January 2015

SPECIAL FEATURE

WEDDINGS

Victorian Garden, Gowns & More CHARITY

CHRISTMAS TREE AUCTION Lights Up the South Valley

CULINARY

SAVOR THE NEW YEAR

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PAGE

24 SPECIAL FEATURE A resource for local couples planning their big day.

CHARITY

PAGE

8

Letter from the Executive Editor

Christmas Tree Auction

10 Word Play

Lights Up the South Valley

12

Visalia and surrounding cities come together to celebrate one of the community's largest charity events of the year.

16 Literary Arts: Kay D. Rizzo – Inspires Through Writing and Speaking Her Faith

History: Admission Day Fire Destroys Kaweah Stable

26 Victorian Garden

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30 A Classy Wedding on a Budget 32 Blooms

CULINARY

34 Finding a Dress That Fits Your Body Type

Savor The New Year

36 Non-traditional Wedding Ideas for Any Bride

Cedar Planked Maple-Chipotle Salmon

38 Get Your Groomsmen Gifts They'll Love

Try your hand at this sweet and savory dish with a twist for the New Year.

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40 Be Prepared with a Wedding Day Emergency Kit 42 Hidden Gem: Butterfly Town U.S.A. 58 Happenings

RIDE ALONG

Riding ‘Shot Gun’ Lifestyle editor, Karen Tellalian, spends a day in the front seat with Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

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ON THE COVER: Victorian Garden is an ideal wedding venue for couples looking to get married outdoors.

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JANUARY 2015 PUBLISHED BY DMI Agency 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 ART & PRODUCTION Art Director ROSS YUKAWA Graphic Designer CHRIS BLY Graphic Designer KACI HANSEN EDITORIAL Executive Editor KAREN TELLALIAN Editorial Coordinator KATIE PRESSER Editorial Staff KELLY LAPADULA Marketing Manager KIM BATTY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DIANE SLOCUM JORDAN VENEMA RYAN LUCAS SHARON NAYLOR STEVE SUGGS TERRY L. OMMEN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MALKASIAN ACCOUNTANCY LLP GARY MALKASIAN CPA JEFFREY MALKASIAN EA Operations Manager MARIA GASTON ADVERTISING SALES LEAH PEREZ leah@dmiagency.com SALES OFFICE 801 W. Main St. Visalia, CA 93291 559.739.1747 • Fax 559.738.0909 E-mail: lifestyle@dmiagency.com VIEW THE MAG ONLINE! issuu.com/lifestylemagazine

Facebook.com/LifestyleMag www.VisaliaLifestyle.com

Visalia Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and is distributed via direct mail to nearly 13,000 homes in the upper-middle and high-income neighborhoods in Visalia and Exeter. An additional 2,000 copies are distributed at various distribution points around both communities. Views expressed in columns are those of the columnist and not necessarily those of DMI Agency or its advertisers.

Circulation of this issue: 15,000 © 2015 DMI Agency

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D

id you miss it? Well, it happened – twenty-fourteen came and went, and even though it passed by us at lightning speed, it was a great year for Lifestyle Magazine and publisher, DMI Agency.

The law of physics explains why time goes by faster with each passing year. While this makes sense, it surely must have something to do with how much busier our lives have become. We’re never totally disconnected from our electronics, and it seems there’s always someone or something to get back to ASAP. There are times when this new normal is wonderful – like when I want to get in touch with one of my children, check a travel reservation, or follow a breaking news story. But there are also times when I can’t help but think how nice it would be to completely unplug, slow down the pace of time, and spend just a few hours living in the moment. I rarely, if ever, do that.

When we do find the time to get away, we usually end up at a beach.

Over the years, we’ve often found ourselves somewhere around Carmel or Monterey. Taking a scenic drive up the coastline to the more popular destination of Pebble Beach, we would pass through the sleepy town of Pacific Grove, but we never took the time to stop. A few summers ago, however, our daughter competed in a triathlon there, so we booked a vacation rental a few blocks from Lovers Point. It was a fabulous weekend, but we didn’t really have the chance to get to know the town, since we spent most of our time following the athletes as they made their way through the triathlon. I was too exhausted from being a spectator to even think about doing anything else.

Then unexpectedly, our youngest child moved to Pacific Grove, just four blocks from the beach. Now, PG (as he refers to it) is one of my favorite escapes, and I often refer to our son as our “smartest child” for deciding to move there (all in good fun, of course).

This month’s Hidden Gem feature, “Butterfly Town U.S.A.”, on page 42, gives a glimpse of the town’s history, and other tips for how to spend a few glorious days in and around Pacific Grove. With the ocean on one side and the Redwood Forest on the other, it’s not unusual to spot a family of deer roaming the streets, which adds to the town’s charm.

It wouldn’t be a brand new year without announcing a new resolution, or at least renewing our resolve. The Lifestyle Magazine and DMI Agency staff vows to make every effort to bring you the best editorial and photography we can deliver, to be fearless in our pursuit of perfection, and sensitive to the needs of our advertisers. We sincerely hope each of you have looked 2015 in the eye and let it know who’s in charge of your goals and dreams, and then do your best to make those happen, because before you know it, another year will have passed. Strive to make 2015 your best year so far.

KAREN TELLALIAN, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For more information or to submit a story idea email Karen@dmiagency.com or www.VisaliaLifestyle.com www.facebook.com/LifestyleMag call (559) 739-1747 or fax (559) 738-0909.

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W WORD PLAY

NEWS ON WRITING, BOOKS, AND THE WORLD OF PUBLISHING Text by Diane Slocum

H

ollywood seems to have recently favored geniuses as the subject matter for films. Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, and Max Perkins are among them. Novels also provide us with stories of exceptional people, historical and fictional.

The Goddess of Small Victories by Yannick Grannec (Other Press, October 2014) tells a fictionalized story of the brilliant mathematician, Kurt Gödel, and his wife, Adele, from her viewpoint. The Gödels flee World War II Austria for Princeton, where their lives entwine with Einstein, Oppenheimer, and other men of science. The story also centers on Anna, a fictional character who develops a deep relationship with Adele as she tries to obtain Gödel’s papers.

In Graeme Simsion’s The Rosie Project, (Simon & Schuster, 2013) geneticist Don Tillman’s social skills are at the opposite level from his intelligence. He devises a survey based on practical logic to find him a wife. When Rosie Jarman shows up, he assumes she’s there to take the survey, but immediately realizes she doesn’t fit at all. However, she wants him to help her find her father genetically. Don learns a whole set of new skills from mixing drinks to loosening up his rigid schedule, often with hilarious results. The sequel, The Rosie Effect, came out in December and a screenplay is in the works.

Sarah Grimkè could have been the best lawyer in her family of jurists – except she was born a girl in the antebellum south.

Sue Monk Kidd tells a fictionalized version of the Grimkè family and their slaves in The Invention of Wings (Viking Adult, January 2014). Sarah tries to free her birthday present – a child slave named Hetty – to no avail. With her distaste for slavery and hopes for a career dashed, Sarah flounders under the restrictions of society. Sarah and her sister, Angelina, come into their own as courageous abolitionists and women’s rights advocates.

Valley Writers Chris Colfer, formerly of Clovis, has three books in his The Land of Stories series. The Wishing Spell, The Enchantress Returns, and A Grimm Warning take characters from traditional fairy tales and spin new yarns. The fourth book is due out this July. Colfer has an earlier book, Struck by Lightning, the story of a small-town boy who doesn’t fit in.

Clovis writer, David Borofka, and his winning nominee for the James Kirkwood Literary Prize, R.T. Jamison, took part in the luncheon in Westwood Village to honor the top three recipients. Jamison took first place for his story “Things We Might See from the Parade Grounds.” Kirkwood was a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning author who began his career in the writers’ program at UCLA. Fresno native Horace “Rog” B. Lucido published Educational Genocide: A Plague on Our Children in 2010, but the issue is still alive today. His contention is that educational policies are fatal to children’s desire to learn when testing is overemphasized.

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Lucido taught physics and mathematics for more than 30 years.

Alisha Williams of Kerman collected stories from 14 women who overcame obstacles that are seldom talked about for her book, Becoming Mommy…Becoming Me: Every Woman’s Journey to Motherhood Is Unique.

Caveat Scriptor Absolute Write gives some guidelines for self-publishing in an interview with Victoria Strauss at absolutewrite.com/strauss_interview. Strauss points out that there are many pitfalls to watch for in self-publishing, one of the biggest being vanity publishers who pass themselves off as “traditional” publishers.

Writers’ Conferences The Santa Barbara Author-Mentor Novel Workshop will be held February 26 – March 1. The workshop combines private meetings with small-group workshops. Attendees begin learning with pre-event assignments. Once there, they work one-on-one with authors, acquire market skills, learn mechanics of publishing, and leave with a plan to work toward publication. Among the professionals available to attendees are Robert Olen Butler, Kimberley Cameron, and Cary Tennis. The fee with lodging is $2,850, without lodging is $1,929. Details at: algonkianconferences.com/ SantaBarbaraAuthorMentorNovelWorkshop.

Writers’ Contests The deadline for entries for The Malahat Review 2015 Long Poem Prize is February 1. The awards are given every two years.

