Churchill Downs, fancy hats and bow ties are part of the tradition and spectacle at FoodLink's Kentucky Derby Party. Whether your hat or bow tie is race horse themed or high fashion, be sure to come prepared to show it off in our contest! Ticket value includes $30 food, beverage and entertainment, and a $30 donation to FoodLink for Tulare County Inc. On May 5, tickets increase to $75 at the door. Tickets: Kdp2018.eventbrite.com When: May 5, 1 - 4 p.m.

Where: Visalia Country Club Contact: Hayley Entabi, hayleyentabi@yahoo.com

Exeter Spring Book Sale & Basket Raffle Join Exeter Friends of the Library for their third annual Spring Book Sale.

Hundreds of books in a multitude of genres. Hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, DVDs and CDs will be available. Book prices range from 50 cents to $1. All items for the Friends’ fourth annual Basket Raffle include donations from Exeter businesses.

Tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or 15 for $10.

When: Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Exeter Branch Library, 230 E. Chestnut St., Exeter Contact: (559) 355-9652 CASA of Tulare County presents Once Upon a Dream Join us for a semi-formal fundraising event to support volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children of Tulare County. No-host bar, and silent and live auctions. $175 per person; $1,500 for reserved table of eight.

When: May 11, 5:45 p.m.-1 a.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: CASA of Tulare County, (559) 625-4007, JoAnn Bol, (559) 288-6911, joann@casatulareco.org

41st annual Armenian Mother’s Day Tea Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our moms. Come enjoy the food, music, friends and fellowship. Finger sandwiches, scones and tea will be served. Entertainment will be provided

by Linda Dunn on the harp and the Grace Lutheran Choir. Espi’s Kids will host a children’s fashion show. Tickets $15 per person and can be purchased at Grace Lutheran Church office, 1111 S. Conyer St., Visalia.

When: May 12, 1-3 p.m.

Where: Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 1111 S. Conyer St., Visalia Contact: Carole Sell, (559) 623-9588, delaine6255@sbcglobal.net

Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival The Arts Alliance of Three Rivers is continuing this great Three Rivers tradition, showcasing some of the best regional artists and crafters as well as artisans who travel from all over for the show. This year, there will be a variety of musical entertainment and make-andtake projects for kids of all ages. The Redbud Arts and Crafts Festival offers everyone an opportunity to enjoy the arts in Three Rivers’ unique and beautiful setting. Proceeds go to scholarships for local art students and to support artrelated events in Three Rivers.

When: May 12-13 Where: Three Rivers Memorial Building, 43490 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers Contact: redbudfestival@gmail.com, (559) 799-1473

Kids Cook Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet Kids always love to cook for Mom on Mother’s Day, so let’s give them the time and place to do it where mom doesn’t have to clean. This is a great chance for dads to cook with their little ones. All ingredients will be provided and Mom is welcome to join at 10:30 a.m., when the food is done.

When: May 13, 8:30-10 a.m.

Where: FoodLink Tulare County, 611 Second St., Exeter Contact: FoodLink Tulare County, (559) 651-3663 ‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1941) CHOICES presents “The Maltese Falcon.” In this 1941 noir classic, detective Sam Spade gets more than he bargained for when he takes a case brought to him by a beautiful but secretive woman. As soon as Miss Wonderly shows up, Sam’s partner is murdered and Sam is accosted by a man demanding that he locate a valuable statuette. Sam soon realizes he must find the one thing they all seem to want: the bejeweled Maltese falcon. Tickets: $5.

When: May 16, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St, Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, foxvisalia.org

Food Festival Join us for lunch and/or dinner to enjoy a taste of Armenia. You can choose to dine in, take out or drivethru. The menu includes a choice of lulu or chicken kebab, pilaf, salad, peda bread and bourma. The price is $15 and tickets can be purchased at the event. Also available will be a variety of pastries and grape-leaf sarma. Proceeds support the St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem.

When: May 17, lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner: 5-8 p.m.

Where: The Visalia Elks Lodge, 3100 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 733-8741 Walk for Wellness Anyone who likes to walk or run with a purpose will enjoy participating in the Walk for Wellness 5K. This event features educational booths outlining Kaweah Delta Mental Health’s hospital services and providing insight on both the journey to recovery and support services available to family members coping with mental illness.

When: May 19, 7:45-11 a.m.

Where: Kaweah Delta Dialysis Center grass area, 5040 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia Contact: Kaweah Delta Dialysis Center, (559) 624-3600.

HAPPENINGS

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HAPPENINGS Old Time Jubilee The Friends of Allensworth provide a family festival atmosphere with entertainment featuring gospel, jazz and drama, and there are activities for children. In addition to the free selfpaced tours of the historic buildings, you can talk to some of the original pioneers and their heirs, shop at the open-air arts and crafts market, and eat a variety of ethnic food.

When: May 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Allensworth Contact: Friends of Allensworth, (877) 245-6232, info@friendsofallensworth.org Concert in the Park Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and enjoy this free public event featuring a concert.

When: May 23, 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Zumwalt Park, 400 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare Contact: Tulare City Council, (559) 685-2300 62 L I F E S T Y L E | A P R I L 2 0 1 8

Imperial Dove Court de Fresno presents Coronation XLV Come out and dress in Super Marioinspired costumes, dresses and suits to celebrate the end of Emperor XLIV Agent O’s reign and the crowning of the newest monarchs to the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno. Tickets: $15-$500.

When: May 25-27 Where: Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore Contact: Imperial Dove Court de Fresno, (559) 473-9546 Jethro Tull 50th Anniversary Tour Formed in 1968, Jethro Tull has released 30 studio and live albums, selling more than 60 million copies worldwide. In its 50-year history, the band has performed more than 3,000 concerts in more than 50 countries. Tickets: $55-$100. Get tickets by searching Jethro Tull at www.ticketfly.com When: June 5, 7:30-p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369, foxvisalia.org

Power of the Purse The Power of the Purse is a signature fundraising event of United Way Women’s Leadership Councils nationwide. Individual tickets: $75.

The Power of the Purse will fund the Literacy Project of United Way of Tulare County.

When: June 8, 7-9 a.m.

Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: Power of the Purse-Tulare County, https://www.facebook.com/ PowerPurseTC/.

Mariachi Los Camperos at the Visalia Fox J Guzman Entertainment and Mariachi Sun Foundation present two-time Grammy Award winner Mariachi Los Camperos, which has performed for more than 55 years on stage and television. The ensemble has recorded more than 16 albums. Tickets: $25-$49.

When: June 9, 7-10 p.m.

Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia Contact: (559) 625-1369

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