The poem must be between 10 and 20 pages with 36 or fewer lines per page, including spaces. Entry fee is $40 American and includes a subscription to the magazine. Two awards of $1,000 Canadian will be presented. The winning poems will be published. Details at: malahatreview.ca/contests/long_poem_ prize/info.html The 2015 VanderMey Nonfiction Prize at Ruminate Magazine is open for entries. Entries must be 5,500 words or less. The deadline is February 20. The entry fee is $20, which includes a copy of the issue where the winner will be published. All submissions must be previously unpublished. The prize is $1,500. Details at: ruminatemagazine.com The Last Word “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

– Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955)

Reflections

H HISTORY

A D M I S S I O N DAY F I R E D ES T R OY S K AW E A H S TA B L E

Text by Terry L. Ommen

O

n September 9, 1850, California became the 31st state of the Union and since then, Admission Day has been observed and celebrated. In recent years, the excitement over the holiday has cooled, but in California's early years, celebrations were common and often extravagant. In 1892, Visalia threw a big Admission Day party, inviting Valley townspeople to share in the festivities. It proved to be Visalia's biggest celebration ever, though it's not remembered for the throngs that attended; but rather for the lighted cigar tossed in a stack of hay resulting in one of the town's biggest fires ever - one that wiped out an entire block and killed nearly two dozen horses.

Many groups and individuals were involved in organizing the festivities, but Visalia's Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor No. 19 took the lead role. Committees were formed for the twoday event to work on assignments such as the decorations, parade and ball, receptions, and lodging arrangements for out of town guests. As the celebration weekend drew near, Visalia put on a

OF VISALIA

festive face with colorful flags, bunting, and banners.

Festivities began on the evening of September 8, with welcoming receptions for visiting delegations and parade entries.

As each arrived from places like Modesto, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Porterville, Selma, and Traver, fireworks were launched skyward as they were escorted by torchlight to their sleeping quarters.

At sunrise on September 9, the formal beginning of the Admission Day bash began with a 42-gun salute, one shot for each of the 42 years of statehood. That morning, more delegations arrived from Tulare, Bakersfield, Lemoore, and Hanford.

By 11 a.m., the parade route that included Main, Court, and Center Streets was lined with hundreds of spectators. At 11:30 a.m., the grand parade began and the participants wound their way through the streets of town. Spectators loved the display that included bands, Grand Army of the Republic posts, National Guard units, Native Sons and Daughters of the Golden West parlors, various fire departments, and local politicians riding in PICTURED: The Kaweah Stable at Main and Garden Streets after it was rebuilt, circa 1900.

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H HISTORY

PICTURED: Fire engine house with steamer rig in front, circa 1900.

carriages and on horseback. Thousands watched as 500 parade participants showed-off for the crowd.

At about 1 p.m., as the Visalia Fire Department passed near Court and Main Streets, smoke was seen rising on the northwest side of town. Immediately, First Assistant Warner ordered the hose cart and steamer out of the procession and firemen raced to the scene. They valiantly fought the fire, but the house could not be saved. Much of their continued effort focused on preventing the flames from spreading to neighboring structures. After watering down surrounding buildings, the steamer and crew returned to the engine house, but the hose cart and its crew stayed at the fire scene as a precaution.

While at the engine house, the returning Visalia firefighters hosted lunch for the visiting firemen. As they were eating, another fire was reported near the Kaweah Stable at Main and Garden Streets. Visalia firemen and their steamer raced to the scene, and because Visalia's hose cart had not returned from the first fire, Porterville firemen responded with their 350 foot hose. Other visiting firemen joined in as well. It was an amazing display of mutual aid.

At the fire scene, Porterville's hose was attached to Visalia's steamer. As the water valve was turned on, a stream shot out, but almost immediately, the hose burst under the pressure.

Without another hose, the fire spread quickly throughout the wooden livery stable and to the buildings nearby. Twenty minutes later, the Visalia hose cart arrived, but by that time, it was evident that the buildings on the entire block bounded by Bridge, Center, Garden, and Main streets were doomed.

The heat from the burning structures was so intense that the effort shifted to containing the blaze. If it jumped the streets, much of Visalia's business district would be destroyed. Bucket brigades and the steamer crew fought hard, and successfully contained the fire.

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After the fire burned out, an assessment of the damage was made. There was no loss of human life, but 23 horses perished.

More animals would have died had it not been for bystanders that risked their own lives escorting animals out of the burning building. There were numerous injuries to firefighters and assisting bystanders, but none too serious. Property damage was extensive. Buildings, equipment, hay, feed, buggies, and wagons were all destroyed. The fire department put the property loss at $19,000.

The Daily Morning Delta complimented the efforts of the firemen, especially those from other jurisdictions, “Too much praise cannot be bestowed, nor can too much gratitude be felt by the citizens of Visalia toward the visiting firemen…” The newspaper added, “Wherever the fire was the fiercest, they could be seen. They deserve the sincere thanks of our citizens for their timely aid, and we trust that when they come to Visalia again, they will not have to volunteer to report to a fire alarm.”

The Admission Day events continued despite the fire interruptions, but the celebratory mood was dampened somewhat. Despite the dark cloud that the fire had cast over the city, Visalia maintained a sense of humor. The Delta facetiously reported, “The fire yesterday was not a part of the Admission Day program.”

The investigation determined the probable cause to be a lighted cigar thrown into a haystack at the rear of the stable building. No finding could be made as to whether the fire was intentional or an accident.

R. E. Hyde, the owner of the destroyed Kaweah Stable building, wasted no time in rebuilding. The rubble was removed and two months after the fire, thousands of bricks were on site, ready for construction. By early 1893, the new building was open for business in a completely rebuilt, fireproof Kaweah Stable.

L LITERARY ARTS

KAY D. RIZZO

Inspires Through Writing and Speaking Her Faith Text by Diane Slocum

W

hen Kay D. Rizzo was six years old, she wanted to be a preacher.

Thinking back on it, however, she’s not sure why. Maybe it was because preachers had the opportunity to speak in front of people, or it could have been the first inklings of a calling.

Whatever it was, she was told that girls couldn’t be preachers, so she chose to be the next best thing – a teacher. But as her life’s path took its twists and turns, she ended up doing both, and became a prolific writer with 50 books and countless other writings in her name. Her latest crusade in print and speech has been to educate people about the upsurge in human trafficking.

Rizzo was born and raised in upstate New York, but met her husband, Richard, while they were attending Atlantic College in Massachusetts, where she received her degree in education. After they married, they headed out West.

Richard Rizzo worked for Christian boarding schools, where the policy called for him to move to a different location every three to four years.

Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Oregon were a few of the states where they lived.

Kay Rizzo taught junior and senior high school English, but during a recession while they were in Portland, no schools were hiring. She eventually found a job opening for a copy editor position.

“Which I would hate,” she said. “It’s like correcting papers all day.”

But she went to apply anyway. In the office, she saw a tall stack of resumes and asked the secretary how the boss could possibly choose among them.

“Oh, he throws them up in the air and the ones that land face up are the ones he interviews,” was the answer. Rizzo’s response was, “I’m going home.”

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L LITERARY ARTS

After that experience, she decided to start writing on her own. She was published in a variety of children’s and Christian magazines before expanding into books. Close to 30 years ago, she published her first book with Review and Herald Publishing.

It was the story of the adventures of her father-in-law, who came to America when he was 16 years old. She has been writing and publishing ever since.

Most of her books fall into the categories of biography, inspirational romance, topical subjects, family sagas, and children’s stories. Her editor at Pacific Press, where most of her books have been published, usually gives her suggestions for the biographies she writes. Her most popular book was on the publisher’s bestsellers list for ten years. I Will Die Free is the biography of a Cuban Christian preacher who was arrested and jailed for 22 years.

“They thought when he preached on the second coming, he was talking about America,” she said. “And they weren’t happy with that.”

Serenity Inn is a popular series of her inspirational romances. Rizzo published it first with Broadman and Holman Publishers, but after changes in the company, sold the series to Pacific.

Serenity’s Desire is the first of the eight books in the series, which takes place before the Civil War. “The last one (Rebecca’s Crossing) takes the Butterfield Express right through the Valley,” Rizzo said. “That was a fun one to do all the research on and find out what had happened here in Visalia and this area.”

Rizzo minored in history, so she enjoys learning and writing about different eras.

Her series, The Chloe Mae Chronicles, took place in the late 1800s and The Chloe Celeste Chronicles moved a generation ahead into the 1920s. A new series she has planned will be set in the Dustbowl 1930s.

“I love to research,” she said. “It takes me a long time to switch from doing the research to writing the book. It’s so much better now with the internet. I used to sit at the library for hours and hours, and now it’s a breeze.”

Her most recent book, The Prodigal Daughter, is set in the present time. It’s a fictionalized story based on an event that happened to a family in the Valley. In Rizzo’s story, a daughter leaves her family to find fame and fortune in Hollywood, only to end up a victim of the seamier side of entertainment.

Currently, she is working on a topical book about the “nobodies” in the New Testament. That is, all the people Jesus encountered who aren’t named.

“I’m writing about their stories and how they are important to us,” she said. “Even if we don’t know their names.”

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Another of her topical books is the semi-autobiographical On Wings of Praise, which tells how she went from burnout to praise.

“I discovered praise in scripture and giving thanks for your life and what you have,” she said. “It completely revolutionized my life.”

Even after she began publishing books, Rizzo continued to write articles, racking up more than a thousand. She has been published in Redbook, Northwest Women in Business, and other publications on topics of interest to women. She also writes for children and often can reuse the same stories with different publishers.

“If you have a child in a Baptist church, they’ll have the same values as a Methodist church or others,” she said. “So you can take the same story and move it from place to place.”

The Rizzos lived in Tulare when they first came to the Valley, and they have been in Visalia for about 20 years now. Richard teaches chemistry at College of the Sequoias, while Kay has added speaking engagements to her career.

“People think that just because you can write, you can preach,” she said. “I’ve been invited to make presentations at seminars, and I’ve gotten to travel all over.”

Her travels have taken her as far as Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. Most of her engagements are in the eastern U.S. She has been invited to speak at a wide variety of Protestant retreats, conferences, and convocations.

Before she speaks, she studies the specific beliefs and customs of the religion in order to understand what she needs to know.

“But after I’ve been there five minutes, I’m part of the family,” she said. “That’s just remarkable to me every time I get there.”

She said the differences are no big deal.

What counts to all the groups she speaks to is Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and grace.

Joy and laughter are a big part of her uplifting scripture-based presentations.

However, she and a friend on the East Coast are now putting together a seminar on a difficult topic of great concern to her, which she brought out in The Prodigal Daughter. Human trafficking is a growing problem, which she said is worse today than it has ever been.

“They say that within 30 minutes a young girl gets off a bus in any of our major cities she’s been wooed by a pimp and she’s trapped,” she said. “And that’s just the runaways. That’s not the ones who are kidnapped or coming in from another country.”

She believes God is leading her to develop this seminar for church people to help them understand what is going on and to realize that this is happening everywhere, including the Valley, not just in metropolitan areas.

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C CHARITY

Photos by Aimee Sa

C

hristmas trees have become one of the most symbolic representations of the Christmas season in nations all around the globe. They twinkle through distant windows, they are displayed in shopping malls, they appear in classic holiday films, and they stand over 100 feet tall in some of the world’s most iconic cities.

For many people, Christmas trees become more than a symbol of the Christmas season or a place to hang children’s holiday crafts. These trees that are covered in bulbs and twinkling lights awaken memories and bring people back to a simpler time. Many think of gatherings with family and friends, while others might be reminded of loved ones who are long gone and dearly missed. For a newlywed couple or a family with their first child, finding and decorating that perfect tree is the beginning of a season of traditions, filled with expectation for the years ahead. For others, it is a reminder of a King who was born many years ago in order to die on a cross.

Whatever significance a Christmas tree may

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hold for each person, it often evokes a special feeling or memory that inspires generosity and giving. Nothing makes that more evident than the annual Christmas Tree Auction put on by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

This remarkable charity event is literally the occasion of the year in Visalia, as VIP ticket sales were completely sold out two weeks prior to the event. Over a thousand people from around Tulare County showed up to the Visalia Convention Center on December 12 in sparkling gowns and three-piece suits to show support for local nonprofits and charities.

This year, 14 charities entered beautiful and elaborately decorated trees into the live auction portion of the event. There were also a variety of silent auction items and trees that guests bid on throughout the course of the evening.

The theme for this year’s auction was “Babes in Toyland.” Some of the live auction trees were even decorated with this theme, covered in toys and stuffed animals. Every tree had its own unique style, but one thing was certain: each tree was breathtaking and would look beautiful in

CHARITY C anyone’s home.

One new feature this year was the option for several charities to display their trees in the community prior to the event in order to advertise the true beauty and effort that goes into decorating them, and raffle the trees off to members of the community.

Though this might not be fitting for all of the charities, it turned out to be very successful for St. Paul’s School, United Way of Tulare County, and Golden State Family Services.

“Those three organizations participated in part because their communities could also participate in an opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket, where those same donors may not have been able to bid for traditionally what a live auction tree would go for,” said Gail Zurek, new CEO of the Visalia Chamber of Commerce.

For this year’s auction, some charities even got extra creative with the execution of their trees. One of the silent auction trees in the back of the room was made of wooden crates stacked in the shape of a tree and filled with all sorts of children’s books.

Another silent auction tree was made entirely of stained glass.

“With the silent auction trees, charities are being a little more creative in how they’re thinking about putting those trees forward, so that’s exciting, particularly for a community that is incredibly artistic,” said Gail.

Part of what keeps the Christmas Tree Auction interesting is that there’s something different every year and no two trees are ever alike. This year’s use of unique material paves the way for organizations to get even more creative in the future.

But more important than any tree in the room, were the funds raised for all of the 24 charities that participated in the event.

The live tree sales and the silent auction sales combined, raised over $235,000, which is $60,000 more than the previous year.

While some might think that part of those funds go back to the Chamber, all of it goes straight to the charities involved.

“Our commitment to helping these charities raise money is taking on the task and cost of delivering those trees,” said Gail. “That’s something I’m really proud of. While through sponsorship and ticket sales, the Chamber does raise money for the work that we do, when we say we raised $235,000 plus, that is what went to charities, that’s not what goes to the Chamber.”

The Chamber is the vehicle that drives the support for these organizations. Ticket sales and sponsorship are what allow them to hold this event so that these charities have a great outlet and opportunity to raise these significant funds.

The charity that went home with the most for their tree was the Visalia Rescue Mission. They did a lot of fundraising prior to the auction itself, with the help of Ashoori & Co. Jewelers, and when all was said and done, they received $111,000 for their tree.

“We are humbled by the community support that we have received and the donations that truly will change lives in the Valley,” exclaimed Jessica Cavale, director of development at the Visalia Rescue Mission. “I cannot thank the Chamber enough for putting on a marvelous event each year, solely to benefit the various nonprofits that participate; what a blessing! This year was the Mission's largest Christmas Tree Auction fundraising year that we have seen. These funds will aid the Mission going into 2015, and allow us to continue providing hope and restoration TOP: Donn Ritter, Ian Duncan, Mark Perry, and Scott McLellan MIDDLE: Rick and Tanya Lantrip BOTTOM: Miss Central Valley, Blaire Bostwick and Miss Tulare County, Tara Broderick.

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C CHARITY through Jesus Christ to those in need in our city.”

In addition to all the beautiful auction trees was the Giving Tree, sponsored by The Groppetti Automotive Family and covered with gift cards from local businesses.

Individuals at the event purchased raffle tickets for a chance to win the tree and pick one of the 24 charities to receive the raffle ticket proceeds. The Visalia Rescue Mission was chosen as the recipient of the $2,800 that the Giving Tree raised.

This event truly represented the community’s commitment to giving to and supporting these amazing nonprofits. From VIP and general ticket sales, to the auctioned off trees, to the donations and volunteered time than went into making the centerpieces, the support was tangible.

The $60,000 more raised than last year was proof of that commitment.

Whether it’s because the economy is doing better, or because people were feeling extra generous, or because the Chamber does an excellent job of spreading the word about the event, the spirit of giving could be felt throughout the room.

“Our charity partners do a fantastic job before the event to make sure that fundraising is happening and that they’re reaching their donors and trying to broaden their basis,” said Gail. “I think by in large, it’s also part of the economy; people are in a better place.”

This year, 600 people purchased tickets to attend the VIP dinner, while 400 more came for the general admission portion, which proved to be just as much fun. General admission goers enjoyed endless wine and beer, food sampling, and desserts from more than 30 of the best local restaurants, businesses, and wineries.

This event gives residents in the South Valley the rare opportunity to dress in their fanciest and enjoy an evening of fine dining, dancing, and socialization, reminiscent of a high society event people might attend in

a metropolitan area. While some of the Valley’s most elite show up to the Christmas Tree Auction, the general admission allows the opportunity for people from many walks of life to attend. Whether in a big or small way, all attendees are able to do their part to support the local organizations that help people in great need.

As the new Chamber CEO, this was Gail’s first year planning and executing this huge event. She was very excited to see it all come together, and commented on how proud she was of the Chamber staff and the many volunteers and donors who made the auction possible. As someone who has four Christmas trees in her own home, this event now holds a special place in Gail’s heart, and the success of the auction made it that much better for her and the Chamber.

But the giving didn’t end once the auction was over. The Chamber staff gathered together all of the donated centerpieces, which were made out of stuffed animals and toys, and filled four to five huge boxes to give to Giant Automotive’s ‘Toys for Tots’ drive. They then gave all of the stuffed animals to the Firefighter’s Association for the work that they do with children. On all levels, this event was about giving back to the community.

“I am extremely proud of what the Chamber was able to do for our nonprofit partners,” said Gail. “It makes me proud of, not only our members, but also our Chamber staff, volunteers, and committee members that were able and willing to put so much time and energy into ultimately making Visalia a better place. That’s what the Chamber is all about.”

To some, these Christmas trees might just be a decoration, but for those who benefit from the funds raised by the trees, they become a hot meal, a life-changing service, an educational opportunity, or a feeling of safety and comfort. This event transforms Christmas trees into a tangible way to provide hope to this great community.

TOP: Daughters of Hope tree donated by Koetsier Ranch.

BOTTOM: Golden State Family Services tree donated by Rabobank.

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hether you’ve noticed or not, engagement season has arrived!

Along with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many couples have been busy planning the rest of their lives together.

Every new bride knows that there are many elements that go into planning a wedding, and at times, it can be stressful narrowing down so many great ideas. From the dress, to the decorations, flowers, and venue, the wedding “checklist” can seem overwhelming. In this issue of Lifestyle Magazine, we have highlighted a few of the trending topics that are major components in any wedding. We have also chosen Victorian Garden as our premier feature venue. The lush, green grounds and antique church-style home sits just off the gardens and makes an ideal outdoor location for any bride. From dress selection to non-traditional wedding practices, this wedding style issue is the jumpstart to your wedding planning.

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Photo by Third Element Studios

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VICTORIAN

GARDEN Text by Jordan Venema

D

espite the growing trend toward the non-traditional, some things will never go out of style. The idea of a traditional wedding is as old as the ceremony itself, and while the flavors, fashions, or trends may change with time, culture, and geography, a wedding always remains relatively the same: two people performing a ritual in front of their community, their family, and friends. As long as a wedding is a kind of celebration, it will also be a kind of party.

Photo by Megan Welker Photography

Of late, the wedding trend is moving toward dual-purpose venues; the refurbished barn, the strippeddown warehouse, an out-of-town vacation home, or a clearing in a field of corn. Such spots are unique, but they also lack, by the very nature of being non-traditional venues, the trappings that have become inseparably associated with a wedding ceremony: the aisle leading to an altar, the church and steeple, and a place with historical roots and significance to its community.

In the traditional sense, a church swings toward the opposite end of the trending spectrum. In the nontraditional sense, though, throwing a party in a refurbished warehouse doesn’t get much cooler. Simply put, it’s hard to find the best of both worlds; some venues are just better suited to throw a party, and of those venues, very few seem especially equipped to mirror the meaning and significance inherent in this important ceremony. But then there’s a place like Victorian Garden by Fugazzis, just on the edge of Visalia, barely more than a ten-minute drive away.

Victorian Garden is a little-known venue that has wed the old with new,

the traditional with non-traditional, the historical with the modern.

While it isn’t exactly a church, it’s not without history, which is written in its very name: Victorian. The old, gingerbread-esque home rises to a peak, not unlike a steeple, and exudes an air of nostalgia that’s also found in older churches. The Greek origin for the word church is derived from “the house of a Lord,” and ties together the ideas of reverence and home comfort.

Victorian Garden’s own paneled piece of history gives its guests that sense of being at home, the comfort that only seems to come in places where community comes together.

The garden, the other half of the venue’s name, is itself a kind of sanctuary, nature’s cathedral. The altar is a backdrop of oak trees, and their trunks columns supporting a canopy of branches and leaves.

White blooms surround the trunks of the oaks, and the immaculate grass looks as untouched as the green of an English cloister. A wedding may be a celebration and party, but the ceremony should also be solemn.

That’s why, when the bride walks down the aisle, the guests grow silent and stand to their feet to show a

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SPECIAL FEATURE sort of respect. At Victorian Garden, the atmosphere demands a similar solemnity – it can be heard the way the wind whispers through the oaks’ leaves.

As a blend of traditional and modern, Victorian Garden seems a world away. Among the historical oaks and home, it’s hard to remember how near the venue is to town, and to the present. That’s partly why Fugazzis partnered with the existing venue. “We like it because it’s really close to town,” says Gabriel Diaz, the manager at Fugazzis. Not to mention, Fugazzis has been a part of the South Central Valley community for 19 years – so it only made sense that Fugazzis should more deeply involve itself in the community. But why Victorian Garden?

“It’s probably the most beautiful venue in the Central Valley,” says Mike Fligor, the owner of Fugazzis.

The transition from restaurateur to owner and operator of a local wedding venue was seamless. “It was natural for us to have our own place,” says Fligor, who has vast experience catering weddings throughout the Central Valley. “We cater all over, from Three Rivers to Fresno to Bakersfield.”

For those who haven’t eaten at one of Fugazzis’ multiple locations, the restaurant has won numerous local awards for its ambience and menu. The cosmopolitan menu offers a selection of dishes that are a fusion of diverse cuisines. That diversity has

infused with the most experienced wedding service from one of the most popular restaurants in the Valley. Ultimately, that is what they want to offer: the best possible wedding experience.

“If it’s your daughter’s wedding,” says Mike, “and you’re paying a lot of money, you expect things to be done well. But there are so many things that could go wrong.” In the catering business, prior to Victorian Garden, many factors were out of Fugazzis’ control. They could provide the best quality food and service, but they had no control over the environment or venue. “I’ve been in the middle of cornfields, I’ve been on top of mountains, I’ve been in pouring rain and had servers washing dishes in ankle-high water,” says Diaz. “Sometimes we would show up and there was a kitchen, stove, and microwave, and other days we’d show up and there was a water hose, a floodlight, and an eight-foot table and we had to feed 200 people.” Now, Fugazzis can offer not only the best catering service, but also “the best” everything else.

“We’re trying to make it an all-inclusive venue,” explains Fligor. “The only thing we’re not providing is your florist, your DJ, your photographer. But any of your other needs are taken care of by us” – the coordinator, security, setup and take down, the gourmet meal, all of it.

As a successful businessman, Fligor knows the importance of

Photo by Megan Welker Photography

helped make Fugazzis a popular caterer, not only because the food is delicious, but also because it provides options. But even then, what really sets Fugazzis apart is its service.

“We like doing weddings, and our staff likes doing weddings,” explains Fligor. To prove the point, Diaz says that he personally enjoys catering weddings because it gives him the chance to impact one of the most important events in couples’ lives. “My biggest thing is when they leave and say thank you.

Or when they come in [to the restaurant] and remember me,” he says. “We get really personal with the bride and groom,” he adds. “We’re not just your basic caterers that show up and serve your food and leave.” He says it’s in the details – like offering special colored cocktails to match the colors of the wedding party.

Victorian Garden, says Fligor, “is a beautiful marriage between the venue and Fugazzis.” The ambience of the “secret garden” – its historical home, its natural beauty – has been 28

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good service, and a good deal. “We’re trying to give them more bang for their buck,” he says. But it’s about more than just the dollar. “You’ve only got one chance at this and it has to go right.

So there’s a tremendous amount of excitement and pressure to get it done well,” he explains. “But we enjoy doing all that. We get to meet an awful lot of people, and we get to become friends with the people over the years.”

The Fugazzis experience, like that of any good restaurant, is about service and relationships. Now that model runs over into Victorian Garden by Fugazzis. They know how to throw a good party; and now that they have the kind of venue that befits a wedding, couples are taking notice. Victorian Garden

by Fugazzis hosted its first wedding this past October, and they’ve already booked 15 for the next year. For Fligor, it’s a simple equation. “You’re throwing a party for your best friends and relatives, and we’re trying to help you throw the best party you can at the most reasonable prices.”

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A Classy Wedding on a Budget Photo by Third Element Studios

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our wedding is the most important (and most expensive) day of your life, but there are ways to cut costs at your wedding, without compromising quality and elegance. Take a look at these ideas to help you save money, while ensuring your guests have a good time.

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Décor While DIY (Do It Yourself) is a popular trend right now, not all brides have the time or, quite honestly, the skills to artfully craft their wedding decor.

Sometimes it even ends up being just as pricy to DIY because of all the supplies that are needed. To get the most bang for your buck, try to find an expert from the crafting community who has an eye for decorating. There are plenty of “creatives” looking to expand their portfolio, who would be perfect for DIY-ing your wedding, and they won’t charge as much as a decorator or wedding planner.

Flowers Elaborate floral centerpieces can end up costing you thousands. Lucky for you, a current trend is to combine simple flowers with décor. Instead of huge floral arrangements as centerpieces, think about using vintage and rustic props that go with your wedding theme, along with small vases of flowers.

For your bridesmaid’s bouquets, do something simple. An inexpensive trend is to use baby’s breath with eucalyptus leaves, and wrap the stems in lace or ribbon that flows down a foot or so, which adds a whimsical look. You don’t need to spend hundreds for your bridesmaid’s bouquets to look beautiful.

Food Gone are the days when the only classy thing to serve was a plated meal of fish or steak. You’re allowed to get creative and do something like an Italian pasta bar with a variety of quality sauces (pesto, vodka penne, etc.) and chicken, grilled vegetables, garlic bread, and caesar salad. Your guests will enjoy the

variety and the option to have as much or as little as they want.

Cake The easiest way to save money on the cake is to have single layer cakes on display, and then serve sheet cake from the back. Ordering a tiered cake that is big enough to serve several hundred guests can be very expensive. Another trend is to have a cupcake and dessert bar. Not everyone likes cake, so giving guests the option of an alternative might be just the trick.

Alcohol Alcohol is tricky, but there are ways to save, like scrapping the champagne for the toast. Half of your guests might not like champagne anyways, so a lot of it will go to waste. When it’s about time to toast, make an announcement for guests to fill their glasses, and maybe provide a few bottles of champagne at the bar in case some guests request it.

Photographer It seems as if pricing for wedding photography keeps going up, and there’s a good reason for that: it’s a lot of work and it takes a lot of time. But, there are still ways to cut costs. One way is by selecting a simple photography package.

For example, hiring the photographer for fewer hours might scratch off a couple hundred dollars; while it might be nice to have shots of you and the girls getting ready, those aren’t the most important photos from your wedding day. Also, new talent looking to expand their portfolio might charge less than a veteran photographer, but make sure they’re good. If they don’t have a website yet, follow them on Instagram to see some of their work.

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Blooms Text by Sharon Naylor Photo by Third Element Studios

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edding flower trends evolve season after season. This upcoming year, there are several leading trends coloring brides' choices of floral motifs, bouquets, and blooming dĂŠcor:

Romance: Wedding flowers paired with romantic, lace-enhanced wedding dresses carry a soft look of Victorian femininity.

In whites, ivories, and soft pinks, flower trends lead with delicate lily of the valley, or they may increasingly be seen as soft, muted bouquets or centerpieces made of big-bloomed, ruffled peonies.

Vintage: Last season's vintage theme carries into the new year with romantic flowers in muted yellows, making up bouquets and floral pieces. Tiny touches of red in florals and berries act as accents.

Rustic: With more weddings taking place in unique, natural spaces such as farms and vineyards, the overall rustic wedding trend extends into wildflowers in hand-tied bouquets and in loosely arranged centerpieces.

Nautical: This trend is on the rise, bringing more navy blues into floral designs. Picture bouquets accented with shells and starfish.

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Types of Flowers While roses and peonies lead the way in romantic, vintage, and rustic weddings, additional top-trending flowers according to the Association of Bridal Consultants include daisies, lilies, tulips, and hydrangeas. These particular flower types spread across the seasons. They are joined by similarly romantic flowers such as ranunculus, gardenias, and orchids, while succulents are taking their place at green-friendly weddings.

Types of Bouquets Romantic bouquets are most often hand-tied, meaning they are gathered together by hand, wrapped at the stem with a satin ribbon, and are more loosely constructed and relaxed this year than the more tightly bound designs of seasons past.

Also, more relaxed in construction, are the more playful bouquets made up of brighter, more vivid shades of hot pink, magenta, fall's deep reds, and purples. One overriding trend, according to TheWeddingReport.com, is pairing a bright color such as yellow or persimmon with accents of silver, and accessorizing the bouquet with sparkle in the form of crystals, rhinestones, and jeweled brooches.

For a less dramatic look, the "green bouquet" is a rising trend,

with a larger use of foliage and branches in a soft-green and ivory color scheme. Pops of yellow, light coral, or pink act as the choice accessory hues.

Top Colors for Flowers At October's Bridal Fashion Week in New York, top wedding bloggers delivered the floral color trends right from the runways.

They showed florals in bright, bold, saturated tones such as hot pink, bright orange, and Kelly green.

The visual impact balanced by deep jewel tones such as purple, navy, and the still-popular shade of chocolate brown. Brides are also mixing unexpected brights, such as turquoise and purple, says the wedding blog NoteableExpressions. net.

Brides who desire a softer, romantic palette will choose light tangerine, light aqua, and gold, paired with interesting neutrals such as chestnut, beige, and grey, which provide a deeper alternative to the barely there shades of ivory.

For both bold and romantic, floral experts say they're increasingly blending dark and light tones in bouquets and centerpieces, as brides venture away from the all-one-color floral designs of yesteryear.

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Finding a Dress that Fits Your Body Type

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very woman’s body is different, but all women want to feel beautiful on their wedding day.

If you’re having trouble knowing what style of dress fits your body type, take a look at these guidelines below. But remember, no matter what, the dress that makes you feel like a bride is the perfect one for you.

Photo by Third Element Studios

Petite Frame: As a petite bride, you need to be careful about hiding your cute frame in a puffy ball gown that swallows you up. Try something slimfit, like a mermaid gown or “fit and flare.” These two styles will elongate you and show off your silhouette. If you’re uncomfortable with the tight fit, consider a flowy or chiffon dress. It will give you the illusion of being tall, without making you look plump.

Busty: On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to be hiking up your dress all day to keep “the girls” from making a bigger grand entrance than you. There’s still a way to show them off without being uncomfortable. Try a dress with an elegant V-neckline that shows just enough of your curves, without distracting from you, the beautiful bride. Also, stay away from ruched fabrics that bunch on the bust, but make sure the fabric is sturdy for great support.

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Athletic Build: If you’re an athlete and think you have a “boy-ish” frame, adding the illusion of curves might just be the trick. A trumpet or mermaid style can be great for creating hips that might not be there. Maybe even try a simple ball gown dress with a dropped waste – the skirt of the dress will distract from the shape of your body. And if you have larger shoulders, it might be best to stay away from a halter-top dress, which will draw more attention to your shoulders.

Curvy: Some brides love to show off their curves, but others feel selfconscious in dresses that outline their apple or pear shape. The curvy bride who wants to hide her shape can turn to either an A-line or ball gown empire waste dress. The empire waste will accentuate the smallest part of the waste, while the fabric falls away from the hips.

Tall and Slim: A tall bride gets to play with her more elegant side, by finding a classic style that shows off an hourglass figure. Don’t get lost in a ball gown; a “fit and flare,” trumpet, or sheath gown made of lace will give you a graceful silhouette. Even a deep V-neck or open back will add some interest to your frame.

Plus Sized: Chiffon is often a great camouflaging material for plus size brides, especially if used on a flowy dress with an empire or dropped waste, depending on your comfort. For some plus sized brides, a dress with a snug dropped waste that flows out just below the waste line can be a great slimming tool, as long as there’s no ruched fabrics or frills that bring attention to the waste. Lastly, make sure the fabric is supportive for your bust so you’re comfortable to move around and have fun on your special day.

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Non-traditional Wedding Ideas for Any Bride

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s creative wedding ideas are becoming more accessible because of social media, brides are constantly thinking of new ways to make their weddings unique and fun for everyone. From the food served to the attire of the wedding party, couples are mixing things up! Here are some fun ideas to try for your wedding.

Dessert Display Wedding cake was so five years ago (just kidding, cake will never go out of style). But many couples are choosing more creative dessert displays, like setting up a cupcake tower or serving non-traditional items like donuts, pastries, and a variety of other desserts.

You have the creative freedom to serve your favorite desserts in a unique way that adds to the aesthetics of your overall décor.

Wedding Party Attire There are plenty of ways to make your wedding party look extra festive. Your bridesmaids’ dresses don’t have to all look alike, so play with the colors or even the design of the dresses. For the

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groomsmen, add a pop of color with some fun shoes or bow ties, or you can even have them wear unconventional suits that compliment your wedding style.

Food Truck Ten years ago, the idea of having a food truck as the primary food source at a wedding would have seemed odd. However, now many couples are embracing this trend as an amusing way to serve popular food items.

Having a food truck at your wedding is sure to make it an event that your guests will never forget. And for those couples who like the food truck idea but prefer to have a traditional meal, bringing in a truck that serves dessert or a late night snack (like sliders or tacos) might be the perfect solution.

Guest “Book” If you think about it, when will you ever look at your guest book again?

Traditional guest books are boring and even slightly pointless since you already know who attended your wedding.

Instead, do something that’s special and gets your guests involved. Perhaps allow them the opportunity to write advice or wedding wishes on a note card, or have them sign their name on a picture frame that you will hang up in your home. You could even make a

Photo by Third Element Studios

scrapbook of your journey as a couple and leave space for guests to write messages. There are plenty of ways to spice up your guest book and turn it into something that you will cherish for years to come.

Table Names Rather than numbering your tables, think about naming them in a way that goes along with your wedding theme.

If you’re having a wedding at a winery, perhaps name each table after a wine (e.g. Merlot, Cabernet, etc.). If you and your significant other are literary buffs, name the tables after famous literary couples, like Romeo and Juliet, Gatsby and Daisy, or Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy.

The possibilities are endless, and they are sure to start some conversations amongst your guests.

Not Your Average Bar In addition to the traditional bar, set up a second type of “bar” that guests of all ages can enjoy. If you have a winter wedding, a hot chocolate bar is a perfect way to play up your winter wonderland theme and keep your guests entertained. For the little ones at your wedding, set up a candy bar where they can fill up goody bags with their favorite candy. This will keep the kids busy and, let’s be honest, the adults will love it too.

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Get Your Groomsmen Gifts They’ll Love Photos by Third Element Studios

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t’s custom and proper to give each person in your wedding party a gift to show your appreciation for everything they’ve done. Maybe some of them have travelled a long way to come to your wedding, they’ve thrown you a bachelor or bachelorette party, they’ve sacrificed their time to help you plan, and last but not least, they’ve forked out a few hundred dollars for a suit or dress they’ll likely never wear again. You owe them more than just a “thank you.”

Bridesmaids are fairly easy to find gifts for, but what about the groomsmen in your wedding party? It’s hard enough to buy gifts for men, but finding gifts that all of them will like can be tough. Here are some ideas to help you in your quest for groomsmen gifts:

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Kits for Men: Fill up a crate or a basket with items that men love.

For example, you can’t go wrong with a BBQ-themed gift. Perhaps put together a bucket filled with items like salami, beef jerky, quality BBQ sauce, a spatula, and an apron with their name embroidered on it. Another idea might be a “The Gentleman’s Kit.” Include a few whiskey glasses, mini bottles of quality liquor, a mixer, a cigar, and some snacks, and they will be set.

There are even websites where you can purchase similar kits that are already made for your convenience.

Custom Gifts: While men might not be very sentimental when it comes to receiving a monogrammed gift, the gift itself can be something special. Try engraving their last name or initials on a quality beer mug or pilsner glass. It’s something they’ll actually use and they can pass it down to their son someday to carry on the name. You could also try wooden cigar boxes with their name carved into them and a cigar inside. For those men who

might not drink or smoke, there are plenty of other custom ideas.

Maybe get them an engraved army knife or cuff links with their initials on them.

Gifts that double as the Outfit: If you’re not sure what your groomsmen will like, you can always kill two birds with one stone by getting gifts that can be used as part of their outfit. It will save them money, and gives you control over what they are wearing. To complete their outfits, buy the groomsmen their ties, cuff links for their suit, and maybe even a fun pair of shoes to add a pop of color to their outfit.

The groomsmen will appreciate the fact that they don’t have to buy shoes and ties, in addition to renting an expensive suit, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing none of them will get the wrong color tie on accident. It’s a win-win!

Remember, whatever you get your groomsmen, put a little bit of thought into it and make sure it’s something they will like and can use.

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Be Prepared with a Wedding Day Emergency Kit Photo by Third Element Studios

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hile we hope that your wedding day goes off without a hitch, you and your bridesmaids should always be prepared for the worst. As they say, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Here, we have gathered a list of musthave items for your “Wedding Day Emergency Kit” that will help alleviate any surprise situations you may come across on your big day. From personal hygiene mishaps to bridesmaids who had a little too much champagne, we’ve got you covered.

Personal hygiene Tooth brush & tooth paste Dental floss Breath mints Chap stick Band-Aids Tissues Mouthwash Lotion Eye drops Deodorant Tweezers Hand sanitizer Towelettes Extra underwear Beauty & Fashion Makeup for touch-ups Mirror Oil absorbing sheets Hair comb/brush Hair spray

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Bobby pins and hair ties Clear nail polish Fashion tape Spot remover Chalk (quick stain cover-up) Sewing kit Small scissors Earring backs Extras Water bottles Energy drinks Straws Super glue Sunblock Safety pins Handkerchief Lint roller Granola bars Aspirin Antacid

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Butterfly Tow 42

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own

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J

ust along the Pacific Ocean, tucked between Monterey and Pebble Beach, lies the quaint town of Pacific Grove. A weekend escape of fresh ocean air may be what you need before another winter season whisks away. The scenic beach town is a great getaway for those who don’t care to take a dip in the cool pacific, but enjoy its views, activities, and B&Bs. While only just 2.86 sq. miles in area, this considerably small town features plenty of attractions to keep everyone busy.

Decades ago, travelers gathered among the pine and cool ocean breeze to take a load off their back and rest. In 1875, this Methodist summer retreat gained momentum and soon enough, settlers from all over came to take up residence in the salty air, giving Pacific Grove its spot on the map. Pacific Grove was officially recognized as a city in 1889, and soon became the famous “Butterfly Town U.S.A.,” due to the winged monarchs that migrate to the seaside during winter.

Boasting plenty of Victorian style homes and beach cottages, you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time when strolling the streets of Pacific Grove. The downtown storefronts occupy unique boutiques and knick-knack stores, along with art galleries and other shops. Every Monday, enjoy the local farmers market where vendors offer fresh produce, flowers, and food, along with gifts and live music.

Street after street around town, many private residences hold a piece of their own history. If you happen upon small plaques on numerous homes, you will find the name of the original homeowner, along with the year the home was built. All differing in size and style, many homes have been kept up, some originals still standing from the late 1800s.

While you’re here, treat yourself to the small town charm by staying in a quaint bed and breakfast. Pacific Grove has a multitude of B&Bs to choose from, each a bit different than the next. The Seven Gables Inn is a large, yellow and white Victorian style building that sits close enough to the water that you can hear the waves crash along the rocky coast. The Centrella Inn is a historic boutique ideal for guests to relax and enjoy the antique style furnishings that are preserved in the B&B.

U.S.A.

INSET: The Centrella Inn B&B is a great place to reside for a weekend getaway.

PICTURED: Downtown Pacific Grove thrives with locallyowned boutiques, restaurants, and knick-knack stores.

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H HIDDEN GEM If you’re more of the outdoorsy, adventurous type, there are many activities that can keep you occupied and active in this seaside town. The Pacific Grove Recreation Trail serves as a 4-mile stretch of oceanside views. Start at Lovers Point, the ideal spot for renting bicycles and kayaks, having a picnic, or simply enjoying the views of the beach. While strolling along, take a detour to the beach and tide pool access points. The trail ends at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is a great outing for the whole family to enjoy.

The golfers in your group can test their skills on the scenic course given the clever name, “the poor man’s Pebble Beach.”

The Pacific Grove Golf Links is a great place to share a challenging round of golf, without breaking your wallet. You will take the first nine holes in a forested area, while the last nine are spent inland, reminiscent of an English-style course.

With few bunkers and small greens, this is a great course for all skill levels.

Pacific Grove is also home to a few historical landmarks, like one of the oldest operating lighthouses on the west coast, Point Pinos Lighthouse. Founded by Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno, the name “Punta de Los Pinos” meaning “Point of the Pines” seemed fitting, as the lighthouse sits among the thickly wooded northern tip. Since 1855, the light has flashed off the central coast to guide and warn ships away from the rocky California coast. The lighthouse is open to the public Thursday – Monday, 1-4 p.m.

For nature enthusiasts, the Central California coast is the only place to see the monarch butterfly during the winter

months. The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary is an inspiring and beautiful sight from November through mid-February.

Thousands of these orange and black creatures cluster in the pine and eucalyptus trees, bringing tourists from all over the country to take in this sight.

If you happen to be in Pacific Grove during the off-season, you can still learn about monarch butterflies year-round at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History located downtown.

Here you’ll discover the wild and plant life that surrounds Monterey County. Once you’ve learned all you can about monarchs, continue on a stroll down Lighthouse Avenue and stop off at one of the antique stores or grab a tasty snack from a bakery.

If you’re looking to venture out to surrounding areas, embark on the world-famous 17-mile scenic drive that takes you from Pacific Grove to Carmel. Along this drive, you will see sights of the large Redwood Forest and jagged, rocky coastline. Known as one of the most widely recognized scenic routes in the world, this landmark is sure to keep you exploring all day, but can even be enjoyed by those who are just passing through.

No matter where you look in this sleepy town of Pacific Grove, you’ll find small town charm with big time relaxation.

Pacific Grove is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of your work week. Book a few nights at a bed and breakfast, play a round of golf, and just relax and unwind surrounded by cool ocean breezes and salty air. It won’t take long for you to designate Pacific Grove as your go-to getaway weekend destination.

LEFT: The Point Pinos Lighthouse is a historical landmark in the town of Pacific Grove.

ABOVE: Lovers Point sits along the coast, an ideal spot for enjoying the cool weather and sunsets.

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C CULINARY

SAVOR THE

NEW YEAR Recipe by Ryan Lucas & Steve Suggs, Tazzaria Photos by Taylor Johnson

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CULINARY C

S

tart the New Year by trying a new way to enjoy your salmon: smoked and spicy.

A combination of ocean and earth, this recipe is sure to be packed with flavors, while giving you the best of both worlds.

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C CULINARY

Cedar Planked Maple-Chipotle Salmon SERVES 7

SALMON ingredients

3-5 lbs. salmon filet 1 cedar plank to fit salmon Lemons for garnish

directions

GLAZE ingredients

1 can of chipotle peppers 2 C maple syrup 1 C water Garlic Salt and pepper, to taste Lemon juice, to taste

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WINTER ROOT VEGETABLES ingredients

5 beats 3 carrots 1 celery root bulb Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil

Wash and clean the vegetables. Next, dice the various vegetables into the same size cubes, and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper. Place in a 425°F oven and roast until tender.

Once done, set aside.

For the glaze, combine all ingredients into stock pot. Then, reduce down until sauce is reduced by about ¼. Once sauce is ready, set aside and let rest.

Depending on the size of the salmon filet, cut appropriate size for the cedar plank. Place plank on a grill and char until smoky, and a little burned on the edges.

Season salmon and place filet onto the plank. Put in the oven and set at 325°F. Cook until tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.

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R RIDE ALONG

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RIDING ‘SHOT GUN’ Text by Karen Tellalian | Photos by Brian Brumley, Generations Photography

I

n a time when anti-law enforcement rhetoric is at an all-time high, motives for using lethal force are under fire, and violent protests put the personal safety and reputations of officers at risk more than ever before, I cannot help but wonder why anyone would want to do this job.

Believing the best way to see life through the eyes of a deputy is in the front seat, I asked Sheriff Mike Boudreaux if he would arrange a ride-along. He obliged and scheduled a day for me with Sergeant Gabe Macias.

My day started at 7 a.m. at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department headquarters, where I had a quick tour and briefing. Since Sergeant Macias’ day started at 5 a.m., he had already been brought up-to-speed from the night sergeant, and we were ready to hit the road.

I asked Macias if he was the “go-to” guy for civilian ride-alongs. “No, not really. The shift I’m working on right now is

days, and most people want to ride on weekend nights, when all the hot calls are coming in,” said Macias. I was secretly relieved to be riding during the day.

We would be taking one of the new, modern SUVs, and Sgt. Macias was outspoken about the department’s decision to equip the vehicles with advanced design and improved technology.

“New technology is key. Our vehicles are being equipped with cameras that activate automatically when speeds reach 90 mph. The back seats are being replaced with plastic seats, so evidence cannot be as easily hidden,” said Macias.

In this line of work, nothing is routine, but I learned that many of the stops are for warrants, and it is common for people to not give up their real names or dates of birth. This is trying and time consuming for the deputies as they seek to positively identify the suspect.

LEFT: Sergeant Gabe Macias TOP: The vehicles are equipped with the most advanced technology.

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“Now we have a fingerprint scan. Suspects place their thumb on the scanner, and if there’s been previous contact (such as an arrest), it will pull up the list of names and aliases, DOBs, and a photo, which is important,” said Macias.

Inside the vehicle, I was given a quick run down of how to release both of the securely locked rifles in the event of a “situation” where our sergeant could need help. This was not disclosed to me at the time of scheduling. Surely, he had no idea how bad of an idea it would be to get into one of those situations where I might have to help. This is why I am in marketing, instead of law enforcement.

Fears aside, we were ready to roll on one of the foggiest days of the year, and my thoughts went immediately to the less obvious dangers of driving. Thinking this was the kind of day my own staff might request to work from home, I asked, “That’s not an option for you, is it?”

“No. Not so much. Most of our deaths are vehicle related. We must go through Perishable Skills (drivers training) every two years,” said Macias.

As a patrol supervisor, Sgt. Macias’ vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated GPS system, allowing him to know where his patrol officers are at all times. While this could seem a little “big brotherish,” it is more about response time and safety.

In the front seat, with nothing more than a couple of rifles to separate us, it was a good time to find out a little more about my partner for the day. The sergeant is forthcoming about his humble beginnings. One of eight children, Macias was born in Mexico, and at the age of one, he immigrated to the U.S. along with his parents and siblings.

“A lot of these smaller communities have a lot of Hispanics, and I can tell you that when I respond to them in Spanish, it takes the edge off because they’re not really used to it. It breaks the ice and you feel like you can relate a little bit,” said Macias.

Following high school, Macias worked at Wal-Mart, but after a friend went to the academy and loved it, Macias thought he’d give it a try. College of the Sequoias was offering a weekend academy, so Macias took advantage of the opportunity to look for ways to improve himself, and he eventually enrolled full-time. Working four, 10-hour shifts at Wal-Mart, he put himself through the academy for a year without a day off. He’s been with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department now for 13 years.

He’s quick to point out how much he loves his job. “It’s constantly changing, and I’ve gotten to do a lot of things a lot of people might not have gotten the opportunity to do,” said Macias.

“What I enjoy even more is that when we get new people [deputies], we get to guide them in the right direction.”

Everyone knows about the special relationships found among almost any first responder group. We all make friendships at school and work, but the relationships developed between law enforcement are different; more like family.

“We’ve been in some situations in the middle of nowhere, and if it goes bad, it could really go bad. So you build a relationship, a bond, where you know he’s got your back,” said Macias.

The Department also “has the backs” of the agriculture and business communities, as they have worked to foster better relationships. Improvements in the Department’s use of technology have assisted in solving white-collar crimes, such as identity theft,

PICTURED: Sgt. Macias assist a patrol deputy after making a stop.

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R RIDE ALONG make a good arrest, but some of the most rewarding things which is prevalent in the business community. Technology you do is when some people you’ve arrested for drug abuse is also used to track commodities, such as walnuts, and the Department conducts more check-ins with dryers during peak go through the system and they get put into a program. I’ve had people flag me down and say, ‘Hey, I wanted to tell you harvest times as a way to reduce thievery. The laws associated thanks. You arrested me a couple times and I went into the with ag theft are more stringent than for other types of program, and I’m clean and sober now.’ You don’t expect those larceny. What might be a misdeamor in another case could be things. That always reminds you why you do this job,” said a felony if ag related.

Macias.

Not all of the changes he has seen have been positive; kids Like any job, there are of course frustrations. “I think what involved in gangs are much younger than when he started. frustrates me the most, as a supervisor, is when you see people According to Macias, it is not unusual to see these kids as young as 12 years old, although he has noticed signs as early as taking short cuts. The biggest thing for me is officer safety. If you’re under the impression that everything is a routine call age eight. He believes most young gang members are brought and nothing is going to go wrong, when something does go into the gang environment by siblings. “Many parents are not wrong, you’re not prepared for it. Some people won’t like you aware of the signs, so our deputies spend time in schools and because of the uniform you’re wearing. You’re not out here community-based education,” he said. delivering pizzas. They’re not always happy to see you,” said As we were driving, Macias made a sudden U-turn and said, “I think this guy has a warrant.” This was our first stop. I Macias.

Some of the most rewarding aspects are the moments of stayed in the vehicle, but the door was left open enough for me great execution and planning. Back to hear Macias speaking in Spanish. when Macias was on the SWAT He asked the man’s name and date of team, they responded to a situation birth. The man seemed cooperative where a man shot his wife in front in providing the information, but of their children. Going into the something did not add up. He home, the SWAT team knew the appeared older than the date he gave. man was still armed, so they had to Using the thumb print scanner to use extra precaution and utilize the check for a positive ID, Macias got tactics they learned in training. In a hit. I felt myself instantly annoyed the end, it was great planning and that multiple names and dates of execution by the entire team. “The birth appeared. Macias very patiently moments that you remember are the explained, “Many from Mexico truly team efforts, not necessarily the ones do not know their date of birth. As you get a pat on the back for,” said long as you treat them right, even if Macias. it’s a negative situation, they can say I was curious about his feeling ‘at least he wasn’t a jerk.’” (second-hand knowledge is enough) It didn’t take long for us to about responding to a call like that; make another stop to check in on does he ever get nervous? a patrol officer making an arrest, PICTURED: Karen, Sgt Macias, and deputy Macias said he doesn’t. “I don’t when Macias recognized another Guitierrez reconvene to discuss the arrest. think it’s nerves, but more of a past offender. As they spoke, heightened awareness. It makes the Macias is told how the man’s felony adrenaline kick-in. If we got a hot commercial burglary conviction is call right now, my adrenaline would pump, but it’s like that going back into the courts to be reduced to a misdemeanor heightened sense of awareness and you’ve got to be careful. So under Proposition 47.

I always try to think ahead of what needs to be done next.”

I wanted to know if Prop 47 has had an effect on the We were on our way to a house with a burglar alarm that department. “It has affected me,” said Macias. “The effects had gone off, when Macias laughed about a message he are, typically, if you stop somebody and they have meth on received from the patrol driving behind us saying, “the gas them, in the past it was a felony, you booked them, and they pedal is on the right.” Apparently, we were driving too slow. I got held over until they went to court…two or three days. In hadn’t noticed. Sounds like something one of my kids would the past, if somebody stole something that was maybe a grand say to me. It was a testament to the camaraderie between a theft, typically they’d get held over because of the charge. deputy and his supervisor.

Now they’re being cited out. So, what used to be a felony now “When I was on the SWAT team, you spend a lot of time might be cited out as a misdemeanor.” with each other, and you get to know each other’s families While this may not seem like a big deal, the truth is that off duty. I’ve kind of brought that to my team. We’ve gone many of these people are repeat offenders, and with each bowling as a team. That wasn’t really the case in the past. It arrest, there is risk to the arresting officer. So why would builds a lot of personal relationships with people. We’re not anyone sign up for this job?

“I think most of us get into this line of work because you do going to every call together, but we do spend a lot of time away get some thrill of chasing the bad guy. It’s rewarding when you from home. It’s a lot more family oriented,” said Macias.

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You’re in charge of many things.

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When asked what he thinks makes a good deputy, Macias answered, “You have to be able to put yourself in other’s shoes, whether it’s a criminal, a victim, or a witness, you have to be able to connect with them. Communication is key and being a positive person.”

Currently, the educational requirement for becoming a sheriff is only the academy, no college degree. But moving forward, Macias could see a degree being a requirement. He’s working on that. “Anytime you get any training or any education, it helps the department and it helps you,” he said. One of the things he’s learned from Sheriff Boudreaux is, “You can’t lead from the back,” and Macias knows that to be true.

Macias is married and has three children, 8, 13, and 19 years old. I wanted to know what he thought about his children following in his footsteps. He would rather they not. “I don’t really know why. I think most cops don’t really want their kids to do this. You grow to see the dangers in everything, because it can cause stress and does take a toll on you seeing a lot of the things that you see,” said Macias.

Like any career, there are sacrifices, but other than the officers themselves who might face physical dangers every day, maybe none more so than by the loved ones left waiting at home. How does a spouse of law enforcement handle the stress?

“For my wife, she’s learned to deal with it. What’s harder is when I’m on nights because I’m working 5 p.m.-5 a.m., and I’m gone by the time she gets home.

So on a long week, I won’t see my family for four days.

When I’m getting home, they’re going to school. That puts a bit of stress on you, but you learn to deal with it,” said Macias.

By the end of our time together, I had a much better idea of what a Tulare County Deputy Sheriff faces on any given day. While there wasn’t a moment that I feared for my own safety, it wasn’t hard to imagine stepping into a scene where things could quickly change. It’s impossible to speak to the character of every man or woman in a uniform, but this sergeant, in this department, on this day, is trying to do the best job he can to protect the lives and property of our county residents.

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H HAPPENINGS

STYX The American rock band that rocked the stages in the late 70s and early 80s is coming to the Central Valley. Sing along to the strong ballads, and the power of hard-rock guitar. Tickets are $40-$80

When: Jan. 29, 7:30p Where: Tachi Palace, 17225 Jersey Ave., Lemoore Contact: 924-7751

THEATRE & PERFORMANCES

JAN 17

JAN 21

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CIRQUE ZIVA

From the Broadway stage in New York, to the main stage here in Visalia, the Golden Dragon Acrobats introduce Cirque Ziva.

The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the US and abroad as a premier Chinese acrobatic touring company. Tickets are $109-$169.

When: Jan. 17, 7:30 Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

VALERIE PLAME

As a covert CIA officer, Valerie Plame worked to protect America’s national security for more than twenty years, and worked to ensure that Iraq did not acquire nuclear weapons. Plame came to write the New York Times bestselling autobiography Fair Game: My Lifes as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House, which was later made into a motion picture. Hear as Plame shares her expertise on international security and deliver a candid analysis. Tickets are $30.

When: Jan. 21, 10:30a Where: Saroyan Theatre, 848 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8100

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FEB 4

FEB 13

FEB 14

THE SECOND CITY

Join the sketch comedy and improv company full of the freshest, funniest faces in comedy. The night will be full of cutting edge comedy, hilarious songs, and on-the-spot improvisation. Tickets $109-$169.

When: Feb. 4, 7:30p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

BETSY WOLFE

Hands in the Community presents rising Broadway star, Betsy Wolfe. As a Visalia native, she is coming home to do a benefit concert. Before you enjoy the show, have dinner at Café 225, Little Italy, Bravo Farms, Fugazzi’s, Henry Salazar’s, or Tazzaria resturants, as they will be donating a percentage of their evening’s receipes.

When: Feb. 13, 8p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-3822

THE AVETT BROTHERS

Come hear the sounds of classic homegrown folk, rock energy, bluegrass soul, and pop charm. This American band from North Carolina has released four albums over the last 15 years, each of them successful. Spend a night listening to real voices singing real melodies.

When: Feb. 14, 8p Where: Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 Main St., Visalia Contact: 625-1369

HAPPENINGS H

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559-651-2300 6603 W. Betty Dr., Visalia, CA 93291 Take the Betty Dr. exit in Goshen Southwest corner of Hwy 99 and Betty Dr.

DRE #00898827 | NMLS #252789

559.636.1500 office 559.936.0475 mobile rtell@hotmail.com 103 S. Stevenson, Visalia, CA (Southwest corner of W. Main & Stevenson)

Alaska Adventure

FEATURING SEATTLE, THE GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

S L I D E

S H O W

P R E S E N T A T I O N

First class hotel, Celebrity Solstice Cruise Ship, 25 meals, Roundtrip airfare from Fresno

Includes: Seattle, Space Needle, Pike Place Market, 7-Night Cruise, Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Inside Passage, Victoria, British Columbia

A T

T H E

C H A M B E R

O F F I C E

August 18-28, 2015 For pricing or registration details call the Visalia Chamber of Commerce at 559-734-5876 or visit www.visaliachamber.org Collette Vacations CST #2006766-20 L I F E S T Y L E | JA N UA R Y 2 015

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H HAPPENINGS

22ND ANNUAL SPRINGFEST HOME & PATIO Head over to the Visalia Convention Center when it will be filled with more than 350 displays providing great ideas for your home, inside and out. Experts from stores such as The Home Depot, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Master Gardeners will also be available for your home improvement needs.

When: Feb. 6-8, (12-7p, 10a-7p, 10a-5p) Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

Contact: 713-4000 or www.visaliahomeshows.com

FEB 15

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

André Previn’s operatic adaptation of one of the most celebrated plays in the history of American theater captures all of the claustrophobic tension and volatile emotion of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Celebrated in film with Marlon Brando’s 1951 iconic portrayal, this play tells the haunting story of lost youth and innocence in a dramatic, highlycharged New Orleans setting. Tickets are $27.50-$89.50 When: Feb. 15, 2p Where: Saroyan Theatre, 848 M St., Fresno Contact: 445-8100

FEB 7

Join The Creative Center in welcoming Brenda Allison and her exhibit “Bold & Beautiful.” Brenda is a versatile and prolific painter. Working in many mediums, her work is distinct due to her use of texture and vibrancy of color.

When: Through Feb. 27 Where: The Jon Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave., Visalia Contact: 733-9329

EXPRESSIONS/IMPRESSIONS

Appreciate local artists Betty Berk, Mona Fox Selph, and Abby Rubinstein, and their paintings throughout the month of January. See paintings from many recognizable places around the Central Valley.

When: Through Jan. 30 Where: Arts Visalia Visual Arts Center, 214 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 739-0905

FEB 6

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Artists, musicians, performers, photographers, poets, scupltors, vendors, and shop owners come together once a month to showcase the wide array of talent and diversity among the community.

When: Feb. 6, 6-10p Where: Downtown Visalia Contact: firstfridayvisalia.wordpress.com

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Food, fun, and fabulous art. Every first Saturday of the month, the artists, restaurants, and merchants of Three Rivers open their doors and invite you to join in a town-wide celebration. You can pick up a map and schedule at Anne Lang’s Emporium or the Historical Museum – the flier shows all participating venues, art to see, locations, and times for special events.

When: Feb. 7, 10a-5p Where: Anne Lang’s Emporium, 41651 Sierra Dr. (CA 198), Three Rivers Contact: www.1stSaturdayTR.com

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

ART EXHIBITS

FIRST FRIDAY

FIRST SATURDAY

DIVERSIONS & EXCURSIONS

JAN 22

THE GREAT WINE VS. BEER SHOWDOWN

An evening of wine and beer tasting, appetizers, and music promises to be entertaining. Join the Kings County Farm Bureau in their annual event. Tickets are $50.

When: Jan. 22, 5:30p Where: Hanford Civic Auditorium, 400 N. Douty St., Hanford Contact: 584-3557

HAPPENINGS H

JAN 24

5TH ANNUAL TULE FOG 5K/10K

JAN 31

OFF THE BEATEN PATH SNOWSHOE WALK

Join in the famous run along the St. John's River. With an annual attendance of over 500, the Tule Fog race provides runners a great race, chip timing, and healthy snacks. Kick-off your New Year the right way!

When: Jan. 24, 7a Where: Cutler Park, 15520 Ivanhoe Dr., Visalia Contact: 713-4185

What better way to exlore the wilds of the mountains than by snowshoe? Your experienced park guide may take you over track-dotted trails to see giant sequoias or to the top of a local granite dome overlooking the vast backcountry.

No matter the trail, this snowshoe walk promises to get you off the usual paths to have an adventure. At no-cost, how could you say no? Registration is required at the lodge’s front desk.

When: Jan. 31, 1p Where: Wuksachi Lodge, 64740 Wuksachi Way, Sequoia National Park Contact: (866) 807-3598

Tropics by design

FEB 5

WINE CIRCUS

FEB 7

END OF THE TRAIL

Three wineries, two restaurants, and one great night. Start at Jack & Charlie's restaurant for the opening reception, and continue on to The Depot for dinner.

The night will feature three of the coasts favorite wineries: Almesa Winery, Baker and Brain, and Sinor-LaValle. Tickets for wine and dinner are $95. Come join the circus. Call The Depot to make your reservation.

When: Feb. 5, 6:30p Where: Jack & Charlie’s, 204 E. Oak Ave., Visalia Contact: 732-0577 Register today for Visalia’s one and only historic End of the Trail half marathon or 10K race. Whether you walk or run, join us for a memorable experience that starts and ends at the historic End of the Trail statue in Mooney Grove Park.

When: Feb. 7, 7:30a Where: Mooney Grove Park, Visalia Contact: 471-6789

Interior plantscaping and some simple design elements can make your place of business or home more warm and inviting.

Call 559.734.4920 to see what we can do for your interior.

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H HAPPENINGS

SUPER BOWL SPRINT Come join The Creative Center in their annual event, the Super Bowl Sprint. This 5k run and 2-mile walk is a fun event where the community can get together before the Super Bowl and run off all those anticipated calories of the upcoming day.

When: Feb. 1, 8a Where: Mooney Grove Park, 4241 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia Contact: 733-4400

WINE & CHOCOLATE LOVERS WEEKEND

Take a journey through Fresno County with delicious wines, scrumptious chocolates, and your special valentine’s sweetie. Simply choose a winery to begin your journey and go at your own pace.

Each winery has something unique to offer, including a little Valentine’s Day shopping, food, entertainment, and chocolate.

When: Feb. 7 & 8 Where: Fresno County Contact: Fresnocountrywinejourney.com

48TH ANNUAL WORLD AG EXPO

Come and see what the Central Valley has to offer in the world of agriculture.

Check out all the exhibits in the World Ag Expo Arena, as well as many seminars from local and global speakers, regarding the future of the agriculture industry. Don’t miss out on local farm and dairy tours. For more information and scheduling, visit www.worldagexpo.com.

Tickets are $15.

When: Feb. 10-12, (9a-5p, 9a-5p, 9a-4p) Where: International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare Contact: 688-1030

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CHARITABLE EVENTS

FEB 3

SOROPTIMIST AWARDS DINNER

Join the ladies of Soroptimist International of Visalia as they honor women and organizations in our community that have made a significant impact on the lives of women and girls. Tickets are $40. RSVP by January 25.

When: Feb. 3, 6p Where: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia Contact: 362-8531

1.50

% APY*

On Kasasa Cash balances up to $25,000 if qualifications are met

.01

%

APY*

On all Kasasa Cash balances if qualifcations are not met

Plus, have ATM fees waived nationwide.

*

*No monthly service fee and no minimum balance requirements to earn rewards.

Free online banking and bill pay.

Nationwide ATM fees waived up to five times per statement cycle. Contact us for more information and rewards details.

Visalia Branch 400 West Center Avenue (559) 802-1000

Porterville Branch 65 West Olive Avenue (559) 306-1300 www.suncrestbank.com

* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APYs accurate as of 7/18/14. Rates may change after account is opened. Minimum to open is $50. If qualifications are met each monthly qualification cycle: (1) balances up to $25,001 receive APY of 1.50%; and, (2) balances over $25,001 earn 0.40% interest rate on portion of balance over $25,001, resulting in 1.50% - 0.58% APY depending on the balance. If qualifications are not met, all balances earn 0.01% APY. Qualifications during each monthly qualification cycle are as follows: at least 10 debit card purchases must post and settle the Kasasa Cash account, account must be enrolled and receive e-statement notice, and at least 1 bill pay or ACH automatic debit transaction must post and settle the Kasasa Cash account. Transactions may take one or more banking days from the date transaction was made to post to and settle the account. ATM-processed transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card transactions. Transfers between your accounts with us do not count as qualifying transactions. “Monthly Qualification Cycle� means a period beginning one day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one day prior to the close of the current statement cycle. Limit one account per SSN. Available to personal accounts only. Nationwide ATM fees waived up to five times per statement cycle. Nonsufficient funds fees and miscellaneous fees apply to all Kasasa accounts.